☰

McWane Science Center Memberships, $20 Off! 1 Week Only!

Posted on by Angie

We’re partnering up with the McWane Science Center for their 5th Annual Membership Drive, We’re offering Birmingham Moms some BIG Savings!

We’re offering this AMAZING discount of $20 off any membership level to our readers, and it’s good for 1 week only!! November 16th – November 22nd.

It’s THE biggest discount you will see this year for the McWane Science Center and it’s only available through BirminghamMommy.com

$20 off is HUGE savings and you must purchase in person from a BirminghamMommy representative, or in person at the McWane Center. If you’re currently a McWane member, you can renew for next year at this rate!

You can purchase as many of these memberships as you want as gifts! Tip: Call the grandparents, aunts and uncles and let them know this is what your kids want for Christmas. They can mark you off of their shopping list and it takes up no space in your house! A win/win for everyone.

We’re moms, we know it’s hard to get out and run errands.  To make purchasing easier, we will be set up at some offsite locations that we hope will be convenient for you. You can always purchase in person at McWane as well, just remember the coupon.. You must have it in order to get the discount. Coupon will be posted on here on our site and on Facebook, when the sale starts.

Here is a tentative schedule of where we will be and when. We will be updating any changes to these locations and times on Social Media. So please make sure to check before heading out. We’ll update here too as quickly as possible, but Social Media will be immediate. Look for a BirminghamMommy Rep in the following locations. (We’ll be wearing our cute new t-shirts!)

Saturday, November 14th
Books a Million at Brookwood Mall. In the Cafe from 11am – 1pm

Monday –
Hart and Soul Coffee Shop, Homewood. 9:30am – 11:30am

Tuesday
Starbucks, Hoover Hwy 31 near Publix 9:30 – 11:30
Yogurt Lab, Vestavia, 3:30 – 5:30

Wednesday
Chick Fil A, Fultondale, 9:30am – 11:30am
Chick Fil A, Leeds, 6pm – 8pm

Thursday
Starbucks Lakeshore, 11:30 – 1:30

Friday
Lights Up at the Summit – 5pm – 7pm. Our tables will be set up in front of Ann Taylor and Kate Spade.

Saturday –
Yogurt Mountain, Trussville 11am – 1pm

Forms will be available all week at the Following locations:

Do It Yourself Crafts in Homewood – Regular Business Hours
Do It Yourself Crafts in Hoover – Regular Business Hours

Instant Sign Center in Trussville – 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday

 

McWane Coupon 2014

Posted on by Angie

 

 

Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series

Posted on by Angie

If you’re ever looking for an excuse to visit the Alabama Theatre, the Holidays are the perfect time. With beautiful decorations and some of your favorite films, there’s really no reason not to go!

Check out their 2014 Holiday Film Series Schedule below, and grab your tickets soon before they sell out!

Friday, December 12th – White Christmas
A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. 120 min. Not Rated.
This movie will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7pm.

Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 13th – Polar Express
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Movie Showings
Each child will receive a conductor’s hat, goodies from the Candy Bar and a chance to get their photo with Santa!

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
“Touch a Transport” Event
19th Street North (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue North)

Kids can get “hands on” with various types of transportation, including a fire truck, cars, motorcycles and a Rutan VariEze courtesy of the Southern Museum of Flight

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home. 100 min. PG.

This film is a fundraiser for Kid One Transport.

This movie will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Doors open at 8:30 AM, with the feature beginning at 10 AM.
Tickets are $12 at the door and in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 13th – It’s a Wonderful Life
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Sunday, December 14th – Miracle on 34th Street
Doors open at 12:30, with the feature beginning at 2pm
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Monday, December 15th – Christmas Vacation
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Tuesday, December 16th – Home Alone
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Wednesday, December 17th – Scrooged
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Thursday, December 18th – Elf
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Friday, December 19th – A Christmas Story
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Followed by a Midnight Feature of Christmas Vacation
Doors open at 10:30, with the feature beginning at Midnight.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 20th – Cartoon Matinee

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Repelled by the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas. 25 min. G.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them. 47 min. G.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas
A grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. 26 min. UR.

The triple feature will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. There will not be an intermission between movies.

Doors open at 12:30, with the feature beginning at 2.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 20th – It’s a Wonderful Life
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Sunday, December 21st – White Christmas
Doors open at 1:30, with the feature beginning at 2.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Monday, December 22nd – Christmas Vacation
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Which Movie are you looking most forward to seeing?


 

Why It's Ok To Hurry

Posted on by Angie

I read an article once that talked about a Mom who would no longer use the overused words “Hurry Up” when talking to her daughter.

When I first read the article I thought it sounded great. There have been numerous occasions in my 9 year career as a Mom that I thought about and discussed with my friends how I felt like I was going to give my kids a complex of some sort by asking them to “Hurry” all. the. time.

After reading the article I was hyper aware of how many times I used that phrase.

It’s a lot. I won’t lie.

I’ll be the first to admit that I could stand to hurry less and enjoy more.. but with 3 kids in tow and places to be, it’s not always possible to allow that “free spirited child” to stop and smell the roses, or pick the dandelion, or eat cheerios off the floorboard of the car, or change clothes a tenth time, or spend 1 1/2 hours eating a half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.. and so on. We would never make it anywhere. Ever.

While I know I need to learn to slow it down, kids need to learn the art of time management. I personally feel that this is as important for them as learning to read or write. Learning to manage their time will set them up for success later in life whether it’s school projects in 5th grade, studying for finals in college, or in their career. Time management doesn’t just happen, it’s a learned skill and it’s our job to teach them.

Beyond just setting them up for success in life, it teaches them to be respectful of other peoples time.

Now, I’m not saying to rush them through their ice cream cone on a Saturday afternoon, but if you decide to run some errands or to stop for an after school treat before gymnastics or swim team, they need to understand that their team is waiting on them and they have the responsibility to be there on time. Even if that means leaving without finishing their treat because they were busy picking the sprinkles off one by one, or daydreaming out the front window of the bakery instead of eating their cupcake.

It’s easy to get caught up in a hurry trap, feeling like we need to rush even when we don’t and that’s something I’m personally working on, but it’s ok to set expectations for your child and to follow through. You can do this without cramping their personality or killing their spirit.

The time we have with our kids is short, no doubt, and I want to cherish every precious second, sometimes we just have to cherish it on the go..

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 9th – November 16th

Posted on by Angie

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

Another busy week in Birmingham! Make sure to check out the Veterans Day Parade tomorrow in Downtown. Looks like we’re in for a cold snap but luckily there are plenty of indoor events and storytimes to keep you busy. G2K Once Upon a Matress Kicks off at Red Mountain Theatre Company later this week, make sure to get your tickets for this adorable production.

In case you missed our Big announcement last week, our 5th Annual McWane Membership Drive kicks off this weekend, we’ll have a list of details coming later this week, make sure to keep an eye out! We’re hoping to make it the most successful drive so far!

Sunday November 9th

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Adult Tickets: $10.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
12pm – 5pm

—————————————————————————————

Monday November 10th:

Free Admission for Veterans – Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 10 and 11! Bring your military identification card to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer, including the all-new over 100ft slide**! Ride the slide with speed, fun for all ages, the train* and carousel,* watch sea lion training demonstrations, feed the lorikeets* and much more! Bring your family and spend this Veterans Day at the Zoo!
*Additional cost.
**Open November 11 only, additional cost.

Tot Time with Mrs Eve: Show and Tell – Avondale Library
Happy un-birthday to you, Happy Un-birthday to me. Happy un-birthday Avondale children. Happy un-birthday to us! Please join Mrs. Eve for a silly un-birthday celebration filled with stories and songs. Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver (no groups please). 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11:00am

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday November 11th:

Veterans Day Parade – Boutwell Auditorium
Parade begins at 1:30

1.Start on 18th St. and 8th Ave N.
2.South on 18th St. to 2nd Ave N.
3.East on 2nd Ave N. to 22nd St.
4.North on 22nd St. to 5th Ave N.
5.West on 5th Ave N. to 19th St.
6.North on 19th St. in front of City Hall
7.End at 19th St. and 8th Ave N.

Free Admission for Veterans – Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 10 and 11! Bring your military identification card to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer, including the all-new over 100ft slide**! Ride the slide with speed, fun for all ages, the train* and carousel,* watch sea lion training demonstrations, feed the lorikeets* and much more! Bring your family and spend this Veterans Day at the Zoo!
*Additional cost.
**Open November 11 only, additional cost.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime, activities and Cafe treats. We love to share our favorites!
11am

Evenings at Emmet O’ Neal Library
You bring the family, we’ll bring the board games and LEGOs for free play. All ages. No registration required.
6pm

Baby Tales – North Shelby Library
A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration Required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date.
9:30am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Story Time!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30a

Family Tours, What’s in a Face– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Explore the Museum for portraits with a Museum educator. How are the portraits in the galleries different from each other? Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create your own unique portrait!
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a Thanksgiving Storytime featuring The Great Thanksgiving Escape. The title is a hilarious, kid-friendly take on Thanksgiving – full of family, food and lots of fun! Join us for Storytime and activities.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday November 12th:

After School Special, Eric Litwin – Emmet O’Neal Library
Eric Litwin, author of the Pete the Cat book series, entertains with clever, interactive songs.
3:30pm

LEGO Club – Springville Road Library
Visit the library to enjoy some creative play with Legos! Elementary school students are invited to join in the fun with our library Lego set. All you need to bring is yourself!
4pm

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Thursday November 13th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Storytime for the youngest patrons and friends.
9:30am and 10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Friday November 14th:

G2K Once Upon A Mattress – RMTC Caberet Theatre
If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Chances are, you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Young artists (age 7-14) perform in this charming adaptation.

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
7:30pm

Preschool Pals, Pete the Cat – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come have your picture made with Pete the Cat and laugh along with him in our “I Love My White Shoes” play. Then gather your four groovy buttons at our fun activity stations and earn a tasty treat. Fun for all Pete the Cat fans! Ages 5 & under.
10:30am

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival – Homestead Hollow
Homestead Hollow festivals feature fine arts, unique – one of a kind – hand made crafts, pioneer demonstrations of the old time days. See wood carving, ironwork, blacksmithing, smoke house cooking, gardening, quilting, whiskey making at our original working still, and tour original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy our great food that makes your mouth scream for more.

Children’s activities: ride the ponies, circle in our wagon ride or jump in the moon walk. Visit and talk with our Herbalist and find out more about grandma’s remedies or those nature produces naturally.

Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Directions: Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our trams make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.

Admission Info:
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9qm – 4pm

—————————————————————————————

Saturday November 15th:

G2K Once Upon A Mattress – RMTC Caberet Theatre
If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Chances are, you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Young artists (age 7-14) perform in this charming adaptation.

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
2pm and 7:30pm

Mingle and Jingle, A Christmas Market – Pelham Civic Complex
MINGLE AND JINGLE- A Christmas Market presented by Shelby County Moms Guide is Nov. 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. Join us for a day of arts, crafts, concessions, decorations, gifts and shopping. Free professional pictures will be taken with Santa Claus. Admission is $5. Kids free.
Info: 205-319-0563 ext. 2 or Events@momsguidealabama.com.
10am – 7pm

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival – Homestead Hollow
Homestead Hollow festivals feature fine arts, unique – one of a kind – hand made crafts, pioneer demonstrations of the old time days. See wood carving, ironwork, blacksmithing, smoke house cooking, gardening, quilting, whiskey making at our original working still, and tour original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy our great food that makes your mouth scream for more.

Children’s activities: ride the ponies, circle in our wagon ride or jump in the moon walk. Visit and talk with our Herbalist and find out more about grandma’s remedies or those nature produces naturally.

Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Directions: Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our trams make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.

Admission Info:
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9qm – 4pm

Family Tours, What’s in a Face– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Explore the Museum for portraits with a Museum educator. How are the portraits in the galleries different from each other? Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create your own unique portrait!
10:30

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 Phyllis Kravilovsky and Jim Fowler’s Benny’s Flag.
11am – 12pm

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!

Create a flag that represents you! Take one home and string it up for all to see.
11am – 1pm

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.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Paddington Storytime. This holiday season, enjoy the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of the book – featuring a scrapbook of Paddington’s travels. Join us for Storytime and activities.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday November 16th:

Mingle and Jingle, A Christmas Market – Pelham Civic Complex
MINGLE AND JINGLE- A Christmas Market presented by Shelby County Moms Guide is Nov. 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. Join us for a day of arts, crafts, concessions, decorations, gifts and shopping. Free professional pictures will be taken with Santa Claus. Admission is $5. Kids free.
Info: 205-319-0563 ext. 2 or Events@momsguidealabama.com.
12pm – 5pm

G2K Once Upon A Mattress – RMTC Caberet Theatre
If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Chances are, you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Young artists (age 7-14) perform in this charming adaptation.

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
2pm

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival – Homestead Hollow
Homestead Hollow festivals feature fine arts, unique – one of a kind – hand made crafts, pioneer demonstrations of the old time days. See wood carving, ironwork, blacksmithing, smoke house cooking, gardening, quilting, whiskey making at our original working still, and tour original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy our great food that makes your mouth scream for more.

Children’s activities: ride the ponies, circle in our wagon ride or jump in the moon walk. Visit and talk with our Herbalist and find out more about grandma’s remedies or those nature produces naturally.

Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Directions: Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our trams make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.

Admission Info:
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9qm – 4pm

—————————————————————————————

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: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

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.

52 New Things, 2014. Week 44

Posted on by Angie

What’s new? Here’s what we tried this week.

Angie-
I tried a new eyeliner I picked up in a hurry at the drugstore. I didn’t have time to get by and pick up my normal clinique eyeliner last week, so I picked up something I thought was similar. Only it turned out having glittery specks in it that left me looking a little like a old chick trying to be a popstar.. No Beuno.

Kristen-
My New thing.. I went to my first UAB Football game. Not quite as exciting as the games some other schools in the state (and the concession situation was not good. At all.) but much closer and the kids enjoyed it.

What did you do that was new?

5th Annual BIG McWane Discount!

Posted on by Angie

BirminghamMommy.com is thrilled to be partnering with the McWane Science Center for the 5th Annual McWane Membership Drive!!

We’re offering this AMAZING discount of $20 off any membership level to our readers, and it’s good for 1 week only!! November 15th – November 21st.

It’s THE biggest discount you will see this year for the McWane Science Center and it’s only available through BirminghamMommy.com

$20 off is HUGE savings and you must purchase in person from a BirminghamMommy representative, or in person at the McWane Center. If you’re currently a McWane member, you can renew for next year at this rate!

You can purchase as many of these memberships as you want as gifts! Tip: Call the grandparents, aunts and uncles and let them know this is what your kids want for Christmas. They can mark you off of their shopping list and it takes up no space in your house! A win/win for everyone.

We’re moms, we know it’s hard to get out and run errands.  To make purchasing easier, we will be set up at some offsite locations that we hope will be convenient for you. You can always purchase in person at McWane as well, just remember the coupon.. You must have it in order to get the discount.

Keep an eye on the website, we’ll have more details coming, along with the printable coupon, and a list of locations where we’ll be taking forms in person around town!

Parenting with a PhD: Teaching Empathy in 5 Easy Steps

Posted on by Angie

(O.K. – it’s not really that easy but you wouldn’t be reading this if I told you it’s a long process…).
Increasingly, social science research finds that empathy is one of the most critical skills we need to function successfully in the world. Empathy is defined as the ability to share or recognize the feelings of another person. It differs from sympathy in that we’re not just feeling sorry for the other person but trying to truly understand his experience. Empathy is necessary in our work relationships, our marriages, and in our interactions with our kids. It’s important in caring for elderly and ailing family members, dealing with our neighbors, and even buying groceries from the slowest checkout person ever. Empathy motivates us to help when others are in trouble and allows us to keep our emotions in check when we’re frustrated with someone.
It’s absolutely crucial that we teach our children to be empathic – even our boys especially our boys. People who lack empathy usually end up with really poor outcomes – broken relationships, legal problems, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, etc. etc. etc. If you teach your child only one thing during the years she spends under your roof, empathy would be an excellent choice. Here are a few ideas for helping your child develop empathy:

1. Volunteer with your kids. There are tons of opportunities out there to help someone in need – be they lacking resources, sick, struggling in school, or in emotional pain. There are volunteer opportunities to fit all skill sets – even those of a five-year-old (which, from what I can tell, includes gluing random crap together and singling “Let It Go” on repeat). The kind of volunteering that best builds empathy is when you’re brought face-to-face with the beneficiaries. But, even if you’re not working directly with someone in need, you can talk to your child about why you’re helping the people you’re helping and give them more information
about the problem you’re assisting with. For example, if your child helps to sell lemonade for the Birmingham-based Stand for Giving, she may not have the opportunity to see how the money raised will be used by the charity to which it’s donated. However, you and your child could look together at the website for the non-profit, the Bell Early Intervention Center, for example, and learn more about the kinds of challenges the children seen at the center are facing. Ask questions like, “What would it be like if you had trouble talking?” “How would you handle it if your sister needed to use a wheelchair?” The goal is not to get your child feeling
sorry for the served populations but to help him better understand what it would be like to be in their shoes.

2. Give feedback. When your child does something that hurts you – physically or emotionally – tell him how you feel. You may decide to punish the behavior but first, let your child understand the consequence you’re experiencing as a result of what he did. One I had to use with my son recently: “When you kicked me in the shin because you didn’t want to go to bed, it really hurt my leg. It also hurt my feelings that you kicked me.” My next step was to ask him to use words next time so that I’d understand him and no one would get hurt. This is a great strategy to try with sibling fights, too. Instead of each child telling on the other repeatedly and
for every minor infraction, prompt and encourage them to give each other feedback about what he/she did that caused a problem. “How did you feel when your sister tore your paper?” Then, “How did you feel when your brother hit you because you tore his paper?” Summarize that everyone got hurt in some way and that no one is very happy about the interaction. Problem-solve together how each child can show respect to the other and, hopefully, also receive respect.

3. Discuss empathy in others. Books, movies, and T.V. shows provide lots of opportunities to teach empathy. When you read or watch together, ask your child how she thinks various characters are feeling and why they might be feeling that way. Help her make connections between feelings and what has just happened to the character. In this way, you’re helping her to see that all people have emotional reactions to events around them – not just her. You’re also teaching her to pay attention to her own behavior and how others may be affected by it.

4. Express empathy, particularly when it’s really difficult. We don’t want our children mistreated by classmates and it’s tempting to call kids who aren’t nice “bullies.” However, when we do that, we completely disregard what might be going on for those kids that has led them to be angry and aggressive. When your child tells you about being teased or bullied, first validate how upsetting that must have been for him. Then, take it a step further and talk about why the other child is acting the way he is. Avoid assumptions that your child may have started the problem but do look at other factors. Is the child who is doing the teasing being left out? Is he struggling in school? Is someone else bullying him? Helping your child to think about this kid as something other than “bad” or “mean” will prepare him to deal with unkind people in the future and equip him to better understand complex social issues in adulthood. Rarely are interpersonal problems simply “good” versus “bad.”

5. Play Kids’ Court. When social issues arise that seem unfair, encourage your child to try and give an alternate perspective to her original assumptions. Set up two chairs – a “Prosecution” and a “Defense” chair. Have her sit in the “Prosecution” chair to tell how she thinks the other person has wronged her and done so on purpose. Ask for explanations as to why the person may have done that. Now, have her switch to the “Defense” chair and give a different explanation for what happened. Did the teacher make her move seats because she was angry with her (i.e., “Prosecution”) or because she wanted your daughter to sit next to a child who was struggling so she could help him (i.e., “Defense”)? Sometimes, your child’s original assumptions will be right on and the other person was, in fact, being kind of jerky, but this exercise will help your child to see reasonable alternatives and to better understand how others may have understood a situation differently.

These are just a few ideas – there are hundreds of more ways to teach empathy. As always, the best way for you to teach your child something is to model it yourself. So, you know – be nice.

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com 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.

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.

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 2nd – November 9th

Posted on by Angie

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

Sunday November 2nd

Dia De los Meurtos
It is sure to be an energetic All Soul’s Day, Día de los Muertos, and Alabama’s Day of the Dead Festival (Dia de los Muertos numero doce). This year is our twelfth celebration! It will take place in our same great spot on 1st Avenue South in Birmingham, AL.

We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Please do NOT bring your pets or cooler or picnic baskets. Please do bring yourselves and friends and a small altar or memento of remembrance. Dress in bones, as a sugar skull or for a fiesta! Join in the procession!

Gates Open at 4:00 pm

PRICE: $10 Everyone age 13 and older | $3 Kids age 12 to 7 | Free under age 7

WHERE: 2115 1st Avenue S

Moss Rock Festival – The Preserve
Celebrate nature, open spaces and eco-ideas through art and design at this highly popular annual Moss Rock Festival. There is something around every corner for visitors to discover including juried art influenced by nature; a sculpture competition showcasing outdoor installations and designs – this year’s theme is “Big Ole’ Bug” where kids from surrounding schools will create a giant bug made only of recycled materials. There’s more — eco-friendly living ideas, products, businesses and organizations; live music, kids’ art workshops for all ages; the 1st annual sweets expo and tasting; a smart-living section where companies across Alabama display and sell their products and services to promote healthier eating and lifestyles. There will be guided hikes in the Moss Rock Preserve; great food and drinks and more. Don’t forget about the Beer Garden- a section of the festival where local breweries walk guests through the ins and outs of craft beer. Come enjoy art, design, green living ideas, and the great outdoors under a blanket of beautiful fall colors. Bring the whole family and get outside!
10am – 2pm

—————————————————————————————

Monday November 3rd:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for popcorn and a drink as we watch a great movie!
One popcorn and one drink per patron, please.
3:30pm

Tot Time with Mrs Eve: Show and Tell – Avondale Library
You bring something special for show and tell, and I will too! Join Mrs. Eve for a fun-filled morning of show stopping stories and songs. Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver (no groups please). 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11:00am

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday November 4th:

Fall for Fall – Hoover Public Library
Stories and crafts for all ages.
6:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime, activities and Cafe treats. We love to share our favorites!
11am

Evenings at Emmet O’ Neal Library
You bring the family, we’ll bring the board games and LEGOs for free play. All ages. No registration required.
6pm

Baby Tales – North Shelby Library
A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration Required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date.
9:30am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Story Time!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30a

Family Tours, What’s in a Face– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Explore the Museum for portraits with a Museum educator. How are the portraits in the galleries different from each other? Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create your own unique portrait!
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime, activities and Cafe treats. We love to share our favorites!
11am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday November 5th:

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Private Shopping Day – $20, must be purchased in advance.
For one day you can shop with ease WITHOUT strollers, 2 wheeled rolling bags, and wire shopping carts. Our handicapped customers have found this the perfect day to maneuver through the aisles.
9am – 4pm

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Thursday November 6th:

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Adult Tickets: $10.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
10am – 8pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Storytime for the youngest patrons and friends.
9:30am and 10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Friday November 7th:

Magical Tree Lighting – Riverchase Galleria
Join us for a day of family oriented music and entertainment leading to our Annual Magical Tree Lighting Ceremony. Don’t miss the Holiday Magic Parade and Santa’s arrival and of course… the big show! Entertainment begins at 11am with performances by: Desiree & Rush, Miss Used, Goodfellas, Jarrett & Allison, Byron Thomas, Brad Ryan, Alabama Dance Academy and Showstoppers Holiday Trio. Enjoy fashion shows by The Gap and Arzel and much, much more!
Music & Entertainment begins at 11am, the Holiday Magic Parade and the Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin around 7:00 pm.

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Adult Tickets: $10.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
10am – 8pm

—————————————————————————————

Saturday November 8th:

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Adult Tickets: $10.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
10am – 8pm

Penguin Party – Hoover Library
Join the black and white super spies for games, crafts and classified fun!  All ages
10:30am

Family Tours, What’s in a Face– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Explore the Museum for portraits with a Museum educator. How are the portraits in the galleries different from each other? Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create your own unique portrait!
10:30

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!

Create a flag that represents you! Take one home and string it up for all to see.
11am – 1pm

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.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Paddington Storytime. This holiday season, enjoy the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of the book – featuring a scrapbook of Paddington’s travels. Join us for Storytime and activities.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday November 9th:

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Adult Tickets: $10.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
12pm – 5pm

—————————————————————————————

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: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

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.

52 New Things, 2014. Week 43

Posted on by Angie

Here’s what we did that was new.. What did you do new this week?

 

Angie-
My new thing this week was Sweat and Gears Indoor Cycling Studio, and it is AMAZING. Spin Classes are not new to me. I happen to get obsessed with these classes off and on (I need to stay “on” but that’s another story for another day… ) I had never visited this newish studio that happens to be less than 5 minutes from my house, and located in Homewood. I ended up going to 3 classes this past week, with 2 different teachers and am completely in love with this place. It’s amazingly clean. You reserve your bike in advance which means no having to go sign up in person early, or sit and wait outside a room for 30 minutes to make sure you get a bike. And the BIG Kicker… Once they know your bike settings, they set your bike up for you in advance!!! The studio is crazy clean, very cool and you’re going to get an amazing work out that can be tracked with all of the technology they have hooked to each bike. After each work out, I get an email telling me my stats, approx calories burned included!! If you’re looking for a new spin class, or to try it for the first time (first class is free) you need to check them out! I had Kristen THISCLOSE to coming with me.. Maybe it will be her new thing for next week!

Kristen –
My new thing for this week was seeing The Secret Sisters at Workplay. On a School night! They were fantastic – it was worth the lost sleep!

Shirley –
Paint Chip Art! I was scanning Pinterest in search of some Halloween craft ideas for the girls class parties. Saw this great idea to use the paint chip samples (found at any paint/home improvement store) as art. We constructed pumpkins, witches, and Frankensteins. All out of the samples. The turned out so cute, the kids loved doing them, and it hopefully inspired them to think outside the box with their creativity!

Advertisements