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I have just started to twitter, I am excited to use this new technology to share the daily things that will transpire at the Storks Nest. If you happen to use Twitter, follow me....

Casualties of economy

Wow, despite my optimism in the face of numerous setbacks, we have had to face the reality of the last several months weakened economy.  It is true that we have closed our brick and mortar store. The numbers just didn't work any longer and despite my wishing, hoping and playing of the lottery, the little store we loved so much is shut.  

One of the worst things about not having the store is that we will miss seeing our wonderful customers. We do promise the following to you our dear friends. We will continue to offer items that you are used to finding in the store. We will look for new and exciting products that aren't yet available in Tucson and let you know what we have found through our emails.  We will offer customer incentives on a monthly basis so that you have a reason to look for our emails. We are committed to continue to offer the best customer care.  We will always gift wrap your purchases if you ask us to, free of charge. We will deliver your purchases throughout Arizona via the US Postal Service at no additional charge. We will deliver your purchases through our curbside personal delivery for a fee of $9.95.  This does have some restrictions based on realistic criteria.  

Please call us and let us know what we can do for you.  I will always try to accommodate your requests.

Hugs and well wishes,

Susan

Made in Tucson

Right after the holiday season, most people believe that life will come to a stand still for a while or at least slow down. For us, at the Stork's Nest, the slowing down or stand still did not happen. We apologize for not blogging with you the last couple of months, but we are now looking to get back on track.

Even though I may not have been writing this blog over the last couple of months, it has been on my mind frequently. As a mom, you wish for your children to find life long friends to grow up with and to share life experiences. When I was 10 we moved from a small town in the mid-west to Tucson, and once in Tucson I frequently changed schools, going from private to public school. My parents were searching for the best education, and I was searching for the friendships I left behind.

My husband, on the other hand, was born and raised in Tucson. He never moved more then 10 miles from the home he was brought home to. He even shares being born in the same hospital as our two children. Plus, he continues to have friends that he went to elementary school with. My walking partner also has this luxury of having a group of friends she grew up with

still within her reach.

I am explaing all of this, not because I am jealous of them although I do envy them at times, but because their friendships of lifelong friends is something I dream of for my children. You can make great friends as you get older, becuase I have some of the best you can find. But those friendships when you are children allow you to share

the innocences of your childhood.

However, it seems my daughter keeps choosing friends who move away. Their parents seem to be searching for something more then what Tucson can offer. My father-in-law believes people who move from Tucson because they feel it is too small, often return for it's smallish feel and its wonderful community.

With 70 degree weather in Feburary and being able to find every season within a four hour car trip, how can you not love living in the Old Pueblo. There is not a month in the year where your children can not go outside and play. Even in the heat of the summer, you can swim. Try to play outside in a Minnesota blizzard for more than 10 minutes.

I have a friend who moved to Michigan in October, and her four year old declared he was moving back to live with his grandparents because he was tired of bundling up to go outside. Even four year olds know we have it pretty good.

We at the Stork's Nest believe in the Old Pueblo, and all its charm. This is why we have an entire link on our site dedicated to all things Tucson : http://http//www.storksnestofoldpueblo.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?

We carry items that reflect our desert lanscape, our old west heritage and even items that help you feel like you are in one of our world renowned spas. These items are great for sending to grandkids, friends, and family, those who don't live here, so they too, can experience the charm, warmth and uniqueness that is the Old Pueblo.

Get Your Own Monster in 2008

Supper Hero by Niko age 4

Like many people, when I was a child, monsters scared me. My older siblings would tease me about the boogie monster under my bed, and I would sneak into my parents bed in the middle of the night because they could easily ward off all monsters that would come my way.

North American Bear understands that every child, and every child inside every adult, has a particular monster they fear. Because of this knowledge, NAB has created a "not so scary" division called Make My Own Monster. A division that creates lovable monsters designed by their kids for your kids.

Each of the funny fiends in soft velboa has whimsical charm and can help ward off any fear that may come your child's way. Each monster has a charitable heart designed exclusively by NAB staff children! A portion of My Own Monster sales will be donated to Global Action for Children.

Yucky by Luke age 4

"At North American Bear, we are dedicated to encouraging the imagination of all children both yours and ours. All My Own Monsters were designed by “our own little monsters”. Our kids hope that their efforts will support other children who do not have the same advantages they do. It’s an early lesson we need everyone’s support to teach.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of My Own Monsters goes to help children around the world. To learn more about this international children’s organization, donate or find out what you can do to help, visit http://www.globalactionforchildren.org/ "

Sharky by Niko age 4

Visit our selection of monsters at http://www.storksnestofoldpueblo.com/brands/shopbybrand.htm

Note: Portions of this blog were taken directly from the NAB Make Your Monster website.

Personalize It

The hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is now upon us. Along with Santa Claus, parents everywhere are making their lists and checking them twice to be sure they are even and nice. However, with every child that becomes a new member of the family it seems to become more difficult to pick new toys and evenly distribute them when they have inherited so much from the child before.

Being a mother of two children now, I am finding it hard to buy items for my youngest as he plays with all the toys my eldest child had, or even skips those and moves on to her current toys.

As I have been straining my brain on what to get for my youngest, I came to the realization that he lacks many of the personalized items his sister has received over the years. Keepsake items which help to adorn her room and celebrate the day or place she was born.

Knowing that my youngest will most likely be caught up in the first gift he opens and play with it, or the paper more then anything else. I should start to build his keepsake collection with items he does not have, to celebrate his life. In other words, I am going to personalize his holiday for him!

Personalizing allows me to fulfill the constant urge of keeping it even both the celebrating of his birth and the number of presents each child will open. Plus it allows me to start decorating their rooms in a way that becomes personal with their growing taste.

Personalize it with growth charts, paintings that include their birth state or hanging their name on the wall with fun letters. You can even have items monogrammed, such as, stuffed animals, blankets, pillows and even pony-tail holders. There are many ways you can celebrate your child by personalizing their holiday! Please feel free to contact us for items and ideas.

Happy Shopping!

Barb

Eat Constructivly

Mealtime can now be "constructive" playtime. "Constructive Eating" has created the ultimate child eating utensil. Using food as "rubble", children can load, scoop, and lift their way through their meals.

Making mealtime fun may also bring about more adventurous eating and clean plates. Each utensil helps children take in perfect size proportions. Help dinner time become fun time.

Set cost is $12.00 (introductory offer. $21 beginning January 1.)



From the creators website:

Constructive Eating is introducing its bulldozer pusher, fork lift fork, and front loader spoon. Designed with function and play value in mind. Textured, easy grip handles and detailing allow little hands to hold on tight. Even the youngest child will animate these construction machines with their true to life color, scale and shaping. Use them for every meal; each is rugged, light weight, and dishwasher safe. They are great when going out to eat, trying to extend productive eating time at the table, encouraging those not-so-favorite foods, or just for fun!


Dimensions of the fork and the spoon are 5 3/4 inches long by one inch wide. The pusher is 4 1/4 inches long and one inch wide.

Fashion for Charity

High fashion steps off the runways of New York and on to the stage in Tucson for Tu Nidito Children and Family Services. For the third year in a row the Tucson Ladies Council has sponsored the professionally produced runway show. 2007 is the year the Stork's Nest of the Old Pueblo, in conjunction with our vendors, provided 100% of the children's fashions.



Tu Nidito, meaning "your little nest", provides "comprehensive continuum of child-centered care to children who have a life-threatening illness or children grieving the loss of a loved one. " All services are provided at no cost by this non-profit organization for families in need. On average it cost Tu Nidito $1000 a year to support a child. Fund raising events are a necessary need for these children. http://www.tunidito.org/index.html


Top name designers like Luna Luna Copenhagen (5 of 11 were provided by them), Enchanted Enfant, and the Tea Collection donated outfits to the show and to the children. Each child looked marvelous and enchanting as their glowing faces glided down the runway.




The night began with martini bars and automobile display of the latest car models. Live and silent auctions were held and brought in some impressive bids. The highlight of the evening was the high-intensity fashion show where the children of Tu Nidito were able to display the clothes and smiling faces. What a great time for a great cause!!




Here are some of the items featured in the show:






Sakrid Wings






Show participant in Luna Luna Fairy Garden Dress

For more on the show, please read this article in the Arizona Daily Star. http://www.azstarnet.com/accent/202052