Birmingham Events Calendar: March 13th – March 20th

Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 by Angie

Happy Spring Break BirminghamMommy’s! Tons O’ fun going on around town this week.. Don’t forget to check out our list of places to visit if you’re looking for a quick overnight trip or if you’re looking to stick close to home, we’ve got that list too!

If you’re staying really close to home how about searching for clues with the Backyardigans or seeing some movies at the Hoover Public Library, or Birmingham Museum of Art? How about a Spring Break Scavenger hunt at Homewood Library? You’ll find all of that and more on this weeks calendar!

Don’t forget to wear green on Thursday! St. Paddy’s day is this week and we don’t want you to get pinched!

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

Sunday March 13th:

Little Naturalists – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Do you have fond memories of playing in the woods and want to share that wonder with your children? Or, if you missed out on nature experiences when you were young, now is your chance to experience the joy. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center provides a safe haven for youthful exploration for kids and adults alike. Each month, we will focus on a different topic, sparking interest and inspiring curiosity. Bring your budding naturalist to the mountain and let’s explore!

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for K – 2nd grade. •Drop-ins welcome.
2:00- 3:00pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a Monkey Mask
Make a mask a king would be proud of! Using inspiration from Indian King Hamuran, you can fashion a monkey mask for yourself. FREE!
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook. Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO. Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Monday March 14th:

Book it to the Movies – Hoover Public Library
Tangled up in Rapunzel –
Let your hair down for games, crafts, and food inspired by some infamous fairytale locks
10:30am

Irish Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Sparkling with Leprechauns and Laughter
Juice and Popcorn will be served
3:30pm

Search for Clues with the Backyardigans – McWane Science Center
Explore McWane Science Center like never before! This Spring Break, join us for a learning adventure in the museum. Your whole family can embark on a scavenger hunt through the aquarium, to the land of the dinosaurs, into the woods in the NatureScope exhibit and around Itty Bitty Magic City! Along the way take your picture with Uniqua, Pablo and Tyrone from Nick Jr.’s hit TV show The Backyardigans.
TIMES: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Night out with the Backyardigans – McWane Science Center
Bring your little learners for a night out in the museum! Guests will enjoy after hours admission to the museum, crafts, snack time and a character meet and greet with Pablo, Tyrone and Uniqua. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets call (205) 714-8414.
Snacks provided by Chick-fil-a
TIME: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
TICKETS: $15 Adults, $12 Kids, Members save $5!

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Tuesday March 15th:

ArtBreak: Tours just for Kids – Birmingham Museum of Art
Explore the Museum with your child on your own or with a little help from a Museum Educator at ArtBreak. Stop by Oscar’s before or after for lunch!
12pm

Game Night – Barnes and Noble, Summit
Calling all game enthusiasts! Join us in our Cafe for a fun-filled evening of games to challenge your mind. This is an event the whole family can enjoy!
7:00pm

Cat in the Hat Craft – North Shelby Library
What better way to celebrate Spring Break and Dr. Seuss’ birthday month than by making this awesome Cat in the Hat – hat craft? All Ages. Registration Required.
2pm

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

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Wednesday March 16th:

Book it to the Movies -Hoover Public Library
Percy Jackson and the Olympians –
Train for battle against Kronos and his cronies at Camp Half Blood
10:30am

Kids Movie and Activities – Birmingham Museum of Art
*activities will vary each day

11AM // Bart’s Books
11AM-1PM // Bart’s Art Cart
1PM // Kids Movies
10AM-5PM // Explore the Museum with exciting scavenger hunts!

Wednesday Movie: Megamind

Storytime Science – McWane
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for your early learner to experience science through literature. Enjoy an enriching story coupled with an intriguing science concept that is sure to spark the curiosity of your child.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
10:30am

Storytime – Gardendale Library
Free! It’s St. Patrick’s Day at the Library. Join Mrs. Janet for her favorite St. Patrick’s Day stories.
9:30 – 10:30am

Dr Seuss Movie – North Shelby Library
The Lorax
All Ages. No Registration Required. Snacks Served.
2:00-3pm

123 Play With Me – Avondale Library
Avondale is providing a special time and place for you to come to the library and spend one-on-one time playing with your child. We will have toys, books, and art activities just for you and your child. A special guest will join us each week to answer some of your parenting questions. Don’t delay, call and register you and your child today.
10am

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us as we read Hooray for St. Patrick’s Day! by: Joan Holub. Find the hidden leprechauns and create holiday crafts. Then explore our New Educational Toys and Games Department while sipping on something tasty from our Cafe.
11:oo am

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

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

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Thursday March 17th:

Kids Movie and Activities – Birmingham Museum of Art
*activities will vary each day

11AM // Bart’s Books
11AM-1PM // Bart’s Art Cart
1PM // Kids Movies
10AM-5PM // Explore the Museum with exciting scavenger hunts!

Thursday Movie: Toy Story 3

Scavenger Hunt Instruction Pick Up – Homewood Public Library
Come to the Children’s Department after 10 AM and pick up your instructions

Rainbow Craft – North Shelby Library
Help us celebrate St. Patrick’s day by making an awesome rainbow craft. All Ages. Registration Required.
2:00pm

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

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Friday March 18th:

Kids Movie and Activities – Birmingham Museum of Art
*activities will vary each day

11AM // Bart’s Books
11AM-1PM // Bart’s Art Cart
1PM // Kids Movies
10AM-5PM // Explore the Museum with exciting scavenger hunts!

Friday Movie: Despicable Me

Scavenger Hunt – Homewood Library
Bring your Scavenger List back at 10:30 AM for tons of treats, prizes, and some out of school fun!

Book It to the Movies – Hoover Public Library
Alice in Wonderland –
Get lost in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and more of your favorite Lewis Carrol Characters

Movie – North Shelby Library
Horton Hears a Who
Horton the Elephant struggles to protect a microscopic community from his neighbors who refuse to believe they exist. All Ages. No Registration Required. Snacks Served.
2:00- 3:30pm

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Saturday March 19th:

Barts Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Mystery of the Monkey Maze, an adventure in Indonesia
11am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Find out what can happen If You Give a Mouse a Cookie in this story by Laura Numeroff. Afterwards, create some art and play in our New Educational Toys and Games Department while enjoying a delicious snack from our Cafe.
11:00am

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Sunday March 20th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Itty Bitty Magic City –
The mini-sized Magic City – complete with buildings and factories – encourages young learners to explore new skills as they join the cities’ workforce. By dressing up in a favorite career costume and becoming a steel worker, doctor, pilot scientist or train conductor, preschoolers take one small step into the world around them. While operating cranes, turning gears, pulling pulleys, and building structures – to name just a few of the hands-on activities – children expand their understanding of themselves as they experience how objects behave and how their own actions affect the objects around them. Little explorers are free to navigate this active learning area at their own pace, allowing creativity, fun and discovery to flourish in the Itty Bitty Magic City!

NatureScope – Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

Animalopolis at the IMAX – ANIMALOPOLIS will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents.

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!

Working Mommy Madness: The Case for Selfishness

Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 by Angie

By Harmony Hobbs:

Ladies, we need to make time for ourselves. It’s vital to our survival.

Recently, I had a bit of a meltdown. Okay … fine. I completely and totally LOST IT. I reached the end of my rope. I took a trip to crazy town. I was, in sum, burned out.

My husband recently got a new job. It’s a very good job, and he’s very good at it. However, January thru April is the busiest time for them, and he works really long hours. Like, doctor-long. The only day we really get to see him is Sunday. This situation has posed several challenges, namely the fact that I have been taking care of cooking, cleaning, and the majority of childcare, pretty much on my own. All while working full-time. And, to compound the craziness, I’m pregnant.

To all you single mothers out there, I have been humbled. You kick ass. Seriously.

We knew when he took this job that this would happen. The insanity is temporary. So for the past 3 months I’ve hunkered down and muddled through, trying really, really (REALLY) hard not to complain. We have a comfortable life, but not the kind of comfortable that would allow me to hire a maid. Or a cook. Or … a therapist. It’s been rough, but I thought I was doing alright. I’ve been managing to keep things under control by rushing through my days and tasks, as fast as a waddling person can rush.

I haven’t had a crying fit at work yet. I thought that meant I was doing well. But then I found myself wondering how bad it would be, really, if I simply stopped showering. And then the day came when I just couldn’t do it anymore and I completely freaked out on my husband — and realized I hadn’t taken time for myself since well before Christmas.

That might be a record.

It was time for a little selfish spending. Some guilt-free time away from my family. Some ME time. Not a trip to the grocery store by myself. Not time in the house alone so I can put laundry away. I needed a night out with girlfriends, a pedicure, or some other kind of girly frivolity. I needed my husband to step up and take over so I could leave the house and not have to rush home at a specific time.

He did. And it was glorious.

There is something healing in reconnecting with yourself. Our identities are so tied up in our families and our jobs – whether working in or out of the home – and what we mean to other people that it can all become muddled. Frankly, I started to feel lost. I dislike feeling like my identity is slipping from my grasp. It makes me anxious. Going out in public sans diaper bag, without having to remind a wiggling child to “SIT DOWN OR I’LL TAKE YOU OUTSIDE AND SPANK YOUR LITTLE BUTT” or shout over high-pitched screeching healed my soul.

I felt ready to face life again.

It can seem impossible to find time for yourself, or find the money in your budget to do a little something just for you. It’s so easy to recite all the reasons why it’s not possible to do X, Y, or Z.

But listen up.

Are you listening?

YOU HAVE TO. No one else is going to do it for you. Your husband might be supportive, but he probably won’t know that you are burned out unless you are screaming it at him. Men, as hard as they may try, will never fully understand our emotional needs.

In one week, I managed to participate in Girl’s Night Out, indulge in a pedicure, and take a trip to the mall all by myself. Free of guilt. That’s right. All in one week. It felt fabulous. I returned from those outings in a much better place. I plan to cut down the grocery bill somehow so I can make pedicures a regularity before I completely lose sight of my feet in a few months.

I maintain that a degree of selfishness is what keeps mothers from being institutionalized. It’s a shame, really. All the work I’ve put into being unselfish, down the drain. But you know, straightjacket white is really not my color.

Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and is a self-proclaimed “never home maker” striving for a balance between her career and family life. Visit her blog Working Mommy Madness to read more!

Event of the Week! The Backyardigans at McWane

Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2011 by Angie

Explore McWane Science Center like never before! This Spring Break, join them for a learning adventure in the museum. Your whole family can embark on a scavenger hunt through the aquarium, to the land of the dinosaurs, into the woods in the NatureScope exhibit and around Itty Bitty Magic City! Along the way take your picture with Uniqua, Pablo and Tyrone from Nick Jr.’s hit TV show The Backyardigans.

DATES: March 14 – 16
TIMES: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Or take them to this special event also starring the Backyardigans!

Bring your little learners for a night out in the museum! Guests will enjoy after hours admission to the museum, crafts, snack time and a character meet and greet with Pablo, Tyrone and Uniqua. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets call (205) 714-8414.

Snacks provided by Chick-fil-a

Night out with the Backyardigans:
DATES: March 14, 15 and 16
TIME: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
TICKETS: $15 Adults, $12 Kids, Members save $5!

Droolicious Cuisnine at BirminghamMommy.com: Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Pizza

Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 by Angie

TOMATO, BASIL, & MOZZARELLA PIZZA

“I love cooking this pizza because it doesn’t require any measuring, and it is ready to eat in about 15-20 minutes. A nice change of pace from the tomato sauce pizza and so much better than delivery!”

Ingredients:
1 Boboli thin pizza crust
1 jar pesto
Shredded Italian cheese blend
5 ounces whole mozzarella, sliced
4 Campari tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Cracked black pepper

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2) Spread pesto on pizza crust. Sprinkle shredded cheese blend on top of pesto.
3) Place mozzarella slices on top of cheese. Top with tomato slices.
4) Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until cheese melts and crust is golden brown.
5) Remove from oven and top with fresh basil and cracked black pepper

Like this? You can find many more droolicious recipes over at her site, “2 Little Chicks”

A Spring Break "Staycation" In Birmingham

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2011 by Angie

With gas prices on the rise many families will be sticking close to home over spring break, but not to worry! There are plenty of things to do in and around Birmingham that will keep you busy, allow you to have some fun, possibly learn something new… (Shhhh, we won’t tell the kids they’re learning) but most of all they are close enough to the city so the drive won’t empty your gas tank…. or your wallet.

Tannehill State Park – more than 1,500 acres in three counties set aside for hiking, camping and outdoor recreation. A miniature railroad chugs through the pines. From spring through fall, the blacksmith, miller and craftsmen demonstrate their trades. Craft shops occupy restored pioneer cabins and artisans chat with visitors from their front porches. Steeped in history, Tannehill feels timeless. The cotton gin, pioneer farm and working gristmill preserve a long-gone way of life. Hiking trails retrace historic roadways. Artifacts of Alabama’s 19th century iron industry displayed in the Iron and Steel Museum put in perspective the massive stone furnaces, Tannehill’s awe-inspiring centerpiece.

Trade Days starts back this month and will fall at the end of this year’s Spring Break week, March 19th and 20th.

Moundville Archaeological Park – “The Moundville site, occupied from around A.D. 1000 until A.D. 1450, is a large settlement of Mississippian culture on the Black Warrior River in central Alabama. At the time of Moundville’s heaviest residential population, the community took the form of a three hundred-acre village built on a bluff overlooking the river.

Visit the newly renovated museum and experience the Lost Realm of the Black Warrior. While you are there, explore the park and take a moment to enjoy a spectacular view of the Black Warrior River or relax on our boardwalk nature trail.

Oak Mountain State Park – Alabama’s largest park, Oak Mountain provides 9,940 acres of pine-studded ridges and lush green hardwood bottoms. The park offers vacation cottages, golf, pro shop with snack bar, improved camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain bike trails, backpacking, a demonstration farm and horseback riding facilities. With the largest area and variety of outdoor recreational pursuits, Oak Mountain is sure to provide excitement for every member of the family!

Desoto Caverns – Always something fun for everyone. With over 25 “Wacky” attractions including a three-quarter acre Lost Trail Maze, Panning for Gemstones, and the always popular Wacky Water Golf, you’re sure you’ll have a great time at Alabama’s Big Cave and More, DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park. Attractions are open year round with the exception of the water attractions that open again in April.

Anniston Museum of Natural History – Explore the wilds of Africa, the wonders of the North American wilderness, and the mysteries of 2,000 year old mummies in the seven fascinating exhibit halls.

Open-air exhibits place you face to face with majestic–and often deadly–animals! See one of the country’s oldest exhibits of birds in their habitats, and explore the children’s discovery room for hands-on experiences with Alabama’s natural wonders.

The Tuscaloosa Barnyard – One of our favorite places to visit! 20 minutes from Tuscaloosa, the Barnyard offers a day full of fun on a farm. Kids will have a great time feeding the ducks & fish, taking a boat & pony ride and feeding all kinds of farm animals. Onsite restrooms, and plenty picnic tables so pack a lunch and enjoy the day!

Childrens Hands on Museum, Tuscaloosa – “Specializing in Awesome” CHOM’s permanent exhibits were designed to stimulate children’s curiosity about their community and their place in it, and to involve children, parents, teachers, and others in participatory education. Hands on exhibits you will find there include, a farmers’s market, DCH Hosptial, Farm, Choctaw Indian Village and more!

Learning through play is what their exhibits are all about, and you are encouraged to touch, feel and play in the exhibits. Three floors of fun wait for families and school groups, too. With 21 exhibits, CHOM offers newborns through age 13 a fabulous place just for them!

Noccalula Falls Park – One of Alabama’s Most Beautiful Natural Parks. Learn the legend of the heart broken Princess Noccalula and see the beautiful falls that were named after her. Take a one mile scenic tour on the replica CP Huntington Train and visit Jenks the Lynx, one of the 10 or so animals that can be found in the Animal Habitat.

If you like going to the movies, mix it up a little with a drive in. Put the kids in their jammies, and pack some blankets, pillows and snacks!

Argo Drive In

Harpersville Drive In

If your plan is to stick really close to home over spring break, The McWane Science Center will have special events including the Backyardigans going on all week, if the weather is nice it will be a perfect excuse to visit Railroad park, Ruffner Mountain or even Vulcan.

As you can see, our fine city has so much to offer, what will you try?

The Birmingham Zoo Trails of Africa – VIP Preview

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2011 by Angie

The much anticipated and long awaited Trails of Africa will open this spring at the Birmingham Zoo. If you are a member you’ve seen the construction and have had the opportunity to watch the excited progress unfold over the past year or so, well now you can get a sneak peek!

Be the first to see Trails of Africa during the Zoo’s Member VIP Preview Days. This members only event will take place March 10th and 11th at 10:30am and 2:30pm and March 12th at 10:30am. Not only will you get to see Trails, but you will also have the opportunity to see Bulwagi, the Zoo’s first African bull elephant up-close in the educational Boma Yard, see African biofacts and hear informative keeper talks. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss out!

Birmingham Events Calendar – March 6th – March 13th

Posted on Sunday, March 6, 2011 by Angie

Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s Mardi Gras week – Did you know Birmingham hasn’t had a Mardi Gras parade since 1901? That changes this year so head out to Southside this Tuesday and pretend like your on Bourbon Street!

The Birmingham little Theatre will be at the Emmet O’ Neal Library with Hansel and Gretel, dinner and a show! You’ve got a Build and Grow workshop at Lowe’s, a LEGO Block party and more this week!

What will you do?

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

Sunday March 6th:

Candyology – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of sweet science. Learn the science behind Pop Rocks, make your own Geodesic Gumdrop Structure and the science of your favorite candies. Plus get ready for delicious demonstrations from Jelly Belly on tour (samples for all…yum)
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
12 – 4 PM

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Monday March 7th:

Storytime on the Mountain – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Nature inspires creativity in children by engaging a full range of the senses. During Story Time we will stimulate the imagination by reading themed books about nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors. After the story, we make a craft that reflects the theme of the day. This program encourages a child’s limitless imagination. We will gather in the Tree Top Visitor Center’s Activity Hall for this Story Time adventure.
10am

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for pre-school age. •Drop-ins welcome.

Lego Block Party – Hoover Public Library
Tween Scene
We’ll provide the Legos, you bring your imagination. All participants entered into drawing for Lego kit door prizes. Ages 8-12 years. Call 444-7833 to register
6:30pm

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Tuesday March 8th:

FAT TUESDAY!!!!!!

Mardi Gras Parade – 5 Points South
The Parade will start at the corner of Highland Avenue and 20th Street and move through historic Five Points South, ending at University Boulevard.
8pm

Hansel and Gretel – Emmet O’Neal Library
With B’ham Little Theater
5:30 Dinner – 6:00 Show
All Ages

Together Time – Emmet O’Neal Library
Action-packed storytime The Letter “V”
All ages. 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

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

Mops Meeting – Riverchase United Methodist Church
“Spring cleaning and Chores for kids” topic at the Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) for Expecting Mothers thru to Mothers with preschoolers.
6:30-8:30 pm RSVP child care with Lynn 664-4531.
http://riverchase.cc/mops.php

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Wednesday March 9th:

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Marley Goes to School by John Grogan will make you laugh and say, “Oh no, Marley is loose at school!” Will Cassie be able to catch him? Find out while enjoying some yummy Cafe treats and taking a tour of our New Educational Toys and Games Department.
11:oo am

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

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Thursday March 10th:

SNAP – Emmet O’Neal Library
Popcorn and Movie
Scorcerer’s Apprentice
Grades 3 -6
3:30pm – 4:30pm

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Friday March 11th:

Holy Inappropriateness – We couldn’t find any special events happening in the Ham’ today! Check out something going on daily on our list below

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Saturday March 12th:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade lineup is at 11 a.m. at Powell Avenue and 20th Street South; parade begins at 11:30 a.m., going south up 20th Street South and ending at Five Points South at approximately noon.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Guinness will present Shamrockin’ in Five Points. Join Guinness, the Alabama Celtic Association, and the Five Points Neighborhood and Merchants Associations for an afternoon of music, dance, and fun. Performers include Hooley, Henri’s Notions, Alabama Pipes and Drums, Anam Cara Irish Dancers, Drake School of Irish Dance, and Birmingham Irish Set Dancers. Corner of 20th Street South and 12th Avenue (former Ruby Tuesday’s location).

Hand Hand Fingers Thumb – Hoover Public Library
Get your hands dirty at the Hoover Public Library for a morning of finger-painting fun! Call 444-7833 to register
10:30am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake by Thomas Taylor. See how Little Mouse shares his treat with all his friends! Create some art while enjoying a treat from our Cafe and then you can explore our New Educational Toys and Games Department.
11:00am

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
Shoot Around Basketball: It’s tournament time! Your child will love challenging their friends to a game of shoot around basketball!
10am

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Sunday March 13th:

Little Naturalists – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

Do you have fond memories of playing in the woods and want to share that wonder with your children? Or, if you missed out on nature experiences when you were young, now is your chance to experience the joy. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center provides a safe haven for youthful exploration for kids and adults alike. Each month, we will focus on a different topic, sparking interest and inspiring curiosity. Bring your budding naturalist to the mountain and let’s explore!

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for K – 2nd grade. •Drop-ins welcome.
2:00- 3:00pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

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:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Tips for taking kids to funerals and other sensitive events

Posted on Friday, March 4, 2011 by Angie

This is one of those topics that no one really talks about much. Hopefully it doesn’t happen often enough to require too much thought, but it does happen.

Right before the holidays, our family lost my husband’s grandfather, a great man. My 5 year old son took it very hard. We flew to Connecticut to attend the funeral, and I must admit, I was very nervous about taking a 3 year old and 5 year old to a viewing, funeral, and graveside.

By no means am I an expert! This is simply what worked for us being shared with anyone else who may be facing the same situation.

1. PREPARE- Prepare your kids in every way possible. Discuss death, dying, and funerals before you get there if it’s possible. Explain what will happen at each event to the kids. Tell them how important their behavior is to everyone, not just you.

2. EXPLAIN- Don’t just tell them to behave, explain to them what exactly they need to do. Be explicit: “I expect you to stay in your seat and stay quiet.” Keep your ‘demands’ to 2-3. Giving them a list to remember is overwhelming. Ask them to repeat the 2 rules, seated and quiet.

3. PRAISE- Once you’re there, give them some positive praise immediately so they can start on the right foot. Keep the praise coming the whole time.

Attending sensitive events with kids is hard for the kids and for the parents. We expect a lot out of kids and we need to be understanding. If they misbehave, stay calm and remind them of the rules. Understand that doing the best you can is all anyone expects. It’s a lot of effort to keep the kids calm and in control, but it will teach them the importance of the event, and how they need to behave in these situations.

Bethenny Frankel talks to BirminghamMommy.com

Posted on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by Angie

BirminghamMommy recently had the opportunity to talk with the star of the new Reality show Bethenny Ever After.

Bethenny Frankel may have started as a Real Housewife of NY, but she has become so much more. Women love her because she is real and she takes ownership of who she is. (She also created Skinny Girl Margaritas, what’s not to love?) She is busy with her show, her book, her husband, and her baby Bryn, all under the watchful eye of a camera crew.

This show will be different because it’s a natural pick up from where we last saw Bethenny. She has a new baby and is navigating the first year of marriage. The first year is hard, but to do it in front of a camera is exhausting. Bethenny puts her usual positive yet realistic spin on it by saying “…it’s two people from two different worlds now aligning, living together.” This show promises to be exciting because of how different she and Jason are. “We’re very different. He’s from a small town. He’s lived in the same place his entire life. I’ve lived in dozens of places. He’s Catholic and religious and I practice yoga. He likes his parents to be around all the time. I like to be alone a lot because my life is often very public.”

In-laws and religion are just a couple of the areas where this show will go, which is so refreshing in the canned-drama reality world.

One thing we can always count on Bethenny for is to stay true to herself. That’s why we watch, we believe her and we appreciate the truth she brings. “If it’s something monumental that could help women and it goes on in people’s relationships and lives, I kind of want to experience that- whether it’s turning 40 and having difficulty with it or whatever it is because I agreed to do this show and once I got on this journey with my fans I do feel a responsibility.”

We’re so glad she feels that responsibility- it comes through and hits a chord with us. We’re women, we know when someone is hiding something. “If we’re going to paint part of the picture, might as well paint the whole picture.” We couldn’t agree with you more, Bethenny.

Bethenny Ever After can be seen on Monday Nights on Bravo, set your DVR’s!

BirminghamMommy Giveaway: Moe's Southwest Grill

Posted on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by Angie

You know BirminghamMommy loves a giveaway! This time it’s all about some yummy eats!

Moe’s Southwest Grill is on a Food Mission to bring you and your family more delicious and healthy eating options! Eating healthier has never been easier or tastier with Moe’s recently unveiled new meny and food mission wheel that steers fans to low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Free from microwaves, animal fat, lard or MSG, and all made with over 20 organic, freshly prepared ingredients including hormone-free grilled chicken, beef, and organic tofu, Moe’s lets you feed the “Moe-ment” with its burritos, nachos, rice bowls and more!
And, Moe’s is also a part of Meatless Mondays. (If Oprah likes it, it HAS to be good, right?!)