Family Friendly Groupons

Ice cream! Planet Swirl in Whippany has a deal - $7 for $14 worth of ice cream, $14 for $30 worth of ice cream, or $85 for a birthday party package that covers up to 10 kids.

Learning Kids Academy in Montville offers kids' art & academic classes, or 4 weeks of piano class. Their deal is 4 sessions for $39, or 4 45-minute piano lessons for $69.

Haunted Scarehouse in Wharton looks like fun for older kids, or even a parents' night out. Options vary, but the lowest price is $42 for admission for 4 redeemable on select days in Sept-Nov.

Jump On In Boonton has a deal - 10 sessions for $49 or 15 sessions for $59.

Eagle Martial Arts in Boonton is selling summer camp deals (go figure): $69 for 1 week or $119 for one week, for 2 kids. Hours are 8:30am-5:30pm, with snacks provided (no lunch).

Sesame Place offers admission packages for families or groups from sizes 2 people to 5. Packages start at just $81.98 for 2.

ImagineThat! Children's Museum in Florham Park has admission for 2 for $11, or admission for 4 for $20.

5 Weekday Recipes I'm Trying

I have some go-to recipes, but lately I am looking for more slowcooker options, so I can spend more time overseeing homework and less time in front of the stove.

We are also watching carbs, but you can easily add rice or potatoes, to finish off the meal. We normally enjoy a fresh garden salad with dinner.

Here's what I'm going to cook this week:

Monday: Easy Low Carb Italian Wedding Soup

Tuesday: Slowcooker Lemon Pepper Chicken

Wednesday: Turkey Picata (not a slowcooker recipe; trying to mix it up a little)

Thursday: Easy Tilapia with wine and tomatoes (again, not slowcooker, but looks fast!)

Friday: Savory Sage Vegetable and Sausage Soup

5 Days of Weekend Fun

Where did the weekend go?

Thankfully, there are plenty of weekday activities to look forward to:

Monday: Toddler Trek "Going Nuts" at the Great Swamp in Chatham from 10am-11am
Tuesday: Lunchbox Ideas at ShopRite of Wharton from 11am-2pm. Demonstrations of how to create a healthy lunch to go for your kids.
Wednesday: Mechanical crafts at Historic Speedwell in Morristown from 2pm-4pm.
Thursday: Kitchen, garden and handiwork from the olden days at Fosterfields in Morristown from 3pm-4:30pm.
Friday: Free Starbucks for Moms at Kidnetic from 9:30am-12pm, with paid child admission.

There are many more activities this coming week. Check out the calendar page. Be sure to double-check prices and availability with the events themselves, before hitting the road.

Today! Mommy & Me Cooking Class at ShopRite of Parsippany

Today from 1:45pm-2:45pm ShopRite of Parsippany is having a Mommy & Me Cooking program, which will be conducted by their in-house dietician, Tara. 

This is for children ages 3, 4 and 5.

The class is limited, so call ahead to see if there is still availability. The cost is $10 and you can 973.335.2625 for registration and details.

Morristown Mayo Community Theatre Upcoming Kids Shows

	Angelina Ballerina Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Young Angelina sets out to be to be the star dancer she's always dreamed of becoming in this musical based on the popular books and TV series. Ages 4-10
	Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Dan Zanes creates irresistible grooves from exuberant traditional songs and smart, inventive originals that make for an all-ages dance party. Elizabeth Mitchell delivers homespun renditions of great songs by everyone from Woody Guthrie to Bob Marley that transfix both children and parents. Ages 3 and up
	Fancy Nancy: The Musical Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 When it comes to being fancy, Nancy believes more is better. From her tiara to her sparkly shoes, she's out to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy. Ages 4-12
	Pinkalicious Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 A girl finds herself in a colorful predicament after her indulgence in too many pink cupcakes causes a severe case of Pinkititis! Ages 4-12
	The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 4 pm Tickets: $12  Follow the wonderful adventures of a tiny caterpillar as he progresses to a butterfly in this delightful tale based on the book by Eric Carle. Plus other tales, including "Little Cloud" and "The Mixed-up Chameleon." Grades K-3: Literature, relationships Ages 5 and up
	Are You My Mother? Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 4 pm Tickets: $12  Baby Bird emerges from her shell alone and embarks on a whimsical adventure to find her mother in this musical based on the popular book. Grades K-3: Curriculum: Literature, Values, Family Relationships Ages 3-8
	Erth: Dinosaur Zoo Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Take a journey back to prehistoric times and meet an amazing selection of dinosaurs that come alive through incredible puppetry as children get to interact with these marvelous creatures in an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience. Grades 2-8: Curriculum: Science, biology Ages 5 and up
	The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and The Hare Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Lightwire Theater uses dazzling visuals, black light effects, music and choreography to literally bring these two classic children's tales into a new and brilliant light. Ages 4-8
	Sid the Science Kid – Live Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm Tickets: $15-30 As seen on PBS Kids! Join Sid and his friends as they discover the excitement and curiosities of the world with you! With mysteries to explain and wonders to discover, Sid and his friends set off on a fun-filled day of excitement and adventure, asking curious questions and finding cool answers. Ages 2-6
	New Jersey Ballet: Cinderella Sunday, Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $15-20 The classic fairy tale comes to life with lavish sets and costumes, performed with New Jersey Ballet's original "storyteller" narration so little children follow the story. Ages 4 and up

Go to the Mayo Center website for tickets.

Family-friendly Groupons In & Around Morris County, NJ

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes: 51% off tickets were $75, now $37.
• ImagineThat! Children's Museum in Florham Park: 50% off, now $11 admission for 2, or $20 admission for 4.
• PowerPlay Gaming in Denville: Lasertag, Splash, or Airbrush Tattoo Parties starting at $69.
• The Melting Pot, Whippany: 50% off, makes dinner for 2 $47.50 or dinner for 4 $95. Includes salad, cheese fondue and assorted entrees.

Sunday Activities for Families & Kids

There are a number of activities to participate in on Sunday and you can check them all out, along with details regarding the posts below, on my calendar page.

Here are the highlights:

Sunday
1pm-3pm: Beets Me! Cooking demonstration at Frelinghuysen Arbortetum.
1pm-3pm: Stitch & Sew, sewing demonstration at Fosterfields Farm in Morristown showing handiwork of the 20th century.
1pm-2pm: Swampy Summer Sights family hike at the Great Swamp to look at end of summer plants & animals.

Thursday - 3 Free Activities for Thursday

Some fun family-oriented freebies:

Thursday, September 12

1. 4pm-5pm: Free crafting at Whole Foods in Madison.
2. 5pm-8pm: "Pay as you wish" admission at the Morris Museum (every 2nd & 3rd Thurs. of each month).
3. 7:30pm: Free concert in Parsippany - The Bronx Wanderers at Veterans Memorial Field.

Free At-Home Daily Curriculum for Preschoolers

Since my big girl is in Kindergarten these days, my 2-year-old misses her best buddy, and insists she wants to go to school.

She is pretty good at counting, likes to sing the alphabet, and knows her colors. I was wondering how I could go about teaching her, in a way that is interesting and not-too-much, but also follows a logical pattern.

After some googling, I found a website that offers free daily lesson plans that are simple and reasonable. I'm going to give it a shot.

Day 1 starts with "A," just as it should. The site introduces the topic with a link to the Starfall site (highly recommended by my older daughter's PreK teacher), where you view the letter. Then, there's a link to Google's "Safe Search" - where you view images of the letter A in different typefonts.  Then, you do an exercise where you color in an Alligator and do a little exercise with it.

I'm going to start tomorrow, but thought it was a site worth sharing, for those who have little ones at home, like me.

New Fall Kids Programs at the Morris County Library

Another great lineup from the Morris County, library!

Infant and Toddler Storytime-Birth to 2 years
Fridays, September 6 and 27, October 11, November 1 and 22, December 6 and 20
10:00 AM
No registration required

Preschool Story Time Ages-2-5
Tuesdays, September 24 - October 29, 10:00 AM Or Thursdays, September 26 - October 31, 10:00 AM
Registration required.

Music with Mr. Darren Ages-2-5
Tuesdays, September 24- October 29
10:30 AM-11:00 AM
Registration required.

Preschool Afternoon Stories-Ages 2-5
Tuesdays, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10
2:00-2:30 PM
No registration required

Family Story Time-All Ages
Saturdays, September 7 & 28, October 12 & 26, November 9, December 7
2:30-3:00 PM
Registration required.

Family Story Crafts- Ages 3 and Up
Saturdays, September 7 & 28, October 12 & 26, November 9, December 7 3:00-3:30 PM
Registration required.

Craft Nights-Ages 5 and up 
Tuesdays, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17, 7:00-7:30 PM
Registration required.

Night Time Rhyme Time-All Ages
Mondays, September 16 & 30, October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 9 6:30-7:00 PM
Registration required.

Paws For Reading-Grades 1-7
Mondays, September 23, October 28, November 25, December 16 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Registration required.

Writing Workshop- Grades 4-6
Saturdays, September 21, October 5 and 19, November 2 and 16, December 14 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Registration required.

Here is the full flyer from the Morris County Library.

Free Home Delivery or Pickup At ShopRite: Must order by end of day Monday!

• Order $150 worth of groceries via ShopRite from Home - find your local one here.
  
• Pay $10 for Pickup - you park in an assigned parking spot, hand them your payment, plus any coupons and they load up your car.
  
• Pay $6.95 (plus the $10), if you would like it delivered directly to your home.
  
• Use coupon code SCHOOL13.
  
• Delivery is valid until Saturday, but you have to order by the end of the day on Monday, September 9.

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3 Groupons for Kids & Families In & Around Morris County

Sesame Street Live on September 21 @ Pru Center for 50% off, now $16.50
ImagineThat! Kids Museum in Florham Park 50% off, now $11 for admission for 2, $20 for admission for 4
Planet Swirl, Whippany (frozen yogurt bar), $85 birthday package for 10 kids (includes goody bags)

Make Sunday a Fun Day: 4 Great Things to Do

10am - 5pm: New Providence Street Fair
Kiddie rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, balloons and a clown performer
11:30am - 8pm: River Jam in Boonton at Grace Lord Park
Live acoustic music for families & children,food vendors, crafters, a beer and wine tent
12pm - 5pm: 1920s Country Fair at Fosterfields Farm in Morristown
Farm animals, wagon rides, music, exhibits, old-fashioned games, antique car rides, food vendors, sheep dog herding
7pm - 8:30pm: 9/11 Remembrance Service in Parsippany
Bring lawn chairs and listen to a ceremony in remembrance of 9/11.

Check out the calendar for full details.

Monarch Festival Today in Boonton! Great for kids.

Visit Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area onSaturday, September 7 to wish the Monarch butterflies well on their southbound journey. The annual Meet a Monarch Festival, from 12 Noon to 4 p.m., takes place during the Monarch’s peak migration time in New Jersey. Take a guided ‘Bug Safari,’ and venture through the butterfly garden. Meet live monarchs, from egg to adult, as well as the many other creatures that depend on milkweed. Feel the thrill of witnessing the tagging and exciting release of live Monarch butterflies. Travel through the lifecycle stations and experience Monarch metamorphosis firsthand. Try butterfly origami, and listen to live music and stories as you celebrate the life and legacy of these amazing animals. Native plants and seeds, as well as guides to New Jersey’s butterflies are available for purchase. All ages are welcome. The entrance fee is $4 per adult, and $3 per child ages 2 - 10. Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is located at 472 Boonton Ave, Boonton, NJ 07005. For more information, please call 973.334.3130 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

Review: Great experience at local veterinarian

When a pet is sick, sometimes information comes in the form of subtleties, not symptoms.

On Monday, my 9-year-old rescued Siberian Husky, Teddy, started peeing in the house. At first, I thought it was more of my 2-year-old toddler’s shenanigans, a pool of spilled water on her bedroom floor looked like her typical tea party gone bad. I cleaned it up and noticed the white paper towels had a slight discoloration, paused for a moment and gave our finicky orange cat a sidelong glance, then submitted it to a sniff test, and was grateful the unmistakable smell of ammonia didn’t assault me. I thought nothing of it.

On Tuesday evening after my girls and husband had gone to bed, the house was blessedly quiet, and I was web surfing. I heard the sound in the hallway of rustling and dripping. I got up and saw Teddy. He eyed me unabashedly, as a dark spot spread beneath him, onto my mocha rug. He wanted to go out that night and refused to come inside until morning. This was all so unlike him.

In the morning I called around to several vets, hoping to find someone with an evening appointment that same day. Morris Hills Veterinary Clinic was the most accommodating, offering a same day appointment.

My husband took Teddy to the vet around dinnertime. As I cooked, the phone rang and my husband asked me to send over a recent lab report from our last vet regarding a tumor that Teddy had been recently removed from Teddy’s hind leg. I asked if I could read the report to the vet over the phone rather than abandon the chicken cutlets sizzling on the stove, and overseeing our two little girls. Dr. Larry Hirshenson got right on the phone, and I read the main parts of the lab report to him. Afterwards, I told him that to me, Teddy seemed lethargic, and that his peeing did not seem behavioral, it seemed trance-like and unintentional. I appreciated the doctor’s unhurried, and concerned manner on the phone.

My husband came home after the appointment with Dr. Hirshenson and said simply, “I like him,” then delivered the worrying news. The doctor had looked under the microscope and had seen a plethora of white blood cells, but no bacteria, and was sending the sample to an outside lab for detailed analysis. Knowing Teddy’s age, he mentioned cancer as a possibility. My husband and I were stunned—scared at the implications of possibly losing our sweet pet, and the potential cost of further testing or treatment.

Just two days later we had a phone message directly from Dr. Hirshenson. I called back quickly and the veterinarian was kind, unpatronizing and realistic. He told me that Teddy looked as young as a 4-year-old dog, and that he was hopeful that the preemptive strike of antibiotics he’d given us at the first appointment would knock out whatever bacteria was bothering Teddy. He also warned that should the treatment not work, he would suggest an ultrasound to get a view of what was really going on inside. I asked some questions as to the efficacy of the antibiotic, in the face of what could be a “very bad infection,” and he assured me the drug was the right one and could treat urinary tract or kidney infections. I asked several more questions, and each was thoughtfully responded to, and treated with compassion and professionalism.

My husband and I were completely satisfied with Dr. Hirshenson’s service, and would recommend him to anyone.