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 Local Events, Info and Savings for Grown-ups and Their Kids
Springfield Moms E-Update         August 19, 2009            
In This Issue
Illinois State Fair Favorites
Dad Calls Out the Troops for Back to School
School Backpack Tips
Early Literacy Strategies for Your Little Ones
Introducing a Second Language
Fun Links and News You Can Use
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
Share Your Tips
 and Win!
"Share a Tip" and be entered to win financial planning guide books  courtesy of Daton Kaisner State Farm Agent.

Congratulations
to Angela Wiser of Springfield for winning the Back to School Kimberly Smoot Photography Package!

What is your family's favorite fall activity?
Email us and be entered to win our prize drawing!

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NEW THIS MONTH!

LUER's: Buy one, get one 1/2 off Stride Rite Shoes!  August only.

Sprout Fitters: $15 off and more.

L.Chic: $5 off any sale item.

Bella Milano: In August, 10% off lunch, Monday - Friday.

25% off Eyeglasses at Vision Care Associates.

John M. Piershale, CFP, 2 Hours Financial Planning.

15% off Eye Candy by Brandy.

Cara Mongolian Authentic Stir Fry. Buy one, get one half off!
 
15% off at Food Fantasies.

$20 Off New Patient at Optimal Chiropractic & Wellness.

KICKS: Buy one buffet,
get one free!

$3 off at Koke's Kid Zone
or $5 off at The Kid's Closet.


Fitness Together: 10% off.

Access all our business sponsors on the Mom's Choice Directory.

shopping cartNEW! Mom's Choice Picks  favorite online retailers with product picks you'll love. Browse & Buy
Greetings!

Back to School

We are down to the last few days of summer in my household.  Our readers in some of the surrounding communities have already started back, but we are holding out until next Monday!

And there's plenty to do with rides and activities at the Illinois State Fair or Knights Action Park for some water fun or a drive-in movie and parks to visit (see our Parks Directory).

Maybe you are already looking ahead to the fall and winter. Looking for quality family entertainment?! Enjoy exclusive Sangamon Auditorium Springfield Moms Pre-Purchase Ticket options and $2 off Family Series. Act Now: Today through September 18th. Check out the details, here!

Did you miss our exciting new coupons last E-Update? There's still time to to enjoy savings on our Mom's Choice Directory.  Check these out: LUER's Buy one, get one 1/2 off Stride Rite Shoes this month only! Enjoy Sprout Fitters $15 off and more and L.Chic $5 off any sale item.

Can you feel fall around the corner?!  Best wishes as you and your family start a new school year.

Kim Leistner Little
Founder and President of Springfield Moms
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR TIME: Tips and Favorites!

state fair If you haven't made it out to the Illinois  State Fair yet, there is still time!  Check out Kim Little's favorites in her blog entry and link to the State Journal-Register's Ultimate Fair Guide and Blog here.
DAD'S EYE-VIEW: BACK TO SCHOOL
cereal"Upon my command, the children are to de-bunk, put on their school uniforms and fall into the kitchen for breakfast. When the last cereal flake or nugget has been consumed, they attend to teeth brushing and other matters of personal hygiene. Then, if backpacks and assignments are in order, they're allowed to fall out until which time 'mount up' is called, and the van pulls out at approximately 07:30 hours.
 
If this all sounds efficient and regimented, I can assure you ... it is not."  Read more of Dan Naumovich's fun column here.
SCHOOL BACKPACK TIPS: Avoid Future Back Pain and Help Your Kids Wear Their Pack Properly
backpackMost healthcare officials agree excessive weight and certain backpack styles can cause nerve pressure around the neck that could lead to muscle spasms, neck pain, or shoulder pain. In 2006, The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 7,300 injuries because of backpacks.  Read Dr. Martha Nessler's helpful tips on wearing backpacks properly here.
ASK THE SPEECH PATHOLOGIST: Early Literacy Strategies for Little Ones
toddlersQuestion: What are some ways to encourage early literacy skills in young children, and how does language play a part?  Answer: Most people know that early language skills develop in the first 3 years of life. However, early literacy (reading and writing) skills develop in the same time frame!  Read more from speech pathologist Jennifer Pollock, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC here. 
INTRODUCING A SECOND LANGUAGE TO YOUR CHILDREN: Not as Hard As You Might Think!
toddlerWant to make an investment in your child's future that is totally free? Try exposing them to a new language. Why start now? Evidence suggests that a person's ability to learn a second language is strongest when they are children. Read Sandy Muroaka's article with simple tips to get started here. 
Fun Links and News You Can Use! Check It Out.
What's Happening!  Upcoming Events 
 


Thousand Fathers Walk 2009Calling All Dads This Monday!  THOUSAND FATHERS WALK 2009 "I'm taking my kid to school on the first day!"  Celebrate That Night: August 24, 2009 at KICKS, 2744 S. 6th.  5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Join other men concerned about their child's education and have fun with your son and/or daughter. The first 50 children with an adult male will receive a $5 dollar KICKS game card and free buffet.




Sports PhysicalsSpringfield Priority Care $50 Sports Physicals.  More info here.








CMN State Fair DiscountSTATE FAIR RIDE PASSES for $20!  Help Children's Miracle Network and purchase your advance ride tickets through them at a discounted price.  For more info, click here.





Arts in the ParkAugust 30th: Babies and Children's Arts in the Park from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. in Washington Park.  Ideal for kids ages 0-5.  Fun, FREE crafts and educational exhibits for the family.  Look for Springfield Moms at this event, too! More information here.




Huff and Puff SJCH ProgramDo Your Kids Suffer From Fall Allergies?  There's Relief! Upcoming Huff and Puff Programs through St. John's Children's Hospital in September.  Register Now!  Details here.






Sangamon Auditorium Family SeriesMONEY SAVER!  Exclusive Sangamon Auditorium Springfield Moms Pre-purchase Ticket options and $2 off Family Series. 
Act Now: Offer good August 19-September 18th. Must Mention Code: "SpringfieldMoms." 

Create Your Own Series packages and individual tickets to all Visiting Artists & Family Series at UIS events. Discount: $2 off any Family Series at UIS adult ticket price. Family Series: Corbian Visual Arts and Dance Friday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m.; Ralph's World, Saturday January 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.; and Junie B Jones
Friday, February 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
View schedule here.



Thomas the Tank 2009


Last Call for Day Out With Thomas! August 22 and 23rd last weekend of the summer.  Tickets include one train ride with Thomas the Tank EngineTM for the trip and much more. For more details on this fun, family event, go to What's Happening; click here.




Central Baptist ChurchEvery Sunday at Central Baptist Church.  Kids 2:52 is a family-oriented, kid focused, value driven program geared for kids ages pre-K through 5th grade.  Come join us!




Downtown Springfield  Farmers Market  The Market will be held 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October 31.  (Located on Adams Street between 5th & 3rd streets in downtown Springfield.) 
 
 

abes_corn_maze
View here: 2009 MOVIES IN THE PARK September 11 High School Musical 3 at Rotary Park: (Off West Iles Ave, past Archer Elevator).
 
View here: MUSIC IN THE PARK August 30 at Iles Park (6th and Ash) from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.  In Town Ho Down, The REEL, Bourbon Bluegrass Band.  Come enjoy some boot-stompin' fun!

 

IL State Fair 2009 
Illinois State Fair Grandstand Tickets are NOW On Sale!  Check out the full line-up and access the Grandstand order form here





 
football clinicAthletiCare_StJohnsHospital 


Football 101:  The In's and Out's of X's and O's for Parents and Friends. TONIGHT! August 19th at 6:30 p.m. 
Held at AthletiCare, 3631 S. 6th Street, Springfield.  Guest Speakers: Scott Alberssen, Former Head Football Coach, Taylorville High School and Brad Sterns, IHSA Official, Springfield Sports Hall of Fame.


 

Connected PairsAugust 29th:  Work on your relationship with your significant other!  ConnectedPairs Half Day Workshop for Couples at Flagg Farmstead Bed and Breakfast in Sherman.  For registration information and a $25 coupon, click here.



SALE 


LuersLUERS Buy One, Get One Half Off: Stride Rite shoes through August for Springfield Moms readers exclusively! 






Whats_Happening_IconWhat's Happening is updated every week with the latest fun for you and your family!  Bookmark this page.  

Thank you to all of our Premium Sponsors.
 
Featured Premium Sponsor of the Month: Edwards Group, LCC.

KidSafe Legal Plan Check out "11 Things Parents Should Know Report."
Learn more here. 
 
SILVER SPONSORS
 
 

Best,
Kim

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Kim Leistner Little
Founder and President
Springfield Moms
springfieldmoms.org@gmail.com