What Parents would do with a 1.4 Billion Dollar Lottery Win

Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 by Angie

Ok.. We cannot tell a lie. The urge to drop the kids off at school and make a run to the Georgia state line for a lottery ticket (or 4) has been strong the last couple of days. Someone has to win, right? Can’t win if you don’t get a ticket, right? Even if the odds are never in our favor, it’s fun to dream… So I was talking to a couple of friends and we were thinking about what we would do with our winnings. Wondering also, what would you do, as a parent, with the winnings? (Besides of course putting college money in the bank and setting up a fat savings account… Yawn.)

1. Install fingerprint keypads on my bathroom door.

2. Build the first SUV/Minivan Prototype with Limo Glass.

3. Hire a Chauffeur

4. Hire a Chef

5. Just Hire help in general. (nanny, tutor, personal trainer.. )

6. Build a house with a Children’s Wing.. With a big sign that says “No Toys Beyond this Point”

7. Pay someone to implement all of my Pinterest Boards

8. Vacation. A lot. With kids, without kids, with kids and our new staff…

9. Hire Channing Tatum to sit in my kitchen and ~~let me stare at him~~ talk to me while my chef cooks the family dinner.

So Fess up.. What would you do if you won the lottery to the tune of 1.4 Billion? BILLION. With a B.

Spice up that Hot Cocoa!

Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 by Angie

It’s cold outside.. Really cold! Since we’re all still getting back into the swing of our daily routine, wouldn’t it be a nice treat to have some yummy hot cocoa ready to greet the kiddos when they walk through the door? Try some of these ideas and recipes to spice things up a bit!

Nutella Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Nutella for ‘each cup’ of milk (whole milk tastes best)
Whipped cream or Marshmallows
Optional: Sprinkle of Cinnamon’

Directions:
1. Heat milk in sauce pan or microwave. When hot—stir/whisk in the Nutella until all is combined
2. Pour into cups and top with mini-marshmallows or whipped cream
3. Optional: Sprinkle with a little cinnamon

YUM-O

Rasberry Cocoa

Ingredients:
3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 package unsweetened raspberry-flavored kool-aid mix

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a container that seals/closes tightly.
Shake until well blended.
Stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a mug of hot water.

Store the remainder in an air tight container

Snowy White Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:
1 ½ tablespoons white-chocolate instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
Whipped cream

Directions:
Combine pudding mix and milk in a microwaveable mug.
Heat in the microwave for 60 seconds on high.
Top with whipped cream and/or crushed candy canes, if desired.

If you want to earn some extra cool mom points, try making up some cute “Chocolate Spoons” to go with your cocoa snack.

Ingredients and Supplies:

– spoons, plastic work best
– chocolate chips, regular and mini chips
– marshmallows
– coconut, shredded and sweetened
– peanut butter chips
– butterscotch chips
– crushed candy canes
– wax paper
– plate

Directions:

Heat up your chocolate chips for spoon dipping first. Place a 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Take it out and stir, then continue to heat it for 20 second intervals until melted.
Once your chocolate is melted, dip your spoon into the bowl. You’ll need to stir it around and turn it over to make sure you’ve got it all covered in chocolate. Then set the spoon onto a plate covered in wax paper.

When you’ve got your spoons dipped, it’s time to decorate them. For a snowman, place 3 marshmallows in a line down the spoon. Top one with a peanut butter chip for the hat and a flake of coconut for the scarf. Then two mini chocolate chips get a tiny dip of melted chocolate on the bottom of them before you place it on the top marshmallow for the eyes.

For more directions and photos of the chocolate spoons visit this blog

Star Wars Family Weekend, McWane Science Center

Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 by Angie

Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of-this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

SATURDAY JANUARY 16

Meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters, both old and new.

SUNDAY JANUARY 17

Find your inner Jedi knight! Come in costume and get a special discount.

MONDAY JANUARY 18

Special educational programs — Star Wars themed — in the museum all day.

Daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens all weekend!

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 10th – January 17th

Posted on Sunday, January 10, 2016 by Angie

We’re easing back into the New Year and the Libraries are the place to be.. lots of storytimes happening around town. Don’t forget to check out Toddler Days at Steel City Jump Park each Tuesday. BrickFair will be in town this weekend and McWane is hosting some special events for Star Wars Fans!

Happy New Year!! We hope you have a great week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday January 10th:

Our World, Our Library – Homewood Public Library
Join us for stories, activities and crafts about World Religion Day, which is celebrated in January.
2:30pm

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Monday January 11th:

Moving Together – Homewood Library
The Dance Foundation presents a program designed for babies ages 6 weeks to 6 months, with a caregiver. Registration is required and begins Monday, January 4
10:30am

LEGO Club – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an exciting new building challenge each month! K-5th grade.

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required.
9:30am

Tot Time with Ms. Eve: Winter Weather – Avondale Library
It may be cold outside, but it’s nice and warm at storytime. Join us as we share wintery stories to warm our hearts! Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver, no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30am and 11am

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Tuesday January 12th:

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday January 13th:

Wiggleworm Wednesdays – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Mandy for our weekly all-ages storytime filled with music, wiggling and fun!
10:30am

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Thursday January 14th:

Storyday with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime. Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30 and 10:30

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Friday January 15th:

Move and Groove Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance, yoga and fun!
10:30am

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Saturday January 16th:

Star Wars Family Weekend – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters, both old and new.

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected Carin Berger’s A Perfect Day.
11am

BrickFair 2016
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA (and Canada, and a few other countries) to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family! Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set. Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and… really… everything you never imagined.
11am – 4pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday January 17th:

Star Wars Family Weekend – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Find your inner Jedi knight! Come in costume and get a special discount.

BrickFair 2016
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA (and Canada, and a few other countries) to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family! Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set. Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and… really… everything you never imagined.
11am – 4pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call, especially when weather can impact the event.

Giveaway! LEGO BrickFair Convention

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2016 by Angie

Join fans of LEGO from across the USA and around the globe. Be inspired by LEGO genius, great and small, and share in the passion for building, creating, and inventing!

Take a chance, join a game – maybe win some LEGO!

Be inspired by amazing LEGO creations. Spot hidden jokes in towering skyscrapers and learn new techniques from creative builders just like you!

Discover LEGO models and winding trains circling sprawling LEGO cityscapes, all spread over 71,000 square feet.

Visit Stay & Play‘s endless bricks and let your kids’ creativity flow.

BirminghamMommy has a four pack of tickets up for grabs, just a leave a comment here letting us know you want them. We’ll draw a winner Sunday Night (January 10th) at 8pm

BrickFair AL 2016
Jan 16^th & Jan 17^th, 2016
11:00am – 4:00pm

Event of the Week: Monster Jam!

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2016 by Angie

Monster Jam^® brings high-octane, motorsports entertainment to fans around the world. The action-packed live events feature the most recognizable trucks including Grave Digger^®, Max-D^® and many more, performing jaw-dropping displays of gravity-defying feats.

Monster Jam will be performing at Legacy Arena at the BJCC this weekend!

Show times:
Friday, January 8, 2016 – 7:30p

Saturday, January 9 – 2:00p & 7:30p

The Party in the Pits on Friday, Jan. 8 from 5:15p–6:30p and Saturday, Jan. 9 from 11:00a–1:00p gives fans the opportunity to get a view of the trucks up close and meet the drivers of the massive Monster Jam trucks.

The event will feature Grave Digger® driven by Jon Zimmer, Carolina Crusher driven by Gary Porter, Higher Education driven by Jim Tracey, Black Stallion driven by Matt Cody, Strait Jacket driven by Kevin King, Instigator driven by Paul Breaud, Backdraft driven by TBA, Barbarian driven by Devin Jones. Subject to change without notice.

For more information visit: http://www.monsterjam.com/events/birmingham-al

Parenting with a PhD: How to Make New Parenting Habits, Not Just Resolutions

Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2015 by Angie

By: Kristen Berthiaume

We all know the old joke about New Year’s Resolutions – gyms are crazy crowded in January but empty by February. When we make Resolutions about our parenting (“Yell less, listen more!” “Put away the phone and enjoy my children,” “Eat something besides Goldfish for lunch”) we usually fall back into old patterns pretty quickly. Why? We’re creatures of habit. Plus, there’s probably a reason we were doing things the way we were doing them in the first place waaay back in December. Maybe you yell because your kids only listen when you do. Maybe you eat Goldfish for lunch because you literally do not have time to make yourself lunch. Wanting to make changes/do better/meet goals is great but without a realistic plan, we may be setting ourselves up for failure and disappointment. (New resolution: Buy more wine). Consider focusing on creating new parenting habits instead of just listing resolutions.

First, start small with just one or two changes. Focus on why you are making the change and write yourself some notes to help you keep site of the reasons. Keep those notes handy in case you need to refer back to them. For example, your goal may be to spend 10 minutes of quality, one-on-one time with each child each day. You might settle on this goal because you feel like all you do now is bark orders at them to get dressed, eat, get in the car, get out of the car, eat, undress, and go to bed. You (and your kids!) may be missing the connection that comes from just sitting and playing together. Second, look at the big picture to figure out what factors are maintaining the status quo (e.g., zero minutes of quality, one-on-one time with each child each day) and what it would take to change those factors. Busyness is probably Factor #1. Do you need to leave work 20 minutes earlier? Does bedtime need to be pushed back a little? Can the kids screen time be reduced? Be creative – the one-on-one time could happen while you’re doing something you’d have to do anyway like cooking dinner. Third, decide on a system for measuring success. A poster or calendar on the fridge is a great constant, visual reminder of your goal. Consider a system for keeping track of when you met your goal along with some notes about how it went and how everyone felt about it. Also, keep track of when you didn’t meet your goal and why that might have happened. If you have trouble remembering something you want to do daily, an alarm on your phone can be a big help. Fourth, ask others to keep you accountable. Having your spouse’s support, reminders, and help will go a long way towards staying on track with your goal. Get friends to check in on how things are going. Fifth, reflect regularly on how things are going. Talk with your spouse and kids about how you’re doing with your goal. For example, are the kids enjoying the one-on-one time? If so, what’s their favorite part? If not, why not? Check in that no other areas are suffering greatly as a result. Make changes if it doesn’t look like everyone is getting what they’re needing. Finally, celebrate your efforts even if they’re not perfect. With just about any goal, you’ll screw up some days. Forgive yourself. Try to focus on the long-term goal and feeling more connected with your child and less on checking a box each day.

Once you feel you’ve made a parenting practice a habit, move on to tackle a new challenge but have your spouse and/or kids let you know if the behavior starts to slide. The hardest habits are those that are really ingrained; for instance, some people are just yellers. But, even reducing parenting behaviors you don’t feel good about a little can make a big difference for you and your kids. Assess the problem carefully and from all sides, get a team of people to support you and hold you accountable (for really big problems like mental health and substance abuse issues, you’ll likely need a professional to be on this team. Talk your doctor for a referral), and track your progress honestly as you go. You probably won’t form any habits by January 2nd but you can at least make a start!

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way via email at: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com and I’ll tell you what I can: Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen S. Berthiaume, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

About Kristen:

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her daughters, ages seven and one, and four-year-old son.

Throwing an Out-of-Sight New Year's Eve Party….For Your Family!

Posted on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 by Angie

I think we’d all love a night out on the town every now and then. And New Year’s Eve would be a great night to spend out in Birmingham. But, if the sitter’s busy and you just can’t leave the house, why not throw your own New Year celebration in the comfort of your own home! Here are some fun ideas to make it a cherished moment and maybe even a new tradition!

Decorate, decorate, decorate! This might as well be as fun as it can be, so load up on balloons and streamers. To keep it budget-friendly, limit it to one room.
Food. Think fun, finger food that’s a little out of the norm – for me this means a step up (or two) from pizza bagel bites. Wait a minute, who am I kidding – my kids would love bagel bites for appetizers!
Drinks!. While the adults can enjoy their favorite champagne concoction, let the kids in on the fun with their own special drinks – try this Cotton Candy Shirley Temple – it will be the hit of the party!
Atmosphere – keep it fun. Set up some games that are kid-friendly – pin the tail on the donkey, cornhole, card & board games – after all, the kids are going to have to try to stay up until midnight, better keep them occupied!
Another fun activity would be to construct your family time capsule for 2015 – pictures, mementos – your imagination is the limit. This will be a fun thing to look back on at your next family New Year party!
Have the pre-ball-drop show on the television & have some fun music playing softly in the background. And dare we say it… dance-off!
Make it a pajama-party! The kids might make it until midnight, but in case they don’t – they’re ready to nod off and wake up in 2016.
Party hats – buy a plain colored version and let the kids spend part of their evening decorating them! Don’t forget the glue, glitter, markers and whatever else you’d like.
Have the camera out and document! After all, these are the days….
And if you do all make it to midnight – don’t forget a great big family hug to ring in the New Year right!

Do you celebrate out or in when it comes to the New Year?

A New Year Fitness Makeover for Birmingham Moms

Posted on Sunday, December 27, 2015 by Angie

Many of us make New Years Resolutions that involve our eating habits and working out. It’s a new year, we have a new attitude, and probably some new “lbs” that have taken up space in places that were clearly marked “No Vacancy.” So how do you get back into your routine after the holiday season has turned your normal eating and exercising plans upside down? Here are some tips on how to get back on track.

1: Do it with a friend: if you have a partner in crime you are more likely to be held accountable.

2: Don’t force yourself to go the gym 6 or 7 times a week, you must be realistic and not over do it in the beginning. 3 to 4 times will be sufficient in getting back on track.

3: Try a class if you are not sure of what to do. It needs to include all components of fitness to get the biggest bang for your buck. You will need strength training, cardiovascular training, core conditioning and flexibility. You can get that all in one class or boot camp.

4: If you must weigh yourself or take measurements, do it once, then don’t do it again for at least a month of being consistent. If the scale does not move don’t be discouraged, you have probably just added some needed muscle to your body, but your inches should have changed. If not you may want to reevaluate the type of exercise you are doing. Don’t just focus on one thing like running or elliptical, you must also lift weights and have a good stretching program. In the long run you will more likely keep weight off by adding muscle.

5: Work out intensely! It is better to do 30 minutes of hard work than 1 hour on an elliptical reading US weekly.

Busy Moms.. How do you make sure you get back on track after the New Year?

Bad Santa Photo Finalists

Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2015 by Angie

Thank you all for making our 1st annual Bad Santa Photo Contest a huge success! We had an overwhelming response and had some really great photos submitted. Narrowing it down has been incredibly difficult, and you made us laugh daily with your submissions.

Here are our finalists – Winner will receive a mini-session.($200 value,) with local photographer, Hillary Gamble with Je Vois Photograph y. Includes 30 mins and your favorite 5 images on DVD with print rights. (Expires one year from issue date)

1.
Double the Awkward
Submitted By: Katie Collins