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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.

Downton Abbey Support Group

Posted on by Angie

I was late to the game, but when I found Downton Abbey… my life was complete. Hearing the Dowager Countess declare that it was such a pity to waste pudding… brilliant! If you’re a fan, you’ll love a few fun things we found. If you haven’t seen it yet, you must! Amazon Prime offers free showings, or you can go the Netflix route for $7.99 a month. Do it now!

Our friend Rachel at GraspingForObjectivity.com has a severe case of ODD (Obsessive Downton Disorder). She put together some great graphics and discussions over on her blog.

We also loved the faux Facebook pages for the characters- give yourself some time, you’ll be unable to pull yourself away!

Americans may spend too much time sitting in front of televisions and computers, but moms don’t have quite so much free time. We have to find the shows that are worth something and DVR them for that precious hour after the kids go off to bed. For me, those have been Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, The Walking Dead, and Big Bang Theory. What are your shows that you can’t miss?

March Giving Highlight: Magic Moments

Posted on by Angie

Every year hundreds of children in Alabama are diagnosed with critical illnesses. Once the diagnosis is made, the child’s life, as well as that of the entire family, is completely changed. Nothing is ever the same as it was before as their life, and the family’s routine become consumed with the complexities and worries of dealing with their illness.

At Magic Moments they believe that these are the children who are so deservingly in need of a magic moment. They are the only wish-granting agency devoted exclusively to providing magic moments to Alabama children suffering from life threatening medical conditions. A magic moment allows children and their families to forget, even if just for a little while, the fear and pain of their illness. Many of the families Magic Moments serve have never had a vacation, or even a day off, from the exhausting and frightening reality of hospitals, doctors’ offices and on-going medical procedures.

Founded in 1984 by two Birmingham Moms, Magic Moments has grown from a small, volunteer-only project in Birmingham, to a federally-recognized 501(c) 3 state-wide organization that has provided almost 4,300 magic moments to children in all 67 counties of Alabama. They have a big mission and they complete it with a small staff of only four full-time employees plus a score of committed volunteers dedicated to the children.

Magic Moments’ recipients come from a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural and racial backgrounds and face such life threatening medical conditions as cancer, heart disease, sickle cell disease, brain and spinal cord injuries. Frequently they have a secondary medical condition, often caused by the harsh drugs used to treat their primary illness.  While Magic Moments does not require that the children we serve demonstrate financial need, the sad reality is that many live at or below poverty level. Because the parents of seriously-ill and chronically-ill children frequently struggle with large medical bills and missed work, they are often unable to provide the extras such as computers or family vacations.

A magic moment can provide a seriously ill child the opportunity to laugh and play like a “normal” kid – to experience the everyday joys of childhood that are so often lacking when a child has spent much of his or her life in a hospital bed.

Travel and family vacations are our most common requests.  A vacation allows families time to relax, reconnect, and focus on fun, often for the first time in years. Younger children most often choose to go to Disney World. Older children who may be grasping desperately at an uncertain future sometimes have a very specific dream destination.  Most recently Magic Moments sent a 12 year old girl battling cancer to Fashion Week in New York. Her dream for when she grows up? To be a fashion designer.

The physical toll that a severe illness takes on a child’s appearance can often be overwhelming, especially for teenagers. Frequently, children ask for new clothes and make-up, wigs, or even braces. While those things may seem small, they can make all the difference in the life of a child who desperately wants to be seen as “normal.”  For older children struggling for normalcy and looking desperately towards the future, we have provided tuition assistance for classes and even secured internships at a New York magazine.  Computer systems and shopping sprees for electronics are frequently requested by very ill children, many of whom spend extraordinary amounts of time in and out of hospitals and at doctors’ offices.  For these children, video games and portable electronics such as iPads and gaming devices provide distraction and enable them to keep up with friends and school work.  Other magic moments include gifts of customized playground equipment, adaptive bikes and medical gliders, even a custom fishing pond for a little boy who loves to fish.

Currently they have over 75 children awaiting their magic moment and unfortunately many don’t have the luxury of time to wait. They rely solely on the support of contributors and fundraising events to raise the funds needed to make each one happen.

Our dream, or our magic moment? To provide a magic moment to child in Alabama who is suffering from a life threatening illness – to give them hope and joy at a time when it is needed most.

For the month of March BirminghamMommy.com will be raising money via an e campaign and online auction to grant at least one wish to a child in need. We’ll be introducing you to our sponsored child, Jordan very soon!

Birmingham Events Calendar: March 3rd – March 10th

Posted on by Angie

It’s Moms Rock prep week here at BirminghamMommy and we hope you’ve made plans to attend what is sure to be a great Moms Night out this Thursday! We’ll be honoring some amazing local Moms and hope you can join us to celebrate. If you haven’t already, you can RSVP here.  Lots of other fun stuff going on around Birmingham this week including a LEGO mini build, yoga classes for your teens, and Disney Live will be coming through town on Saturday! Have a great week everyone!

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

Sunday March 3rd:

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 4th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
All ages welcome. Delicious freshly popped popcorn along with juice will be served to all children in attendance.
3:30pm

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 5th:

Free LEGO Mini Build – Rivercahse Galleria
Sea Turtle
Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
5pm

Hippo Adventures – Birmingham Museum of Art
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 6th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Zoe Gets Ready. Each day is full of possibilities, and Zoe wants to be ready for every one. 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 7th:

Birmingham Moms Rock 2013 – Cantina Pepperplace
This will be an exciting and fun night out with live music by Justin Gannon, food, prizes, swag, and of course some Rockin’ cocktails! It’s sure to be a great night of fun for you and your Mommy Friends so make plans to join us that night and find out who will be Birmingham’s Most Rockin’ Mom. Our special guest will be one of the Magic City’s most rockin’ moms, Brooke Smith from CBS42. We will also be announcing our upcoming auction to raise funds for Magic Moments- win a great prize and help make a local child’s wish come true.
6:30mpm

Suessabration – Irondale Public Library
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at our read across America seussabration! Enjoy some favorite Dr. Seuss tales, make a seussilly craft, play a seek & find games on the big screen. Plus meet our special celebrity guest, Arielle clay from Fox6. And what birthday would be complete without cake?!?!

SNAP: Paper Making – Emmet O’ Neal Library
A hands-on how-to – learn to make your own paper. February 28 from 3:30 – 4:30. Grades 3-6. No registration required.

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Friday March 8th:

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 9th:

Disney Live Mickey’s Music Festival – BJCC
Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with the stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story in their new touring show Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! The irresistible lineup of performers, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Segastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie; are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session fit for the entire family! You can’t resist dancing, singing, playing your air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Come join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime.
Showtimes 11am and 3pm

$14.00 Ticket + $5.90 Fees = $19.90
$52.00 Ticket + $8.35 Fees = $60.35

Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
Monster Jam is back at Lowe’s this weekend! Be sure to register your child to build the Monster Jam kit featuring Monster Mutt®!
Click to find a Lowe’s near you.
10am

Members Only Twilight Tour – Birmingham Zoo
See the Zoo in a whole new light during this Members Only Twilight Tour. Participants will enjoy an interactive animal show, a fun animal-themed craft or activity, and a ride on the Zoo’s carousel. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight for a one-of-a-kind night tour around the Birmingham Zoo.

For more details or to register, please contact Carrie Brooks at 205.397.3864 or cbrooks@birminghamzoo.com.
6:30pm-9:30pm
$15 per person

*Twilight Tour events are exclusively for Birmingham Zoo members. All children must be five years of age or older and accompanied by an adult. Payment is due upon registration to reserve your space.

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

Family Day Holi Festival – Birmingham Museum of Art

The Museum celebrates Holi, the traditional Indian celebration of color! The program will include Indian dance and music as well as art activities, scavenger hunts, henna tattoo, Indian food (provided by Taj India), and lots of color!

11AM // Traditional Indian dance performances by local youth groups

12:30PM // Storytelling

1PM // Professional Indian Dance and Music with performances by The Auburn Indian Music Ensemble, Notinee Indian Dance Group, Sudha Raghuram, Aastha Gandhakwala, Natyanada Dance School and Company, and Nanda Sane Dance Group: Fushion Faction.

2PM // Celebrate Holi as it should be celebrated – with colors!

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 Bears in Beds. We will find out what happens when five little bears in bed hear a noise in the night. We will make a craft and have a treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday March 10th:

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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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.

An Experiment in Priorities: Stop Cleaning Your House!

Posted on by Angie

For the past 11 months, I have privately conducted my own little experiment. It was more of an inner mission, but my goal was to assign priority numbers to different parts of my life and adhere to them in the correct order. It was pretty simple, but was a reminder I feel I needed. My children’s well-being was of course number 1. My relationship with my husband was also a number 1. Sometimes in day to day life, those number 1’s slip and the more I saw it happen, the more it made me determined to stop it.

Number 2’s were my career and  my relationships outside of family. I have focused heavily on my career for the past year. It has been hard to push fun things to the side and study or work. The other day, I found myself sitting in my car at baseball practice, typing on my computer and reading required readings. I was so proud. Proud that I’m setting an example for my kids and that I’m doing it in a way that doesn’t take away from them. By focusing and making it a priority, things are going great.

Number 3’s were things like housework. Normally, I would put this first. I focused on cleaning and having order. I skipped on playing with my kids or just sitting with my husband so I could sweep. This priority has been the biggest shift I’ve noticed. We’re not living in filth, but it did make things more chaotic to see dirty dishes 2 days in a row. Now for the bright side- the result of me moving this priority to low has been that my kids are starting to take more responsibility and clean up after themselves. My husband sees my 14 hour day and knows that I can’t vacuum. He supports what I’m doing and he’s chipping in more. In a weird way, moving cleaning to the bottom of my list has made our family better and stronger… thereby supporting priority number 1!

I had planned to wait a full year before sharing this, but 11 months has done wonders, so why not!? I finally feel like everyone in my family is getting all of their needs met, but also really enjoying one another and learning how to be a team. Personally, I have no more mommy guilt. I’ve never seen my kids so successful and happy- homework time is fun and I have to make my 7 year old stop reading so he’ll go to bed. We’ve all hit this great level of balance and understanding. This was nothing complicated, just something I set my mind to. Anyone ever done something like this? How’d it go? I want to hear more- I feel like there are so many areas where I can improve, I can’t wait to figure them out.

And in a side note– all of your hard work shouldn’t go unrewarded. I treated myself to a Groupon for housecleaning services!

Moms Rock Finalists!

Posted on by Angie

What an amazing group of ladies!

1. Diane Knight
Diane is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She has been a Single Mom raising her children, including a son with Autism. She is now married to the love of her life and continues to go to amazing lengths for her son. From special dietary needs, to traveling across the country in search of the best treatments for him, she is always on the go. For her to meet you is for her to accept you as part of her family. She never meets a stranger. She was recently signed up to run the NYC marathon in honor of her son and others with autism. When the hurricane hit and cancelled the run she immediately started searching for another run to compete in because she didn’t want to let anyone down. She is an amazing Woman, Mom and Advocate. She just recently signed up for a 104 mile bike ride from DC to Delaware for Autism Speaks, again honoring her son. The ride is the first of August and this time she will do it with her husband. Tackling it together like they have Autism.

2. Stacy Mitchell
Since her son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes just before his 2nd birthday, she has worked tirelessly to inform about the challenges of Juvenile diabetes, raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has had many meetings with local government officials to increase funding for a cure for this disease. Since the day he was diagnosed she never sat back waiting to be told how to handle the challenges of the disease. She jumped in head first and decided to do everything she could to give him a better quality of life and to make things easier for him as much as she possibly can. I could only hope to find the determination to handle myself in the same way if I were ever to be faced with such challenges.

3. Tiffany Osborne
Tiffany Osborne, despite her own illnesses, tirelessly works full time and works full time in their home. She enjoys cooking each child and her husband their own individual and favorite desserts as well as decorating with hand made crafts on a tight budget. She’s active in the Living Stones Church choir and often performs and even tours as a backup singer with the contemporary Christian group “Just Cause”. She never seems to take anytime for herself, taking on the majority of household duties because her husband is an amputee, but doesn’t complain as long as her family is happy. Tiffany’s goal is to be the kind of mother her late mother Mary was to her…compassionate, loving and attentive. Even when she can barely breathe from health related issues, she’s taking 3 year old William and and 2 year Olivia to the zoo and other church and  educational activities. She really rocks because often her husband is deployed to disasters like, most recently, Hurricane Sandy with the American Red Cross during which time both children had to have tubes inserted in their ears. With no family within 5 hours of Alabama this Mom Rocks.

4. Jami Davis
Jami is incredible. She is single mother of one daughter, Mandy.  Jami lives in Pleasant Grove and was instrumental in the recovery efforts from the moment the tornado touched down and for months thereafter. She not only got out and did immediately recovery/ search and rescue before rescue teams could get there, she opened her heart and door to give immediate compassion and care to her small town and it’s citizens. Last year, Jami was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. She has undergone complete reconstructive surgery on her entire lower body. She is currently receiving chemo and radiation. Even with her hair missing, her body in discomfort and her commitment to help others, she remains a beautiful example of what it means to be a mom and rock this world.

5. Laura Stanfield
Laura and I have been dear friends since grade school, so I have a great appreciation for the type of friend, wife, and mother she is.  Laura has a little boy, Wyatt, and she is one of the greatest moms out there. She is so loving and caring, balances life’s challenges and hurdles with so much patience all the while making Wyatt her main focal point!  Laura lost her mom a few years ago and that is something that had a huge impact on her life. Most first-time mothers lean heavily on their moms for advice and counsel, but Laura didn’t have that ability.  Thankfully, Laura is surrounded by so many great female role models and has a huge support group in friends, this wasn’t an issue for her.

6. Suzanne Tullis
Suzanne has three boys that she constantly refers to as “The Sons of Thunder”. Her oldest son is almost 14 years old and was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was very young. I have watched my sister research, fight and most importantly, pray for a son who has major issues. It has become her life’s mission and yet she has never neglected time spent with her other two children. Just recently, she decided to home school Joshua. She is such a beautiful person with a heart of gold and a fabulous, Godly mother.

7. Ashley Bryant
I would like to nominate Ashley Bryant. Although Ashley is a mom-to-be, I know that she will be a fantastic mommy! She eats healthy, exercises, and is very organized. I know all of these traits will carry forth into motherhood. I have no doubt that Ashley, along with her husband Davey, will be fantastic parents. I know that she will cook and process her own baby food to pass on her healty eating habits, take the baby jogging with her, and hand craft lots of fantastic things for the nursery and the baby. I know that Ashley will be the epitome of a rockin’ mom!

8. Stacey Turner
Stacey had her son Declan on May 25th of 2012 and she has managed to make life with a newborn look far easier than it should during this past year. She was able to stay home with Declan over the summer, but returned to work when he turned 3 months old. Each day Stacey goes to work at Alabama Ballet, yet she still manages to give her son all the love and attention he needs. Stacey is involved with several arts nonprofits around town and loves being able to do what she can to help the organizations she volunteers with. Her time with these places is limited from time to time because she really does put her time with Declan first, but I know she has stayed involved because her love of the arts is something she hopes to be able to share with her son, while also giving him a fair dose of love for Alabama football since both she and her husband are UA grads and sports lovers.

9. Jennifer Askins
Jennifer Askins is an amazing single mom.  Her son absolutely comes first in her life.  She is a disciplinarian, as well as a gentle friend to him.  She teaches that 5 year old constantly, and that encompasses many things.  She teaches him to read, to play ball, to be sweet and courteous, as well as compassionate.  She just makes life very special for that special little boy who has totally won her heart, and she still takes time for her family and friends.  Though she is alone as a parent, it never comes through in her attitude and her ways of parenting.  She is my daughter but that is not why I say these things.  I say them because she is a wonderful mom.

10. Anna Marie Lasseter
My real mother passed away 3 years ago this April. I have a step mom though that I could never ask for anything better. She doesn’t have children of her own. But when she married my dad in 2007 she gained twins (me and my brother) and a grandson. She has always supported my family. She has stood by my side when I fought for custody of my son for three years. She never sees the flaws in my life only the positive.   She never puts herself first. If you call her with a problem she flys to get to you.

Pinspired Eats: S'mores Pizza

Posted on by Angie

This is an easy, kid-friendly dessert that adults will love too. I picked this one because it would be easy to take to potluck events, or use it as dessert for family movie night. The kids can make this themselves!

  • 1 (16 1/2 ounce) package pillsbury refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 2 cups graham crackers, broken in 1 inch pieces
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • chocolate syrup, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Spread the softened cookie dough into a lightly greased pizza pan, flattening it to the edges.
  2. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until it begins to brown SLIGHTLY.
  3. Remove the cookie from the oven and sprinkle the top with with the chocolate chips, graham crackers and marshmallows.
  4. Return the cookie to the oven for 5-8 minutes until crust is brown and chips and marshmallows are melted.
  5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
  6. Garnish with chocolate syrup, if desired

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