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Winter Activities Sure To Beat Cabin Fever in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

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Here in the DEEP South, super cold winters and frigid temps aren’t the norm, but lately we’ve had our share and after the unexpected snow last week, my kids were over being indoors. But all in all it’s not a problem that has us locked in our house for months on end.

It’s not so bad that it has us waving the white flag and finally giving in to the pressure and pleading to watch 8 straight hours of Yo Gabba Gabba.

Maybe it’s all relative, but it seems that having been born and raised here in this warmer climate, what seems cold to me is laughable to those who are transplants to Birmingham from much colder climates. When it gets into the 40’s here, I’m frigid, miserable and begin the hibernation process. Well, I used to. Having 3 kids means that getting out of this house is a must.

So what is there to do here for Birmingham Moms looking to avoid the frigid weather and wanting to have the kids shake the silly’s out? Here are some ideas for when the playground has become the frozen tundra.

  • Check out the indoor play places, like ijump, Pump it Up, and of course the Mcwane Science Center. The Science Center has lots to do year round, for all ages, including the IMAX, and BONUS! They have covered parking.
  • Check out First Avenue Rocks for a little rock climbing fun. They even offer an after school program for children ages 8-14.
  • Try getting those little tushy’s into a sports or dance class. I know, this may seem like punishment for you but what are your other options for getting them to burn off the excess energy? Check out a swimming class at your local Y, or gym. Tumbling in a gymnastics class will surely wear them out and if all else fails, look for a place with a giant ball pit or padded walls. (let us know if you find one.)
  • Try the Riverchase Galleria. They have a carousel, Lego store, and Build a Bear. If you go early enough maybe they can have a little freedom to walk with you rather than riding in the stroller. Hit the food court for lunch and you have the perfect indoor, but out of the house field trip.
  • Not in the mood to get out of the house? Bring the outdoors in. Get out the extra sheets, blankets and pillows and make a ginormous fort out of your living room or play room, trust us on this one, make it remotely cool, throw in a flashlight and some good snacks and you might not see the kids until it’s time for dinner.
  • Make Bathtime Fun! Add bubbles, ice, cups, bowls anything you don’t normally have time for. Shaving cream with a few drops of food coloring and you have instant bath “paint.” Let them go to town.
  • One of our favorite things to do is Dance! Turn up the ipod and let them shake what their Mama’s gave them. Simple, but effective. It will even help you burn a few calories.

Just remember that kids don’t seem to be as bothered by the bitter cold as we are, so if you can get them out for some fresh air for even 10 or 15 minutes (minus tantrum time for coming in too soon) it’s well worth it, and your free time during their nap will thank you.

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 2nd – February 9th

Posted on by Angie

Lots of family fun happening at the Birmingham Zoo for Groundhog Day, make sure to stop by and see what’s happening.

The new Robots Exhibit will open Saturday at the McWane Science Center. Stay tuned later this week for a sneak peek!

If you’re starting to think about Valentine’s Day, several of the local libraries will be having craft days and times when you can drop by and make cards for the children at children’s hospital.

There’s a free LEGO Mini Build and a Lowes Build and Grow Clinic. Lots to choose from!

Have a great week everyone!

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

Sunday February 2nd:

Groundhog Day at the Birmingham Zoo
All Alabamians want to know: will Birmingham Bill see his shadow or not? Join the Zoo for the annual Groundhog Day prediction at the Wildlife Stage and find out if we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Don’t miss a chance to take pictures with Birmingham Bill, play kid-friendly games and watch a special Wildlife Show.
10am

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Monday February 3rd:

Make a Valentine for Children’s Hospital – Homewood Public Library
Stop by the Children’s Department and create a Valentine for a patient at Children’s Hospital or Veteran’s Hospital. We will provide the cards and the art supplies, and you provide the love that will make someone’s Valentine’s Day extra special.
Anytime between 1pm and 5pm

Valentine Card Craft – Bessemer Library
Kids age 5 to 18 years old are invited to make Valentine’s cards for the Children’s and Veteran’s Hospitals.
4pm- 5pm

Loomis Bros. Circus – Blount County-Oneonta Agri-Business Center
Loomis Bros. Circus began as a childhood dream for Justin Loomis and has now grown to be one of America’s best and most beautiful circuses. Now in our 17th year, our show travels throughout the country, concentrating on the southern United States and visiting a different city every almost ever other day! Our show is presented in the traditional circus format, but with a modern twist. We are an animal friendly circus, featuring elephants, tigers, and many others.

Adults (12 & older) $15
Two kids get in free with one paid adult
Other kids (2-12) $8
Kids under 2 get in free
Cash only at circus for ticket sales, concessions, rides and all activities.
4:30 and 7:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Bring your wiggles and your giggles and your death defying nerve, because the circus is coming to town. Join us as we celebrate with a circus of our own—Tot Time style.Geared for 2 to 4 years olds with a caregiver.  24-hour advanced notice of attendance required.
9:30am

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Tuesday February 4th:

Free LEGO Mini build – Riverchase Galleria
Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
LEGO Micro Manager: 5:00 pm until supplies last.

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday February 5th:

Valentine Card Craft, part 2 – Bessemer Library
Preschoolers, daycares, and families with young children ages 3 to 5 years old are invited to make Valentine’s cards for Children’s and Veteran’s Hospital.
10am – 11am

Afterschool Special LEGOland – Emmet O’Neal Library
It’s a LEGO extravaganza! We’ll supply the LEGO bricks, the expert guides, and the face painting. Bring all the creativity you can muster!
3:30

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we welcome guest author Mark Burrows to Storytime. He will be presenting his book Little Things Aren’t Little… When You’re Little.
11am

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Thursday February 6th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday February 7th:

Valentine Craft – North Shelby Library
This owl thinks it’s wise to keep all your Valentine’s Day cards in one spot. All ages welcome. Registration is required.
4pm

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Saturday February 8th:

Robots and Us Exhibit Opening – McWane Science Center
Come and discover Robots + Us, an exhibit featuring more than a dozen interactive components exploring inspired robotic technology and how this technology can be used to change our lives for the better.   You can learn how robots sense the world around them; have a chat with Lena, a friendly robotic avatar, or see how robot pets vie for our attention in the Artificial Friends pet shop.  Whatever type of robot you may wish to explore, you will find them here at McWane. There is so much to see and to do in this entertaining and engaging exhibit!

Presidential Party – Hoover Public Library
Four score and a few months ago, we decided to celebrate President’s Day with stories, crafts and food fit for future presidential hopefuls.  All ages
10:30

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this Love Note Holder!
10am

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! Make a medallion inspired by our Wedgewood Collection!
11am – 1pm

Cartoon and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Saturday morning cartoons and cereal.
10am – 6pm

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 Valentine’s Day Storytime, featuring Love Monster and other stories, as well as activities and Valentine’s treats. Each child will receive his or her own “Creativity Can” at this event to create a special valentine.
11am

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Sunday February 9th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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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: Rocky Mountain Express, Great White Shark

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, Week 5 Snowmageddon Edition

Posted on by Angie

Whew! I think we could just say we got through this past week and be done writing this list of New Things for this week. The weather here presented us with many challenges and opportunities to do things we’ve never done before. So here is our list, we’ll call it the “Snowmageddon Edition.”

Angie:

I ran an unofficial Snowmageddon Bed and Breakfast/Warming Station

I got a notification from my kids school 13 minutes prior to their closing at 10:30. I was in Hoover and needed to make it to Homewood. I knew that even on a bright sunny summer day, that wasn’t going to happen. It took me an hour and twenty minutes on 65 from 459 to the Lakeshore exit. I was THISCLOSE to being one of the many stranded on that hwy. Thankfully a parent friend picked up my kids and brought them home for me, so I was fortunate to NOT be separated from my girls.

Once we started hearing of all of the people stranded and stuck, we put a call out on social media that if you could make it to our house, you were more than welcome to stay the night(s). We had 2 the first night and 2 the second night. My husband ran his 4 wheel drive back and forth from downtown helping friends, and friends of friends and in some cases complete strangers get to somewhere warm.

We were fortunate and it felt good to help where we could.

Kristen –

Let’s see – should I do the new thing where I slept on three chairs pushed together at my office? Or the new thing where I set out to walk 8.4 miles home (Don’t worry – I ended up getting a ride most of the way with some wonderful friends – thanks, Doug and Jimmy!)? What about when I happily accepted a hat and scarf right off a woman (thank you, Beth!)? Or when I rode down Rocky Ridge Road on a four-wheeler (thank you, Stanley!)? We have all had a week of firsts and, while this weather situation may be a new thing for us all here in Birmingham, the kindness of others isn’t. Thankful and hoping to never need to do any of these new things again.

Shirley –

Driving in snow. Fail.

Event of the Week! McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

We know you’ve got cabin fever! What better way to get out of the house and help raise money for one of our most favorite kid places in Birmingham… It’s time for the 13th Annual Beaker Bash at the McWane Science Center.

This year’s event, Bash To The Future, will transport families through time in search for some of the world’s most famous scientists for an evening of science and fun.

This annual family-friendly fundraising event directly supports statewide science education programs and makes field trips affordable for thousands of students.

So, get the family together and buy your tickets.. It’s not too late!

For Ticket Information, Click Here

McWane Science Center
Saturday, February 1st
5pm

How to Encourage Children to Volunteer

Posted on by Angie

By Savannah Marie

Volunteering helps to build character, instill compassion, and teach responsibility. Giving your children the opportunity to volunteer is one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever give them. Some children may be hesitant about the idea at first and may require a bit of encouragement.

Here are some tips for doing it.

Start Small
Start with something small and non-intimidating, especially if your child is shy. Thrusting a child in the midst of a crowd of people to work in an unfamiliar setting will probably not make for a very good first volunteering experience.
Does Grandma need some weeding done? Encourage your child to offer to do it for her. From there you can graduate to volunteering to help a familiar neighbor and then a community member your child may not know very well. Just be sure that you know and trust that person, and it’s probably a good idea to be present even then.

Arouse Their Interest
Suggest volunteer opportunities that correspond to your child’s interests or passions. If your child is an animal lover, discuss how the local animal shelter always needs volunteer help — even if it’s just cleaning out the kennels or checking the Havahart traps. Does your child enjoy spending time outdoors? See if there’s a community garden that needs volunteers.
Usually if the task at hand is interesting to a child, he or she will be far more likely to be enthusiastic about it. Positive volunteer experiences will help nurture a love for service and can help to develop your child’s desire to volunteer wherever help is needed — whether it’s an enjoyable task or not.

Encourage Compassion
Help your child see a need, even when the need isn’t obvious. Residents of senior nursing facilities can be some of the loneliest people on earth. The need for companionship and conversation can be easily overlooked as the rest of the world goes about its busy life.

Ask your child what he or she thinks it would feel like if he or she had to live in a small room without getting to see friends or family every day. Explore that feeling together and then explain this is how so many elderly feel every day — that one or two hours out of your child’s week could make all the difference in the world to one person.

This can help develop your child’s sense of empathy, which is crucial to a lifelong love of volunteering. It can also lay the foundation for a beautiful, unique friendship that your child will cherish the rest of his or her life … not to mention bring some much-needed joy into the life of another.

Reflect on the Volunteer Time
Catalogue your child’s experiences. Discuss how volunteering made your child feel and encourage him or her to record those experiences in a journal. Ask if there was one person in particular your child felt he or she made a difference to, or if there were any aspects of the experience your child didn’t like.

Both positive and negative experiences can be reflected on later. The positive feelings can reinforce a desire to volunteer. The negative aspects can be used as a learning tool. Why was it less than positive? What could you do differently next time to make it better? Did the positives outweigh the negatives? Even though you didn’t enjoy some moments, do you feel like it was an overall good experience?

Think Outside the Box
Explore non-traditional means of volunteering. You don’t always have to go somewhere to do a good deed for someone else. Your child can volunteer his or her time right from home. Consider sending letters of gratitude to a soldier or his or her family. Design invitation flyers for your church’s upcoming youth rally. Donate some money to a local charity.

Just because your child isn’t working onsite doesn’t mean it’s not a form of volunteering. Participating in activities such as these can teach your child that there’s always time and opportunities to serve others, even when you can’t physically be there.

Moving in the Right Direction
Instilling a sense of philanthropy through volunteer work can be done at any age; even toddlers experience great pride and joy when they know they’ve made someone else smile. Volunteering can help pull introverted kids out of their shell, improve social skills, develop leadership skills, and encourage a team mentality.

The catch is that you the parent must provide the encouragement and opportunities for your child to experience it all. If you really have no idea where to begin, try checking with the local religious communities and government agencies first. These organizations usually have no shortage of causes that need attention and most will welcome any volunteer they can get.

You can also check with well-known charities for volunteer information. When you and your child start looking for opportunities to help others, you may be amazed at just how many needs there are out there — and you just might discover a new sense of purpose in the process.

About Savannah Marie:

Savannah Marie is a public relations graduate of Tulane University and a PR specialist in Harrisburg, PA. As a mom of two, she writes about parenthood and struggles that are true to her own life. She has quickly learned that the proverb “It takes a village” is completely true and hopes her articles help her fellow villagers. She also contributes articles to her own blog, Mixios.

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 26th – February 2nd

Posted on by Angie

Looks like it will be great week to take advantage of what’s happening indoors! More cold weather is headed our way.

Lots of storytimes and events for the LEGO lovers. Groundhog day is coming and if you’re like us, we’re thinking a change in climate would be nice! Head out to the Birmingham Zoo and see if Birmingham Bill will see if shadow.

Have a great week and stay warm!!

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

Sunday January 26th:

Ringling Bros. and  Barnum Bailey Circus
Behold the living legends! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® brings the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages in an all-new show – – Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS. Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures of the past: a unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions!
$15.00 Ticket + $6.20 Fees = $21.20
$25.00 Ticket + $7.45 Fees = $32.45
$40.00 Ticket + $7.85 Fees = $47.85
$50.00 Ticket + $8.35 Fees = $58.35
$75.00 Ticket + $11.50 Fees = $86.50
11am, 3pm and 7pm

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Monday January 27th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for hot popcorn and a COOL movie.
3:30

Family Movie Night – Bessemer Public Library
Please join us for Family Movie Night. Monsters generate their city’s power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted.
5:30

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Bring your wiggles and your giggles and your death defying nerve, because the circus is coming to town. Join us as we celebrate with a circus of our own—Tot Time style.Geared for 2 to 4 years olds with a caregiver.  24-hour advanced notice of attendance required.
9:30am

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Tuesday January 28th:

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday January 29th:

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Eric Carle and 13 other author/illustrators collaborated on the picture book What’s Your Favorite Animal? Join us as we read this story, encourage children to write about and draw their favorite animals, then teach Eric Carle’s collage technique.
11am

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Thursday January 30th:

Stories and Crafts with Ms Karen – Clay Public Library
Join Ms. Karen for Stories and Crafts, and enjoy some wintry tales and a related craft. Geared toward toddlers through second graders. All ages are welcome!  Programs last approximately 30 minutes.
10am

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday January 31st:

LEGO Adventure
Bring your imagination and we will provide the fun!
Registration open.  Grades 1-3
4pm

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Saturday February 1st:

Kids Workshop – Home Depot
Build a Home Depot Race Car. FREE hands-on workshops; designed for children ages 5 – 12. At all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m.

  • Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
  • All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin.
  • One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last.
  • Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.
  • Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis.
  • Thank you for registering online to help us better plan our craft kit quantities needed.

LEGO Club – North Shelby Library
The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10:00 and 11:00 am to build spectacular creations. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All Ages Welcome. No registration is required.
10am

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. Happy Neigh Year! // Make cards to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the horse!
11am – 1pm

Cartoon and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Saturday morning cartoons and cereal.
10am – 6pm

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 a super special shindig, featuring a reading of The Elf on the Shelf: A Birthday Tradition, a visit from the elf, stories, activities and more!
11am

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Sunday February 2nd:

Groundhog Day at the Birmingham Zoo
All Alabamians want to know: will Birmingham Bill see his shadow or not? Join the Zoo for the annual Groundhog Day prediction at the Wildlife Stage and find out if we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Don’t miss a chance to take pictures with Birmingham Bill, play kid-friendly games and watch a special Wildlife Show.
10am

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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: Rocky Mountain Express, Great White Shark

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 4

Posted on by Angie

Hard to believe we’re writing up new things for week 4 of 2014 already!!

Angie –
I’m fortunate enough to be finishing this post from my hotel room on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. While I’ve been to Chicago before I have tried several new things since I’ve been here. I’m currently stuffing my face with my new found favorite thing, so we’ll go with the Chicago Mix popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops. It’s a caramel-y, cheddar-y mix of of delicious goodness. I’ll most likely need to make another trip over there to bring some home.

Kristen –
Thanks to a very sunny Monday, my new thing this week was trying out the Urban Bonnet (see picture). Think: Little House on the Prairie but without the calico (and constant threat of roaming wolves). It provided great shade for baby’s face and snapped comfortably under her chin so she couldn’t take it off. Ridiculous. Adorable. We might need one in every fabric…

Shirley –
This week, I channeled my love for design, rustled up some creative juice and launched the first of what I hope will be many Birmingham kid design camps. Partnered with my friend, of Little Bird Design, I hosted a camp where camp kids chose their design and created custom valentines. I pick up there, by appliqueing the same design onto a shirt to match!

Did you do anything fun and new this week? Share!

Mother of All Consignment Sale Lists for Birmingham, Spring 2014

Posted on by Angie

Time to beg, borrow and steal those wire hangers and get to tagging! Consignment Season in Birmingham is just around the corner! Many sales are registering now. If you’re planning to sell, make sure to check the registration dates, many fill up quickly!

Make sure to check back often as we will update with any sales we learn about in the coming weeks. If you know of a sale in Birmingham that you would like to have listed, please contact us and we’ll get it added!

Alabaster:

Renewed Threads
10903 Highway 119, Restore Building, FUMC of Alabaster

March 14, 8:00 a.m. til 6:00 p.m.
March 15, 8:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m.

Site Info

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

February 12th  – February 15th
Open to the Public 12th– 15th
Sale Info

Homewood:

Lil Lambs Consignment
Trinity United Methodist –

Open to the Public:

Friday, February 28th and Saturday, March 1st
Friday – 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday – 9:00 AM – 12 Noon
Sale Info

Hoover:

Kids Wear Plus
Hoover Gallery Shopping Center

Contributor Shopping:
Saturday, Feb 22,   8am – 6pm

Public Shopping:
Monday, Feb 24,   7am – 6pm
Tuesday, Feb 25,   9am – 6pm
Wednesday, Feb 26,   9am – 6pm
25% Off – Thursday, Feb 27,   9am – 7pm
50% Off – Friday, Feb 28,   7am – 6pm
50% Off – Saturday, Mar 1,   8am – 3pm

Sale Info

Bargains on the Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist –

Open to the Public:
Friday, February 21st, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, February 22nd, 9am – 2pm Discount Day

Sale Info

Kids Corner Children’s Consignment
Mountain Chapel UMC

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Wednesday, February 12th 9am – 3pm
Wednesday, February 12th 5pm – 8pm Half Price of Select Items
Sale Info

TNT Sale
Riverchase United Methodist –

Open to to the Public:

Friday, February 28th –  9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday, March 1st –  8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Hueytown:

Twice Blessed Sale
Garywood Assembly of God –

Public Sale:
Thursday, February 13th – 6:00pm – 8:30 pm
Friday, February 14th – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Saturday, (1/2 off day) February 15th – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Sale Info

Irondale:

Kids Market and Mom
**NEW LOCATION! Will now be located in the old KMart  in the Eastwood Shopping Plaza.
7845 Crestwood Blvd (Hwy 78),
Irondale, AL

Receiving (by Appt)
Tue, March 11th,   9am – 7pm
Wed, March 12th,   9am – 7pm

Regular Receiving:

Sat, March 15th   7a – 6p
Mon, March 17th   9a – 6p
Tues, March 18th,   9a – 6p
Wed, March 19th,   9a – 3p
(Clothing items only on the 19th, no shoes!)

Public Sale:

Mon, April 7th,   9a – 8p
Tuesday April 8th, 8a – 8p
Wed – Sat. April 9th – April 12th,   9a – 6p

CLOSED Sun. April 13th

Mon-Sat. Apr. 14th – 19th,  9a-6p

Site Info

Twice as Nice Sale
BAMOM – Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples –

Open to the Public:
Friday February 7th
5pm – 9pm

Half Off Sale:
Saturday, February 8th
8:00am – 12:00pm
Only items marked with an asterisk (*) or a “Y” next  to the word discount are sold at half-price.
Sale Info

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment
Mountain Brook Community Church

Friday, February 7th, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, February 8th, 9am – Noon

Sale Info

Oak Mountain:

Giggles and Grace
Asbury United Methodist

Receiving: February 19th and February 20th

Open to the public:
February 21st 8am – 6pm
February 22nd – 8am – 1pm
Sale Info

Odenville:

Valley Kids Consignment
900 Woodland Circle, Odenville, AL 35120

Friday, March 7th,  9am-7pm
Saturday, March 8th,  8am-1pm (50% off day)
Sale Info

Trussville

Growing Kids
Trussville Methodist Church –

Friday, March 14th,  8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday, March 15th,  8:00am – 2:00pm
(Saturday is 50% off many items in sale)

Sale Info

Vestavia

Whale of a Sale
Vestavia Hills Untied Methodist Church
Thursday, February 20th, 5pm – 9pm
Friday, February 21st  9am – 2pm
Most items 1/2 off 1pm – 2pm
Sale Info

Market on the Mountain
Student Center, Mountaintop Community Church –

Friday, February 28th, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, March 1st 9am – 2pm
Sale Info

** Please remember that all dates and times are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy. Please make sure to double check the sales website for the most current and up to date information. If you have a sale you would like to see on our list, email us at contact@birminghammommy.com

Ringling Bros. Presents Legends.

Posted on by Angie

Circus performers from across the globe create the perfect blend of athleticism and bravery, where power meets fearlessness and amazement has no bounds.  Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance, Ringling Bros. Presents Legends!

BirminghamMommy.com had the chance to attend opening night here in Birmingham and this show did not disappoint! The Legends show is all new and filled with awe-inspiring feats. We were on the edge of seats for just over 2 hours watching the Daredevils on glow in the dark motorcycles, the amazing acrobats and how could we not mention mythical and mysterious – Unicorn, Pegasus and the Woolly Mammoth!

The show was packed with excitement from start to finish and will be an unforgettable experience for your entire family!

The circus is open now and runs through Sunday Night, January 26th. For times and ticket pricing see our Birmingham Events Calendar.

For a sneak peek of the show, check out our pictures from opening night!

Photos by: Scott Butler

 

Parenting with a PhD: Work Family Balance

Posted on by Angie

By: Kristen Berthiaume

Recently, a friend of mine from High School wrote a FaceBook status that I think many of parents can relate to: how do I balance the financial and emotional needs of my family? Some days, I feel like this question practically defines my life. After a full day’s work, my kids are not getting the very best of me – especially during those frantic hours of trying to cram in homework, dinner, bedtime, and multiple requests for water so that you can finally sit down load the dishwasher. Whether you work outside of the home or not (let’s be clear – all parents are “working parents”) – you can’t always be available for your kids and need to have your own interests, relationships, and thoughts. And there never seems to be enough money – sometimes the only kind of trip you can afford is a guilt trip. How do we achieve some kind of balance and still get our requisite four hours of sleep a night? Here are some ideas.

Of course it’s important for your family to have financial stability so you can afford to take care of basic needs like food, shelter, healthcare, etc. And, hopefully most of you employed outside of the home actually enjoy what you go and do every day. But, is it possible that you’re putting pressure on yourself to work long hours so the family can afford upgraded electronics and regular Disney vacations? Sit down with your partner and look at your spending. Are there relatively easy ways to cut corners for the sake of more quality time? Yes, reducing your family’s activities, trips, and procurement of stuff will be an adjustment but if affording these things means having to be apart for more time than you feel good about, it will be well worth scaling back. Also, consider talking with your employer about whether you can work some hours from home (but only do this if it won’t affect the quality of your performance, of course).

Don’t overschedule your kids. Or yourself. You know this. Your kid doesn’t have to be named a Chess Grandmaster, become fluent in Italian, and earn a college soccer scholarship all by 2nd grade.  Give him some time to be a kid and just enjoy being present for that. Make sure that at least some of this time is unplugged (i.e., outside, with a book, building, creating, etc.) and avoid the impulse to structure the experience for him. Kid says he’s bored? Ask questions that help him figure out what he’d enjoy. Do you feel like being active or quiet? Is there something new you’ve been wanting to learn or try? Set a limit on weekend activities with your spouse/partner. Otherwise, you may well spend from 4:00 p.m. Friday until 9:00 p.m. Sunday birthday party hopping (#bouncyhouseoverdose). Prioritize what you and your kids really want to do and decline other social invitations you receive. Remember that you’ll want some time to recharge and reconnect as a family. And you should probably do laundry at some point.

Some days, the only interaction we get with our kids is telling them to hurry up and get dressed, hurry up and eat dinner, hurry up and go to sleep. Not exactly quality time. Of course, getting things (e.g, pajamas, lunch, clothes for the next day, etc.) ready in advance can help routines go more smoothly but that doesn’t reduce the amount of work you’re doing. Think about what jobs your child might be ready to take on that would free up some of your time. For example, as I described here, our 1st grader is learning how to make her own sandwiches for lunch. Yes, it takes some work on the front end but once she’s proficient at it, I can leave her to it and go on to something else that has to be done. At the end of the day, that’s an extra five minutes I have for something I want to do.

Other kid jobs to consider: setting the table, sorting clean clothes, putting clothes in drawers, laying out pajamas, sweeping, wiping down the table, loading/unloading silverware in the dishwasher, making beds (I mean, if someone’s coming over and it actually matters), picking up toys, etc. Think about the daily tasks you insist on doing because no one else will get them right and consider this:

A) Does it matter if this is done perfectly?; B) With practice and guidance, could my child or spouse/partner learn to do this the way I want it done?; and C) If I absolutely have to do this task, can it be done less frequently?

Consider integrating special time into your daily schedule so you have guaranteed, stress-free interaction with your kids. Pick a collaborative activity (Read: NOT T.V.) and decide on an end point (e.g., when we finish the puzzle, in 15 minutes, etc.) to help you keep on schedule for other activities. Before bed is often a great time. Create a list of ideas for this activity and rotate through: coloring, dance party, duck-duck-goose, Legos, puzzles, storytelling, playing music, etc). Or, for added drama, install an app on your smart device that randomly chooses your Family Time activity each night. Check out Randomizer – it’s a fun carnival wheel that you can customize with your activity list. The kids will love to spin the wheel!

It’s O.K. to end Family Time early for fighting, disrespect, or out-of-control behavior, but be sure to warn your kids ahead of time that this can happen.

However you decide to balance work and family, cut yourself some slack. Parenting is a hard, hard job and, unless you have a tremendous amount of help, there is no way to get everything done that needs to be done. Maybe it’s time to accept that you can’t add hours to the day so consider re-defining what “needs” really means to your family and to you as a separate individual. This is an ongoing process and some days will be more heavily weighted to one side or the other but having a common goal of decreasing stress, increasing quality interactions, and, probably most importantly, reducing guilt that you can’t be everywhere all the time, is definitely a balance worth working towards.

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.

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 six-year-old and newborn daughters and three-year-old son.

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