Summer Camp Options at Red Mountain Theatre Company

Red Mountain Theatre Company offers a variety of summer camps that teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. Our camps include singing, dancing, and acting instruction that culminates in a chance to share what students have learned during the week.

RMTC camps give students an opportunity to not only reach their full potential creatively, but also further the development of their life skills. We create an environment that is safe, challenging, and most of all fun. Students will work closely with phenomenal instructors as well as collaborate and engage with their peers to generate a new found sense of self-identity and memories that will last forever.

Broadway Bootcamp provides a buffet of creative opportunities. Students will walk through the doors of Berry Middle School to the sound of show tunes with a spirituous and encouraging atmosphere not very different from that of a pep rally or a pop concert. It will be a rotation of workshops that will touch base on the disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting. A student will work as an ensemble member, but also receive hands-on, individual instruction. Broadway Bootcamp will culminate with a tremendous showcase that will highlight what the students have learned during their time, show-stopping numbers, and overall entertain friends and family.

For more information and our full list of camps visit redmountaintheatre.org/ education.

Partners in Kids Health: Bullying

It’s estimated about two out of ten children get bullied. Bullying is defined as an unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can cause lasting issues for both the victims and the bullies themselves.

Dan Marullo, PhD is a child psychologist at Children’s of Alabama. He says it’s important for parents to be in tune with what is going on in their child’s life so they can help recognize when a child is being bullied versus when they’re dealing with regular conflict.

Marullo identifies four different types of bullying:

Physical aggression
Cyberbullying
Social bullying
Verbal bullying

While physical aggression is a type of bullying most adults think of, Marullo says cyberbullying is becoming much more prevalent through phones and social media. Social bullying involves isolating children and excluding them from certain activities. Verbal bullying is more emotional and involves name calling or continuous teasing.

How should a parent respond if they believe their child is the victim of bullying? Marullo says it all depends on the circumstances. “You want to teach your children how to cope and deal with conflict,” he says. “But you also want to protect your child if there’s a need to step in, certainly if it’s systematic or physical.”

“So when does it get to be a problem?” Marullo asks. “Anytime you see a systematic behavior, then it’s a problem. Certainly, if you’re seeing an ongoing issue and signs of struggle,” he says. Signs of bullying can include:

Change in sleep habits
Change in appetite
Change in behavior
Withdrawal from activities they enjoy

While physical bullying can be especially alarming to a parent, it’s important not to overlook the pain that emotional bullying can cause. Marullo says constant teasing and exclusion can be very painful for a child and parents may need to take steps to ensure the school is aware of the situation.

He also recommends parents help their child build self-esteem. “Make sure your child is in an environment they can feel good about to build their self-esteem in a real way,” he says. “Being engaged in things that are meaningful for the child and the family are important like church, sports, or the arts.”

Parents can play an important role in helping their child navigate conflict. Provide a listening ear to hear about their day, but also encourage children to talk about the positive things that are happening in their life. If a parent has concerns, they can always talk to their pediatrician or a child psychologist for additional help.

A Super Bowl Party the kids AND grown ups will enjoy!

With a little bit of planning, you can host an awesome yet family-friendly Super Bowl party this year. Take the stress out of prepping by using these low-prep and yummy ideas!

Taco & Nacho Bar- People LOVE this! Load up your Crockpot with some ground beef, chicken, or pork, and let it cook all day. Then have a spread of great toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, salsas, sour cream, etc. It looks great and people love making their own creation.

Hot dog Bar- Grill a bunch of hot dogs, maybe even some sausages. You can use a crockpot to keep them warm. Make regional topping stations. Chicago- dill pickles, cucumbers, diced onion, sweet relish, pickled peppers, etc. New York- spicy brown mustard and sour kraut. Cincinnati style- chili, cheese, mustard, onion.

One of my favorite and easiest meals is also a great idea for a Super Bowl party. Crockpot BBQ sandwiches are easy and delicious.

You simply place the following into a crockpot:

4-5 chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
1/3 cup Italian dressing
3/4 c. of your favorite BBQ sauce
Let it cook for 6 hours on low, then use 2 forks to shred the meat. (Pork and beef work well too.)  Use small dinner rolls or sweet Hawaiian rolls to make mini-sandwiches.  You can also place a small pat of slaw on top.

My favorite slaw is Greek Slaw:

1 bag of cole slaw mix
1/2 c. feta cheese
1/2 c. Greek Dressing (Ken’s is great)
Mix it all up, you’re done! It’s delicious by itself or on top of the BBQ sandwich.

Need a fast dip? This is the easiest twist on a dip ever! Add 1/2 c. salsa to 4 oz. softened cream cheese, add a dash of ground red pepper. Mix and serve with chips.

Spring Zoo Camps Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo has some great camps coming up to keep the kiddos busy, registration is open now!

KID’S DAY OUT CAMP is just around the corner on FEBRUARY 18 for their President’s Day Camp!
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Register your child for this amazing hands-on learning camp! Kids will have a blast with ‘zoo-learning’ science, nature play and conservation! All Camps are scheduled from 8:30a-3:30p.
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Camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations, and special encounters with a variety of our resident animals. Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills. Learning has never been so much FUN!

REGISTER TODAY at www.birminghamzoo.com/education/zoo-camps/

SPRING BREAK CAMP is just coming up from MARCH 25-29 at the Birmingham Zoo!
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Register your child for this amazing hands-on learning camp! Kids will have a blast with ‘zoo-learning’ science, nature play and conservation! All Camps are scheduled from 8:30a-3:30p.
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Our camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations, and special encounters with a variety of our resident animals. Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills. Learning has never been so much FUN!

REGISTER TODAY at www.birminghamzoo.com/education/zoo-camps/

14 Days of Love for Valentines Day

Here’s a super simple way to celebrate Valentines with your kiddos this year. Simple little love notes taped to their doors each night after they’re asleep will give them something to look forward to leading up to the big Day O Love…

These can be something you cut out of construction paper if you already have it on hand or, I picked these up in the $ Spot at Target.

They come in a pack of 16, so you’re covered if you start on February 1 and do one each day. You even have enough to have one say “Things I Love About You.” On each heart write something you love about your child, these can be simple or you can get detailed, totally up to you!

More examples:

I love that you are a GREAT big sister/brother

I love how much you care for others

I love how you always make me laugh/smile

I love how creative you are

Use their bedroom door or a good wall they can see first thing in the morning. I have 3 daughters and plan to do a mix of hearts that include things I love about them all, and some specific to each of them along the hallway between their rooms.

No matter how you do it, your kiddos are sure to feel special and loved! ❤️

Homeschool Mommy: Is Homeschooling For You?

At Birmingham Mommy we are always thinking of ways to better serve the Moms and families in the Birmingham Area. One way is to discuss topics that are important to you. Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular in our area and we’ve noticed!

Each Month, I, our resident Homeschool Mom, will cover homeschooling topics that are of interest to Birmingham Homeschool Mommies. This month I’d like to discuss why my family chose to homeschool.

I am an avid Netflix binger. Lately, I’ve been watching ‘Call the Midwife”. And something the narrator said really resonated with me. “ There are two reasons we do anything in this life. Love or Fear.” And that really describes my family’s homeschool journey thus far.

As a first time mom, my decision to homeschool my oldest daughter, really was made out of fear. The thought of sending her off to school away from me eight hours a day when up until then she had always been at home with me, was more than I could handle! I just didn’t feel ready to share her with school. Maybe that’s a little selfish, but I’m just being honest with you.

In all fairness, I lived in a good school district with caring teachers, she would have been fine. And she would have thrived. My girl is a smart, social butterfly. But I went ahead and dove in with homeschool.

The only thing that helped me through those first couple of self doubting years, was that I had a friend a couple of years ahead of me homeschooling her children. She was such an encouragement to me, I think every potential homeschool mom needs a friend/mentor like that!

As the years passed, I realized that fear was no longer a factor in our homeschool. It was love. I loved being the one to teach her to read, and see her enjoyment of books grow. I love teaching her new math concepts and watch her be confident in solving equations. I love the flexibility it gives our days. I love that I get to spend so much time with my children. Homeschool really is a gift. Is it always an easy task? Nope. But doing things even when they’re hard is good lesson for all of us.

With homeschool being a growing option in the United Sates and in Alabama, there are more resources out there for homeschool families. There are special homeschool days at parks and attractions, more online curriculum options, co-ops for homeschool classes, and even the inclusion of homeschoolers in sports at public schools. Homeschooling in the U.S. as a while up to 3.3% of school aged children in 2015/16 from 1.9% in 1999 according to responsibleschooling .org

No matter where you are on your homeschool journey, I hope that Birmingham (Homeschool) Mommy can be your go to spot for encouragement and information on Homeschooling in the Birmingham Area!

About Abby:

Abby is a Writer, Wife and Homeschooling Mama to 3. She live in Springville, AL with her Family.

Birmingham Zoo Launches New Membership Level for Foster Families

The Birmingham Zoo is offering Foster families the opportunity to become Zoo Members! This new member level was created to support Foster families by inviting them to visit the Zoo throughout the year with added benefits not included with regular daily admission. Zoo membership grants exclusive perks and access to special member events, discounted programs and more!

“Foster families are important to us and extraordinary in their commitment. The Birmingham Zoo wants to honor that commitment in offering access to fun and educational resources here in our area at a low cost to them,” said Birmingham Zoo CEO & President, Chris Pfefferkorn. “Our goal is to provide a place where families can come explore the natural world in a unique setting and leave feeling connected to that world through education and conservation. A trip to the Zoo is a great experience that creates amazing memories for everyone. Our commitment to supporting the Birmingham community is being enhanced with our new Foster family initiative.”

Foster Family Zoo membership is $50 for one year and includes two adults and up to six children with the option to add additional guests and children. For more information about Foster Family Membership contact the Birmingham Zoo Membership Team at 205.879.0409 ext. 231 or membership@birminghamzoo.com. To purchase a Foster Family Membership, please visit the Zoo Membership office (ID and verification required).

Got Snow? Make Snow Ice Cream!

I don’t know about you but one of my favorite things about snow when I was a kid was making “Snow Cream.”

Of course living in the DEEP South kept us from enjoying this treat often, but it’s one of those things that we had just enough that I remember it and look forward to having it now, and sharing it with my kids!

What you’ll need:

8 (or so) cups of clean snow
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp of vanilla

What you’ll do:

Mix all together and ENJOY!

This is a super simple recipe, pretty much how I remember making it as a kid. If you take a look through Pinterest you’ll find tons of recipes that add flavor, some using regular milk and some that use eggs and get all fancy. I like keeping it simple.

 

Mother of All Consignment Sale Lists: Spring 2019

Alabaster:

Renewed Threads
Alabaster First United Methodist Church

Thursday, March 14th
Friday, March 15th
Saturday, March 16th
Times TBA
Sale Info

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

Wednesday, February 20th  – 8am – 6pm
Thursday, February 21st – 8am – 7pm
Friday, February 22nd – 8am – 5pm
Saturday, February 23rd – 7am – 12pm (most items 1/2 off)
Sale Info

Helena:

Chic Repeats
Helena United Methodist Church

Open to the Public:

Friday, March 15th
Saturday, March 16th
Private Pre Sale March 14th
TIMES TBA
Sale Info

Homewood:

Lil Lambs Consignment
Trinity United Methodist

Open to the Public:

Friday, March 1st– 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 2nd– 9:00 AM – 12 Noon (many half of items)

Preview Sale:

February 28th
Volunteers shop at 4pm, with $5 entrance fee
Consignors shop at 5pm, $5 entrance fee paid at registration
Open to the public from 6-8pm, with $5 entrance fee.
Sale Info

Hoover:

Bargains on the Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist

Open to the Public:

Friday, February 8th, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, February 9th, 9am – 2pm Discount Day
Sale Info 

 

TNT Sale
Riverchase United Methodist

Open to to the Public:

Friday, March 1st– 9am to 6pm
Saturday, March 2nd- 8am to 1pm.
Select items are 30% off on Saturday.
Sale Info

Twice as Nice Sale
BAMOM – Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples –
Metropolitan Church of God

Open to the Public:

Friday, February 22nd 4:00 pm to 8:30pm

Half Price Sale:

Saturday, February 23rd, 8:30 – 12:30
Sale Info

Irondale:

Kids Market and Mom
Located in the old KMart  in the Eastwood Shopping Plaza.
7845 Crestwood Blvd (Hwy 78),
Irondale, AL

Receiving (by Appt)
Tuesday – Thursday, February 5th -7th 9a-7p
Thursday – February 14th – 9am – 7p

Regular Receiving:

Saturday, February 9th 7a-6p

Public Sale:

Monday, March 4th 9am – 8pm
Tuesday, March 5th 9am – 8pm
Wednesday, March 6th 9am – 6pm
Thursday, March 7th 9am– 6pm
Friday, March 8th 9am– 6pm
Saturday, March 9th 9am – 6pm

Closed Sunday March 10th

Monday, March 11th 10am – 6pm
Tuesday, March 12th 10am – 6pm
Wednesday, March 13th 10am – 6pm

Half Price March 14th & 15th 9am – 8pm
Half Price March 16th 9am – 4pm
Sale Info

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment
Mountain Brook Community Church

Friday, February 22nd  9am – 6pm
Saturday, February 23rd 9am – 12pm
*Saturday select items will be reduced to 1/2 price!!
Sale Info

Oak Mountain:

Giggles and Grace
Asbury United Methodist

Open to the public:
Friday, February 8th 8am – 6pm
Saturday, February 9th 8am – 12pm
Sale Info

Trussville:

Trussville Methodist Consignment Sale
Trussville Methodist Church –

Friday, March 15th,  8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 16th, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sale Info

 

Vestavia:

Whale of a Sale
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

Thursday, February 21st 5pm – 9pm
($5 Ticket allows entrance at 4pm)
Friday, February 22nd, 9am – 2pm
Most items 1/2 off on the 22nd, from 12pm – 2pm.
Sale Info

Market on the Mountain
Student Center, Mountaintop Community Church

Public Sale:

Friday, March 8th – 9am – 6pm
Saturday, March 9th – 9am – 2pm
Sale Info

Consignment Sales Near Birmingham:

Cullman Wee Swap
Cullman County Fairgrounds

Open to the Public:

Friday, March 8th 8am – 7pm
Saturday, March 9th 8am – noon (25% Discount Day)
Sale Info

** Please remember that all dates and times are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy. Please make sure to double check the sales website and/or Facebook pages for the most current and up to date information. If you have a sale you would like to see on our list, email us at contact@birminghammommy.com

Want to know how to make the most from the items you plan to sale, check out these tips and tricks!

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Jan 25th – 27th

Top picks for Weekend Fun in the ‘Ham!

  • Birmingham Bulls Hockey – Pelham Ice Complex

Vs Roanoke

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, and contests, what are you waiting for? It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Friday, 7:30pm
Saturday, 7pm

  • Shelby County Extreme Bulls – Shelby County Exhibition Center

35 of the top bull riders face the best bulls in the country as they battle for the buckle! Family friendly event that everyone will enjoy! Tickets will only be available for purchase at the door the night of the event. Get there early! This event will sell out!

Gates open at 6pm
$15 to get in, 5 & Under are FREE!

Friday, 7:30pm
Saturday, 7:30pm

  • Family Storytime with Mr Mac – Emmet O Neal Library

Sing and dance along with songs, stories, and puppets

Saturday, 10:30am

  • Sea Lion Encounter – Birmingham Zoo

It’s your last chance to get wildly connected with the Birmingham Zoo! With new Behind-the-Scenes Encounters, you can get close to a Sea Lion and meet a Cassowary, all while learning from the Zoo’s expert Animal Care Professionals. Encounters include a tour of behind-the-scenes animal areas, time to ask the experts any questions you have, and more!

Saturday, 11am

  • 14th Annual Salamander Festival – Homewood Senior Center

Spotted salamanders come out only once a year, on a warm rainy night. The rest of the year, they live in the ground in burrows. They live in a rich forest habitat most of their lives, but need a wetland pool to mate and breed in.

A guided nature walk will place at 2:00 p.m. at Patriot Park in front of the Senior Center.

3:00 – Festival begins inside with Salamanders and activities. Also, displays with Fish, Frogs, Turtles and Crayfish – Free arts & crafts for kids to make. Fossils, Microscopes, Recycling, Fishing, Southern trees, Carnivorous plants, and much more.

3:45 – Welcome from Friends of Shades Creek & City of Homewood – Awards and Door prizes

4:00 – Presentation: “Critters of Shades Creek” – Gordon Black, Cahaba River Society

4:15 – Salamander Dancing with Heidi and the salamander story with Olivia

Enjoy Music with the Rob Angus Band until 5:30!
Snacks, popcorn and assorted drinks are available at the festival – $1.00. The festival is free and is for all ages.

Saturday, 2pm