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Springfield Moms April e-update
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Spring Into Summer Newsletter!
Local Events Coming Soon
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April Prize Winners

Congrats to Springfield Moms reader Jessica Strenge for winning  Oprah's Favorite Green cleaner: Basic H2 Concentrate

 
Jennifer Weisenberger, Lisa Barutcu and Terra McParland won the Am. Girl Book reading tickets donated by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
 
and in May win a $50 Shopping Spree to The Body Shop at Home compliments of Stephanie Fuler.
May 2, 2008
Greetings!
 
"Spring Into Summer" Newsletter Online Now!
Readers, we are thrilled to bring you the May "Spring Into Summer" newsletter this week.  You can access over 20 NEW articles designed to help you prepare for summer!  You can read a preview of the articles below and access the full issue here.

But first, help us congratulate the American Red Cross for a successful Junior Heroes Campaign and Breakfast last month, which raised needed funds for families devastated by catastrophe.  Read more in Kim's Letter.
 
Newsletter article preview:
Take a moment to be inspired with a story from one of our own - Erica Christell - who relied on the Red Cross to help her family through a rough time after the tornadoes of a couple years ago.  Check out The Red Cross: Up Close and Personal by Erica Christell.
 
As always, our Upcoming Events summary alerts you to the best of what Springfield has to offer in the near future.  As you make your summer plans, be sure to visit the website's What's Happening page for area events and family activities organized by month. 
 
Summer is almost here along with lots of water activities in the area.  Being around the water can be so much fun if you know how to swim and handle yourself.  Read through YMCA swim instructor Jenny Bright's tips on how to prepare your child for swimming lessons so your family can have fun and be safe this summer.  Don't miss Sink or Swim: Preparing for Swimming Lessons.
 
Have you ever crossed Lake Springfield and watched the boats zipping around in the waves?  Springfield Moms contributor Lisa Barutcu decided to find out how she can captain one of those boats this summer.  Read her fun article on how to rent boats, and maybe you'll be scooting around on a jet ski later this summer: Enjoy Lake Springfield This Summer.
 
Ladies, if you have an adventurous streak (or if you always wanted to cultivate your adventurous nature!), we have just the event for you - "Women in the Outdoors" Comes to Lake Springfield for One-Day Retreat. You won't believe the fun workshops they offer for this July 26 event!
 
Thinking about selling some of your own stuff at your neighborhood sale?  Throw a Great Garage Sale gives you practical tips on how to organize a successful garage sale.  Also, don't forget to visit our Garage Sales page for the latest scheduled neighborhood sales. 
 
Have you been drafted to coach your child's T'Ball or soccer team this summer?  Don't feel overwhelmed - we have just the right blend of practical tips and parental inspiration for you.  You can do it, and your kids can too!  Read Tips for the Reluctant T'Ball Coach.
 
Curious about all the online opportunities to socialize and chat with other parents?  We have the latest and coolest websites in The Online World In Bite Size Pieces to bring you up to speed on how to connect with other moms, including our own Springfield Moms Family Forum! 
 
Why do we feel compelled to schedule our children 24/7, eliminating all opportunities for boredom from our children's lives?  Check out some important reasons why your children will miss out if they don't come to you with an "I'm bored, Mom" at least a few times this summer.  Be sure to catch The Gift of Boredom.
 
Planning a sleepover for your children at Grandma and Grandpa's?  Or are you the Grandma planning to host your grandbabies this summer?  Don't miss these valuable tips for both parent and grandparent on the sleepover issue at Grandma's House: Successful Sleepovers.
 
With gas prices soaring, vacation time is on everyone's minds this spring.  Will your family pay the price at the pump and drive or fly somewhere fun this summer?  If you are contemplating a trip, don't miss our trio of vacation articles designed with something for all ages: Be Intentional: Your 2008 Family Vacation, Disney Planning Tips or Washington, D.C., One Dad's View.
 
Are you in the midst of an adoption process or do you know someone who is?  Springfield Moms reader Dee Dee Shaffer helps you navigate the conversational do's and don't's that will prove helpful when visiting about this special time.  Enjoy One Mom's Story: Adoption and One Simple Word.
 
Light up the grill and put Dad to work!  Don't miss our regular installment of In the Kitchen for great tips and recipes.  Also, new to the newsletter is our brand new feature: Michael's Wine Picks. If you have ever wondered about what wine to serve with which food, we offer an expert to help you navigate the grapes! 
 
Mother's Day is fast approaching, and we offer a heartfelt letter from a new mom to her son from our regular Baby Corner series editor Jen Madiar.  If your babies are growing up, Mother's Day "Letter to My Son" will remind you of that special time so full of challenge and heart. 
 
Cell phones are everywhere, and your kids may be clamoring for their own.  What's a parent to do when "everyone's got one, Mom!"  Our Ask the Counselor professional Becky Aud-Jennison weighs in with her opinion on a hot topic: Cell Phones and Your Kids.
 
Finally, don't forget to check out our summer reading picks at The Book Nook and a bunch of fun new ideas at Practical Parent Pointers
 
Access all of these articles in our "Spring Into Summer" here!
Don't miss the upcoming events and coupon updates below!
 
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Remember, please update your subscription or email changes by clicking the Update My Profile link at the bottom of our e-updates.   
Thanks for reading! Kim
Calling All Neighborhood Garage Sales

Bargain Bonanza!

Check out our new Neighborhood Garage Sale page.  If your neighborhood is having one and it's not on our list, email us the date AND general directions for the neighborhood and we'll add it to our handy-dandy planning list so you can have some weekend fun looking for old or new treasures! All entries will also be added to our monthly prize drawings. 
What's Happening: Upcoming EVENTS!
THIS WEEKEND!

JLSlogoJunior League of Springfield's

18th Annual Kitchens in Bloom Tour on
SUNDAY May 4th Grab your friends and leave the kids at home for a fun afternoon browsing these beautiful homes!  Proceeds benefit JLS programs for our community.  Ticket info $12 ahead of $15 at the door,  details here.

 

Kwedar Safe Boating Clinics:  The one-day courses earn participants Safety Certificates from the IDNR and are mandatory for the solo operation of motorized watercraft on any Illinois waterway by teens ages 12 through 17.  Saturday May 3rd- learn more here.

 

Saturday May 3: Springfield Start Heart Walk and SIU Health Fair at the Boys & Girls Club.  Details on What's Happening! 

 

NEXT WEEKEND

Parade of Homes in Centennial Park.  View more beautiful homes and get inspired with new designers.  Details here!

 

Mothers Day!  May 11th  Hey moms, no cooking, cleaning or hard work-put your feet up!

         

SAVE the DATE!

Old State Capitol Art Fair:  May 17 and 18th.  Encourage your kids to visit the children's tent for kid-friendly activities and reasonably priced art so they can start developing their own taste in artwork for their bedrooms.  Details here.  

 

Now that the Fairgrounds is back in business. FREE for kids 10 and under at the Illinois Products Expo 10th Annual Food and Cooking Extravaganza.  JUNE 21-22 att the ORR buidling. 

Save $
Access our coupons from our Mom's Choice Directory 
You'll find deals and complete info about these LOCAL businesses.
Welcome 10% off at Painters Paradise, $5 off at Ahh Yoga, The Corkscrew  $1 Tasting , Matheis Lawn Service, Bryant Lawn Service and Calhoun Carpet Warehouse
A free cookie or coffee from Cafe Moxo, $10 off a massage or facial at Lift & Firm, 15% off at Food Fantasies20% off your first free home pick-up Dry Cleaning from Peerless Cleaners,  Photography discounts and more!  We are adding new coupons every few weeks! 
 
**  Mother's Day Special **
$30 off Lift & Firms facial, massage and reflexology package!  Access the coupon here.
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