A Lovely Mid-Winter Break - Week of Feb. 10th

Flowers for Jane from her boys

Since the 19th century, people have been giving and sending Valentine's.  This was the first year Cameron had to prepare valentine cards for his entire classroom.  Jane made them on the computer and with assistance, Cam wrote each classmate's name as well as his own.  He couldn't wait to give out all of the cards to his friends.

At school, a holiday party was planned for Thursday.   Cam's mom brought a treat and stayed to help out.  The selection of goodies was delicious!  Since watermelon is a favorite, we thought it would be fun to use a cookie cutter and make watermelon hearts- they were a hit!

Cam sat next to some of his friends for craft time as they created a fruit loops heart for birds to eat, a decorative cut out of their hand, and a heart hanging decoration.
The kids used cereal boxes to collect all of their cards.  Cam reviewed all of his valentines quite a few times at home after school.

The weekend is normally reserved for a special Saturday breakfast and on this day, Chris decided to use the letter cookie cutters (found by "Auntie" Jo- thanks!) to create "CAM" pancakes.  Of course, they tasted more delicious since they were in the shape of his name.

With winter still hanging on, one of our neighbor friends, Thad, ventured over for some sledding and tubing.  The tube is a fast ride with its slick surface and also provides a welcome resting place after all of the fun!

The Case of the Missing Tooth - Week of Feb. 3rd

Everyone loves a good mystery...                                                       Cameron was experiencing his second loose tooth this week.  He took pride in wiggling the bottom front tooth back and forth, all the while giggling about the experience.  After a peaceful night of rest, we heard some very early morning chatter and laughter coming from Cam's room.  When Jane opened the door, she saw that there was definitely an open spot where Cam's bottom front tooth had been!  So, Chris and Jane searched the bed, floor and surrounding area - no tooth...back to that story later.

Cameron doesn't use a pillow at night so prior to the first tooth falling out, the decision was made that the tooth fairy would deposit any monetary gifts into Elmo's pocket (since he does hang out in Cam's bed every night).  The generous giver left four quarters in the furry animal's zippered compartment.  Cam was excited to take his money directly to the piggy bank in his room.

Fortunately for us, our wonderful neighbors (the Raisch fam) brought over an old wooden train set this week complete with a working remote control!  Cameron has asked to set up the train almost every day so he can control its journey.

Speaking of journeys...did you figure out what happened to the tooth?  Well, it just so happens that Cam's tooth took a direct route to his stomach!  The laughter we heard was our comedic son getting a chuckle out of the fact that he swallowed his own tooth!  Luckily for him, the tooth fairy still made an appearance...

Glistening White Snow - Week of Jan. 27th

It's about this time of year when, in Michigan, we wonder..."will we see our back deck again soon?
Although we are counting the days until spring, when the sun does shine in winter, the pristine white snow glistens.

Oma continued to stay with us through mid-week due to the weather conditions and Cam couldn't have been happier!  Opa rode into Grand Rapids with one of our cousins, allowing he and Oma to head back home together the following day.  Cameron decided we needed to take Opa out for an early birthday dinner to Bagger Dave's. (www.baggerdaves.com).  The restaurant is one of Cam's favorites because there is a train that chugs along the ceiling line all through the place..and he really likes the french fries!

Due to our winter wonderland, Cam had a couple more snow days and buddy, Emma, came over to make some blanket forts.  Some activities are just so much more fun in a fort!

Our heartfelt thanks to Oma for all of the extra Cam time and to Opa for allowing Cam to pick his birthday dinner dining establishment.

The day Cameron finally ventured back to school, we caught a glimpse of this spectacular sunrise from our front door.  Definitely worth the early rise to see the picture-perfect morning...

Oma's Overnights - Week of Jan. 20th

Record-marking time for teachers mean two days off of school for Cameron.  And for Oma, that meant two extra days of Cam-time!

Grandma & Cam played memory games, card games and made crafts.  After reading a Curious George book, there was a recipe to make an edible apple treat.  With two apple slices, spread a thin layer of peanut butter, then place mini marshmallows in between so it looks like a toothy grin...
Fun to make and delicious to eat.

While cleaning out the freezer, we spied some frozen cookie dough that was ordered from Cam's school and decided that since the apple treat was healthy, a chocolaty treat would be o.k.  However, we did need to wait for it to thaw.  Cam definitely decided it would be fun to pretend to take a big bite of the dough.

Jane & Cam attempt a "selfie"

The weekend brought more snow, cold temps, and a requirement to get in additional sledding.  The plastic tubes travel fast along the frozen front yard and since we're at the end of the street, there is virtually no traffic.  As we all giggle and scream the entire ride down the track, the second it ends, Cam is asking for more.

We were fortunate to spy a red fox tracking across the backyard as well as our favorite neighbor girls who ventured over for some playtime with Cam too!

The cold is definitely here to stay awhile, so we're quite certain there will be more sledding to come.  We are incredibly thankful to Cam's Oma who extended her stay with us due to the inclement weather.  We were blessed to have the extra time with her, providing us with more moments, hugs and stories.

Artic Blast = Indoor Play - Week of Jan.13th

The sub-zero wind chills in Michigan have created the need for some indoor play.  Cam had himself rolled up in a body pillow and reminded us that the ability to play does not require toys or electronics.

Our sweet neighbors ventured over for Sunday dinner which consisted of a breakfast meal.  This was the first time Cameron had breakfast for dinner- he found this experience most hilarious, and because of his reaction, so did we!

With a week full of play, we are reminded of its importance in some favorite quotes:

·         We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. ~George Bernard Shaw

·         It’s better to play than do nothing.  ~Confucious

·         Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.  ~Joseph Chilton Pearce

·         Whoever wants to understand much must play much.  ~Gottfried Benn

·         Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.  ~Mark Twain

·         The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.   ~G. K. Chesterton

·         Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn’t taste good.   ~Lucia Capocchione

·         You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. ~Plato

·         And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.   ~Kahlil Gibran

·         You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.    ~Albert Einstein

·         It is a happy talent to know how to play. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lake Michigan Ice - Week of Jan. 6th

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. ~Victor Hugo 

An arctic freeze settled into Michigan this week suggesting that winter is here to stay for awhile.

Chris, Jane and Cam traveled north over the

weekend to spend time with Oma and Opa.    At Cam's grandparents home, the wind whips off the lake and the air seems so crisp, it could snap.

Some complain about our winters, but maybe they've never walked on the ice or seen the beauty of waves frozen in mid-flow.  It is an amazing sight to see on Lake Michigan!

This trip also brought a Christmas present delivery for Jane's parents- a new ottoman for extra seating in the living room.  Cam thought the big rectangular box made a good fort and tested out the bench with Oma and Opa.  Looks like it will be comfortable for two people and quite cozy for three...

Chris ventured down to the ice formations and it was quite a trek just walking out.  It is an eerie feeling to "walk" where one normally swims.

The cottage is situated just about in the middle of the picture, nestled to the right of the hill/dune.

Cam's preference on this day was to stay inside with his grandparents, picking out books to read with Oma and find games to play.
It is a reminder to us that we are indeed fortunate to have family so close and accessible.

Even on the coldest of days, family warms our soul.

Welcome to 2014! - Week of Dec. 30th

Cam, Ms. Ann, Katherine & Paul

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Saying goodbye to another year always seems bittersweet.  Change is constant.  New experiences are sometimes met with apprehension.  But every new year should be welcomed with a smile.  As cousin Coco said, "it is the ultimate reset button."

The Rose Bowl Gang

On New Year's Day, we hosted a mini Rose Bowl celebration with Ms. Ann, Katherine and Paul, Molly and Gordy, and Christopher.  We watched an exciting football game and cheered Michigan State to victory.
Cam had a good time hanging out with everyone and truly does like watching football.  Of course, sharing some quality time with his Katherine puts a smile on Cameron's face and a laugh in his belly.
We were completely overjoyed when Paul proposed to Katherine just 3 days later on 1-4-14!!

Chris takes the plunge...

With a few more days of playtime in the snow before school started back, our neighbors ventured over to take turns sliding down the front hill on tubes and sleds.
Even Chris had a few runs on the tube down the snow track.

Cam was such a trooper wanting to stay outside with his friends in sub zero temps!  He's a true Michigander!!

Merry, Merry Christmas 2013! - Week of Dec. 23rd

Living in Michigan, most folks assume we are guaranteed a white Christmas.  That isn't always the case, but this year, we were assured and confirmed for an abundance of snow!

Oma and Opa drove to Cameron's house on Christmas Eve to stay for two nights.  Cam was totally excited!  He also embraced the story of Santa and the understanding that he wouldn't see the stockings filled until Christmas morning.


Of course, Cam was up bright and early, anticipating the celebration.  He did ask to help with the unwrapping of everyone's presents!  Some memorable moments included watching Oma see the unveiling of her yearly customized "Cam and Oma" calendar.  A tradition that began with Cam's great-grandmother has been passed on to Oma.  Another fun event - seeing the two handsome boys sporting their new Forest Hills Northern Huskies sweatshirts in honor of Cam's school.

A few days after Christmas, the parties continued when Cameron and his parents welcomed their aunts, uncles and cousins for the Jellema Family Party.



This year was a record attendance including 14 cousins under the age of 18.  The Family Party includes a visit from Santa!  The kids were all very good this year and received two presents each.  Quite a few even asked to sit on Santa's lap, including Cam.  The best question from the crowd of youngsters "can we tell Santa what we want for next year?" We explained that although the white-bearded man is extremely organized, it's probably best to write a letter.
With a white Christmas came the invitation for lots of sledding, which the cousins enjoyed as well.



The week went by quickly and we are reminded of the magic of season, whether by the joy of seeing someone unwrap a gift or a child expressing exuberance regarding Santa Claus.

Hope your holidays were filled with the joy of giving, the gift of receiving, and the magical feeling of the season!