Rocket City Mom

Huntsville Weekend Roundup January 22-24

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 18:04:09 GMT

With what looks to be a cold and cloudy weekend, we have rounded up some socially-distant indoor and virtual fun to keep boredom at bay. Check out our full Event Calendar for more activities happening in Huntsville this weekend if you don’t see anything below for you.

If you do choose to go out please remember your mask and hand sanitizer or just stay home if you’re able. Covid rates for North Alabama are really bad right now.

SAVE THE DATE!

Our Learning Expo is going virtual this year. Starting January 31 we’ll be doing Q&As with local independent schools, homeschooling organizations, summer camps, sports programs, and more! All the education info a parent could want in one easy location. Interested in participating? Email us at info@rocketcitymom.com with the subject line “Learning Expo 2021” and we’ll get in touch.

Huntsville Weekend Fun (at a safe distance)

Click here to see the weather this weekend!

As we do every week we’ve curated what we think are your best bets for finding a little family fun (and joy) this Huntsville weekend below, but be sure to check out our full calendar if you don’t see anything you like here.

From bird watching hikes to falconry displays, enjoy Birding Weekend at Burritt on the Mountain. Details
Load up your furry friends and enjoy a day in the Huntsville Botanical Gardens for Dog Days. Details
Look to the sky with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center‘s Astronomy for All planetarium show! Details
…Stay for their hands-on IDEAS Lab activities while you’re there. Details
FREE – Make a Frida Kahlo collage during the Huntsville Museum of Art’s CREATE Saturday! Details
Go Batty About Bats at the Cook Museum of Natural Science. Details
FREE – Join Magical Memories for an interactive Virtual Unicorn Story Time! Details
FREE – The Tillman D. Hill Library is hosting Crafts to Go for kids. Details
Support your local UAH Chargers Hockey team at a home game! Details
FREE – Enjoy a Printmaking Demonstration at Green Pea Press. Details
Join Turnip and Joletta at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre for a family game night. Details
FREE – Enjoy these easy Valentine’s themed crafts with your littles. Details

So that’s what we know about. Did we miss something cool happening in the Huntsville area? Leave in the comments or send us a note at info@rocketcitymom.com. If you have a free/cheap family-friendly event you want added to our calendar feel free to submit anytime but keep in mind we have other jobs too so give us a few days heads up

Did your smart, good-looking friend send this list to you? Subscribe to get it in your Inbox each week! Want to be a RCM Super Reader & win stuff? Join their ranks here.

ICYMI…

DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup January 22-24 appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

New Cove Universal Playground Opens in Hampton Cove

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 23:26:05 GMT

Did you know that Madison County’s first universal playground recently opened? It is called Cove Universal Playground (CUP). CUP is located on the grounds of Mark Russell Recreation Center in Owens Cross Roads and is open daily. What makes this playground truly universal is its unique design that allows both children with and without special needs to play together on the same equipment.

As of today Phase 1 is complete and installed. Fundraising efforts are underway for Phase 2 of the playground. More into Phase 2 in a bit…

Parent Review: Cove Universal Playground

When I pulled up to Cove Universal Playground with my 6 and 9 year old I was immediately impressed by the mountain theme and size of the equipment. The entire structure is surrounded by a fence. Get this: not only does the fence have one way in and one way out, it is double gated. On the other side of the first gate is stroller parking and a beautiful personalized brick entryway before you reach the second gate. If you need to park near the gate to enter the playground be sure to park on the side opposite of Taylor Road.

Playground Rules

A few friendly reminders can be found on Cove Universal Playground’s Facebook and Instagram:
1) The playground is open until dusk.
2) We respectfully ask that cleats NOT be used within the gates of the playground. This will help to maintain our poured in place surfacing!
3) Please enjoy snacks at one of our many benches or picnic tables and not on the equipment. We are especially protective of our little ones with food allergies and want all to be safe! Please also use one of the many trash cans available to clean up after you’ve enjoyed your time at the site.
4) Issues can be reported by sending us a private message and we will happily communicate with our City partners.
5) No glass or bottles in the play area.
6) No pets within the playground area.
7) HAVE FUN!

Playground Features & Accommodations

Once inside the playground both of my children played nonstop for an hour and a half. The largest structure on the playground as well as a few sitting areas are covered by sun sails. There are several sensory stations around the playground such as a musical instruments center and a Sounds of Water station. There is also a cave-like area with a sleeping deer statue underneath the waterfall where sensory overloaded children can go for a break before heading back out to play.

Yet another part of CUP that sets it apart are the picture communication boards it has displayed so that nonverbal or children or those with expressive language difficulties can communicate with others by pointing to the picture(s) on the board of what they need/ feel/ want.

The main portion of the structure has a ramp as well as the option of various ladders and a climbing wall so that children with different physical abilities will be entertained. There are several varieties and heights of slides including one made of small rolling bars that allow the child to slide more slowly.

Surrounding the center structure is a high back (for head and neck support) spinning/ merry-go-round type ride and also a high back seesaw type ride. My children’s favorite was the merry-go-round. They enjoyed it so much they asked for one last ride before we went home.

There is a bathroom within the fence of the playground. It is equipped with an adult-size changing table which can accommodate a wide range of ages. There is also a water fountain, garbage can, several benches, covered picnic tables, and a charging station for mobility devices and mobile phones.

More Swings!

As of Phase 1 the only swing is a fun disc shaped swing. Phase 2 has several different swing options planned. As a matter of fact I looked on Cove Universal Playgrounds’s Facebook page and was able to see all of the amazing structures planned for Phase 2. Just a few of these include: a KidNetix Twirl roundabout, a covered toddler area, Expression Swing Tandem, Expression Swing with Adaptive Seat, OmniTri Net maze, Cliffhanger Bridge, SkyRun Zip Track, and traditional swings.

Support the Cove Universal Playground

If you would like to help support Cove Universal Playground efforts to make Phase 2 a reality please consider making a tax deductible donation. You can even purchase a personalized brick that will be installed at the playground starting at $100.

I think it’s fair to say both my 6 and 9 year old had a great time at CUP. We will definitely be back.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Leigh Wren lives in Hampton Cove – Owens Cross Roads with her husband and two children. She holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, currently homeschools part-time and volunteers throughout her community. When she is not volunteering you can find her supporting local businesses and enjoying the many parks and museums that the Rocket City has to offer.

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5 Easy Valentine’s Day Projects for Kids

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:40:04 GMT

My craft-loving daughter was so very disappointed when we packed away the Christmas decorations at New Year’s; but her spirits were lifted with the promise of Valentine’s Day coming right around the corner. I told her we needed to make room for all of the pink, red and purple projects we were going to be creating – and oh boy, has she held me to that promise! I’ve been begged for a new Valentine’s craft project on a near-daily basis (and I’ll be biting my tongue when we discuss the next holiday!)

Thus, I have not one, but five easy craft projects for your little ones to enjoy as they prepare for the sweetest holiday of the year. Several card projects are included that would make perfect special Valentines for parents, grandparents, teachers and loved ones!

Sparkling Heart Valentines

Draw a heart on a sheet of pink paper. Let your child apply adhesive gems on the lines, or draw a line of glue over the heart and let them adhere sequins. When they finish, repeat by drawing and decorating a smaller heart inside the bigger one. Once the hearts are dry, use either plain or decorative-edged scissors to cut out around the larger heart. If you like, glue the finished heart on top of a heart-shaped doily for a lacey edge.

Painted & Stamped Valentine Card

Let your child paint a sheet of cardstock with pink, red and purple paint. Once dry, use a heart-shaped stamp and an opaque white ink pad to stamp white hearts randomly on the painted background. Fold an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet of plain cardstock in half to make a card base, and trim your painted and stamped background down to 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” to fit the front of the card. Glue the painted card front in place on the base. Use white stickers to add a name on the front of the finished Valentine.

Embellished Birdhouse

Purchase an inexpensive, unfinished wooden birdhouse from the craft store and let your child paint it as they please using Valentine’s colors (pink, red and purple). Once the paint has dried, help your child glue pink and purple buttons all over the birdhouse. (Sequins, 3D stickers or thin rickrack would also make great birdhouse embellishments!)

Painted & Punched Butterfly Cone

Let your child paint a small Styrofoam cone with a Valentine’s color of their choosing. Using a large paper punch, help your child punch at least 8-10 butterflies from a sheet of coordinating scrapbook paper. (Hearts, flowers or other shapes will work just as well.) Bend the butterfly wings up and glue each one in place randomly around the cone (you can also use short straight pins). To make a topper, glue two butterflies back-to-back on either side of a toothpick. Tie a small bow around the bottom using a piece of ribbon, and stick the topper in the top of the cone.

Printable Rocket Valentine

No time (or energy) to pull out the craft supplies? Well, it doesn’t get easier than this one – all you need are some crayons. Simply print off the free design on white paper or cardstock, fold it in half to make a card, and let your child color it in using Valentine’s Day colors (or their favorite hues).

CLICK HERE to download the Rocket Card & print from home!

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Ask the Experts: Addressing Suicide with Children and Teens

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 23:49:14 GMT

Let’s just state the obvious: we are living in extraordinarily difficult times. Many of you may be wondering how best to support not only your own mental health, but that of your children right now, and that concern is valid. While I don’t have any secret tricks to magically make this easier, I can tell you that the first step is talking about it, including with your children.

Speaking with children and teens about suicide seems daunting, I know, but it is absolutely vital that we open up communication about this topic to the young people in our lives. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24, and the third leading cause for ages 10-14.

Remember, studies show that talking or asking about suicide DOES NOT increase the risk of suicide. In reality, having this conversation opens up communication and tends to reduce anxiety around the topic.

So, where to begin? Here I’m going to lay out a few guidelines for how to engage your children in an age-appropriate way.

Addressing a possible suicidal crisis for your child:

First off, stay calm. I know this seems impossible, but it is important to be what we call a “non-anxious presence” for your child. They are already anxious and distressed, so we want to provide a peaceful environment for them to open up. Here are some guidelines to follow in case of a suicidal crisis:

Stay calm.
Listen. Carefully.
Ask questions to understand.
If you suspect they may be suicidal, ask them directly. “Have you been struggling with suicidal thoughts?” or something similar for older children. For younger, you may say something more like “Are you wishing you could disappear forever?” or similar.
Be extremely clear with your child that you are there, that they are doing the right thing, and that you will be with them through all of it.
Validate their feelings.
Remove all possible means of suicide from your child’s vicinity. Make sure all firearms, pills, sharp objects, etc. are out of your child’s reach. If possible, get these potential means out of the house entirely.
Build up a support network. Find out who your child is comfortable talking to and encourage them to reach out to people when needed.
Communicate with the other adults (and perhaps even friends) in your child’s life. Suicidal warning signs can be spread out among various people, so communication is key in spotting signs that your child may be in danger.
Get help. Nine out of ten people who die by suicide have a treatable mental health condition at the time of their death. If possible, seek professional help.

Addressing a suicide loss by age:

Preschool/Kindergarten: Stick to basics: “Uncle Joe was very sick and he didn’t get better. We are all very sad.”

Age 7-10 : Short, true answers: “Uncle Joe had an illness called depression. He died from his illness, but I wish he had been able to get more help.” Let their questions lead the discussion. There is no need to go into details that may disturb the child, such as means of suicide or details on the death.

Age 11-14: Be more concrete: “What did you hear about Uncle Joe? What do you know about suicide? What are your beliefs about it?” Meet them where they are and correct any misinformation they have about it. Again, there is no need to get into disturbing or upsetting details.

High School: Not if; when: “What will you do when you or your friends deal with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts?” Address them as adults. Be clear that you do not see mental health issues or getting help for them as a failure on your child’s part.

Find additional resources and examples for age appropriate talk here.

Warning signs of suicide:

Suicide has preceding warning signs about 80% of the time. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:

Emotional distress, isolation, lashing out, acting recklessly, giving away favorite possessions, talking or asking about death or the afterlife, sleeping more or less, falling behind in school, losing interest in things they enjoy, and several others.

If you see any of these warning signs in your child, it is time to ask the question and have the conversation; the sooner, the better.

I cannot tell you that this will be an easy task, but opening up that communication, correcting misinformation, and offering support can make all the difference in the youth suicide crisis we are facing.

If you or anyone you know is in distress or experiencing a crisis, please call Crisis Services of North Alabama’s 24/7 HELPline at 256-716-1000, or text our TextLine between 4:00 pm and 11:30 pm at 256-722-8219. We also offer support groups, domestic violence and sexual assault services, and many other resources.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melissa Knight is a native of North Alabama and has resided in Huntsville for four years. She is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Crisis Services of North Alabama, where she trains school faculties, students, and the community in general on suicide prevention. Melissa also works with the North Alabama Mental Health Coalition as a volunteer leader on suicide prevention in our county and surrounding areas. She is currently in the Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s program at The University of Alabama. Need a speaker for your school or civic group? Give Melissa a call.

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Space murals to explore in Huntsville, AL

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 19:01:48 GMT

The first thing most people notice about Huntsville is a huge Saturn V Rocket right beside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Huntsville, Alabama is known as the Rocket City (click here to learn why) and was recently chosen as the new home for Space Command. Sometimes in this area, it IS actual rocket science. With all the love for our city and the cosmos, it’s no wonder that several artists have created space themed murals all over the area. Here are four murals that are perfect for exploring with your family.

“Rocket Man” mural | Artists: Brandon Stoll & Travis Lowery

Rocket Man

Location: Ashley Garage – 3207 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Artists: Brandon Stoll & Travis Lowery

“Love You to the Moon and Back” mural | Artist: Anna Swatzell

Love You To The Moon & Back

Location: Interiors by Consign – 8506 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35802
Artist: Anna Swatzell

“Space is our place” mural | Artist: Jahni Moore

Space is our Place

Location: Straight to Ale – 2610 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Artist: Jahni Moore

“Galaxy, Celestial Symphony” mural | Artist: Jessie Andrews

Galaxy / Celestial Symphony

Location: Insurance Building – 120 Holmes Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Artist: Jessie Andrews

Looking for more? Check out this bonus space related mural of Miss Baker, one of the first animals launched into space by the United States.

“Miss Baker” mural | Artist: Chandler Hays

Miss Baker

Location: Retail Shops – 500 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Artist: Chandler Hays
Photo Courtesy CVB

Go on a hunt for these artistic Huntsville murals!

Explore Huntsville – on the go

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Valentine Date Night & Drive-In Movie Benefits Madison Hospital

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:22:39 GMT

Just like everything else, Valentine’s Day celebrations will have to look different this year. If you are searching for a fun but safe date night, Huntsville Hospital Foundation just announced an event that is perfect for you. Party in the Park on Friday, Feb. 12, will feature one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time, When Harry Met Sally. You could even win a pair of tickets – just check below to enter to win!

The Hexagon parking lot will transform for the evening into a drive-in movie lot where guests do not even have to leave the warmth and safety of their vehicles. Two showtime options are available – 5:30 and 8 p.m. – and each ticket includes the drive-in movie, a gourmet individually packaged dinner, access to an online silent auction and giveaways.

Even with this fun lineup, the best part is that it benefits a great cause. This is the ninth annual fundraising event for not-for-profit Madison Hospital, and funds raised will purchase a new imaging C-Arm machine for the hospital’s operating room. This state-of-the-art equipment takes in-motion, real-time imaging to help guide surgeons, and will be used for all types of surgeries, including orthopedic, pain procedures, abdominal, spine, and urological.

“This much-needed equipment would be a huge benefit for both our surgeons and our patients. Adding this level of technology further distinguishes Madison Hospital as a center of excellence for our growing community,” said Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright. “I know everyone could use a special night away from home, and Party in the Park will be the perfect way to share a meal and a laugh in a socially distanced way. Please join us and support your local hospital through this creative event!”

Tickets On Sale Now!

Tickets for Party in the Park are $75 per person and can be purchased online at bidpal.net/party2021, or by calling (256) 265-8077. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Party in the Park Ticket Giveaway

You could win a pair of tickets to this Valentine Date Night! To enter, just complete as many entries as you would like in the Rafflecopter box below. We’ll announce a winner on February 3rd. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation
Huntsville Hospital Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, is the fundraising arm of Huntsville and Madison Hospitals. It works to strengthen relationships between the hospitals and the community. The Foundation accepts gifts—both individual and corporate—on the hospitals’ behalf, and works to fund present and future equipment and program needs. For more information, call (256) 265-8077 or visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org.

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Walk with Dinosaurs on this Huntsville Road Trip

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:10:19 GMT

Only three hours north of Madison in Cave City, KY, a massive T-Rex looms over interstate 65. For years, our family has driven past this monument to the prehistoric beasts but only recently did we decided to stop and take a look around.

Dinosaur World is located a little north of Bowling Green, KY and is an easy drive from here, about 3.5 hours if you’re headed north. The park includes more than 150 life-size dinosaurs including a herd of giant Brachiosaurus, Mammoths and a pack of fierce-looking Velociraptors. My kids had a blast going up to each species and trying to say its name, and realizing that the creatures are bit larger in person than they’d realized. They were especially impressed with “long necks” as they say in the movie, The Land Before Time.

Next to each model is a display that tells a little about the dinosaur, where it roamed, what it ate (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore) and the time period in which it lived. Kids will love checking out the different species, including several babies included in the herds and displays; there’s even a dinosaur egg along the trail that kids can climb into.

Admission includes entry into the museum, which is a bit basic, but does include several dinosaur fossils, including Megalodon teeth, giant turtle shells, claws and other finds. Under normal circumstances, entry usually includes time on the playground and a fossil dig, but since we visited during COVID-19, all those activities were shut down. In lieu of not being able to dig for fossils each kid is given a bag with two little fossils as part of admission.

All activities at Dinosaur World are outdoors, except the museum, and are dog friendly and handicapped accessible. The life-size dinos can be seen walking through a shaded, paved trail that can be easily navigated with strollers and wheelchairs. The walk to the T-rex by the interstate is not paved, but is plenty wide and mostly flat, but does have a few tree roots to navigate over, but it’s nothing that should be a hinderance.

Adult admission is $10, kids 3-12 are $8 and children 2 and under are free. Military personnel also receive free admission. These prices are currently reduced because of the limited activities available due to COVID. Visit their website before visiting as the state of Kentucky may adjust what types of activities the park is allowed to offer, admission requirements, etc.

Dinosaur World Kentucky Details

View Website
Location: 711 Mammoth Cave Road, Cave City, KY (map)
Phone: 270-773-4345
Cost: Purchase online
Adults: $12-18 | Child (ages 3-12): $10-17, ages 2 and under free | Seniors 60+: $11

Hours: Open daily 8:30AM to 4:30PM (CST)

COVID-19 UPDATE 11/11/2020: Masks are required for visitors to enter the gift shop and the indoor museum in accordance with the Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s guidelines for reopening businesses and for people visiting any place outside their homes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Laura Barnard lives in Madison and is mom to a hilarious set of twins. When she’s not sitting in car line or waiting for the bus, she’s running her own business and spoiling the family dog. Her family loves exploring, traveling, sports and music.

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Children’s Books to Commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:30:43 GMT

Whenever I hear anything about Martin Luther King I’m almost always moved to tears. It’s a pathetic understatement to mention how influential he was/is, how full of purpose and resolve, how he literally made the world a better place.

We often hear the phrase “things will never change” and “hopeless” a great deal and it’s very easy to believe it (especially in today’s political and social climate). But I can’t help but think how much damage a person can do by saying those words. They get tossed around so casually, and I wonder exactly how many times MLK must have heard them. Did he ever waver? Was he ever deterred? He orchestrated monumental events in Selma, in Birmingham, in Atlanta… but how many never happened because a seed of doubt was planted by the friendly neighborhood hate group, or worse – a well-meaning friend?

Martin Luther King Jr.;s Big Words Carry a Big Impact

In Dr. King I have learned that it is feasible for one person, in the span of a very few years, to change the entire world. Do you have any idea how much hope a thought like that can give? It lifts me up. It makes me. Dig. In. I’m not trying to dream a dream for a whole nation or instill in the world a sense of social justice and equality. But I AM trying to raise my boys that way. And be a good spouse and a good friend. And work hard in a community I love.

A little well-timed hope can come in handy…

“Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Martin’s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

Having a conversation about Dr. King can be difficult for parents with younger children. Most of the picture books on his life are wordy biographies, but it is possible to find a few books that condense his vision into something even a preschooler can understand.

Here are my favorite books to read to kids ages 3 – 8. I chose them because they are easy to read aloud, the illustrations are exceptional, and the story of Martin Luther King is written in a way smaller children would understand and ask questions.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold

22 Children’s Books About Martin Luther King, Jr. – I love this book list for kids put together by Colours Of Us

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This post was originally published in January 2012 and updated each year.

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Huntsville Weekend Roundup January 15-18

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 01:56:52 GMT

Happy MLK Weekend, Huntsville! January weekends are usually pretty quiet in North Alabama, but this weekend still has some awesome things going on in the Huntsville area for kids & their families. Our full Event Calendar also has more activities happening in Huntsville this weekend if you don’t see anything below that suits your fancy.

If you do choose to go out please remember your mask and hand sanitizer or just stay home if you’re able. Covid rates for North Alabama are really bad right now.

SAVE THE DATE!

Huntsville Weekend Fun (at a safe distance)

Click here to see the weather this weekend!

FREE – Teachers! It’s your weekend to get in free at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Details
… Stay for their hands-on IDEAS Lab activities while you’re there! Details
FREE – The Hazel Green Library is hosting fun Crafts To Go for kids. Details
The annual Huntsville Boat Show has free admission for kids PLUS a rod & reel! Details
Slither over to the Cook Museum for their New Year, New Me animal demonstrations & activities. Details
Enjoy a live Drive-In Cabaret show with the performers from Huntsville’s IMP. Details
FREE – Students in 8th-12th grades can take a free ACT/SAT 101 class. Details
FREE – Go on a Beginner’s Hike with the whole family at one of these local trails. Details
FREE – Celebrate the life & legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with books, crafts, and a day of service. Details

Did your smart, good-looking friend send this list to you? Subscribe to get it in your Inbox each week! Want to be a RCM Super Reader & win stuff? Join their ranks here.

ICYMI…

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Celebrating MLK Day in Huntsville

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:20:25 GMT

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 18th, and there are many opportunities for families to serve the community in his honor. It’s great to have the day off from school and work, but it’s also a chance to have a conversation with your kids about service above self and the benefits of giving back.

Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his entire life to civil rights. His impact and sacrifice can be felt all over the USA and in every corner of the world. If we could all give back, even just a little bit, the impact would be enormous. In that vein, the Volunteer Center of Madison County and the United Way of Madison County have aggregated some wonderful volunteer opportunities for families in Madison County. Please get in touch with them and learn about all the ways to give back to your community with your kids.

You can also find some wonderful local service projects through the United We Serve website.

Don’t forget to kick off the holiday with the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday!

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

MLK Day Parade

Due to Covid-19 there is no Huntsville MLK Day Parade for 2021. But it’s never too late to plan for next year! You can spend the day reading great books about Martin Luther King with your kids and doing some fun MLK Crafts.

Organized, Scheduled Opportunities

CASA Garden Cleanup and Winterization

Date & Time: Call (256) 533-7775 for details.
Location: CASA Garden 4725 Bob Wallace Avenue HSV, AL 35801 (map)
Website: www.casamadisoncty.org or www.thevolunteercentermc.org
Contact: Lauren Carter lauren@casamadisoncty.org
The CASA garden provides fresh fruits and vegetables to elderly and homebound clients in Madison County. Volunteers are needed to mulch, harvest, weed, and provide general winter clean-up. Bring water and wear closed-toed shoes; CASA will provide gardening tools.
Age: 12+

CASA Ramp Warehouse Prep & Repair

Date & Time: Call 256-533-7775 for details.
Location: CASA Warehouse 1222 Grace Street HSV, AL 35801 (map)
Website: www.casamadisoncty.org or www.thevolunteercentermc.org
Contact: Johnny Keeter servicescoordinator@casamadisoncty.org
Description: CASA warehouse is for pre-building and preparing for builds of wheelchair ramps. Volunteers can work indoors to cut, build, and paint for our ramp teams before they go out and install the customized ramp. Call 256-533-7775 for details.
Age: 19+, or older kids assisting an adult

Manna House Nightly Food Distribution

Date & Time: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 4pm-7pm
Location: Manna House 2110 S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville (map)
Contact: 256-503-4848
View Website
Come to Manna House and help distribute a daily provision of food for individuals, families, and the homeless in our community. We welcome anyone in need every time we are open. Primary foods available include canned goods, bread, breakfast items, and desserts. Read about our experiencing voluntering with kids at Manna House HERE.
Age: 18+, or kids assisting an adult

DIY Service Opportunities

Date, time, or location not convenient? Want to get younger kiddos involved? Host your own donation drives. From food to basic toiletries, all are needed in our area… pick your recipient and organize your own drive.

DIY Donation Drive for Senior Citizens

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply Drive location of your choice.
Box Delivery Location: 701 Andrew Jackson Way Huntsville, AL
Box Drop off :M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM
www.thevolunteercentermc.org
You can host a senior citizen supply drive! At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request donated items and then turn them in. Items needed: Socks, Blankets, Canned Foods with Pop Tops, Low Sodium Canned Items, $25 Walmart or Kroger Gift Cards, Shower Chairs, Tub Transfer Benches, Cardiac Walkers, Walking Canes, No Fragrance Toiletries (Shampoo, lotion, deodorant, soap, and shaving cream).
Ages: Any and all!

DIY Food Pantry Drive

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply drive location of your choice.
Box Delivery Date & Time: Anytime the agency offices listed below are open.

Inside Out: M-F 9:30AM-2PM;
Asbury UMC : M-R 8-4:30PM at church office or Friday 8:30am-12:00pm
Good Shepherd UMC: M-R 8-4:30PM at church office or Friday 8:30am-12:00pm
Manna House: M, W, & R: 2PM (call for good time @ 256-503-4848)

Box Delivery Locations:

Asbury UMC: 980 Hughes Road Madison AL 35758
Good Shepherd UMC: 1418 Old Railroad Bed Road Madison AL 35757
Inside-Out Ministries: 104 Gin Oaks Ct. Madison, AL 35758
Manna House: 2110 S. Memorial Pkwy HSV, AL 35801

Food Pantry Website details or deliver food collected to Manna House
You can host a food drive for your local food pantry. At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request donated items and then turn them in. Items needed: jelly, pancake mix, syrup, canned fruits, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo), canned chicken, canned ham, canned tuna, canned veggies, applesauce, canned fruit, hearty soups, canned pasta, deodorant, shampoo, soaps, toilet paper, laundry detergent, general cleaners
Age: any and all!

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The post Celebrating MLK Day in Huntsville appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

RecipeJoes Cooks Up Tasty Ways for Kids to Help in the Kitchen

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 23:58:19 GMT

Cornelius Joe has always loved spending time in the kitchen. As a kid, he spent countless Saturday mornings mesmerized by Justin Wilson’s Cajun cooking shows on PBS, and Sunday evenings watching his grandmother and mom cook big dinners for his family. As it turns out, a seven year-old can absorb a huge amount of cooking technique over time when they’re included in family meal prep – I gar-on-tee!

Flash-forward to today, where Cornelius has a family of his own and two daughters that help him cook in his home kitchen. His girls are adventurous eaters, and a big part of his YouTube channel, RecipeJoes – in fact, it was his oldest daughter that came up with the name!

Subscribe to RecipeJoes on YouTube!

RecipeJoes on Rocket City Mom

Keep an eye out for RecipeJoes monthly videos and articles on Rocket City Mom on the last Sunday of each month. He’ll be sharing awesome recipes, new dishes, meal planning tips, and fun ways to spend time with your own kids through the culinary arts.

In case you missed it, our little Rocket City Mom Family is GROWING! We are very pleased to announce several new RCM Contributors joining us along with RecipeJoes in 2021. These amazing moms and dads are your friends and neighbors, and will cover new activities and events, share their stories of parenting in Huntsville & North Alabama, and help us gather news and resources that we hope will make YOUR life easier. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

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The post RecipeJoes Cooks Up Tasty Ways for Kids to Help in the Kitchen appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Valley Conservatory turns Huntsville students into musicians

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 21:36:47 GMT

Valley Conservatory has been part of the classical music scene in the Huntsville area for more than two decades. It has a strong reputation as a center that offers instruction designed to develop all aspects of a student’s mind, body and character. Recently we had the chance to ask conservatory director, Renee Collins, a few questions about her business and how it’s gained such a great reputation among aspiring musicians and their parents.

Locations: 5650 Sanderson St. Ste. B, Huntsville and 5732 US Hwy 431 S. Brownsboro
Phone Number: 256-534-3131
Website | Facebook | IG | Twitter

Q: Tell us your organization’s story. How did it come about? What need does your business fill in the community? What makes you unique?

Valley Conservatory is a music service center with programs designed to develop all aspects of a student’s mind, body and character. Conveniently located in Huntsville and Brownsboro, Valley Conservatory has provided services in the arts to the Huntsville/Madison County area since 1998.   Valley Conservatory believes music is an art and a science involving both left and right brain activity. Our programs incorporate the holistic approach to developing the total student through the medium of music. Our philosophy is that the aesthetic and technical aspects of music can be used to teach concepts and principles from academic, physical, spiritual and social realms.  Conceptual thinking is essential to a complete music education experience. This philosophy gives teachers unlimited resources in conveying musical principals to the student. Teachers can utilize various standard teaching methods, or they can be unconventional and use the pattern of the tile on the floor to teach the musical form of a piece. Holistic instruction enables the student to use mathematical concepts to figure out the meter or listen to the sounds of nature to understand the aesthetic beauty of a piece of music.   Students who learn to view music from a holistic perspective increase their creative and reasoning abilities. These strengths transfer to all areas of their lives.

Valley Conservatory offers:

Private and class instruction, pre-school through adult
Music Theater Classes and Performances
Music education programs, extra-curricular and academic
Arts learning and exploration through camps and workshops
Customized art experiences for after school programs
A Lyceum Concert series, Jam sessions and exhibits offered to the public
Valley Conservatory Booking Agency – Musicians for hire for any type of event or occasion

Our customized music and arts programs offer:

General music education for schools. Designed to meet requirements for an academic program where grades are administered.
Instrumental (band or strings) and choral programs. Custom designed to meet the academic needs of a music education program for schools.
Arts education programs, academic or extra-curricular
Custom designed pre-school music program
Customized extra-curricular music/and or arts programs

Violin students practice at Valley Conservatory in Huntsville, AL.

The Valley Conservatory is an outgrowth of the vision I had as a child, wanting to create an atmosphere where kids that were similar to me could come together and enjoy a musical experience in an environment that was organized and conducive for learning. I moved to Huntsville 27 years ago. After working as the Music Director/Conductor of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and in the Music Department at Oakwood University as Assistant Professor in Piano and conductor of the Oakwood Symphony Orchestra, I started the Valley Conservatory.

All communities need the arts and a centralized place that fosters music education. The Valley Conservatory realizes this need and provides exposure to the arts to the Huntsville community. Since its inception in 1998, our school has provided music instruction and exposure in the classical arts to thousands of students and music lovers throughout the Tennessee Valley.

What makes us unique is that we are One Stop Shopping when it comes to providing services in the arts. In other words, we are the umbrella for the community when it comes to providing activity in the arts. Whether it is providing music instruction for students, a master class or a lyceum series concert we provide all of these services under one roof. Our holistic approach to music and how it relates to all disciplines of life creates an environment that is conducive for learning.

Q: What “problem” do you see in the community that you can solve for your customers?

A: There are several solutions that our music education programs provide our customers. The number one problem we solve for our customers is time management. Most of our customers have more than one child in their families. Since we have several teachers in the studio in addition to providing instruction on several different instruments, families can have several children taking lessons from us at the same time which saves them time in their schedule.

Also, since we have several teachers, if there is a conflict in schedule or if it is not the right match with a teacher, they can try another instructor. This really is beneficial if you have students who may need a teacher who specializes in a different style of music. Another factor is safety. We take safety of our students very seriously, especially during these concerning times. We provide in-person and online lessons for our students. We provide a very safe environment for our students to take lessons by taking the temperatures of everyone who comes in, sanitizing after each student, requiring everyone to wear masks, cleaning the studio weekly and deep cleaning the studio once a month. In our piano studios we have 2 instruments in the room so that the teacher and student do not share the same instrument. We wipe down instruments after each use to ensure the safety of our students.

In addition, we operate like the doctor’s offices and have our parents wait in the car. They can zoom in on the student’s lessons and watch their child from their car. With the online lessons, we totally take the burden off of the student by providing them everything they need to have a successful lesson. All the student has to do is click a link to connect them to their lesson. They do not have to set up any accounts on their own.

Q: Do you have any upcoming events, programs, or specials you’d like us to spotlight for readers?

A: We are currently running a special of FREE registration and 4 lessons for the price of 3. This is a $57.50 SAVINGS. Lessons in out studio run $110.00 a month for a weekly 30-minute lessons plus a $30 annual registration fee. The total cost to get started is $140.00 This special allows you to get started at $82.50. This is a great deal for parents who are looking for an avenue to get their children started on their musical journey

Q: What advice can you offer parents who are looking for ways to supplement their child’s educational journey?

A: Get to know what interests your child. Look for things that your child excels in or that they enjoy. When you find what that is, find activities for them to do that will develop that interest. If it is an arts activity like music or dance, you may want to explore finding a school and/or teacher who you feel will meet the needs of your child. Do some research about the school and teacher to make sure they meet the requirements that you are looking for and fit your budget.

Keep in mind that readiness and intellect are two different things. A child can be gifted but not ready (meaning not old enough) for a specific activity. Another thing to consider with children is their motor skill development. Your child may intellectually understand what is going on but may have issues with their motor skills. This is often common in learning to play an instrument. Depending on the child, their fine motor skills may not have fully developed to where they can do the task. In situations like this, parents must be patient and allow their child the opportunity to develop at their own pace. Children can sense when their parents are anxious which can cause them to become anxious. There has to be a balance of encouraging your children, teaching them to be responsible but not pressuring them to excel beyond what they are capable of doing.

The educational journey for your child can be an exciting time. The key is to find what interests your child and/or engage them in activities that you feel will enhance their overall development. Approach the activity with balance of responsibility and fun. You want your children to enjoy what they are doing but also learn the responsibility that goes along with the activity.

The post Valley Conservatory turns Huntsville students into musicians appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Skincare for Babies: Ask the Expert

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:02:19 GMT

Editor’s Note: From time to time we like to invite local experts from the community to answer questions about parenting and raising kids in Huntsville and North Alabama. Today we asked Dr. Bo Rivera, head dermatologist at Southeastern Skin Cancer & Dermatology, to address reader questions about skincare for babies & toddlers.

We couldn’t have planned a better time to ask Dr. Rivera about baby skin – he’s a brand new dad! RCM Readers asked him about eczema, rashes, best products, and if breast milk can actually help with baby acne.

Q.) My little ones have always struggled with eczema, any suggestions about products to use like creams or soaps? Or products to stay away from?

The best general answer for that is to use mild, fragrance-free, dye-free products. This would include soap such as Dove sensitive or soap-free cleansers, moisturizers and detergents (same for fabric softeners and dryer sheets or just avoid these). Some good over-the-counter brands are CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, Aveeno and Neutrogena. Any of those brands and others have multiple variations so you want the mildest that they have. Also, creams or ointments are preferred over the lotion forms. So the obvious answer as to what to avoid is harsh, fragranced, or dyed products. Don’t fall into the easy trap of using some concoction from a friend or relative or the newest “fad” that your neighbor sells. Trust us, simple is better and there is no secret fix that is floating around online. When using the moisturizers, use them at least after the bath and even multiple times daily if needed.

Eczema vs psoriasis – what’s the difference, or does one lead to the other? Do you advocate an elimination diet for eczema treatment?

Eczema and psoriasis are two totally different skin conditions. They are, however, very frequently confused by patients and even some non-dermatologists (early cases can appear similar). Neither progresses to or turns into the other since they involve different genetic changes. Psoriasis can not be cured but can be well-treated. Some children can “grow out of” eczema (improve) but might have at least mild sensitive skin throughout life.

Elimination diets should not be the first line of thinking and should rarely be utilized and only at the direction of your dermatologist or allergist. The vast majority of eczema is treated with good skin care habits, avoiding harsh products and moisturizing. In some severe cases, allergy testing can be undertaken but even then not all testing can reveal a relevant allergy. If there is a dramatic link noticed at home to one particular food item then it might be worth discussing with your physician or dermatologist but systematic dietary elimination is not recommended.

What causes child acne besides dirt? Is this a dietary reaction much like eczema?

Acne is a combination of the skin not appropriately shedding, oil production plugging the pores or causing the skin cells to stick together and sometimes bacterial involvement. Just being dirty does not really cause acne though that is a popular myth (friction from helmets or other rubbing can contribute). Often parents tend to overwash (frequency or aggression) their childrens’ faces or direct the child to do so. If you over-do the cleaning then you can dry the skin out which damages it, causing more oil production and also creating skin breakdown.

Mild cleansers done once or twice daily is all that is usually needed for maintenance. Of course, there are over-the-counter medications and prescriptions that are helpful when appropriate and the acne requires treatment. Also, there have been no dietary links that have been consistently shown to cause acne. The food areas that might show some potential and that are being researched more are skim milk and high glycemic diets. Again, these have not consistently been proven by all studies as a cause at this point. Some people do have individual triggers and in those cases you obviously avoid those items.

Tell me about Keratosis pilarsis! Specifically causes, treatment options, differences between it and acne, and how to recognize it.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is bumpy/rough or red skin that is commonly seen on the outer arms or upper legs (other areas can be involved). It is a genetic skin variation that can not be cured but it can be controlled or improved. It often has an association with sensitive skin or eczema patients but does not have to. Treatment is usually with mild products and hydrating moisturizers or often a tolerable acid-based moisturizers such as Amlactin over-the-counter. We do sometimes attempt prescription options if needed. For very red KP we can sometimes use an Intense Pulsed Light machine (sometimes incorrectly called a “laser”), such as the one in our office, to reduce the color intensity. Definitely, you want to avoid harsh scrubbing and picking to the areas because it will only lead to more problems and doesn’t really fix anything longterm. Acne is another follicle-based skin condition so there is a little similarity between the two, but it has different causes, associations, treatments (some are the same) and expectations, so are totally different diagnoses.

Are coconut oil and breast milk really the bomb diggity for skin issues?

We’d probably have to say that they are closer to being wack than bomb diggity. Coconut oil can have some beneficial effects in certain circumstances, but typically in those actually needing skin hydration or with rashes already, it can cause more harm than good. So in clinic, we do not recommend using coconut oil and more often need people to stop using it to get better. You certainly do not want to use it for acne, any broken skin or severe rashes.

As for breast milk – there is a study stating that it is equivalent to 1% hyrdrocortisone (which is an over-the-counter topical steroid). So it could have some mild positive effects for VERY mild eczema. However, other studies have shown the opposite – no benefit at all when comparing breast milk and 1% hydrocortisone and there is definitely no benefit of breast milk when compared to even the weakest prescription (stronger than over-the-counter) topical steroids. Most likely, it won’t hurt anything and might slightly help some extremely mild eczema people but certainly not everyone. Usually those who see us as dermatologists are at a severity beyond these type treatment options.

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ABOUT THE DOCTOR: Dr. Albert E. “Bo” Rivera is a licensed physician and surgeon at Southeastern Skin Cancer & Dermatology, board-certified diplomat of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, a fellowship-trained member of the American College of Mohs Surgeons as well as member of several dermatology and medical specialty organizations such as the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Mohs Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Foundation and the Madison County Medical Society. Dr. Rivera also enjoys time with his wife, Stephanie, a daughter who was born in 2015 and their Labradoodle.

This post was originally published in May of 2018 and has been updated.

The post Skincare for Babies: Ask the Expert appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Huntsville Weekend Roundup January 8-10

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 09:10:15 GMT

January weekends are usually pretty quiet in North Alabama, but this weekend still has some fun things going on in the Huntsville area for kids & their families. Our full Event Calendar also has more activities happening in Huntsville this weekend if you don’t see anything below that suits your fancy. Just be smart – don’t forget your mask and hand sanitizer if you choose to go out. And please just stay home if you’re able.

We’ve got resolutions for your home, relationships, finances, and health right over here!

Huntsville Weekend Fun (at a safe distance)

Click here to see the weather this weekend!

It’s your last chance to go Skating in the Park before it’s gone until next season! Details
Get your kids wild about majestic whooping cranes at Cook Museum. Details
FREE – In fact, there’s a whole weekend Festival of the Cranes celebration at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Details
FREE – Operation Christmas Cleanup is a great opportunity to clear out all that holiday cardboard. Details
FREE – There’s even a household Glass Recycling event on Saturday as well! Details
FREE – Go on a Beginner’s Hike with the whole family at one of these local trails. Details
Observe the Winter Skies in a truly unique way at the INTUITIVE Planetarium. Details
FREE – Let the kids tap into their inner artist at Create Saturdays at HMA. Details
Experience a lightbulb moment at the Space & Rocket Center‘s IDEAS Lab on Saturday. Details
FREE – The Grissom Choral Festival is virtual this year, and who couldn’t use a little joyful signing? Details
FREE – Students in 8th-12th grades can take a free ACT/SAT 101 class. Details
Cheer on the Chargers at a UAH Hockey game this Friday & Saturday. Details

Did your smart, good-looking friend send this list to you? Subscribe to get it in your Inbox each week! Want to be a RCM Super Reader & win stuff? Join their ranks here.

ICYMI…

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup January 8-10 appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Where to Exercise with Young Children in Huntsville

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 14:55:59 GMT

Working out with young children. Sounds like a trick statement, right? But it is possible and Huntsville has several options of family exercise classes to help you break a sweat either with your little one or while wearing them!

Babywearing while doing housework can be a tough workout and a necessity some days, but there is something about hearing other moms children having a melt down in public that makes you not feel alone and like you have found ‘your people’. Sweat it out with other mommas that get it. Classes are great for accountability and making new mom friends – which is tough!

We want our children to have a healthful outlook of their bodies and exercise. Our children are forming healthy habits now that can last a lifetime. Never talk about weight or negative things about your body around children. When exercising talk about doing this to grow more muscles and to get stronger and faster. Always positive and never talk about weight.

There are lots of fun ways to workout with your toddler at home too!

Huntsville Ballet School

On temporary hiatus due to Covid-19. Check back summer of 2021! Mommy & Me Ballet (ages 2 & 3) – This upbeat and fun class focuses on movement, rhythm and coordination. It features basic movements to prepare for Creative dance (the next class up without parents). You can wear your younger child if needed, and the extra 20 pounds or so will kick up this mild workout up a notch. The mom/caregiver does the movements along with the child. 1 class per week, 1 hour sessions. 8 Children max in class. Thursdays at 10:40am at the Huntsville location. $45/month
www.HuntsvilleBallet.org

Adonai School of Ballet & Fine Arts

On temporary hiatus due to Covid-19. Call for 2021 class schedule. This class will allow children and their mothers (or caregivers) an opportunity to bond while they explore new ways to move. This class will be taught in 6 week sessions. Babywearing is also encouraged if you have a toddler and an infant! Read the RCM review here.

Hike It Baby

A franchise that has made it to Huntsville is Hike It Baby Huntsville.
There is a local Facebook Group and website that discusses upcoming hikes with a yearly membership fee of $10. Hike up to a maximum of 5 miles from birth to school age. It includes urban stroller walks, trail hiking, and park and play events, and focuses on spending time in nature and building a respect for the outdoors while hiking. The hikes vary from stroller-friendly to babywearing-only trails in the surrounding Huntsville area.

Fit4Mom

This franchise has been in Huntsville for two years now with a Madison location and recently a Huntsville location was added.
Fit4Mom has several classes available; Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Fit4Baby and some Body Back Bootcamps. First class is free. Single class $12 or $60 a month.

This is a great workout and the most intense of the workouts listed. Bring your own stroller and yoga mat/pad, water for you your kids. The class incorporates resistance bands, jogging and floor work. There is also upbeat music and even bubbles and stickers for you and the kids. They also have several meet ups and playgroups that stem from this core group. Pus, it’s a great place to get plugged in and acquire some new mom friends. Check out Fit4Mom online for more information and the latest happenings.

It’s Fun to Play at the YMCA

Keep an eye on the local YMCA branches that offer classes and let them know you’re interested in a babywearing class. They also offer classes at certain times of the year for families to do together. Past classes include: Kid Fit, Dance Dance Revolution, Zumba for Kids, and Family Yoga. Call or visit ymcahuntsville.org.

Huntsville Hospital Wellness Centers

Huntsville Hospital Wellness Centers have offered aerobics babywearing classes in the past, but currently do it when there’s a demand. Get some friends together, and put in your class request!

Play Games at Home

A fun game you can do at home to incorporate movement, is the Memory Yoga Game – from Think Games found on Amazon. This is the classic memory game but with kids doing yoga poses. Match up the poses and complete the move on the card. The guide tells you the name of the official pose that corresponds with the game pieces. Your child will be doing downward dog and tree pose in no time.

Be a Self-Starter

Start your own Mommy and Me work out group with your friends! Next Door App meet ups? Church? School? Huntsville Botanical Garden is a favorite place for a mom meet up or solo with your children to stroller, baby wear and the mini splash pads in the Children’s Garden are always a good time for the littles.

Get out there and move, Mamas!

Please call ahead before heading to a class listed above. Sometimes class schedules and availability changes without notifying RCM. This post was originally published in September of 2018 and updated for 2021.

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The post Where to Exercise with Young Children in Huntsville appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Make Some New Year Family Goals with Our Free Printable!

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 20:58:28 GMT

It’s a new year, and my family always like to take a moment and look back on the one coming to a close as well as the one ahead. No matter what age your kids are, doing this together over dinner or before you start that Netflix New Year’s Eve Countdown is a great way to connect as a family unit. Setting some family New Year goals together will help you support each other throughout the year!

As always, we’ve made it easy for you… There’s just something official about putting it down on paper, so you can print our free New Year Goals printable from home for each member of your family. Fill them out together, then post them to the fridge or wherever your family communication headquarters are at your house. (Pro-Tip: I always make sure to take a photo of them so they pop up in my New Year’s photo memories too!)

New Year Goals for Families

Click here to print at home!

Happy New Year to all of our awesome Rocket City Mom Readers and supporters! This year hasn’t been easy, and we are so incredibly thankful for your support as we learned to navigate through it together.

Our Rocket City Mom 2020 Partners

These sponsors and partners made it possible for us to keep our website running! We appreciate them so much, and hope you’ll consider supporting them in return.

Huntsville Hospital, Burritt On the Mountain, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Randolph, Huntsville Botanical Garden, Scott’s Orchard, Ardent Preschool and Daycare, Huntsville Museum of Art, Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates, Advanced OBGYN, Pine Ridge Day Camp, Rocket City Arcade & Consoles, Operation Green Team, Rocket City Trash Pandas, Huntsville Behavioral Associates, Earlyworks Children’s Museum, Alexander’s Martial Arts, Valley Conservatory, Matrix Gym, Spoiled Rockin’ Kidz, Tender Care Pediatrics, St. Bernard Prep, Lauren Battle – Allstate, North Alabama Railroad Museum, Huntsville STEAMworks, Thrive Alabama, Spirited Art, Cook Museum of Natural Science, Johnson Orthodontics, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber, i9 Sports of Huntsville, Camp McDowell

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Resolutions that have nothing to do with diet, fitness, or finances
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The post Make Some New Year Family Goals with Our Free Printable! appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

How to Make a Family Budget You Can Stick To All Year

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 07:12:22 GMT

Editor’s Note: From time to time we like to invite local experts from the community to answer questions about parenting and raising kids in Huntsville and North Alabama on a budget. Today we asked Beth Richardson, Madison Market President with Progress Bank, to address questions about the creating a family budget you can stick to all year long.

Q.) How can I create a realistic plan to help me budget through the year?

Having a realistic budget for the coming year starts with letting go of all budgeting myths such as, not having time to budget, budgeting is difficult math or my personal favorite, that your budget is in your head. A budget in your head isn’t a budget. It’s just a kinda sorta or vague idea of what you’re spending. Everyone needs a written plan for when and how they will spend their money; a budget. It’s a great way to hold yourself accountable and to track your progress.

Now that we’ve freed our minds of budgeting myths. The next step is sitting down with your spouse or accountability partner and be intentional about where you will spend your money and how you will earn income for the coming year. Since everyone is still in the holiday spirit, decide now how much money to spend on gifts next year. Divide that number by 12 and start setting aside that amount each month. This number becomes part of your budget for next year.

The planning for a realistic budget in 2021 starts now.

What do you want to accomplish with your money in the last year? Setting the right goals will keep you motivated and excited about the future. It also reminds you how your money goals are just as important as the goals you have for your career, relationships, and health/fitness. Think about short term and long term goals you desire to accomplish. Aside from your monthly expenses, are there vacations you will take? When will you take them? What will they cost? Do you want new appliances by Memorial Day? Do the children need new sport equipment? Are you putting enough in a retirement plan or a college savings account? Wouldn’t it feel great to have four to six months of expenses in a savings? The planning is critical in creating a realistic budget.

Once the budget is created, you and your spouse or accountability partner will need to have a budget meeting every month to make any necessary adjustments and celebrate successes.

With the right plan, you can take control of your money, beat debt, and change your future in 2021.

Q.) I need some better systems in place. Are there any tools or apps you can recommend to help me manage my budget?

Mint – Once you’ve entered basic information such as banking, credit and investment accounts, Mint automatically begins to track your money. It updates and categorizes transactions, creating a picture of spending in real time. You can add your own categories, pay bills, and set budgets.

YNAB (You need a Budget) – offers free workshops on mastering the art of budgeting and provides tools and resources that are helpful in the budgeting process.

EveryDollar – creates unlimited budgets, track transactions against your budget, connect to your bank accounts, and has free email support.

Spreadsheet – This is free if you already have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer. Microsoft provides several simple budget templates, and if you’re familiar with Excel, they’re easy to use. Maintaining a spreadsheet budget does require more time than some of the other options, but many experts believe the extra effort helps you have a better understanding of your money, which makes it easier to develop better habits.

Dave Ramsey’s Envelope System – Once you’ve created your budget categories and targeted amounts, you label your envelopes and fill them with the appropriate amount of cash. The benefit is that you aren’t using credit cards, but cash which makes it difficult to go over budget.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth B. Richardson is the Madison Market President with Progress Bank with over 17 years of experience in retail and commercial banking. She has earned the designation of David Ramsey Financial Coach, where she enjoys helping families experience financial freedom through budgeting, becoming debt free, building wealth and leaving a legacy. Born and raised in Tuskegee, Beth graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School and attended Tuskegee University. She is happily married to Rodney, Principal of Horizon Elementary School and has one daughter, Jaylin who attends James Clemens HS. She enjoys reading, running, and spending quality time with family. Beth is active member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she teaches Adult Sunday School class. Drawing from her years of experience, she can provide professional guidance for your family’s needs for budgeting, savings, investments, retirement, and much more.

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The post How to Make a Family Budget You Can Stick To All Year appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Huntsville Weekend Roundup: New Year’s Eve

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:19:28 GMT

Is midnight laughable in your house? If everyone is down for the count by 10PM (or earlier!) why not consider celebrating a little early? Or maybe your older child is super PUMPED about staying up late for New Year’s Eve… We’ve put together a great list of Huntsville events & some at-home activities that are kid-friendly for New Year’s Eve. If you feel like you MUST celebrate away from home please think hard about it – things are pretty bad out there Covid-wise and you’ll need to keep your mask handy.

Those Netflix Countdowns Though…

Netflix returns with their annual New Year’s Eve countdown for kids – this year there are 13! If you are one of the 74% of parents letting their kids stay up a little later this one special night of the year, let the ball drop whenever you want with new characters from animated series like Pinky Malinky, Super Monsters, Boss Baby and Motown Magic.

Local New Year’s Eve Events for Kids & Families

Galaxy of Lights on NYE

Thursday from 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Cost: $25 (Get the coupon!)
Huntsville Botanical Garden | More Info
You’ve got until January 2nd to see this holiday light extravaganza and why it’s consistently listed as one of the top 20 attractions in the southeast.

Rocket City Christmas Spectacular

Thursday from 5-9 PM
Cost: $25 (Get the coupon!)
Toyota Field | More Info
The Trash Pandas sure do know how to do a holiday light show, and you can enjoy all 1.5 miles of it on NYE. Just be sure to catch it before it’s gone Jan. 3rd.

Tinsel Trail

Thursday, lights come on at dark
Cost: FREE
Big Spring Park, Huntsville | More Info
This free winter wonderland has more trees than ever and is a great place to ring in the New Year – it’s outdoors and easier to stay socially distant than most places. Why not grab a pizza and enjoy the last days of the Tinsel Trail on NYE?

Skating in the Park

Thursday from 11AM – 10PM
Cost: $10-15 per person (Get the coupon!)
Big Spring Park Rink | More Info
Spend NYE gliding on the ice through the park! We love Huntsville’s version of “Rocketfella Center”, and it’s another great outdoor option – just don’t forget your mask.

New Year’s Eve Open Gym Time for Kids

Thursday at 9:15 AM, 12:15 PM and 1:30-3:00 PM
Cost: $3-10
The Matrix Gym | More Info
Open to kids 5 years old and under, this Whiz Kids gym session will make sure they’re tired later on tonight! Ages 6-12 has an Open Gym session at 1:30 PM.

Celebrate NYE Every Hour

Thursday from 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Cost: FREE admission, bring $ for food & drink
Stovehouse | More Info
This dumb year deserves more sendoffs and so-longs than one. So the Stovehouse is doing it 7 times on the hour from 6pm – Midnight, plus kid-friendly sparkling juice toasts! Just keep an eye on the weather.

What Attractions Are Closed New Year’s DAY?

Alabama Constitution Village
Burritt on the Mountain
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Historic Huntsville Depot
Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center
Huntsville Museum of Art
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

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DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup: New Year’s Eve appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Instant Pot Recipes Your Family Will Love!

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:57:42 GMT

Are you one of the people that got an Instant Pot over the holidays? If so, you may already be a pro and whipping out all kinds of pressure cooking delights. Or you could be a tad bit intimidated by your new electric pressure cooker and not even sure where to start. If that sounds familiar, grab a seat! This article is for you. (Plus, I’m really excited to share some of our favorite easy instant pot recipes with you guys below!)

Getting Started with Your Instant Pot

The very first thing I would recommend you do, after reading the manual of course, is joining THIS amazing Instapot community on Facebook. Other than, a VERY helpful cousin that was already an Instant Pot pro, this group was the NUMBER 1 biggest help for me while I was learning to cook with my new toy.

On that same note, given it’s popularity, you may also have a very helpful family member, friend, or neighbor that’s a pressure cooking expert and will totally be ok with you texting or calling when you are all ‘OMG did I over-fill it?’ or ‘Why won’t the pot close?’ Or you know… so I hear….. *cough* (Thanks, Kelly! LOL)

Get Familiar With These Pro-Tips

Before pressure cooking, always make sure the white silicone ring on the inside of the lid is in place all the way around. And once you close the lid, make sure the black dial at the top is set to sealed, not venting. This means the pot is sealed shut and allows it to come to pressure.

NPR means Natural Pressure Release: This is recommended when you are cooking most things in the Instant Pot. For meats, it is like ‘letting it rest’ and get more tender and keeping the juices in. For soups, if you don’t naturally allow the pressure to release, you could get liquid shooting through the valve. Not good.

QPR means Quick Pressure Release and that is when you CAREFULLY open the valve and allow steam to release quickly, keeping your hands safely out of the way. I release mine with a wooden spoon handle. Quick pressure release is useful if you are wanting to avoid overcooking something like pasta or vegetables.

The ability to ‘Saute’ in the instant pot and brown meats before pressure cooking, is one of my favorite features. But, make sure you wait until the pot says HOT before adding your cooking oil and your meat. This will keep the meat from sticking.

The first thing I would make in the Instant Pot? Water. That’s right. Good ol’ fashioned H₂O. Familiarize yourself with your pot without having to worry about messing your dinner up. This video is an excellent tutorial on how to do the Instant Pot Water Test and why.

One last thing to note: Some types of foods are prepared in a MUCH shorter time than traditional cooking, such as pot roasts, pulled pork, stews, dried beans, stock, etc., while some recipes that have less of a cook time with traditional cooking methods, may not save you THAT much time in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Recipes for the Whole Family

Mississippi Coke Roast: Everyone I asked suggested making a simple roast for my very first instant pot recipe. This one is as easy as it gets and our family absolutely loves it. I was SHOCKED that I made a chuck roast all the way from start to fall apart tender in such a short amount of time. I was honestly sold on this appliance after this very first recipe.

Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken: Cooking a whole chicken and using the shredded meat in casseroles, sandwiches, and salads is a huge money and time saver for our family. Being able to do it in less time and freeing up my oven is a huge bonus!

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef: I was so excited to convert one of our favorite recipes, and the first recipe I ever blogged! It turned out so delicious, it may be one of the best things I’ve ever made.

Instant Pot Chili Con Queso: One of our favorite party dips! It wouldn’t be a holiday or game night without my mama’s delicious and meaty cheese dip recipe! SO fast in the Instant Pot and LOVE being able to saute the ground beef in it too.

Instant Pot Apple Butter Pork Chops: Apple and pork are the perfect pair in this delightfully easy recipe! Shred the leftovers and add barbecue sauce for the best BBQ sandwich you ever put in your mouth.

Instant Pot Ground Beef & Vegetable Soup: Soup and grilled cheese is one of our cold weather favorites. The Instant Pot gives soup, all day flavor in minutes.

Italian Sausage & Spinach Tortellini: This is an entire one pot meal! Love this one for a busy weeknight.

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes: We love to have loaded baked potatoes, piled high with bbq pork or chicken or leftover taco meat. It is such a good way to use up leftovers and reign in the grocery budget. You won’t find an easier recipe that this fool-proof one, anywhere.

Instant Pot Meatball Subs: No surprise here folks, this is one of my kiddos all time favorite meals and the easiest preparation of homemade meatballs I have ever tried! If you want to win your family over to the electric pressure cooker, this is the one!

What have you been cooking in your Instant Pot? We would love if you shared some of your favorite recipes with us below!

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The post Instant Pot Recipes Your Family Will Love! appeared first on Rocket City Mom.

Huntsville Weekend Roundup December 24-27

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 03:06:08 GMT

I’m kind of in shock when I see the date – even in the middle of a pandemic there are cookies to bake, gifts to wrap, batteries to buy, and halls to deck. I do plan on taking a break this weekend and actually spending TIME with my family, something that is infinitely more important than the hustle and bustle anyway.

Our full Event Calendar also has more activities happening in Huntsville this weekend if you don’t see anything below that suits your fancy. Just be smart – don’t forget your mask and hand sanitizer if you choose to go out. And really just stay home if you’re able.

Click here to go on a light hunt around Huntsville!

Find Your Local Holiday Scene!

Every Night Now through December 31
Cost: FREE
No matter what corner of North Alabama you live, you can find free seasonal fun every night that includes gorgeous lit trees or festive decorations! Lights typically come on at dusk.

Huntsville Tinsel Trail – Big Spring Park, Huntsville (Can you find the RCM Tree?)
Christmas Card Lane & Polar Express on Main – Downtown Madison
North Poll Stroll – Downtown Athens
Enchanted Forest – Decatur
Christmas in the Park – Arab Historic Village
Ardmore Tinsel Trail – Downtown Ardmore

Huntsville Weekend Fun (at a safe distance)

Click here to see the weather this weekend!

FREE – The Huntsville Christmas Eve Jingle is happening Thursday night! Details
Check out this Holiday Magic Pass to save you a little $$$ on holiday fun. Details
Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights continues this weekend – get your tickets in advance! Details
FREE – Take the kids Christmas Light Hunting with our handy list & map! Details
Head over to see the new Rocket City Spectacular light show at Toyota Field. Details
FREE – Watch Fantasy Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol on TV! Details
Pick a place to Give Back this year. Details
Spend the afternoon or evening at Skating In the Park downtown. Details
Prepare for the 2020 Huntsville Jolabokaflod. Details
Who’s watching Wonder Woman 1984 this weekend? We are, and here’s why. Details
Celebrate the holidays with the live animals at Cook Museum! Details
FREE – A community Kwanzaa Celebration is happening at Bridge Street on Saturday. Details
Experience Christmas at the Grotto in Cullman. Details

Did your smart, good-looking friend send this list to you? Subscribe to get it in your Inbox each week! Want to be a RCM Super Reader & win stuff? Join their ranks here.

ICYMI…

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup December 24-27 appeared first on Rocket City Mom.