Making Mom's Day - Week of May 4th

“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” ~Milton Berle

Mother's Day is said to have been founded by Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her mother's life and work after her mother's death in 1905.  She organized the first mother's day celebration in West Virginia in 1908.  Her vision was that it would be a personal day of appreciation with families expressing love through letters and time together.  In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as the national Mother's Day holiday.

Cam was ready for his second WMML baseball game on Saturday.  The 10:30a start time made for a leisurely morning.  It was picture day for the ball players so we needed to arrive a little early.  The women's Hamilton High School softball team were in full force volunteering as the helpers for the day.
The sun was peeking through the clouds during our game.

To our surprise, Uncle Jon and Aunt Betsy arrived with their dog, Blue to represent the Cam Fans!  Blue is such a friendly pet that one of the kids on the other team actually left the field to come and ask if he could meet the sweet dog.

Since the game ended before 11:30a, we thought it would fun to grab lunch at Culver's near the ballfield with out aunt and uncle.  To our great surprise, they had never eaten at a Culver's.  Cam was excited to introduce them to one of his favorite eateries. 

We didn't linger too long at the busy restaurant since we all had afternoon appointments.  Cam was destined for a haircut to be ready for his upcoming high school graduation!  After the trim, Cam told his dad that he wanted to pick up some flowers for his mom at the grocery store next door.  When they arrived back at the homestead, the beautiful plants were waiting on the counter.

Sunday morning, Chris and his son offered to take Jane out to breakfast for Mother's Day.  Cam's mom opted to have the morning meal picked up and brought home instead.  It made for a very relaxing start to the day.

That afternoon, father and son rebuilt a laptop for our neighbor while Jane relaxed.

Cameron wished his mom a Happy Mother's Day first thing in the a.m.  As she has often told her son, the only reason she can answer to the call of "mom" is because of him.  

And with every thanks that he utters and nice things he says, it definitely makes the most important job in the world one of gratefulness and gratitude.

Camology Quotes:

Cam's kindness shines through every day.  On Mother's Day morning, it sounded especially sweet.

"Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  You are such a great mom to me and I love you."

Spring into Prom - Week of Apr. 27th

“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” ~Harriet Jacobs

When the blooms start to gradually appear in our yard, the weight of the colder months seem so much lighter.

Cam decided he would attend the FHN Prom with his friend group.  The theme was Red Carpet/Old Hollywood.  The tux he wore for a wedding last summer was the perfect choice!  

Before the evening festivities, though, the start of the 2026 WMML Spring Season was scheduled for Saturday.  

Once again, Coach Mark heads up the team for Cam and Brody and many other friends.

They're playing for the Miami Marlins and we welcomed the 12:30p game time since it was still a bit chilly.

The helpers were from the Allendale Falcons Baseball team.

Upon arrival home, we were destined for a bit of down time.  Cam started getting ready late in the afternoon.  

The evening weather couldn't have been better.  It was sunny and slightly breezy.  It wasn't too warm or too cold.  

We met Cameron's friend group at our local library.  Directly across the adjacent private road was Noto's, the fine dining location for the FHN Prom.

The kids lined up waiting for entry was well over a hundred by the time Cam was at the door before 7p.  While the prom took place, Jane met Brody and Maddison's moms at Cooper's Hawk restaurant nearby.  In the meantime, Chris and Maddison's dad chose another location to hang out.

Jane picked up Cam just before 10pm.  He said the dinner of chicken, pasta and salad was so delicious.  Dessert was a chocolate mousse cupcake and was also praised by the high school senior.  Hanging out with his friends and celebrating on the dance floor made for a memorable night.

After sleeping in on Sunday, Cam and his dad found the Overdrive Tournament location and went to check out the power soccer chairs in action.  Cam was able to see his teammates but wasn't playing in this one.  Later that day, we made the short drive to Thornapple Covenant Church.  The Forest Hills Northern Baccalaureate service was scheduled for 4pm. The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) often hosts the Baccalaureate as a final celebratory gathering for seniors. Brody, Cam's best bud, had the honor of saying a prayer.  Auntie Jo joined us to celebrate her godson.  

The service included some beautiful singing solos by seniors and prayers for continued success in the next chapter for Cam and his fellow classmates.  As we check off each activity, graduation is now just around the corner!

Camology Quotes:

Seeking justice seems to be one of Cam's passions.  He arrived home from school talking about a distracted driver that almost hit the school bus.

"Mom, you need to call the police and we need Officer Ben from my high school to go find them!"