#13 MUSEUM FREE FOR ALL - Presented by Amway. Today was an opportunity for EVERYONE to come out and enjoy all that Grand Rapids Museums have to offer. Thanks to AMWAY the Gerald R. Ford Museum, The Grand Rapids Public Museum, The Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Grand Rapids Children's Museum were open to all free of charge from Noon to Five. There were thousands of people downtown today. Getting around was quite a challenge. As you can imagine the museums were in need of many volunteers to make this event run smoothly. I chose to volunteer at the Children's Museum. What a fun day. My task today included handing out sidewalk chalk and hula hoops for the kids to use to keep them entertained while waiting in line to enter the museum. The kids were so much fun. This event allowed many families to learn all about this museum in the hopes that they will return at another time with their kids for some family fun. The Children's Museum literature reflects that their mission is to "celebrate childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment that inspires learning and encourages self directed exploration". As I prepare to turn 40 this summer, I cannot think of a better place to go to feel like a kid again :) The children's museum asks their volunteers to agree to a background check before they have you interact directly with the children. They have many events that occur throughout the year if you are looking for a one time opportunity. They also have regular needs for recurring volunteers. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities available, please contact them at http://www.grcm.org/

#12 Gazelle Girl Half Marathon. WOW!!!! This was an event that Gazelle Sports put on in Grand Rapids, MI on April 13, 2013. My job this day was to work in Gear Check for the runners. We checked their bags and watched their belongings so they could concentrate on running their race. Following the race we got to return their belongings and congratulate them each for a job well done. Gazelle Sports literature reflects that they held this event to * To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX * To honor women * To actively encourage new runners to participate in the sport * To build relationships * Because women’s health impacts family health * To enhance partnerships within the community * To raise money for women's charities * To HAVE FUN!! Fortieth Anniversary of Title IX......and my fortieth birthday celebration......YES, I think that was pretty perfect :) Not only did I see some FIERCE women athletes battle the elements and come out winners, but I also got to experience just how amazing this sport is as a whole. I have never been known as an athlete, I have never won a race or been the first pick on a sports team, however...I KNOW that those are true possibilities for women today. And for that I am truly thankful. I find that alot of my time is often devoted to others in my life. My kids, my husband, my family, my friends.......and I wouldn't change that for anything. This day I learned how important it can be to do something for yourself as well. Each of these women ran an amazing race. They trained, they set their goals and they achieved them :)And who was there supporting them.....none other than their children, spouses, family and friends. It was a beautiful thing to see. (Even if they had to do it in the rain, sleet and snow that this day brought). I have to thank Gazelle Sports for giving these women an opportunity to shine. Do you think that you would like to experience the comraderie, the energy, the excitement that surrounds a major sporting event such as this? If this sounds like you, please contact Gazelle Sport and volunteer to help out at a future event. You can find more information at gazellesports.com

#11 Compassionate Heart Ministry - Zeeland, MI. Tonight was the beginning of a new quarter and the next step in my year-long adventure :) This ministry is a ministry that "promotes community for families and individuals with mild to moderate disabilities and build lasting relationships with others in the love of Jesus Christ". That being said this is a gathering place for teens and young adults with disabilities to hang out, play and bond with others with no fear of being ridiculed or put down. I had more fun than you can imagine. These kids were simply fantastic. We played bingo with the entire group. Then everyone broke off to do their own thing until the end of the night. They have the opportunity to watch movies, play video games, play pool, color, play board games, do puzzles, hang out and bond with their friends. I can DEFINITELY see myself doing this again. I am still smiling :) One of the kids was a familiar face, one was a flirt, one was a story teller like you have never met, one was a prankster, they were ALL incredible. I see why this ministry exists and I hope it never ends. Isn't it amazing that I was hoping to be the difference and be a blessing to others this year, but in the end, I think that I am the one that is being blessed. If you would like to join me and Be the Difference, won't you consider Compassionate Heart Ministry? If you want to have a night that will leave you smiling like it did me and you want to meet some pretty amazing kids, please contact them at http://www.compheart.org