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A New Year, A New…
We thought it’d be fun to round up some resolutions from local Birmingham moms. We’d love to hear yours as well, so comment away!
Devon, soon-to-be mom of 3 had this to say:
If I had to make one for next year it would just be to stay sane through the transition from 2 to 3 kids
We can all relate to that terrifying transition of having more children. But somehow, it always works out – after all – a woman can do anything she has to do!
Kerry has a little list going. Her resolutions are:
- To do something outside myself and my family – to get involved in my community.
- To get away on a girls weekend. Or three.
- Make sure the (new) baby gets some of the one on one classes his big sisters had. Play every day.
We think those are excellent resolutions. I can attest to the subsequent children not getting the one-on-one attention – definitely tops on my list this year as well.
Amber prefers to think of her New Year’s resolutions as goals. I like that idea. Here are her thoughts on some good goals to get the New Year off to a great start:
- Lose the baby weight and get back into my jeans!
- Get organized, especially the kids photos which need to be printed out and put in albums.
- To try and spend more time with hubby without the kids–date nights, etc.
Our familiar contributor and friend, Country Fried Mama had these resolutions to share with everyone:
- In the new year, I resolve to pee alone.
- I resolve to find a place other than my iPod in which to store my daughter’s extensive Raffi collection
- In 2010, I will surreptitiously replace all of our princesses-who-need-saving books with tales of Girl Power.
- By this time next year, I will help my children to see that I am not a human trash receptacle, and no, I can’t hold that dirty tissue.
Ah, yes. I would prefer to have some quality alone bathroom time as well CFM. Wouldn’t we all. Wouldn’t we all.
Britt, new mom of 2 tends to shy away from resolutions too. But she was kind enough to provide us with a few ideas of her own:
I have thought it over and decided that I am going to be much more present with my family. I’m always on the phone, Internet,reading, watching tv, usually while breastfeeding, and my family usually gets an incoherent “uh huh” from me. They deserve a little better than that, so I resolve to unplug a lil and look them in the face and engage with them!
January Fun is on the Way!
We have a wonderful assortment of content headed your way for January, including monthly columns from several contributors, some fun features and of course, our up-to-date weekly calendar! We also have a few surprises in store! Can’t wait to share them with you!
We Wish You a Very Happy 2010!
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
Edith Lovejoy Pierce
We have had a wonderful 2009 – filled with excitement, joy and love. We hope you’ve had the same and wish nothing but the best for all of you in the coming new year! We’ll be back January 4, 2010!
– Angie, Jamie & Trish at Birminghammommy.com
From the Vault: Making a Memory Bear
*This post first appeared in June 2008. We loved it so much we decided to share it again, in case you missed it!
Project: Memory Bear
We all have baby clothes that we can’t seem to part with… maybe we’re saving them for future babies, or someone special gave them to us, or we think our grandkids might wear them one day, or junior looked so cute in it! I am personally tired of seeing a big plastic bin full of beautiful clothes just sitting in the closet. So I decided to put them to better use… and make patchwork bears for my kiddos!
There is no real rhyme or reason to this project… just wing it! Because you made it with love, out of loved clothes, for you loved baby… it shouldn’t be perfect. It should show that imperfections are actually a part of perfection.
1. I traced the outline of a teddy bear onto a paper bag and cut it out. You’ll need a front and back, so cut out 2 bears.
2. I cut 3 inch squares (depending on the size of the bear, mine is about 18″) out of the clothes and laid them out on the outline to make sure there were enough, and that there were never two of the same right next to one another.
3. With a needle and some thick thread, I started sewing the squares together. Don’t try to be a perfectionist… it’s impossible. (Sewing by hand means EXTRA love, and blisters!)
4. When you have 2 sheets of patchwork done, put them together inside out and pin in the outline of the bear. If there are any gaps or holes, just sew an extra square in.
I really think my kids will cherish this one day. And if they don’t, there’s always grandkids to shower with my homemade affections!
**Update – we found a great basic pattern online that can be used for this project – Teddy Bear Pattern
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful and cherished readers! We hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. We’ll be taking some time off as well to do just that!
We’ll be back Monday, December 28, 2009.
–
Angie, Jamie & Trish at Birminghammommy.com
Win a Copy of The Rookie Moms Handbook!
We’re giving away a copy of The Rookie Moms Handbook. This book is awesome. Almost (or equally) as awesome as the site – www.rookiemoms.com.
The book is packed with 250 activities to do with (and without!) your child and is a true favorite for moms everywhere. This book not only makes a good gift for you – but is an excellent baby gift for rookie (and not-so rookie) moms!
To enter – just comment below. One entry per day, per person.
For one additional entry, tweet this (without the quotes): ” @birminghammommy is giving away a copy of the @rookiemoms handbook! Enter once a day through January 25th! ” – **if you choose the extra entry, please return to the comment on our site and tell us you tweeted – otherwise it won’t count**
In the meantime, check out www.rookiemoms.com for fun activities broken down by age! Oh, and while you’re there – check out the Birminghammommy.com contribution to the RookieMoms Staycation Guide!
This giveaway runs through January 25th at 5 pm. Good luck everyone!
**This giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced soon. Good luck everyone!**
Looking for Something a Bit Different than Ballet or Gymnastics?
There are some excellent resources in our city if you’re looking for something a little different than ballet or tap classes. Here are a few of our recommendations. Please add your own in the comments – we’d love for you offer your own ideas to our readers!
Samford University Preparatory Music
Preschool Division
The Merry Music Makers is a 45-minute class for 3- and 4-year-olds that meets once a week for 10 weeks. The class introduces the children to rhythm, melody, the music alphabet, and instruments of the orchestra, while providing an opportunity for musical creativity and expression.
Preschool Piano classes for those beginning piano study combine the Suzuki and traditional teaching methods to form the core of an exciting music program designed for older 4’s, 5-year-olds, and 6-year-olds who have not begun first grade. Very young students learn music fundamentals in a positive and creative environment where games and fun musical activities reinforce basic concepts. Students participate in a weekly 30-minute class and a 15-minute private lesson. Class size is small, and parents are required to attend and participate in the lessons.
School-Age Division
Private Instruction in Piano is available to students six years of age and older at all levels.
Private Instruction In Voice is available to students 12 years old and older at elementary and advanced levels.
Emphasis is placed on the instruction of repertoire and technique in both disciplines.
Musicianship Classes offer a time for the presentation and reinforcement of music theory, composition, history, appreciation, ear training, and performance. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a Musicianship Class geared to their age and level of ability. Games and fun activities reinforce musical concepts. Students who are taking private lessons are eligible for musicianship classes, which meet for 30 minutes weekly.
Classes begin January 4th, so we’d recommend an immediate call to the school to find out about available spots if interested. You can reach them at 205-726-4049 or 205-726-2810, or you can visit them online at Samford University Preparatory Music
Children’s Dance Foundation
Another great resource in the Birmingham area is the Children’s Dance Foundation in Homewood. They offer a few things outside of typical dance classes.
Musical Theatre Dance Classes
Students will learn basic dance skills and combinations that are done in musical theatre auditions and shows. Students will also delve a bit further by learning the stories, plot lines and characters from several Broadway musicials, including Grease and The Sound of Music. For students in 3rd and 4th grade and an upper class for students in 5th grade and up.
They also offer acting workshops for students in the 1st grade and up.
The next session begins in early January, we definitely recommend calling immediately if you’re interested. You can find more information at their site – www.childrensdancefoundation.org or call 205-870-0073
What We're Baking
One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is bake for my friends and family. But, I should let you in on a little secret – I’m not that great of a baker! But, I have managed to conquer a few recipes that make wonderful gifts for those you cherish. Here are a few tried & untried recipes we’d love to share with you.
Do you have a favorite holiday recipe? Tell us about it in the comments.
Chocolate Biscotti with Toffee Bits
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cupt toffee bits
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in cocoa and baking powder. Beat for 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in flour by hand. Mix in toffee bits and chocolate chips. Cover dough, and chill for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Divide dough into two parts, and roll each part into a 9 inch long log. Place logs on lightly greased cookie sheet, about 4 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool for one hour.
- Cut each loaf into 1/2 inch wide diagonal slices. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 325 degrees F ( 165 degrees C) for 9 minutes. Turn cookies over, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
*This recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com with a slight variation.
Simple Butter Cookies
- 8 ounces unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
- Beat the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg yolk until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl at least once.
- Add the flour and mix just until incorporated.
- Scrape onto a lightly floured board and knead a few times, just until the dough smooths out.
- Turn onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log, wrap up and refrigerate for several hours or freeze.
- Before baking, preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment.
- Slice the dough into slices about 1/8″ thick and place them on the sheets about an inch apart (they won’t be spreading very much, but they need air room around each cookie).
- Bake until JUST beginning to turn golden around the edges, about 16-18 minutes (cooking time will vary so watch them closely).
*recipe courtesy of recipezaar.com
Almond Lace Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease 2 large baking sheets.
- Cook brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a 1-quart saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in flour and almonds.
- Spoon scant tablespoons of batter 6 inches apart on baking sheets (4 cookies per sheet) and bake 1 sheet at a time in middle of oven until golden brown and bubbling, 6 to 8 minutes. (Cookies will spread to 5 to 6 inches.) Cool cookies on sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Quickly but carefully remove cookies from sheet with a metal spatula and transfer to a rack to cool completely. (If they become too brittle to transfer, return baking sheet to oven for about 1 minute to allow cookies to soften.)
Cooks’ notes:
- Cookies keep in an airtight container 5 days. · If batter becomes too stiff to spoon easily, reheat over low heat 30 seconds.
- Be sure to cool these cookies before transferring them to a rack—they are very soft when they first come out of the oven and need a moment to set.
*recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com
Simple (& recycled) Christmas Chain Decorations to Make with Your Kids
Don’t throw those wrapping paper scraps away. We repeat: Don’t throw them away! You can make a really sweet holiday decoration from them that the kids will not only love to make, but will love to display. Like last weeks “Simple Salt Dough Ornaments“, we’re trying to take a simple approach to Christmas this year and spend as much time doing things with the kids as possible – with little money spent.
Just as with any other paper-chain project, assemble your materials: ribbon, tape, paper – this time your wrapping paper scraps.
Cut the paper into strips of 6-8 inches long and begin assembling them together one by one with a little tape. When you have your desired length, attach a nice ribbon on each end for hanging. Done!
Of course, after I had everything hung just right, my 1 year old made a dash to swipe the chain – so we had to relocate it out of reach of those tiny little fingers. Happy Holidays!
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