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Birmingham Events Calendar – Oct. 11th – Oct. 17th

Posted on by Angie

Just when we started to enjoy the fall weather the temps have started creeping back up and it’s hot! Know what else is hot this week?  Our calendar! Are your kids out of school for Columbus day? McWane has a special day planned featuring some “Dino-mite” activities! The Pepper Place market is switching to it’s holiday and harvest market, and speaking of “The Market” the 3 day shopping event sponsored buy the Junior League kicks off on Thursday.. So many choices how will you ever decide?

We update the calendar as we learn of new events so stop back by throughout the week to see what’s new!

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

Monday October 11th

Dinosaur Day -McWane Science Center
We’re having a prehistoric party all day! Join us for dino-mite programs including fossil making, pasta skeletons, and coloring contests! Dress up in dinosaur clothes and get a prize! All activities are FREE for members and included in cost of admission for non-members!

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Tuesday October 12th

Family Night – Emmet O’Neal Library
Family Night w/Archie Wade . All ages.
5:30pm Dinner  6:00pm Show

Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Fancy Nancy, Bonjour Butterfly – In this magical story from Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, everybody’s favorite fancy girl gets a surprise lesson in fancy from her grandparents.
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

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Wednesday October 13th

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 October 14th

The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by the Junior League – A 3-day shopping extravaganza
10:30am – 7pm This opening day is a STROLLER FREE shopping day.

The Market Beauty & Bauble Party – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by Southern Beauty Magazine and Diamonds Direct,
7pm – 10 p.m.,

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

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Friday October 15th

The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by the Junior League – A 3-day shopping extravaganza
9:00am – 9:00pm This is day STROLLER FREE until 2pm.

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.

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

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Saturday October 16th

The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by the Junior League – A 3-day shopping extravaganza
9:00am – 5:00pm

Storytime at The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by Birmingham READS and Barnes & Noble. Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes and join us for storytime and fun with Clifford, the Big Red Dog
9:30 AM and 11:00 AM

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.

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

Harvest and Holiday Market at Pepper Place
Autumn in Alabama means fresh-grown apples, pumpkins and squash for your fall meals. November markets will also bring hand-made gifts just in time for the Holiday Season!
7:00am – Noon

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
Award-winning author Toni Morrison and son Slade Morrison retell the famous fable. The Tortoise or the Hare story examines if slow and steady really wins the race. Find out who wins, Jimi Hare or Jamey Tortoise.
2:00pm

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Sunday October 17th

Vulcan Aftertunes
Featuring Joe Ely – This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views. 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.
Price: $10 General Admission; $5 Vulcan Members; $4 Ages 5 -12; FREE for Children 4 and under!

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.

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

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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 Series: Fall

Posted on by Angie

This month our theme is Fall!

We’re all moms, and we know how busy life gets. It’s hard to find meaningful activities to share with your children when there are literally millions out there. Especially the 9-5 moms who come home and have only a few precious hours, of which dinnertime and bathtime take up most. So we decided to start a series of BirminghamMommy tested, BirminghamMommy approved activities- every month we’ll share 2-3 fun and not-so-complicated-it-makes-you-quit-halfway-through projects. Gather your supplies ahead of time and be ready for some serious bonding time with your babe!


Activity:  Fall Tree, This makes a cute handprint/fingerprint decoration that grandparents will love, and lets kids explore the fall colors, especially Brown.

Materials:
Fall color paints- red, yellow, orange, brown, etc
Brown Paint
Large piece of paper (construction paper is fine)
Baby wipes or a tub of water to clean up in

Create a Fall tree by painting each child’s hand and arm brown and lay it on paper to make the tree.  The hand part is the branches at the top of the tree and the arm part is the tree trunk. Let it dry a bit, then have children make red, brown, yellow, and orange fingerprints all over the “hand” part of the tree.

If you want to make this as a keepsake for a loved one, add the line “I’m ‘fall’-ing for you!”

Spicing up Lunchtime!

Posted on by Angie

School is officially in swing!   If you’re like me, you start out the new school year with uber creative, delicious, healthy, and cute lunches.  Then rushed schedules, hectic mornings, and forgotten grocery shopping come in.  So here’s a couple of fresh and fun ideas to keep lunch fun.  And the great part is that they’re simple and take no time!

Puzzling Sandwich cutters– These cookie cutters turn an ordinary PB&J into a fun eating experience.  No kid can turn these down!

Anti-Theft Lunch Bags– You may want to keep these for your own lunch.  The original purpose is to discourage co-workers from swiping your food.  Your kids can also enjoy the fun– what 9 year old boy wouldn’t LOVE this bag?!?

Don’t forget our Kids Sushi ideas! We’ve got everything from Peanut Butter and Fluff to Cheese Sticks and Sun chips. It’s a little more effort than a discouraging lunch bag but well worth it!

How do keep lunches from getting boring in your house?

52 New Things – Week 39

Posted on by Angie

Angie –

Yet another new recipe but this time it was an EPIC success! Epic! It’s not a difficult recipe but it does take a bit of prep work. If you like fish tacos, you will need to put this on your to – do list. Try it out and let me know what you think! Fish Tacos with Honey-Cumin, Cilantro Slaw with Chipotle Mayo

Trish –

My new thing this week is big girl weights.  I’ve been working out regularly for over 1 1/2 years now.  I always stick to the medium size weights because I can’t imagine my toothpick arms carrying the load of the big ones.  This week, I decided to go big.  I put on the big weights and started my clean and presses, then the squats…  I may or may not have thrown my back out, and I had a hard time sitting the next day, but I did it.  Stronger than I thought, and all the work is paying off!

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!

Halloween Costumes: Dress me up before I grow-grow

Posted on by Angie

Decisions, Decisions… Halloween is one of our most favorite times of year. We go all out with the snacks, the parties, the decorations and yes, the costumes. But unfortunately,  at the ripe old age of 5, my oldest daughter now has a mind of her own, meaning no more letting me pick out her costumes. What does she want to be? A princess, of course. Gone are the days when she would say “Princess” and I could somehow talk her into something I actually wanted like “Princess Lea” (No, not the gold bikini version.)

I have nothing against Cinderella, or Snow White or Belle or the lovely Tiana but *snore* where’s the creativity? I’ve got 3 kids and could work wonders with some group participation, although making the twins “Dwarfs” might border on politically incorrect. Which is funny because as adults, isn’t that what we strive for? The most outrageous current event we can replicate in costume? Hot topics that have included but are not limited to, the Unibomber, Janet Jackson’s “Wardrobe Malfunction,” Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky and the Blue Dress, or Balloon Boy. Maybe this year we’ll get lucky and see someone try their hand at Lady Gaga’s meat dress or a Greedy BP Oil Executive.

Does originality and creativity come later in life when there are contests to be won and prizes to collect? I remember laboring over my costumes growing up, and as an adult I start thinking about it months and months in advance.

I guess this year, I will just hold tight to the twins who in the past have been “2 peas in a pod” and “Garden Gnomes.” I will relish this coming Halloween knowing that by next year, at the wise old age of 3, they will most likely be following in the glass slippered foot prints of their older sister.

Have you started construction and planning on your costumes for this year? If they aren’t top secret, share them with us.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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