Nearly seventeen years ago, an ultrasound revealed my first child’s gender and I was so excited. Not only was I blessed to be expecting a healthy baby girl, but I could finally narrow down a growing list of name choices to just girls. When I came across Madison in a baby book, I knew I found the perfect name. My parents were skeptical of it at first and other people asked, “Madison? Like from the movie Splash?” In their defense, this was in 1996 and most people had no frame of reference for the name except an 80′s movie with a mermaid who chose it from a street sign. Then the name caught on somehow and everyone and their sister named their baby girl Madison.

Over a decade later I was pregnant again, this time with a boy. Although I’ve always loved my daughter’s name, it was important to me to choose a name for my son that wouldn’t leave him having to use his last initial in school for distinction. While we wanted it to be unique, my husband and I also agreed it had to be appropriate for a baseball player, CEO, or Senator. In other words, the name couldn’t be an obstacle to any of his life’s pursuits, whatever they may be. When we named him Hudson we were sure we’d made the right choice. Shortly afterward, Ryan Roberts of the Arizona Diamondbacks named his daughter Hudsyn and I got a little worried. Was this the new “it” name for girls? Fortunately, that’s a trend that didn’t take off and since the birth of our son we’ve only met one other boy with the same name.

My third child was another girl and we used the same naming criteria: distinctive but likeable. My husband suggested the name Jolie but I vetoed him, fearing people would mistake it as a typo for Julie or mispronounce it. (It’s pronounced like the famous Angelina’s last name.) Soon it grew on me and when we paired it with Nicole for her middle name, I adored it. In fact, I love the name so much I don’t care who else christens their daughter with it. Even if it’s Kim and Kanye.

How did you choose your child’s name? Was it important to you that it be unique?

Image: via EOnline

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Itty Bitty Beach Parties -Parties for kids ages 6 and younger.  Leis, music, puppet show, games, dance contests, and much more will be at the events.  Check the website for specific locations and dates throughout Phoenix.

Dive In Movies -Surprise.  June 29th.  Relax in the pool or poolside watching a family themed movie.  Check the website for specific titles.

Prescott Valley Days -June 13-16.  Prescott Valley.  There is a parade, arts and crafts, entertainment, and much more for the whole family.

Strawberry Festival -June 15-16.  Pine.  Cooler weather will be the main attraction for those from the valley, but they will also have strawberries, strawberry treats, petting zoo, music, arts, crafts, kids craft corner, music, kids events, and more!

Flagstaff Folk Festival -June 29-30.  Flagstaff.  Over 150 music acts will be involved along with impromptu jam sessions.  Bring an instrument if you wish to participate in the jam sessions.  Admission also gives you access to both Coconino Center for the Arts exhibits and The Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum.

Juneteenth celebration-June 15th. South Mountain Community College.   Health Screenings, food vendors, Buffalo Soldiers Presentation, Kids Zone, entertainment, and more.

Radio Disney R.E.A.D.S Program -June 18. The Shops at NorTerra.  Family games, prizes, music, dancing, crafts, and more.  It’s a great event to beat the heat during the week.

Elevate 2013 -3 Day Christian Music Event.  Prescott Valley.  Casting Crowns, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, Matthew West, Jars of Clay, Manic Drive, and much more.  Very family friendly event.

Superhero Day -June 22.  Barnes & Noble Metrocenter.  June 22.  Superhero Training, Photo Ops, Art Contest, Trivia, Games, Prizes, Children’s Activities, Face Painting, Scavenger Hunts and more.  Costumes are encouraged.

Kids Club -June 19th and 26th.  Arrowhead Mall.  Interactive story hour on the 19th and puppies on the 26th.  Kids love the interactive games and songs.

Summer Safety Event -June 21.  Vendors will offer advice on how to stay safe with car, pet, water, and monsoon weather safety, prize giveaways and much more.

Autism Family Swim -June 22.  Mesa.  $5 per family.  Life guards will be present and everyone is invited to participate no matter what level of ability.

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Every year kids across the valley participate in a artistic camps.  This year is no exception and will definitely be a full summer.  Here are some of the artistic camps in the valley ranging from hands on art to music to theatrical:

Christian Youth Theatre -Week-long musical theatre summer day camps in various parts of the valley.  A Masters Teen Camp will also be held to to dig into broadway shows.

Summer Arts Institute – greades 5-12 and they are immersed in a week of exporing the art of their choice.

Scottsdale Artists’ School Youth Academy -They will be offering art sessions, art club, and studies of drawing the wild, wild west.

School of Rock Summer Camps -They offer a wide variety of camps including guitar camps, rock camp, songwriting and recording camp, performance camp and more.

Phoenix Center for the Arts Summer Camp Extravaganza -The camps are 3 weeks long and they will receive instruction in music, dance, theatre, creative writing, and visual arts.

Camp Broadway -Week-long day summer arts program for kids to learn about theatre from Broadway professionals and they get to stage their own show.  There are classes in acting, scene study, improvisation, music theory, singing, dancing, and more.

Valley Youth Theatre Camps -They offer a variety of Musical Theatre Summer camp sessions for kids over age 7 and a Summer Playhouse for kids between 5 and 6.  Kids can also take regular lessons as well.

Childsplay Summer Academy -They have half days, full days, on stage classes, high school classes, and even extended care.  You can do as little as a week or the whole summer.

Digital Kids Camp -They are offering the following camps:  Stop motion animation, computer game design, produce your own morning show, and media madness. They are held at The Westing Kierland Resort & Spa.

Phoenix Theatre:  Your Summer in Lights -Ages 4-18 - The classes they offer are:  Little Playmakers, Storybook theatre, Musical theatre workshops, 3 day mini camp medieval times, teen training, page to stage workshop, and pre and post camp programs.

Starways Creative Arts Program -It is a creative arts program for students with special needs.  The classes include arts, music, creative expression, mini-one day workshops for socialization, tap dancing, self-portraits, paper making, rhythem & percussion, arts & crafts, drumming, and more.

Voices Studio -Weekly camps and lessons for kids ages 3-17.   Some of the programs they offer are:  Sing! Play! Act!, Lil’ Glee, musical theater, beginning guitar, songwriting, acting, comedy improv, commercials, private lessons, and more.

Greasepaint Summer Camps -The offer some of the following camps:  Winnie the Pooh Theatre camp, The Muppets Music & Dance, Glee, Fractured Fairytales, and Disney’s 101 Dalmations Kids.

Carrie Curran Art Camps -Skilled artisans will work with children in drawing, painting, mixed media and various other themes.

Get Your Paint On Summer Camp -Each week is a different painting style and artist done in acrylic paint.

There are more out there, but these are just a sampling to help you get started.  Have an artsy summer!

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Summer is a great time to incorporate more exercise and physical activity into your child’s schedule.  School is out and they need something to do!  Here is a list of some of the sports camps happening this summer around the valley:

Super Summer Taekwon-Do Camp -The camp includes belt rank, advancement, certification in safety awareness, street smart scenarios, boundary setting, making positive choices, and more.

The Big Top Little Gym – These camps are for the pre-k and kindergarten children that help to encourage listening skills, cooperation, and friendship building while tumbling in a safe environment.

Hubbard Sports Camps -They offer soccer, archery, basketball, swimming, volleyball, baseball, dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag, and more.

“Going Bananas” Summer Camp -Activities include trampoline, table games, ice breakers, fort building, snacks, noodle soccer, bungee games, obstacle course, scavenger hunts, dance contests, arts and crafts, gymnastics, relay races and more.

Village Fitness Camps -Camp activities include:  swimming, water games, sports academy, art in motion, cheer and tumble, hip hop dance, basketball, yoga, dodgeball, healthy cooking classes, swim lessons, and more.

Scottsdale Youth Athletics – Volleyball, basketball and skills camps for ages 5-14.

Hi-Five Sports camp -Each week features a different sports theme and each camper does what they love most:  baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, lacrosse, floor hockey, swimming, and more.

Arizona Sunrays Kids Night Out – Kids ages 3-13 and activities include pizza and juice dinner, bounce house, gymnastics, games, and themed fun activities.  This occurs every 1st and 3rd of the month.

Kierland Flowrider Surf Camp -This is a surf camp for kids 8-12 years and it’s here in Arizona!  They will have personalized coaching and will get two hours of ride time.  There will also be surf related activities like games, crafts, and Flowga.

Supercamp -Gymnastics, karate, sports, swimming, dance, and more will be part of the fun.

These are only some of the sports camps available, but these will definitely keep your kids hopping and send them home tired.  Enjoy!

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This is the first year where I had to really come up with an end of the year gift for my son’s teachers, aides, bus drivers, and bus aides.  It has been quite a challenge to keep it from busting our family budget.  I was stumped for the longest time trying to figure out what to give a bus driver when chocolate or really anything that melts isn’t an option.  Because I work with teachers, administrators and have family and friends who are teachers, I polled them to see what their favorite types of gifts would be that doesn’t break the bank.  I found that the more creative gifts and more personalized gifts were very appreciated.   Here are some ideas to get you started:

1) Gift cards

These are great if you know a little more about what they like and you don’t have a lot of people to buy for on your list.  Most people like Starbucks, but if you know they like juice or something else, go for that.  Just keep in mind that if you do only $5 that it doesn’t go very far.  Bookstores, massages, movie theatres, etc. are some types of gifts to get.  Just think about the things that can help them relax, too!  Teaching can be stressful!

2) Classroom supplies

Teachers always appreciate anything they can add to their classroom without it coming out of their pocket!  Some teachers have received unique pencils, pen sets, briefcase, books, flowers, or anything that is fun and useful.

3) Consider the gender…

of your teacher along with their likes.  Also, observe how they decorate their classroom.  This is where the briefcase or a special homemade gift is appropriate.

4) Candles or candle holders

Just make sure they don’t have any major allergies!  I happen to have access to some amazing candles due to my side job, but anything that fits with the teacher’s personality is great no matter where you get it.  This just doesn’t work so well for bus drivers and aides because of the heat.  Unfortunately, not all buses have air conditioning.

5) Water bottles

I decided to go to a dollar store and see what kind of inexpensive water bottle I could find.  This is a great gift for bus drivers that they can use throughout the year.  I filled it with some candy that won’t melt along with some drink mixes.  I also put gum in there because sometimes it helps to have something to chew if you are hungry and have a long day or a long drive.

6) Hugs

Teachers always love hugs from their students.

7) Specialty candy or specialty desserts

If you know they have a sweet tooth, this is a great way to go.  Think about what specialty local shops are around and see what they have to offer in your budget.

8) Handmade items

Vases, pencil boxes, apples, etc. are great things to have your child make for them.

9) Picture of your child. 

Teachers love to have pictures of the children that they serve as reminders of them.  They can make a picture frame or buy one to decorate.  It’s a great way to say thank you.

10)  Pictures that your child draws.

Sometimes even the simplest gifts are the best.  Teachers, aides, and anyone involved in working with children love receiving stuff made by kids.

These are only a few suggestions, but be creative! One of my teacher friends once received cereal and she said it was the best thing!  Gifts do not have to be expensive or even cost anything.   It really is the gratitude you are showing the person for taking care of your child and helping them grow and learn amazing things.  Everyone who works in the school should be appreciated no matter what position they hold.  They are a big part of our child’s life.

The post Gift Ideas for Teachers, Aides, Bus Drivers, and more! appeared first on Arizona Mama.

Today I met Daisy, and she broke my heart.  I’ve met a multitude of adorable babies at the retail store where I work, but Daisy sticks out in my mind.  Daisy, a foster care child, was born HIV positive.

Her foster mom, a woman I will aptly name “Angel,” and I struck up a conversation one day at the baby store.  Little Daisy was all dressed up and her beautiful blue eyes caught my attention.  During the course of our conversation, “Angel” divulged that four-month old Daisy, as alert and adorable as she could be, was also an HIV baby.  Daisy was currently undergoing an antibody treatment that could potentially eradicate the disease from her tiny body.  I was taken aback; I did not even know that was possible!  Angel also disclosed that Daisy had two older siblings, ages 2 and 1, and both were undergoing the same treatment.  Although the older children seemed to be responding well, Angel stated that the mortality rate for children under 2 with HIV is 50%.

When I heard these statistics, it immediately changed my perspective.  Certainly we’ve all had those days where we feel exasperated, or like we’ve been dealt a bad hand.  Suddenly, I realized I was holding four aces in comparison to Daisy’s proverbial poker hand.

And then, there was Angel, herself.  Imagine accepting a child into your home and your heart knowing that any day, that child could either die or be removed from your care.  “Angel” was hopeful she would be able to one day adopt Daisy, but she did not have her hopes held high.  Angel had been a foster parent previously, and her charges were unceremoniously taken away from her when an obscure family member decided they wanted the children instead.  No good-byes, no transition period, just off they went, leaving Angel broken hearted but ready to love again.

So why do foster parents do it?  The financial reward isn’t great incentive and the probability of a broken heart is a real possibility.  My only guess is that some people, like “Angel,” have an overabundance of love to share and for them, nothing else can fill that void.  They’re givers, in the true sense of the word.  Without these fabulous foster parents, many children would be substantially worse off.  They thrive on the love, patience and consistency these foster parents provide.

While not all foster children are blessed with nurturing foster parents, Daisy is one of the lucky ones.  She has her guardian, “Angel.”

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Everytime I think I can stop looking for activities, I end up finding more!  Here are more fun events happening this month to keep you and your family busy, happy, and learning.

Free Science Saturdays - Chandler.  Tumbleweed Ranch.  2nd Saturday, October -May (excluding November and March).  Noon -4pm.  The whole family can participate in a science experiment.  The ranch features animals, older buildings, etc.  It will keep even the older kids interested.

Phoenix Comic Con – May 23-26, Phoenix Convention Center. This isn’t for just trekkies and Star Wars junkies.  There are super heroes and there are some family friendly comics out there.  Pay attention to what they are doing on particular days and there are some people who do dress up.  It is an interesting event.

Neon Splash Dance - May 11th.  Scottsdale.  It’s a 5k run event at night where you run or dance through different splash zones and you are “splashed” of sprayed with neon colored water.  There is also an after party with lots of music and afterglow!

Free Art Friday – Tempe.  Fridays.  You can learn about music or create an art piece.  Every month is a different theme.

4th Annual May Day Celebration - Pine.  May 11 and 12.  Antique Tractor Show, entertainment, crafts, food, etc.  It’s a small town celebration that’s close enough for us “city folks.”

MISS Foundation 3rd Annual Kindness Walk and Safety Fair - May 19.  Cesar Chavez Plaza, Phoenix.  Registration 8 am.  The MISS Foundation, an Arizona-based international non-profit organization, comes to the aid of thousands of families who have experienced the heartbreak of child death.

 Make It and Take It Wednesdays – 3rd Wednesday.  Mesa.  8 years and up.  4:30 -5:30 pm.  Kids can make art projects from a variety of materials and then take them home.

11th Annual Soar Into Spring Kite Festival - Flagstaff.  May 11.  12-4 pm.  Kite flying, arts & crafts, carnival games and rides, bounce houses,  face painting, library activities, food, prizes and giveaways, etc.  This a great family event and you can get out of the heat!

Taylor Trapper Days - Taylor.  May 25.  BBQ, Mutt Show, craft show, horsehoe tournament, and more.  This is another great event to beath the heat and enjoy seeing part of Arizona.

Public Astronomy Night – Sierra Vista.  6:30 pm.  You will get to use the Patterson telescope to view the stars, moon, and much more.  Free.

Annual Nature Center Work Day & Tent Raising – Pinetop-Lakeside.  May 18th.  Volunteers needed to help take care of nature and complete projects.  Fun for the family to help work in nature.

Go Outdoors! Event  - May 18th and 19th.  Prescott.  This event showcases all of the things you can do in the outdoors in Arizona.  It’s a great opportunity to see what is out there for you and your family.  If you are looking for things to do this summer, this is a great place to start.

33rd Annual Wyatt Earp Days – May 25-27.  Tombstone.  The town will be celebrating one of their famous former residents with chili cook-offs, hangings, gunfights, 1880s fashion show, and much more.  If you want your children to see history up close, this is a great place to take them.

This is a great month for getting in a lot of the last minute outdoors events in the Phoenix area before we reach heat stroke temperatures.  Take advantage of what Arizona has to offer.  Enjoy!

The post AZ Things to Do May 2013 Part 2 appeared first on Arizona Mama.

The clock ticked 7:05 p.m. Could it only have been thirty-five minutes that had gone by?  Seriously, it felt like hours.  As I sat in the audience of my son’s band concert, I then started to feel guilty.  Do all parents feel this way about their child’s band concert?

Of course, I love my son and I want to support him in all his endeavors.  When he decided he wanted to play the trombone, I was behind him 100%.  While I recognize that playing this instrument may not be his life’s calling, I know that he will greatly benefit from learning to read music, mastering a music instrument and from playing in the group.  Now if he were only good at it…

It takes an honest parent to admit when your child is lacking in an extracurricular pursuit.  Daniel has many talents; his ability to quote any tv, movie, or song is quite the skill.  He’s great at math and baseball and is a really sweet kid.  However, music may not be his forte.

As I sat in the audience, anticipating the start of the elementary school band concert, I watched as my son nervously prepared his instrument onstage.  They began the evening with “Frere Jacque,” and I watched as Daniel puffed out his cheeks and moved the slide part of his trombone back and forth.  As I watched the kids play, I smiled.  “Frere Jacque” holds a place in my heart because when my kids were little, I would change the words and sing my version to them.  Daniel’s rendition went, “Daniel Allen, Daniel Allen, I love you.  Yes I do.  You’re my little baby, and I really love you, yes I do.  I love you.”

They played four songs total–four long, slightly off key, ear drum battering songs.  My thoughts turned to the band teacher and I thought how patient he must be!  He must truly love music and teaching to be able to withstand that sort of punishment on a daily basis!

When Daniel’s group was done, the older kids took the stage.  Daniel sat next to me as a group of girls performed together.  Daniel leaned in towards me and whispered, “That’s called a trio.”  I smiled and nodded.

As I pondered all the other places I could have been that Tuesday evening, all the chores I could have been catching up on, all the bills I needed to pay, I happened to glance over at my son.  I watched as he listened without prejudice to his classmates, smiling as he recognized that he was a part of this special group of kids, that he was a part of the bigger picture.  It was then that I heard the music as he heard it, and realized that that there was no other place I’d rather be.

The post The Elementary School Band Concert (My Ears Are Still Ringing) appeared first on Arizona Mama.

I just had the best date of my life.  Granted, my date was substantially younger than I am and I did have to pay for dinner, yet it was still a memorable evening.  Our conversation included deep subjects such as which Ninja Turtle is the coolest and information for an upcoming school project.  All in all, a perfect night.

My date, of course, was with my 10 year-old son, Daniel.  He had just finished a little league baseball game and all of our other family members where occupied for the evening, so Daniel and I decided that a dinner together was in order.  I asked Daniel where he wanted to go.

“How about Olive Garden?”  he suggested.

“Sure.  Why Olive Garden?”  I asked.

“Because I have never been there,” he replied.  Obviously, I had been neglecting my duties as a parent.  It was something I intended to rectify that night.

We cruised into Olive Garden and sat down at a booth for two.  I had Daniel remove his baseball hat and received an approving nod from the older couple seated at the next table.  Daniel and I discussed the menu options including the salad and breadsticks.  I couldn’t let my kid leave Olive Garden without trying the famous salad and breadsticks!

One bite of a breadstick and he was in love.  He really liked the salad, too and even ate his first pepperoncini.  It was a night of firsts.

“Ya know, Mom,” Daniel said as he looked around the restaurant, “this place feels like France.”

“France?” I repeated.  “Well, it’s Italian food, but maybe you mean it has a European atmosphere,” I smiled.

He nodded in agreement as he ate his spaghetti and meatball.

“It’s not as good as my spaghetti, huh?” I teased.

“No, it is!” he answered enthusiastically.  I just laughed.

As we finished our meal (and took a lot of it home) he challenged me to some games of  TIC-TAC-TOE.  Daniel was beaming by this point.  After we paid, we walked out of the restaurant and Daniel stopped and reached for my hand.

“Mom, I had a really good time tonight,” he said to me.  The sincerity in his voice almost made me cry.  He gazed at me lovingly and all I could think was how sweet my was that night.  Some girl will be very lucky in a few years.  I realize his infatuation with me will be fleeting and he will soon replace me with…other girls.

He held my hand all the van and gave me a small thank you kiss as we proceeded to get into the vehicle.  He gushed about our “date” for days afterward.  It made as much of an impression on him as it did on me.

“Can we do it again, soon?” he asked me.

“Certainly,” was my reply.  I winked and added, “but next time, you pay.”

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It’s getting hot already and there are still some cool things to do!  I have compiled some things to do ranging from the nerdy stuff to fun family activities. There are some great free events coming up, so this is the time to take advantage of them before we become recluses this summer.  Enjoy!

Free Comic Book Day -First Saturday in May.  Only participating comic book shops will do this, but the website will detail all of the locations where you can obtain a free comic book.  It’s a great way to give your child something fun to read this summer without paying a dime!  It’s also not just for boys.  There are some really cool comics for girls.

International Museum Day -May 18th.  Enjoy special programs or free admission to many different museums.  Some local museums are participating.  You will need to check with the museum you wish to visit to make sure they participate.

Peach Festival -May 18, 19, 25, 26, and 27.  Schepf Farms has an annual festival where you can sample peachy foods, go on a hay ride, pick peaches, peach pie eating and other various events.  It’s free to attend, but food, rides and peach items are extra.

Butterfly Wonderland -This is a new attraction in the Phoenix area.  Located on the Salt River Reservation you will be able to see one of the largest collections of butterflies, ants, and other creatures.  The exhibits walk you through the life of a typical butterfly and allows you to experience them flying around you.  It’s a little on the pricey side, but it is worth it if you have little ones in preschool and kindergarten.  It’s part of the mainstream curriculum to study butterflies and this is a great opportunity to see them up close.

 Weather or Not:  Art with Atmosphere - Now through May 26th.  This is a unique, artistic look at weather at the Arizona Museum for Youth.   Kids will love the glow-in-the-dark weather room and creating their own tornadoes.

Getting to the Point of Water Safety Event – May 11th.  9 am-1 pm.  Learn about water safety while enjoying the pool at Pointe Squaw Peak for free!  Raffles, sports mascots, fire department, rescue demos, swimming lessons, local celebrities and more!  Great event for families to learn about water safety while enjoying a great pool.

 Night of Giving at Enchanted Island -May 16th.  5-8 pm.  All proceeds go towards Face In The Mirror Cancer Center.  $3 unlimited rides.  It’s a great event for the price and helps others, too!

Cinco De Mayo at Enchanted Island -May 5th.  11 am-8 pm.  Free pinata bashing, music and other entertainment.  Iron Man will be making an appearance for pictures and autograpsh.

Papi’s Weekend Cinco De Mayo Weekend -May 5th. 11am -2pm Family Friendly games.  Music, outdoor games, and more.  Cover charge of $5.

The Twelve News La Voz Cinco De Mayo Phoenix Festival - May 4th and 5th.  Largest Cinco De Mayo Festival in the valley for 20 years.  Entertainment, food, activities, givesways, raffles, family fun, and more.  $5 admission.

 Mother’s Day Celebration in Historic Glendale -May 11.  10 am-4 pm.  Take mom to the visitor center for a free flower and coupons just for mom.  There will be many different events going on at the vendors in Glendale.  They will also be collecting books for the use of the local libraries.

Surprise Memorial Day Parade and Pancake Breakfast – Event will include a pancake breakfast, guest speakers, color guard and a military vehicle display.  Pancake Breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m. is $3 per person. Program begins at 8:30 a.m. Call for information 623-222-2000.   Surprise Recreation Campus.

11th Annual Memorial Day Celebration -May 27th.  4-8 pm.  Family style food, entertainment and raffles.  The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will debut their 2013 musical production “Pianoman.”

Memorial Day Weekend BBQ and Fireworks Show -Visit Wet’N Wild and then stay for the “All You Can Eat” BBQ and Fireworks show.  The BBQ is an additional fee.

Bark in the Park -May 27th.  The Arizona Diamondbacks hosts a puppy rally and parade pregame along with watching the game with your furry friend.  There will be other things to do at this event for the dogs.

Itty Bitty Beach Parties – Surprise.  May 23rd.  Kids 6 years and younger can enjoy games, crafts, and more!

National Train Day -May 11th.  Free admission to Arizona Railway Museum, Yuma has events at the Quartermaster Depot State Historical Park, and many other train parks.  Check out the main site for the event and find one you want to visit.

There are a lot of things to do in the Valley of the Sun, but these are the most family and wallet friendly.  Enjoy!

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