2010 June

Fun Things For Kids

June 30, 2010 By Big Binder Leave a Comment

In addition to the giant Fourth of July post I did today, there are two non-Independence Day things I need to remind you of. First, there is a Maranda Park Party at Lamar Park in Wyoming tomorrow from noon to 2:00.

Second, is the Grand Cycling Classic. It’s the bike race that kids can participate in for free. We’ve done it several years in a row now, and it is so awesomely fun. This isn’t until July 10, but registration is now open you’ll want to sign up online ahead of time - one less line you have to stand in.

Enjoy!

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Find Some Fireworks

June 30, 2010 By Big Binder 4 Comments

It gives me a little lump in my throat to think that this weekend is the Fourth of July. True confession time: I didn’t realize it until a few days ago, and only then because my Dad reminded me. I feel like summer just began this week and already time for fireworks; my internal calendar is completely confused.

That’s all right though.

I have compiled a list of Grand Rapids and West Michigan area celebrations, parades, and fireworks shows; excluding the ones set off by your redneck neighbors. Unless YOU are the redneck in your neighborhood, in which case you should go buy fireworks from my friend Jillian (she’s the cute blonde girl!) at the stand on the corner of Hall and Madison; next to Dulther Foods and Dollar General. Here is where it pays to be a reader; mention Big Binder and you will get 10% off!

But I would be remiss if I did not include a few Independence Day activities for the “Can’t Stay Up Until 10:00 PM Set”, which includes my children and my husband after he has been drinking beer all day.

You can head over to Home Depot for the Build and Grow Clinic on Saturday, July 3, which is a cute little periscope.
There are a few free concerts for those who prefer music to giant booms.
There are several races kids can participate in over the weekend, too.
In need of some grilling advice? Check out what Grilladelic John Rumery has to say in his Grilling Primer.
Want to give some grilling advice? Wisconsin Mommy has information about a red, white and blue grilling contest.
If you are feeling a little Nantucket-y, according to D&W’s Facebook Fan Page: “D&W Fresh Market This Saturday, Knapp Crossing location only, is bringing back Lobster Mania! Live lobsters for ONLY $8.99 each. Limit 10 per person. Starts at 8am. When the lobsters are gone, they are gone.”

Ada/Cascade -Fireworks: set for dusk, Saturday at 7590 E. Fulton at Ada Drive; across from Amway. Bike parade: 10 a.m. Saturday from Cascade Road to 28th Street. Street fair: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cascade Library

Allegan -Fireworks: dusk Saturday at the downtown riverfront

Allendale -Fireworks: 10:15 p.m. Saturday at Allendale Township Park. Parade: 10 a.m. Monday starting at Grand Valley State

Caledonia – The Independence Day celebration kicks off July 3 with a parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by stage entertainment, games and food. The fireworks begin lighting up the sky at dusk.

Comstock Park – The first-ever LZ Michigan event at Fifth Third Ballpark on July 3 will honor and officially welcome home Michigan’s Vietnam War Veterans. The day-long event will feature speakers, a ceremony to remember those killed in action, live music and a chance to thank those who served our country forty years ago. Admission is $10 for the public, free for vets.

Comstock Park- Farm Bureau Insurance Fireworks follow the Whitecaps game against the Dragons at Fifth Third Ballpark. The first 1,000 fans inside the stadium will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of Bissell. Lawn seats start at $5.

Cutlerville- Fireworks are part of the Cutlerville Days celebration.

East Grand Rapids- EGR’s 4th of July Celebration gets underway with the parade at noon, followed by the annual water ski show, games and activities and live music. The fireworks launch at dusk.

Grand Rapids- 4th of July Family Fireworks – The Michigan Lottery, Amway and Spartan Stores present this year’s Independence Day activities and fireworks in downtown Grand Rapids. Live music and entertainment at Ah-Nab-Awen Park starts at 6 p.m. and the fireworks display begins at dusk.

Grandville – The annual parade (11 a.m.) and fireworks (dusk) on Monday, July 5 cap off an entire weekend of events like all-star baseball and softball games, a pancake breakfast, a community worship service, an arts and crafts festival and more.

Holland-Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday at Kollen Park

Ionia-Fireworks: dusk Thursday at Ionia Free Fairgrounds

Kentwood- Kentwood’s annual parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 3 at the corner of Eastern and 52nd Street and proceeds to Kalamazoo and 60th. The fireworks show at dusk will be held at the City Center (4900 Breton Rd SE).

NewaygoJuly 2 – 4 July 4th Celebration Newaygo Chamber of Commerce 231-652-3068 Canoe & Kayak Races on Muskegon River, Sidewalk Sales, Chicken BBQ

Rockford/Cannon Twp – The fireworks display over Silver Lake begins at 10:10 p.m. Rain date is July 5.

I used GR Now, MLive, WoodTV and the West Michigan Tourist Association for information on the fireworks and parades.

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But…Can I Keep it Clean?

June 29, 2010 By Big Binder 3 Comments

After our colossal trip to the Upper Peninsula, my car was kinda trashed. Oh who am I kidding. MY CAR IS ALWAYS KINDA TRASHED. It’s just how I roll. Literally.

Gross

Since opposites attract (before they repel), my husband, of course, is completely uptight about car care. Having him remember to rotate the tires is good. Lifesaving, even. Having him freak out because the floorboards are dirty is not good. I have come a long way since we’ve been married. I even run my car through a wash once in a while and vacuum up all the french fries from under the seats.

And frankly, until now I thought keeping my car in a condition my husband would approve of required some serious detailing. I am thrilled to tell you friends, that I was wrong.

I was offered the chance to try out a car wash at Millennium Auto Wash recently, so of course I took it. When I pulled in, I had to roll down my window because I wasn’t sure if I was on the conveyor belt, but instead of looking at me like I was stupid like car-wash guys usually do, the he asked me what fragrance I wanted. Fragrance?! Awesome. I picked tropical.

Another thing that is different is that the guys use big brushes to kind of knock some of the big junk off first.

Then away I went, into the soap, big floppy thingys, and water. Rain guard and all that stuff guys care about are included. The Millennium Wash is the best wash; and it was only $12. I thought that was a pretty good deal!

The next part is the part that really impressed me. I also got the Platinum Cleaning, which they said took about 15 minutes so I assumed not only would they vacuum up the french fries, they might even take a swipe at the dusty dash board.

You would not believe what these boys can do in 15 minutes. They had little guns to get dust out of all the crevices in my dash board, and cupholders, and all of that stuff that always looks junky even after you clean it.

I just sat in the little waiting room (which is kid friendly, by the way) and watched them go.

And I have to say it – my car looks amazing. It looks new! I was so excited to show my husband, and I wish I’d done this as a Father’s Day gift. But really, for $30 (total!)you can do it a few times a year and keep things looking really good. It’s way cheaper than highlights, right?

I chatted with the owner for a while, and they actually have a MORE detailed package than what I got. I don’t even know what would do for that one, but I would love to find out. So there you have it – me, of all people, excited about a car wash and detail. I’m as surprised as you are. You want to try it now too, don’t you? They have coupons on their website

Not gross!

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Top Ten Pictures of Da Yoop

June 28, 2010 By Big Binder 5 Comments

The Yoop. The “U.P”. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Did you know Michigan had an Upper Peninsula? It’s secretly part of Wisconsin, but that’s one of those family secrets no one really talks about. It’s connected by land to Wisconsin, but by a bridge to the Lower Peninsula.

They call us “trolls”. As in “You’re from downstate, eh? You live under da bridge. TROLL!”

It is beautiful, though, and aside from a speeding ticket it was a perfect vacation. So here are my top ten pictures of our trip “Up North” which conveniently describes pretty much everything north of Grand Rapids.

I am almost totally certain that whatever was going on in this picture had NOTHING to do with the fact that my husband's spoke broke shortly after he got on his bike.

Leland - doesn't it look like they are going to fall in?? Made me nervous.

My sister; "Dude I'm squishing your head".

I know - I couldn't believe it was Michigan either.

Look at that water!! It was unreal.

So pretty - but I kept thinking, "What if the oil spill were here?" and it was kinda wrecking it for me.

They don't film movies here WHY?

Un-named beach 'cause I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to have fires on it.

In case there was any last shred of hope I am not a complete dork; I was teaching my family about tree-ring dating. Yes, for real.

The only picture I've ever taken in my life that remotely resembles a post card.

For more Top Ten Tuesday, check out OhAmanda!

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Am I Relevant?

June 28, 2010 By Big Binder 4 Comments

I am not a successful blogger.

After three years, I should have waaaaay more followers. A nicer site. Um…revenue.

The thing is; I didn’t know that until I recently started comparing my blog to other ones. I happily blogged along, and wrote whenever I found something I thought you might like to do with your kids. Something inexpensive, usually. The mother of my frugality, of course, was necessity. I wasn’t trying to save money for a trip to Disneyland; we just didn’t have it.

We could have had it though. I worked before I had kids. I was good at my job, and I did it well (and, for about 70 hours a week). I won awards. I won trips. I was relevant to my company; they needed me. Or someone like me, anyway.

Then I had A.P.

I’d never had a bigger job to do, and I’d never felt so scared and confident at the same time. This was my baby. I was more than relevant; I was essential. My job security increased when I had Maybelle. I think of that time with two little ones as both chaotic and cozy. Fulfilling and frustrating.

When they got a bit older, my husband and I wondered if it was time for me to go back to work. We definitely needed the money, and I was fortunate to find a seasonal job that we dealt with a little better each year. Still, by the end of the season, we are all completely exhausted and needing to re-join as a family. My husband told me, “You are the nucleus of this family. We could do it for a while, but eventually we’d fall apart without you”. Relevant.

I am not on any Christian blog rolls, or blogging groups, or forums. This is not because I am not Christian. I am, and I don’t try to hide it.

It’s because I don’t think I am personally called to preach to the choir. I think – wait; that’s chickening out – I KNOW, that no matter how small my blog is, I am reaching someone with the message that their children need them more than they know. That God loves them more than they know.

A few years ago I was really excited to do a review of Country Bob’s Sauce. I remember reading the cookbook they sent with the sauce, and right there, on the front, it said, “Christ is our CEO”. There were Scripture verses on some of the pages, too. My husband, who is not a big reader and especially not a big Bible reader, read each and every page of that cookbook.

Did it say, “This cookbook is by Christians, for Christians!” No. It offered amazing content and simply stated the Word. It was the most inspired ministry I think I’ve seen. If food is the way to a man’s heart, his soul can’t be too far behind.

I sure hope my blog is like that. Right there, in the middle of (hopefully) amazing content, you’ll find God’s word. It’s not “For Christians Only”; in fact, I hope it is my ministry. Country Bob is generously offering to sponsor one blogger to a conference called Relevant. I know they have a lot of good bloggers to choose from, and I don’t envy their decision. At the same time, I would be honored if I were that blogger. I am relevant to my family. I am relevant to my current readers. Who can I reach next? How do I reach them? I’d love the chance to find out.

This post is submitted to the Relevant 2010 Conference Sporsorship Contest by Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce. Check out Country Bob’s Facebook page, or contact them on Twitter @countrybobs.

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Filed Under: I Just Feel Like Blogging Tagged With: Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce, Relevant

What Megan’s Making (Nothing – She’s On Vacation)

June 25, 2010 By Big Binder Leave a Comment

I pretended I was a foodie blogger today and did a guest post on my friend Megan’s blog. I have also reached a decision that if I should ever be in a position to accept an award, I want Megan to introduce me because her words about my attempts to blog about a recipe are incredibly kind.

Check out What Megan’s Making for my rendition of “Vegetarian Kim’s Potato Quiche”, or rather, my kids’ rendition as they are the ones who pretty much made it. This was a lot of fun!

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Home Made Ice Cream

June 24, 2010 By Big Binder 4 Comments

We haven’t made home made ice-cream in a long time! The kids have been asking me about it, so I dug out the recipe I used last time that worked for us. This one is from Kaboose, but it’s similar to other recipes out there. I have yet to figure out how to make home-made syrup, so I am still dependent on Hershey’s to complete the experience. Here’s the recipe:

Ice Cream In A Bag:

What you’ll need:

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size Ziploc plastic bag
1 gallon-size Ziploc plastic bag
Ice cubes

How to make it:

Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one and seal again carefully.
Shake until mixture is ice cream, about 5 minutes.
Wipe off top of small bag, then open carefully and enjoy!

Tips:

To make a larger amount, try doubling the recipe. Anything larger might be too big for kids to pick-up, because the ice itself is quite heavy.

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Filed Under: Frugal Friday

Things I Love Thursday – The Farmer’s Market!

June 23, 2010 By Big Binder 5 Comments

I don’t like to jump the gun with the Farmer’s Market. Everyone starts getting all fired up to go in about May, but in Michigan we have barely thawed out by then. I like to wait until there is actual food, rather than just plants because food, I know what to do with. Plants, I just kill. Quickly.

The kids and I went Saturday, and other than Maybelle pouting because blueberries aren’t ready yet, it was an incredibly fun trip. I love that my kids are learning to eat ‘in season’, even if it is a little disappointing. Imagine how excited she will be when they are ready! My book club just read, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Barbara Kingsolver had a quote I loved.

“We’re raising our children children on the definition of promiscuity if we feed them a casual, indiscriminate mingling of foods from every season plucked from the supermarket, ignoring how our sustenance is cheapened by wholesale desires.”

I took a few pictures, and put them into a Whrrl. Check it out

More check-ins at Fulton Street Farmers Market

There are farmer’s markets all over Grand Rapids. The Food Systems Council has a listing. I’ve only been to a few, but I want to try a couple more this year just to see what the difference is. I love the Farmer’s Market! For more Things I Love Thursday, check out the Diaper Diaries.

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Guest Post on Pure Michigan

June 23, 2010 By Big Binder 4 Comments

I did a guest post for Pure Michigan that was published today. It’s about our trip to the Upper Peninsula, go check it out!

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Wednesday – Things To Do

June 23, 2010 By Big Binder Leave a Comment

The last week in June already. Slow down, summer. Slow down… Here are some fun things to do this weekend, and a fishing event next week. I got the kids poles in the Upper Peninsula, but don’t tell them. I don’t play all my cards at once with these two. I want it to be a surprise. Maybe we’ll see you there?

July 22 – 25 Caledonia’s Third Annual Western Week

June 16, 23, 20 and July 7 Free Fishing at Versluis Lake (go to page 7 for details)

June 25-27 State Games of Michigan

June 26 Great American Backyard Campout

June 26 2:00-3:00PM Marsh Madness. Blandford Nature Center. From plankton to frogs to muskrats, marshes are home to amazing wildlife! Get closer to the action with dip-nets, microscopes and binoculars. $3/person.

June 26-27 Dutton Days. Classic & custom car show, rides, games,entertainment, petting zoo, food and more. Free Admission. 890-1378.

June 26, Grand Rapids Water Festival

June 26 Whitecaps Fatherhood Event

June 2910:00AM-12:00, Young Explorers: Fishing Fun • Parents may drop off or join their youth (ages 5-7 years) at Ada Park (1180 Buttrick Ave., Ada) to find out what the excitement in fishing is all about! Kids will practice casting and baiting hooks and search for the best spot to throw in their line. Equipment will be provided or bring your own. Admission: $4 per Youth. Pre-registration requested. 676-0520.