Moms Rock Nominees!

Thank you all again for submitting the Rockin’ Moms in your life.. After reading and re-reading the stories, we’ve narrowed the selection down to these 5 Amazing Women! Take a moment to read their stories then follow the link at the bottom of the post to cast your Vote for one of them to have a chance to win some fabulous prizes at Moms Rock 2017 on March 9th!

Bethany Beverly:

Bethany Beverly is an AMAZING wife and mom. She has a 2 year old daughter and one baby on the way! (Due in September) Bethany is an amazing homemaker and a great supporter of her husband. Her husband is a High School Athletic Director and Football Coach. She makes it a mission to support him in all of his endeavors. She supports all of his student-athletes by attending as many games as she can and by immersing herself in the community that he serves. She is a Godly wife and mom in every sense of the word. She loves and cares for her family and rarely has any time for herself but never lets that take the smile off of her face. She is dedicated to taking care of her family and willing to sacrifice time and energy to make sure her husband and children are taken care of and she does an amazing job at being the best she can be at the toughest job on the planet. Bethany Rocks for sure!
Nominated by: Jonathon Beverly

Marie Bateh:

Marie is a mother of 5 girls, grades 7 and below, which alone would keep anyone busy enough. However one of her girls was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the age of two. That daughter Sarah Katherine, better know as Suki, was the reason Marie started the Suki Foundation. This amazing organization run by Marie and her Husband raised $500,000 to create the first endowed professorship for Rett syndrome at UAB. These funds have been matched by Children’s and UAB to support the future holder of this new position. Marie still finds time to host a bible study weekly at her home, carpool all 5 of her girls to sports and school activities as well as getting Suki to her various therapies. Marie is truly and inspiration to all mothers and I think you don’t have to look far to see that she pretty much “rocks” the title of Mom in a way that no other person I know does.
Nominated by Amy Johnson

Stephanie Jordan:

WARNING: This will not be your typical nomination…

Let’s just start with the basics: Stephanie is not your average mom… not even above average or even an extraordinary mom. She’s simply off the chart when it comes to being not only a mom, but also an extraordinary person.

Stephanie is in her forties, WIDOWED w/FIVE kids 4-16 (her husband Jay passed away two years ago from a massive heart attack.) She opened her own hair salon in Homewood (Beauty for Ashes Salon and Color Bar in SoHo) two years before Jay died. So when you meet Stephanie (and you WILL want to meet her!) she may have turquoise, pink, or purple hair – don’t be shocked. That’s just the beginning of your relationship with a woman who will shake you up a bit. She has a lip ring and a few other piercings that I don’t even notice anymore. She’s a whirlwind of life.

Stephanie is an author. “A Dose of Reality” was published a few years ago. She has the wisdom of a 90 year old woman and shares it eloquently with the reader. In essence, “As mothers, we are the emotional foundation of family and it is imperative that we seek God’s face to guide us”. This isn’t a traditional feel good, self help read to say the least! You’ll want to read every word and let it fester inside your brain until you feel worthy of sharing her knowledge, wisdom and deep faith.

Volunteer? Yes, Stephanie is constantly not just volunteering, but spearheading mission projects for which she is passionate. Her latest mission is to provide backpacks/duffel bags for foster kids moving from one place to another…

So let’s review Stephanie Jordan with some adjectives:
Passionate, Restored, Complex, Articulate (written & spoken) Vilgilant, Abundant, Assertive, Sensitive
Hardcore (and that’s just the beginning… )

I can’t wait for you to meet Stephanie Jordan!!!

P.S.
Did I mention she homeschools her kids? YES!!!
Nominated by Dee Tipps

Taylor Wyatt:

Taylor will be one of the Mom’s nominated that would stand out and be a great representation of what a “Supermom” is. Although she may be young, she is a tech finance, retail mogul here in Birmingham and has been on many Birmingham Business Journals “Top under 30, 40, etc” along with articles on her own business adventures. However, she’s also a mother to a wonderful two year old son named Greyson, who I honestly can’t explain how with everything she does in business, still has time to be an amazing mother. She’s my best friend and I admire her for everything she has accomplished in life so far, but this time, instead of being admired for her business world, she needs to be admired by being also a rock star super Mom, which we all know is sometimes harder than a business meeting.
Nominated by: Christy Turnipseed

Beth Hill:

Beth is a phenomenal mom, wife, and friend. She homeschools three rockin handsome boys and runs her own business, Sacred Refuge Designs. A few years ago, a rare brain tumor was found and she had invasive surgery to remove it. The surgery was successful, but left her with partial hearing and a few other related issues. Despite this major life event, she has never stopped loving on others. She founded a facebook group called Faithful Moms in 2012 and uses that platform to encourage moms in the North Jefferson area. Emotional support, honest life conversations, play dates, welcoming new moms to the area, personal challenges, group consignment sales, and moms night outs are just a few of the ways Beth has supported the 200+ group members. Beth also frequently coordinates efforts to support local families who experience loss, financial instability, and other needs. She started a monthly Lego Club at a local church and also teaches in her weekly homeschool co-op. Beth runs her business side-by-side with her husband, designing and building beautiful things together. Their success is a testament to their sweet and honest relationship. We met at church and I’ve known her for over ten years and she is is a jewel in my life. Beth is a blessing to all who know her!
Nominated By: Kristel Brewis

CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE

Voting will close at Noon, Thursday March 9th. Winner will be announced at Moms Rock 2017

 

33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Put on some green and head out to The 33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade presented by REV Birmingham and Five Points South, led by the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band on Saturday March 11, 2017 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.

Come early or stay after the parade on Saturday to grab some lunch, dinner or a drink from any of the participating merchants who will be offering Irish food and drink specials ALL day from 11am to 11pm.

While getting into the Irish spirit, grab a great spot to watch the parade with the family or visit one of the many indoor music venues.

Line-up starts at 11am –  2000 9th Avenue South (Southern Research Institute Parking Lot)

St Patricks Day Parade Route

 

Stop by the Lucky Zone at Chick Fil A from 11am – 3pm

  • Irish Kids Dancing from 11:30am to 12:30pm
  • Bounce House from Space Walk of Birmingham
  • Face Painting from Magic City Face Art
  • Explore the Fire Truck and crew
  • See the Birmingham Police Department horses
  • Meet the Chick-fil-A Cow
  • V from Vulcan will arrive after the parade

Birmingham Area Spring Break Camps 2017

Spring Break for Birmingham is just around the corner! Can you believe how quickly this year is going by? It’s Christmas one minute and then the next thing you know know its February and spring break planning is in full swing!

Registering early will help guarantee your child a spot so you don’t have to worry about last minute arrangements. Take the time and head on over to the camp sponsors websites and make sure you find the best fit for your child.

Spring Break Camps for Birmingham 2017

Birmingham Zoo Freestylin’ Camp

Dates: March 27-31, 2017

Time: 8:30-3:30

Prices: Members: $50 Per Day   non-Members: $60 Per Day

Lunch and snacks are included in the registration fee.

Early Care: $4 Per Day

7:30 am – 8:15 am

Extended Care: $8 Per Day

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Freestylin’ is a new way to do Zoo Camp! Campers will have the freedom choose their activities throughout the day. A few options might include Zoo hikes, games, ride the train, carousel or slide, create crazy crafts, see an animal show or relax and watch a movie! Freestylin’ is designed for your camper by your camper.

As an added benefit to Spring Break fun at the Birmingham Zoo – The all new Jaguar Exhibit will be opening and you’ll be able to meet Khan, our new Jaguar!

Need Assistance?

Call 205.397.3877 or email education@birminghamzoo.com
Visit their site to register!

Gross Out Camp – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

WHAT IS GROSS? To many is means very obvious, glaring, unconcealed.
WHAT IS CAMP? A gathering of children in a woody place with hiking, swimming, crafts, nature studies, and outdoor games.

WHAT IS GROSS OUT CAMP? MUDDY, SLIMY, SMELLY, WET, STINKY, SWEATY, TIRED, DIRTY, HAPPY, EXCITED, ENGAGED, AMAZED…AND THAT’S JUST THE CAMPERS!

Fresh Air Family is offering their award winning Gross Out Day Camp in the Birmingham area. Expert naturalists will lead students in the great outdoors to explore the best, worst, and the grossest nature has to offer! Activities include hikes, creek stomping, crafts, journaling, and live animals!Location: Ruffner Mountain
Grades: Entering 1-4
Dates: March 27-31
Time: 9-5p.m.

Cost: $200 per week for members, $225 for non-members
Camp will be held from 9am-5pm. Also, there is before and after care from 8am until 6pm for $25.
Please bring your own lunch, snack and water bottle.

To register, please email tsteele@freshairfamily.org
www.FreshAirFamily.org
(205) 777.7446

Kid’s Nature Photography Camp- Oak Mountain State Park

Dates: March 28th-30th, 2017

Time: 8:30AM to 3:30PM

Fee: $75 per participant

Children 12 and up. This is a registration only event.  For more details or registration Contact Emily at 205-620-2520 or email oakmountain.naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov

Mason Music Spring Break Music Camp for Beginners (ages 6-9) 

Dates: March 27th-31st

Time: Cahaba Heights Studio 9:00AM to 12:00PM and Greystone Studio 1:00PM to 4:00PM

Fee: $175

For students who have little or no experience with music and may be wondering which instrument is right for them, Mason Music offers a half-day music camp the week of Spring Break that teaches students the basics of how to sing and play the guitar, piano, drums and violin. Register by March 17, 2017.

Spring Break Ice Skating Camp – Pelham Civic Complex

Basic Ice Skating Skills Camp
March 28th – March 30th
8am – 1pm
Ages 5-12
$120.00

Moana Themed Camp features 9 hours of instruction time, 2 1/2 hours of arts and crafts, snack and lots of fun!
Lunch can be provided for an extra $5.00 per day
Call: 205-620-6448 to Register

Spring Break Blast – Red Mountain Theatre Company

Students learn a repertoire of musical theatre songs and dances during a week-long workshop, culminating in a performance for family and friends. This opportunity is open (non auditioned) to interested students ages 7-12.

For more information or to register.. Visit their site

 

Family Camp-Out Night at Railroad Park

Join Railroad Park as they offer families the opportunity to pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars on Birmingham’s front lawn! This urban camping experience welcomes children and their families the chance to encounter nature through an interactive, educational setting. You’ll get to: sharpen your navigation skills with an orienteering lesson, discover birds native to Alabama, learn tips for town or open country camping, and as the city lights go down, you’ll learn how to locate The Big Dipper. Come make lasting memories that you can carry on to other camping and outdoor experiences.

To create a family campground atmosphere, this particular event is open only to families with children. While children of all ages are welcome, this event has activities specifically designed for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. We hope to have similar events in the future that will be open to other groups.

For a complete event overview, mail‐in registration and payment forms with recommended supply list please click here. Please review the recommended supply list and the complete list of Railroad Park rules found on railroadpark.org. Register today to secure your family’s place at Railroad Park’s Second Annual Publix Presents Family Camp-Out Night!

Bring your tent and your family, and we’ll take care of the rest. Our sponsor Publix is bringing dinner and breakfast!

Saturday, March 11th –
Sunday, March 12th –

Rain Out Date: March 18–19
Member Only Pre‐Sale: Friday, February 17 – Sunday, February 19 — $40 per child and $20 per parent/guardian.
Early Bird Registration: Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24 — $40 per child and $20 per parent/guardian.
Regular Registration: February 25 – March 3 — $55 per child and $35 per parent/guardian.

CLICK HERE for more information or to purchase tickets

Schedule of events:

Saturday, March 11, 2017

3:30 pm ‐ 4:25 pm: Check-in
4:30 pm: Car Camping vs. Open Country Camping Demo and Lesson
5:00 pm: “What’s the Bug Deal?” Lesson
5:30 pm: Orienteering Lesson
6:45 pm: Dinner
7:40 pm: “Camp Cooking Tips and Tricks” Lesson
8:10 pm: “Top 10 Items for Safe Camping” Lesson
8:40 pm: Astronomy Lesson
9:30 pm: Read‐Along

Sunday, March 12, 2017

6:45 am: Light Breakfast
7:00 am: Interactive Bird Watching Walk
7:15 am ‐ 8:00 am: Check-out

Cancellations/Changes and Refunds: In the event of cancellation or change, fees are non-refundable. All changes will be posted on the Railroad Park website and social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

King Cake Made Easy

Celebrating Mardi Gras is fun, even if you can’t road trip it down to New Orleans or Mobile! Here’s a way to celebrate with your own homemade King Cake that is super easy and super yummy too!

What You Need:

1 (13.9-ounce) can bread sticks
1 (1-inch) heat proof plastic baby
1 (12-ounce) can whipped cream cheese frosting
1/4 cup heavy cream
Green sanding sugar
Purple sanding sugar
Gold (yellow) sanding sugar
What You’ll Do:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Open bread sticks. Press together the ends of 2 of the sticks to make 1 long stick. Repeat with the remaining bread sticks giving you 6 long sticks. Taking 3 at a time, loosely braid together. Repeat with remaining dough. Pinch the braids together end to end.

Leaving a 3-inch hole in the middle, loosely coil braids around one another on prepared baking sheet. Press ends together.

Bake in preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes or until completely golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely. Carefully insert the baby into the cake in between the seams of the braid.

In a medium pot combine the cream cheese frosting and heavy cream. Heat over low heat until warm and smooth, stirring constantly. Pour glaze over cake and sprinkle with sanding sugars.

Make sure to check out the Mardi Gras Parade happening at Homewood Central Park, put on by the MOMs Club of Birmingham, February 28th at 4pm!

McWane After Dark: Speakeasy Science

Join us for McWane After Dark: Speakeasy Science on March 10th! McWane After Dark is a new series of themed evenings exclusively for adults ages 21+. These events will be combining unique themes, live performances, activities and bar service—all with a splash of science.

Speakeasy Science will take you back to the Roaring 20s with live music, beer tastings from local breweries, swing dance lessons, a Gatsby-style costume contest, and more! Challenge your friends in some speakeasy science games, vote for your favorite beer, and enjoy cash bars while exploring the Adventure Halls. Tickets are $20 and available at this link or by calling 205-714-8414.

BREWERIES

Avondale Brewing Company
Good People Brewing Company
Trim Tab
Ghost Train
Red Hills
Cahaba Brewing Company

MUSICAL GUEST

Artist info forthcoming from Birmingham Mountain Radio

ACTIVITIES

Speakeasy Science | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM |
Swing Dance Lessons from Steel City Swing | 8:00 PM-9:00 PM | Event Center
Costume Contest | 9:15 PM-9:30 PM | Event Center
Band | 9:30 PM-10:30 PM | Event Center
Photo Booth | All night | Level 1
Cantina Food Truck | All night | Plaza

Signature Drink by Cathead Vodka

Chili Cook Off Benefiting The Exceptional Foundation

This is a fun, quirky, outdoor party offering good food, drink and friends at a “come as you are” event.  This event has developed a loyal following across a diverse audience base.  There seems to be an engaging atmosphere that you can’t quite put your finger on — a unique camaraderie exists amid the tongue in cheek, yet somehow serious, competition between teams who vie for the judges’ and public’s approval in hopes of taking home a trophy for their particular chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the more than 10,000 attendees from across the Birmingham area wander amid decorated booths enjoying Good People beer, tasting chili and listening to live music at one of the year’s first outdoor events.

The Exceptional Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is where individuals with special needs enjoy social and recreational activities when at age 21 they can no longer find opportunities for social interaction within the school system and for school-age individuals during after school and summer hours. Proceeds from fundraising efforts provide three-fourths of the funds needed to ensure that The Exceptional Foundation participants are able to gather daily for social activities, take field trips and compete in sports.

Tickets can be purchased on the website or at The Exceptional Foundation location prior to the event for a $10 donation per ticket. The day of the event, tickets can be bought at the entrance for a $15 donation per ticket. Children 12 and under are FREE.

Saturday, March 4, 10:30 am – 3 pm
Brookwood Mall

Tooth Decay and Kids, What You Should Know

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, teachers and of course, parents.

Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

  • About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
  • 1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
  • The percentage of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years with untreated tooth decay is twice as high for those from low-income families (25%) compared with children from higher-income households (11%).

The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Starting your child off with good dental care and developing good habits at a young age along with regular dental visits will help children to have lifelong healthy teeth and gums. Follow these tips:

Don’t wait to visit the dentist.

Most kids (and adults) need a dental checkup and cleaning every six months, and they should start early: The AAPD, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Dental Association (ADA) all recommend taking your child to the dentist by his first birthday.

Avoid sharing spoons.

Even before teeth emerge, cavity-causing bacteria called Streptococcus mutans can colonize the furrows of a baby’s tongue—and saliva-sharing behaviors, like cleaning a pacifier with your mouth or using the same utensils, can spread the bacteria from your mouth to your child’s.

Use the right toothpaste.

There’s no need to buy non-fluoridated “training toothpaste” for your little one: ADA guidelines now recommend that parents use fluoride toothpaste as soon as a baby gets his first tooth. Fluoride toothpaste can help remineralize areas of teeth that have been made weaker and susceptible to decay by bacterial acids.

Give plaque the brush-off.

Once your child gets his first tooth, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily for 2 minutes or as needed, with the goal of removing plaque (a sticky film containing millions of bacteria) from each tooth.

Snack smart.

Bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid waste, which erodes the tooth to create a cavity—so one of the best ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy is to limit his intake of sugary foods and drinks.

 

Sandestin Announces Focus On Family Fun for Spring Break

Spring Break is Coming!! If you’re thinking about hitting the road soaking up the sun and sticking your feet in some sand.. Check out what our friends at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort have to offer families this spring break!

Complimentary daily activities, weekly events and friendly competitions are part of a new family-focused programming initiative for 2017 spring break announced by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The resort’s plans will span a five-week period coinciding with spring breaks throughout the Southeast from March 11 through April 10.

“We wanted to take a more positive and family-friendly approach to spring break and inform potential visitors that Sandestin and South Walton are great places to have a wholesome and fun spring vacation,” said Robert Kallmeyer, resort director of operations. “Every day, the resort will have significant programming with the majority of it being absolutely free. Plus, the Village will offer nightly events they typically offer in the summer and other select times of the year. Sandestin is the place to be for family spring break vacations in 2017.”

Some of the weekly free resort guest activities at the 2,400-acre resort will include: beach yoga, daily ice cream social, putt putt challenges, sand castle building, magic shows, beach volleyball tournaments, family cooking classes, family fishing tournaments, putt putt challenges, pick-up basketball games, Live Music Fridays and more. The guest favorite event for purchase will include the weekly Tuesday night Luaus. Two brand new events the Sandestin activities team is adding to this year’s lineup are Legendary Street Soccer and Doll Fashion Show Contests.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf will offer nightly events for spring break March 19 through April 6 including: Sunday Night Cinema, Hydroflight Mondays, Boomin’ Tuesdays with fireworks over the bay, Wednesday Night Concerts and Magical Thursdays.

Visitors can plan their 2017 Spring Break now and receive a free night with the purchase of three or more nights. For more information, go to Sandestin.com/SB2017 or call 855.902.2745. Use promo code: SPRING. Offer is good for travel from March 3-May 25, 2017.

2017 Moms Rock Nominations

momsrocknomgraphicNominations are officially open for Moms Rock 2017 presented by:

Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s Health System and Royal Cup Coffee and Tea.

Do you know a mom who manages to make “mommy” look like a verb?  We’re not looking for the “perfect” moms, we’re looking for the ones who love their families and make mommying fun.  We want the women who manage to keep their life balanced, all while putting their kiddos first.  Face it, the moms who rock are everywhere… they’re at the grocery store in sweats, they’re at work in a business suit, they are donating their time to local charities, driving carpool and rockin’ the PTA with baked goods, they’re all around you!

We want you to nominate your friends or loved ones who are a “Birmingham Mom who ROCKS!”  5 finalists will be chosen by panel for the chance to win some fabulous prizes including a trip to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, some fancy shades from Schaeffer Eye Center and other great swag!

This will be an exciting and fun night out with live music by Justin Gannon, food, prizes, swag bags, and of course some Rockin’ cocktails! It’s sure to be a great night of fun for you and your Mommy Friends! Make plans to join us that night and find out who will be Birmingham’s Most Rockin’ Mom.

Thursday, March 9th
Cantina PepperPlace
6:00pm – 9:00pm
RSVP HERE

Use the form below to nominate and tell us about your Rockin’ Mom! We will accept nominations until February 22nd. 5 finalists will be chosen from the nominees and the winner will be selected via reader voting.  A grand prize will be awarded to the winning Mommy at the event on March 9th.

2018 Moms Rock Nominations

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

*Nominees from last years event are eligible for nomination again this year, the winner from last year’s event is not. Nominees must be able to attend the event on the 9th in order to be considered as a finalist.

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A portion of this years proceeds will benefit Girls Rock Birmingham

 

 

 

Thank You to this year’s Sponsors!

momsrocksponsorgraphc