Winter Wonderland

I really enjoyed watching all the snow fall this past weekend. It was perfect to just lounge around and get some things done before the holidays. We wrapped some presents, baked and even made a gingerbread house. Have a wonderful Holiday and I wish you all the best for 2010! Here are some treats for the holiday.
Dick's Sporting Goods - $20 gift card expires 6/30/10
Kindermusik - $40 gc towards a class, located in West Chester or Lionville

Oasis Family Fun Center - 5 combo passes for Ballocity and the soft playground - $50
Panera Bread- Bread for a Year certificate - $60

The Bowling Palace- 2 hour party for 5 people (includes - unlimited bowling, shoe rentals, 1 large cheese pizza and 1 pitcher of soda) - $75

Meet Fred - Our Elf

This year I introduced The Elf on the Shelf to the family. We named him Fred so that he may begin his Christmas magic. He is really cute and reports to Santa each night as to whether the kids have been naughty or nice. Then when you wake up the next morning Fred is in a new place to watch what happens in the house. The kids really enjoy this part as they race downstairs to see who can find Fred first. Only a few times have I had to run down before them to help Fred "fly" to a new spot before they got to him. So that part may be taxing to remember to do each day, but it's worth it.
Here are some donations that have flown our way for the auction.
ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers - Two month individual membership (childcare options available) - $199
DoubleTree Hotel Wilmington - dream deal package for two, valid for a weekend night stay(Friday OR Saturday night) including buffet breakfast the following morning. (Gratuity not included) - $150
Knoebels - 2 All Day Handstamp" Ride Pass, Valid Monday-Friday 6/14-9/3/10 - $59
Thorndale Dental Associates - Sonicare Gift Basket; Zoom! Whitening Session with trays; $1000 gift certificate - total value $1,850

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for the wonderful group of volunteers that are helping with the auction. Plus, the donations are great too! Here are some more goodies that have come in:
American Helicopter Museum - 1 year family membership - $75
Arden Theater - 2 tickets to any performance (excluding opening and Saturday nights); expires 7/4/10
Family Martial Arts Center - 3 one month memberships, plus uniform (new students only) -$176 each
Healing Hands Massage - $35 gift card
New Hope and Ivyland Railroad - family 4 pack $54
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society - 2 tickets for a May 2010 concert - Soovin Kim, violin 5/4/10; Musicians from Marlboro 5/10/10 OR Ensemble ACJW - John Adams, conductor 5/9/10 $54
Reading Phillies Baseball Club - 6 General Admission tickets - $48
The National Toy Train Museum - 4 tickets (kids under 6 years old are free) $24
Winterthur Gardens - 2 tickets - $36
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Get Ready, Get Set, GO!

I'm so excited we already got some donations in for the Silent Auction. It's like Christmas has come early. Here are some things that we got:

Animal Clinic at Thorndale - pet exam $44

Brandywine River Museum - 4 tickets $40

Chanticleer Gardens - 2 tickets $10

D & D Family Billiards - 2 $25 gift cards

Eastern State Penitentary - 6 tickets - $72

Max and Erma's of Downingtown - $25 gift card

The Insectarium - 10 tickets - $70

The United Sports Training Center - A birthday party package - $225, exp 11/10

Fall into Fun

It's that time of year again, fall. It brings so many beautiful things such as fall leaves, cooler temperatures and outdoor fun. For me at Copeland Run Academy it also brings about planning for the Spring Fair and Silent Auction. It is my 4th year in chairing the auction so it seems like second nature for me now. And of course I wouldn't be able to do it without the amazing group of parent volunteers. Right now we are in the midst of assembling donation request letters. If you know anyone who would like to make a donation to the silent auction please contact me at radon71@yahoo.com. Put "auction" in the subject line. It could be your company, family member, friend or neighbor. All items are then auctioned off at the Spring Fair and Silent Auction on April 24, 2010 at the United Sports Training Center. Everyone wins, as the Copeland Run Parent's Association gets 100% of the proceeds and the highest bidder gets a terrific item. This years fundraising goal is raise money towards updating the existing playground equipment.

The Magic Sleepsuit

Just wanted to add another addition that we had for our auction. The Magic Sleepsuit looks so cozy and comfy that I wish I had one. The thunderstorms from last night kept me up and I feel like taking a nap. Thanks again for every one's help and time towards the auction. Have a great summer!

Buzzzz.... Thank you!

The weather today is amazing. I love it and the kids are happy being outside. Now if I could just get rid of some of those wasps and bees all would be good. I spent 10 minutes trying to get a carpenter bee with a fly swatter. He would dodge us and any bird that was near him. "Bob the Bee" was winning until he came face to face with a racket ball racket and lost out. I know that they are part of nature, but the kids shrieking in fear was no good for anyone.

I want to thank everyone for all their time towards the Spring Fair and Silent Auction. It was a great success and we met our financial goals. The kids will really enjoy the new picnic tables in the playground come this fall. Now, lets hope for no bees... :)

Get the Scoop at the Spring Fair and Silent Auction

Can't wait to see everyone at the Spring Fair and Silent Auction this Saturday. Here are more things that have come in.

Scoops Water Ice & Ice Cream has donated "Dinner, Movie, and Dessert". Their baskets consists of 4 movie tickets, a $20 gift certificate for Scoops Water Ice & Ice Cream, and a $20 Gift Certificate to Chili's Restaurant. They are located at the United Sports Training Center. (value $80)

Applebee's of Thorndale has donated $25 gift card for Applebees Anywhere Catering.

Check out the creative collection of CLASSROOM BASKETS from Copeland Run Academy Students! Take home a special basket. The items are:
Ms. Jane – Kindergarten – “Cooking with Kids”
Ms. Kim and Ms. Mary Beth – 2 day, 3 year olds classes – “Family Fun”
Ms. Mary Beth – 3 day, 3 year old class – “Mother’s Day Basket”
Ms. Dot – 3 day, 4 year old class – a beautiful ”Classroom Quilt”
Mrs. Taylor – 4/5, 4 year old class – “Crafty Kids”
Ms. Patty – 2 year old class and 4 year old class – “Outdoor Fun”

Let the Bidding Begin!

During yesterdays rainy weather my kids and I made posters for the silent auction. This is my 3 year old, and thankfully the blue paint came off her hands after soaking her hands in the sink.

More great things have come in for the auciton:

Beautiful artwork - by Mary O’Rourke. There are 10 pieces of artwork so be sure to check them out! (value $5-$45 each)

Chester County Basements - has donated services to paint a bathroom. (value $300 plus)

Power Play Rinks - Three, 5 packs for public skating ($35 value each; ice skate rental of $3.50 is extra)

Philadelphia Phantoms - Autographed hockey puck Nate Guenin #7 and an autographed photo of Jonathan Matsumoto #37. (priceless)

See you at the spring fair and silent auction! Bid High and Bid Often!

Ahhhhhh....

Today's weather is just awesome. The kids and I were at Lloyd park next to Copeland Run Academy for 2 hours and there is nothing better than that. They loved the enclosed volleyball court area full of sand. I almost felt like I was at the beach.

Here are some sweet things to savor in for the auction:

Pump It Up of West Chester offered a weekend or weekday classic party. Invite up to 25 guests and have fun! Party must be booked by June 30, 2009 and must be held by May1, 2010. Must be at least 34” tall to play on the inflatables. (value $295)

Brickside Grille - $50 gift card. Eagleview Town Center. 540 Wellington Square, Exton PA

Philadelphia Flyers – Mike Richards #18 autographed Captains Issues guide. (value - Priceless -GO FLYERS! )

Hope to see you at the silent auction and fair. If not, be sure to get your prebids/absentee bids in at the school by Wednesday, April 22.

Northbrook MarketPlace

On a beautiful country road in the rolling hills of Chester County and the Brandywine River Valley you can discover Northbrook MarketPlace. Family-owned and operated, the market operates in a beautifully restored 1850s field stone barn. They offer freshly made famous apple cider donuts, fresh baked pastries & pies. The deli and hot food bar beckons you to savor the moment with some delicious BBQ from our smokehouse, freshly made salad, sandwiches and daily specials. They donated a $25 gift card.

Gift Baskets by Design

Gift Baskets by Design has donated a Gourmet Food Basket worth about $100.00 which includes items such as .... French Truffles, Cookies, Cheese, Crackers, Mixed Nuts, Olives, Wild Salmon, Summer Sausage, and more. Delicious! (contents may differ from picture).

Sun and Earth

Sun and Earth has generously provided many products for the auction. Sun and Earth is a local company that sets out to prove that non-toxic cleaners can clean as well or better than more well-known national brands. They develope cleaners made from coconut and orange oils that clean and shine beautifully and have an appealing fresh citrus scent. Their laundry and cleaning products work as well as, or better than, leading national brands at removing grease, dirt, stains and odors. Sun and Earth uses the latest technology to create cleaning agents from plant, fruit and vegetable oils that are non-toxic to your family and safe for the Earth.
At the auction we will have a basket filled with laundry items ($33 value) and a Sun and Earth reusable shopping bag filled with cleaning products ($30 value).

Fun toys

Learning Express Toys of Exton donated two great toys. When Pigs Fly is a game in which you load the piggies in cannon and fire! Aim for the sky, but don't let your flyer fall off the clouds. ($35) The second toy is Small Miracles Starlight Ballerina Costume Trunk. Let your princess play dress up with a lite-up tutu. This trunk of fun has 6 pieces and and makes 2 outfits. One size fits most, ages 3-8. ($70)

Spring Fever

Check out what has come in: Distinctive Gardens has donated some items for the house and home: 2 wall hangings ($36) , a beautifully painted bird house($36) and 2 glass lamps ($36).

All Star Baseball Academy offers a 1 week baseball camp for kids ages 7-12. The camp will cover all aspects of baseball, ranging from hitting, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, base running and pitching. Camps are held at Great valley Little League (7/13-16) Exton Little League (7/27-30) or West Side Little League (8/3-8/6) ($185 value)

Spring Break

I'm looking forward to spring break to have time to kick back and not rushing. Some days it feels like there is a million things going on all at once. I need to remind myself to relax and smell the flowers as so many are beginning to bloom.

The auction is in a few weeks and more things have come in. Be sure to check the blog weekly for updates. After spring break we will begin to take prebids/absentee bids for items for those items you really want. Share this site with your family and friends too and get them in on the bidding action too.

Here are some great things that have come in:

A beautiful handmade classroom quilt from Ms. Dot's class. The kids helped sew the quilt together and everyone signed the back of the quilt.

BJ'S Warehouse Club - $25 gc

Laserdome - Party for 10 friends! Choose a Tuesday/Thursday party that includes 1 laser tag session, 1 laser concert of your choice, 10 tokens each, and 1 soft drink each. $169.50 value. OR choose a Wednesday package and that includes unlimited sessions of laser tag, unlimited laser concerts, unlimited video games, and 1 soft drink each. $200 value. Located in Manheim, PA.

LoweRiders Bikes and Boards of Downingtown - $50 bike tune up

Snip It's - $16 kid's hair cut

Steinmart - A boxed collection filled with a scrapbook, frame and candles. ($33)

Sweet Temptations

Check out this tasty basket of treats from Godiva. This Chocolate Temptations Gift Basket, is tied with an Ivory Signature Ribbon, includes a 19 pc. Nut & Caramel Gift Box, 8 pc. Gold Ballotin, Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa, and four Godiva Chocoiste treats: Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzel Tin, Large Milk Chocolate Cashews, Milk Chocolate Strawberries, and Solid Dark Chocolate Bar. (basket and chocolates may vary)

March Madness

March Madness is almost at an end, but the bidding will begin on April 25th at the Spring Fair and Silent Auction. Start thinking about what you want to bid on; there is something for everyone. Here are more things that came in...
Bed Bath and Beyond - $20 gc
Godiva Chocolate Basket - $75 value
Incredibly Edible Delites, Inc - $25 gc towards an edible floral creation
Kimberton Whole Foods - $45 gc
Sawhorse Concepts - will powerwash a deck or large porch ($200 value)
Wyncote Golf Club - tee time for two $90 value (Mon.-Thur. Excludes holidays and cart)

Ribbons with a cause...

A new donation has been added...Chesapeake Ribbons is donating a $25 Gift Certificate (to spend in their online boutique) and a children's sailboat ribbon belt (total value $40). Chesapeake Ribbons specializes in classic handmade ribbon accessories for the entire family ~ Novelty ribbon belts ~ dog collars (NEW) ~ key FOBS ~ headbands ~ barrettes ~ bows & more!

Owner and stay-at-home mom, Margie Gunn, gives back to the community by donating her products to Wigs 4 Kids & The Johns Hopkins Children Center. She also donates a portion of sales to Autism Speaks and Susan G. Komen. Please visit her website to read more about her outreach.

Spring Blooms

There is cheer in my step as I see the beginning of spring blooms. I love flowers and seeing the buds on the trees. Good days are ahead of being outdoors and enjoying nature. Here are some other fun things to look forward to:
Chick Fil A - 130 vouchers for free kids meals
Creativity in Motion - 1 session of dance. 1 class per week for 6 weeks. Expires 9/1/09. $65 value
Honeybrook Golf Club - 2 packages for a tee for 2; $68 value each
Longwood Gardens - 2 tickets; $32 value
Philadelphia Rock Gym - 2 certificates for one of the following services: Intro to Climbing package; Family Package; or Kid's Nite; each is worth $59
Rita's Water Ice - 100 vouchers for free kids water ice
Play A Round of Golf - complimentary round of golf for 2 hours; $70 value
Sight and Sound Theater - 2 tickets to In the Beginning. Show runs June 15-September 18; $108 value

Friday the 13th

I had no black cats cross my path today so I considered myself lucky. No bad luck here, just lots of goodies...
Arasapha Farm - 4 tickets for the Holiday Hayride
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride -4 VIP passes
Bucks County River Country - 2 tubing passes
Carrabba's Italian Grill - $40 gc
Delaware Children's Theater - 4 tickets for a Saturday Show
Family Martial Arts Center - one month free lessons and a uniform (6 of these)
Peace a Pizza - 1 gourmet pizza
Penn Oaks Golf Club - tee time for 4
Silpada Designs - a pair of earrings (in the B&T Sterling Additions page 5 item S5E) , polishing cloth and gift certificate for $25.00. Mary DiStefano Independent Representative Silpada Designs Fine Sterling Silver Jewelry 610~384~0172
The Stone Barn - $40 gc towards Sunday brunch

Spring Forward

Spring forward with these great items!
Body Contours - $85 gc towards for one Endermologie treatment (goodbye cellulite).
Maggie Moo's - 3 $5 gc
Pizzeria Uno - $25 gc
Sweet and Sassy - Glittery Glam x-press spa package
The Desmond - Sunday Brunch for 2
The Kimberton Inn - Dinner for 2

Sunny Days are Ahead

Even though today is a grey, bleak day I thought these things would cheer you up. Read with your kids, have someone else do the cooking, exercise, or check out new places. See what has come in:
Chester County Historical Society - family membership and 3 books
Cookies by Design
Dream Dinners - $75 gc, mixing bowl and oven mitt
Highlights for Children - 2 magazine subscriptions and assorted puzzel books
Miller Painting, Inc.
Panera Bread - Bread for a Year
Pickering Valley Golf Club - weekday tee time for 2
Planet Fitness - 6 month membership
Super Suppers - $25 gc
The Amish Village, Inc - 2 packs of tickets

Tasty Tuesdays

Hi. I plan to update the auction list later this week and stumbled across this idea from Chestercountymoms.blogspot.com. Post an easy themed recipe. I'm always looking for new recipes. Sounded fun so I thought I would try it out. Here's an easy crock pot recipe.
Chicken Chili
In the pot place in 2 lbs. boneless chicken, 28 oz diced tomatoes, 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, 1 pkg of chili seasoning. Cook for 8 hours low OR 4 hours high. Serve over rice.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here are some sweets to think about. As the auction gets closer you may want to think about what special events do you have coming up? Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day. There are many wonderful items that you can bid on for your sweetie.
Here are some:
Brandywine Ballet - 2 tickets to Dracula in October
YMCA Brandywine - 1 month family membership
Dutch Wonderland - 2 tickets
D&D Family Billiards - $20 gc
Hampton Inn of Exton - 1 night stay
People's Light and Theater Company - 2 tickets
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society - 2 tickets for 1 of 3 concerts in May
West Bradford Grill - 2 $25 gc

Dreaming of Spring

I know that Phil said that we have 6 more weeks of winter, but I'm dreaming of Spring.
Thank you to all the volunteers in making follow up phone calls to area businesses regarding the silent auction. That's what makes Copeland so great! Here is the latest and greatest -

ACAC - 2 month membership
Animal Clinic of Thorndale - free pet exam
Chuck E. Cheese - 2 family fun packs
Dairy Queen - 2 medium blizzards
Dowingtown Bicycle Shop - kids bike helmet
Giant Food Stores - $25 gc
Merry Maids - 1.5 hour of cleaning service
Wilmington and Western Railroad - 3 tickets to Mt. Cuba

Stay warm

As the weather continues to stay cool, maybe you can help the auction committee make phone calls to area businesses to remind them about our auction. Please let me know if you can help. I plan to get a call list to all volunteers by the end of this month.

More fun things have come in - Knobles - 2 ride all day passes (M-F)
The Academy of Natural Sciences - 2 passes
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm - family 4 pack
Wegmans - $25 gc
The Oasis Family Fun Center - Coupon book of 10 passes

Thanks to all of our supporters of our auction. If you or anyone you know is willing to donate products or services please contact me. Stay warm!

Happy New Year!

Here are some things that came in over the holidays!

Hard Rock Cafe - $25 gc
Ron's Original Bar and Grille - 2 gc for 4 "ovals"
Dick's Sporting Goods - $20 gc
Build a Bear - $10 gc
Healing Hands Massage - $35 gc