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Updated throughout the week, Kim's Blog combines home front experiences with informative updates on area events, unique opportunities and of course, dynamic deals! Follow us on 
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Given the historic winter we’ve had here in Illinois this year, I think everyone is looking forward to spring! With warmer weather just around the corner, the Illinois Office of Tourism offers these ideas for spring break family getaways.
With a variety of high-value family experiences only a short drive away, there is no excuse not to get away during the kids’ spring break. Go back in time with history in Springfield, imagine it’s summer at Coco Key Water Park in Rockford and test your superpowers at the Superman Museum in Metropolis.
Your spring travel planning can begin on EnjoyIllinois.com. Here are a few must-see events throughout Illinois this spring:
Photographic Restorations
Got an old favorite photo with a small tear or a rip? Maybe you have an old military photo of an ancestor that is faded? Terry Farmer Photography can preserve that old damaged photograph so that you can treasure it for a lifetime. What a great way to re-live and share your unique family history with your children by restoring your damaged photographs.
What causes photographs to become damaged in the first place?
What is our process with restoring a photograph?
Bring in your original photograph to our office at 4133 Old Jacksonville Road in Springfield to get a quote. Depending on the level of restoration work desired will determine the price.
Call us at 217-698-6000 or visit our website at terryfarmer.com.
You can view a video about our restorations here or here at Vimeo
Other services Terry Farmer Photography specializes in:
We asked SpringfieldMoms readers for suggestions on affordable family activities. Read and see what you may not have considered!
"Illinois State Museum! Henson Robinson Zoo!" – Ashley C.
"Ergadoozy" – Valerie H.
"Hike in the park / free" – Judy P.
"Taylorville YMCA" - Jennifer M.
"Drive in movie!" – Karah B.
"Roller skating!" – Carrie T.
"Nelson Center for ice skating!" – Melissa M.
"Pizza/board game/movie/popcorn/ice cream/ sleeping bags in living room." – Jackie C.
"Walking around the mall and playing in the kid area." – SarahBeth P.
"Lincoln Memorial Gardens" – Kymberly E.
"Family skate night at Skateland!!!" – Erin M.
"Glow Golf at the mall" – Melissa T.
"Washington Park – playground, feeding ducks" – Stefanie M.
"Train and carousel at the mall" – Stacy E.
"Scheels – fun activites" – Dawn F.
"Movie in the Park" – Tiffany B.
"Libraries. My girls love books. Wish we could attend more family reading events." – Kim W.
"Weiner roast with kids, outdoor movies, mini concession stand for movies, and camp out for the night ….all in your own backyard." – Amanda G.
"Movie night during the week! $5 per person at theaters." – Sarah H.
"Illinois State Museum" – Sarah B.
"Dana Thomas House, Steak and Shake $5.00 menu or coupons (cheap & good), fishing, scavenger hunt." – Jane G.
"Taking Care of You" has been a category on our A-Z index from the beginning of Springfieldmoms. Why? Because it's so easy for parents to put our needs at the bottom of the To-Do list. Work, school, kids, pets, extra activities quickly deter us from taking care of ourselves. With my 43rd birthday on the horizon, I've had to transition to the list of "To-Do" items for women over 40. One of those is the annual mammogram, which I just marked off my list. Soon, I will receive a letter with my results. I'm both nervous and relieved at the opportunity to have this information at my fingertips. My ultimate goal is to take care of myself so I can, in return, take care of my family.
According to the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer website, "except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. However, if it is detected while still in its earlier stages, breast cancer can be successfully treated. Routine mammograms and breast exams can detect cancer early and provide women with better treatment options and results."
I encourage all of you to prioritize yourself and your health no matter what time of the year.
To find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram/Pap test and screening locations, visit:
We were thrilled to join Fox 55/27 Good Day Illinois to share some of our favorite ways to save money on their segment "Freebie Friday" last week. You can watch the segment here, and the links we reference are in this post.
Since 2004, one of our most popular and continually updated resources is our Kids Eat Free Dining Guide. There are more than 25 restaurants in the Spfld area alone that you can enjoy free kids meals on specific days of the week. We've organized this resource by Day of the Week; save the shortcut to this link on your home screen!
The other feature we love is the Birthday Freebies, and this isn't just for kids! There are so many area businesses that provide free meals, sandwiches, desserts, etc. on your special day. It takes just a few minutes to register online for the bounty of freebies that will hit your inbox.
Keep us posted on other ones you find, and we will update them as always.
Illinois Humane has two cats who are looking for homes…and maybe your home is the perfect place!
Rascal is approximately 2 years old, weighing just under 9 lbs. Rascal's friends describe him as the shy guy who is very content to sit back and watch everything go on around him. He is very affectionate once he gets to know his people and will rub against their legs, seeking attention. Please watch his video to see him interact with his human buddy at Nature's Select.
Miss Sophie is approximately 1 year old, weighing just over 7 lbs. Although she is somewhat dainty in appearance, she is a spit-fire. She is very outgoing and will play for as long as possible. Sophie's friends describe her as outgoing and silly, a real joy to watch. Please make sure to watch Sophie's video!
Rascal and his friend, Sophie, are currently being foster at Nature's Select of Springfield, IL (540 W Monroe St.). You can visit him there during normal business hours. If you are interested in adopting handsome Rascal, please e-mail us at petadoptions@illinoishumane.org.
Sophie
Rascal
This photo will forever be one of my favorites. My college friend, Leigh, is Lieutenant Colonel and her husband Jake is Special Forces Officer. They've endured multiple separations while raising their three children. This photo speaks volumes to how much they missed each other, and how happy they are to be reunited. Look carefully, it's mom, dad, and three kids crammed in the photo!
A note from the photographer: "It was 4:30 in the morning, pitch black outside, and the reunion happened in between two parked cars. But it was all well worth it to see this family reunited last night after nine months, especially knowing their story and how very much they have been through. I felt honored to be able to capture it and it got me teary eyed (as usual) to see how tightly they all hugged each other. It's hard to see in the picture, but all five are squeezed together in this, wrapped around each other, blissfully unaware that they are squished between two cars with a ton of people watching their reunion. Operation Love ReUnited http://vimeo.com/51971891
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced their "We Love Illinois Products" Valentine's Day Promotion. Sign up here — by taking the Buy Illinois Challenge you will be entered to win the great prizes below.
One Challenge taker will be selected randomly to win each day February 10-14, 2014.
Day 1 – February 10, 2014
-One case of honey wafers (24 ct) from Honey Wafer Baking Company in Crestwood
-11 pounds of delicious chocolate Valentine's Day ButterCreme icing from Lawrence Foods in Elk Grove Village
Day 2 – February 11, 2014
-One pound of delectable fudge from Julie's Corner Store in Lacon
-Two bottles of wine (Vin de City Red and Vin de City White) from Lynfred Winery in Roselle
Day 3 – February 12, 2014
-Two Cannoli Kits from Grandma Toste's in Naperville (each kit contains 1 – 8 oz. piping bag of cannoli filling, powdered sugar & crushed pistachio topping)
-Apple Pie and Peach Cobbler liqueur from Anthony's Own in Chicago
Day 4 – February 13, 2014
-Four boxes of Chocolate covered pretzel toffee from Lambs Farm in Libertyville
-Twelve packages of Organic Fruity Hearts from Surf Sweets in Wheeling
Day 5 – February 14, 2014
-One pound heart box of assorted chocolates from Anderson's Candy Shop in Richmond
-Four bottles of wine (Chocolate Honey Buzz, Prairie Passion, Wildberry Mead, and Chocolate Cherry Honey Buzz from Wild Blossom Meadery in Chicago
Winners must be 21 or older to receive prizes with alcoholic beverages. Winner must provide proof of age. Sign up to be eentered to win.
It's that time of year again! Time to support your favorite local businesses by voting in the 2014 SJR Readers' choice awards! In the People section of the survey, is the annual category Best blog; we certainly appreciate your votes for Kim's blog on Springfield Moms! We've grown from an email to 40 to a monthly outreach of 11,000 via our website, more than 5,100 on Facebook, and 4,300 twice monthly via our e-updates! Regardless of how you receive our information, we strive to keep an arsenal of useful information at your fingertips! We support our local resources and businesses, and we thank you in advance for taking the time to support us. Many of our Mom's Choice sponsors are precious Readers Choice winners as well; so let's give them a vote too in their business categories!
Planning for Valentine's Day? Whether it's classroom parties, crafts for the preschoolers, decor, baby photos or date night, SpringfieldMoms is your go-to resource!
