So, let’s say you bust those bikes out of the garage and decide to sign your kids up for some fun bike races.  But the helmet; the one that fit perfectly fine last fall, is too small.  Or maybe it’s cracked, or needs to be replaced because “one crash and it’s trash”.

I know you have already signed up and promised that your child would “Put A Lid On It” every time they ride in exchange for free hockey tickets (you have signed up; haven’t you?!).

And I know you wouldn’t lie to Griff.

Does your child need a bike helmet? I have a solution! Safe Kids and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital are giving away free bike helmets to those who need them.  HUGE thanks to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Nurse Practitioners and the Grand Rapids Griffins for donating helmets!  They will be distributed on these dates:

• June 8, 2011 – GR Job Corps, 110 Hall SE, Grand Rapids. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• June 9, 2011 – Wyoming Fire Department, 1500 Burton SW, Grand Rapids. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

• June 16, 2011 – Ottawa Hills Branch Library, 1150 Giddings SE, Grand Rapids. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• June 17, 2011 – Wyoming Branch Library, 3350 Michael Ave, Wyoming.

• June 18, 2011 – Walker Festival, behind the Walker Kent District Library, 4293 Remembrance Rd., Walker.  8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

All bike helmets are available while supplies last, and the child must be present to receive a helmet.  Call Safe Kids at (616) 391-7233 with questions.  If you know a child who needs a helmet, please pass this information on!

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Happy Wednesday! My back to school high was extended by the formation of a carpool.  I was strolling leisurely through a store today when it hit me.  No one in my family needs me right now.  I mean, of course they need me, but no one has immediate demands I must tend to this very second. 

It was weird.

It made me think about how I need to up my game.  My husband has called me the ‘nucleus of our family’.  What does the nucleus do when the electrons and protons are bouncing around just fine? And more importantly, did I come anywhere near getting that scientific metaphor correct?

Probably not.

Regardless, I am wondering how a stay at home mom best serves her family when no one is home.  I’m wide open here, folks.  It’s only three hours a day but it’s still a change and me being, well, me, I need a plan.  What did you start doing differently when everyone was out of the house during the day? How did your schedule change?

Speaking of schedules, I have a ton of stuff for you to take a look at this week.  Check out my Calendar for a full listing. I posted this on my Facebook page so you Fans already know that today (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM the first 150 kids to run a mile at John Ball Park will get free tickets to the Circus tomorrow.  It’s part of the Grand Rapids Marathon and if you haven’t signed your kids up, do it quick!

Also, the John Ball Park Zoo switches to “Winter” prices this week.  The price drops to $3.50 and $3.00, but the hours are now 10-4. I always hear the animals are more active when it’s cooler but what I know is that I am less hot when it’s cooler and that part - I like.  It leaves me the extra energy I need for swan/paddle boating around Nessie.

There are a few events every year that are just straight up BigBinder-esque.  The Mayor’s River Clean Up is one of them.  We’ve been going for years.  We’ve been on the news.  We’ve been photographed by Brian Kelly.  We do the River Clean Up. It’s this Saturday and this year it involves not only my Mayor (and hero) George Heartwell but mayors from surrounding cities, which makes me even happier. There are lots of families that come and help, and many hands – even little ones – make light work. 

Enjoy this week! We’re wishing our Jewish friends an easy fast for Yom Kippur. If you haven’t already, come and enter my giveaway.  It ends Saturday.  The day of the River Clean Up.  Hope to see you there!