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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.

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    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

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    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

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    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.

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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.

    52 New Things – Week 37

    Posted on by Angie

    Angie –

    I attempted to go one week, well not even one full week really, I attempted to go 5 days without watching television. It was an epic fail. It’s pretty apparant that this household is pretty reliant on the television – Not just me, but I use it as a crutch to help me out with the girls during the day. If I need to get work done, make a meal, do laundry or need a second to myself, I plop the kiddos down in front of the tube and dial up a litte Blues Clues or Wonder Pets. While this experiement was a fail, I did learn that there are times throughout the day when the TV is on and no one is even watching, it’s actually only adding to the noise level in the house. I may not be able to turn it off for a week, but I am walking away with more awareness. It won’t be my go to and when we don’t specifically need it, it won’t be on.

    Trish –

    My new thing this week was boots.  Two pairs to be exact.  It’s been a hard week, a hard month, though both very productive.  I deserve it, so I got some buttery soft brown riding boots and some sleek black knee highs.  Now if the weather would just cool off about 20 degrees…

    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!

    Busy Mommy Bonding Series: Colors

    Posted on by Angie

    This week we are focusing on rainbows and multi colors. We’ve got 2 really simple activities, like really really simple.

    For the first activity you will need to remember the colors of the rainbow…… Come on…. you can do it! Remember this? Roy G Biv

    Here’s what you need:

    A strip of ribbon (about 4ft long) in each of the rainbow colors – Some of these colors may be hard to find but just go with what you have.

    Red  
    Orange
    Yellow
    Green
    Blue
    Indigo
    Violet

    1 stick to tie ribbon to. We used an old bubble wand, they work great.

    Directions: Tie the ribbon to the wand in the order of the colors of the rainbow. That’s it. You have a great little activity for teaching colors and they walk away with a fun ribbon wand to play with.

    Our next activity is a great way to teach multiple colors to the younger set. Here’s what you need for this activity.

    1 empty egg carton
    Easter Eggs
    Markers to match your Easter egg colors

    Directions: Cut the egg carton down to the number of colors you want to teach. Even numbers work better and if you have 12 different egg colors you won’t have to cut at all. Use a different color marker to color posts between each section. Have your child place the blue egg in the blue section, yellow egg in the yellow section and so on.

    Again, that’s it. A super simple activity for fun with the little ones.

    A great book or two to read along with these activities would be Rainbow Rob by: Roger Priddy Or Shiny Touchy Smelly Colors by: Dawn North. Take a look through your childs book collection, you are bound to have several books about colors or rainbows! You might be surprised at just how many are hidden in there!

    Event of the Week – Ballet and Brunch

    Posted on by Angie

    Calling all princes and princesses!  Join performers from the Alabama Ballet for a special brunch at California Pizza Kitchen on Saturday, September 25th from 9:30am-10:30am.  Brunch tickets are $15 each (children 2 and under are free) and include a delicious family-style meal, free photo with a ballerina, craft activities and a goody bag.

    At 11:00am the Alabama Ballet will perform a free Snow White medley in Saks Plaza.  Also, enjoy free face painting and other festivities for the kids.  Feel free to bring a lawn chair for your comfort.

    Call The Summit Guest Services Office for brunch reservations or for more information.

    Birmingham Events Calendar: Sept. 20th – Sept. 26th

    Posted on by Angie

    You have to be thinking what we’re thinking, is this heat ever going to break? We have our doubts, but fall activities are going on even without that fall feeling in the air. One of our big picks for the Must Add to your Calendar this fall is happening this weekend and we are super excited! It’s the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival and you need not miss it!

    Ruffner Mountain is having a Scavenger hunt, there’s a Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes, The Cahaba River Fry-down is set for Saturday and of course there are Farmers Markets and Storytimes a plenty!

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

    Monday September 20th

    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.

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    Tuesday September 21st

    Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
    Goodnight 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

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    Wednesday September 22nd

    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

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    Thursday September 23rd

    Storytime Live – Hoover Library
    Rhyme Time – 45 minutes of stories and songs for ages 3-up
    10:30am

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    Friday September 24th

    Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival – Downtown Birmingham
    The 12th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham. Filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema. There is no doubt that you will be able to entertain the kiddos at Children’s Film Extravaganza that has been expanded this year to include 47 feature length and short films as well as hands on activities right smack in the heart of the festival at the McWane Science Center Rushton Theater. The programming has been grouped based on age so that it is easier for you to select the films that are right for you and your family. They are kid tested and parent approved! Kids get in free with a paid 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 September 25th

    Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival – Downtown Birmingham
    The 12th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham. Filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema. There is no doubt that you will be able to entertain the kiddos at Children’s Film Extravaganza that has been expanded this year to include 47 feature length and short films as well as hands on activities right smack in the heart of the festival at the McWane Science Center Rushton Theater. The programming has been grouped based on age so that it is easier for you to select the films that are right for you and your family. They are kid tested and parent approved! Kids get in free with a paid adult.

    Cahaba River Fry Down – Trussville Springs
    This brand new event in Trussville Springs will feature a fish fry competition with live music, catfish and sides, youth boat and rubber duck races, nature hikes along and in the Cahaba, water conservation education booths, lessons in fly fishing and rock skipping, children’s water play area, moonwalk, river-related crafts and more. It will be a day full of fun for the whole family–you won’t want to miss it! For more information and ticket pricing visit the Cahaba River Society.
    10am – 4pm

    Fall Fun Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain
    On-going all day. The woods of Ruffner Mountain are filled with mystery and intrigue. See if you can find some of the answers from our Scavenger Hunt. When you are done, turn your sheet in for a prize! For children of all ages.  Scavenger Hunt sheets will be available throughout the day at the front desk.

    Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
    Your kids won’t want to miss this one! Bring them to Lowe’s and they can build this awesome Fire Truck! This kit includes a working siren and stickers!
    10am

    2010 Walk for Midwives – Rojo
    Registration begins at 8am and you can visit www.alabamabirthcoalition.org for more information.

    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
    No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. Our Special story features Alexander, who clearly is having a bad day and will it get better or will he have to move to Australia?
    2:00pm

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    Sunday September 26th

    Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival – Downtown Birmingham
    The 12th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham. Filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema. There is no doubt that you will be able to entertain the kiddos at Children’s Film Extravaganza that has been expanded this year to include 47 feature length and short films as well as hands on activities right smack in the heart of the festival at the McWane Science Center Rushton Theater. The programming has been grouped based on age so that it is easier for you to select the films that are right for you and your family. They are kid tested and parent approved! Kids get in free with a paid adult.

    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

    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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    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!

    Mom Picks – September

    Posted on by Angie

    September means fall, finally! Fall means jeans, sweaters, boots and football. Here are a few of our Mom Picks for this season!

    It’s all about the bootie – a twist on your same ole, same ole boots. Try these if you’re looking for something different but still like your cowboy boots. Aldo.com, on sale now for just under $60. Check their store at the Galleria and the Summit too for a large stock of boots and other great fall shoes.

    You have to love a good sweater! We love this one from Ann Taylor Loft – It looks good with jeans, it’s a great “throw it on and go” sweater that looks like you put more effort into your outfit than you really did. Shown in Charcoal/Ivory it’s also available in Pop Pink /Ivory and Ivory/Charcoal.

    So speaking of jeans. They are an absolute must have for fall (anytime really.) But getting the right jeans for your body type can be a daunting task. It’s well worth all of the bending, stretching, sucking in and maybe even some tears when you finally find the right pair, but it’s daunting nonetheless. Earlier this year we consulted with Jeff and Kathleen Tenner, owners of SOCA clothing in Homewood and they gave us some great tips on finding the right pair of jeans in our article: Denim.  We asked.  SOCA Clothing answered. Just remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help. With stores like Soca and Gloss Denim bar around town there is no excuse for you to walk around in ill fitting denim. They are here to help, let them!

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