Birmingham Events Calendar: Spring Break Edition!

Posted on Friday, March 16, 2012 by Angie

We’re changing things up a bit this week since we’re headed into spring break week. If you aren’t off to the beach, here are some things to keep you and the little ones busy around town!

Lots of movies and fun at your local libraries, the Birmingham Zoo will have special programming each day and the fountains will be open!

Don’t forget about our local parks, and the trails are now open at Red Mountain Park, if you haven’t been out there, Spring Break will be a good time to go!

We know a couple of Spring Break camps still have a few spots available, if you haven’t signed up yet, you might be in luck! But hurry!

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

Saturday March 17th:

Kites and Ice Cream – Railroad Park
Kites + Ice Cream + Free + Railroad Park = This Saturday! FREE ice cream & kites this Saturday thanks to Eastview Healthcare Center! “Senior Kite Day”
11am-3pm on the 17th St Plaza. Event is free and open to all!

St Patrick’s Day Science – McWane Science Center
Don’t miss the ooey-gooey green experiments on St. Patrick’s Day!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Ruffner Mountain CSI 101: Critter Scene Investagation
Have you ever dreamed of being a detective? After taking this course, you’ll be a true nature investigator. We’ll practice looking at nature evidence, including everything from scat, to tracks and broken branches. We will take a walk to search for clues and put our newfound skills to work! Students will receive a CSI 101 Certificate after completing this course.
$10/ $7 (member)

2 PM – 4 PM

Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
8am-4pm

Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

Info Phone: 205-477-5711

Barts Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is My Dog Thinks I am a Genius by Harriet Ziefert.
11am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Spring Kids Fest – Riverchase Galleria
Join us for free family fun at our Spring Kids Fest! Kids ages 2-12 are invited to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of face painting, crafts, games, music, dancing, prizes, and more.
Plus, the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance from 11:00am to noon.
11am – 3pm

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.

Lucky Tucker Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and read Lucky Tucker. See what happens when Tucker the dog finds some four leaf clovers. We will make a craft and have something from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday March 18th:

Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

Info Phone: 205-477-5711

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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Monday March 19th:

Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Gnomeo and Juliet
11:30am

Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30

Pirate Party – McWane Science Center
What arrrrrr you doing this Spring Break?
Dress like a pirate and set sail for an educational voyage during the Pirate Party at McWane Science Center. Join our crew as we explore the museum and aquarium on a treasure hunt with fun activities. As you navigate your way through the aquarium discover an octopus, touch a shark and see a horseshoe crab up close during exciting programs!
TIMES: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Monday Mammals – Oak Mountain State Park
There are many mammals in Alabama. They should be emerging from their hibernation locations. Let’s see how many we can find. Come to the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m. Free after admission into Oak Mountain State Park.

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Come join us as your library is transformed into a movie theater with real movie popcorn.
Snacks will be provided.
3:30pm

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Tuesday March 20th

Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hannah Center, Samford University
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, AL. Don’t miss this must see family fun event! Don’t forget to get your discounted tickets here, before you go!
7pm

Birmingham Museum of Art: * Multiple Event Listings *

Artbreak: Kids Connection:
Looking for something to do over Spring break? Why not explore the art of looking with your child. Assistant Curator of Education Kristen Greenwood gives tips on how connect with art here or anywhere.
12pm

Doodle 4 Google:
Google employees are coming to the BMA to facilitate a contest where kids K-12 can design the next Google logo. The winning design will not only be featured on Google’s homepage, but the winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship. As for the runner-ups, they get their clever designs hung on the walls of our Museum in a special Doodle 4 Google exhibition starting in July.

Barts Art Cart:
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. This Spring Break, learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Bart’s Books:
Bart’s Spring Break adventure continues! Bart the Art Bat selects books about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. Come out to hear a special reading by a Museum volunteer.

Children’s Films:
Come out to the Museum during Spring Break for a FREE children’s movie marathon in our auditorium!

Library Scavenger Hunt – Hoover Public Library
Unlock the secrets of the library in our fun-filled team scavenger hunt. Grades 6-12. Part of SPRING BREAK: SUSPENSE IN THE STACKS – Free
4pm

Tuesday Tweets – Oak Mountain State Park
Spring is springing & the birds should be tweeting. Let’s get out, look, and listen for signs of birds.
Meet at 10a.m. at the Treetop Nature Trail (base of stairs) on Terrace Drive. Bring your listening ears and binoculars, if you have them. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we are hosting a very Irish Story Time. All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Wednesday March 21st:

The Adventure of Tin Tin – Alabama Theatre
Come join us at the Alabama Theater as we present The Adventures of Tin Tin! Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock’s ancestor.
Tickets: $7, available at the door. Info Phone: 205-251-0418
11:00am

Scooby Dooby Doo – Where are you? Hoover Public Library
The Mystery Machine is back! Watch Scooby and the gang search for clues and track down the bad guy. Featuring the talented staff of the Hoover Public Library. Fun for the whole family! Part of SPRING BREAK: SUSPENSE IN THE STACKS
10:30am

In the Woods Wednesday – Oak Mountain State Park
There’s so much to find in the woods. We are going to explore & touch to expand our knowledge of the world around us.
Meet at the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m. to explore. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Kite Day. See what happens when bear and mole decide to make a kite. We will make a craft and have something yummy from the 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 22nd:

Tiny Treasures – Oak Mountain State Park
Let’s get DIRTY! Come dig in the dirt & turn over rocks to see the tiny creatures of the world.
Meet at 10a.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

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Friday March 23rd:

Ribbit Ribbit – Oak Mountain State Park
Have you heard frogs calling after it has rained? Or seen a mass of jelly in a pond & wanted to know what it was? Come learn about the animals we call frogs and toads. Meet at 2p.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

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Saturday March 24th:

Family Geocaching – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Geocaching is often described as a combination of an outdoor scavenger hunt mixed with hide and seek. This course is perfect for those interested in learning more about how to geocache, as well as those who just need a little guidance. Families will learn the basics of geocaching and have the opportunity to search for caches on the mountain. Each family needs to have at least one handheld GPS unit or smartphone with a GPS geocaching app. $10/ family. Reservations required. Reserve your spot at shop.ruffnermountain.org.
10am – 12pm

Ride the Train! Opening Day – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Welcome to the 2012 season! Enjoy a historic train ride through the forests of Shelby County on our family-friendly railroad! Relive the golden age of railroads and the people who built them as you view railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and books in restored depots, and visit the Railroad Signal Yard. Groups welcome!
Train departures at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Adult $12
Child $8
Caboose $20
Locomotive $30

Info Phone: 205-757-8383

Cartoons and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Wake up and join us to watch some of the best of Saturday morning cartoons and munch on a bowl of cereal.
9:30am – 11:30am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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
Please join us for Storytime as we read I Don’t Want to Be a Pea. Find out what happens when two friends can’t agree on what to be for a party. We will make a craft and have something delicious from our Cafe.
11am

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Sunday March 25th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

Keep Your House Clean the Easy Way

Posted on Friday, March 16, 2012 by Angie

It’s a never-ending battle that we fight trying to keep toys out of the floor and dishes clean and laundry folded. We blame it on the kids, and it is mostly their fault. It’s also our husbands’ fault too. Not ours though. We’re so close to perfect it’s not even funny.

Here are a few proactive ways to keep it clean without going crazy:

1. Have an In box and an Out box. Once kids go to school, the number of papers, permission slips, etc is overwhelming. Not to mention bills, important dates, and everything else. Keep those items organized and you’ll never be late or forget them again.

2. In each room, choose one area that always has to be clean. For me, it’s my dresser in my bedroom. If I don’t stay on top of it, it will be piled with laundry in no time. I keep it dusted and looking great, and it makes the whole room look and feel better.

3. Routine… we harp on making our kids have a routine, but it’s really something the whole family should have. Sweep and mop on Sundays, do laundry on Wednesdays. Little things to make sure you don’t forget.

Here are a couple of websites we like if you’re looking for something already set up and structured for you:

The JustMommies Home Organization plan – It’s all laid out for you daily and offers printable charts. I keep the current month on the side of my Fridge. Seeing it broken down into small daily tasks keeps me from getting overwhelmed. It also helps me coordinate the bigger tasks on a regular basis, like cleaning out my car!

The other is one that I hear about from lots of Mom’s – FlyLady. She’s big on de-cluttering and thinks you get more accomplished each day if you get up and get dressed. It will organize you, as well as motivate you.

How do you stay on task when it comes to keeping your house clean?

Kid Flicks Movie Review: The Lorax

Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by Angie

Spring Break is next week and you might be looking to keep the kids busy with a great family movie, might we suggest The Lorax?

We took the kids and nephew (ages 4, 4, and 6) this past weekend. It’s one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, so we were all excited to see it

In order to make it longer than the short story, the boy that talks to the Once-ler gets a lot of background and character development. Instead of just being the boy, he is Ted, a boy in love with a high school girl who dreams of trees in a time gone. His desire for her approval leads him outside of Thneedville to the Once-ler, where he learns the story of the truffula trees.
The movie had comic relief in the forms of the animals- the bears, fish, and birds were all cute and remained a fixation for the younger kids.

The humor in the movie was just right for my 6 year old. He laughed at parts that the younger kids missed.

The movie stayed as close to the book as possible, but the Seuss-style language was lacking. I missed hearing the fun made up words.

All in all, we all enjoyed it. The middle had a slightly dark part where the 4 year olds tensed up but weren’t scared. The ending was so happy and sweet, the middle was quickly forgotten.

The kids gave it a 9 out of 10. And don’t be afraid of the PG rating, we’re still scratching our heads on that one. The only thing we could think of was the use of the phrase “What the…?” and even then, we weren’t sure that would do it.

Eat Green on St. Patty's Day!

Posted on Monday, March 12, 2012 by Angie

It’s always fun to get the kids involved in your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, here are a few ways to surprise them at mealtime by turning their food green!

Breakfast– It’s easy to throw some green food coloring in eggs, pancake mix, or cereal milk. The kids will love the surprise. You could even take one balloon of each color and make a fun rainbow for above the table!

Lunch & Snacks– Go green with green grapes, apples, guacamole… or try this fun Leprechaun Dust! Get a box of Lime Jell-O and let the kids sprinkle the “Leprechaun Dust” on their fruits. It looks white until it gets wet, and it turns bright green!

Dinner- Broccoli, spinach balls, green mac ‘n cheese (just add food coloring to the mix!), cucumbers, celery, pickles… just find green and fill up their plates! Add food coloring to any mix– make bread or rolls that are green.

Parenting with a PhD: Teaching your Daughter to "Own It"

Posted on Monday, March 12, 2012 by Angie

By: Kristen Berthiaume:

If you’re the parent of a young girl, you probably worry from time-to-time about whether she’ll have a healthy body image in 5 years. And with good reason – research indicates that around 40% of 1st through 3rd grade girls want to be thinner and eating disorders are being diagnosed in girls as young as 6. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help your daughter to form a healthy body image, even when she is quite young. However, before your daughter can feel good in her own body, she needs to have ownership of it. Here are some tips for encouraging that to happen. Some of these ideas apply to your son, too; a good thing since body-related issues for boys are on the rise.

Teach your kids the proper names for their body parts – all of their body parts. Using cutesy euphemisms for genitalia sends the message that these body parts are embarrassing or “secret” and not to be mentioned. Of course, you’d be mortified if your daughter exclaimed loudly about her “VAGINA!” in a crowded restaurant but, even more so, you don’t want her to keep quiet if someone has touched her genitals because she doesn’t think she’s allowed to talk about them. Of course, it’s important to specify that some body parts are private and should only be talked about, looked at, or touched in certain instances. Decide with your spouse or partner ahead of time what those situations are (e.g., at a doctor’s visit, when mommy or daddy is helping with a bath, etc), and explain them. Give reminders when your child seems to have forgotten the parameters (i.e., dropping trou in public) but try to remain neutral and avoid statements that might shame her.

As difficult as it can be to explain to well-meaning relatives, your child does not have to give out hugs and kisses upon request. Affection should always be voluntarily given and received, and you can’t teach this lesson too early. If your daughter shows signs or states directly that she’s uncomfortable with physical affection at a certain time or from a certain individual, empower her to politely decline. She may be open to giving a handshake or wave versus a hug. Keep in mind that the rule applies to you, too. Even though you’re wanting a goodbye kiss, your child might have other plans. Forcing affection, even with the best of intentions, teaches your child that she is not in control of what happens to her body and that there may be negative consequences for asserting herself. You can probably guess at the potential outcome if your daughter then encounters someone with very bad intentions. Teaching your young child that she has the right to say no to any kind of affection at any time will enable her to set boundaries with romantic partners and to trust her instincts if someone is offering inappropriate affection. Avoid using guilt or emotional pressure to gain your child’s affection – that’s the same as punishing her if she refuses to hug grandma. She may come to recognize that withholding affection bothers you and use it against you at times but, if you remain calm, the novelty of having that power will eventually wear off.

Recognize bullying for what it is. I recently read a blog post (the link is here but please be aware that some might find the language offensive. Read at your own risk) that cautions parents against using the trite phrase, “That means he likes you!” in response to their daughter’s complaints of physical bullying. This explanation has been given for decades by countless adults to help millions of little girls feel better about how they’re being treated. But, consider the message such a statement sends: The way boys show that they like girls is by hurting them. As the blogger points out, can you imagine a parent telling her son that another boy hit him because he wants a playdate? When a girl accepts this kind of skewed logic as a reasonable response to her complaint, she is less likely to report relationship violence later. Why should she? She’ll have learned that physical violence is an expression of love, that she deserves it, and that nothing can be done to stop it. To encourage our daughters to stand up to bullying, we must express empathy when they report physical aggression. Then, we have to take steps to stop the bullying. Immediately. Without excuses.

Encouraging your daughter to “own” her body is just the first of many steps toward helping her develop a positive body image. Getting her involved in sports can lead to an appreciation of the ways her body can be strong and fast. Limiting her exposure to media, especially media that portray girls and women as pretty scenery, decreases the likelihood that she’ll compare herself unfavorably to the unattainable ideal. Encouraging her to think, create, help, play, and get involved all contribute to forming a positive self-concept. What are ways you encourage the little girls in your life to “own” who they are, inside and out?

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

About Kristen:

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her five-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

Birmingham Events Calendar: March 11th – March 18th

Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2012 by Angie

It looks like the theme for this week is green as we gear up for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday. Lot’s of themed storytimes around town and the McWane Science Center is going green with ooey gooey science experiments!

Play a Critter Scene Investigator at Ruffner Mountain, or Kick off your Spring Break week at Tannehill for Trade Days!

For more St. Patrick’s Day Fun, check out our list of happenings! Stay tuned for a special “Spring Break” addition of our calendar for next week. If you aren’t able to get away for the break, not to worry, there will be plenty happening here to keep you and the kiddos busy!

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

Sunday March 11h:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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Monday March 12th:

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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Tuesday March 13th

Babes in the Zoo – Australian Animals
This fun class introduces children to the experience and wonder of animals in a safe environment.
Children must be 6 months to 2 years old and accompnay with an adult. Classes are 30 minutes long.
Members -$6 Non-Members -$12
9am

St Patty Day Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we are hosting a very Irish Story Time. All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Wednesday March 14th:

PI Day – McWane Science Center
What’s in a number? Come learn with us as we celebrate the most famous number in science.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members.

Grandpa Green Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Grandpa Green. We will see how a little boy tells the story of his grandfather’s life.There will also be a craft and a treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Thursday March 15th:

Storytime – Clay Public Library
Ms. Karen is our storyteller, and she’ll be joined by a precocious beagle puppet named Dixie Lu. These programs feature stories and songs and lots of FUN! Storytimes are geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome, including our homeschool families.
10am

Mommy and Me – Homewood Public Library
Story time for ages birth-30 months and their lap partner.
10:30am

Storytime – Five Points West Library
Come and join Ms. Pam for another St. Patricks Day Story: the Luck of the Irish. Everyone is welcome.
10am

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Friday March 16th:

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Stories, songs, and snacks as Mrs. Renee Schmidt leads the fun.
10am

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Saturday March 17th:

St Patrick’s Day Science – McWane Science Center
Don’t miss the ooey-gooey green experiments on St. Patrick’s Day!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

2 PM – 4 PM

Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

Info Phone: 205-477-5711

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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.

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Sunday March 18th:

Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

Info Phone: 205-477-5711

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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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: Born to Be Wild, & Flying Monsters.

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.

Shamrockin: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day around Birmingham

Posted on Friday, March 9, 2012 by Angie

St Patrick’s day is just around the corner and there are many options for “going green” in Birmingham!

Operation New Birmingham’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Birmingham, on March 17th. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 1:30pm Staging area: 13th St. South between 10th and 11th Ave. South. Parade Route: West on 10th Ave. South, South on 20th St. South to 5pts south fountain. Shamrockin festival starts immediately after the parade with an afternoon of music, dance, and fun.

But you don’t have to wait until Saturday to get in on the Shamrockin good time – March 12th – 17th ONB will be hosting a six-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring food, drink and shopping specials at Five Points area restaurants, bars and retailers. A list of merchant specials and a parade route can be found on their Facbook Page.

Registration has already started for the Hoover Library St. Patty’s day celebration. Wear your green and dance a jig, open to Leprechaun’s of all ages! The fun kicks off at 10:30am on March 17th. Register by calling: 444-7833

On St. Patty’s Day, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is going green! Stop by the Treehouse and make your own recycled creation out of an old CD. You may bring an old CD of your own, or pick from ones supplied by Ruffner. Participate in a 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! There will be several opportunities to meet a resident snake throughout the day and learn the legend and science of why there are no wild snakes in Ireland.

CD Craft: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

However you decide to celebrate, make sure your wear something green, you don’t want to get pinched!

Multiplicity: Yes! They're Twins

Posted on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by Angie

On some level, I get it, multiples are fascinating. They are to me now, but I’m not so sure they were in my pre-multiples life. I’m sure I would have gawked at a frazzled mom hauling sextuplets through the produce aisle, but twins would not have caught my attention. And I certainly would have never stopped the frazzled Mom to ask her a flurry of questions that range from very personal, to the complete and total obvious. While I know that the intentions are good, it does get a bit tiresome.

An outing with multiples is like chaperoning Britney Spears in her crazy phase. People stop, they stare, they shake their heads in awe (or disbelief.) The only difference is we don’t get paid millions and have yet to land a magazine cover. These reactions can take a quick trip into the grocery store for milk and turn it into a 45 minute process. While I try my best to be polite, there are just some days that I know I come across as “less than patient” when people ask me things like, Which one is cuter?

So, here is a list of things you should never ask or say to a Mom of Multiples.

1. My great grandmothers – niece’s- sister’s – Mom was a twin! While I’m sure that was very exciting for your family, I have a hard time faking enthusiasm during the 20 minute conversation that will follow about how they had a weird twin telepathy, did everything together and even dressed alike as adults… I’m sorry, I just can’t.

2. Whoa, Twins! Double Trouble! We do have a sense of humor (believe me, we have to!) and sometimes they do cause us a bit of trouble, but typically we like to keep sterotyping to a minimum. I usually reply with: “We think Double the Fun (or double the hugs or kisses or giggles..) ”

3. Were they conceived naturally? This does not good etiquette make. I’ve had people ask me this question in an elevator at the mall, at a wedding and in the middle of the grocery store. I get very defensive when asked this because I feel that it’s incredibly inappropriate. How we choose to make our children is our business, and if we are having trouble in that department the last person we’re going to confide in, is a complete stranger at the hot dog stand. I also get my feathers ruffled because people just assume that because you have multiples, they weren’t conceived naturally. Don’t make assumptions about this very personally matter.

4. Which one is cuter(!?,) your favorite(!?,) more dramatic, more outgoing…. etc. They’re standing right there! To ask this question in front of the children really puts a Mom of Multiples in a bind. When they are old enough to understand the magnitude of this, you have planted a seed that didn’t need to be planted. Multiples don’t really fall into those set roles. Everyday is different and when they are young, they are trying out lots of different things to see what works for them. Pushing them into a role doesn’t do anyone any good.

5. Boy! You have your hands full! We do, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

6. Did you have a c-section? Yes, yes I did! It was scheduled, they were early, and while we’re getting all personal, I didn’t nurse them (and before you ask that, nursing is possible, and many do it.) Again, I feel that this is inappropriate and puts me in a situation of feeling the need to over share. I don’t like feeling the need to justify to a complete stranger my entire pregnancy journey, and the decisions we made and why some were made for us. TMI.

7. Did you mean to have twins? Umm… Well. We really don’t know how to respond to that…

8. Don’t leave out the big/little brother or sister. I can’t tell you how many times my heart has broken just a little bit to see my oldest daughter struggle to figure out her place when her sisters are being adored in public by strangers. Usually she tries to insert herself into the conversation by answering for them, or claiming emphatically that she is the big sister, but sometimes she just gets her feelings hurt. If you must stop us and adore our children, adore them all. We do.

What is the craziest question you’ve been asked as a Mom of Multiplies?

Patience: Be a Teacher

Posted on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 by Angie

We are supposed to be showing our children how to act appropriately and how to handle life. When I lose my patience and let frustration show, I have to start reminding myself that I don’t like this quality of my personality, and if I don’t want my kids to start doing it, I have to fix it.

We have to give them the right tools to cope with emotions and struggles. One thing I’ve done is to write a letter to each child, telling them what I want for them. In both of those letters, I wanted them to be better than me. I think I’m fabulous, but I know I have my shortcomings. I don’t want to teach them my shortcomings, and I want to improve as a person. The responsibility falls upon me to be in charge of both of us.

What would your letter say?

Event of the Week: Shake, Rattle and Roll for Parkinsons

Posted on Monday, March 5, 2012 by Angie

If you’re looking for a night of fun that just so happens to help a great cause you’ll want to get in on this night out, benefiting the Parkinson Association of Alabama. It will be a fun evening of networking while enjoying wine, Avondale Brews, appetizers and entertainment by “The Expandables.”

The Parkinson Association of Alabama, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to providing support, encouraging action, increasing awareness, and supporting research to lead to new and improved treatments for Parkinson’s disease that will ultimately lead to a cure for the degenerative neurological disease.

Purchase your tickets ahead of time for $40 a ticket by visiting the PAA website www.parkinsonalabama.org or calling 871-9941 or at the door for $50.
Thursday March 8th, 6:30 – 9:30pm at the Avondale Brewery.

Looking forward to Shake, Rattle and Rolling with you all!