Expected & Unexpected Surprises - Week of Mar. 7th

You may have heard the term "expect the unexpected."  Well, that phrase somewhat defined our week.

Cam had the first unexpected surprise in the form of a handwritten letter and picture from his sweet friend, Anna.  "I cannot believe she sent me a letter all the way from Holland!"  Anna's in her freshman year at Hope College and Cam has been full of questions about her school as well as when Anna is coming back home, if she has snow days, the exact route from Holland to Grand Rapids, etc. etc. etc.

Later in the week, Chris arrived at work one morning to discover a very different type of surprise, or rather, shock.  Every server and computer in their multiple offices had been infected with a malicious virus.  For the remainder of the week and weekend, Cam's dad spent every waking hour as well as most hours people are not awake, working with his team to restore everything.

Functioning on very little sleep, Chris still managed to take a bit of time away from work to hang out with his fam and friends.  Friday night, we enjoyed the delicious fish fry at the Sparta Moose Lodge with Ann, Katherine & Paul, Molly & Gordy, Christopher, Cassie & Braeden.  And the next day, Cam and his mom spent the afternoon with the same crew, including the addition of Zach and Casey, for "Game Day Cookout" over at Molly and Gordy's house.  We celebrated Katherine and Ann's birthdays, Cam collected rocks with the guys and had a new surprise experience.  Molly took Cam's hand and placed it on her very pregnant belly so he could feel "baby Ella" kicking!  Games took a backseat to chatting and sharing, and of course, eating.  Chris arrived in the evening in time to grab some grub and jump in a group photo shot.


On Sunday, Jane and Cam traveled to Muskegon to meet Oma and Opa for a tasty lunch and pick up the Cam mobile for an upcoming field trip!  In the afternoon, Cam enjoyed cupcake baking time with Patti and Emma while Jane attended a meeting.  Our families then dined together for dinner while Chris and Steve drove to Ohio so Chris could head to one of his work locations and Steve visited relatives nearby and graciously helped with the drive.

We are most thankful for family and friends we consider family who continuously surprise us with their support and love and help us make it through the unexpected and happily share in the expected...

On a personal note, Cam and Jane both consider Chris a superhero in many ways, but this week he truly went above and beyond being available to his family when he could have been sleeping amidst dealing with an extremely stressful situation.  We love you, we thank you and we're humbled by who you are and what you do every...single...day.

Cam-ology Quotes:

Cam has been asking quite a few pregnancy questions lately due to Molly's impending arrival.  He relayed to Jane the following random information one day after school...
"Mom, after the baby is born and she burps, I will say 'excuse me' because she won't be able to talk yet."

An email from Cam's speech therapist at school, Ms. Kate... 

"I was working with Cam last Friday to gather information for the upcoming parent/teacher conference. I was asking him a variety of questions and he was working very hard. While I was looking at my sheet to determine what to ask next,
Cam eagerly said, "What else do you need to know?"  This brought a smile to my face and I loved his hard-working attitude! :) "

1st day of March= Snow Day - Week of Feb. 29th

Growing up in Michigan,
one is ready for any type of weather walking out the door.  However, as Michiganders, we also aren't surprised when we have unexpected snowstorms when others are gearing up for spring.

So, for the first day of the new month, we welcomed an unanticipated snow day at home with a school cancellation.  Cam requested to stay in his pajamas all day and since Jane was pretty certain the van wasn't going anywhere, that seemed like a perfectly good idea!  Ms. Amanda was able to arrive a bit early to chill out with Cam and do some homework.

A project outside of school work has involved Chris and his son, always eager to create something together.  For the past couple of weeks, the assignment chosen was to build a homemade arcade.  Two consoles complete with blue buttons on one and red on the other completed the mini game gallery.  The operating system utilized is Raspberry Pi, and not the kind you eat.
The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It’s capable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, to making spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games.  Chris and Cam complete the specific coding needed and then the fun began- actually playing the games!  Jane has challenged the boys to a Galaga playoff next week.
An extra winning bonus was seeing Oma over the weekend!  Even with a little chill in the air, she sure warms our hearts every time she's here.

Also, Cam wants to let everyone know that he is signed up for Spring Baseball with the West Michigan Miracle League.  Opening day game will be on Saturday, Apr. 30th!



Cam-ology Quotes:

Cam's afternoon bus driver, Ms. Christie told Cam Monday afternoon that she thought Tuesday would be a snow day.
"Mom, Ms. Christie was right about a snow day.  She was right on top of it!"

Puppies! - Week of Feb. 22nd

Cam had quite a bit of news to report this week.  In his elementary school, he is part of a Chinese inclusion class.  Meadow Brook had a Chinese warrior statue named "Bing" donated to the school.  He resides in a glass case for all the kids to see.

Cam also made sesame cookies and brought home a delicious sample! China is one of the top three producers of the sesame seed.  Cam thought it would be a good idea to share the recipe with everyone who reads the blog.

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla with mixer.
3.  Add 1 & 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt with mixer.
4.  Toast 2/3 cup sesame seeds.
5.  Put 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds in and mix again.
6.  Shape dough in 1-inch balls.
7.  Put 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds on paper plate.
8.  Roll cookie dough balls on sesame seeds.
9.  Place on greased baking sheet and flatten with hand.
10.Bake for 10 minutes- let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!


A very sweet treat, outside of cookies, was set up over the weekend.  Our new friend, Melissa has parents who breed golden retrievers.  We were invited to see them on their last day at home before adoption into the community.


11 golden retriever puppies makes for quite a bit of fun action!  The pups are 8 weeks old and there was an almost even split between male and female dogs.  Jane had never seen been around so many puppies that were completely docile, calm and so snugly when being held.  Some of these pups may become service dogs and Cam certainly took a liking to them.  Cam asked about getting a puppy at some point and we talked about that potentially happening when he's older.  We also think our cat, Stella, may have something additional input as well...

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” ~ Charles M. Schulz

Cam-ology Quotes:

One night, Chris was providing an explanation of A.M. and P.M. to Cam.
"O.K. Dad, tomorrow I will say 'Good A.M.!"

Chris was re-assembling some exercise equipment and running into some difficulties.  
"Dad, they just don't make it like they used to in the old days"

The Weatherford Theater - Week of Feb. 15th

Cam started his week by spending the scheduled school day off with Kelsey!  They visited with buddy Liam's family, grabbed lunch at Culver's and headed to the "Y" for some swimming time.  What an awesome busy day!

On Friday afternoon, Oma arrived ready for adventure.  Meadow Brook Elementary scheduled a movie night at the school featuring a showing of "Minions."  The kids voted for which movie to see and Cam had voted for "Inside Out."  So, the collective decision was made to watch "Inside Out" at home after Chris set up the "Weatherford Theater!"

Cam's dad set up a projector used for presenting, connected it to a computer, and displayed it on the living room wall next to the tv.
Of course, no film viewing is complete without some tasty popcorn with extra butter (Cam's personal request).  Stella the cat decided she'd join in the fun as well, although her goal was to try to taste a bit of popcorn.

Oma spent the night with us and Cam assisted with some mending/sewing the next day.  It was fairly warm and outdoor activities included a mini obstacle course for Cam as well as being a great helper to his dad.  Oma traveled home that afternoon and we were all thankful for some extra grandparent time.

Campers assist with raising & lowering
the flag daily

On Sunday, Chris, Jane and Cam attended a presentation at Grand Valley.  A representative from Bay Cliff Health Camp (Bay Cliff Website) spoke and was sponsored by Dr. Lisa.  Bay Cliff’s priority program is a seven-week, summer therapy camp session serving children with orthopedic, speech, hearing, and vision disabilities. The children work towards goals of increased independence and living a fuller life.  It's an amazing opportunity for Cam and we haven't made a final decision yet, but will keep you all posted!

As parents, we are proud of Cam on a daily basis.  In an email from one of Cam's teachers this week, that pride grew even more... "Just wanted to give you a frame of reference for things Cam may talk about today. We are reading the story of Ruby Bridges. We listened to a book and then read our ULS version. Cam had some great insights and thought is was just crazy that students with different color skin could not go to the same school."

We couldn't agree more, Cam :)

Cam-ology Quotes:

Cam's YMCA badge accidentally went home with Kelsey.  In the meantime, Cam wanted to go to the Y, but was very concerned about not having his ID card.  We explained that they could look him up in the computer and would let him.  When he arrived, he saw one of his favorite Y staff members, Ms. Tara.  She arranged for a new ID card to be printed for Cam!  His exuberant response...
"This is awesome!  I love this place!"

Oh Valentine! - Week of Feb. 8th

Cam's Valentine Vault

Cam endured a bout of stomach flu this week which thankfully, only lasted 12 hours, but it did take him out of school and at home for an extra day.  By the time Friday arrived, Cam was more than ready to head back and not miss his Valentine party.

I love..."Friends" "Parents" "Peace" "Broccoli"

At school, he created an "I love" poster and relayed the 4 things he loves most are friends, parents, peace and broccoli. As a side note, buddy Emma was quite surprised by the broccoli heart!

Michelle & Cam

Ms. Kathy, one of Cam's teachers

The school parties and goodies provided by friends and teachers was quite a big load to bring home.  Upon arrival back at the house, Michelle was waiting for Cam with another treat bag as well as a sweet Valentine's balloon.

Auntie Karen & Cam

'Auntie' Karen had made her way to Grand Rapids from the Chicago area amidst some crazy snowy weather.  We were so happy to have her with us for an extended time!  She and Cam worked on some crafting projects and somehow we need to entice her here for every holiday since she's so gifted.  All of us had a fun swim at the Y over the weekend.

Chris and Cam surprised Jane & Karen with some gorgeous bouquets of roses and flowers for Valentine's so the girls returned the favor by cooking a special dinner. The feast included some handmade place mats (compliments of the crafty one!) and a special over-sized Hershey kiss for Cam!

To round out V-Day festivities, Anna came over to see Cam while on break from Hope College.  Ever since Anna left for higher education, Cam asks what she is doing, how she is, when she is coming home, how to get to Hope College, among other important questions.  He was very excited to see her and give her a V-Day treat!

Crafting by Cam & Karen

Many thanks to family and friends who sent cards and greetings to Cameron and his parents- all were greatly appreciated and still reside on the table.

Cam & Anna

With all activity around crafting and cards, Cam asked about the history of Valentine's Day cards so Jane did a little research.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.


Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.


Cam-ology Quotes:
With Cam's mild sickness this week, he and Jane talked about him waiting to eat all of his Valentine's treats until sometime over the weekend to be certain his stomach was ready.  Jane also emailed Cam's teachers to let them know of this plan...just in case.
Turns out she really didn't have to.

Teacher's Email to Jane: "Cam has taken your treat talk very seriously.  For lunchtime he told me he cannot have chocolate milk because his stomach may not be ready.  And he was very concerned what he ate for his snack.  He passed on a special Valentine cookie and settled on popcorn!"

Sweet Cameron - Week of Feb. 1st

Cam began his working stint at Grand Valley State University again this week with the graduate PT students.  It's always difficult to determine who enjoys this time more- the PT people or Cam, the teacher.  Either way, we are thankful for Dr. Lisa and her efforts with the hands-on approach for students.

Miss Amanda has been hanging out with Cam for a couple of days every week.  Their routine includes checking the indoor "farm" they've planted, robotics lab, delicious baking, and this week making Valentine's.  Here Cam and Amanda are showing off the finished product.

On Saturday evening, Ms. Ann arrived to spend some time with her buddy Cam while Chris and Jane enjoyed a date night.
Most of the eve included building a city with houses and roads out of the magnet blocks.  Cam indicated who lived in each house and which roads they were on.

Chris had to drive to Ohio for work on Sunday, so Jane and her son headed to Muskegon to meet Oma and Opa for lunch.  Olive Garden was the chosen meeting place and undeniably, one of Cam's favorites with the tasty breadsticks.  The meal turned into quite an event with the touchscreen ordering app shown on the table.  Not only could we order off of it, but we could also swipe a card to pay the bill and a receipt printed from the bottom.  Cam said "that is so cool!"  Many thanks to Cam's grandparents for treating us.


Sunday evening, we had a mini Superbowl party with our Raisch fam and didn't eat too many healthy things, but had tons of fun watching the commercials and seeing the halftime show together.  Cam wore his Panthers shirt from Auntie Leslie and fam, but Denver took the prize that night.  Regardless of the outcome, spending time with good friends is always a win!

Cam-ology Quotes:

Cam stayed home from school one day due to lack of sleep and a sinus infection.
Mom turned on the Today show which was featuring a segment about a former supermodel.  
They were showing some pictures of her in a few somewhat revealing dresses, to which Cam indicated...
"I am not old enough to see this, Mom."

Jane and Cam were driving down the road headed to run some errands.
"Our first stop will be the bank, Cam."
"You can use my money at the bank, Mom."

Driving past Starbucks...
"Mom, did you want your coffee?"
(someone knows his mom all too well!)

When Family Comes to Town - Week of Jan. 25th

"Friends are family we choose for ourselves" ...a well-known quote with such poignant reference for us.

Cam made use of his growing baking skills this week.  He and 'Auntie' Roe took time on a half day of school to make a big batch of their famous banana bread with chocolate chips.  These two always end up with some of the ingredients on their faces.

Friday was end of semester break for Cam and with a day off of school, we were fortunate to have Oma and Opa come and spend the entire afternoon and over night with us!  The hours went by quickly as Cam's grandma showed him how to mend some holes in clothes and the two made homemade applesauce together.  That evening, we had special plans to celebrate Opa's birthday at Outback Steakhouse- yum!  On the way home, we told Cam's grandpa we wanted to treat him to some ice cream.  After a short discussion, he sided with his grandson's first dessert choice of Culver's frozen custard.  Of course, everyone had to have a little sundae.

As an added treat, 'Auntie' Karen drove from Chicago on Saturday to spend the day and night with us.  She was excited to see the new pool and to go in the warm water with Cam.  We all spent the late afternoon splashing and swimming over at the YMCA.  We sure worked up an appetite and back at home, we cooked a delicious steak dinner.  'Auntie' Karen surprised Cam with an early Valentine's gift- a stuffed animal dog that flaps his ears while "Best Day of My Life" plays.  It was a hit!

Upon 'Auntie' Karen's departure on Sunday, spontaneous plans were made and Patti and Emma took Jane and Cam to see the Peanuts movie.  The awesome gift was actually Cam's birthday present that just hadn't worked out yet due to schedules and waiting for the right show.  The movie was great, the company even better and the large popcorn was devoured.

A big thanks to Oma and Opa and our extended family members, Auntie Roe, Auntie Karen, Patti and Emma for giving us the gift of your time and special treats.

On a fitting side note, when Jane stepped outside after a delivery truck had dropped a package off, she noticed that the tire tracks made a lovely picture in the frosty driveway.



Cam-ology Quotes:
Dad took Cam to the dentist this week.  When the dentist asked Chris how many times Cam brushes his teeth, Chris indicated that he always uses his toothbrush twice a day, morning and bedtime.  To which Cam piped in...
"Not in the morning every time, Dad!"

It has been noted that Cam tells his parents his deal every night.  This week, when it was time for deal, Cam was silent.  "What are you waiting for Cam?"
"I was waiting for you to say please!"