Erin Shaw Street

The Makings of a Surprise Santa Party

 
We inherited Birmingham's best Santa from my friend Jennifer. For years, she threw a party at her house for her daughter and daughter's friends, during which Santa would show up and surprise all the children.

Each one had time with him, sharing their wish lists. And of course, their doting parents had time to take plenty of photos. The party was always a special day for our family from the time Nate first attended at eight months old.

(He's told us that he cherishes this photo of him and Nate from their first Christmas together.)

This year we took over the party. We booked Santa months in advance (he starts filling his calendar for Christmas parties in August). I've been cleaning and decorating and trying to get things ready for weeks.

Way more difficult than I ever imagined.

So it's well known that I love entertaining, especially cooking throwing parties. The only thing is, I also have a crazy demanding job (that I adore) & have been sick. So it's come down to the past two weekends, and the help of some good friends, to pull it all off.

I think we did. I'm not used to having a house filled with children, so when it was all over I had that post-wedding feel, like so much had gone into it and I wasn't really sure how it turned out.

There was some frantic last minute chocolate covered Oreo making (covered in gold bling - inspired by this Couture Parties post), and Jingle Juice mixing. There were multiple trips to: Target, Publix, Ross, Pier One, TJMaxx, Costco ...

But the kids squealed when Santa walked in the door. And so did a few of the parents ...

So, here's the party. And I have to say, to share this is a big deal. I have a critical eye when it comes to, well, everything, but especially things like this. Then I have to remember I'm not an editor here and that this won't be in a magazine. 

This is what life's like without a stylist. (Makes me appreciate the stylists I work with even more.)

Come on in to the Santa Party -- the dining room. Yep that's a Buddha. He chills out with the nativity set:

I set up an area in the kitchen for the kids to paint ornaments and color. (The aluminum trees have vintage ornaments from my mom and various thrifting finds.)

 

That held their attention for a while. Until this gentleman arrived:

And he came bearing ... presents!

He's pretty amazing, with kids of all ages.

I was actually surprised how quickly how many people didn't RSVP which made it difficult to figure out pacing the kids went through their lists and photos with Santa.

That was fine though. At the end, he read "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" and gave each child a special gift. He also told them that on Christmas Day to look aroud and enjoy their family -- that was love all around them.

When we were all done, and everyone went home, we spent some quiet time with Santa and the pugs. He was very happy to hear the story of Gatsby. Merry Christmas indeed. Love all aroud.

Related Posts:

Nate Meets St. Nick., Pt. I

Christmas Pugs

Why we support the McWane Center

Yesterday we spent another fantastic day at the McWane Center. Out of all of our many visits (we've been members since Nate was a toddler), this was one of the most meaningful.

We went on my parents' 39th anniversary -- Nate, Mom and Dad, and me. (Shane was at home working or he would have been there too.) We'd been wanting to see the new model train exhibit, and when I mentioned that we'd be going this weekend, Nate got really excited. He especially wanted to see the sharkes in the touch tank exhibit:

Seriously, I never thought I would see my mom stick her fingers in water to touch a shark. But she did, talking the ear off the kind and knowledgeable young volunteer who answered all her questions.

As usual, Nate sprinted from exhibit to exhibit, eager to try everything and learn about the science behind each item of interest. We've been taking him long before he could walk and talk, introducing him to the textures and sounds, complete with his chemist dad explaining everything patiently. (But that's how we do in our family -- science is always around us and no questions go unanswered.)

Grandma and Grandpa got in on the act -- Grandma was particularly fond of a bird exhibit that taught us about the local tweeters (and I don't mean social media experts). Grandpa and Nate played an interactive video game that had them using their whoe bodies for drums. And Nate and I enjoyed a friendly game of virtual soccer:

We LOVED visiting the new model train exhibit -- a perfect start to the holiday season. Nate adored watching the trains go round and round (actually, he ran after them).

It was there, while he was enraptured by the trains, that I had a chance to speak with McWane CEO Tim Ritchie. I'd noticed that Tim was greeting guests at the ticket counter, dressed in the same uniform all the other McWane employees donned too. (Points there.) I thanked him for the great work he and his staff were doing and asked him about the year-end letter that we'd received.

He confirmed what I knew: McWane's funding has been dramatically reduced this year, and they've had to dramatically cut their budget. When I asked how they were able to continue to offer high-level educational programming, he didn't miss a beat in saying that it was thanks to many community partners, like the Birmingham Model Railroad Club, who are making the train exhibit possible.

Despite the challenging financial circumstances, Tim, his staff, and the volunteers and many community partners have great things in store to close out this year and kick of 2011. We talked a bit about what's in store. Eager to learn more and share more.

Most importantly, I encourage all of our friends in Birmingham to support the McWane Center:

• Check out their soon-to-come "Winter Wonderland" Exhibit, complete with snow and ice skating, starting November 26
• Volunteer your time. There are tons of opportunities.
• Consider making a tax-deductible end of year gift 

If you're already a member, think about ways that you can become more involved. I am.

Thanks Tim, and thanks McWane. Without you we wouldn't have memories like this, and another entry into the world of learning we so adore:

Related Links:

DISCO programs at McWane 

Mr. Potato Head at McWane: A Pop Culture Obsession

 

Children's Yoga in Birmingham: Namaste, Tots!

Something is coming to Birmingham that I've been waiting for for a long time -- a children's yoga class.

As an avid on again off again yogini (which is the female version of yogi), I've often thought how incredible it would be for the Magic City to have regular yoga offerings for kids.

(In fact, from time to time I think about going through teacher training, especially to work with toddlers. Cause I am crazy like that, and love nothing more than getting on my mat and rocking it out.)

So, I was thrilled to get an email from my teacher Suzanne at SoHo PiYo that kiddo yoga (and Pilates) classes for children are indeed starting at the Homewood studio (located in SoHo Square).

Here's the rundown from them:

"Pilates and Posture

Beginning Tuesday, July 13th for 5 weeks. $65.00 per child

Children 6 and over welcome

Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 - parents can drop off or stay and take part

Class taught by Robyn Meche. For info or to register contact Robyn:
[email protected]

Introducing kids to a safe and effective form of exercise that will increase flexibility, core strength, coordination and self-esteem! Posture and Pilates will teach mind-body awareness along with balance and correct posture. Breathing techniques will help reduce stress and improve endurance.

Pilates is a great way to exercise and relax while building and stretching muscles, no matter the weather, or if you are traveling, you can do pilates anywhere with no equipment to buy.

YogaGarden

Beginning Saturday, July 10th for 5 weeks. $75.00 per child

Children 4 - 7 Saturday, 11:30 - 12 :15 - parents drop off
Children 8 - 12 Saturday, 12:30 - 1:30 - parents drop off

Class taught by Jean Campbell. For info or to register contact Jean:
[email protected]

Yoga isn’t just for grownups. Kids benefit from the lessons of yoga as well. In Jean Campbell’s Yoga-Garden classes children will be offered tools for enabling relaxation, self esteem building and physical fitness.

In our hectic, modern world, free time for children is often filled with sedentary activities. YogaGarden encourages kids to be active and excited about life. Yoga poses are taught in a fun way with games, books and activities. Kids are natural yogis!"

Nate has been practicing yoga for about six months (we follow the Itsy Bitsy Yoga  program) and is excited about taking formal classes. (OK, whatever, I'm the one who is excited for now but know that once he gets on the mat he will be thrilled to show off his Tree.)

I became convinced of the power of children learning yoga during my many visits with Miami yoga teacher Terri Cooper, who reaches out to children across her city, including those in the most underserved and violent parts.

Watching Terri and her volunteers (who call themselves the "305 Spiritual Gangsters") work with kids in areas like Little Haiti was an exposure to the healing and calming powers of even the most basic yoga poses.

Here's a story that I wrote about Terri's work, which ran in the May 2010 issue of Southern Living.  

I could go on and on about how yoga has changed my life. But instead I will say this: it is an amazing gift one can give to a child -- this ability to get centered and grounded, and stretch our bodies and minds in the way that they are meant to be stretched.

So think about it. And in the meantime, join me at SoHo PiYo for Suzanne's monthly Yoga Nidra, Friday, July 16, 6-7:30 p.m., $20.

Gentle yoga (suitable for first timers) and an incredible meditation that's more relaxing than any happy hour you'll go to. Call 879-2110 for reservations.

Click here for a full description.

Related Links:

Yogi In Training

Behind The Scenes With The 305 Spiritual Gangsters

Off The Mat, Into The World

The Pre-Party Commences (My Beautiful Boy)

Tomorrow afternoon we leave for Disney World, a surprise 4th birthday trip for Nate. I can't wait to break the news to him, right before we leave for the airport.

But first, a glimpse of cupcakes during pre-party #2 at his school today. When I watch this video I can't help but wonder, "How in the world did I get this incredible child?" It's true. 

I'm not a kid person. It is not a secret. Then I met this one. I cried when he was taken from my body. When time stood still. Then came a scream and the person who changed everything. He's a doll and a joker and a storyteller. A flirt and a rocker and an artist. Smart, funny, lovely.

I'd like to take credit, but this one came out his own person. To Nate:

I Can Dig It

We had another photo shoot at the house this morning.

I'm used to these things because I coordinate them all the time (getting ready to go on my third shoot in 10 days). Usually I am behind the camera but also end up in front of it too.

Nate is a natural around the cameras. Maybe it's genetic.

This morning we got up early for a shoot in our yard. He instantly jumped in the photo and insisted that he be photographed digging outside our house. The best part is not only does he act as the gardener, he also enjoys art directing.

Hmmm, where in the world does he get *that*? Bossy little thing. The first time he saw his picture in the magazine (it ran twice in that issue, kinda a big deal) he said, "that's all?"

My humble little dude. Just ask for a good day rate buddy.

Yogi In Training

Nate has noticed my yoga mat in the back of the car and been asking about it. The other day he said:

"Mommy, my body  is sore. Will you teach me yoga?"

Ding ding ding!

I'm not a cookie baking mom, but yoga 101 I can do. So we rolled out the mat and worked on basics.

Yoga for kids has always intrigued me, and I've watched quite a few classes. This morning I tried to teach him bits of what I remembered, barking in Down Dog and meowing in Cat. He loved Mountain and was excited to start working on Tree, but got distracted by his stuffed football and Matchbox cars. That's enough namaste for now, but we'll be back.

I'm reading "Itsy Bitsy Yoga For Toddlers" and thinking about teacher training. I think we'd make good a good yogi team, no?

Related Links:

Yoga Journal: Yoga For Kids

Namaste Nook: Savasana Suburban Style

Nate's First Film ... The Perfect Intro To Cinema For A Southern Boy

Yesterday marked a big milestone for Nate: his first movie.

Though he begged me to take him to see a Fellini film, I told him that those were quite difficult to come by on the big screen in Birmingham, so he settled for Disney's "Princess And The Frog."

We went with our good friends Victoria and Trey (who was a pro, this being his second film).

I can't imagine a better first movie. Hand drawn animation, and a story set in 1920s New Orleans, made for an iconic classic. Jazz, gumbo, Mardi Gras -- it got me in the mood for some Crescent City fun! (That's going to be another "first" for Nate, but not for a few years.)

Nate was transfixed, sitting in the third row with a little tub of popcorn. As the animation rolled across the screen I whispered little bits about the settings, like "Those are beignets" (which he recognized from a children's book I got for him in New Orleans called "The Beignet That Almost Got Away.") 

A Perfect first film for a Southern boy. And his mom.

Snuggies and Suitcases

A usual dilemma:

I'm sitting at my desk after a long day of work, full of energy and words, as well as lack of energy and words. I write all day long, and meet, and make phone calls, and plan. I drink coffee in the morning and green tea in the afternoon, and if I'm lucky, write a few good sentences. That's what writers do.

But there's always something fantastic to experience in Birmingham, or wherever I am that day, and I'm torn: do I push it just a little more and see what unfolds, or go on back home to my house or hotel room for sleep?

Last night I kept going, joining friends at Bottletree to see DJ Spooky, whose name doesn't do justice for his music, magical virtual turntables accompanied by carefully cultivated visual statements of war.

I was exhausted. But bobbing my head to the rhythm, talking with old and new friends about music and politics and our city, I was also happy. At 11:30 I called it a night, equally pleased to drive on the silent Birmingham streets, turn the key to my house and discover this surprise from my parents:

Busting open the box, I put aside the *bonus* reading light, and climbed into my leopard print Snuggie (actually called "Wild Side.")

Oh universe, you are such a scamp.

Yeah, I get your message.

So tonight I'm curled up, warm with a Snuggie and a wet pug by my side. The rain is falling and the laundry's on and a suitcase is open. Nate's playing Candy Land and talking about our visit to the McWane Center to meet Curious George. Grape juice and Thomas the Train, dogs and familiar sofa positions.

Tomorrow at this time I'll be in the air, flying to a photo shoot. Telling another story, one that I've been cultivating for a long time, that makes my heart sing when I talk about it. (It's in my home state, in my favorite city, and a story about redemption, with a dash of powdery sand sprinkled in. For the rest you'll have to buy the issue.)

For now I'm in a blanket with sleeves. It's not going in the suitcase. But it will be here when I get home.

Breaking News: Snow in Alabama/ Roll Tide! Eyewitness Report

Christmas Day 2009 Video Highlights

Another Christmas has come and gone. We learned a few things today, like 10 a.m. Christmas Day Mass is the absolute best to go to (it was barely half full), and that pug dogs don't love animatronic dinosaurs (but three year old and 43-yr old boys do).

Nate is currently learning how to play Pac Man, thanks to his grandparents' delivery of an old school favorite. I'm getting ready to show him how it's done.

He got tons of great gifts from everyone (especially Santa), and I spent part of the day working on my video editing and posting skills. Am officially crazy about the Flip Video.

Here goes ... snippets from our day: