Fireman Cam - Week of Oct. 26th

Cam claims 3 bags of candy

Labor of Love:  Work done for the sake of one's own enjoyment or of benefit to others rather than for material rewards.

After countless hours of planning, designing, painting and tweaking, the day to reveal Fireman Cam was finally here!

On Friday, Oma and Jane drove over to Meadow Brook Elementary in the afternoon for the costume parade.  Chris met us there with the Halloween creation.

Cam & Ms. Barbara

Wearing a fire truck shirt, the engine was placed over Cam's powerchair and the handmade controls for sirens and lights were right at the firefighter's fingertips.  As he drove into school, his classmates stopped to asked questions and see how everything worked.  The kids paraded around the entire gym where parents gathered to see all of the elementary students dressed up.  Afterwards, the festivities continued in each classroom for fall festival parties which included making crafts and eating fruit and treats.  

Cam & Oma making a craft

Then it was time to take Cam over to his dad's office for some indoor trick-or-treating.  The pumpkin shown is one Chris carved using a dremel tool (in his spare time!) to show where all of the company offices are located. 

By this time, Fireman Cam was an expert navigator making his way through the office maze of desks and workers.  Numerous people commented that they were certain real fire trucks were parked outside the building with their sirens on....but, then they saw Cam appear around the corner!
Michelle met us at the office and even wore her own fireman's shirt!  Cam let her borrow a Jr. Fire Chief hat to wear.


The mild Friday turned to pouring rain with a chill in the air for Saturday afternoon.  But it
didn't stop our trusty firefighter!  We all braved the weather
and headed over to the Cascade Fire Station where they host a party for kids on Halloween eve.  Each child receives a silver bag of candy (top pic above) complete with toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss- very cool!  Chris and Jane weren't sure if Cam would want to drive through the neighborhood after being out in the cold rain.  But, our trooper persevered and was adamant about trick-or-treating on his own street!  With an umbrella affixed to the back, he and his dad visited every house with a porch light on, which happened to be a total of 4.  Jane was very surprised when the doorbell rang and there was her last trick-or-treater of the night...Fireman Cam himself!

Since the weather didn't cooperate on Halloween, the Weatherford family decided to visit the Cascade Fire Station once again on Sunday late afternoon.

When we first arrived, the station looked a bit dark inside.  Cam told his parents "I know where they are.  They are out on a call." Thank goodness they were actually there.  Let it be known, Cam asked us to call ahead of time and we decided just to drive over.  Next time we should listen...

Chris found his way inside and two of the fireman not only came outside, but also posed for pictures with Cam.  They even turned on the cool lights on the huge fire truck in their garage.  While talking with the firefighters, we learned that over 700 kids came through the station on Halloween.  All of the items are donated and we were certain they must have run out.  They actually had close to 100 bags left.  We are reminded again of the awesome community we live in and those who give so much of themselves for others.

Many of said Chris and Cam really outdid themselves this year...  In reality, they outdo themselves on a daily basis!

Cam-ology Quotes
Oma made my day!
How did she make your day?
She said "I love you, Cam."

We all have a job!
What is my job? (Mom)
You stay here and pass out candy to anyone who comes here.
What is my job? (Dad)
You look for houses with me that have porch lights on.
What is your job, Cam?  (Mom & Dad)
To trick or treat!!

Creating a Costume - Week of Oct.19th

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Martin Luther King

Each year about this time as the autumn colors become more vibrant and the leaves begin to fall, Cam and his dad begin dropping ideas for designing their yearly Halloween costume.



Much effort goes into the planning stages and Cam was very insistent about creating some planning notes on his own notepad this year.

Cam & Michelle

Jane had to board a plane for work this week.
It's so tough to be away from her boys, but she's very thankful for the people
who hang out with Cam after school, Taylor and Michelle.  October in Michigan brings warm weather as well as some chillier days, so it's important to go with the flow.  On days inside, there may be some extended stretching and exercise.  Of course, dancing is usually on the agenda for indoor time!  Whatever the activity, there's sure to be some goofiness and laughter with these two.

At Cam's school, all of the kids brought in so many box tops that there was a decision made to have a "wacky hair day" which meant the principal would also dye his hair blue for one day.

Even with wacky hair, our Cam is sure one handsome dude!


Cam-ology Conversations:

"Where do you want to go, Cam?"
"To the airport, to see the Arrivals and Leaving."

Cool Events in our Community - Week of Oct. 12th

Friday night pizza!

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~ Albert Camus

As Winnie-the-Pooh would say, "it was a very blustery day, or rather, weekend!"

On Friday evening, we were invited to attend a community event co-hosted by our Katherine (aka Ah-Dah).  The Block Party intended to bring members of the area together to learn more about HQ, a runaway and homeless youth drop-in center.  Food items were donated by different restaurants, there was a craft table, pet goats, and lots of hungry people.  The food went quickly and since we arrived later than expected, we grabbed some pizza at a local spot nearby.  Cam was a trooper without complaint, but definitely didn't feel the need for a photo opp while dining.

"Buster"

On Saturday, we ventured over to Sparta for the first annual Fire Prevention day organized by Katherine's brother, Christopher.  There were fire engines to explore and sit in.  The firefighter even let Cam blow the loud fire horn!

One of the highlights was meeting "the buses" that were actually robotics-controlled.  Dean Transportation volunteered their time and hilarious drivers who provided 'the voices' for the small buses.  "Buster" kept asking Cam if they could race and told him that they wanted to come home with him.  He thought they were so funny!

Of course, the biggest event was the face-painting area that Ms. Ann and Katherine were in charge of.  After inquiring what Cam wanted painted on his face, he choose flames, which made sense since he was surrounded by fire trucks.

From Fire Prevention to Fun Fest, we drove from Sparta to the DeltaPlex arena to participate in 2nd annual Special Families Festival.

Cam was able to try out a new bike and exercised his legs quite a bit, pedaling around the track four times!  There were quite a few games set up with silly prizes for the kids.  Chris and his son practiced their bowling skills and Cam's prize (that he chose) was a notepad to be used for taking planning notes with his dad.

While Chris and Cam were taking a break from some building designs on Sunday afternoon, Patti and Emma stopped over to see if Cam was available.  Emma needed to practice her trail guide skills as part of her homework for Goodwille Environmental School.  The school she attends for 5th grade is built on 28 acres and incorporates using the outdoors as a motivation for learning.  

It was such a pretty, sunny afternoon for Patti, Emma and Cam's adventure.

Cameron had the opportunity to pet a chicken and go on his first official hike.  He listened to Emma explain what they were seeing as they ventured along.  She had created a guide to be used for their hike and quizzed her buddy with questions along the way.

Many thanks to Patti and Emma for asking Cam to join them!

Cam-ology Quote:

"I have never been on a field trip on a Sunday!  This is a new thing for me."

ArtPrize 7 - Week of Oct. 5th

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. ~Aristotle

"The Camper" or... "The Cam" ?

Fall in
Grand Rapids means Art Prize in downtown GR.  It represents 1500+ works of art at 160+ venues across three square miles.  Cam was able to see some of the entries on two different occasions- once on a field trip with his class and again with his parents over the weekend.

The winged mural pictured is a unique, interactive set of wings created specifically for the ArtPrize Grand Rapids competition. Each piece provides an opportunity for people to step into the work and become a ‘living work of art.’
Cam's favorite display was named "Phenomena 117" although he referred to it as the blue shoe tree!

Cam's League Medal

Phenomena 117 is focused on giving things a second chance and a new life. The hand funnel painted tree was not harmed in any way, in its previous life it was dying and slated for removal. It is adorned with 117 hand funnel painted shoes that were all given up and destined for a new beginning.

Michelle & Cam

Every new beginning is some other beginning's end.... Saturday marked the last fall season baseball game for Cameron.

Receiving his medal!

Volunteers hit the field every week and Home Depot was in full attendance.  Many employees from the stores volunteered their own time to help construct the playground there. The weather cooperated for player pictures as well as the medal ceremony immediately following the game.

Two of Cam's biggest fans, Oma and Opa were in attendance for their grandson's last game and headed back to the house afterwards.

We are so thankful they've made the trek so many times to join the cheering section.

And we're all so thankful Cam continues to love baseball and embrace the excitement and camaraderie of the sport.

 Cam-ology Conversations:
"Dad, I will help you a lot and a whole bunch!"
"Why don't you just say a lot OR a whole bunch?"
"Because that means I will help you the most!"

"Mom, can I stay up late?"
"It's a school night, Cam."
"But, I have a 2-hour delay"
"Ok, because you have been such a good boy, you can stay up 10 minutes late tonight."
"Wow, I have never stayed up 10 minutes late on a school night before!"

Team Cam - Week of Sept. 28th

There is an African proverb... "It takes a village to raise a child."  We are so fortunate to have so many in our 'village.'

Jane was honored to receive a leadership award from her job back in May.  It was a nomination by peers and the award was an all-expense paid trip, 3-day weekend to San Francisco.  Now, almost 4 months later, Chris & Jane felt it was time to enjoy the benefits.

Jane's dear friend, 'Auntie' Karen arrived on Friday from Chicago.  Her arrival coincided with Cam's parents cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge in California.

Auntie Karen & Cam

Karen also brought some presents for Cam.  A new alarm clock that changes color when it's almost time to wake up and then again when it's officially time to start the day now sits on Cam's dresser.

Team Cam was ready for the weekend and enjoyed a delicious dinner together on Friday night. (video narrated by Auntie Karen!)

Saturday in Michigan proved to be very chilly and cold leading to the cancellation of Cam's baseball game.  The three musketeers leading the weekend charge, Auntie Karen, Oma & Opa, decided to swing over to Robinette's Apple Haus and Orchard with Cam to explore the pumpkins, apple selection, tasty fudge and donuts.

Cam & Ms. Ann

On Saturday eve, another member of Team Cam, Ms. Ann, arrived to hang out for a bit.

Rolling the dice...

Cam told her all about his adventures thus far and their time spent together is always 'magical' for Ms. Ann.

Each time Chris & Jane had some face time with Team Cam, there were smiles all around and lots of activities.

Baking Time

YAHTZEE!

Sunday included game playing, card decorating and baking.  Cam and Oma had a rousing game of Jane's favorite childhood past-time, Yahtzee!  Maybe you could determine which picture shows Cam's face after rolling an actual Yahtzee!

So much fun packed into one weekend for Cam in Michigan and his parents in California.  Chris and Jane enjoyed multiple ferry rides, exploring San Francisco, and Sausalito wine-tasting.

Chris & Jane in Chinatown

We truly cannot thank Team Cam enough for all of their love and support of Cam.
While Chris and Jane were in Chinatown, they saw this quote:
"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.
When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."

The Weatherford family certain feels like the biggest blossoming bouquet ever!