31 Days---Day 16

Yesterday was a whirl wind of activity. We had a Student Council meeting afterschool, bought three pairs of basketball high tops and took MagPie for her birthday dinner at Olive Garden. It's a 45 minute drive with the crazy traffic even on a Wednesday evening. Luckily for us, the schools in the county where we attend church was out for fall break, so no activities, we could celebrate. We waited for 45 minutes and as busy as they were we ate for over an hour, mostly waiting on more bowls of endless chicken and gnocchi soup. I about died when we pulled into Krispy Kreme for her birthday doughnuts for her school party today. The hot sign was on. If I didn't have to weigh in at Weight Watchers Saturday morning and hadn't ate three bowls of soup already I would have consumed a dozen right there. I restrained and left them in the car overnight. Bad mistake, let me tell you. The car smelled like doughnuts this morning. Maggie has outgrown her food allergies of white potatoes, mushrooms, peanuts, navy beans and chocolate, but she still doesn't like to eat cupcakes so she always takes Krispy Kreme. The kids at school love it. Many of them never get doughnuts at least not that brand.

Maggie is 11 years old. She is one of the most thoughtful, loving kids you will ever meet. I often tell her it's not fair she's got it all brains, beauty, creativity, athleticism, the works. She can do anything she sets her mind on. She has wanted to be a missionary since she was in the 2 year old Sunday School class with Mrs. Mary. She plans to be a large animal veterinarian so that she can travel oversees and help animals and tell others about Christ. Maggie is the "Mother" to every kid she ever meets who needs one. Maggie is perfect in every way. Happy birthday, Maggie!

 

   

 

                         

Titanic Family Adventure

Yea, I know it's not supposed to be an adventure, although I think that's what it started out as for so many aboard, almost 101 years ago. While it is an intriguing story for so many of us it is a very sad story also.

It's a story that our family has had the privilege to experience several times over the last year and half. We went for our first time in June 2011 and fell in love with the Titanic and her story. Read all about it  here! Mattie, my history buff would move in I believe, because she learns something new every time she goes. We visited again in April 2012 for the 100 year Tribute to the Titanic. What a celebration of life and a memorial to those aboard.

We visited on Thanksgiving. The Titanic was beautifully decorated for Christmas, but there was a special treat that night, fireworks and snow. The fireworks were beautiful and the snow was wonderful.  I have some really neat pictures but for some reason they won't load, sorry.

From the 100 Year Tribute

We love the Titanic Crew. Every single person is always so warm and welcoming when they see you. This evening was no different, even though they were missing out on family time. Even Mrs. Joslyn one of the owners herself was there. I think it is really neat that the Joslyn's are hands on with the Titanic. We have seen Mrs. Joslyn several times we have been there. The first time she told us about the timeline board. We didn't have any idea who she was at the time, but later learned her identity.

This year is the Year of the Child. Those who visit will learn the stories of the 133 children aboard the Titanic. There is also a Princess Tea Party coming up in April, for all those little girls in your life. And you won't want to miss the third annual Professional Ice Carving Competition on January 19th. Titanic will honor teachers again in February with a free ticket. January through May offers homeschoolers special rates.

Titanic is closed this week until January 11th for its cleaning and set up of the new exhibit honoring the children. But never fear,  I have a family pass to give away. I want you to have the opportunity to explore, remember and enjoy the excitement of the Titanic.

Leave me a comment below to enter to win the family pass which is good for two adults and four children. It expires February 28th so you will need to use it soon.

Tell me what intrigues you about the Titanic in the comments below to be entered to win.

You have until midnight January 11th to enter. I will use random.org to select a winner.

Disclaimer: I received a free family admission to the Titanic on Thanksgiving and received another to giveaway.

PS: You can click through any of the purple links to find out more about the Titanic.

Goodbye Summer

Ok, so today was the first day of school. I can't put in to words what are putt putt trip last week meant, or what today was like. If I could have figured out how to upload my slideshow I would have had you in tears. But anyway I hope you enjoy!

Last Trip Before School Starts

Oink, Oink, Oink

Hole in One

                   

Uh, wrong direction Maggie

Score keeping is hard.

See Mollie really was there!

Yes, I got in this year!

My how they've grown since last year! 

2011/2012 First Day Last Year Comparison!

Fall Break--Brandcation--Just What Momma Needs!

I came across this awesome website the other day, Mom Dot. I was perusing when I saw a post titled Win a ticket and lodging to Brandcation. As I scrolled down and saw this picture I thought, "I would love to vacation there."

As I read on I realized that those mountains are my mountains. Okay not exactly mine, but there the ones I see everyday, the Great Smoky Mountains. The more I read the more excited I became. There is a bloggers weekend close by.

I did pay attention to the first sentence that said, "we sold out." So the only way I will be able to attend is to win.

Why do I want to attend Brandcation? Well, I've been blogging for awhile and want to take my blog to the next level. I'm a people person, I love to meet new people. I'm a talker and I love to tell others about all the cool things I do.

Why would Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area be a great bloggers weekend for me? It's close by, I don't have to feel super guilty for leaving my husband with four kids for a few days. We visit the area regularly but haven't been to many of the attractions there. We shop at the outlets and camp and go to Dollywood, which is on the agenda. Would having a Dollywood pass already help me win?

Another great reason for me to attend is to pass the word to locals about all the great attractions we are missing out on. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/ Sevierville area needs an awesome blogger to tell the world all about it too. I would be a great spokesperson for the area.

The other reason I would like to go is by the first weekend in October, I'm going to need a break. A fall break in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. I would love to take that break and meet 33 outstanding bloggers, who I could learn from, spend time with, and maybe even make some new best friends.

Attending this Brandcation would help me make my blog a bigger presence on the World Wide Web, help me spread the word about everything Sevier County has to offer, give me a chance to make new friends, and give me a fall break I won't soon forget.

I would like to say thanks to Mom Dot,  Minnesota Blogger Life with Levi, and Toni at Just Stop Screaming for sponsoring this awesome giveaway and helping one lucky blogger with the cost of their ticket, lodging and expenses.

I would LOVE to be that lucky blogger, so alas good luck to all those who enter, and may the right one be chosen. I hope it's me!

Titanic Tribute Experience

Last night was the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. It was an honor to be part of this memorial celebration. Mikie had to work so the kids and I took Greta and went for our tour at 4 o'clock. Traffic was horrendous which is typical for Pigeon Forge especially on a Rod Run weekend.
Our family has toured the Titanic in Pigeon Forge before, but this was Greta's first time. She was so excited to be able to attend on this special occasion.

Waiting to board!

We received our boarding pass and listening devices and headed "onto" the ship. Each boarding pass tells the story of a passenger or crew member. We took our time and listened and read everything we saw. The kids were excited to find the people on their boarding passes throughout the museum. Maggie was really excited when she found out that Violet Jessop who was a member of the crew, survived and had written her memoirs, Titanic Survivor: The Memoirs of a Stewardess. 

Out of the six of us four survived only Mollie and I didn't make it that night. Once through the tour we shopped in the gift shop where I purchased our picture memorializing our trip on the Titanic on this fateful day.

Then we walked up the street to Salsarita's for dinner. We had never ate at one before and it was a new experience for us. The food was awesome. I was really glad there was no one behind us in line, because Michael had his usual "I don't know what I want," melt down at the counter. The walk through Pigeon Forge was a first for the kids. Yes, I know we used to park and walk all over Sevier County when we were young, but my kids have never experienced it. As I said earlier it was a Rod Run weekend, traffic was bumper to bumper, radio's blaring, people yelling out their windows, and of course the Rod Run must have burnouts right there in the middle of town. Michael was impressed with all the motorcycles. On our way back to the tribute we stopped for a picture.

 We had white tag VIP seats and it was first come seating, so we were six rows back which were really good seats for those of us who didn't have reserved seating. The kids were excited to see what was going to happen. They passed the time taking pictures and video as we waited. 

At 8 o'clock we literally jumped out of our seats as the Titanic blew it's horn and the announcer asked everyone to proceed to their seats. The cold chills were beginning. As dusk ensued, 8:30 approached and Captain EJ Smith began to tell us about that his final voyage as Captain. That trip was to be his last for he was to retire upon his return home. We met the families of many of those who were on the Titanic that night as they were introduced and seated on the front row. 

First Class Maid, Jaynee Peters was the host for the evening, members of the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders stood atop the ship and played their beautiful bagpipes and drums. The Circle Players presented scenes from Titanic the Musical and Sound Company Children's Choir was joined by a children's choir from Switzerland to sing. Allan Wolf author of  The Watch That Ends The Night:Voices from the TITANIC, read an excerpt from his book. Flares were set off as the stress signal was sounded that an iceberg had been struck. Clergy aboard the Titanic were also remembered by Father Joe Brando, Rev. Tom Sterbens who told of Baptist Pastor Robert Bateman and Rabbi Eric Carlson. 

 As the Eternal Flame was lit a young lady from North Carolina sang a beautiful rendition of My Heart Will Go On. A waterfall of fireworks fell from the deck of Titanic and the flame was lit below. The flame will burn 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

A moving tribute to celebrate the lives and death of those who were aboard the Titanic. We were moved, and honored to be able to attend. Maggie even said she hopes she will be able to attend the 200 year anniversary tribute. She would just be 108 then. Michael tried to put the number of years into perspective by reminding me of a special lady at my parent's church who was 2 years old when the Titanic sank. He said I know she wasn't there but do you think she remembers it? He hopes to see her soon so he can ask her.

We ended our evening with a 45 minute departure from the parking lot and a bathroom/snack break at McDonald's. The kids were in bed by midnight and I was not far behind. As I laid down I thought of what those passengers were going through at that particular time, as the panic was starting to set in. I thought of those who are descendants and the stories that have been passed down. I thought of how Easter had fallen on the Sunday before, just as it did this year. How Mikie and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary on April 11th the day the Titanic departed from Queensland, Ireland, and of the love of Isidor and Ida Strauss. Mrs. Strauss could have boarded a lifeboat but chose to stay at her husband's side, telling him, "We have lived together for many years, where you go I will go." What love, what true companionship and dedication to her marriage and husband. As I prayed for those who are still touched by this tragedy I began to drift off to sleep with a sadness in my heart that this event took place but happy to have been there.

Disclaimer: This post and opinions are my own. As a Mom Blogger, I was given tickets for the tour and VIP tickets for the tribute in exchange for sharing the Titanic with my readers. Thank you Titanic Museum Attraction!

"Giveaway: Win a Family Pass to the Titanic Museum Attraction during Titanic's 100th Year Anniversary"

I am so excited to be one of the Mom Bloggers for the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Our family visited the Titanic last summer, check out my post about our visit here.

In honor of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the Titanic Attraction in both Pigeon Forge and Branson are holding a special ceremony, on April 14th at 8:30 PM, to commemorate it's sinking.

As part of this tribute the Titanic Attraction is also giving away prizes everyday from now to April 14th on their Facebook Contest Page.

How would you like to visit the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge? I have a family pass for 2 adults and 4 children to giveaway here on my blog.

Here's how to win:


Required Entry:
What intrigues you the most about the Titanic? (Post your comment below)

Additional Entries:

• Follow mommyto4mjs on Twitter (or let me know if you already do)
• Follow Titanic on Twitter (or let me know if you already do)
• Like mommy to 4 mjs on Facebook (or let me know if you already do)
• Like Titanic Attraction on Facebook  (or let me know if you already do)

Remember to comment for each of the 5 above items. You have 5 chances to win. The contest ends April 1st at Midnight and I will use random.org on Monday, April 2nd to choose a winner. The family pass is for 2 adults and up to 4 kids and is good through 8/31/2012. It is not good for the April 14th Tribute event.

Disclaimer: I have received a family pass for the April 14th Tribute Event at the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge. 

Titanic comes to life

On June 11th our family had the privilege of visiting the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as part of the Mommy Bloggers group. Never having been to the Titanic the kids were more than a little excited about our trip. Although I had to repeatedly tell Michael, who is six,  we weren't sailing anywhere and we didn't need water for our trip, he still wasn't convinced. Our tour began with the 9:00 AM boarding. We were each given a boarding pass of a passenger that was on the actual Titanic. The boarding pass gave the passengers name, their class status, age and city of residence. Also on the boarding pass is a short story of the person it represents, telling who they were and why they were on the Titanic. The pass also includes a question, such as "Would there be a lifeboat for me?"

After receiving our boarding pass another member of the crew gave us each a listening device that we would use for the new audio tour. Our group was then ushered into the front room where we found out how our listening devices worked. The kids were so excited when we started through the museum. There are two different audio tours you can listen to. There is one for adults and one for children. On the wall there are plaques with numbers on them, blue for adults and red for children. You type in the number and press play. All four of our children loved being able to listen as they wanted to their own "story." Mollie, who is four, let me know real quick she knew what she was doing and needed NO help in punching in her numbers. As you listen to the adult tour you hear the voices of actual survivors of the Titanic as well as First Class Maid Jaynee. I listened to both tours in some areas and only to the kids in others. The biggest reason being that I wanted to be able to talk to the kids about what they were hearing.

As we moved from the first room into the second, there is a large map on the wall. The map showed the route the Titanic took. As we stepped up to the interactive panel in front of the map, Mary Kellogg, who along with her husband John Joslyn, (who led the 1986 expedition to the real Titanic), told how the Titanic left port and its future demise. She shared with our family her husband's desire to never let the Titanic, her passengers and their stories disappear. Her passion for this attraction was very evident in her telling of the Titanic. Personally it was my favorite part of the tour, to hear her passion and know that she is part of this important documentary of history.

We moved throughout the Titanic first seeing how Third Class passengers lived on the boat, visiting the dog kennel, shoveling coal into the furnace and ultimately standing at the bottom of the Grand Staircase.
We ascended the Grand Staircase after a visit with a crew member who told us about the materials used in building the staircase. On the next level we got to see the difference in Third Class living and First Class as we visited and learned of the wealthier passengers on the trip. We learned about three more of the passengers on our boarding passes.

A First Class Maid led Michael to a display to see the grossest thing on the ship. I locket of hair and beard. I can't remember the passengers name but he had cut it and mailed it to his wife. Michael thought it odd, but was more impressed with the maid's British accent, trying to decide if she really talked like that even when she wasn't on the Titanic.

Continuing on we steered the Titanic, touched an iceberg, felt the 28 degree water just like the passengers did that fateful night, sent SOS messages, climbed the deck at differing degrees of sinking and sat in a life size lifeboat. The kids played in the children's area and then we had our pictures made together.

We began to make our way to the end of our tour as we found the names on our boarding passes. Each of our passengers had survived the sinking. We saw pictures that were truly amazing and unbelievable. A room dedicated to the expedition to the Titanic tells of Mr. Joslyn's journey to the Titanic at the bottom of the ocean.

We turned in our audio tour devices and descended the Grand Staircase to make a visit to the gift shop. We purchased a thimble to remember our trip. Our nine year old, Mattie has talked about visiting the Titanic since it was being built. She was very pleased with her "awesome" tour and wanted to go back through. Maggie, our seven year old loved the dog kennel and trying to find Mademoiselle Frou Frou.
Michael was impressed that we had docked in the same exact spot the ship was in outside when we entered. Mollie liked the TotTitanic the best. Mike and I were very impressed with such detail and passion that has went into this museum. We are very thankful to have been able to be a part of this tour and see first hand what the Titanic was all about.

Someone asked me at church what I really thought of the Titanic. It is awesome, everyone should try to visit it at least once. Would I recommend it for small children under four, it depends. Mollie will be five next month and two hours was a little long for her, although the Tot-Titanic couldn't have come at a better point in the tour. If your child is four or younger it would depend on their attention span, but I would probably wait until they were a little older. I wish that I had remembered to print the scavenger hunt from the website before we went, mine would have loved to work on that. The website also has educational things on it and I should have done a little "teaching" before we went. It would have helped with all their questions, but we were able to talk and research more when we returned home. Mike who is a history buff researched about the sister ships of the Titanic and Mattie enjoyed sharing in another bit of history with her Daddy.

With that being said, go visit the Titanic, check out Titanic Museum online, friend them on Facebook at Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge, TN and follow them on Twitter at Titanic USA.

Disclaimer: Opinions in this blog are entirely mine. We received free admission to the Titanic as part of the mommy bloggers invite. Pictures found in this blog are from the Titanic Museum website as pictures are prohibited inside the museum.