Mommy Madness: The Romance Problem

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2012 by Angie

I am a big fan of Bethenny Frankel, creator of the Skinnygirl margarita, star of the show Bethenny Ever After. Recently she commented on the challenge of juggling her work, her child, and her marriage and made a reference to how her husband’s “penis has cobwebs on it.”

When I heard that, I spewed my drink ALLLLLLLL over the place. I mean, it’s both sad and funny that I totally understood what she meant. It’s just really difficult to be romantic when you have small children. Sometimes it just seems easier to not even try, but that is just plain depressing if you allow yourself to think about it. I mean really. My husband and I used to s-m-o-l-d-e-r. I pine for those days. I continue to hold onto the hope that we can smolder again, despite the two tiny people who reside with us.

How do marriages survive children? And not only survive, but remain HAPPY?

I have read countless articles, blogs, books and tidbits on this subject for the past few years and I still don’t know the answer. Date nights, blah blah blah, make time for each other, blah blah blah. It all sounds fabulous until you shut the book or magazine that you’re reading these ideas out of and pick up your phone to text your husband “WE NEED A DATE NIGHT – ASAP” … or, “WE NEED TO HAVE SEX BEFORE YOUR PENIS GROWS COBWEBS ON IT.”

But before you can type out the words, you hear screaming from the other room. Someone bit someone else’s finger. And then someone has a poop diaper and the other one needs help in the bathroom and OMG, I forgot tomorrow is my mother’s birthday, I need to order flowers and OMG, I need to make dinner. And so on and so forth. The text never gets sent. Date night never happens.

The cobwebs arrive.

Since I am in the throes of adjusting to life as a stay-at-home-mom as well as suffering from a case of postpartum depression, it’s hard for me to see the other side. I know that we’ll make it, but how long will it take and how many cobwebs are going to to be present once we finally emerge from this dark season? Is this what happens to so many marriages who claim that they “fell out of love” with each other?

Lucky for me and my cobwebbed partner, I know that love isn’t just about sex. I mean, a lot of it is, at least in our house, but not ALL. Thank goodness we have other facets to our relationship that we can fall on when life continuously gets in the way of romance.

Well … really we only have one thing we can fall back on: humor. Because when your three-year-old walks in on you doing the dirty, and then proceeds to ask you over and over again why you were wrestling, the only way to cope with it is to laugh. And then never have sex again.

About Harmony:

Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and recently quit her job to stay at home with her two boys. Her sanity is in question. Visit her blog at Modern Mommy Madness.

Birmingham Area Easter Egg Hunts, 2012

Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2012 by Angie

Dust off those Easter Baskets, it’s time to hunt! Here is a list of upcoming Easter Egg Hunts going on around town. If you know of one we missed or would like to have one added, please let us know! Happy Hunting!

Alabaster

Albert Scott Library – Alabaster
Bring your basket & camera to hunt eggs and meet the Easter Bunny!
Wednesday, April 4th 10:30am

Avondale

Avondale UMC is hosting a great hunt Sunday, April 1st at 1:15pm. Picnic lunch at 12:15. All events happening at the newly renovated Avondale Park.

Calera

Cottontail Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Welcome spring with a train ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow. Join in the fun as we hunt for Easter eggs – you might win a prize! Bring your camera to take photos with the Easter Bunny! This fun-filled family excursion lasts approximately ninety minutes.

Children (ages 2 through 11) $10, Adults $15

Info Phone: 205-757-8383

Buy Tickets

Chelsea

Treetop Adventure
Egg hunt Saturday, April 7th at 11 am and 3 pm. There is no cost for the egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will also be visiting.

Chelsea Community Church – CMS Football Field
Sunday, April 8th 10am
Egg-Stravaganza – at 12pm a helicopter will fly in the Easter bunny & let him out on the football field with eggs on his back. After the helicopter departs, the eggs will be strewn over the field. This will take place 3 different times for 3 different age groups.
It is open to the public.

Clay

Clay Public Library
Join us for the 2nd annual Clay Public Library Easter Egg Hunt! There will be prize eggs to find and snacks to enjoy afterwards. “Joey the Balloon Artist” will also be on hand, and we’ll enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny! Please arrive a few minutes early as the hunt begins promptly at 10:00, and the eggs will go quickly! Call the library at 680-3812 for more information.

Gardendale

East Gardendale Baptist
Saturday April 7th – 10am

Gardendale Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt – Kenneth A. Clemons Athletic Complex
Night Hunt! Bring your flashlights!
Saturday March 31st 7:30pm

Helena

Helena Amphitheater
8:30am – 11:ooam
Saturday March 31st

Homewood

Dawson Memorial Baptist
Saturday March 31st
11:00a – 1:00p
4 separate egg hunts: 2 and younger, 3-4 year olds, 5 year olds-Kindergarten., 1st and 2nd grade at no cost
Families will enjoy pony rides, inflatables, rides, egg hunts, crafts, puppet, and ponies!

Homewood Park
The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt is for toddlers up to twelve years of age. Children will hunt for eggs with children of their on age group. There is also a section for children with special needs.
Time: Hunt begins at 11am sharp. It does not take to long for all of the eggs to disappear! Moon Walk, Train Ride and Merry Go Round will be available prior to and just after the event. Live music on the stage beginning at Noon.
Date: Saturday March 31st

Hoover

Aldridge Gardens
2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Egg and I. Gates open at 9am for a morning full of fun in the Gardens. Inflatables, Face Painting, Crafts, Photos with the Easter Bunny, over 2000 eggs and more!
Saturday March 31st, 8-10am
Ages 2-5 year olds – 9:30am
6-10 year olds – 10:00am
Pick up a free pass from the “Egg and I” – On HWY 31, Riverchase. Rain or Shine!

Green Valley Baptist Church
Saturday April 7th
10am at the Fellowship Hall

Leeds

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

March 31 & April 1st 11am-3pm
April 2nd – April 6th 6-8pm
April 7th & -April 8th 11am- 3pm

Pelham

Oak Mountain State Park
Come out and enjoy the festivities of the 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt from 10a.m. to 2p.m. on Saturday April 7th. Egg hunts are at 11a.m. & 1p.m.
Park admission is $3 adults, $1 children (6 to 11), 5 & under are free.
Activities (except egg hunt & sack races) require 1 ticket, which can be bought for $1 a piece under the Dogwood Pavilion.

Pinson

Pinson United Methodist
Saturday April 7th 11:00am
Bring the kids to Pinson UMC’s Easter egg hunt! We will meet at the church and walk over to the preacher’s house for the hunt! Come join the fun in the sun and maybe see our special guest you don’t want to miss!

Vestavia Hills

Wald Park
Come out to Wald Park for an Easter Egg Hunt and other fun children’s activities!
Saturday March 31st –
9:00am – 12:00pm

Liberty Crossings
April 7th 11am – 1pm

Other Special Events:

Edgars Bakery – All Locations
Easter Bunny at the Bakery
The event is free and open to everyone, and pictures with the Easter Bunny are free as well!
Kid’s coloring stations will be set up, and there will be random prize drawings for parents! While you’re there, check out our beautiful Easter sweets and gifts!
March 31st – All Day

McWane Science Center – The Great Egg Drop
Join us for an eggciting, eggstreme, hands-on fun eggstravaganza. Scramble over to the Science Center before Noon the Saturday before Easter. Take your egg to the flight prep area where Science Center staffers have lots of items and eggspertise to help you construct a vehicle that may or may not allow your egg to survive a two story fall!
DATE: Saturday, April 7
TIMES: Building from 10 AM – 11:45 AM, Egg drop at Noon
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Crestwood Spring Festival –
Girls Inc., 5130 8th Court South, 35212
Come join us for our second annual Crestwood Spring Festival! Horse rides, bouncy castles, face painting, and many more activities – including live music by local musicians. We’ll provide FREE hotdogs, funnel cakes, and drinks. You feel free to bring a tasty side dish to share. Come hang out with neighbors and share some good food and good times.

Saturday March 31st – Noon

Birmingham Event's Calendar: March 25th – April 1st

Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2012 by Angie

Back into the swing of things this week, we hope you all had a great Spring Break Week. If you aren’t completely exhausted and are still looking for some fun, we have a pretty packed calendar, especially next Saturday!

Don’t forget to check out our next GenBump Event this Thursday evening, our topic will be infertility. Join our infertility specialist and moms who have been in your shoes, in an open conversation about the struggles of conceiving, issues along the way and finding hope.

Easter Egg Hunts are heating up, for our BIG list of area hunts, see our post here!

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

Sunday March 25h:

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!
1pm

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Monday March 26th:

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 27th

Critter Tales, Farm Animals – Birmingham Zoo
In this class, students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride!

A parent/caregiver may not stay with the child.

During this adventure, children will explore their “wild” side as they are introduced to exciting animal topics. Children activities include creating a cool craft, experiencing up-close animal encounters, riding the train and carousel and enjoying other fun activities.

Advanced Registration Prices: $12.00/student/class for members or $18.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

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

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Wednesday March 28th:

Critter Tales, Farm Animals – Birmingham Zoo
In this class, students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride!

A parent/caregiver may not stay with the child.

Advanced Registration Prices: $12.00/student/class for members or $18.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Extra Yarn. See what happens when a girl finds a box of yarn. We will make a craft and have a treat from our Cafe.
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday March 29th:

GenBump, Waiting for Baby – Hart and Soul Coffee Shop
Join our infertility specialist and moms who have been in your shoes, in an open conversation about the struggles of conceiving, issues along the way and finding hope. They’ll share their knowledge and experience about questions to ask, where to seek help and steps to move toward the goal of having children. There will be plenty of time for questions and conversations with our expert panel. Refreshments will be served.

To Register: Visit GenBump.com

Location:
Hart and Soul
1014 Oxmoor Road – Homewood
(next to New York Pizza and Dream Cakes)
6pm – 8pm

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Stories, songs, poetry, puppetry and more for ages 3 and up. Groups must register.
10:30am

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Wear your pajamas to this storytime! Kids of all ages can enjoy stories, finger plays, songs, and a bedtime snack.
6:30pm

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Friday March 30th:

Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cookoff
Event Activities- Great BBQ, Live Music, Fences on Parade Exhibit, Car Show, Space Bounce, Face painting, Popcorn machine

Trophy Awards Presentation:

• Best Overall Ribs and Sauce
• Best Ribs 1st, 2nd, 3rd places
• Best Sauce 1st, 2nd, 3rd places
• Chef’s Specialty (your favorite creation on the grill- up to 3 entries/team)
• People’s Choice Award presented at 6:30pm

Tasting tickets $10 each, kids 10 and under free with a paid adult.

Phone: 205 669 0044 Buy Tickets | Official Website | Email Contact

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

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Saturday March 31st:

Pinson City Fest – Solid Rock Church
Family and friends, come celebrate the City of Pinson’s 8th birthday with free rides, cupcakes and entertainment. There will be food and vendor merchandise available for purchase.
Free Event
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Easter Bunny at the Bakery – ALL Edgars Bakery Locations
The event is free and open to everyone, and pictures with the Easter Bunny are free as well!
Kid’s coloring stations will be set up, and there will be random prize drawings for parents! While you’re there, check out our beautiful Easter sweets and gifts!
All Day

Clovercrawl Green Home and Garden Expo – Vulcan Park and Museum
Kick off spring with the 2012 Clover Crawl Green Home and Garden Expo at Vulcan Park and Museum. This free event, presented by the Green Resource Center for Alabama, will show you the latest trends in green products and services for your home, office and garden. Come enjoy music, food, activities for the kids and beautiful views of the city from the park. Start spring cleaning by bringing electronics for recycling and documents for shredding. Learn how to be more energy efficient and create healthier homes, offices and landscapes to reduce your impact on the environment. Little changes can make a big difference. For more information, log on to www.greenalabama.org.

*Admission to expo is free. Regular admission rates apply to Vulcan Park and Museum.
10am – 4pm

2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Aldridge Gardens
Bring the kids and their baskets to Aldridge Gardens to search for more than 2,000 eggs! Then, join the fun activities, including inflatables, face painting, garden walks, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, prizes and giveaways, food and refreshments.

Presented by the Aldridge Gardens Junior Board in partnership with The Egg and I.
Free Admission – but be sure to stop by The Egg and I for your admittance ticket.

Gates open at 9:00. Two different egg hunts start promptly at times listed below based on age:9:30 a.m. – 2-5 year olds10:00 a.m. – 6-10 year olds

Easter Egg Hunt – Clay Public Library
Join us for the 2nd annual Clay Public Library Easter Egg Hunt! There will be prize eggs to find and snacks to enjoy afterwards. “Joey the Balloon Artist” will also be on hand, and we’ll enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny! Please arrive a few minutes early as the hunt begins promptly at 10:00, and the eggs will go quickly! Call the library at 680-3812 for more information.

Children (ages 2 through 11) $10, Adults $15

Info Phone: 205-757-8383

Buy Tickets

Farm Day – Birmingham Zoo
Come experience life on a farm in rural Alabama. Farm Day will have activities and demonstrations through out the day featuring how to raise farm animals, planting and harvesting crops, egg collecting and rural crafts. You can also watch horseshoe making and hoof trimming. This fun event will be held in the Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds.

Free Family Day – Birmingham Museum of Art
Did you know that one of the biggest Hindu holidays—Holi—is celebrated in March? Bart takes the whole month to celebrate!

Join Bart on an adventure through the Museum’s Southeast Asian and Indian galleries. Music, dance, art activities and more fill up the day.

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 as we read Pete the Cat and we will follow him as he makes his way around school. We will also have a craft and enjoy something from our Cafe.
11am

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Sunday April 1st:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
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!

April Activity:
April showers bring may flowers! Craft a “glass” flower inspired by artist Dale Chihuly.
1pm

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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.

Naptime Confessions: Spring Break Exhaustion

Posted on Friday, March 23, 2012 by Angie

Welcome to our new series, sponsored by our friends over at Royal Cup EspresShip! We hope you will take a little afternoon break and share some of your secrets with us!!

GenBump: Waiting for Baby!

Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2012 by Angie

Waiting for Baby – Whether you’re just beginning the journey to conceive or you’ve been trying with no luck, questions about your fertility and getting pregnant have probably crossed your mind.

Join our infertility specialist and moms who have been in your shoes, in an open conversation about the struggles of conceiving, issues along the way and finding hope. They’ll share their knowledge and experience about questions to ask, where to seek help and steps to move toward the goal of having children. There will be plenty of time for questions and conversations with our expert panel. Refreshments will be served.

To Register: Visit GenBump.com

Location:
Hart and Soul
1014 Oxmoor Road – Homewood
(next to New York Pizza and Dream Cakes)

Patience! Count to 10

Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by Angie

Patience has to be one of the toughest challenges of motherhood. It’s so hard to repeat yourself time after time, to not show the frustration that you’re feeling, and to remember the bigger picture. If the togetherness of Spring Break is starting to wear you down some, try this.

There’s one tip we keep coming across in all of our Patient reading: COUNT TO TEN.

It’s pretty self-explanatory. Typically, we react because our emotions and adrenaline are high. If we can just pause for 10 seconds, our reaction is so much different. One of the articles we read said that if you count out loud, at least your kids will learn to RUN before you get to 10.

Mamarazzi: Snooki. Pregnant.

Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by Angie

Snooki, New Jersey’s favorite drunken meatball, is pregnant.

This is no longer breaking news, although I must admit I was holding out on writing something about it, hoping that it was all a ruse. Or maybe she read the pregnancy test wrong. Got herself a really bad, long-lasting hangover that she mistook for morning sickness. But … no. Looks like we aren’t that lucky.

Apparently, Snooki really IS going to be a mommy. The thought of this seriously misguided, trainwreck of a person raising a child scares me. Her comments about the matter aren’t helping – she commented on Jersey Shore After Hours that she is excited to be a young mom because “now I can be a MILF.” Because that certainly is the most important aspect of having a child.

Maybe motherhood will be just the dose of reality she needs to get her life together. Frankly, I fear for her and her kid, but I’m trying to look on the bright side: at least her liver will get a much-needed break during the next few months.

About Harmony:

Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and recently quit her job to stay at home with her two boys. Her sanity is in question. Visit her blog at www.modernmommymadness.com.

Event of the Week: Harlem Globetrotters

Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2012 by Angie

On the heels of signing one of the most remarkable rookie classes in team history, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, AL on Tuesday, March 20^th at 7:00pm. Just in time to fill up some space in your Spring Break Calendar!

The outstanding rookies include Paul “Tiny” Sturgess, the world’s tallest pro basketball player at 7-8, Jonte “Too Tall” Hall, the shortest Globetrotter ever at 5-2, and Fatima “TNT” Maddox of Temple University, the team’s first female player since 1993 and ninth female in team history.

The new Globetrotters also feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including the reigning champ Jacob “Hops” Tucker. At 5-10, Tucker sports a 50-inch vertical leap and his YouTube videos have garnered well over four million views. Tucker joins slam dunk runner-up John “Jet” Williams of UNC-Ashville and semifinalist Darnell “Spider” Wilks of the University of Cincinnati.

The 2012 rookie class has a total of three seven-footers including 7-4 Jermaine “Stretch” Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history, and 7-foot Anthony “Biggie” McClain. At 7-8, Sturgess becomes the tallest Globetrotter ever after playing center at Mountain State University (W.Va.). He is the 19^th internationally born player in team history, hailing from Loughborough, England.

“The Globetrotters are excited to welcome a new generation of stars to carry on the storied tradition of the world’s most entertaining basketball team,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “This year’s rookie class features some of the most talented and promising players from across the world.”

Current Globetrotters stars Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Dizzy Grant, Scooter Christensen, and many others will team up with the world class rookies for nearly 270 games on the North American portion of the World Tour, bringing the Globetrotter magic to over 230 cities in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces.

It’s not too late to get your tickets!

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

Tickets start at $17 but if you mention “BirminghamMommy” when you call, you’ll receive $7 off!

Paul can be contacted at 602-707-7030 or marranca@harlemglobetrotters.com

Bonus points if you made it through this entire post without whistling the Harlem Globetrotters theme song!

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.

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

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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?