by Kim on July 3rd, 2009 at 8:35 am
As we enter the long holiday weekend, there is much to celebrate in the great country we live, but the past few weeks I was reminded how precious life is.
There is nothing more important to a parent than the health and happiness of our children.
Hands down, we will do anything for them and our unconditional love runs strong. My best friend's son is recovering from a very critical condition that had all of us on edge the past two weeks. He has been fighting every day to come back.
Patience is a virtue, however, and through the love of family, friends the good nature of others and an outstanding medical team, he has turned the corner. The prayers, positive healing energy, and love from so many who adore him and many who don't know him, have given this amazing child another chance.
As you celebrate with your family, hug them closer, tell them why you love them, and embrace the memories at hand.
Treasure your family…they are your true success story. Happy 4th to all.
by Kim on June 30th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Don't miss our Area Parks Directory compiled by Dawn Diveley.
The weather this week is perfect for eating lunch outdoors (with or without the kids). Grab the kids after work, pack a picnic or enjoy take-out, and head to a NEW park for a classic summer evening outside.
Send or post your comments about your favorite parks.
We are so fortunate to have so many options in the greater Springfield Area.
Venture somewhere new and make memories! The photo here is from Southern View Park, Springfield.
by Kim on June 30th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Are your kids fans of the Jonas Brothers? How about Six Flags?
Now, when you and your family visit KICKS Family Entertainment Center, you will be entered into a drawing for an amazing Prize Package GiveAway to St. Louis. Drawing Held TONIGHT: Tuesday, June 30th 7:00 p.m.
The Winner receives the following:
4 tickets to Jonas Brothers Concert
4 tickets to Six Flags
Overnight Stay in Hotel
$100 Spending Cash
The Concert: Tuesday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Contest Rules:
1) No purchase necessary
2) 1 Entry given per person at time of entrance.
3) Additional entries given with every $5.00 in gaming purchased.
4) Must fill out all fields on each entry in order to win.
5) Must be present to win.
For more information on Kicks Family Entertainment Center and to print their Buy One Get One coupon for a buffet or $5 gift card, check out our Mom's Choice Directory.
by Kim on June 29th, 2009 at 8:30 am
We have some new Birthday Party Options featured in our year-round popular Birthday Party Planning Directory!
- Bring the little girls or the tweens for a Glamour Girl Makeover Party at the day spa at Lift & Firm.
- Grab the kids for outdoor fun and enjoy a baseball game birthday party at a Springfield Sliders game.
- Have a backyard party and spice it up with a bounce house from Peralta's Bounce House, Jim Percy A Touch of Magic or Jewel the Pirate (from Twinkles & Company).
- Educational fun at the Illinois State Museum or Swimming, Dance, Sports or preschool parties at the YMCA!
- MidState Gymnastics has a 10% off Coupon for their Indoor inflatables and parties.
- Pool and Water Park fun at Knight's Action Park and Indoor Gaming Fun at Kick's Family Entertainment.
There are SO many fun options for kid parties.
by Kim on June 26th, 2009 at 8:45 am
The Rochester Public Library annual baking contest, held as part of the "Sparks In The Park" festivities will be on Sunday July 5th at 3 p.m.
The classic book "Blueberries for Sal" by Robert McCloskey is their inspiration. For all of the bakers, it's time to create your own blueberry pie (one crust or two).
If you don't own a copy of "Blueberries for Sal", check it out at the library, it is one of the classics in our home library!
Entry forms must be turned in to Rochester Library by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd.
Download your entry form on their home page Rochester Public Library
There is also a recipe section on their website. Check them out!
Call for more information 217-498-8554
by Kim on June 25th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I have enjoyed a few days off and read some books that have been on my nightstand for at least a year! Summer is a great time to step out of the heat and into a new world of discovery through reading.
Grab the kids and head to your local library for Summer Reading Programs and Events for you and your kids!
Our Summer Reading Directory from Area Public Libraries is up and ready for your family! It's a great way to keep the kids reading over the summer, earn prizes and to show our kids that books and our public libraries are an integral part of our community.
Looking for suggestions on what books to pick out? Review our Book Nook.
by Kim on June 24th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Anna Fermin, a well known Chicago singer- songwriter and front person for the band Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel, knew she wanted to start an organization with a mission to "give back" called MOMSthatROCK! but she wasn't sure where to channel her efforts.
Becky Aud-Jennison, a psychotherapist with twenty-five years of experience in human services, having gone to see the documentary "A Powerful Noise!" with her daughter Rachel (who was heading to Africa in the summer to work in an orphanage) called Anna and excitedly relayed the message of the movie and the work that Care and other organizations like One and End Poverty by 2015 are doing.
In that moment MOMSthatROCK! Concerts for a Cause was born.
MOMSthatROCK! is a call to action through the universal language of music. The mission of MOMSthatROCK! is to awaken the conscience of people in America and around the world and to make aware the need for global advocacy. By staging rock concerts regionally, nationally and internationally, MOMSthatROCK!'s goal is to provide aid for the global empowerment of girls and women, to improve health care and education and to support End Poverty by 2015 -the historic promise 189 world leaders made at the United Nations Summit in 2000.
MOMSthatROCK! looks forward to aligning with other mothers and folks who are interested in making the world a better place for everyone while righteously rocking out.
Join us in Springfield for a rocking good time for the whole family on Saturday, June 27th, from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. This is all-ages event offers fun for everyone. Check out www.momsthatrock.com for more details.
by Julie on June 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 am
Springfield Moms reader Katie Spoon wrote in with this great idea:
"If you have any birthday present you need to make this summer - this was a great idea someone gave me. My mom LOVED it, and it turned out SO cute! Cheap and easy!"
Here's the "LadyBug Flower Pot" for Grandma Georgia's Birthday - the ‘bugs' are the kids' thumbprints.
by Kim on June 21st, 2009 at 8:00 am
Dear Old Dad!
I am certainly very grateful to have an amazing father. One who continues to be my number one fan and supporter. He's provided a lifetime of memories, security and love for our family. I'd like to wish all of our Dad readers a wonderful and relaxing father's day.
No chore lists, no whining and a day for you to relax!
Our family celebrated early this year, a nice dinner out (tastes much better than my efforts) and enjoyed fabulous commentary from the kids.
We went around the table and toasted Dad. Our youngest said "Thank you Dad for working hard and making money." We got a good laugh out of that one! Our oldest said, "thanks for making everything easy and for being a fun Daddy." Awww…those moments make it all worth it!
Thanks Dads for all you do for our families!
by Kim on June 19th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Get the kids off the couch!
On Saturday, June 27th lace up your sneakers and get the kids out of the house for the Junior League of Springfield's Fit by the Footsteps Kid's Walk presented by Conant Chiropractic and Wellness Center and St. John's Children's Hospital. The walk will begin at the Washington Park covered picnic area next to the playground with registration at 9am. We hit the pavement at 10am for the 1.2 mile rain or shine walk.
The first 150 kids to register will receive a t-shirt, Olympic-style medal, goodie bag, and more. Register as an individual or group. Trophies will be awarded to the first place finishers in 6 age categories from 0-12 and strollers are welcome. For only $10 per walker, your family can share the fun of fitness. The group registration fee is $50 for 6 people and $80 for 10 people.
Registration Form and more details on What's Happening.
