School is Cool - Week of Jan. 8th

Ms. Kathy & her buddy

“Instruction does much, but encouragement everything."~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Everyone remembers certain teachers...the ones that didn't let you give up, or embraced a quirky personality trait, or simply inspired you.
Even though Cam is only in fourth grade, he has been incredibly fortunate to have such strong educators and supporters in his preschool and grade school.  They also go above and beyond to be certain Cam can have the same experiences as his classmates.

Jane was thinking over break that there must be an easier way to protect Cam's feet during winter recess other than taking extra time to put on bulky boots.  After some creative Amazon searching, we came across "Dry Steppers" made of a thick plastic to go over shoes.  For $10, we thought it was a bargain if they didn't work as well as expected.  Ms. Kathy is always up for a challenge (just like Cam) and gave a thumbs up after the first snowy outing at school.

At Meadow Brook Elementary, Cam participates in a Unified Champion School LINK program.
LINK is about creating connections within a diverse group of students and ensuring that all students are acknowledged for what makes them different and what makes them and all of us the same.  What a beautiful concept that should be embraced every day in our society!
On certain Fridays at Cam's school, he has lunch with other kids in the program and they play bocce ball.  A ramp was made for our son so he can fully participate.  Every year, there is a different theme.  This year, it's superheroes.
On the back of the shirt, it reads:
Helping
Everyone
Respect
Others

With this definition in mind, please make it a point to be a hero everyday!

Camology Quotes:

Ms. Kathy has been working with Cam using voice-typing.  This allows Cam to speak the words and then a program "types" it onto the computer.  Cam and his teacher practice saying it first, then he says it to have the program type it. 

"I love school. I enjoy inclusion time. My teacher is Ms. Kemperman and Ms. Meyer. I learn science. I am learning about energy." 

Bring on 2018! - Week of Jan. 1st

One of our fave
Photos by Gaupers

"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke 
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

New Year's day was filled with relaxation and football.  Chris and Jane had the day off of work and enjoyed playing games and hanging out as a family.
Cam was planning a week of fun with Ms. Amanda since he was still off of school for Christmas break.

Amanda and Cam kept busy.  They had a library outing to drop off some books.  As they were getting ready to leave, all of sudden fire trucks appeared and firemen were rushing in. Turns out there was a burst pipe from the cold weather and water was rushing into one of the areas.

The week was filled with physical therapy sessions, at the center and at home, homework activities, reading, playing games and general fun with Ms. Amanda.  The two of them have a good time choosing silly backgrounds for pictures too!

On Thursday eve, we hosted the Raisch and Flegel families for dinner and games.  We had a feast of flavorful items with everyone contributing.  The kids took part in a dance party in the sunroom with our lighted disco ball projecting on the ceiling!  An extra treat was having Anna and Mathew both home from college.

We learned a new game called 5-Second Rule.  A card lists a topic and you have five seconds to name three things. 
The best part of this game for us was that Cam started making up his own ideas.  "Mom, name 3 types of perfume."  "Dad, name 3 types of chairs."  "Ms. Patti, name 3 types of body parts."  Cam seemed to want the game to go on forever.  Even on the extended break from school, it was awesome to see our son's brain working overtime!

Camology Quotes:

As we were preparing for our group dinner with favorite families, Jane asked Cam if we should make something else besides the ground beef and pulled pork for tacos.

"Mom, we can't read people's minds except our own minds."  (pause)
 "Is that true or false? "

A Very, Very White Christmas - Week of Dec. 25th

🎜𝅘𝅥𝅯 I'm dreaming of a white Christmas - Just like the ones I used to know- Where the treetops glisten, And children listen- To hear sleigh bells in the snow.  I'm dreaming of a white Christmas- With every Christmas card I write. May your days be merry and bright - And may all your Christmases be white 🎝𝅘𝅥𝅮 ~ Bing Crosby, White Christmas


After a couple of years without the white stuff, we experienced the snowiest Christmas on record in 27 years for our city of Grand Rapids as more than 5 inches fell that day.
In the quiet of Christmas morning, the bright lights of the tree made the living room glow and feel cozy.  We were thankful to remain in our home to celebrate the day together as a family.

Cam woke up early on Dec. 25th,
but patiently waited for Oma and Opa before asking to open stockings.  It was a leisurely day for us.  After discovering the contents of our stockings, we had a delicious breakfast before settling in to open presents.  The whole experience lasted for quite some time as we watched each person unwrap before the next.  It is a day when the joy of giving equals or exceeds the joy of receiving.
Later in the afternoon, Chris and Cam tried out their new gaming chairs downstairs and Chris braved the elements to snowplow the driveway.  He entered the house looking like the abominable snowman!


So many special gifts were everywhere we looked.. from each other, from Oma and Opa, from our sweet relatives and friends we call family across the country.  Chris' dad, Grandpa Jim, sent us an Instant Pot and for Cam, a cool room projector with a note that said "I wanted to give you the world, but I settled for the stars."
We all had a relaxing evening on the couch as Jane curled up in her new "Wonder Woman" blanket, handmade and given to her by the best husband and son a girl could ask for!

 Two days after Christmas, we welcomed our cousins, Aunts and Uncles for the annual family Santa Party at our home.  A few of Cam's cousins have let it be known that the 'real' Santa is the one that comes to Cam's house for the party.
Each kid receives two small presents from the white bearded man.  We share a potluck dinner and try to catch up with everyone during the short time that goes by much too quickly.  We were so very thankful for the extra assistance from Oma and Opa with setup and cleanup duties.  Without them, it would have seemed a monumentous task.
Part of our annual Santa Party normally includes sledding, but it was far too chilly outside to partake in outdoor activities that day.

However, the weekend brought the sunshine and although it didn't warm up a great deal, the sun allowed us to brave the outdoors to take advantage.
Last year for Christmas, Chris and Jane ordered a cool sled for Cam that one of his parents could ride behind and due to the mild winter, it wasn't used even once.
This year, though, it seems we may have ample opportunities to test its capabilities.

As we close out 2017, we are thankful for our family, friends and blessings which seem to grow exponentially with each passing year.

Camology Quotes:

One of our traditions includes driving around to see the Christmas lights.
We enjoyed having Oma and Opa with us for almost five whole days during the holiday.  Here are a couple of his grandparents' favorites from their stay.

"You need to be more specific, Oma..."
"I wish Christmas was every day and Oma and Opa were here every day!"

Traditional Tidings - Week of Dec. 18th

Outside of 2017 Christmas card

Inside of 2017 Christmas card

"At the heart of every family tradition is a meaningful experience." ~Unknown

As the fast-forward button continued to race towards Christmas, we progressed through our list of checking things off. 

Amanda and Cam exchanged their gifts on Friday since she wasn't going to be with us on Christmas day.  It seems these two know each other quite well.  You see, without realizing it, each of them had made a duplicate gift independently and without awareness.  Amanda made Cam a "tie blanket" with Lightning McQueen.  Cam made a similar blanket (with his dad's help) featuring hearts on one side and animals on the other ("because I know you like hearts and animals, Ms. Amanda!")  They giggled for quite some time about their gift-giving, mind reading skills and then proceeded to snuggle up in their respective blankets to see just how cozy they were.

On Saturday, Jane and Cam headed out to Heidi's Farmstand and Bakery since it was the last day they would be open for the season.  Ms. Pat works at Heidi's and we met her close to eight years ago.  She loves seeing Cam and always tells him to pick out a sweet treat just from her.  Not only did he have a donut to take home, but he also was given a reindeer headband to wear.  Cam looked at Ms. Pat exclaiming "you made my day!" and her happy tears began.  We will miss seeing her until they open again in May, but we stocked up on goodies and were thankful to be driving in the sunshine.
Upon our return home, Emma popped over for the annual gingerbread house build.  This year, though, Jane found a chocolate train for the two friends to put together and decorate.  As a bonus, Cam snacked on some chocolate decorations while Emma chose the colored candy decor for a treat.  The train along with its chocolate cars looked very festive when completed.

Sunday was Christmas Eve and Oma and Opa arrived in the early afternoon.  Our annual tradition includes attending the Christmas Eve Thornapple church service at 4pm with the Raisch family.  Even though Cam isn't wearing a smile in this pic, he looks so forward to attending every year.  He now tries to sing along with the carols and listens to the message.
Immediately following church, we gathered at the Raisch household for delicious homemade chicken noodle soup and the best homemade bread.  With full bellies, we still all squeezed in a few hand crafted Christmas cookies to top off our meal.  Cam and Emma exchanged gifts and Cam commented that Emma "made his day" when he opened the "Cars3" movie from her.

The most memorable part of the evening, though, was an unexpected surprise.  While chatting in the living room, a knock on the door produced some members of the church youth group to sing for us.  They began with Rudolph and ended with Silent Night.  Cam couldn't believe it!  He also loved the jacket and lighted cap adorned by one of the guys.

When someone "makes Cam's day" it isn't an embellished comment.  For Cam it's a true commentary of how a moment, an event makes him feel.  Being surrounded by our special friends, Patti & Steve, Anna, Sarah, Megan, Emma along with Oma and Opa, the Weatherford fam of Chris, Jane and Cam most definitely felt like the evening of fellowship truly and collectively, made their day.


Camology Quotes:

Cam had school right up through Dec. 22nd of this week.  His teacher, Ms. Kathy sent an email to Jane on Friday after Cam was on the bus with her favorite 'Cam moment of the day'...

"A great day by the way... At the end of the day, Cam said about the upcoming break-  "have fun, but don't have too much fun without me!"

Christmas Creations - Week of Dec. 11th

Christmas cookies and happy hearts, this is how the holiday starts. ~Unknown

Baking seems to put everyone in a good mood...some may think it's the scent of vanilla, or maybe the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from a smattering of ingredients.  In our home, it may be best described as feeling wrapped in a warm blanket.
Cam had the opportunity to be an assistant as well as a supervisor for the holiday baking.  We found a sugar cookie kit made by a couple of kids who donate all of their proceeds to the local children's hospital.  The kit included the dry ingredients and Amanda and Cam just added in the eggs, vanilla, baking soda and shortening.  It was Ms. Amanda's first experience of rolling out homemade cookie dough and using cookie cutters and we think the dynamic duo did a fabulous job!
A few days later, Oma arrived with Christmas tree cookies ready for decorations.  After adding the frosting and embellishments, these special treats were set aside for our family Santa party, scheduled for a couple of days after Christmas.  In between all of these activities, Cam assisted Chris with making homemade peanut butter.  For the project with his mom, Cam enjoyed making candles.
We had our family pictures taken a bit later this year, but Holly and Ryan Gauper did an awesome job (as always) just in time for induction into our Christmas card.  Just a couple of the forty they sent us electronically are shown here.  A memorial garden in downtown Muskegon was the setting and Cam turned on his best cheesy grin.  Since Jane handled the holiday card creation, Chris and his son busied themselves with "Operation Postage" as they stuffed the envelopes, added
tags, return labels and stamps.

The Elf continued his shenanigans in our household, providing an exciting start to every morning. 
Cam's first priority upon leaving his bedroom is finding where the little guy landed. 
His parents' priority is remembering to assist in this endeavor!




Camology Quotes:

Cam sees his physical therapist, Patrick, on a weekly basis as he continues to strengthen his leg from hip surgery.  Patrick and Cam have some pretty interesting conversations during their sessions.  On one occasion, Patrick asked Cam about having issues with his leg feeling discomfort during the day.

"Not necessarily, but typically I do stretching at school."

MFB Holiday Party - Week of Dec. 4th

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." 
"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." ~ Elf, the movie

Cam's Elf on the Shelf appeared again and our son's favorite morning activity is an investigation of where the Elf may be.  Apparently, he also likes peanut butter and bananas for breakfast too.

When the calendar turns to December the events begin to appear.  On Friday, Cam was anticipating his first holiday gathering of the season: Dr. Swanson's Christmas Party.

Dr. Swanson began this festivity years ago by hosting the celebration with Santa every December.  Even though he passed away last year, the tradition continues.
Swanson had a long association with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, where he was a member of the medical staff, served three terms totaling eight years as chief of staff and treated patients for more than 50 years. Swanson hosted an annual Christmas party for young patients, dressing like a cowboy to entertain the children. “Dr. Swanson’s Christmas Party” continues today; more than 300 current and former patients and their families enjoy gathering for the festivities and gifts.

Cam wanted to arrive in time to eat pizza at the party.  After a delicious slice, everyone gathered in the lobby to hear a singing group who engaged the kids and adults during the songs.  A 'snowball fight' broke out with white loofah sponges, a bubble machine produced 'snow' and bells provided to all enabled a lively rendition of 'Jingle Bells.' 
It was fun to see many friends and therapists.  April pictured with Cam has been in the MFB Halloween for the Rest of Us parade for two years now.  She and her mom, Kathy, have become such sweet friends of our family.  The Balloon Man was also at the party creating different animals for the kids.  Cam requested a giraffe and received a monkey balloon as a bonus.  After seeing Santa, each child is allowed to pick a wrapped gift from Santa's workshop area.  Upon arriving home, Cam opened his gift- a wooden board game with marbled stones called Mancala.  It's a game of strategy where you attempt to collect more stones than your opponent.  Our thankful boy wanted to write a note immediately.  His parents finally convinced him to wait at least a day.
Saturday evening was the holiday party for FTC&H where Chris works.  He and Jane dressed up and had a nice evening out.  They couldn't wait to show Cam one of the eating options displayed- different types of candied bacon hung by clothespins!

Stella getting into the
holiday spirit!

Camology Quotes:

Cam and his parents were discussing the purchase of an extra pair of snowpants to keep at school.  Chris wondered why this was necessary.

"Dad, I need to go on the swings.  I mean c'mon...who doesn't like to play on the swings?!"