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Busy Mommy Bonding Series: ABC Noodles

Posted on by Angie

This activity is so simple we feel a tad guilty calling it an activity!

When kids are learning the alphabet, most of it is very visual.  This activity lets kids touch and feel what a “B” is, and make one of their own.

What you’ll need:

Box of spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
Graphic of the alphabet

What you’ll do:

Let the spaghetti noodles cool, then hand over a few to your child.  Ask them to choose any letter and make it out of a noodle.  Help them manipulate it if they’re very young.  Then start challenging them- can you make a Z?  How about a P?  My kids especially loved when I started telling them they can make the “Z” disappear and eat it!

Nothing beats playing with food without making a huge mess, all while learning!

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 17th – February 24th

Posted on by Angie

Alright Moms are you wondering what Birmingham has to offer this week? We’ve got some ideas for you!

Check out the new exhibit opening at the Birmingham Museum of Art, this week. Hip, Hippo, Hooray! The new family-friendly exhibition focusing on the stories of hippos.

There’s a storytime at the new Kids a Million at Brookwood Village, a movie at Emmet O Neal Library and a great program at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center!

Don’t forget to Nominate a Rockin’ Mom! Sunday is the last day to get your nominations in for our 2013 Moms Rock Event, sponsored by Brookwood Medical Center and the Shops of Grand River.

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

Sunday February 17th:

Hip Hippo Hooray – Birmingham Museum of Art
New Exhibit!
The Museum is delighted to share the unique, amusing, and beautiful porcelain table service from the collection of Richard Baron Cohen.  Combining two of his greatest collecting passions–ceramics and hippos–Mr. Cohen commissioned a large dinner service from the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory in Denmark that captures the spirit and personality of his favorite animal.

The story of the service began in 2004, when Mr. Cohen sent photographer Sarah Louise Galbraith on a year-long journey around the world to photograph hippopotami in zoos and in their natural environment. Using these photos, master porcelain painter Jørgen Nielsen painted delightful “portraits” of the hippos on the various pieces of the service. Completed in four years, the service includes more than 150 pieces.

This family-friendly exhibition focuses on the stories of the hippos, who they are and where they live, and Galbraith’s travels around the world to photograph them.

Last Day to Visit the Clifford Exhibit at the McWane Science Center!!

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Monday February 18th:

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 February 19th:

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 February 20th:

Storytime – Kids a Million – Brookwood Village
Eric Carle Storytime
11am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read When Charlie McButton Lost Power by the author of The Hunger Games. Find out what happens when Charlies electronics lose power. 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 February 21st:

SNAP Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O’ Neal Library
Can a boy bloom in the garden? Find out in this movie about a kid with a truly odd life. Thursday, February 21, at 3:30. Grades 3-6. No registration required.
3:30pm

Taste of Homewood – SOHO
The 12th annual Taste of Homewood, Rosewood Hall in City Hall at SoHo. The Mardi Gras theme event features over 30 Homewood restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops, and beverage merchants.

The Taste of Homewood has become a tradition in Homewood showcasing the city’s growing number of Homewood food purveyors and providing the public a chance to sample a taste of cuisine from their menus.
5:30pm – 8:30pm

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Friday February 22nd:

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

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Saturday February 23rd:

KIIS (Keep It Simple Silly) Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Join Ruffner’s Animal Care Keeper, Chivon Morse, for this month’s KISS (Keep it Simple Silly) Program.  Learn how Chivon keeps our Animal Ambassadors engaged and mentally active through enrichment.  Come learn the importance of enrichment, as well as have the opportunity to make some enrichment treats for the Animal Ambassadors at Ruffner.  You’ll even get a chance to see one of the animals in action with their enrichment!  We tend to make lots of our enrichment activities with materials that would ordinarily be recycled.  Feel free to bring any toilet paper or paper towel tubes to donate for Ruffner’s enrichment program.   Perfect for families.   Program is approximately 45 minutes. Reservations required.   Reserve your spot at  http://shop.ruffnermountain.org/
1 pm – KISS (Keep it Simple Silly) Program, $2/$3

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery and activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart! Create a Face Jug that looks like you or a friend!
11am

Amelia Bedelia Day – Kids a Million – Brookwood Village
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
Join us for Storytime as we read Chick ‘n’ Pug. Chick lives for adventure and Pug lives for sleep. Who will be the hero? Afterwards, we will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday February 24th:

LJCC Camp Fair – Levite Jewish Community Center
The Levite Jewish Community Center offers Day Camps, Specialty Camps, and Sport Camps for children ages 18 months – 7th grade.

The LJCC Camp Fair will be held in the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School Gym on the campus of the Levite Jewish Community Center. The Camp Fair will include summer camp registration, specialty camp representatives and details about all camps being offered.

Members and Non-members are welcome at the Camp Fair. Registration for members of the LJCC will begin at the Camp Fair. Non-members may begin registering on April 1. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camp LJCC runs weekly from May 28 – August 16. Camps include traditional day camp (Yofi), specialty camps and sport camps.

Some of the specialty/sport camps being offered this summer are

  • FOAC (Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum)
  • LEGO Robotics
  • Black Out Theatre Camp
  • Kid Fitness
  • Knight School Chess Camp
  • Learning With Animals
  • Magic Camp
  • Icky Sticky Camp
  • Science Extreme Up Close
  • Tennis Camp
  • Lacrosse Camp
  • Mike Getman Soccer Camp
  • Alabama Blue Chips Sports Foundation Basketball Camp
  • Splash Camp
  • Bike Clinic
  • Woodshop 101
  • Circus of the Kids (first time in Birmingham since 2009).

The LJCC has a “camp a la carte” system — register for one week or all twelve. Camps can be mixed and matched with Camp Yofi, Specialty, and Sport camps.

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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.

Valentine Fun Facts

Posted on by Angie
Pucker up. Kissing can actually help prevent tooth decay because it stimulates saliva, which helps reduce the incidence of cavities.

Happy Day O’ Love! While you’re nibbling on your chocolates, and hearts enjoy these fun facts about Valentines Day!

  • Many believe the X symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn’t write their names signed in front of a witness with an X. The X was then kissed to show their sincerity.
  • Approximately 58 million pounds of chocolate are consumed around Valentine’s Day.
  • About 8 billion candy hearts are sold between Feb. 1 and Feb. 14
  • 73 percent of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.
  • About 3 percent of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

 

The Gray Area: Flirtationships; A Little Fun or A lot of Damage

Posted on by Angie

By: Misty Smith

A friend of mine sent me a text this morning that read: “FLIRTATIONSHIP; More than a friendship less than a relationship.” I thought…WOW! I had no idea there was a word for this…lol, and I just couldn’t resist using this. I mean we are talking about “Gray” areas here, and this is definitely one of them. It is so true today. Be honest—How many of you have had flirtatious texting relationships while married or in a relationship? The texting probably started innocent enough. I’m sure it began as a simple phone number swap for “business” reasons. Let me say that I will not be gender biased in this discussion because men and women do it equally, and they are doing it more and more! But why?

Is it because it is a “rush” to be doing something so risqué and forbidden? Is it because we are just flirty by nature, and it’s hard to put aside those behaviors forever? I mean, come on, how many of us could have been voted “biggest flirt” in our high school yearbooks…LOL (besides me of course)! Do we need the self-esteem boost every once in a while? One person telling us how amazing we are might not be enough to keep us feeling great about ourselves for very long; maybe we need to hear it from multiple people. Is it simply HOTTER when you hear those comments from someone other than your significant other? Relationships often get in ruts, or, as I like to call it “getting comfortable”. We say our “I Love You’s” between cooking, cleaning, jobs…  let’s not forget kids, who can ruin a moment with your sexy someone extremely fast..

There are so many possibilities…which one is applicable to you? I think at this point, I have seen examples of all of these reasons in the people I know. I have other questions though. Does your spouse know that you have flirty-texting friends? Do they care? Do they have one also? Does it somehow add to your relationship, or do you find that is causes more of a strain on your relationship, whether it is a secret or not? The biggest question though is, “When is a “flirtationship” not enough?” I recently had a friend talk with me about this type of behavior because it was the beginning of the end for their marriage, and so the story begins.

It started harmlessly with texting for “business” reasons. There were a few texts back and forth…very innocent ones. Then the individuals began texting a bit more just for some casual friendly conversation. Quite a few days later there was a flirty-text sent, AND, to their surprise, it was not rejected. It actually received a very positive reception. Sooooo….there was another and then another. The relationship quickly went from a “business” relationship to a “flirtationship.” It was that easy!!! Because the “high” of that first experience was just not enough, there was another relationship that became a “flirtationship”. The texting went from flirty to what we will refer to as “sexy” really quickly. It was HOT! It was something, that after years of marriage, was not experienced any more. There was more attention and time spent on this “flirtationship” than on the marriage. I know…it is really sad, but it is what happened. The things that can be said thru a text are so much more extreme than those said in person for many people. Now what happened when the flirty-texting wasn’t enough? The curiosity was beyond control. They met! They have “sexy” texted about all of the things they would do, and it was time to “prove” it. The build-up had been so intense, that when they met, they acted on the feelings. We are all human. This happens with one person, and then another. There was lie after lie told until they were caught. It happens…none of us are infallible. Forgiveness was offered, but they just couldn’t stop. A spouse, kids, a home, stability, friends….GONE…just like that!

Now this is a true story, and for how many of you does this story apply? We all think we are the epitome of self-control. It’s just for fun! It’s enhancing my “intimacy.” I would never let it go that far. And then it does. The questions then change. What do I do? How do I stop? What if someone finds out? What if they tell?

You tell me. Is it worth it? Are there benefits? Are the rewards greater than the risks? Has it cost you or someone you know an important relationship, or EVERYTHING?

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 Events Calendar: February 10th – February 17th

Posted on by Angie

Happy Valentines Week!! Lots of fun events going on around town this week, including a chance to make a Valentine Card for Children’s Hospital.

Check out a “twisted” Valentine celebration at the Homewood Public Library where they’ll be showing Hunger Games for the teen set.

Big Machines Day is back at the McWane Science Center and it’s the last week to visit the Clifford Exhibit.

Whatever you do, we hope you have a wonderful, love filled week! Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a date night. Dinner and a Movie with Carmike Summit and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

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

Sunday February 10th:

Valentines for Children’s Hospital – Hoover Public Library
We’re collecting homemade and store-bought valentines (NO CANDY) for the patients at Children’s Hospital. Bring signed valentines to the preschool desk and receive a holiday prize. Kids of all ages.
2pm – 6pm

Valentines for Children’s Hospital – Springville Road Library
Brighten up Valentines Day for a patient at Children’s Hospital. Drop in at the Children’s Department before Valentines Day and you can create a card. We’ll provide all the supplies!
Library Hours

Yoga for Teens – 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
5-Class Pass $65
10-Class Pass $120
Sundays 5:00 – 6:00 pm

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Monday February 11th:

Valentines for Children’s Hospital – Hoover Public Library
We’re collecting homemade and store-bought valentines (NO CANDY) for the patients at Children’s Hospital. Bring signed valentines to the preschool desk and receive a holiday prize. Kids of all ages.
9am – 9pm

Valentines for Children’s Hospital – Springville Road Library
Brighten up Valentines Day for a patient at Children’s Hospital. Drop in at the Children’s Department before Valentines Day and you can create a card. We’ll provide all the supplies!
Library Hours

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
A movie for all ages. Real movie popcorn and juice is provided for 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 February 12th:

Valentines for Children’s Hospital – Springville Road Library
Brighten up Valentines Day for a patient at Children’s Hospital. Drop in at the Children’s Department before Valentines Day and you can create a card. We’ll provide all the supplies!
Library Hours

Art from the Heart – Homewood Public Library
Celebrate love and friendship with fun Valentine crafts to make and share. Refreshments following program.
6:30pm

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 February 13th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine. She is sure she will love Valentines Day, do you? 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 February 14th:

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Calling All Teens – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an anti-Valentine’s Day showing of The Hunger Games complete with popcorn and pizza! Let the eating begin!
4pm

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Friday February 15th:

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

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Saturday February 16th:

BIG Machines Day – McWane Science Center
Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes! Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day!
TIMES: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Kids In Nature – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Let’s go outside and explore! KIN Club focuses on a different topic each month and includes a naturalist-led hike and a craft. KIN Club is suited for 3rd – 5th graders and their family.
$5/$7 (nonmember).
Adult chaperones are free.
1pm

Cliffords 50th Birthday Party – Books a Million, Brookwood Mall
Come join Kids-A-Million as we celebrate Clifford the Big Red Dog’s 50th Birthday!
11am – 2pm

5th Annual Columbiana Cowboy Day – Mildred Street, Columbiana
Grab your cowboy boots and hat and head out to the fifth annual Columbiana Cowboy Day. Join us Saturday, February 16, 2013. Events start at 10:00 am. Parade, Cowboy Demonstrations (Roping, Farrier, and Blacksmith), Live Music, Chili Cookoff and Vendors. Event is free. Rain or shine.
10am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery and activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart! Create a Face Jug that looks like you or a friend!
11am

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy. This month, Bart has selected Laban Carrick Hill’s Dave the Potter.

Bart’s Books is sponsored by Publix Charities.
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
Join us for Storytime as we read Snowmen at Night. Have you ever wondered about the secret life of a snowman? Afterwards, we will make a craft and have something delicious from our Cafe.
11am

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Sunday February 17th:

Hip Hippo Hooray – Birmingham Museum of Art
New Exhibit!
The Museum is delighted to share the unique, amusing, and beautiful porcelain table service from the collection of Richard Baron Cohen.  Combining two of his greatest collecting passions–ceramics and hippos–Mr. Cohen commissioned a large dinner service from the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory in Denmark that captures the spirit and personality of his favorite animal.

The story of the service began in 2004, when Mr. Cohen sent photographer Sarah Louise Galbraith on a year-long journey around the world to photograph hippopotami in zoos and in their natural environment. Using these photos, master porcelain painter Jørgen Nielsen painted delightful “portraits” of the hippos on the various pieces of the service. Completed in four years, the service includes more than 150 pieces.

This family-friendly exhibition focuses on the stories of the hippos, who they are and where they live, and Galbraith’s travels around the world to photograph them.

Last Day to Visit the Clifford Exhibit at the McWane Science Center!!

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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.

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog™ exhibit! Featuring the people and places of the beloved children’s book and PBS Kids television series, this new interactive exhibit brings Clifford’s home on Birdwell Island to life with playful activities and enchanting environments for early learners to explore.

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.

Valentine Giveaway: Dinner and a Movie

Posted on by Angie

Need a date night? We know you do!!

Just in time for Valentines Day, we’ve partnered up with the amazing Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and the Carmike Summit 16 to give two lucky couples a night out!

Here’s how you enter:

1. Leave a comment here letting us know the WORST Valentine gift you ever received.

2. Head over to the Lime Fresh Facebook Page and thank them for the giveaway (come back here and let us know you did)

3. Check out the Carmike Summit 16 Website and tell us what movie you will see if you win the passes.

That’s it! We’ll draw 2 winners, each winner will receive 2 movie passes and a $25 gift card to Lime.

Winner will be chosen at random. Giveaway will end on Monday, February 11th at 10am.

 

Being PRESENT as a mom… an emotional read

Posted on by Angie

I stumbled upon this article while I was resarching how to make a family budget. The blogger at Fun Cheap or Free Queen has written several popular posts about budgeting, but what caught my attention was an article she wrote about the day her son drown, but survived. It was eye opening to me, the gift of truly being present and not just there. We’re all guilty of playing on our phones.  Take a minute, read, and let us know what you think.

Here’s the beginning, to read the rest just click at the bottom link.

The Gift Of Presence

My son drown today.
Well, technically he nearly drown, but it doesn’t make much difference to me right now.
They are both horrifying.
Both life-changing.
Both happen in an instant.
Both are things you think would never happen to you.
Both make you stop and appreciate the blessings in your life.
The difference? (and a big difference at that…)
For whatever reason, my son was spared. He nearly drowned, rather than drown-drowned.
Why?
Beats me.
That has yet to be determined, and maybe I’ll never know (maybe so I could write this post?)…but it’s something I plan to not really question or take for granted.
I learned a valuable invaluable lesson today, about being PRESENT. It’s interesting because this subject has been on the minds of me and my husband for some time. What I mean by being present, is to be
involved
aware
in-tune
connected
To not just physically be there, but to really BE there. Soaking it all in. Participating. Adding to whatever it is. Enjoying. Not just being around, but being…present. Read more: http://www.funcheaporfree.com/2012/06/my-son-drown-today.html#ixzz2FPzwhrSo

We Love to Shop Birmingham, Pop-Up Style

Posted on by Angie

By Laura Kate Whitney

Birmingham, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s called Pop-Up Shop, and it’s the one thing your sweetheart won’t forgive you for missing.

The location: a vacant storefront situated on the corner of 20th Street North and 3rd Avenue North.

The shops: all hand-made, all local, all guaranteed to make your better half swoon.

The reason: to showcase the potential impact and awesomeness of locally-owned retail storefronts in the heart of downtown Birmingham.

Here’s all the info you’ll need to make this heart-themed holiday the best that it’s ever been.
Pop-Up Shop, Downtown Birmingham
Friday, February 8 – 12p.m. to 7p.m.
Saturday, February 9 – 10a.m. to 1p.m.

Vendors and their wares:
Bitty’s Back Porch will be serving up those sweet ‘n spicy packaged snacks we all love.
Harmony Bath and Body will be offering a Pop-Up exclusive line of natural skin care products made from…wait for it…Peruvian chocolate.
Heather Spencer Holmes will be bringing the iron box of chocolates.
Kelly can hook you up with the cards you’ll lovingly give to your one and only.
Plenty Design Coop will be selling off their custom line of modern furniture. You can also score on eof those “I Am Birmingham” tees from ‘em, too.
Steva Casey, the love of my bar-patroning life and leading bartendress at Veranda on Highland, is whipping up some special cocktail kits. (All you’ll need to add is the bubbly.)
Tallulah Designs will be debuting the Spring 2013 line at Pop-Up Shop. (Guys: Girlfriends will be so grateful.)

It’s going to be a ton of fun, y’all. And it’s just the beginning of this Pop-Up affair…

Pop-Up Shop is the first in a year-long series of Pop-Up events organized by Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, and the goal is simple – to spur economic development in the City Center by offering both retailers and consumers the opportunity to interact through a unique, value-driven experience. RPC has rallied a dream team of local partners to execute the year-long Pop-Up Project, including Shop Birmingham, Avondale Brewery, Space One Eleven, UAB School of Engineering, United Way, and REV Birmingham. The full Pop-Up program will focus on other important issues to Birmingham, such as effective transportation opportunities and alternatives, and using tactical urbanism to measure the demand for public spaces.

Find Pop-Up Project here on Facebook. And don’t forget to follow @PopUpProjectAL to stay tuned to all the upcoming events popping up throughout the area later in the year.

Kids and Money: How To Guide for Moms Who are Bad with Money

Posted on by Angie

Let’s face it, I’m no budgeting savant. I want my kids to learn about money, but I can barely keep my grocery budget in tact. When in doubt, go online!  We compiled some great resources to help your little ones learn the in’s and out’s of moola.

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure
This is a board game for kids that teaches setting goals, saving and spending wisely, and asset allocation, just to name a few.

FeedThePig.org
The Pig can give you savings tips and help you learn how to save!

The Mint for Kids
Helps kids learn to earn, save, spend, and give.

Kids.gov
Very cool site where kids can learn about just about any topic. Includes games and videos about money, history, science, jobs, government, and much more.

How are you teaching your kids to manage their allowance and Birthday money?

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 3rd – February 10th

Posted on by Angie

Storytimes, a LEGO Minibuild and some special Prenatal Yoga Classes are a few of the things you have to look forward this week in Birmingham.

You’ll also have a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the animals at the Birmingham Zoo. Make sure to carve out some time and check out the new Pop Up Project kicking off their first event this week.

Have a great week, everyone!

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

Sunday February 3rd:

Superbowl Sunday!!

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Monday February 4th:

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 February 5th:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
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.
LEGO Log Cabin begins at 5:00 pm until supplies last.

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 February 6th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy. Oh no, the playground is in danger! Looks like a job for Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy. 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 February 7th:

Peace for Everyone – Avondale Library
Join Ms. Katie for a preschool storytime with stories about peace. Call 226-4003 to register your group today.

In 1963 the world turned its attention to Birmingham, Alabama as peaceful civil rights demonstrators faced police dogs and fire hoses in a battle for freedom and equality. Later that year four girls died in the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. “It was the year of Birmingham,” Martin Luther King, Jr. said at the time. Today, Birmingham is now recognized around the world as a symbol of both racial intolerance and racial reconciliation. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Birmingham’s civil rights struggle, the Birmingham Public Library is sponsoring the Year of Birmingham, a 12-month series of lectures, documentary films, performances and panel discussions.

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Friday February 8th:

Pop Up Shops – Johnny Cochran Building
Part of the Pop-Up Project Initiative, Pop-Up Shops Feb 2013 promotes economic developement in Birmingham by temporarily setting up retail shops with local vendors! Come out and get some AWESOME stuff for yourself or loved ones — all in time for Valentine’s Day!
Noon to 7P

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Saturday February 9th:

Valentines with the Animals – Birmingham Zoo
You are invited to join the Zoo in celebrating Valentine’s Day by making valentines for your favorite animals. You can also have your face painted, learn interesting animal facts, participate in fun activities and much more!
Members: FREE
Non-members: Adults $14 Children 2-12: $9
Senior Citizens 65 years+: $9
9am – 5pm

Prenatal Partner Yoga Workshop – Villager Yoga
Share this special time together finding support and creating space for your growing family through yoga. Partner yoga poses and massage will help couples to work together to relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy, while breathing exercises and massage techniques will help to prepare for and to assist in relieving the sensations that arise during labor and delivery. This provides a fun, approachable, relaxed atmosphere to bond as partners, finding physical and emotional strength as you continue to journey through pregnancy, labor and delivery.

No yoga experience necessary; suitable for all trimesters; attend with your significant other or your birth partner. Please bring pillows and an exercise ball.
$50 Per Couple
1:30- 5pm

Chinese New Year Festival – Boutwell Municipal Auditorium
The Birmingham Chinese New Years Festival is an annual event that is organized by the Birmingham Chinese Festival Association. It’s primary purpose is to celebrate one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture while creating an environment that promotes cultural exchange between the community of Chinese Nationals in Birmingham and the greater community of Birmingham. The festival features Chinese games, Chinese food, Chinese dance, Chinese Music, Acrobat, Kung Fu and more.
Free admission but donations accepted.
11am – 4pm

Family Day – Birmingham Museum of Art
Join us for a fun day at the Museum as we celebrate Chinese New Year: The Year of the Snake!
10AM-2:30PM // Extended Bart’s Art Cart hours, and other art activities
2:30PM // Family-friendly tour
3PM // Student artwork reception
3:30PM // Family film: Kung Fu Panda 2

Pop Up Shops – Johnny Cochran Building
Part of the Pop-Up Project Initiative, Pop-Up Shops Feb 2013 promotes economic developement in Birmingham by temporarily setting up retail shops with local vendors! Come out and get some AWESOME stuff for yourself or loved ones — all in time for Valentine’s Day!
 10A to 1P

M Studio for Kids – Birmingham Museum of Art
$50 ($40 for Bart’s Kids Club Members) includes all supplies // Education Studio // Kids ages 8-14
Instructor: Chad Nelson of Nelson Studios, creator of UGCHUGS, whimsical and functional pottery!

Students will create their own Face Jugs using the exhibition Face Jugs: Art and Ritual in 19th-Century South Carolina as inspiration. Students will construct a vessel out of slabs of clay, resulting in a blank canvas upon which they will sculpt a face. They will experience the benefits and limitations of using clay as a sculptural medium and will also learn about different types of clay, the firing process, and various ceramic finishes.

Must attend January 19 and February 9 classes to participate. Click here to register!

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected Oliver Chin and Jennifer Woods’ The Year of the Snake: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac.

Bart’s Books is sponsored by Publix Charities.
11am

From Seed to Chocolate: A Valentine Venture
Venture out for Valentine’s Day to find the tree of chocolate- cacao (ka-kow) in The Gardens! Learn how and where this tree grows, discover football shaped seed pods that grow on trunks, and find out what’s inside as we learn the secret of how the seeds are used to make chocolate! Get your spoons and aprons ready as we mix up our own homemade chocolate candy perfect for sharing at Valentines Day! Children will take home an apron, recipe book of chocolate, and a box of their homemade chocolates in a do-it-yourself Valentine chocolate box designed by them!
$12 Members
$15 Non-Members
2pm – 4pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Valentine’s Day Storytime on February 9 at 11:00 am. We’re featuring a reading of Joanna Walsh’s The Perfect Hug, fun activities and treats! The Cat in the Hat will also visit us today!
11am

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Sunday February 10th:

Yoga for Teens – 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
5-Class Pass $65
10-Class Pass $120
Sundays 5:00 – 6:00 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.

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog™ exhibit! Featuring the people and places of the beloved children’s book and PBS Kids television series, this new interactive exhibit brings Clifford’s home on Birdwell Island to life with playful activities and enchanting environments for early learners to explore.

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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