Birmingham Kids Calendar! Dec 20th – 26th

Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009 by Angie

We know you are all busy getting ready for the festivities this week but there are a few things going on in Birmingham that, if you have time, you might want to check out.

**Be sure to check this page often throughout the week as it’s constantly updated**

Story Time with Santa – Saks Fifth Avenue, Summit

Sunday, Dec. 20th – 4:30pm

Homewood Library

Monday Dec. 21st 6pm-7pm

Take a break from all of the Holiday hustle and bustle and join the Children’s Department at the Homewood Library for some Holiday Cheer!

Hear wonderful holiday stories, sing seasonal songs, make a special ornament and enjoy holiday refreshments!

Hoover Library

Kiss a Frog, See a Movie

Stop by the Kid Zone up until Dec. 21st, kiss a frog and have your name entered in the drawing for a Rave Gift Card. Drawing will be held at 9am on December 22nd

Pottery Barn Kids Book club at the Summit –

Children and a caregiver are invited to share in this weekly story time. Make sure to get your Book Club Passport on your initial visit and receive a free gift at your 5th story time.

Tuesday, Dec 22nd – 10am

Ross Bridge Resort and Spa – The Magic of the Polar Express

The last night to enjoy this Holiday magic with pianist Jon Michael Ogletree on Dec. 22nd. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., younger guests are invited to enjoy cookies and milk while listening to the story of The Polar Express straight from a conductor. At the end of the reading, each guest will receive a bell meant to commemorate the evening and celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Story Time at Barnes and Noble, Summit

Wednesday, Dec 23rd – 11am

Olivia Helps with Christmas by: Ian Falconer

Desoto Caverns Park

November 1, 2009- January 1, 2010 This show commemorating the birth of Christ is presented on every caverns tour in the main room of the Caverns. 9am – 4pm

Sundays 1pm – 4pm

Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo

Two trains for the Holiday Train Ride, see the Zoo illuminated with over half-a-million lights, festive carousel, get the best deal and enjoy all holiday rides with the new All-You-Can-Ride wristband, enjoy story time, animal demos and much more! Be sure to stop at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo for photo opportunities, animals and holiday crafts for all to enjoy. The Zoo will close at 4 pm every night of ZooLight Safari. Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari. *Additional cost for all rides.

December 20th – 23rd & 26th – 30th, 5pm – 9pm

FREE to members, Non Members $7.00

Ride the Train around McWane Science Center

Visitors will be able to take a ride around the plaza in this brand new choo-choo! Then, continue your journey in the museum with the Magic of Model Trains exhibit.

Train Schedule:

Sunday, December 20th, 12pm – 4pm

Monday – Wednesday December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 11am – 4pm

Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day

Saturday – December 26, 11am – 4pm

Tickets $1 for members – $2 for non members.

Alabaster

Santa tours Alabaster

December 24th – starting around 1pm, arrival time for your neighborhood could vary 30 minutes before or after the time scheduled…

Santa takes a break from his Christmas preparations to visit families throughout the Alabaster area. Will he be in your neighborhood?

1 p.m. — Portsouth, Norwick Forest, Kingwood, Spring Gate, Cedar Grove

1:10 p.m. — Cedar Grove Trailer Park

1:30 p.m. — Sterling Gate

1:35 p.m. — Woodland Hills

1:45 p.m. — Southwind, Meadowlark, Willow Creek, Willow Point

1:55 p.m. — Northwest, Eaglewood, Olde Town

2 p.m. — Chinaberry

2:15 p.m. — Cambridge Pointe I, Summerbrook

2:20 p.m. — Knox Trailer Park

2:25 p.m. — Maylene

2:35 p.m. — Grande View Gardens

2:40 p.m. — Greenfield

2:45 p.m. — Applegate

2:50 p.m. — Grande View Estates, Navajo Hills North

2:55 p.m. — Cambridge Point II

3 p.m. — The View Apartments

3:10 p.m. — Shalimar Pointe, Ashford Heights

3:20 p.m. — Northeast Hickory Hills

3:25 p.m. — Maplewood Trail, Shady Oak Lane

3:35 p.m. — Bermuda Lake, Oakwood

3:45 p.m. — Amberly Woods, Mission Hills, Wynlake

4 p.m. — Peavine Trailer Park, Autumn Ridge

4:10 p.m. — Silver Creek

4:15 p.m. — Lake Terrace

4:20 p.m. — Park Forest, Wellington Manor

4:30 p.m. — Navajo Hills South

4:35 p.m. — Weatherly, Berryhill, Southwest Shelby Farms, Southfield Gardens, Golden Meadows

5:10 p.m. — Siluria, Park Forest Village

5:15 p.m. — Meadowview, Willow Glen

5:35 p.m. — Apache Ridge

5:45 p.m. — Woodbrook Trail Apartments, Windy Oaks

6 p.m. — Buck Creek Landing

6:05 p.m. — Southeast, Iron Wood

6:10 p.m. — Douglas Meadows

6:20 p.m. — Scottsdale

6:25 p.m. — Park Place

6:30 p.m. — Navajo Pines

6:40 p.m. — The Meadows

6:50 p.m. — Keystone Mobile Home Park, Fox Valley, Fox Valley Farms, Terri Lynn Trailer Park, First Avenue

7 p.m. — Kentwood

7:05 p.m. — Green Valley

7:10 p.m. — Crim Drive, Stoney Meadows

7:20 p.m. — Cedar Meadows, Stage Coach, Dogwood Forest, Forest Hills

7:25 p.m. — Lake Forest, Forest Ridge

7:30 p.m. — Tanglewood, Carriage Hills

7:40 p.m. — Timber Ridge

7:45 p.m. — The Grove

7:50 p.m. — Smokey Ridge

8 p.m. — Mountain Lake, Wisteria

Last-minute Holiday Ideas for Birmingham Moms

Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 by Angie

Need last minute hostess gift ideas for that awesome party you’re attending in 2 hours? Never fear! We’re betting that local spots like Indie Candy in Crestline Village, Collier’s Nursery in Vestavia, Fun Stuff in Vestavia & Wrapsody in Hoover at Patton Creek will all have quickie gifts ready for you to dash in and grab (same goes for teacher gifts!). Really short on time? Pop in to World Market or Western for a nice bottle of Prosecco or sparkling wine. Can’t go wrong with that.
Something every Grandmother (or Mother) will love is the Thumbprint necklace from Do it Yourself Crafts, in Homewood. We’ve featured these before, and just learned that they have a new shipment of silver in and a turnaround time of only 2 days… Hard to beat, just don’t wait until Christmas Eve, they’re not miracle workers!!
Instead of inserting that “old faithful” of a gift -the gift card, in one of those little envelopes…why not make it extra-special for those receiving it. Cut a regular sheet of printer or coloring paper, in half and have your child decorate it. Then, wrap up the gift card with the custom piece of artwork. The recipient is sure to note the thought put into that wonderful little piece of paper. You can do the same for other gifts too – just use bigger paper – the rolls for art easels work wonderfully.
Out of gift tags? Do not go to the store again – instead, print your own – they look great on photo paper or cardstock. You can find so many on the internet – try this one from MarthaStewart.com
Still no teacher gift? Well break out the recipes and start baking! You can find some handy and quite delicious recipes on sites like Taste of Home, Real Simple and Southern Living. Enclose your gifts neatly in freezer paper and tuck them inside one of these darling Chinese take-out boxes (which are also available at Hobby Lobby in the party supply section) and you’ll be good to go!
So much going on and so little time. Especially for that age-old question of what’s for dinner. Never fear!Check out our Droolicious Recipes section or visit Mommadrool’s website for some delicious dinner ideas. Need something really low-key, let your slow-cooker do the work for you. Check out A Year of Slow Cooking (that’s right, a years worth of recipes). Really pressed for time? Stop by Ashley Mac’s in Bluff Park for one of their take-out casseroles – delicious and quick!

Free Shipping Day!

Posted on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by Angie

free-shipping-day Don’t forget! This Thursday, December 17th is Free Shipping Day for over 650 retailers, with delivery by Christmas Eve. If you are looking for an excuse to avoid the malls from now until Christmas, consider yourself excused. Schools are out and let’s face it, what Mom willingly wants to haul her kids around Birmingham looking for last minute gifts?

Make sure to read the fine print, some stores will have a minimum order restriction but more than half will be offering free shipping on ALL orders.

For a complete list of participating retailers check this site

Amanda's Attempt to Entertain Us This Month

Posted on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by Angie

by Amanda from The Mom Job

Two weeks ago, Conner (my “4.5” year old, if you ask him) came home from preschool with one, bright green rubber band around his arm. It was the first thing he showed me when I picked him up, and it was the only thing he talked about all the way home. I’m paraphrasing here (because come on…it’s been TWO weeks.), but it went something like Brookwin gave me dis green bracelet because she said I was her friend and she wanted to share and I told her I do not have any bracelets and she said that was ok and I want to give her one because she is my friend. Pretty much all of that ^ on repeat. It was silly bandz

or ‘a silly band’… either way… I knew this was coming. I noticed another boy had these at our first party (Halloween, maybe?). Somehow, I knew I could not avoid being sucked into this trend. A trend of shoveling out 10 bucks plus shipping for something that MAYBE cost .05 cents to make (for the entire package). But he loved it. Conner somehow knew exactly the thing to say to fling me at a violent speed towards the internet, credit card in hand. “And I want to give one to my little brover Chasey because he is my best friend and I love him”

At that moment, it didn’t matter if those little rubber animal bracelets cost 100 bucks, I would try to find them and then cringe later. Or vomit. Or a cringe/vomit combo with a side of eye rolling. I called 2 places — sold out. Luckily, I never underestimate the powers of the internet… because I found them with a common theme: overpriced. Most places wanted $9+ with an additional $4-5 worth of shipping. I found one place that offered a pack for $5 with $6 shipping. UmmmmNo. But! Yeah. No. And eventually, I tired of scouring the internets for a good deal, accepted my fate, and that of my son’s ENTIRE preschool reputation, and bought 2 packs from Amazon. With shipping, it cost close to $16. Sixteen dollars for cheap, thin, multi-colored rubber bands. Conner had ONE more day of school before Thanksgiving break, and I knew the bands wouldn’t be here in time. To the rescue came his Nana (my mom). She found the bands in Birmingham, bought a pack and I picked them up (I was already heading that direction. So… no. I didn’t drive there JUST for these…) The next school day, he showed up with an arm full of silly bandz. He reserved two especially for “Brookwin” – one purple, one pink. He would sift through them, trying to recall each animal’s shape and name, all the way to school. When it was time for the party, Conner sat down, ate his snack, and proceeded to ”Brookwin’s” chair. He stood behind her right shoulder and nervously spun the bands around his arm. She didn’t notice him as he stood shuffling his feet for over 2 minutes.

I felt like I was watching a slow motion train wreck. I wanted desperately to jump in and save him. But I knew I couldn’t. I watched him hesitate as my heart wanted to burst out of my chest. And then… her friend to her right noticed Conner ever-so-slowly swaying behind “Brookwin’s” chair. “Can I have one?” she asked. “Ummm…no….” he answered under his breath. He attempted to explain that the pink one and the purple one were for his friend “Brookwin” and this girl was NOT “Brookwin” ergo – no bracelet. She responded with a blank pout. I stepped in, pointed out that Conner had enough silly bandz for everyone, and he reluctantly gave them out. And yes, “Brookwin” eventually got her pink and purple bands. Watching him give every single band he brought to school was exciting and sad. He was so passive with the other children. When they’d demand a different color than what he had given them, he’d pull his arm in closely, look down, and not speak. I just think he was overwhelmed and unsure. CHILDREN HAVING TO ACT LIKE INDIVIDUALS AT THE AGE OF FOUR WILL ALWAYS BREAK THEIR MOMMIE’S HEART, OK? End of sad face. … *sniff* Our Amazon-ordered Silly Bandz came the Monday before Thanksgiving. He wore 2 to school yesterday and both came back (the kids like to trade them). What he also came home with on Monday? Bendaroos. I’m not even going there.

About Amanda:

My name is Amanda and my last name is hardly pronounceable. I’m currently 25 and the mother of 2 half-breed monkey/gorilla hybrids wonderfully rowdy boys (under 5), blogging LIVE! from a city somewhere in Alabama… I have the personality of a 6’6″ man trapped in a 4’10.5″ body. I’m loud, sometimes bitchy, occasionally moody, disorganized yet incredibly passionate and a total goofball. My friends just think I’m odd and that’s fine by me.

You can read more from Amanda over at The Mom Job and you can follow her on twitter @themomjob

Winner of 2 Pairs of Babylegs!

Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by Angie

After careful input of all entries, random.org gave us the #3 – if you don’t count Jamie’s comments – so……

#3 is Britt Taylor! Congrats Britt! Thanks to everyone who entered!

Comment for a Cause – Children's Hospital of Alabama Blog Fundraiser

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 by Angie

We’re very pleased to welcome a new contributor to the BirminghamMommy team – Amanda from The Mom Job. You’ll be able to read more from her here very soon. In the meantime, we want to share something really terrific that she’s doing over at her blog.

On Monday, December 14, 2009, The Mom Job will be hosting a very special benefit post for Children’s Hospital of Alabama. You see, Children’s Hospital of Alabama holds a special place in Amanda’s heart.

Her son Chase was born in Montgomery, Alabama, with a grade 3-4 brain bleed (which is normally defined as a “fatal bleed”). The medical unit in Montgomery were nice and accommodating, but lacked the overall expertise for how to treat his condition seeing as full-term babies without trauma DO NOT form brain bleeds of this magnitude.

Children’s Hospital of Alabama quickly offered to accept Chase and medevaced him to their downtown facilities. During the course of his 8 day stay, Chase, with the help of an amazing team of nurse’s, surgeons, doctors and staff, fought for his life. Miraciously and without further explanation, Chase was released, never shunted and will have his VERY LAST follow-up appointment this month. He is developing “normally” (aside from wanting to eat pennies and crayons…?!), an amazing child and truly a miracle for her and husband Michael.

She and Michael will be donating 10 cents for each comment made on Monday’s post and 10 cents for each “retweet” on Twitter. In addition, there will be a special paypal button set up for those who wish to make their own donation to Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Please visit her Monday to support this awesome cause!

To follow her on twitter: @themomjob

To read her blog: http://www.themomjob.net

**Please note – you don’t comment here (not that we don’t love your comments) but for the fundraiser, please visit The Mom Job on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 for you comments to count in the fundraiser.**

Birmingham Kids Calendar! Dec. 13-19

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2009 by Angie

Hey, Hey! Birmingham Moms! It’s time to map out your week on the calendar. Let us lend you a hand! We’ve got storytime at Pottery Barn Kids, the North Shelby Library, Zoolight Safari, The Nutcraker and more!

*Be sure to check this page often throughout the week as it’s constantly updated**

Pottery Barn Kids Book club at the Summit –

Children and a caregiver are invited to share in this weekly story time. Make sure to get your Book Club Passport on your initial visit and receive a free gift at your 5th story time.

Tuesday, the 15th,10am Free!

North Shelby Library

Mr Mac’s Christmas Party

Wednesday, the 16th, 10:45am Free!

Ride The Train Around McWane

Visitors will be able to take a ride around the plaza in this brand new choo-choo! Then, continue your journey in the museum with the Magic of Model Trains exhibit.

TRAIN STATION SCHEDULE:

Sunday, December 13 from 12:00 – 4:00

Saturday, December 19 – Thursday, December 31 from 11:00 – 4:00

Tickets $1 for members and $2 for non-members

Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo

December 18th-20th – 5-9pm

Chelsea Christmas Parade –

Saturday December 19th – 10am

Begins at Chelsea Intermediate School and ends at Winn Dixie.

**George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™**

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

10:00 am – 12:15 pm

Samford Wright Center

Each year, the Alabama Ballet produces two special school performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. The school performances bring children from schools throughout the metropolitan area to Samford Wright Center. Underwritten by Regions and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, these productions give elementary, junior high and high school students the opportunity to experience the excitement of a live performance and learn more about the art of ballet.

The Wright Center is filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so order early for best seating. For more information, call the Ballet office at 205-322-9095

Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series

Tickets $7.00 adults, $6.00 sr. citizens and children under 12. Available at the box office 10am-4pm Monday-Friday beginning December 7th or 1 hour before show time. Free parking.

Monday December 14th – A Christmas Story, 7pm

Tuesday & Wednesday December 15th & 16th – It’s a Wonderful Life, 7pm

Thursday and Friday December 17th and 18th – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 7pm

Barnes and Noble at the Summit

Enjoy family story time while wrapping up that last bit of shopping.

Saturday, December 19
11am

“A Wish to be a Christmas Tree” By: Colleen Monroe

Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit

Free Stress Buster Massage

Saturday, December 19
2:00pm – 5:00pm

Breakfast with Santa at the Village Tavern

It’s the last week to enjoy breakfast with Santa.

Village Tavern, located on Hwy 280 at the Summit Saturday, December 19th

The $15 ticket benefits the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs.
Kids 2 and under are free. Call 967-0111 for details

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic

Head on into to Lowe’s this Saturday, the 19th and build a Pet Treat Keeper.

10am – 11am Ages 5-12

Win 2 Pairs of Babylegs!

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2009 by Angie

Contest is closed. Thanks to everyone who entered! Winner announced shortly

Oh so sweet. Oh so soft. Oh such a great way to cover those legs and change those diapers with ease!

We’re giving away two sets of “My 1st babylegs” to a lucky BirminghamMommy reader! One set in “Blush” and one set in “Spring”. Ador.a.ble.

These will make darling additions to your little one’s legs or great gifts for that next shower!

To enter:

Comment below – tell us what you like about our new site (one entry per day/person)
Tweet about our giveaway – be sure to include @birminghammommy so we’ll see it. Come back and comment separately that you tweeted (one tweet per day/person)

The contest will run through Tuesday at 5 pm! Good luck!

Good luck!

Natural ways to prevent and prepare for the swine flu

Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 by Angie

by Trisha Gilbert

There are many things you can do to help prevent illnesses, such as H1N1 (Swine Flu), in your family. Most of these do not cost anything and are things you can do everyday.

Before all else, if you are sick, please stay home! Yes, times are tough for many, but please think of the greater good and stay home to get well.
Frequently wash hands with plain soap and water (there is no evidence that anti-bacterial products are anymore effective than plain soap and water). (See how to make your own non-toxic foaming hand wash.) BabyGanics has a great non-toxic foam hand soap as well and is available at Babies R Us.
Use kid-safe, non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. I love CleanWell Hand Sanitizer. It’s available at GNC and Whole Foods. (See my CleanWell product review.)
Degerm. When you get home each day, encourage everyone to do the following:a. Remove your shoes to keep germs from getting on the floors where children playb. Change into clean clothesc. Take a shower if at all possible, or at minimum, thoroughly wash hands
d. Wash any toys with soap and water or vinegar and water that your child may have brought with them
Do not touch your face, bite your nails, put your hands in your mouth, etc. Teach your children to do the same.
Keep babies from sharing and mouthing toys if and when possible. Wash them frequently with soap and water, or vinegar and water to sanitize.
Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, exercise, eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water (as opposed to sugary drinks).
Take a vitamin supplement, especially Vitamin D. Some studies suggest illnesses such as the flu are brought on by lack of Vitamin D. I love Carlson’s Baby Vitamin D drops. They are actually cheaper than the traditionally recommended infant multi-vitamin, minus all the extra “junk” ingredients. They also have kids’ and adult versions. One drop a day is all you need – too easy!
Take a daily probiotic. A recent study showed a significant decrease in the report of illnesses among a group who took a daily probiotic than those who did not. It’s also a good idea to mix up the brand and strains for maximum benefit. Children’s Rhino probiotic comes in a chewable and powder form and is all natural.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue. If one is not available, use your sleeve (your hands will come in contact with more people and surfaces than your sleeve).
Do not share utensils, drinks, etc. even with your children or spouse.

What should you do to prepare for a H1N1 outbreak?

Wear a face mask. It may offer additional protection during an outbreak.
Avoid public places as much as possible during an outbreak.
Stock up. Stock the freezer with veggies and meat, the pantry full of non-perishables, and anything else you would need to survive in your house for days or weeks at a time, so in the event of a major outbreak, you will not need to venture out of the house. Think toilet paper, laundry detergent, toiletries, pet food, etc.
Have treatment supplies on hand such as fever reducing products, thermometers, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.
Refill any reoccurring prescriptions ahead of time
Prepare for childcare. Have someone lined up to care for your kids in the event schools or daycares close, or you yourself become sick.
Discuss telecommuting options with your boss.

Visit the CDC’s website and understand the symptoms of H1N1. If you or your child becomes sick, contact your doctor or pediatrician immediately to understand any warning signs so you can get prompt attention when it is needed.

More info:

CDC’s H1N1 Flu Center

WHO – World Health Organization H1N1 Coverage

Prevent and Prepare for Swine Flu

Swine Flu on Wikipedia

Mercola on Probiotic benefits

Author’s note: The author is not a medical doctor and is not giving out medical advice. Many parents are looking for natural ways to prevent the swine flu, whether it’s in addition to, or lieu of the H1N1 vaccine; and healthy adults currently are not eligible for the vaccine. The fact of the matter is a little less than 50% of the US population will receive a H1N1 vaccine, whether by choice, ineligibility or lack of availability. Additionally, the vaccine is not 100% effective (so far it’s proved to be effective about 90% of the time), thus it’s nice to have a little back up. The author is not advocating against the vaccine in anyway and this is not meant to spark any type of debate on vaccines.

Trisha Gilbert has been married for five years and has two children. She is dedicated to greener and frugal living, including breastfeeding, organic foods, and cloth diapering. She maintains an Examiner page focusing on Green Parenting in Birmingham http://www.examiner.com/x-14809-Birmingham-Green-Parenting-Examiner and is the author of A Moms Blog www.amomsblog.wordpress.com focusing on general greener parenting, health and safety issues. Email Trisha at bhamgreenparent@gmail.com.

Personalized Santa Video

Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 by Angie

We ran this a week or two ago on the old site and on Facebook, but it’s so neat, we had to put it up again in case any of you missed it!

This is just two shades of awesome. Birmingham Mommy reader Kerry posted this and it is just to die for! Santa talks to your little darling on his “PNP” or “Portable North Pole” transmitter.

Go here : www.portablenorthpole.tv fill in the information and upload your child’s picture. Then, watch your child as he or she watches the video. Maybe you should even video him or her watching it.

So cool!