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3 Rules of Housetraining Seminar with Creative Dog Training

Posted on by Angie

Did your household welcome a new addition over the holidays? Many families will give in to the pleas of the tiny humans and use Christmas as the chance to surprise their kids with a new puppy. What could be cuter than a new puppy with a big red bow around his neck under the Christmas tree, on Christmas morning, right?

Well, with this new addition comes new responsibilities, and Creative Dog Training developed this program to help families that are welcoming new puppies into their households over the holidays to deal with what can be one of the most frustrating training areas, housetraining!

Creative Dog Training learned a long time ago that Housetraining doesn’t need to be complicated, and can easily be achieved by following 3 Simple Rules! In this seminar they will give you the 3 Rules as well as discuss how to apply them and how to adapt them to your life with your dog.

Housetraining is easy – people make it hard! It really doesn’t take any more of your time to train your dog – it just takes restructuring the time you already spend with your dog. Their method is simple and easy to follow. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation.

What You Will Learn

  • Teach your dog where to go to the bathroom
  • Teach your dog where not to go potty
  • Teach your dog to go quickly on command
  • Teach your dog to ‘hold it’ when she needs to
  • Teach your dog to let you know when she needs to go

This Seminar is all about education for you, there is no need to bring your dog and it’s not just for puppies! It will work for any age dog.

The price is free, but registration is required. You can register by going to this link on eventbrite.

The Seminar will be held at:

Creative Dog Training, Avondale.
January 17th, 2014
6:30pm

Watch the promo video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ9STcTcXgo

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 5th – January 12th

Posted on by Angie

The Birmingham Events Calendar is back! It’s a little light kicking off the New Year but there are still several things to choose from, like the upcoming BrickFair LEGO Event happening this weekend at the BJCC.

You can catch a LEGO Mini Build at the Galleria on Tuesday and the Libraries are getting back to their regularly scheduled storytimes and movies.

Looks like we’re in for some super cold temps, make sure to keep an eye on the weather and the list of school closings and delays.

Stay warm and have a WONDERFUL week!

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

Monday January 6th:

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

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Tuesday January 7th:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
LEGO Snowplow: begins at 5:00 pm while 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 January 8th:

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
We’re celebrating kindness and compassion as crucial components in the fight against bullying. Join us for a reading of Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney, because you are never too young to show kindness.
11am

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Thursday January 9th

The Fresh Beat Band – BJCC Concert Hall
The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, are giving fans one more chance to see them live as they hit the road again for 60 performances on their nationwide concert tour. In 2012, more than 400,000 fans saw the concert making it one of the year’s more successful music tours.

$37.50 Ticket + $14.10 Fees = $51.60
$27.50 Ticket + $12.55 Fees = $40.05
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTOL is open 9-5 daily.
6:30pm

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 10th:

Penguin Craft – North Shelby Library
Stop by the library to make this craft that is sure to warm your heart. All ages welcome. Registration is required.
4pm

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Saturday January 11th:

BrickFair LEGO Convention – BJCC Exhibition Hall
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family. Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set.
$8 at the door. Children 3 and under are free.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
We recommend allowing 90 minutes or more to enjoy the show.
Doors close at 4:00 pm; expo is vacated at 4:30pm.

Kidz Kitchen with Ameilia Bedelia – Hoover Public Library
Join Amelia Bedelia in the kitchen as she attempts to “dress the chicken,” make “baby food” and whip up one of her world famous pies.
11:30

Family Movie Day – North Shelby Library
This is the story of a little penguin named Mumble who has a terrible singing voice and later discovers he has no Heartsong. However, Mumble has an astute talent for something that none of the penguins had ever seen before: tap dancing. All ages are welcome with a caregiver. No registration is required. Snacks served.
10:30a

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

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
We’re celebrating kindness and compassion as crucial components in the fight against bullying. Join us for a reading of Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney, because you are never too young to show kindness.
11am

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Sunday January 12th:

BrickFair LEGO Convention – BJCC Exhibition Hall
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family. Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set.
$8 at the door. Children 3 and under are free.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
We recommend allowing 90 minutes or more to enjoy the show.
Doors close at 4:00 pm; expo is vacated at 4:30pm.

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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.

Giveaway: BrickFair LEGO Convention

Posted on by Angie

The BrickFair LEGO Convention is back at the BJCC next weekend (January 11tth and 12th) and BirminghamMommy.com has a family four pack of tickets for one lucky reader!

Here’s what you can expect!

LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet.

BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever.

LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family!

Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set.

Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and really, everything you never imagined.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post using the word “BrickFair” in your reply.

2. Share this post on your Facebook Page, make sure to use  “@BirminghamMommy”  when you do.

Giveaway will end Tuesday, January 7th at 10am. Winner will be notified via email and on Facebook.

Good Luck!

Pinspired Recipe: Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Posted on by Angie

Cold weather is here and colder weather us coming. It’s time for soup in the crockpot. Comfort food at it’s finest!

We found this recipe on Pinterest and it’s Delish. I chose to not add the noodles to the soup and cooked up a batch of noodles and a batch of rice (which is good if you’re gluten free) and they both worked well just adding the soup over the noodles and rice.

Chicken and Noodle Soup
5 cups of chicken broth (boxed or can is fine)
One 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup carrots, chopped fine
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
One 15 oz can of whole kernel corn, drained
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 1/2 cup Egg noodles
2 cups cooked chicken chopped or 2 cans canned cooked chicken

Add everything but the noodles and cooked chicken to the crock pot on Low for 5-6 hours, the last hour turn on High, and add noodles and chicken.

Follow us on Pinterest for more of our fun finds!

52 New Things 2014. Week 1

Posted on by Angie

You may remember a series we did a few years back called 52 New Things. We joined up with some other local bloggers and spent the year trying at least 1 new thing each week. With 2014 upon us, we decided it would be fun to give this another go.

If you are a blogger/reader and would like to participate, we would love to have you on board. You can link up on your blog, or just leave a comment each week letting us know what you tried and what you thought. If you have an idea of something for us to try, we’re open to suggestions!

I’ve enlisted/bribed/strong armed BirminghamMommy.com contributor Kristen Berthiaume, and one of my BFF’s and long time BirminghamMommy supporter, Shirley Lewis to submit new things each week as well, and here is what we came up with for this week!

Angie –
My new thing this week is my first visit to A Movie Tavern.  I’m a HUGE movie goer, I love going to the movies, LOVE. One of my biggest complaints has always been trying to balance the rigid start times with dinner before or after the movie. It seems like there is never enough time before or after to be able to spend an evening doing dinner and a movie, unless you hit the late movie, but I’m getting too old for that. I accept this.

While in Kentucky over the holiday my sister took me to a local place called, The Movie Tavern. It’s genius. They have a full menu, servers and adult beverages. Yes, adult beverages. Burgers, fries, pizza, salads or just good ole popcorn and movie candy, your choice. It’s great because it gives you options and you don’t feel like on your only night out without the kids that you’re stuck with just popcorn for dinner because you had to make a choice, Movie OR Dinner.

Someone in Birmingham needs to get on this!

Kristen –

This week I tried a new Ipad App called Hopscotch (and, yes, I know it’s an app for kids but I’m on vacation and played with it obsessively for two hours straight, O.K.?). Rumor has it that we’ll all need to learn computer coding to survive in our increasingly virtual society and some schools are teaching it to kindergarteners. Fortunately for people like me who only do Technology Light (I still can’t work The Twitter), there is Hopscotch. If you (or your kid) can read, you can drag and drop various commands into the instruction window and create a simple cartoon that does exactly what you tell it to do. It takes some trial-and-error but the process is cool and the app has good explanations in the help menu. I may never actually need to learn how to code but I had fun and I’m sure I didn’t need those 120 minutes for anything more pressing. Eventually, I might even let me kids try it. (Oh, be sure that you’re downloading the right Hopscotch app – there are a couple that are actually just hopscotch).

Shirley –

Peanut Butter M & M’s – They will change your life. That is all.

If you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy, join us on facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – we would love to hear what you’re trying that is new!

 

Car Seat Law Changes for 2014

Posted on by Angie

The New Year will bring new changes when it comes to the law and your child’s car seat.

Starting in 2014, the new recommendation states that the LATCH system should no longer be used when the child and car seat combined weight is over 65lbs.

To make sure that you are compliant with this new amendment, Weigh your child, then weight the seat, then add them together. If they’re over 65lbs combined, start using the seat belt restraint versus the LATCH system.

The change is an amendment to the law instated in 2001 that recommended all children up to 65lbs remain in car seats/boosters, but that did not take into account the weight of car seats. Car manufacturers cannot guarantee the strength of the anchors when adding the additional weight of the seat, thus the need to modify the law.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in harness (including 5 point harness or booster with seatbelt) until the age of 8, which prompted car seat manufacturers to design car seats meant for higher weights. Car seat laws vary state-by-state and your specific state requirements for car seats can be found here.

 

Holiday Getaway: Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park, Georgia

Posted on by Angie

The holiday break is here and if you’re looking for something to do that’s just a quick drive from Birmingham, you should load the family up and head over to Stone Mountain Park in Georgia.

Spend a fun-filled day playing across five football fields of frosty joy. Zoom down the 400-foot hill all together in their family-sized tubes, or go it alone as a single rider. From snowman building to snowball shooting, tubing to togetherness, enjoy all the moments that will make for the perfect snow day.

BirminghamMommy was recently invited over to check everything out and we can say with certainty that there is plenty of fun to be had for children (and adults) of all ages. We have confirmed that “Fun for the Whole Family” is actually possible.

Snow Mountain assigns guests a 2 hour window so while you wait for your reserved time for tubing it’s a great chance for you to take advantage of the the SnowZone.

In the SnowZone there is lots of interactive fun to be had. You will find a closet full of scarfs, “noses”, and sunglasses to decorate and personalize your snowmen. You can also snag some brick molds for building your own igloo, or fort.

Once your assigned window comes up for Avalanche Alley you can spend 2 full hours on the slopes in both the individual and family tubes. This is where the real family fun happens!

In addition to spending an entire day on just Snow Mountain, there are many musical shows offered as part of Snow Mountain Christmas which ends January 1. From a Holly Jolly Cabaret, and the Crossroads Christmas Carol to the Polar Express 4D, which is about 15 minutes of the most exciting pieces of the film. Snow, cold wind and smells jump out while sitting in a chair that allows you to feel the train move, bounce and rock. *Note: Polar Express 4D runs though January 6, 2014.

If you’re not able to make it over before the end of the year, no worries! Snow Mountain is open now through February 17, 2014. To purchase tickets or learn more visit www.stonemountainpark.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos By: Scott Butler

Christmas Tree Recycling, Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

The presents are opened, the playrooms are over flowing and the needles from your Christmas tree are in piles on your floor. If you’re ready to do away with this years tree, here are some options for recycling in Birmingham and surrounding areas.

Birmingham – Christmas trees are picked up curbside and are chipped by the city as part of their normal landscaping and yard debris removal service on regularly scheduled pickup days.

Gardendale – Natural Christmas trees are picked up curbside and are chipped by the city as part of their normal landscaping and yard debris removal service. Mulch generated goes to Gardendale city landscaping.

Homewood – Through January 10th, natural, decoration-free Christmas trees can be brought to 189 Citation Court in West Homewood. The trees will be recycled and the mulch will be used in the Homewood community.

Mountain Brook – The Mountain Brook Tree Commission and the Birmingham Zoo are partnering for the 6th annual Christmas tree recycling event. Residents are encouraged to drop their trees off at the zoo’s picnic area next to the parking lot during normal business hours from Dec. 26-Jan. 6.

Only “clean” trees, free of decorations and wire, can be processed by the chipper. Garland, wreaths and other small debris must be hauled away as trash. Organizers ask that residents help the volunteers and help prevent damage to machinery by removing foreign objects before bringing your tree.

Shelby County– County citizens can drop off their trees for recycling on December 26th through January 4th at the following locations:

  • Pelham City Park (off US 31 in Pelham)
  • Ray Building (off Alabama 70 in Columbiana)
  • Chelsea City Hall
  • Heardmont Park on U.S. 119
  • Propst Alabaster LLC (formerly Colonial Properties Alabaster, at the end of the AmStar Theater parking lot)

All drop areas are located in parking lots and designated with orange traffic cones and signs.

Vestavia – Decoration free, natural Christmas trees can be dropped off at Scout Square (The Christmas Tree Lot) right off of Highway 31 in Vestavia. Donated trees are used as fish habitats in the lakes on the properties of Alabama Power.

Know of a Christmas Tree recycling location we haven’t listed, leave us a comment and let us know!

 

photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/proforged/5210804526/”>proforged</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

 

Keep Kids Reading Over the Holidays

Posted on by Angie

Holiday break is in full swing and even though children are taking a break from school to spend quality time with their families, they don’t have to take a break from reading.

While children are home for the holidays, reading specialist Dr. Marcia Bolton, director of student teaching at Widener University, encourages parents to continue reading to their children regularly and to have their children help with planning literacy activities throughout their vacation. She also suggests having children read for at least 30 minutes each day.

To keep you children reading over holiday break, Dr. Bolton offers the following tips that have worked for her family, including:

  1. Write notes to your children so they have to read the note, interpret it and comprehend its meaning. For example, leave a note out that reads, “Let’s make cookies together. Find a recipe, and bring it to me.”
  2. Try a variation of the “I Spy” game. If you go on a trip, have your children name things they see that begins with one letter of the alphabet or a specific sound. You can also have them identify two items that combine to make a new word. For example, a cow and a bell would create cowbell.
  3. Have your children gather information online about holiday traditions of various cultures. Have them interview family members about the origins of your own family’s holiday traditions. They can then report on what they’ve learned to their siblings, cousins, etc. This activity teaches social skills, main idea questioning, and oral language skills. Also, you are encouraging your child to take notes, which is a critical study skill.

Reading is a huge part of our daily routine and this is a good time to think outside of the box and come up with some creative ways to keep the kiddos reading. If your child thinks reading is a chore, check out this article on making your child a good reader.

Holiday TV Guide, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Posted on by Angie

Movies and Jammies are 2 of our favorite things. If you’re fortunate enough to have some down time over the next couple of days where you can curl up with the kids, eat some yummy cookies and drink hot cocoa, here is a list of the Holiday Programming happening on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

*Note all times listed below are EST

 

A Very Brady Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 7AM
A Christmas Romance LIFETIME Dec 24, 8AM
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 9AM
Scrooged ABCFAM Dec 24, 11AM
A Recipe for a Perfect Christmas LIFETIME Dec 24, 12PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 24, 1PM
A Christmas Carol TCM Dec 24, 1:15PM
The Muppet Christmas Carol ABCFAM Dec 24, 3PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 24, 5PM
The Twelve Trees of Christmas LIFETIME Dec 24, 6PM
The Santa Clause 2 ABCFAM Dec 24, 7PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 cartoon) ABC Dec 24, 8PM
Finding Mrs. Claus LIFETIME Dec 24, 8PM
It’s a Wonderful Life NBC Dec 24, 8PM
A Christmas Story TBS Dec 24, 8PM
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) ABC Dec 24, 8:30PM
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 24, 9PM
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ABCFAM Dec 24, 12AM
CHRISTMAS DAY
A Christmas Story all-day marathon TBS Dec 25
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 25, 7AM
The Year Without A Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 25, 7:30AM
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ABCFAM Dec 25, 8:30AM
Merry In-Laws LIFETIME Dec 25, 10AM
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade ABC Dec 25, 10AM
The Muppet Christmas Carol ABCFAM Dec 25, 11AM
Christmas Crash LIFETIME Dec 25, 12PM
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ABCFAM Dec 25, 1PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 25, 3PM
The Santa Clause 2 ABCFAM Dec 25, 5PM
Christmas on the Bayou LIFETIME Dec 25, 6PM
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 25, 7PM
Kristin’s Christmas Past LIFETIME Dec 25, 8PM
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ABCFAM Dec 25, 9PM
A Snow Globe Christmas LIFETIME Dec 25, 10PM
The Muppet Christmas Carol ABCFAM Dec 25, 12AM
Surviving Christmas TBS Dec 26, 2AM

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