After a long weekend away for the 4th of July, I came home to an empty refrigerator.  Good from the mold perspective, bad from the milk for breakfast angle.  Add to that the fact that I was babysitting 2 additional kids, so I had (4) kids under 5 and no food. 

Who would dare venture into a grocery store with that lot?  Not Me!

Then I remembered a friend telling me how much she loved Grocery Express.  Since this little service is only offered at Knapp Corners, I never thought it would be worth the extra drive.  My situation, however, changed my song. 

To use Grocery Express you have to create an account.  Then you click your way through your list (fabulous, because I had allrecipes.com...another thing I love!...open in a different window).  You enter a credit card to secure your order, choose a pick up time, and then go to Meijer Gardens (at least that's what I did!) to while away a beautiful afternoon.

When you get to the store you park in a special designated spot and call the number on the sign.  Your personal shopper will bring out your groceries, you swipe your card & sign, and you're on your way home.  No haggling over toys, no impulse buys, and this little luxury costs just under $ a visit!

Mommy, will you take me to the Symphony? 

Laugh if you must, but the GR Symphony has established a fabulous musical children's program for 3-6 year-olds...the Lollipops Series!  I'm happy to announce that the Grand Rapids Symphony has donated two Family Four Packs ($40 value) to their Dr. Suess-based Gerald McBoing Boing Lollipops concerts.

Lollipops concert
Gerald Mc Boing Boing with Principal Percussion Bill Vits
Tuesday, July 28, 10:15 and 11:30 am
Sunshine Community Church

You and your child will love Dr. Seuss’ musical adventure of a boy who speaks in sounds instead of words.  This 45-minute musical story is perfect for kids ages 3 to 6.

To enter the contest, you need to leave a comment (along with your email address) with the answer to this question: “What is the most memorable musical experience you have shared with your child?”

Winners will be selected on July 20, 2009.

There will be two winners.  The winner’s tickets will be waiting at Will-Call.  Please be sure to leave an email address with your entry so I can contact you if you are a winner! 


The Winners are:

Crystal Saidoo and Ingrid!

Thanks for all of your great memories about music, and I hope you'll get a chance to attend this Lollipops concert!

Dianne emailed me to let me know that there are free lunches (and breakfasts) available in certain school districts.

Here's what it said:
Several school districts are offering free breakfast and lunch programs. Much like WIC, these programs are funded by the USDA.  ALL CHILDREN 18 YEARS AND YOUNGER may receive a free breakfast and/or lunch at no charge! You do not have to be living within the school district or attending the school to receive a free breakfast or lunch. We have been told that most, if not all, of these sites will be closed during the week of the 4th.

 GRPS
> Aberdeen Elementary (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Baxter (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Buchanan Elementary (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> CA Frost (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> New Hope Babtist (M-TH) 6/15–7/23
> Covell Elementary (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> Ford Middle (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Harrison Elementary and Middle (M-F) 6/8- 8/14
> Kent Hills Elementary (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Mulick Elementary (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Seidman Center (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Steil Center (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> SW Community Campus (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> David D Hunting YMCA (M-F) 6/15-8/14
> Alger Middle (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Brookside Elementary (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> Burton Elementary and Middle (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> Camelot (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> Campus Elementary (M-F) 6/29-8/7
> Creston Plaza (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Garfield Lodge (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Ken-O-Sha Elementary (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> MLK Elementary (M-F) 6/15-8/7
> Salv. Army at Linden (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Sherwood Elementary (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Stocking Elementary (M-F) 6/8-8/14
> Westwood Middle (M-F) 6/15-8/7

WYOMING PUBLIC
> Gladiola Elementary (M-TH) 6/15-7/23
> Parkview Elementary (M-TH) 6/15-7/23
> Taft Elementary (M-TH) 6/15-7/23
> Newhall Middle (M-TH) 6/15– 7/30
> Jackson Park Middle (M-TH) 6/15-7/30
> Rogers H.S. (M-TH) 6/15– 7/23
> Rogers High School (M-TH) 6/15 - 7/23

Cedar Springs
> New Beginnings H.S. (M-F) 6/15 - 8/23

Kent City
> Kent City Elementary (M-F) 6/15 - 8/14

Thanks for sharing, Dianne, and if you have something you think is valuable to the community, shoot it on over and I'll take a look!  Thanks!