Storytime at Sassafras - for those who love children's books, this is for you.

I'm very excited about my first-ever Storytime hour at Sassafras Restaurant next month, October 17th at 4pm.

I will read from the Barefoot Books collection, two of which are Driving My Tractor and The Beeman. Barefoot Books books are fun, colorful and interactive. I'll have puppets along with me and children will have a chance to do a craft as well. I am happy to have this opportunity to share these beautiful books to the community.

Sassafras will have their delicious ice cream to serve as a treat afterwards. For $2.49, kids will be able to make their own Mr. Sassafras (an ice cream clown). There is no charge for the storytime or craft. A nominal donation is suggested, but not required.

I will have many of the Barefoot Books on display for parents to view and purchase. The holidays are coming and now is the time to stock up on some of those gifts. Grandparents are especially interested because books are the gift that keeps on giving time and again.

Jones Farm News | CT Best Preview Weekend Sept 25 & 26 | Jones Family Farms | Shelton, CT

Jones Farm News CT Best Preview Weekend Sept 25 & 26 Jones Family Farms Shelton, CT

If you didn't make it to strawberry or blueberry picking, the farmer's market or any Harvest Kitchen classes this past summer, you MUST stop by Jones' Family Farm during the fall season! Though the leaves on the trees might not be quite as colorful as they were last year, it's still a beautiful time of year to visit the farm and Pumpkinseed Hill. Kids will love picking their own pumpkins and visiting the new resident piggies!

This weekend, they will be hosting a special preview with demonstrations and local merchants available to sell their products. Bring your family and friends for a day that is sure to be great fun for all!

Family Friendly Restaurant in the heart of Huntington

Looking for a local place to eat out and is still kid-friendly? Look no further than Sassafras Diner! The atmosphere is casual, the food is down-right delicious and the owners and staff are friendly. What else can you ask for? Well, how about their very  own ice cream parlor! Kids and adults alike can choose to get a cone or full-fledged sundae with over 15 flavors of ice cream to choose from!

Now, if that doesn't entice you, the food certainly will! Is breakfast your thing? How about trying their famous Belgian Waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream. More of a lunch eater? You won't be disappointed with any of their special sandwich melts or soups. Too tired to cook dinner? Stop in for one of their hot meals like Yankee Pot Roast or Battered Fish & Chips.

The restaurant recently underwent a few changes with newly painted walls and shelving that just adds to that "homey" touch. Jean Poniros, the owner, always decorates it for the season, too. Right now, she has it all decked out for Halloween and Fall.

They have a new website and are running a "Dinner for Two" drawing every month. Add your name to their email list and you are entered for a chance to win. Just recently, a couple celebrating their 68 years of marriage won the dinner giveaway! Now that's a celebration!

Stop in to Sassafras. Not only will you get great service and food, you will be supporting local business.

And so it begins...

Two weeks into school and the craziness has already begun. I thought that after a busy summer, things would somewhat slow down and be back to a "normal" routine. Hmp! How foolish of me! My son is in Kindergarten at a new school, and my daughter attends preschool 3 days a week. We just started fall sports and activities again and my head is spinning!

Last week was a killer. My calendar was completely full with activities, meetings and events, both day and night, including a wedding, birthday party and vendor fair. I kept saying, "just wait until Sunday night...just wait 'till Sunday...."

I kept looking forward to this week because I knew that my schedule was lighter.  Yet, somehow, I have already found a way to fill in those little gaps of time with whatever seems to suit my fancy. I should know better. It's inevitable. I cannot sit still for long. I like to get involved. I like to help. I want to be part of something more than my normal day-to-day existence.

Thus, my dilemna of a messy house, a disorganized desk and a frustrated husband who wonders why he doesn't have black socks for work the next morning. Hey, the kids are fed and bathed...doesn't that count?

What I really need is BALANCE. I've been praying for balance and peace for quite a while.  They say you need to be careful for what you ask for....when I ask for balance, I am given a million things to juggle. If I ask for peace, I am given a home filled with chaos. And PATIENCE. That's a big one. When I ask for patience, my day is full of challenges that threaten the very patience I so strongly seek.

So, at this time, I surrender and simply pray. God, you know my prayers. You understand who I am. Help me to learn accept how I should live my day while providing for my family. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Children are like Balloons

My son's first day of Kindergarten was on Monday, August 30th. This was a huge milestone and I must say I'm very proud of my little man! No tears...only smiles...from both of us! I suppose I wasn't feeling as sad this time around because he has been so excited this month to go to his new school and ride the bus.

He's never really had any reservations about leaving me to explore new surroundings and make new friends. He reminds me of when I was a child...ready to take on the world with no fear...just sheer enthusiasm.

Of course, I want the best for him and I give him as much encouragement as I can every day. I tell him how proud I am of him, being brave taking the bus alone (he was quick to point out that he has his buddy on the bus that he sits with each day, so he's not totally alone!) Maybe I'm doing some things right. Or maybe it's all him. Either way, I can't help but feel proud and smile.

As I was surfing the net tonight, I came across a poem that it so suiting to this week, for many parents whose children are experiencing their first days of a new school, new experience, new friends. I hope this brings inspiration and a sense of peace. I think I'll go buy a balloon to welcome my boy home tomorrow!

Children Are Like Balloons
By Dan Gauthier

Children are like balloons with a message inside. They start out small and we inflate them with something of ourselves. As we pour our lives into them,
they spread sunshine,
give joy,
brighten the days and
cheer up the sick.
They remind us of being young and that life is fragile. They celebrate living.

When discouraged, they are like a balloon that deflates. A simple openness allow us to refill them.
with hope for the future and
feeling that they are special,
and the knowledge that they are loved.

Their enthusiasm is like a balloon carried on the wind with never ending energy.
They sway and drift,
it's then that they need our
prayers and loving guidance,
without to much pressure
that would cause them to burst.

The time comes, sprinkled with tears and
joy, when others are able to read the message we have written on their hearts. So we let go and with faith we let fate guide our precious balloons.

Not the end...but truly the beginning.