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Birmingham Area Easter Egg Hunts 2013

Posted on by Angie

Who’s ready to hunt eggs? Birmingham is offering a great many hunts to choose from this year. Check our list and see which ones work for you!

Avondale

Avondale UMC is hosting a great hunt Sunday, March 24th, 12:15 – 1:30pm.  Join the Easter fun with a FREE cookout and Easter egg hunt at the Avondale Park rose garden.  The event will begin right after worship with hot dogs and hamburgers for all at the rose garden pavilion.  Kids of all ages will then have an opportunity to hunt for eggs and win fun treats.

The cookout begins at about 12:15
The egg hunt begins at about 12:45
Note:  times are approximate.

Bessemer

“Light the Night” Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza – Hopewell Church of God of Prophecy
March 30

Calera

Cottontail Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Hop aboard for a ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow. Join in the fun as we hunt for Easter eggs – you might win a prize! Jumpstation, temporary tattoos, coloring, and sandbox provide lots of fun! Bring your camera to take photos with Peter Cottontail!

Sat March 23 & 30 – 10:00, 1:00, 3:00
Sun March 24 – 1:00, 3:00

Clay

Clay Public Library
Sunday afternoon, March 24th, at 2:00 p.m. Prizes, snacks, the Easter Bunny, and Joey the Balloon Artist! Be sure to arrive a little before 2:00 as the eggs will be found quickly.

Gardendale

East Gardendale Baptist
Saturday March 30th – 10am – Noon

Gardendale Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt – Kenneth A. Clemons Athletic Complex
Night Hunt! Bring your flashlights!
Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. Registration for the egg hunt will be held that day from 6 until 6:30 p.m. at the splash pad.

Helena

The annual city wide Easter Egg hunt will be held Saturday, March 23rd at the Helena Amphitheater.  The first hunt will begin promptly at 9:30am and is for children 2 years of age and under. The second hunt will begin at 10am and will be for the 3-5 year olds. The last hunt of the morning is for children ages 6-8 years old and begins at 10:30am. Get there in early and bring a basket.

Homewood

Dawson Memorial Baptist
Egg hunts, games, rides, inflatables & food in Dawson’s backyard. Saturday March 23rd, 11am

Homewood Park
The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt is for toddlers up to ten years of age. Children will hunt for eggs with children of their own age group. There is also a section for children with special needs.

Location: Homewood Patriot Park

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013

Time: 11:00am

Don’t be late as it does not take long for all of the eggs to disappear!

Virginia College
Virginia College Friends and Family Easter Open House & Free Egg Hunt
10am – 2pm March 23

Hoover

Green Valley Baptist Church
Join us outside Fellowship Hall and enjoy a buffet of homemade breakfast goodies.  Then head across the street and hunt thousands of hiding eggs. This FREE event is intended for children 2nd grade & under.

Leeds

Outlet Shops, Grand River
Egg Hunt Shops of Grand River free
March 30th – 10a to 11 a.m.

Bass Pro Shops
Here comes Peter Cottontail! Come out and get in the spirit of Easter with FREE photos of you and your family with the Easter Bunny. FREE Crafts for the kids to enjoy (while supplies last). Free East Egg Hunt!

Easter Egg Hunt – March 23-24 and March 30- 31 1pm for 1 hour

Pictures with the Easter Bunny – Receive a FREE 4 x 6 photo March 23- 31
Saturdays and Sundays – 1pm – 4pm
Monday – Friday – 6pm – 8pm

Make a Bunny Magnet (while supplies last)
March 23rd and 24th – 1pm – 4pm

Create a Bunny Frame or Scratch Art Egg Craft
March 29th  – 6pm – 9pm
March 30-31 – 1pm – 4pm

Moody

Community Presbyterian Church
Preschool – 3rd grade/ two separate hunts for younger/older kids
Hundreds of eggs, Snacks, Hear the Easter story through fun activities after the hunt!
For more info. 640-5698
Saturday, March 30 10 am- 11am

Mountain Brook

City of Mountain Brook
The Merchants of Crestline Village are organizing the annual Easter Egg Hunt for April 7 at 10 a.m. The hunt will take place in the field across from the Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak Street.
The Easter Bunny will be available for photos after the egg hunt.

Whole Foods Market
March 23
11am to 3pm
Kids Korner egg hunt & more.

Pelham

Oak Mountain State Park
March 30th 10am – 2pm
Dogwood and Lakeside Pavillions – Terrace Drive
Egg hunt at 11a.m. for ages 5 & under, egg hunt at 1p.m. for ages 6 & up.
Moonwalk, Hayrides,Face Painting, Cake Walk, and more!

Pinson

Pinson United Methodist
Saturday March 23rd 2pm – 4pm
Bring the kids to Pinson UMC’s Easter egg hunt! We will meet at the church and walk over to the preacher’s house for the hunt! Come join the fun in the sun and maybe see our special guest you don’t want to miss!

Trussville

City of Trussville

4th Annual Trussville Parks and Recreation Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt March 23 – 6:30pm
Trussville youth football field (20 Palm Street).
For ages 2- 8.
HUNT BEGINS AT DARK. Be sure to bring your flashlight and basket!

  • 4000 Candy and Toy-filled Eggs
  • Face Painting
  • Easter Bunny
  • Sparky the Fire Dog
  • Cotton Candy
  • Inflatables

Other Special Events:

Edgars Bakery – All Locations
Easter Bunny at the Bakery
Saturday, March 31st at any of our bakeries as the Easter Bunny stops by! From 9am to 5pm, the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures! A kid’s coloring station will be available, and random prize drawings will take place for parents! The event is free and open to everyone! Hop on in and have a good time!!

 

Event of the Week: Strength Conference

Posted on by Angie

Our Event of the Week is actually an event every week during the month of April! We know so many moms who want to start their own business, or may have already taken the leap. This series is perfect for everyone! The Strength conference is going to provide social media to small businesses to help them expand their online brand, gain a competitive edge, and build networking support. One of our favorite mommy bloggers, Rachel Callahan, is also a presenter! Here are the topics:

April 1 – Understanding Social Media

What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Mitzi Eaker, Mitzi Jane Media, will share the top 5 mistakes business make in online marketing and then share what every brand owner needs to know to stand out and thrive in the ever-expanding, ever-changing, fast-pace world of social media marketing.

Basics of Social Media Tools

Teri Lynne Underwood will bring to light the social media platforms that are most applicable to your business and share personal insights into what has worked for her and her clients. She will highlight the best practices in marketing on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+.

April 8 – Social Media Strategy

Creating a Social Media Strategy

Mitzi Eaker, Mitzi Jane Media, will share steps to create a social media strategy that supports your mission and goals, is maintainable, yet sets your brand apart from your competition. She will interview business leaders about how they create and implement strategy for their businesses.

Creating Content Your Customers Want

Karla Archer, Archer Creative, will teach you how to create customized content for blogging and social media that strengthens your brands, adds value to your online communities, and grows your business.

April 15 – Website Metrics

Google Analytics 101

Jerry Brown, Infomedia, shares the ten things you should know about Google Analytics and more importantly, why you should care. Including: How do people find me online? Who are they? Do they like me? Are they a valuable customer? How can I plan for the future?

Search Engine Optimization

Jerry Brown, Infomedia, cuts to the chase about getting your business found online. If you want your business to be a player on the web today, you need to know the SEO rules of the game. Come hear all about how the world of SEO is changing.

April 22 – Social Media Branding

Business vs. Personal Branding

Online branding for small businesses is a living organism that is blend of personal and business networks which sometimes conflict with one another and your brand image. Julie Brannon, TELP Media, will share how to use your personal brand to strengthen your business brand while protecting your personal life and maintaining professionalism.

Partnering with People

Rachel Callahan, Alabama Bloggers, will give you an insider’s look at how to connect with bloggers and social media influencers. Rachel will share how to find bloggers to represent your brand and how to developing partnership beyond advertising. She will show participants how partnering with the “right” online influencers can expand your brand in Birmingham and on the worldwide web.

Cost

  • $169.00 full conference pass after March 8
  • Or $39.99 per night
  • Birmingham Mommy community is offered a special $20 off promo code to use. Promo code “mommy”. This is active now and currently set to expire March 27th at 11:55 PM. It is only off the All Access Pass and the Podcast (everything over $99).  Get it while you can!

Healthy Muffins: Perfect for Picky Eaters!

Posted on by Angie

I found this recipe on food.com. I was looking for healthier versions of the high-fat muffins that my daughter likes to take in her lunch. These were a huge hit! There is a 1/2 cup of sugar, but the bananas and applesauce did the majority of the sweetening. I bet some of you bakers could figure out how to ditch that last bit of sugar, if you do, let us know how!

  • 3 large bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup flour (you can use whole wheat for a change if you like)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (instant is fine)
  • 1/3 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Add sugar to mashed bananas and mix.
  2. Add beaten egg and mix.
  3. In a separate bowl mix all dry ingredients.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix well.
  5. Mix in applesauce.
  6. Add chocolate chips and Stir.
  7. Spoon into medium size muffin tin (I use paper muffin cups so they won’t stick) and fill 3/4’s full.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350.
  9. Enjoy

The Gray Area: Love or Convenience?

Posted on by Angie

By: Misty Smith

Why do we get married? Why do we stay married?

Girl meets boy. Girl finds boy attractive. Girl and boy date. Girl and boy fall in love. Girl and boy become husband and wife. Girl and boy have children. Then what? Life gets busy….really busy!!! Jobs, kids, bills, dance lessons, soccer practice, responsibilities…ugh! Girl and boy grow apart without even realizing it has happened. They once spent all of their time together. They kissed, they hugged, they partied, and they had sex…not just the “once a week (or month) obligatory sex,” they had the “all-in, mind-blowing, all-night sex!” When did THAT stop?! 5 years in, 10 years in, after kids? I don’t even think most people realize it is happening until they are there, and, unfortunately, it might be too late.

So what do you do when it IS too late? Do you stay for the sake of the kids? Do you stay because you have no other choice? Do you stay because it’s “complicated”? Do you choose to endure the passionless, uninspiring relationship you call your marriage? If you make this choice due to convenience, does your spouse know? Are you both making the choice of convenience together, or is one half of the partnership still laying their heart on the line and hoping for reciprocation? If you are choosing to stay in a marriage due to convenience, where is the harm in trying to find that love again?

I know this article is FULL of questions, but this is all I can do right now…ask questions. I have seen so many people lately who fall into this situation, and all I can do is ask these questions. I do believe that a “marriage of convenience” can be the best thing in many situations. If it is beneficial to the kids’ well-being, if the parties can function as friends only, and if the stability of the home can be maintained, then this “marriage of convenience” may actually be a good idea.  There is a HUGE problem with this though…the lack of passion and true love that one or both may be able to find elsewhere if not in the “marriage of convenience.” Is it possible to be in a loveless relationship forever, or is it better to cut your losses, and find the new love of your life? Then one might ask themselves the question, “Is this as good as it gets?”  As I speak to these couples both personally and professionally, my heart breaks for them.  The idea that they have fallen so far from the roots of their relationship, and have let the mighty oak tree fall in the forest is very sad to me.  But is it too late to stop that mighty oak from falling?  Can you water those roots and revive the tree? If you are going to stay in the relationship, what’s the harm in at least trying to make things better? What’s the worst that could happen…things stay the same???

While the options may lead you in one direction or the other, is it possible to change the situation and better your marriage?  Over the years I have seen couples succeed at rekindling the fire, but all too often I seem them let the fire burn out because they just don’t try.  Much of the time, it is a case of too little too late.  For the successful couples, it comes down to a positive attitude.  Love is a feeling, but love is also a choice. The successful couples choose to make a “good faith effort,” and they really put forth 110%. They aren’t out there searching for greener pastures because this man/woman WAS the greenest pasture when they committed themselves to the marriage, and quite frankly.. the grass isn’t always greener on the other side! If you find yourself having lost that “loving feeling,” try “starting over.” Girl meets boy. Girl and boy date each other again. This is one of the most common mistakes that girl and boy make when they get married. They stop dating. They stop trying to impress one another. They live in the same house, and there are so many things that we do as “roommates” that we did not do during the dating process that are JUST NOT SEXY! Be romantic. Get a sitter. I have seen people in marital crisis who haven’t had a night away from their kids in 1, 3, 5, 10 years -since the first child was born, and then they are wondering why they aren’t “in love” anymore. Of course you’re not, girl and boy had kids and decided that parenting was the most important thing in their lives, or at least one of them did. Guess what? IT IS!!! However, those beautiful little babies that girl and boy made are going to suffer a lot more when they are splitting time and holidays than they would from their parents taking a couple of romantic weekend getaways each year and having a date night once a month or even once a week.

Intimacy is almost always necessary for couples to really keep that “in love” kind of feeling. It creates a connection that separates you from the “roommate” category. So, if you think it is worth trying to save, here are some suggestions I have. Girl and boy need to hold hands more often. Girl and boy might try putting kids to bed early and snuggling on the couch with a movie and not with their smart-phones. Girl and boy definitely need to start kissing every day. I can’t remember where I heard it, but I like it—what happens in the first four minutes that you and your spouse see one another in the afternoon sets the tone for the night. If you walk in and start griping, it’s probably going to be a bad night. If you walk in and kiss your spouse passionately (even if you are not in the mood), you will most likely have a much better evening. SEX…girl and boy actually need to have it and maybe more than once a month!!! I know this is going to sound a little harsh, but, if you think that sex isn’t important to your relationship as a couple, expect that your partner will probably be getting that need met by someone else at some point in time. Priorities. Think about them!

Do you have any amazing ideas for rekindling that in-love feeling when things seem completely hopeless?

About this column: Please be aware that this column potentially addresses sensitive issues that might, at times, be considered offensive. Feel free to send your relationship-related questions to my email: mistysmithphd@convenienttherapy.com. 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 in the column, 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 seek counseling services from a professional. You may also join in on the conversations over on her Facebook page.

Misty Smith, Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She owns a private practice, Smith Counseling Services, Inc. She obtained her Master’s degree in Counseling from Jacksonville State University, an Educational Specialist degree from The University of Alabama, and her Doctorate in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University. She provides counseling services in the following areas: couples/marriage, family, stress management, employee assistance services, time management, divorce, and other major life changes. She generally focuses on solution-focused brief therapy, as well as, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral techniques, but feels a flexible approach to therapy is necessary because all people are different. She is a wife of 10 years and a mom to a 5 year-old daughter, a 3 year-old son, a 19 year-old step-son, a 16 year-old step-daughter, and a 20 year-old Russian exchange daughter.

Birmingham Spring Break Calendar

Posted on by Angie

Spring Break is HERE!! How is that possible? This listing is sure to keep you busy with the tiny humans while they’re out on break. Have a suggestion that we haven’t listed? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Happy Spring Break!

 

 

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

Saturday March 16th:

St Patrick’s Day Parade – 5 Points South
Parade Info

Line-up starts at 11am between 10th & 11th Ave South near the Alys Stephens Center
Start time – 1:30pm
End time – 2:30pm

Parking

Parking available in the Parking Deck next to Cosmo’s Pizza on Magnolia Ave
Parade Map Click Here For Map

Dino Discovery – Birmingham Zoo
Members-Only VIP Preview Days:
FREE for members!
9am-12pm
*Opens to the public at Noon

Bart’s Art Cart, Hip, Hippo, Hooray – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart! Decorate your own animal cup and saucer with a hippo or your favorite animal!
11am

Bart’s Book – 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 Roger Duvoisin’s Veronica.

Storytime – Books a Million, Brookwood Mall
Wizard of Oz Storytime, featuring Dorothy
11am

Kid In Nature – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
KIN (Kids in Nature) Club, $5/$7 per child (chaperones free )
Let’s go outside and explore!  KIN Club focuses on a different topic each month and includes a naturalist-led hike and a craft.  Suited for 3rd – 5th graders and their family.   Check our website for each month’s topic.  Reservations required.  Reserve your spot at http://shop.ruffnermountain.org/.
1:00 – 2:30pm

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 Storytime as we read Mossy. Scoot has never seen a turtle as beautiful as Mossy, but someone picks her up and takes her away. We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.

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Sunday March 17th:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

St Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Participate in our green scavenger hunt and learn about some of the myths and legends of St. Patrick’s Day. Return your completed scavenger hunt to the front desk and receive your very own pot of gold prize!
1pm – 5pm (come and go)

The Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hanna Center
For the first time ever, during the Globetrotters 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour, fans will decide the rules that could decide the final outcome. This includes anything from playing with two basketballs at once to getting the double the points for each basket made. By visiting www.harlemglobetrotters.com, you can register your vote and get ready to see the Globetrotters at the Pete Hanna Center
4 pm – 6 pm

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Monday March 18th:

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Skins & Skulls
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Join us for a hands-on look at native Alabama wildlife from the inside and out.

Meaty Mealworms
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Learn about the lifecycle of the Darkling Beetle and why they are an important food source for many countries. You can even try one yourself! Choose from cheddar, BBQ or Mexican Spice flavored.

Gulf Tank Feedings
1:30 PM

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
All ages welcome. Delicious freshly popped popcorn along with juice will be served to all children in attendance.
10:30am

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Tuesday March 19th

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Beastly Behaviors
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Discover the disgusting habits of McWane Science Center’s very own animal staff.

Whose Scat is That?
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Animals tell their stories by what they’ve left behind. Join us and get the Scoop on Poop!

Mighty Monarchs
10:30 AM
Flutter by and learn about the amazing life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Through crafts and hands on activities you will gain an appreciation of these beautiful creatures

Birmingham Museum of Art – Hippo Adventures
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture!
Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures 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

The Pigeon Wants an Audience – Hoover Public Library
The Pigeon has left the pages of his book to host a day devoted to …him! Fun for the whole family in the Kid Zone. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Wednesday March 20th:

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Skins & Skulls
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Join us for a hands-on look at native Alabama wildlife from the inside and out.

Meaty Mealworms
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Learn about the lifecycle of the Darkling Beetle and why they are an important food source for many countries. You can even try one yourself! Choose from cheddar, BBQ or Mexican Spice flavored.

Gulf Tank Feedings
1:30 PM

Chicken Little – Hoover Public Library
The sky is falling, but don’t panic! Leave that to our talented staff. Fun for the whole family in the Library Theatre. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

An Afternoon Movie & Build a Snack – Homewood Public Library
The Children’s Department will provided ingredients to build a delicious and nutritious snack to munch on while watching an afternoon film. All ages welcome. Peanut allergies will be taken into consideration, please notify staff.
Round Auditorium – 3:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Emeraldalicious!If you love to read about Pinkalicious, you definitely want to find out what she and her brother Peter are doing in her new book! Learn how you can be greentastic!
11am
Birmingham Museum of Art: * Multiple Event Listings *

10AM-1PM – Bart’s Art Cart, games, and hippo activities!

10:30AM, 11:30AM, Noon – Three tour options to see our new family-friendly exhibition, Hip, Hippo, Hooray!

11AM and Noon – Bart’s Books: Eleanor the Hippo Learns to Tell the Truth by Andy McGuire

1PM –  Film: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

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

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Thursday March 21st:

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Beastly Behaviors
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Discover the disgusting habits of McWane Science Center’s very own animal staff.

Whose Scat is That?
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Animals tell their stories by what they’ve left behind. Join us and get the Scoop on Poop!

Mighty Monarchs
10:30 AM
Flutter by and learn about the amazing life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Through crafts and hands on activities you will gain an appreciation of these beautiful creatures

Tweety and His Peeps – Hoover Public Library
The Looney Tunes cutie and the marshmallow “tweets” known as Peeps – what a combination! Fun for the whole family in the Kid Zone. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

Homewood Public Library * 2 Listings*

Duplo Storytime
10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium.
A story time for the very young which combines a story with hands-on learning. All ages welcome.

Lego Build
3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium.
Hosted by the Magic City Lego Group this program is a master build. The group will provide the bricks to create structures out of your imagination. Open to ages 6-12 yrs old. For safety concerns, no younger children.

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Friday March 22nd:

McWane Science Center – Multiple Event Listings

Skins & Skulls
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Join us for a hands-on look at native Alabama wildlife from the inside and out.

Meaty Mealworms
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Learn about the lifecycle of the Darkling Beetle and why they are an important food source for many countries. You can even try one yourself! Choose from cheddar, BBQ or Mexican Spice flavored.

Gulf Tank Feedings
1:30 PM

Build A Spring Garden – Homewood Public Library
2:00-4:00 p.m. Round Auditorium.
Stop by the Children’s Department to put together the perfect spring addition to your garden. You will take home a cup of dirt and watch a seed sprout into a living plant. All ages welcome.

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Saturday March 23rd:

Birmingham Z00
11am-1pm: Get Rhythm® will provide a two hour interactive “community music-making experience” in Trails of Africa using drums and percussion from around the world. All instruments will be provided by Get Rhythm!®

Birmingham Museum of Art – Hippo Adventures
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture!
Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.No reservations required. Hippo Adventures 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

Barts Art Cart –  Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
Decorate your own animal cup and saucer with a hippo or your favorite animal!
11am

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: Multiple Event Listing
Join us for Storytime as we read Wild About Books. Find out what happens when even the animals in the zoo love to read books. We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.
11am

Special Event, Young Readers, Children’s Event
We’re proud to join American Girl with a fun workshop, Just Between Us: A Parent and Daughter Event. This event is based on The Care and Keeping of You for girls age 8+.
3pm

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Movie Review: The Croods

Posted on by Angie

The Croods tells the story of the world’s first family road trip. When their cave is destroyed, the Crood family must embark on a comedy adventure into strange and spectacular territory in search of a new home. As if patriarch Grug (Cage) didn’t already have enough to handle, it goes from bad to worse when they encounter an imaginative nomad named Guy (Reynolds.) With Guy’s help the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive – each other.(c) Paramount.

We had the pleasure of catching an advanced screening of The Croods last weekend. My girls, ages 7, 5 and 5 had been awaiting the release of this film since they saw the previews at another movie months ago. This one didn’t strike me as something I would like, like I did Brave, Tangled or Up, I was definitely surprised.

My initial impression of the movie was that it would just be a caveman cartoon, with a hormonal teenage daughter, who was dangerously close to losing her top. Once I got over my concern for her “side boob” and started getting into the story, I enjoyed it. I thought the Father/Daughter dynamic was spot on, and very sweet.

It’s action packed, fairly humorous and did a good job of modernizing a pre-historic era. I loved the landscape and hybrid creatures they encounter along their journey.

The characters are somewhat stereotypical, as knuckle-dragging, mono-browed Neanderthals, with the exception being “Guy,” a fire wielding hottie that immediately captures the attention of the sheltered daughter, “Eep.” “Grug” the overprotective father that he is, does not like the budding relationship and like any father of a teenager daughter tries to meddle.

Even during the height of the danger and excitement, my 5 year old’s were never scared and absolutely fell in love with “Belt,” the 3-toed sloth and pet who accompanies “Guy” on his journey.

While not a “classic,” I think this will be a big hit and even with the PG rating, I found it way more suitable for my kids ages than Wreck It Ralph or ParaNorman.

The Croods opens in theaters, March 22nd. Just in time for Spring Break!

The Reluctant Domestic: Daring Greatly at Parenting

Posted on by Angie

By: Lissa Peterson

On the way into preschool yesterday morning, I dropped my four-year-old daughter’s backpack on the ground. “Here you go, mommy,” she said, picking it up. “You messed up. You mess up a lot, don’t you?”
“I don’t know about a lot,” I responded, “but I certainly do mess up.”

I’ve been reading Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, by Brené Brown. In this book, Brown suggests that we need to dare to be vulnerable, to risk emotional exposure and to “have the courage to be imperfect.” She suggests that parents need to let their children see them being vulnerable and making mistakes. As the comment from my daughter demonstrates, I’ve been making a concerted effort to be honest with my kids about my mistakes since reading Brown’s book.

Brené Brown has become fairly well-known for her TED talk on vulnerability. In that talk and in this new, best-selling book, Brown shows how we harm our ability to connect with others when we are not willing to be vulnerable. Brown’s research has proven that developing a comfort with vulnerability allows us to connect with other people in vastly more fulfilling ways.
Brown explores the concept of “shame resilience” – the ability to fail without thinking we are failures, to dare greatly without worrying of being unworthy of love and belonging. As parents, Brown says we must first work on believing that we are undeniably worthy of love – even in our failures – and then make a conscious effort to ensure that our children feel that way also. She feels we should concentrate not on discovering the right way of parenting, but on teaching our children to take chances and to handle failure with a positive attitude. The best way to do this, she says, is to be open and honest about our own struggles to do these same things.

The best parts of Daring Greatly are the stories that demonstrate the truth of Brown’s ideas more skillfully than the research ever could. Brown struggles with vulnerability, too. In fact, she originally started this research because she wanted to figure out a way to predict and control human behavior. However, the research proved to her that the best happiness in life comes not from prediction or control, but from “leaning into the discomfort.” In her books she shares many stories from her own personal journey as well as many she’s found during her research. These stories give the ideas she describes a sense of humor and humanity that make her book all the more enjoyable. In reading these stories, I felt the connection and empathy that Brown suggests we need in our day-to-day life.

On the whole, Daring Greatly is filled with a lot of good ideas and interesting food for thought. As you can see, I’ve already incorporated some of her advice into my own parenting tool box. I thought about my daughter’s comment for a while that day. I wondered if it is bad that my daughter thinks I mess up “a lot.” Ultimately, though, I decided it’s a good thing. At four, she is already uncomfortable with failure. I often can’t get her to try a new thing because she doesn’t want to do a bad job at it. I’ve been wondering for some time how to get her to be more willing to take risks. Maybe, just maybe, if she sees that it’s okay for mommy to “mess up,” she will be willing to risk failure herself. I’ll keep giving it a go and let you know what I find.

What do you think?

About Lissa:

Lissa Peterson is an Instructor at a local liberal arts college and the mother of preschool age boy/girl twins. She writes about motherhood, feminism, finding balance, and trying to take the time to savor the moment. Follow her on twitter @LissaPeterson

St Patty Playdate!

Posted on by Angie
Photo from Betty Crocker

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday that doesn’t revolve around kids receiving gifts. Make a festive playdate for the favorite kids in your life with a few simple ideas:

1. Have a gold coin hunt. Buy some cheap chocolates wrapped in gold foil. Hide them like an Easter Egg Hunt and let your little leprechauns search for their treasure.

2. Green foods! Green food coloring in milk and added to sugar cookies will make some fun treats. Easy and fast, the kids will love it.

3. Rainbows: Use rainbows to decorate and make some rainbow cake!

4. Coloring sheets printed from the internet are as crafty as you need to get. If you’re not a neat freak, offer some stickers and glitter too.

You don’t need a complicated craft or entertainment to make kids happy. Let them play and socialize, that’s what makes the best playdates!

Event of the Week: Harlem Globetrotters!

Posted on by Angie

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Birmingham! BirminghamMommy.com has the scoop, and a discount code for tickets!

Known as innovators of the game of basketball for decades, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters are again introducing something unparalleled in the history of sports and family entertainment, taking kid participation and fun to a whole new level when the Globetrotters come to Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 4:00 p.m.

For the first time ever, during the Globetrotters’ 2013“You Write the Rules” World Tour, your family’s smiles will begin before you even get to the show. Fans will decide the rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. This could be anything from playing with two basketballs at once, to getting double the points for each basket made.

Go online with your kids to www.harlemglobetrotters.com to vote for which ground-breaking rule you want to see implemented in the game. Then, get your tickets, and see the winning rules in live action at the Globetrotters’ world championship game.

Discounted tickets are available by contacting Jackie Bravman at the Harlem Globetrotters for all Birminghammommy.com readers and their families!

Tickets, starting at $26.00, but if you mention “BirminghamMommy” when you call, you’ll receive $9 off!

Jackie can be contacted at 602-707-7017 or at Bravman@harlemglobetrotters.com

Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you get to actually spend time on the court with the Globetrotters one-on-one – shooting, trying out ball tricks, autographs and photos. The unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,” will create memories of a lifetime.# After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.*

This year’s Globetrotters roster features stars such as Special K Daleyand Flight Time Lang. They will join many other fan favorites, including 7-foot-8 Tiny Sturgess (the Guinness World Record holder as the World’s Tallest Professional Basketball Player), 5-foot-2 Too Tall Hall(the shortest Globetrotter ever), and female star T-Time Brawner.

Birmingham Events Calendar: March 10th – March 17th

Posted on by Angie

We hope you remembered to spring forward, if not you’re probably late for something by now!

Spring Break is just around the corner, and the weekend will kick off with St Patrick’s Day! Plus if you’re a member of the Birmingham Zoo, you’ll be able to check out the new Dino Discover Exhibit during the member only preview.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make our Moms Rock Event a HUGE success, whether you nominated a Rockin’ Mom, were a sponsor or just a guest for the evening we appreciate you being a part of another great year of BirminghamMommy.

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

Sunday March 10th:

Street Food Rally – Pepper Place
Come out and support the Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition at our First Annual Street Food Rally.

This event is being hosted by The Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition. This coalition represents the trailers, carts, and food trucks in Birmingham. It is the goal of this coalition to spread awareness to the fast paced growth of the food truck movement. With your support, our group will help enhance and progress the economy of our great city.
Noon – 5pm

Trucks in Attendance:

  • Cantina on Wheels
  • Dreamcakes Bakery
  • Fresh off the Bun
  • Greg’s Hot Dogs
  • MELT
  • Off the Hook
  • Repicci’s Real Italian Ice
  • Shindigs Catering
  • Slice
  • Spoonfed Grill

Yoga for Kids. Teens 13+ – Villager Yoga
Yoga is a fun and interactive way for children and teens to build strength, release excess energy and develop a healthy body and body image. Kids tend to lead intense lifestyles due to over-stimulation, academic and social pressures, blended families and busy schedules, all which create stress that can be hard for them to identify and clearly communicate. Our yoga practice provides tools children, teens and families can use to alleviate stress and find calm and balance in a safe, non-competitive environment.

Our sessions follow a loose curriculum through which kids and teens continue to add knowledge of poses, build strength and develop mindfulness with each class. All classes move from warm-up to active play, through mindfulness exercises and closing relaxation. Kids Series require full 8-week registration (one day per week), unless otherwise noted. All classes below are led by Annie Damsky

For Teens 13 & up, Traditional sequencing is introduced in an invigorating format to build strength, balance and flexibility while relieving physical and emotional stress. Mindfulness exercises offer teens exploration of their physical, emotional and mental development, both individually and as a group.

This class is drop-in (not a series), class passes apply
Individual class is $15
5pm

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Monday March 11th:

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register
9:30am and 10:30am

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Tuesday March 12th:

Larry Moore the Magic Man – Hoover Public Library
This Birmingham favorites brings a show full of magic, comedy, juggling, balloon-sculpting and more @ The Plaza!
6:30 pm

Hippo Adventures – Birmingham Museum of Art
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture! Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures 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 – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am

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Wednesday March 13th:

Johhny Appleseed – Books a Million, Brookwood Mall
11am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie. You’re invited to the fanciest, pinkest most princessy tea party ever. Afterwards, we will make a craft and enjoy something sweet from our Cafe.
11am

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

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Thursday March 14th:

Dino Discovery – Birmingham Zoo
Members-Only VIP Preview Days:
FREE for members!
9am-4:45pm
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Friday March 15th:

Dino Discovery – Birmingham Zoo
Members-Only VIP Preview Days:
FREE for members!
9am-4:45pm

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Join us in the Café for stories, songs, and snacks as Mrs. Renee Schmidt leads the toddler fun.
10am

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Saturday March 16th:

Dino Discovery – Birmingham Zoo
Members-Only VIP Preview Days:
FREE for members!
9am-12pm

Bart’s Art Cart, Hip, Hippo, Hooray – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart! Decorate your own animal cup and saucer with a hippo or your favorite animal!
11am

Bart’s Book – 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 Roger Duvoisin’s Veronica.

Storytime – Books a Million, Brookwood Mall
Wizard of Oz Storytime, featuring Dorothy
11am

Kid In Nature – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
KIN (Kids in Nature) Club, $5/$7 per child (chaperones free )
Let’s go outside and explore!  KIN Club focuses on a different topic each month and includes a naturalist-led hike and a craft.  Suited for 3rd – 5th graders and their family.   Check our website for each month’s topic.  Reservations required.  Reserve your spot at http://shop.ruffnermountain.org/.
1:00 – 2:30pm

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 Storytime as we read Mossy. Scoot has never seen a turtle as beautiful as Mossy, but someone picks her up and takes her away. We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday March 17th:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

St Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Participate in our green scavenger hunt and learn about some of the myths and legends of St. Patrick’s Day. Return your completed scavenger hunt to the front desk and receive your very own pot of gold prize!
1pm – 5pm (come and go)

The Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hanna Center
For the first time ever, during the Globetrotters 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour, fans will decide the rules that could decide the final outcome. This includes anything from playing with two basketballs at once to getting the double the points for each basket made. By visiting www.harlemglobetrotters.com, you can register your vote and get ready to see the Globetrotters at the Pete Hanna Center
4 pm – 6 pm

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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: The Last Reef, Santa and the Snowman, Rocky Mountain Express

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Animal Grossology
Experience a new exhibit that is oozing with science as you meet some of the slimiest and yuckiest creatures on Earth! You’ll never look at the animal kingdom the same way after you see “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY!”

The Animal Grossology exhibition, based on a popular series of books by science teacher Sylvia Branzei, is an educational experience grounded in the theory that the best way to get kids interested in science is to present it in terms they find most appealing. Let’s face it, topics such as slime, vomit, dookies and other gross stuff are completely fascinating for your average six to 14-year-old.

By physically stepping into the Animal Grossology exhibition, these subjects have become an interactive, larger-than-life biology lesson that harnesses kid’s natural curiosity about themselves and teaches them about how animals function.

Oozing with disgusting science and interactive learning games, the all-new “Animal Grossology” exhibit is sure to provide a unique perspective on the animal kingdom. Museum guests will experience some of the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth.

The exhibition contains solid science and introduces it in a way that makes kids giggle. It’s science disguised in interactive entertainment and kids are more apt to learn when they’re having fun doing it. You may think leeches are pretty gross but they’re used after some surgeries to assist in the healing process. Did you know that cows are one of the gassiest animals on earth? Learn why the dung beetle is nature’s living pooper scooper and why scientists are studying slug and snail slime production for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.

Animal Grossology is a temporary travelling exhibit created and produced by Advanced Exhibits, a division of Advanced Animations LLC, in collaboration with Sylvia Branzei, the author of the GROSSOLOGY series of books. The books are published through Price Stern Sloan, a member of Penguin (USA) Inc.

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.

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