☰

Birmingham Events Calendar – October 4th – October 10th

Posted on by Angie

Whew! I think this calendar can speak for itself, but we’ll give you a little run down anyway. There is something for everyone this week. The Southern Womens Show for you Moms, Storytimes for the kids, 10 cent cookie Tuesday for you both and Boo at the Zoo kicks off this week that will make for some great family fun. The Pumpkin Patch Express will be up and running for the season and if you’re into festivals, head out to Mt Laural for their Harvest Festival. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy this weather and have some fun with your family!

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

Monday October 4th

Storytime – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
s your child a budding naturalist? Bring them to Storytime to encourage their excitement about the outdoors. We will read a story with a nature theme. Following the story, there will be a short activity. Suited for children 3 – 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult during the program. $3/ $2 (member)
10am

——————————————————————————————————————-

Tuesday October 5th

10 Cent Cookie Tuesday – Whole Foods
While Supplies Last. Barring any cookie monster attacks we’ll have our silver dollar-size chocolate chip cookies, baked fresh in the Bakery, for just 10 cents each. Buy a whole bushel and freeze them for later!

Lego League – Alabaster Library
Kids 10 years old and younger can enjoy a session of free-play with plastic blocks of all sizes.
4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the mobile unit.

Lego Mini Build – Lego Store Galleria
Lego Monster
5pm until supplies last

Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is a classic of children’s literature. Join us to hear again a story beloved by generations of readers. Classics never go out of style!
11:00am

Education Celebration – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a fun-filled hour of hands-on learning featuring our brand-new Barnes & Noble @ School section with educational toys and games.
2:00pm

——————————————————————————————————————-

Wednesday October 6th

After School Special – Emmet O’ Neal Library
Ages 3 and up, come for our after-school special with the Mtn. Brook Fire Department
3:30pm

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

——————————————————————————————————————

Thursday October 7th

Southern Women’s Show – BJCC
something for every woman; savvy shopping, creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips, trendy fashion shows, great celebrity guests, and fabulous prizes. Show Hours: Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance Discount Tickets: available at participating Piggly Wiggly locations for adults $7; youth ages 6-12, $5. Admission: Adults $9 at door; $8 in advance online; youth ages 6-12, $5 at door and online; ages six and under free with paying adult.

Railroad Park Sunset Cinema
Crooklyn 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Join us at 7 PM for this movie at Railroad Park.

——————————————————————————————————————

Friday October 8th

Boo at the Zoo
Wear your favorite costume and make your way through safe candy villages and game zones. Ride the Jurassic Express, Creepy Crawly Carousel and the Hallowed Hay Ride. Enjoy live entertainment each night and see an animal up close. Don’t forget to walk through the Alien Reptile Experience. Ghoul Skool is a time honored tradition at Boo At the Zoo. The classes are about ten minutes long and little goblins are taught how to howl like a wolf, rattle chains like a ghost, walk like a monster, cackle like a witch, and much more to graduate! Classes are taught by our Ghoul Skool Mistress!
Tickets $8

*Animal exhibits will be closed for Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Boo at the Zoo.

Southern Women’s Show – BJCC
something for every woman; savvy shopping, creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips, trendy fashion shows, great celebrity guests, and fabulous prizes. Show Hours: Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Advance Discount Tickets: available at participating Piggly Wiggly locations for adults $7; youth ages 6-12, $5. Admission: Adults $9 at door; $8 in advance online; youth ages 6-12, $5 at door and online; ages six and under free with paying adult.

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am

——————————————————————————————————————-

Saturday October 9th

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The entire family will enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express!  The excursion lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. At the Pumpkin Patch, riders will de-board to enjoy a hayride, jumpstation, coloring, and temporary tatoos (all activities are included in the price of your ticket!)  Bring your camera to take photos in front of the giant pumpkin!  Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase.  Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee.

Mt Laurel Harvest Festival
Live music provides a background to myriad activities that are sure to please the whole family — kids and parents alike.In the inflatable playground, kids can bounce off the walls, literally. Bring the whole family for a hayride around the town. After the kids get tired from jumping around, they can sit and rest while sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade or slurping a colorful snow cone. Meanwhile, artisan craft tables overflowing with homemade pieces line Main Street and a section of Olmsted Street for parents to browse. For edible items, parents are welcome to peruse the farmer’s market or any of the delicious Mt Laurel restaurants. All of the Mt Laurel restaurants and shops are open during the festival. There are also activities adults and kids can do together at the festival, such as hayrides and pumpkin carving. The event is free and open to the public.

Boo at the Zoo
Wear your favorite costume and make your way through safe candy villages and game zones. Ride the Jurassic Express, Creepy Crawly Carousel and the Hallowed Hay Ride. Enjoy live entertainment each night and see an animal up close. Don’t forget to walk through the Alien Reptile Experience. Ghoul Skool is a time honored tradition at Boo At the Zoo. The classes are about ten minutes long and little goblins are taught how to howl like a wolf, rattle chains like a ghost, walk like a monster, cackle like a witch, and much more to graduate! Classes are taught by our Ghoul Skool Mistress!
Tickets $8

*Animal exhibits will be closed for Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Boo at the Zoo.

Birmingham Wing Fest – Downtown Homewood
The outdoor wing cook-off, referred to as the “ultimate tailgate party” by the Birmingham News in 2009, features local restaurants, live music by Altamont, games for kids, local celebrity judges and, of course, live football games on big screen TVs. More football, more wings, more people, and more fun! Come eat some wings and show your support of Magic Moments. It’s all about the MAGIC baby!
11:00am – 4:00pm

Southern Women’s Show – BJCC
something for every woman; savvy shopping, creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips, trendy fashion shows, great celebrity guests, and fabulous prizes. Show Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Advance Discount Tickets: available at participating Piggly Wiggly locations for adults $7; youth ages 6-12, $5. Admission: Adults $9 at door; $8 in advance online; youth ages 6-12, $5 at door and online; ages six and under free with paying adult.

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
Halloween is right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this cool Fun House Mirror!
10am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
A new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am – 1pm

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Pepper Place Saturday Market
We spread out of the parking lot to include 29th Street as we accommodate local farmers, artisans, music, art and food!
7:00am – Noon

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us as we read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. Our special story features Alexander who clearly is having a bad day. Will it get better or will he have to move to Australia?
2:00pm

——————————————————————————————————————-

Sunday October 10th

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The entire family will enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express!  The excursion lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. At the Pumpkin Patch, riders will de-board to enjoy a hayride, jumpstation, coloring, and temporary tatoos (all activities are included in the price of your ticket!)  Bring your camera to take photos in front of the giant pumpkin!  Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase.  Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee.

Boo at the Zoo
Wear your favorite costume and make your way through safe candy villages and game zones. Ride the Jurassic Express, Creepy Crawly Carousel and the Hallowed Hay Ride. Enjoy live entertainment each night and see an animal up close. Don’t forget to walk through the Alien Reptile Experience. Ghoul Skool is a time honored tradition at Boo At the Zoo. The classes are about ten minutes long and little goblins are taught how to howl like a wolf, rattle chains like a ghost, walk like a monster, cackle like a witch, and much more to graduate! Classes are taught by our Ghoul Skool Mistress!
Tickets $8

*Animal exhibits will be closed for Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Boo at the Zoo.

Southern Women’s Show – BJCC
something for every woman; savvy shopping, creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips, trendy fashion shows, great celebrity guests, and fabulous prizes. Show Hours:  Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance Discount Tickets: available at participating Piggly Wiggly locations for adults $7; youth ages 6-12, $5. Admission: Adults $9 at door; $8 in advance online; youth ages 6-12, $5 at door and online; ages six and under free with paying adult.

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

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
A new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm-3pm

——————————————————————————————————————-

Open Daily

McWane Science Center

Itty Bitty Magic City – NOTE: ITTY BITTY IS AN ITTY BIT SMALLER THIS SUMMER!
The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

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

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!

Busy Mommy Bonding: Colors

Posted on by Angie

Wrapping up our month of colors we’re going to focus on Red and Green, and what better way to do that than with some red and green apples? This one is easy because you most likely have an apple in your fridge, with a little paint, construction paper and/or a canvas bag you’ve got yourself a craft!

Red and Green Apple Prints Placemat or Canvas Tote

What you’ll need:

One apple cut in half
White construction paper
Red paint (we use acrylic)
Black marker for making stems

What you’ll do:

Let your child paint the flat side of the apple half and stamp them on to the paper. Once they are done, and the prints are dry go back and add the stems with your marker.  If you want them to last longer pick up some laminating sheets and laminate the paper like we did in this activity a few months back.

If you want to get fancy replace your construction paper with a canvas bag, have them stamp the apple on your bag and voila’, what a cute little hand made tote you could have.

Droolicious Cuisine at BirminghamMommy.com Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon Dip with Crusty French Bread

Posted on by Angie

Football season means lots of parties and having people over to watch the games. One thing we love to have is a wide array of dips available for munching on throughout the day. Try this one at your next party (football or otherwise) and you’ll “score big” with your guests.

Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon Dip with Crusty French Bread

Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) French bread baguettes, each cut into 32 (1/4-inch) slices
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
1 (8-ounce) package fat-free cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
5 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on 2 large baking sheets, and coat bread with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.
2) Place mayonnaise, garlic, 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, and fat-free cream cheese in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended and creamy.
3) Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, bacon, artichoke hearts, and spinach.
4) Spread mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
5) Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

Thanks to MommaDrool for the recipes in this series. You can find many more droolicious recipes over at her site, “2 Little Chicks”

Parenting, Mission: Possible

Posted on by Angie

By Caroline Taylor

I know you have all read books, looked on line, or asked a friend or relative about discipline. It’s a hot topic among parents, teachers and kids. It seems that everyone has a different idea of what works and what is right.

Your dad may say, “In my day, when someone acted like that, he would get the belt.
The teacher may say, “Time out is the key; that’s what we use in the classroom.”
Your grandmother may say, “ Spare the rod and spoil the child…what’s wrong with a little candy to get him to brush his teeth every morning.”

In reality, it’s your child. You probably know what works and what doesn’t with her. Sometimes you may face challenges and feel like NOTHING works. Here are a couple of pointers I have used through the years…with my children and in my practice.

Remember Maslow:
Think back to college, intro psychology, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs: Physiological needs (air, food, water, excretion), Safety needs (the desire to be out of danger), and the need for Love and Belonging. It’s specifically important when disciplining to do a mental check to make sure all of these needs are being met for your child. If they aren’t, it will be a lot more difficult for your child to listen and make good choices.

Sleep is key; is your child getting enough sleep every night? American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours of sleep for school age children. Lack of sleep can actually manifest and mirror symptoms of ADHD.

Keep your child’s tank full with healthy, low sugar snacks and drinks to minimize acting out due to hunger or thirst.

Establish Rules and Consequences or Rewards with the child if age appropriate:
Word rules outlining specific expectations in a positive tone. For example: “Don’t hit” or “Be nice to your sister” Should be: “Keep your hands and feet to yourself.”

Have a manageable number of rules, depending on the age of the child. 3-4 rules for a 3-5 year old, 4-5 for young school age children; increase as necessary.

Have the consequence match the offence. Keep consequences natural and logical. Having the child help develop the consequences is always good, if the child is old enough.

Some children work well with a rewards program instead of consequences. Psychological studies show that using a reward system works better than consequences to get favorable behavior outcomes.

Be consistent:
Implement a behavior routine that works for your family and stick with it. Some times may be harder than others; summer and weekends for instance. Children thrive when they have a structured environment and know what to expect. Keep a regular routine and follow it as closely as possible.
Follow through with consequences without giving too many warnings. I’ve been there too, saying something like “You have one more chance to go put your toys away or…” The more you give chances the less likely the child will listen to you in the future.

Remember my 3 week rule…It typically takes at least 3 weeks for a new routine stick. The first couple weeks may be the hardest; but the results will be a pay off.

Watch your language:
So many times a parent words commands in question form without knowing. For example, I was at the park with my son and saw a mother repeatedly trying to get her child to leave. She kept saying, “It’s time to go, ok” “Mommy has to go home and make dinner, ok” In the child’s mind he is hearing a question. Too often parents end statements to their child with the word OK. I can just hear the little boy’s thoughts…No, it’s not ok! I want to stay! If you want to add a little something on the end of a command try, “Do you understand” or “Did you hear me”. With older kids it works well to say, “What did you just understand me saying”; if you’re concerned the child is not listening.

State your expectations clearly and don’t negotiate.

Reserve yelling for true emergencies. I try to imagine a switch, in my child’s ear, that automatically turns off when yelling takes place. Sure, it’s easier to yell, “Get down these stairs, we’re late for school!” But, much more effective to walk up the stairs look your child in the eye and use a normal tone of voice.

Obviously, discipline encompasses a lot of time in the life of a mom! There are as many perspectives on discipline as there are children. The above suggestions are broad ideas that will hopefully help you in your parenting journey.

I realize this piece may be the tip of the iceberg! If you have questions or would like me to further explain something, email me at caroline@carolinetaylorlpc.com I may feature your question in my next column!

Ms. Taylor obtained a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Florida State University focusing on Child Life. After graduating she worked with children and families coping with terminal and chronic illness in the hospital and an outpatient setting.

She received a Master of Education in Counseling from Auburn University while working as a counseling intern at University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Counseling and Wellness Center. She worked as a counseling intern at University of Alabama at Birmingham counseling and wellness center. Before opening her private practice, Ms. Taylor worked with children and families in various diverse settings from community mental health and outpatient psychotherapy to in home intensive family restoration.

She specializes in:

  • children,
  • adolescents
  • individuals
  • challenged families
  • parent training
  • trauma recovery in children
  • ADD/ADHD
  • helping families to cope with transitions such as divorce or death.

52 New Things – Week 38

Posted on by Angie

Angie –

I drove on my first field trip. I tried to do this last year because I’m a bit of a car seat freak (Read: my about to be 5 year old is still in a 5 point harness) but it just never worked out to where they needed me. I was a nervous wreck every time she was gone, even when I arranged to meet the driving Mom and install her seat myself. (No, this is not school protocol, I told you I’m a freak) This year I signed up for everything and got my first taste of chaperoning his week. Outside of my need to be in control of my child (and her car seat,) I actually really enjoyed going. It also helped me to see exactly how this whole field trip thing works and has helped ease my fear for future trips that I won’t be able to participate in.

Trish –

My new thing this week is getting my sofa and loveseat cleaned professionally.  Years of kids and dogs and parties and general usage have left my furniture in need of help.  I’ve tried spot cleaning and upholstery sprays, but I think this is one of those things you need help with.

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!

The World I Want…

Posted on by Angie

Our friend and contributor CountryFried Mama is hosting a blog carnival over at her blog.  Mommy bloggers will appreciate the foundation that this benefits, head over and read more.  The idea is to write about what kind of world you want for your daughters/sons/kids.

When we started thinking about what kind of world we want for our children, we decided to choose some meaningful quotes.   A lot of people in history have shared some insightful thoughts.  Read them, think about them, and share what kind of world you want for your little ones.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where there is love there is life.
Indira Gandhi

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.
Charles Dickens

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

And several from a very wise man, Dr. Seuss…

  • Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.
  • I meant what I said and I said what I meant.
  • The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

    • Here’s the background on The Joyful Heart Foundation,

    Joyful Heart was founded in 2004 by Mariska Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson on “Law and Order: SVU.”  Mariska started getting fan mail from rape survivors and was moved to create a foundation to help heal the victims of crimes dramatized on her show.  Joyful Heart’s initial and primary mission is to help victims of sexual assault mend their minds, bodies and spirits and reclaim their lives.

    Today, the foundation is also at the forefront of an effort to end a disheartening backlog of tens of thousands of rape kits in labs across the country, a backlog that contributes to a rapist’s 80 percent chance of getting away with his crime.  The backlog and its detrimental effects will be the topic of an SVU episode on September 29th.

    Chronicles of the Anonymous Dad – Why Dads are Reluctant to go to the Doctor.

    Posted on by Angie

    Short of lots of blood, I am just plain old reluctant to make that trip. Is this a continuous manifestation of the stubborn streak found in most humans of the male species?

    “When you were a bachelor, that was fine, but you have kids now and you can’t act that way”, says the wife. But am I really jeopardizing my own offspring when I don’t want to take them straight to the doctor at the sound or sighting of a cold, ache or rash? Would I allow a faulty gene found in the man pool to carry over into fatherhood at the risk of hurting my kids?

    If it’s not bent, bleeding or broken, men don’t go, at least not initially. So, does a dad then apply that same approach to his kids? Well (mommies, you can begin to cringe now), I think so. And here’s the hard part to understand: We don’t see it as jeopardizing the children. The inherent deep embedded thought not known to most moms is that dads want to show that we are a resilient kind; we can fend for ourselves, seek help only when our way has not worked(ergo, the proverbial refusal to stop and ask for directions). And even then, the advice is often sought not in the form of conciliation, but rather, in the most blasé of subtlety. “This remote control doesn’t seem to be working. I am just going to go work out in the yard”. What I am really saying is: “I can’t fix the damn remote. I am going to just leave it here for awhile and when I get back, I hope you have fixed it so I can come back inside and watch TV, which is what I really wanted to do to begin with.”

    Other than the guy who refuses to quit smoking cigarettes once he is a dad, I don’t think dads are teaching their children a lesson in being obstinate. Rather, it’s a lesson in independence, a lesson in self-reliance, a lesson in figuring our way to our own solutions, and a lesson in showing our kids that part of life involves thorns, bumps, bruises and poison ivy.

    When does that “laissez faire” approach come back to bite me? Well, that’s where the fine line comes in. Truthfully, I just know and make the gut call. Yes, I would err on the side of caution, but at the same time, I take great pride when our kids go in for an annual checkup or shot, and the pediatrician says: “Well hey there strangers.”

    I have a wide grin across my insides. In words, the grin says:”I am a good dad. I can fend for myself, take care of my kids while letting them learn that sometimes, just sometimes, rock candy and  hot tea with honey is a better way to get to feeling better, than a trip to the doctor and 10 mg of some awful tasting medicine, twice a day for 7 days.”The answers often find themselves within our own abilities to get through it.

    Here’s is my approach to some common “ouches”:

    • Water in the ear = Q-tip and jump up and down on leg that is on same side as the problem ear
    • Fever= Ibuprofen, TLC, whatever he/she wants to eat, and if that doesn’t work, then a cool down with washcloths.
    • Rash= Benadryl.
    • Busted gums, tooth or lip & presence of fair amount of blood= Doctor. Having had that happen recently and having made the call to go to the ER, the doc’s conclusion was since it was her first set of teeth, there was no need to have come in and there was nothing he could do other than tell us to feed our daughter soft food for a few days.
    • Skinned knees=Hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, a colorful band-aid(or 2) and then a big push to go right back out there and continue to play whatever they were just playing.

    What’s the downside to all this self reliance? The obvious answer is failing to provide proper and adequate medical attention for your child in a timely manner. But, let’s be smart about this. No reasonable dad is going to stop his child from seeing a doctor. The ultimate question is when, not if.
    So, next time I fall and hurt myself pretty bad, just let me figure out my road to recovery. The next time our child falls and hurts herself, well, that may make for an interesting debate.

    Birmingham Events Calendar: September 27th – October 3rd

    Posted on by Angie

    It’s really hard to believe that this weeks calendar is going to take us right into October….. OCTOBER! It’s time to start thinking about Halloween costumes and decorating with some beautiful fall Mums! See what we have on the calendar this week and as always make sure to check back throughout the week, we update as we learn of  more events.

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

    Monday September 27th

    Holy Inappropriateness!!  We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ham’ today. See below for what’s going on daily at the Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center or Southern Museum of Flight.

    ——————————————————————————————————————-

    Tuesday September 28th

    Celebrate South Africa Day – Hoover Library
    Hoover Public Library presents Celebrate South Africa. Join us for South African cuisine and a performance of traditional dance by the Umdabu Dance Company. FREE fun for the whole family! Call 444-7821 for more information.
    6:30pm

    Storytime – Hueytown Library
    We will enjoy stories, song and activities with an Oktoberfest theme!
    11:30am

    Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
    Please join us as we read A Good Day by Kevin Henkes. What makes a bad day turn into a good day for three animals such as the yellow bird, the white dog and the red fox?
    11:00am

    ——————————————————————————————————————-

    Wednesday September 29th

    Education Celebration – Barnes and Noble Summit
    Join us for a fun-filled hour of hands-on learning featuring our brand-new Barnes & Noble @ School section with educational toys and games.
    2:00pm

    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

    ——————————————————————————————————————

    Thursday September 30th

    Holy Inappropriateness!!  We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ham’ today. See below for what’s going on daily at the Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center or Southern Museum of Flight.

    ——————————————————————————————————————

    Friday October 1st

    Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
    Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
    10:00am

    ——————————————————————————————————————-

    Saturday October 2nd

    Bluff Park Art Show
    Juried art show with 2D and 3D art from 130 artists from 15 states.. Local jazz bands, food vendors and art lot for children. Fun for the whole family.
    HANDS-ON ART FUN: For children ages 3 – 8, while you shop. Supervised by the Shades Mountain Women’s Club.
    Bluffpark Community Park 9am – 5pm

    Bark in the Park – Veterens park Alabaster
    Join us for the 4th annual Bark in the Park event! Celebrating pets and their people benefitting Shelby Humane Society!
    Enjoy a fun day filled with kid’s activities, contests, frisbee dog demonstrations, a low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic, a pet photo contest, and Mutt Strut, a 1 mile pet walk to support shelter pets!
    9am – 2pm

    Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
    A new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
    11am – 1pm

    Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
    8:00am – 12:00pm

    Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Downtown Homewood
    7am – Noon

    Pepper Place Saturday Market
    We spread out of the parking lot to include 29th Street as we accommodate local farmers, artisans, music, art and food!
    7:00am – Noon

    Valleydale Farmers Market –
    Valleydale Farmers Market is dedicated to bringing fresh, local produce to communities around Alabama and the Southeast.
    Music, cooking demos and storytimes along with fresh produce a great way to spend a day!

    Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
    The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is a fun-filled story about a talking mischievous cat who turns two children’s home upside down! Don’t miss it! Check out the new Dr. Seuss series on DVD, ‘Wings and Things’ featuring the voice of Martin Short.
    2:00pm

    ——————————————————————————————————————-

    Sunday October 3rd

    Vulcan Aftertunes
    This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Vulcan AfterTunes is a three-part concert series featuring local and national singer/songwriter acts. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with friends and family (of all ages) while listening to some of the area’s best music. Admission is charged. Ticket price includes admission to Vulcan’s Observation Balcony and Museum.
    Price: $10 General Admission; $5 Vulcan Members; $4 Ages 5 -12; FREE for Children 4 and under! 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

    ——————————————————————————————————————-

    Open Daily

    McWane Science Center

    Mr Potato Head Exhibit – Families won’t want to miss The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD, a new interactive traveling exhibit that features the much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From trips to outer space to jungle safaris and archaeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences. Through Sept. 26

    Itty Bitty Magic City – NOTE: ITTY BITTY IS AN ITTY BIT SMALLER THIS SUMMER!
    The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

    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

    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!

    Multiplicity – From Cribs to Wild Rumpus.

    Posted on by Angie

    We are currently making the transition from cribs to “big girl” beds, which loosely translated right now means, “Party in our Room! Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!”

    I remember when we switched our oldest daughter to her minimum security facility. She had all the freedom to roam only it took her months to actually figure out that there was no invisible barrier keeping her in her bed. She was never one that tried to escape the confines of her crib, she’s a rule follower still.

    The twinlets on the other hand had started expressing interest in jumping out of their beds. I caught “Ashley” twice straddling the rail when I turned my back to start their nighttime music. Luckily I was within arms reach of a quick push gentle nudge back to the mattress side of the railing. “Mary Kate” could almost climb in her bed, luckily she never figured out that inside to out would be easier because of the 4″ mattress giving her a boost.

    We’re about a week and a half into the transition and they still play for a couple of hours each night. At worst they were up until 1:30am, at best asleep by 10:15pm. I consider myself lucky that we’ve avoided tears and hours of crying and meltdowns, but I find myself wondering if they will ever get bored playing with each other up there. We have literally stripped their room down to nothing but blankets and a couple of books yet they keep themselves entertained for hours… When they have the entire house and every toy imaginable at their disposal they fight like cats and dogs. What gives?

    Dear Parents of Multiples,

    This whole keeping each other up all night can’t last forever can it? If you have been down this road, what am I missing? Are yours in the same room, same bed or did you find it more efficient to separate them during sleeping hours in hopes of them (and the rest of the house) catching some Zzzzz’s?

    Yours truly,

    Sleepless in Birmingham

    Symphony 30 Picnic Giveaway!!

    Posted on by Angie

    ***** Contest is now closed, winners have been emailed *****

    Yet another great event going on in Birmingham this weekend! We told you there was a lot to choose from!

    The Symphony 30 nonprofit group of women in Birmingham, Ala. will host its annual Symphony 30 Picnic. The event this year will be held once again at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, with the proceeds going to help the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and specifically their family and education programs. We are pleased to announce Jim ‘N Nicks Bar B Q and Brookwood Medical Center as our lead sponsors to the 2010 event. Along with dinner generously donated by Jim ‘N Nicks and a symphony concert, activities will include an art table where children can make their own musical instruments.

    The Symphony 30 Group is comprised of approximately 80 young women, who are committed to the legacy and future of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony 30 Group has raised more than $305,500 for education programs at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

    The event is this Sunday, September 26th at the beautiful Botanical Gardens. 4pm

    Thanks to our friends over at Brookwood Medical Center, we have 2 family packs up for grabs (value of $60 each) Here’s how you can win!

    1. Leave a comment telling us what musical instrument you played growing up or wish you would have learned to play. 1 entry per person, per day.

    2. Follow @BrookwoodMed on twitter – (Come back to this post and leave a comment letting us know you followed/follow them) 1 entry per person

    3. Follow @BirminghamMommy on twitter – (Come back to this post and leave a comment letting us know you followed/follow us) 1 entry per person

    4. Tweet the following: Thanks to @BrookwoodMed, @BirminghamMommy is giving away tickets to the Symphony 30 Picnic! http://ow.ly/2HJcn
    (1 entry per person, per day.)

    That’s it – 4 easy ways to win. 2 winners will be chosen at random and their names will be placed on the guest list for the event! Best of luck to you all!! If you aren’t our lucky winners you can still purchase your tickets to this fabulous event!! Visit their site for more info

    Contest ends at 10am on Friday September 24th – We will contact the winners via email and it will be the responsibility of the winner to contact us with the required information. Family pack includes admission for 2 adults and their children.

    Advertisements