Melting Towards Spring - Week of Mar. 3rd

Ohio Clock in U.S. Capital
being turned forward in
first DST observance- 1918

"Spring Forward" -
when families lose an hour of sleep and it feels like jet lag...

Cameron had a bit of trouble sleeping this week, quite possibly due to the strange weather patterns of bitter cold one day and springlike the next.

In honor of daylight saving time, we felt it fitting to provide a little background on the history of DST as well as highlight fun stories about Cam's bedtime.

Daylight saving time in the United States is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the warmer part of the year, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Most areas of the United States currently observe daylight saving time (DST), the exceptions being Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation, which does observe daylight saving time), Hawaii, and the overseas territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. 
During World War I, in an effort to conserve fuel, Germany began observing DST on May 1, 1916. The rest of Europe soon followed. The plan was not adopted in the United States until the Standard Time Act of March 19, 1918, which established standard time zones and set summer DST to begin on March 31, 1918.
Interestingly enough, Michigan didn't observe DST in 1969-1972 due to legislation passed.

Cam has a typical routine at bedtime- a bath every night, teeth-brushing, Dad reads, then Mom reads and silliness usually ensues before the reading begins.  On this evening pictured, it was determined that some stuffed animals may want to sleep closer to their bunk mate.  The balancing act didn't last long but did bring big laughs!
If Cam's grandparents stay for a visit, then it's bonus time for reading books as one more person is added to the story routine.

Cam & Oma

Some nights are more difficult to try to get to sleep than others and typical excuses range from Cam being hot, to needing a drink, to somehow having Curious George falling (or being pushed) onto Cam's face.
For the most part, our boy is a good sleeper and we're most thankful to hear giggles every night and see smiles every morning.

~A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything~ Irish Proverb

While Mom's Away, the Boys will Play - Week of Feb. 24th

Cameron and Chris dropped Jane off at the airport for her work travel to Florida.  Jane explained to her boys they had no need to be too jealous since extended work hours meant feeling the warm air in the early morning and late evenings only.

In the Weatherford household, Cam battled a cold and Oma stayed for a visit to help out with things while Jane was away.  With the current Michigan temps, it seems many people are still battling the cold/flu season.

Even when Cam isn't feeling the greatest, he still strives to be the best helper ever!  Chris wanted to run additional cabling into his home office and his son couldn't wait to be of assistance.  The boys also think (for some odd reason) these projects are best completed when mom is away...

Jane returned Wednesday evening and Thursday was a snow day for Cam- no school!  The only benefit to Cameron's mom taking a trip is that sometimes she brings home a few goodies for the family.  Cam has been dancing with a wind-up robot toy we've named "red man."  The backpac
ks below were at the conference Jane attended...Cam thinks he needs two.

Although it was a long week, due to travel and sickness, our thanks go out to many...

To Karen, Jane's close friend and co-worker, who kept her company while away, to Oma & Opa who give so much of themselves to hang out with their grandson, to Katie and Ronda providing extra assistance when needed, to Chris for still holding everything together through a couple of sleepless nights, and most of all, to Cam for being such an awesome kid and wearing a smile when most others wouldn't!

Cam: A Working Man - Week of Feb. 17th

As winter continues to hang around, the "lawn tractor-turned-snowplow" for the colder months has gotten quite a workout.

Once again, Cameron has returned to his university job, working with graduate students at Grand Valley.  This semester he is working with two young ladies he had met before- Kayla and Abby.

Abby, Cam and Kayla

Every Wednesday evening, they "learn" from Cam while conducting a physical therapy session with him. The girls have termed him "the heart-breaker" as he continues to flash his winning smile and subtle flirtations while they work together.
Cameron enjoys his time and is paid to "work" with the students.  Let's hope any future jobs are as enjoyable as this one!
Kayla even created Cam's first driver's license for his powerchair, which is now proudly displayed on the back.  She's quite creative and her buddy, Cam, was very pleased with his new card.
Jane was out of town for two days this week working in Baltimore for her company.  Luckily for her, this is where cousins Meg, Chris and Gavin Taylor live.  Jane had a fun visit with the cousins and even had a FaceTime session with Cam so he could say "hi" to his cousins as well.

Jane & cousin Gavin

Gav & his beautiful mom, Megan

Technology is a wonderful thing when Chris or Jane has to travel for work and we're thankful for the ability to stay in touch.
Many thanks to the Taylor fam for having Jane in their beautiful home and making her feel so welcome!

Even being gone for two days feels like much longer and having some quality Mom and Cam time was on the schedule for the weekend.
Sometimes, quality time includes some relaxation and a super snuggle.

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~Confucius
It's easy to travel with all your heart when you have such great love waiting for you at home.

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