Godliness is of value in every way

Hands-On Learning at Auburn Junior High

During physical science classes, eighth graders at Auburn Junior High School have learned to fly drones as a part of a multifaceted project. Two years ago, Auburn City Schools collaborated with Draganfly Inc., a leader in the professional drone industry for the past 20 years, to design a cuttingedge drone curriculum for students. The project was spearheaded by AJHS Science Teacher Mr. Nathan Baker and Draganfly’s Lead of Training Programs, Mr. Brock Gooden. The result is a robust program that offers students meaningful and engaging drone and aviation science content. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from the history of flight to how to become a licensed drone operator. During the program, Mr. Gooden brought multiple large service drones on-site for students to see and learn about. These drones are utilized for real-world scenarios within industries such as public safety, construction, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying. The pilot training element of the program allows students to master the basics of flight and drone control. Today, they put those skills to the test while navigating an obstacle course with their iPad-compatible

DJI Tello Drones.

Congrats to AHS

Auburn High School has been named a 2023 National Model of Excellence for Most Outstanding SkillsUSA Program! This annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of personal, workplace, and technical skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities. This designation is the highest honor bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA, which is among the largest student organizations for career and technical education. The focus of Models of Excellence is student-led activation. These students learn and practice the skills that every employer seeks, including leadership, initiative, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, by taking the lead on all SkillsUSA activities. Auburn High’s SkillsUSA chapter consists of five Career Technical Education Programs, including Advertising Design, Information Technology, Television Production, Building Construction, and Precision Machining. The AHS chapter will be evaluated in June at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference for top honors!

It’s Tea Time for Lee-Scott Academy Sophomores

Sophomores had their very own Victorian tea party with Mrs. Byrd, to wrap up what they’ve been learning in English classes. They dressed the part while putting some personal flair on their outfits based on their own interests.

Northside Intermediate Named 2022 CLAS School of Distinction

Opelika City Schools is proud to announce that Northside Intermediate School has been named a 2022 CLAS School of DistinctionDistrict 2. The presentation was made at the CLAS Banner awards luncheon in Prattville, AL. As stated in the CLAS- Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools press release, “The CLAS Banner School program nominated statewide. Congratulations to these wonderful Alabama public schools which provide excellent examples of the significant learning opportunities taking place in public education in Alabama. Further, the stakeholders at every school are to be commended for striving for excellence daily,” comments Vic Wilson, Ed.D., executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS).”Pictured receiving the award are: Danielle Rosener-Counselor, Northside Intermediate School, Cindy PoteetPrincipal, Northside Intermediate School, Tracie West-State Board of Education member (District 2), and Dr. Farrell SeymoreSuperintendent, Opelika City Schools. Congratulations to Northside Intermediate School on a job well done!

AHS Makes Coffee with Care

Auburn High School’s Tiger Mochas held its last Friday morning pop-up coffee shop of the 2022-2023 school year. Tiger Mochas was established in 2016 at AHS to teach students with special needs job skills to better prepare them for employment postgraduation, including how to make change, prepare menus, interact with customers, and of course how to make delicious cups of joe, whether it is hot or iced. This initiative began as an avenue to fund travel for the students’ off-campus educational experiences but has blossomed into a staple at Auburn High School, creating a more inclusive culture among students, faculty, and staff. Over the past seven years, Tiger Mochas has also provided coffee-centric beverage services for countless community organizations, events, and special occasions in Auburn!

What’s “Old” Is “New” for Today’s Kids

Kids these days! I bet you have heard your grandparents or parents say this, or maybe you have even said it. If you are north of 30, you probably have. It seems every generation thinks the younger generation is just “too much” or “not enough” according to the older generation’s standards. Too much music and TV and not enough outside time was the complaint my grandparents leveled at my generation.

Today’s parents and grandparents probably believe “too much device time and not enough outside time.” This brings me to a thread of consistency over generations; we must get our kids outside. Why is this important?

According to Google: “If you spend time outdoors in green spaces, your cortisol levels decrease. When your cortisol levels decrease, your stress and anxiety decline, and you gain better control of your emotions, including fear and anger. Without stress, your body functions as it should.” But beyond this, why is it essential for our kids to be outdoors?

Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time exploring nature had improved learning outcomes. Kids were more positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they had less anger and aggression. When we get outside, we simply breathe better. Our bodies settle. Fight or flight mode decreases. All of these positive outcomes are the opposite of what happens when we stay inside and on devices. Also, spoiler alert, if you sit outside but stay on your phone, you negate the benefits of being outside. The whole point is to engage with nature.

What is really interesting is that our bodies instinctively tell us that we feel better when we are away from our devices. Previous generations not only know this, but they also honor what their bodies need.

Today’s generation has gotten good at not listening to their bodies cues.

The noise from devices and social media is much stronger than our bodies’ subtle nudge until it is too late. What do I mean by too late? I mean after we begin showing signs of anxiety, depression, frustration, and loneliness. But we can combat this by listening to the generations before us.

What feels “old hat’ to our grandparents will feel “new” to our kids today. Going outside for a walk, digging in the dirt to plant a garden, fishing, swimming in a stream, sitting out for a cold drink with friends…these things feel “new” to our kids. They may not be used to these activities and do not know how good they make them feel until they actually do them. It is becoming more and more apparent that we must teach new generations these “old hat” tricks.

Kids born this year will never know a world without AI. Their lives will be inundated with technology. And I, for one, do not believe that our children will have evolved so much in the next 15-20 years that they will struggle less than today’s youth with the constant technology. I believe the opposite is accurate, and they will struggle even more.

Evolution is slow for a reason. Change needs to be slow. We can help our children and grandchildren by teaching them to listen to those subtle cues. Listen to their bodies. Take them outside. Teach them to get their hands dirty, go for walks, and drink lemonade on the front porch.

In an overcomplicated world, this seems so simple. But it is not only incredibly effective at combating the psychosocial and emotional issues our kids face today due to devices; it prepares them for years to come. It is our way “out” of the constant stress of the online world. It is the answer that we consistently look for. It is free. It is simple.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

In grade school my son loved celebrating his summer birthday with a big party that included family, friends and everyone in his class. But after the last slice of cake was eaten and all the guests had gone home there was still one activity left, opening the pile of gifts. It became overwhelming and reached the point where his birthday seemed bigger than Christmas. It was time for a lesson in giving.

If your child is overloaded with gifts on his or her birthday, or if you feel it is time to teach the gift of giving, consider hosting a charitable birthday party this year. Your child will still enjoy celebrating his or her big day with friends and family. But instead of bringing a gift, ask your guests to bring a donation to a charity of your child’s choice. So your child won’t completely miss out on the new bike they’d been hoping for, limit gift giving to just family members. Or one big present from mom and dad.

Here are some ideas to get the party started

For your sporty child: Consider an activity like swimming, soccer, indoor ice skating, miniature golf, bowling, a bounce house at home or an indoor inflatables destination. Ask your guests to bring new or used shoes and clothing for Soles4Souls (soles4souls.org). This organization distributes donations to the needy in the United States and countries in Central and South America and Africa. Or find a local charity that accepts used

For the animal lover: Contact your local humane society to find out if they host kid’s birthday parties. If not, throw the party at home and have the kids make toys, blankets or anything else your humane society suggests for their homeless pets. Or take a trip to the zoo. Ask your guests to donate to the World Wildlife fund (worldwildlife.org) and they can adopt an animal they’d like to help. Adoptable animals include elephants, penguins, tigers and panda bears. Or, if you’re brave enough, throw a party with the local lizard guy at your house. Encourage guests to make donations to Heifer International (heifer.org) and let kids pick from a gift of goats, a present of pigs or any of the other animals Heifer International will provide to needy families in third world countries. The National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) also maintains an adopt an animal program. With a donation you can adopt a gray wolf, harp seal or great horned owl to name a few.

For your little chef: These days cooking is all the rage and it isn’t just for adults anymore. Try hosting a cooking party for your little food lover. Check to see if there is a local venue like a specialty grocery store or cooking school that hosts parties for kids. Or a business that will come to your home and conduct a class. Or even a mobile culinary school. If not, use your own kitchen and host a pizza making party. Provide chef hats and individual pizza crusts for each child and a variety of toppings and let them make their own pie. Or make homemade ice cream and provide a choice of toppings like fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, candies, or crushed cookies. Ask your guests to bring food to donate to your local food pantry.

Host a Happy Doll party: For a child who loves dolls, Happydoll.org provides dolls and all the materials needed so your guests can decorate a doll for a needy child. Each guest gets a cloth doll and non-toxic pens to design their own unique doll. Each doll has a specific tracking code so you can track where each decorated doll has traveled. Dolls are shipped to needy children throughout the U.S., and throughout the world including Haiti, India and China.

For the generous child: If your child just wants a simple but fun birthday party without a specific theme, host a cake and ice cream, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, musical chairs, and piñata kind of party that you may have enjoyed as a child. Consider donating to the children’s ward of a local hospital or to Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities. Or collect books and school supplies to donate to a church or other organization that helps local kids in need.

And if you want to send a little something home with your generous guests, say goodbye to the junk of the goody bag and try one of these simple ideas instead: make a craft like a friendship bracelet or a rubber band bracelet, ice cream cone gift certificate, local kid’s restaurant small gift certificate, sidewalk chalk, small book, homemade snacks like granola, trail mix or muffins (be sure to check for allergies.)

Is the Threat of De-Dollarization Real?

Q. I’m hearing more and more about “dedollarization” and how several countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade. Will this affect the strength of the dollar, and should I be concerned about how I’m saving and investing because of this?

A. First and foremost, I care enough about you to say you may be spending way too much time on the internet, buddy. You’re drifting into the realm of conspiracy theories here, so let’s slow down and take a look at some facts.

China, Brazil and Russia are the three main players in all this. They already don’t use the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade—all three have their own currency, and there’s a conversion rate between all those currencies and the

U.S. dollar. Those three countries, along with some of the oil-producing countries from the Middle East they’re trying to get on board with the idea, are talking about developing one currency they all use. In international trade, that currency would be converted back and forth to dollars— much like what Europe did with the euro. Which, by the way, really hasn’t worked out so well. Are those countries going to be able to devalue the dollar by doing that? No. Why? Because while those countries take up a lot of land mass, they don’t take up a lot of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the world. The United States still represents the vast majority of the world’s GDP. Sure, China’s big in that regard. But

Russia doesn’t bring much to the table, and Brazil is barely scraping by in a failed economy. Plus, they’re tiny as far as economics are concerned. I mean, Texas probably has a larger GDP than Brazil.

In other words, they just don’t have the muscle to take down the dollar mathematically speaking. Now, if they do manage to put this idea together, it still won’t end in “de-dollarization.” The dollar will not be done away with. Even if they create their own currency, they’re still going to have to trade with the 800-pound gorilla, which is America. And they’re going to have to trade with us in dollars.

Am I worried about this? Not one bit. And you shouldn’t be either.

When I received the invite to my nephew’s, pirate party I was worried. The event was being held during the winter time at his house so all the five-year-old kids would be cooped up. How would over twenty kids be entertained in a small area indoors? Would I hear so many chaotic screams of “Arrr’s” and “Ahoy’s” that I would want to walk the plank?

My fears subsided when I beheld the enormous cardboard-created pirate ship in their living room. If the boat hadn’t been so crowded with kids, then I would have jumped inside of it myself. When I noticed organized activity stations set up throughout the house, I knew all the kids would have a blast. The party was a huge success that my kids still talk about four years later.

The pirate party isn’t the only impressive at-home one my sister and brotherin-law, Tara and Mike, have hosted. They had other events for my nephew and two nieces. The themes of their parties include knights and princesses, western cowboys and cowgirls, fairies and gnomes, Star Wars, and pirates. For all their parties they created a life-size cardboard centerpiece such as a castle or western town for the kids to play in and games centered around the theme along with a favor to take home. Homemade treats and a cake are abundant at every gathering.

So, what is the secret to throwing an epic birthday party on a dime?

Planning In Advance

The Stull Family is already planning the next unicorn theme party for June. They get ideas from Pinterest and other craft- ing websites. Sometimes they brainstorm ideas on their own. This planning helps them to have enough time to create all the activities and cardboard centerpiece.

Potential Savings: $25-$50. Advanced planning allows them to buy sale items and use coupons.

Homemade

Almost everything at parties are homemade from the cardboard centerpieces to the games, food and favors. This significantly cuts down the cost of the parties which were all under $200.

Potential Savings: $50-$75 by not buying a store-bought cake, games or favors.

Team Work

Tara and Mike Stull work together creating the life-size centerpiece, games, favors and homemade baking. They also include their kids in the process of coming up with ideas and creating the items. By working together, they don’t become too overwhelmed with the planning and creating that is involved. It also makes the process more fun for the entire family.

Potential Savings: $25-$50 by working together, the less they need to purchase store bought items.

Old School Games With A Theme

At the parties, they offer simple games that everyone loves, and they incorporate the theme into the game. Instead of a typical water gun fight, they created a water gun shooting range in the western theme party. Or instead of pin the tail on the donkey it was pin the lightsaber on Yoda for the Star Wars theme party. Some other games they played are a pirate scavenger hunt for gold coins, relay cowboy horse races and beware of the shark cardboard toss bean bag game.

Potential Savings: $100-$200 by not hosting the party at an outside venue such as a play gym, bowling alley or laser tag place.

Finding Free or Discounted Items

Tara and Mike asked local appliance stores for free cardboard boxes to create the centerpiece, games, and favors. They also got deeply discounted “mistake paint” for a quarter of the price (around $9 instead of $40) that people returned because they didn’t like the color from Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Potential Savings: $25-$50 by not purchasing cardboard boxes, games and favors also savings from purchasing mistake paint which can be used for crafts, games or painting the cardboard centerpieces.

Using Coupons and Purchasing Sale Items

They purchase some of the items at Michael’s and other craft stores using coupons. They also use coupons at the grocery store to buy the food for the party. Coupons can be found at the store’s website or app or by signing up for the store’s emails. Also coupons can be found at online coupon website like Coupons.com.

Potential Savings: $50-$100 by using coupons and purchasing sale items.

Selling on Craigslist or Marketplace

After the last party, they sold some games they made for $30. They plan to do this for future parties.

Potential Savings: $50-$100 depending on the items created and sold. You could also sell your household items prior to the event to help fund it.

Who’s Ready to Party?

These parties are a lot of work, but the whole family loves creating a memorable event. I know that we are anxiously awaiting the next unicorn party. Who knows maybe we will even spy a real one?

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

Fresh vegetables are in abundance this time of year and this month’s Dinner’s Ready recipe will allow you to use many of them.

“I am sharing one of my favorite recipes, especially for this time of year! It’s the Garden Vegetable Pie,” shared Leah Smith of Auburn. “I love this one because so many of the ingredients come straight from my garden. It’s also very versatile. You can easily use it as the main course or a side dish. Everyone in my family enjoys it, even the boys!”

Leah has been married to her husband Brad for 11 years and together they have two boys: Sam (9) and Will (5). The family loves to be outdoors together; hiking and exploring are some of their favorite things to do.

“I love to be outside in my garden and really take in God’s creation around me... the bees, the blooms, the birds, the blossoms. I am always in awe of how intricately my Heavenly Father designed His creation,” said Leah. She further shares that she is in her garden as often as possible and is happy to plant just about anything - pumpkin, watermelon, corn. If it will grow, in the dirt it will go.

“I suppose my love for gardening and growing vegetables came from a dear family friend, Mr. Bill. When I was a little girl, I loved spending time in Mr. Bill’s garden. He was a dear friend of our family and very close to my daddy,” Leah reminisced. “I cherish the time I spent with the two of them in the garden. Much of what I know about growing vegetables and my love of gardening is owed to Mr. Bill.”

When she is not joyfully cooking for her family or gardening, you will find Leah baking and decorating cookies or decorating her home.

“I love to decorate for all holidays, even the smaller ones like St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas in July! God has given us so many blessings and there’s always a reason to celebrate.”

Garden Vegetable Pie

This recipe is from Tastes Better from Scratch and written by Laura Allen.

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust

• 3 tomatoes, peeled and sliced (Romas work best)

• 1 small zucchini, sliced into rings

• 1 small yellow squash, sliced into rings

• 1/2 cup sweet or red onion, sliced

• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)

• 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

• Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink in one layer. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes.

3. Use a paper towel to pat-dry the tomatoes and make sure most of the excess juice is out. (You don’t want very wet tomatoes or your pie will turn out soggy).

4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season zucchini and squash with salt and pepper. Saute the squash in a single layer for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel.

5. Layer the zucchini, squash, tomato slices, and onion on the bottom of the pie shell. (Make sure pie shell is pre-baked and completely cool to avoid sogginess). Sprinkle basil on top.

6. Combine the grated cheeses and mayonnaise together. Smooth cheese mixture over the top and sprinkle parmesan

7. Bake for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.

8. To serve, cut into slices and serve warm.

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 17 years. Together they have three incredible children – two boys, ages 16 and nine, and a sweet girl who will be two in August.

Gabriele is a full-time Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Gulf Shores.

Cakes and Finger Foods

Bruster’s Ice Cream

2172 E University Drive, Auburn

Ice cream cakes and pies are loaded with personality.

334-821-9988

Cakeitecture Bakery

124 South 8th Street, Opelika

Baking and decorating mixed with architecture and construction... with imagination, the potential is endless!

334-246-3002 www.cakeitecture.com

Crumbl Cookies

2638 Enterprise Drive, Opelika

Crumbl offers gourmet desserts and treats ready to be delivered straight to your door. We also offer in-store and curbside pickup from our locally owned and operated shop. Our cookies are made fresh every day and the weekly rotating menu delivers unique cookie flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

334-203-4783 www.crumblcookies.com/alauburn

Dairy Queen

2019 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika

DQ® Treatzza Pizza® / DQ® Cakes / DQ® Blizzard® Cakes / DQ® Mini Blizzard® Cakes. 334-742-9500 www.dairyqueen.com

GiGi’s Cupcakes

3794-G Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. Create your own Birthday Box.

334-275-4331 www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/ pages/opelika-alabama

Great American Cookies

1627 Opelika Road (inside the mall), Auburn Cookies for special days...just choose design and add your message.

334-821-4553 www.greatamericancookies.com

O-Town Ice Cream

700 2nd Avenue, Opelika

Delicious decisions, there’s a story in every flavor. 334737-5700 www.facebook.com/otown icecream/

The Yard Milkshake Bar

147 North College St, Auburn www.theyardmilkshakebar.com

We offer premium ice cream and are widely known for our over-the-top milkshakes! We also offer eight flavors of edible cookie dough and over 50 topping options! Tag us on Instagram for a chance at a repost of your beautiful milkshake creations!

Entertainment

Dr. Magical Balloons

Provides creative shows and plays various characters such as Santa Claus. Creates amazing balloon art.

334-444-5467 www.drmagicfun.com

Farmer Brown’s Party Animals

929 Lee Rd #14, Auburn

Two party options. We bring the party to you.. specializing in petting zoos and pony rides. Our large petting zoo is perfect for any church or school event! With this service option, we bring the animals to your location and set up our panel pens. We usually bring 10-12 animals ranging from our camel to mini horses to sheep and goats. Or....Farm Party on Our Farm: Farm parties include a small animal petting zoo, pony rides and a hayride around the farm.

334-209-1777 farmerbrownspartyanimals.com

Kona Ice

Party truck will bring tropical shaved ice for a sweet, cold treat.

334-707-3650 www.kona-ice.com/local-site/ kona-ice-of-auburn-opelika-columbus/

Equipment/Rental

4 Party Plus Rentals

Rentals include inflatalbes, slides, games, concessions, characters and more. www.4partyplus.com

Alpha-Lit Auburn www.alphalitletters.com/auburnmontgomery

Offering the highest quality marquee letters to customize your event.

Auburn Backyard Entertainment www.facebook.com/auburnbackyardentertainment/

We offer movie screens, projectors, audio, karaoke, black light mini golf, spa parties and more.

KoKo’s Event Center and Planning

1702 Catherine Court, Auburn

Our services in event center venue, event planning and referral, and event equiptment rental. Kokos Event Center is a unique event venue for every type of small celebration. I’m here to make sure that each event I’m involved with is inspiring, extraordinary and unforgettable. From initial planning to selecting the perfect catering and concept, I’ll assist you every step of the way until I deliver a stunning result beyond imagination.

334-728-2476 kokoseventcenter@gmail.com www.kokoseventcenter22.com

Space Walk of Auburn

Offering a selection of space walks, wet/dry slides, obstacle course, games and more.

334-887-5437 www.herecomesfun.com/branches/Georgia/auburn-columbus

The Great Indoors

We are a small event company specializing in indoor camping experiences for sleepovers, backyard movie nights, and picnics. www.thegreatindoorsao.com

Miscellaneous

Auburn Parks and Recreation

425 Perry Street, Auburn

Rent a party space. Offering multiple gymnasiums, parks with pavilions, game rooms, ceramic studio and more.

334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika

Rent a party space. Offering multiple gymnasiums, parks with pavilions, game rooms, ceramic studio pools and splash pad.

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Outdoor Parks

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center ad on page 20

222 North College Street, Auburn

The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is a wonderful destination for themed nature-based birthday parties! Trained teacher/naturalists provide age-appropriate programs for children and youth. Each party includes a 20- to 45-minute program with hands-on activities and animal encounters, 30-minute nature hike, and t-shirt for the birthday child (1 per party). Many themes to choose from including Nuts for Nature, Frogs and Fun, Radical Reptiles, Incredible Insects, Art in Nature, and Warm for the Winter. Also, Critter Caravan can come to you!

334-707-6512 www.auburn.edu/preserve

Auburn City Parks

425 Perry Street, Auburn

Outdoor pools: Samford and Drake, Bowden

Park, Felton Little Park, Town Creek Park, Hickory Dickory Park, Kiesel Park, Martin Luther King Jr Park, Moores Mill Park and Sam Harris Park.

334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika City Parks

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika Aquatic Pool, splash park, Floral Park, Municipal Park and Springvilla Park.

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery Sights and sounds of the zoo makes for a perfect spot for a party. Pavilions and playground area.

334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Decorations/Invitations/ Paper Goods

Check It Out!

239 North Gay Street , Auburn Costumes, balloon bouquets and arches, party products, gifts wooden cut outs, sorority gifts and more. Check-It-Out offers balloon deliveries, balloon decor, gift baskets, flower arrangements, cake & cookie deliveries, sorority merchandise, and large bulk deliveries. We offer the largest selection of balloons in every shape and size.

334-826-0308 www.check-it-outballoons.com

Hobby Lobby

2570 Enterprise Drive, Opelika

Party supplies, invitations, crafts and more. 334-745-2730 www.hobbylobby.com

Lynn’s Hallmark

1627 Opelika Road (inside the mall), Auburn Party invitations and unique gifts.

334-887-9889

Michael’s Store

1550 Opelika Rd, Suite 8, Auburn Party supplies, invitations, crafts and more. 334-246-2804 www.michaels.com

Party City

2534 Enterprise Drive, Opelika

One-stop store for all your celebrations. 334-745-1568 www.partycity.com

Photographer

Memories in Motion Photo Bus ad on page 15

Auburn www.memoriesinmotionphotobus.com

The combination of our beautiful VW Bus, the Ultimate collection of props, and photo booth shenanigans will keep your guests interacting, laughing, and coming back for more! Call us for more details.

Simple Joy Photographer ad on page 21

Auburn

Specializing in child, newborn, family and couple photography in the Auburn/Opelika, Alabama area. I strive to combine traditional and lifestyle photography to create beautiful images that freeze time and celebrate every season of life! Call today for an appointment.

334-707-7900 www.simplejoyphoto.com

Auburn

Full service studio, specializing in contemporary artistic portraiture of children, tweens, teens and families.

334-663-3343 www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

Places to Party- Fun Zone

Rock ‘n Roll Pinball ad on Inside Front Cover

815 South Railroad Avenue, Opelika

We are Family and Party Friendly. Amy Briggs will work with you to set up the most fun, economical, and easy party experience you will ever have. Contact akb0049@auburn.edu; 28 Modern, Classic and Vintage Pins, 2 Multicade Video Arcades playing over 500 games, a golden tee game, drinks/snacks, private party room and more! 334-363-7625 www.rocknrollpinball.com

Great Wolf Lodge

150 Tom Hall Parkway, LaGrange

Offering indoor water park fun and dry-land adventures for the entire family. Our resort near Atlanta features kid-friendly activities, dining options, an adult-friendly wine down service, and more all under one roof. Your stay includes access to the 93,000-sq. ft. water park’s pools and slides, kept warm at 84-degrees year-round 844.473.9653 www.greatwolf.com/georgia

AMF Auburn Lanes

719 Opelika Road, Auburn

Every party package includes bowling lanes, shoes, party supplies and great food and drinks. 334-887-6573 www.amf.com

Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive, Auburn

Work as a team to unlock clues and escape. 334-329-7088 www.auburnescapezones.com

Cyber Zone

107 North 9th Street, Opelika

CyberZone Entertainment features some of the best attractions in the world! Including an all new laser tag and equipment, VR experiences such as Hologate and Kong VR, relaunched Esports Arena, and the latest and greatest arcade video and ticket games. CyberZone Entertainment Center has the dedicated party spaces and an expert planning team ready to accommodate birthday parties for kids and adults of all ages.

334-737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com

Good Times

750 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn Entertainment center offering guests 16 boutiquestyle bowling lanes, 30 arcade games, 2 escape rooms, 2 party rooms, and a full-service restaurant & bar.

334539-3131 www.goodtimesbowling.com

Sing Sing Karaoke

3794 Pepperell Parkway, Suite A, Opelika Sing karaoke for your party. Rent small to large private room space.

334-759-7087

Surge Trampoline Park

2506 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Indoor trampoline park with multiple areas to explore.

334-737-5599 www.surgeopelika.com

Places to PartyIce Skating

Columbus Ice Rink

400 4th Street , Columbus Ice skating party packages, complete with activities and a private area to eat and enjoy the rest of your celebration.

706-225-4500 www.columbusicerink.org

Eastdale Mall Ice Palace

1000 Eastdale Mall, Montgomery Ice skating or broom ball.

334-277-2088 www.facebook.com/eastdale mallicepalace

Places to PartyArtistic/Creative

Buff City Soap Auburn ad on page 7

312 West Magnolia Avenue, Auburn

Book your Buff Event! Make Memories And Custom Mini Bath Bombs With Friends, Family, And Co-Workers. Offering Kid’s Birthday Bash, Ladies Night Out, or create your own event. 1.5 hours of hands-on party time reserved in the Makery. Your guests will experience Makery Magic firsthand, learn all about our handmaking process, and make up to 5 custom Mini Bath Bombs of their own! Food and drinks are welcome in most Makeries. Keep the fun going with a Custom Half or Full Loaf of Soap to make your Buff Event truly unforgettable! Contact your local Makery to learn how to make your Buff Event even more magical!

334-521-4222 buffauburn@gmail.com www.partywithbuff.com

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

901 South College Street, Auburn

An exciting environment to hold social gatherings, presentations, performances and birthday parties.

334-844-1484 www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Opelika Parks and Recreation: Ceramics Party 1102 Denson Drive, Opelika

Please check with main office for more information. 334-705-5547 www.opelika.org

Places to Party-Fun Zone

OWA Parks and Resort ad on page 5 101-North South OWA Blvd, Foley, Al 36535

Celebrate your special day at Tropic Falls! Book your birthday with us and take the worry out of your party planning. At the heart of our 520-acre destination is Tropic Falls, featuring 23 themepark rides and the region’s biggest indoor water park plus Big Water Bay’s outdoor wave pool with surf simulator, Coastal Curl. Just outside the ticketed areas is Downtown OWA—pedestrian-only streets filled with dining, shopping & entertainment choices.

251-923-2111 www.visitowa.com

Auburn Putt Putt & Event Center 891 Co Rd 395, Auburn

Auburn’s Highest Rated Wheel Chair Accessible Putt-Putt Golf Course and Event Venue. Contact us to book our venue for your next event or birthday party. At Auburn Putt-Putt we offer a full covered area with tables, chairs, grills, and stone brick ovens. Perfect for hosting any event such as birthday parties, family reunions, or organization retreats.

334-444-0497 www.auburnputtputt.com

Places to PartyMartial Arts

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts ad on page 27

2515 East Glenn Avenue, Opelika

Birthday kid is a black belt ninja for the day and break a board.

334-887-0818 www.auburnmma.com

KidStrong Auburn

ad on page 29

1530 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

One Party, Private Party, Your Party! You get the entire use of a state-of-the-art center floor with action-packed ninja courses, and more! Not only are KidStrong parties fun for the kids but you get to sit back and enjoy while we take care of everything! Did we mention you don’t need to do anything but have fun? Two Professional Coaches: We provide you two high energy professional Coaches that will run your party with non stop movement and activities! They will set up, clean up and serve any food you provide.

334-780-1118 www.kidstrong.com/locations/auburn

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Road, Suite J, Auburn

Be a black belt for the day with games and fun. Break a board too.

334-502-7221 www.auburnacademy.com

World Champion Taekwondo

300 North Dean Road, #6, Auburn 90 minutes of supervised fun including martial arts instruction, board breaking and games. Birthday kid will cut the cake with a real sword! You can expect non-stop games, activities, challenges, and even learning some martial arts the whole way!

334-329-7117 www.martialartsauburn.com

Places to PartyRestaurants

Brick Oven Pizza

2520 Enterprise Drive, Opelika

Create own pizza from scratch.

334-745-0223 www.brickovenonline.com

Chick-fil-A

2052 Tiger Town Parkway, Opelika Indoor playground.

334-741-7112

McDonald’s Ronald Drive, Auburn Indoor playground.

334-821-5303

Niffer’s Place

917 South Railroad Avenue, Opelika

Fun atmosphere for parties.

334-787-5989 www.niffersplace.com

The 19th Hole of Auburn

1120 South College Street, Auburn

Eat. Drink. Putt. Private and semi-private rentals for an array of event types.

334-328-3033 www.ccauburn.com

Sports

Auburn University Kid’s Club

392 South Donahue Drive, Auburn

Party with the Auburn tigers! Packages for Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Gymnastics, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Volleyball and Equestrian.

334-844-9526 auburntigers.com/kidsclub

One of the best things I started doing as a mom was unconsciously implementing rhythms into my day.

They’re things that trigger other things or things triggered by other things.

These do not have to be complicated!

Rhythms are some of the most-autopilot-type things we, as moms, do throughout our day. They are likely ones you’re already doing and just haven’t specifically named. These can be applied to cleaning, getting out of the house, naptime, quiet time. Any time!

For example, I have rhythms that are literally visual signals for my kids, my family, or myself. At breakfast when we wake up, I open the shades and the back door to let the light in. At naptime midday, I turn off the big overhead lights. At bedtime, my nightstand lamp goes on. These help my brain (and my kids!) to visualize and understand our day is starting, or “Hey, it’s rest time, let’s be calm.” Or, “okay time to wind down for the night.”

These things can happen; and likely do — naturally. But you can also slowly set them in place to serve you and your daily flow of living. Whether you are a stay-at-home, work-athome, or work-out-of-the-home mom or dad, you are busy and you need these!

While the ones I use might look different than the ones you do, here are just some that have been particularly helpful to me in this season of young kids.

Morning Rhythms

In the morning while I let the dog out, I click on the coffee maker to brew. My daughter starts her morning preschool work at the dining room table, which I have set out the night before, and I put my toddler in his chair for breakfast. While they are sitting and contained, I put away the dishes set out to dry the night before and empty the dishwasher.

To help me with my rhythm I look for triggers to go to that next step. Dog outside = press the coffee maker, kids contained = put away dishes without my one-year-old opening all the cabinets or grabbing at the glass plates.

These are the crucial first moments of our day, and while things don’t always run smoothly and perfectly, I can depend on them to get me started. Simplicity wins. And it also helps us function. So do rhythms that involve coffee because... priorities, right!?

Nap Time Rhythms

Every nap time, I put my youngest down and immediately throw in a load of laundry, make a cup of coffee, then sit at my computer to work. When my son wakes up from his afternoon nap, I grab pajamas for both kids to wear to bed while I am already upstairs and then set them in the bathroom on the counter. You may think getting pajamas to wear five hours later sounds insane, but hear me out.

It seems almost silly or trivial, but when they’re in the bath downstairs at 6:30 p.m. and their pajamas are upstairs in their dressers, no one’s leaving kids unattended to grab them. Signals and rhythms, once again, saving the evening chaos from more chaos!

I also do a speedy ten-minute pickup of the main areas during nap time to “reset” the day. This is quite literally a visual signal for reset, much like opening the blinds at the start of the day.

My major nap time triggers are: come down the stairs and pass the laundry room = start the washer, turn his sound machine off = grab pajamas.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Evening Rhythms

Every night I load the dishwasher after dinner. I also preset the coffee maker to run smoothly in the morning. Big lights in the main areas go off, lamps go on. Dishes get washed and set out on the mat to dry to be put away in the morning. When I shower at night, I set out my pajamas and also set out my clothes for the next day on my dresser.

My triggers here are: turning on the shower = get PJs as well as clothes for the next day, kids ready for bed = big lights off, coffee maker prepped, load dishwasher.

Cleaning Rhythms

For cleaning-specific rhythms, I do at least one load of laundry a day. I change the sheets generally on Sundays, but definitely on the weekend. I don’t have a specific schedule I follow for cleaning, but try to weave in these signals throughout my days and week.

I have tried a schedule like “Monday – vacuum, Tuesday –wash all the laundry, Wednesday – deep clean the kitchen” and it doesn’t work for our changing life and daily routine. If this works for you, great!

Smaller and more subtle triggers feel less overwhelming to me. The biggest difference I’ve found in leaning into rhythms and triggers is that they are habit-forming guides and they just tend to stick longer. I’ve found that strict and detailed daily cleaning schedules feel almost defeating to me because our days look different from week to week. If I don’t follow the “Monday Schedule” exactly, I feel too defeated to attempt Tuesdays, and then I’m thrown off for the whole week. A lot of the time, in changing seasons, rigid schedules don’t last.

If I know I’m going to bed every night or that I pick up the kitchen after the kids are asleep, I can instill things into our routine based on those things. Not just because it happens to be Thursday night.

Wrap Up

These routines and habits serve me and my household. They may not look like yours and that’s okay (you may enjoy creating systems instead!). Take some time after reading this to think about your day and what you already do. Maybe write down some rhythms you notice you do already. Or take note for a whole day and jot down some of the things you need to get done.

Can you give your kids or yourself a way to remember how to do them, a way to connect them to something else? Identify the signals that trigger them and evaluate how you can do them more efficiently or even at all. See the routines serving you in your house already, what needs to be altered, and what can be tossed aside in the season of life you are in. These habits and rhythms are not to make you and your household run like robots! They are simply tools, which later turn into unconscious habits.

When we spend so much time at home, it is important to create a sense of fluidity and flow within our days. Habits triggered by signals or other routines are the easiest ways I’ve found to adopt this mentality. Your house will be running smoothly in no time! Well...as smooth as it can with kids running around, let’s be real.