Let My People Go: A Spiritual Journey Along The Underground Railroad

February is Black History Month and it's a historic time to delve deeper into the past of our country. We've had some ugly racist incidents in Pittsburgh over the past few years and it is important for us to acknowledge that racism is not behind us. The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh will be presenting this deeply moving story at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 15th. An incredible opportunity to learn more about our history and be a part of combating racism in our region. Tickets are expected to sell out. Check below for our discount link!

Let My People Go: A Spiritual Journey Along The Underground Railroad

February 15, 2019 - 7:30pm
Matthew Mehaffey, conducting the MCP
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Ave Pittsburgh PA 15219

This dramatic work, composed by award-winning, American composer Donald McCullough, interweaves 14 Negro Spirituals with a dramatic, historically-based script. The result is an experience audiences have called “visceral”, “spine-tingling,” and “deeply moving,” in premieres across the United States. We are honored to present this program at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

This project, the first collaboration between these two venerable Pittsburgh institutions, seeks to be a compelling example of unity amidst the current climate of emboldened racism, and to invite the community to experience the powerful story of African Americans’ journey towards freedom that is an indelible part of our national and regional history. MCP and Ebenezer Baptist Church intend the spirituals through which this story is told to uplift and galvanize, just as they inspired and guided the enslaved on their courageous journey.

After its premiere at the Kennedy Center, Let My People Go! was featured at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the museum’s inaugural activities. Audiences have described their experience as “moving,” “haunting,” “magnificent,” and “spine-tingling.”

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Located in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, the 143-year-old Ebenezer Baptist Church serves a diverse congregation near the actual location of an Underground Railroad stop. The church itself was a primary meeting place for local civil rights activists in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination.

Go here to purchase tickets (this link automatically applies a 10% discount!)  You can also access the discount by using promo code MOMS at their main webpage or calling the box office at 866-811-4111.

I am looking forward to seeing this powerful show!

$10 off at Idlewild's Hallowboo!

After our first visit in 2010, Idlewild quickly became a favorite yearly tradition for our family. With an amazing kiddieland, it's endless fun for our little people. They seem to have endless energy in enjoying Jumpin' Jungle. 😲 My kids became extra excited about the idea of a 2nd yearly visit when we were introduced to Hallowboo! All the fun of Idlewild, but with candy + extra treats? They were in!

Trick or Treat through Story Book Forest

A stroll through Story Book Forest is always a beloved experience for families visiting Idlewild. Featuring a winding path through a real forest, guests visit cottages and other character scenes from fairy tales and nursery rhymes. During HALLOWBOO, kids 12 and under are provided with a complimentary trick-or-treat bag that they can use to collect delicious treats from Goldilocks, Captain Candy, Little Red Riding Hood and many more! Treats provided by Snyder of Berlin and other candy favorites.

Ride the HALLOWBOO Express Railroad
The Loyalhanna Limited Rail Road transforms to the HALLOWBOO Express, featuring an 8 minute train ride through a not-too-scary Halloween themed adventure!

HALLOWBOO Shows
Shake out your bones and get ready to dance! Our deadly dance captains are going to cast a spell on you and make you Jack-O-Lantern Jive all night long! These classic dance hits will have you bouncing through the pumpkin patch as Idlewild presents the JACK-O-LANTERN JIVE! (4:00 and 5:00 PM)

As your spooky day comes to a close, be sure to join your favorite characters for an end of the day spooktacular celebration! We’ll be highlighting some of your favorite moments here at Hallowboo, and we need the help of all of our little monsters at Idlewild! Join us for a ghoulish good time as we end the day with a MONSTER MASH! (Following the 6:00 PM Jukebox Saturday Fright Show)

It’s a beautiful day in Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood and you’re invited to be a part of the fun! Join Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat for DANIEL TIGER’S GRR-IFIC DAY - a show full of make believe and good feelings as we learn how to share, try new things, and use our imaginations.

It’s the Idlewild you know and love, with a FUN, family-oriented, Happy Halloween Twist! Enjoy the rides and attractions of Olde Idlewild, Story Book Forest, Jumpin’ Jungle, Hootin’ Holler, Raccoon Lagoon kiddieland, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Plus, Trick-or-Treating through Story Book Forest, Live Entertainment, Costumed Characters, Themed Attractions and more! 

SAVE BIG!

We have discount tickets for admission to Idlewild's HALLOWBOO event on any (1) of the following dates: 

October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 ,27, 28, 2018. (Children Age 2 and under are always FREE!)

Gates & Story Book Forest open at 11:30 am | Rides & Attractions* operate 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Go here to purchase your discount tickets -  https://www.idlewild.com/Hallowbooblog

*SoakZone, Wild Mouse, Loggin’ Toboggan and Ricky’s Racers do not open for HALLOWBOO! Select other rides, attractions, small food stands and games may be closed.

Go get your tickets and have an amazing family day making memories!

ABOUT IDLEWILD & SOAKZONE - Founded in 1878 as a picnic ground along the Ligonier Valley Rail Road, Idlewild & SoakZone (Idlewild.com) is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and third-oldest in America. Idlewild is recognized as the world’s best amusement park for children per Amusement Today magazine (http://www.amusementtoday.com). 

Twitter: @Idlewildpark

Facebook: www.facebook.com/IdlewildPark

Instagram: @Idlewildpark

#HALLOWBOO

This post is sponsored by Idlewild, so I received compensation or products in exchange for my promotion. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse companies that my family doesn't love!

Countdown to Summer Fun!

If you have school-age kids, no doubt you have been counting down the days till summer break! In our household, we're down to single digits which is both exciting and terrifying. :) It will be awesome to have a break from the early morning routine of school, but at the same time...so many hours to fill! 😌 My kids love school and so I am probably more excited than they are at the break from school routine for a few months. But with four kids ages 5-9, I also know it's important to keep routine to our summer as well.  Summer is a great time to schedule less, hang out more and enjoy fun activities together. I am excited to use pghsummer18.org as a resource for our family this summer. We chose not to do many summer camps and will be traveling a bit throughout the summer, so this website is going to be the perfect resource for me to find daily activities on our free days.

We say a big thank you to Mayor William Peduto, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the United Way’ of Allegheny County's Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) and all the various child-serving organizations who are teaming up for Summer18 Dream! Explore! Do! The youth-centered campaign will provide thousands of local children, grades K-12, with fun, educational learning activities. 

I love that summer is a time to experience new activities, check out new (or new to us) venues, and most of all, have all the art projects done outside my home! (#amiright? 😅)

What is on your summer bucket list? Ours includes:

• Activities from the PghSummer18 Calendar
• The roving art cart
• Free movies in the park 
• Free indoor movies 
• Hiking at Fall Run Park 
• Free Super Summer Sports Camp
• Swimming at Raccoon Creek Beach
• Checking out new (to us) parks
• + much more! 

{Don't forget that kids under 15 can swim for free at Pittsburgh city pools when you register for a Recreation Center Membership pass.}

So here is to many happy summer memories! I hope you and your family have a great summer and find fun, unique and creative ways to enjoy our great city! Don't forget to stay updated with the PghSummer18 calendar for great ways to engage with your kids.

This post sponsored by the Summer 18 campaign. All opinions remain my own as I do not endorse venues that my family does not love!

#PGHSummer18

Vacation Giveaway with Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest

My family had the chance to stay at Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest two years ago and my kids have been talking ever since about the fun memories we created! So it was with GREAT excitement that I told them we had been invited back to stay at their fantastic campground. They were so excited and talked about it nonstop....I actually began to fear that it wasn't going to live up to their expectations! 😆

But after our weekend away, I shouldn't have worried at all, they had just as great a time as they had anticipated! Even though it ended up being so COLD (winter, winter, go AWAY!), we loved having a cozy cabin for our home base. I'm a huge proponent of glamping, because I love the experience of being at a campground, but I also love having a bed, bathroom, and indoor kitchen. 😊 So cabins are a win-win for our family! I also love that it's only an hour away from Pittsburgh which means that you feel like you're far away, but don't have to spend much travel time. 👍

Kozy Rest is such an ideal vacation spot for families! They have a ton of free activities that are included in your stay such as bikes, mini golf, jump pillow, playground, pool (in season), fire truck rides + more. Each day also has a changing schedule of activities that might include a scavenger hunt, painting, crafts, dancing with the Bears, movie nights + much more!

Each weekend holds a different theme and activities will be based on that theme. Your kids will not be bored! We had a superheroes and fairy tale weekend. 👸 Go here to check out themes throughout the summer. 

Hands down my kid's favorite activity? The bikes! These are borrowed at 1/2 hour increments and can accommodate up to 4 people. The campground is safe and secure with minimal traffic, so the bikes take over the roads on Saturdays! And hey, if you want to get in a workout during the weekend, these are perfect! :) 

Last, but not least, the cabins are great! Rooms have bunk beds for those with multiple kids, they have a kitchen, bathroom and sitting/eating space. You are responsible for clean up at the end, so always be sure you left it in the same great shape it was at the beginning! You provide your own food, bedding, towels and toiletries. Thankfully, there is also a great camp store that has anything you may have forgotten (it was coffee for me!) and has some yummy treats as well.  

Also perfect for games when those rains come!

GIVEAWAY

I'm so thrilled that they are extending a vacation giveaway to one of my followers as well!

We are offering a 2-night stay (up to 6 people) for a Sunday-Thursday, April 15 - October 31, 2018. Subject to availability and excluding holidays. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cabins are filling fast for the summer, so if you're interested in a stay over the next few months, book it as soon as possible! 

Thank you, Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest for the opportunity for a great weekend with my family and allowing us to share this great resource with others in our region! This post sponsored by Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse venues that my family does not love! 

#yogibearatkozyrest
#kozyrest

Cleaning with less chemicals (+ a giveaway!)

Cleaning. I don't think I ever realized how much of my life would be spent cleaning with 4 kids, haha! Anyone with kids knows it's kind of like vacuuming in the midst of a tornado, but yet, you gotta keep up with it or it gets out of control quickly. 😰
I'm always looking for ways to cut out toxins and chemicals for our family, so I was intrigued when my friend, Jennifer, began sharing more about Norwex. I love how their cloths clean with water only! They are really amazing! Jennifer gave me the EnviroCloth and Window Cloth to try.

Window/Mirror cleaning is one of my daughter's favorite chores around the house. (And it's something that fairly young kids can do). Look at those dirty mirrors! 😲

Usually I just spritz the window for her instead of handing her a bottle of cleaner. With the Window Cloth, she loves getting a spray bottle of water and getting to do it herself. My mirrors have never been cleaner! The Window Cloth works so well! So as a newbie, I later realized these cloths can actually be used without any spray at all. So extra bonus on an easy job for kids to do!

The Norwex microfiber is unique because it is equivalent to 1/200th the size of a human hair (vs traditional microfiber you can purchase in the store which is often 1/6th the size of a human hair).  Because of how fine the Norwex fiber is it removes 99% of bacteria from a surface (that’s why you can replace all of your chemical cleaners...think about the money savings when switching to Norwex) and is SUPER absorbent (think about never having to purchase paper towels again!).  When you use traditional chemical cleaners you are leaving a residue behind that attracts dust, dirt, and grime and you have to clean frequently.  When you use Norwex microfiber and just water, you leave nothing behind and will not have to clean as often because it stays cleaner longer!  Not only are you saving time & money when using Norwex but you are protecting your health because you are not exposing yourself to toxic chemicals (over the past 50 years 80,000 new chemicals have been created and only 200 have been tested for toxicity...so all chemicals are considered safe until proven otherwise) AND you are protecting the environment because Norwex offers items that are reusable vs disposable!

Another feature of Norwex (which is a patented technology) is the Baclock (used to be called Antibac) technology….microsilver that is physically embedded in most of the cloths.  Silver is not new and is used in the healthcare environment!  When the Norwex microfiber cloth is wet the silver is activated which then self sanitizes the cloths by inhibiting the growth of bacteria!  This means that you don’t have to launder the cloth as frequently...HUGE savings!!!

Here are some ways to use the EnviroCloth (wet with just water) and Window Cloth (dry to polish) together....

• Windows (house and vehicle)
• Mirrors
• Stainless Steel appliances
• Fixtures in the sink & bathroom
• Flat, glass-top stove

Whenever you are inclined to reach for any chemical cleaners, go for the EnviroCloth instead.  You can clean ANYTHING…

• Microwave explosions
• Refrigerator cleanout
• Surfaces in the kitchen
• Bathroom (yes, including toilets)
• Spills on furniture, carpet, rugs

I admit, I'm a major paper towel user. And we have a lot of spills and messes in our house!
Enter my new solution: Counter Cloths. These ultra-absorbent, reusable cloths feature a unique new weave to quickly pick up spills and messes in the kitchen, bathroom—really anywhere! Constructed from Norwex Microfiber made from 50% recycled materials in the same size as a half-sheet of paper towel, each set contains almost a whole recycled plastic bottle (500 ml), so you’re helping to clean up the world every time you quickly clean up! They dry fast and you can use them multiple times before laundering. Best of all, they look great in their stylish Counter Cloth Box, where they’re always ready when you need one.

I have begun to love reaching for the Norwex cloths instead of my typical cleaners and they are so easy for my kids to use as well. 

The EnviroCloth and Window Cloth.  These two cloths come in a package called the Basic Package (item # 1505) for $34.99.  These 2 cloths will replace most of your traditional chemical cleaners.  The EnviroCloth is used wet with JUST water to clean EVERYTHING!  The Window Cloth is used dry to create a shiny, streak-free surface!

Want to try the EnviroCloth and Window Cloth?  Here's an awesome opportunity to start your Norwex journey!  These could be yours, just ENTER BELOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SHOP
So who is ready to try these right away??? Most of us can do more in removing more chemicals from our homes (I know I can!).

1) visit the website: www.jenniferkang.norwex.biz
2) shop (check "I'm not here for a party")

3) at checkout you will be prompted to search for your host, please use KELLY HUGHES to continue to support the Pgh Momtourage.

Norwex is a global company, started in Norway in 1994, and is spread through the direct sale industry.  You can purchase products from a Norwex Consultant OR earn your wishlist for FREE when you host your own party.  My hosts earn, on average, $360 in free products, with some earning $500+!

This post sponsored by Jennifer Kang. It is very rare for me to spotlight a direct sales company, but I think these products are very valuable in helping our environment and being more chemical free in our homes. And I'm all about supporting a Pittsburgh mama and her beautiful family! All opinions remain my own.

Ticket Giveaway for Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark

My firstborn turned 9 recently. Cue all the tears when you realize you're at the halfway mark of your child turning 18! 😭 But I can't be sad in the joy of watching him grow, mature, pursue passions and watch how his life will be able to impact others. I love both my two boys and two girls and it is certainly interesting in watching their relationships with their friends. My oldest son is pretty drama free with his friends and I love watching a group of 9yo dudes give hugs to each other when they haven't seen each other in, say....48 hours. 😊

I love this group of guys, but let me tell ya, they're full of life! So when it came to picking a birthday party venue, we knew it had to be somewhere active with lots of space and ways to burn energy. We looked at the options in our area and ultimately, my son decided that Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark was the best choice. It turned out to be the perfect option (and contrary to how hard it is to get eleven boys to smile at once!!), they all had a great time!

So what exactly is carpet skating? It's strapping small plastic (flat) "skates" onto your shoes and heading down the ramps! 

A safer yet thrilling alternative to skate boarding, inline and ice skating, carpet skating is fun for all ages (4 and up).  Unlike other sports that take lots of practice, carpet skating takes only minutes until you are confidently sliding around. Once you get the hang of it, you can become an advanced skater with just a couple of days of practice. We have small ramps for beginners and areas to get extreme. All first time skaters are assigned a skate instructor until they are comfortable to skate on their own. 

They have a variety of ramp options and the boys enjoyed the carpet skating. I love that it is big and open with so much room to move around. But a boy's day isn't complete without nailing each other with dodgeballs, is it? The boys had a blast in the dodgeball court! There is also a carpet hockey rink coming soon. I imagine that will be some fun competition as well!

By far their favorite activity of the day was the Ninja course (in the theme of American Ninja Warrior). Each of their runs were timed, so of course, it was quite the competition of who could get the best time! But I loved how they cheered and encouraged each other through their runs as well. They went through this course so many times, I'm pretty sure they all slept great that night. 

This was a feat harder than American Ninja Warrior - going through the course with carpet skates on! That is not easy to do!

The WALL!

The boys enjoyed a briefer stint in the Bounce N' Slide area. It's also perfect for little ones! 

Fun Slides has great party rooms for each group as well. A staff member will be assigned to your party and they take care of you well! We had a great host and she made sure everyone knew what they were supposed to do and where to go. You can also order pizza from Fun Slides and then bring in your own birthday treat. They provide all the paperware needed! 

If you've ever stressed over Pinterest-y party favors, what could be better than souvenir cups and a coupon for a return visit! Stress free? I'm in! Go here to see all of their great party options. 

They have recently added some earlier open times (10AM) on certain days of the week. Be sure to check out their hours if day time works better for you. The park is geared for ages 3 and up. 3yo's can do body slides that you can sit or lay on and slide down the ramps. Kids ages 4 and older can use the skates.

GIVEAWAY
j

jAnd we want to pass on the fun of Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark to you! Fun Slides is generously giving away two tickets each to THREE families to go try out their indoor skatepark. Click link below to enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark for providing our birthday party! We only promote venues we love and this is super fun for kids in the Pittsburgh region!