Birthday Party, Viral Post Update, Pumpkin Farm, School and Other Stuff

Birthday Party

James’ 10th birthday party was supposed to be on August 25th, but due to an illness that landed him in the hospital for a couple of days, we had to cancel the party. We couldn’t let him not have a party, so on September 7th we had family over to celebrate.

 

A group of people gather around a table covered with a red‑and‑white checkered tablecloth. On the table are two large cakes: one shaped like a donut with colorful icing and sprinkles, and another rectangular cake decorated in matching colors. James sits in his wheelchair at the table wearing a shirt that reads “Donut Lose Your Spinkles, but it’s my 10th birthday.” Stacy leans in close to interact with him while three others stand nearby watching. The scene takes place in an outdoor covered area with a grassy yard and trees visible in the background.
Happy belated birthday James!

 

Here’s a video of us singing to him:

 

And while we’re on the subject of birthdays, let’s all wish Stacy a happy 40th.

 

A roll of novelty toilet paper is shown with a printed design that reads “HOLY YOU’RE 40!” in large brown letters. Between the words is a smiling cartoon poop emoji with wide eyes. The design is humorous and birthday‑themed, printed repeatedly along the roll.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DP9D7TR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

A decorative yard sign sits on a patch of grass near a sidewalk and some plants. The sign is styled like a wooden board being held up by cartoon rabbit paws, with tall rabbit ears poking up from behind it. The text on the sign reads “NOTICED A FEW GRAY HARES” on the top line and “HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY” on the bottom line. The design uses a playful pun and a cheerful, lighthearted look.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0765BN1K1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

The front yard of a single‑story house is decorated for a birthday celebration. The house has beige siding, stone accents, and maroon shutters. A row of large cartoon rabbit‑head cutouts with long ears is arranged across the lawn. Near the front door, a sign reads “NOTICED A FEW GRAY HARES” and “HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY” A sun‑shaped wall ornament hangs between two windows, and white trellises sit near the corner of the house. A driveway runs along the right side of the scene, and the yard is green and well‑kept.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0765BN1K1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Stacy stands indoors wearing a black T‑shirt with a colorful cartoon design. The graphic features a pink frosted donut with sprinkles, drawn with raised arms in a celebratory pose. Surrounding the donut is playful text that reads “DONUT LOSE YOUR Sprinkles BUT IT’S MY 40th Birthday!” The overall style is bright, cheerful, and birthday‑themed.
The birthday girl

 

Stacy sits at a table with a two‑tier Wonder Woman–themed birthday cake in front of her. The bottom tier is blue with white stars, and the top tier is red with the gold Wonder Woman logo and a gold crown featuring a red star. Black glitter candles on top spell out “FORTY.” The cake rests on a white base with the text “HAPPY 40TH STACY” in black letters. Stacy is smiling and wearing a sleeveless patterned top, creating a cheerful birthday moment.
Happy Birthday Stacy!

 

 

Viral Post Update

This is an update to the viral post I told you about on September 29th.

 

James sits in a wheelchair outdoors on a grassy area, wearing a red‑and‑black plaid shirt and looking upward. Green grass and softly blurred trees fill the background. Text over the image reads: “Instead of ‘don’t stare’," “Let’s start teaching,” “‘SAY HELLO’,” and “www.facebook.com/fansofjames.”

 

We still can’t believe how far this picture has spread. Yesterday it hit the 9 million mark. Just one month and one day after Stacy posted it and it has reached 9 million people! Un-freaking-believable!

A social media analytics summary shows a post with the heading “Amazing... He has touched so many lives!” A small preview image features a person in a red jacket and the text “Instead of ‘don’t stare’ SAY HELLO.” The post, made by Stacy Fulkerson on September 6 at 8:09 PM, reached 9 million people and generated 1 million engagements. Engagement details list 581,938 reactions, 65,284 comments, 100,973 shares, 60,395 photo views, 18 link clicks, and 217,034 other clicks.
As of October 7th, that Facebook post has reached 9 million people!

 

 

Pumpkin Farm

A few weeks ago, we went to a local pumpkin farm with Bounce Children’s Foundation. We didn’t pick any pumpkins, but we did have a nice lunch, caught up with some other families, and walked through their little zoo.

 

Stacy and James pose together inside a large decorative wooden frame surrounded by dried corn stalks. The top of the frame reads “Harvesting Memories at...” and the bottom reads “GOEBBERT’S FARM.” Stacy stands behind the frame wearing a bright pink shirt and sunglasses, smiling toward the camera. James sits in his wheelchair next to Stacy and is wearing a red jacket and a patterned white blanket. Behind them is a white barn‑like building and green trees, creating a cheerful fall‑themed scene.

 

A large bright yellow pumpkin sculpture with a carved jack‑o’‑lantern face sits on a grassy area. It has triangular eyes, a triangular nose, and a wide jagged grin, with a green leaf and twisted stem on top. Beside it is James in a wheelchair wearing a red jacket, sunglasses, and a patterned white blanket. Evergreen trees fill the background, creating a festive outdoor scene.

 

A small western‑themed structure sits on a grassy area, styled like an old sheriff’s office. The lower half is built from rounded stones, while the upper half is made of wooden planks with a shingled roof. A sign above the entrance reads “SHERIFF” in bold decorative lettering. The front features a barred window and an open doorway, with a puddle of water on the ground nearby. In the background are trees, a haystack, and a brightly painted board with sunflowers and a rooster. The top of a James' head is visible at the bottom edge of the frame.

 

A small rustic wooden building is labeled “BLACKSMITH L. GOEBBERT & SONS.” The structure has brown wooden planks, a small window, and an open doorway. Outside the building sits a black metal chest and an old milk can, with two horseshoes mounted on the wall near the sign. Stacy and James are visible in the doorway: James is seated in a wheelchair covered with a patterned white blanket, and Stacy stands behind him. The scene is set outdoors with grass, a paved walkway, and a cornfield in the background.

 

A colorful sign advertises “Goebbert’s Pumpkin Cannon.” The illustration shows a bright orange truck with flame graphics on the hood and a large cannon mounted in the truck bed, firing a pumpkin through the air. A smiling pumpkin graphic appears beside the truck, with a cornfield in the background. The sign has green, orange, and yellow borders and lists showtimes at 11:30, 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:30, 4:15, and 5:15.

 

A large orange cannon‑shaped launcher is mounted on the back of a black and orange pickup truck parked on a grassy area near a field. The launcher is labeled “GOEBBERT’S” and appears set up for a pumpkin‑shooting attraction. Around the truck are several neat piles of small orange pumpkins and a few stacked hay bales. The background includes open farmland, trees, and a cloudy sky, creating a fall‑festival atmosphere.

 

A decorative outdoor display features a covered wagon pulled by four skeletal horses. A skeleton dressed in clothing sits in the driver’s seat holding the reins. The wagon has a white canvas cover and wooden frame. Nearby is a small weathered wooden shed with various tools and items arranged inside and outside. The scene sits along a gravel path with a curved section of narrow railroad track in the foreground. Green grass, trees, and open farmland fill the background, creating a mix of rustic and Halloween‑themed elements.

 

Two ostriches stand inside a red metal enclosure lined with straw. Behind them is a wooden wall with two posted signs: one on the left that says “PLEASE SPOON FEED THE ANIMALS,” and another on the right labeled “Ostrich,” featuring a photo, a map of Africa, and informational text. A small yellow plastic shovel hangs from the enclosure. The ostriches have long necks, long legs, and gray‑brown feathers, shown up close in a controlled exhibit setting.

 

A giraffe stands behind a concrete barrier and metal fence in an outdoor enclosure, with tall evergreen trees in the background. In the foreground, James is seated in his wheelchair and looking toward the giraffe. The giraffe’s patterned coat and long neck are clearly visible, creating a close‑up zoo‑like scene.

 

Stacy, wearing a pink shirt and a patterned backpack, is feeding a llama inside a fenced enclosure. She holds out a yellow spoon‑like feeder, and the llama leans forward to eat. The enclosure is made of red metal fencing with straw on the ground and several evergreen trees placed around the area. A sign on the fence reads “Please Spoon Feed the Animals. Parents Supervise your children.” The scene has the feel of a petting‑zoo interaction.

 

A small red‑fenced enclosure contains several kangaroos resting and feeding on a bed of straw. One kangaroo lies stretched out, another stands upright, and two are gathered near the front of the pen. James observes them from outside the fence. Two signs are attached to the enclosure: one labeled “Kangaroo” with a photo and a map of Australia, and another that reads “Please Spoon Feed the Animals. Parents Supervise your children.” The scene resembles a petting‑zoo exhibit with close‑up viewing of the animals.

 

Two camels stand inside a red metal enclosure lined with straw. One camel is positioned closer to the camera, while the other stands slightly behind with its head raised. A wooden fence runs behind the pen, creating the look of a zoo or animal‑exhibit setting.

 

A red metal pen contains several goats standing and moving around on straw bedding. Blue feeding containers sit along the inside of the enclosure. Two signs hang on the fence: one that reads “PLEASE SPOON FEED THE ANIMALS,” and another labeled “BOER GOAT,” which includes a small map of Africa, a photo of the breed, and descriptive text. In the foreground, James is positioned near the pen, observing the animals. The scene resembles a petting‑zoo exhibit with close interaction and educational signage.

 

James sits in his wheelchair near a small fenced enclosure containing three domestic geese. The pen is made of metal fencing with a wooden frame, and the ground is covered in straw or wood shavings. An informational sign titled “Domestic Geese” is attached to the fence, featuring a photo of geese, a world map, and brief descriptive text about the species. The geese stand close together inside the enclosure, creating an educational farm‑exhibit scene.

 

A brown‑and‑white llama stands inside a red metal pen filled with straw. In the foreground, James sits in his wheelchair facing the llama, wearing a red and blue outfit. Evergreen trees sit behind the enclosure, giving the scene an outdoor petting‑zoo feel.

 

 

School

A couple of weeks ago they had one of their spirit weeks at school. I think Stacy enjoys these more than James does.

 

Monday: PJ Day

James sits in his wheelchair wearing a white shirt with a red tractor graphic and green pants patterned with matching tractors. His nurse kneels beside him, smiling, dressed in a green outfit with a leafy print. They are in a classroom setting with cabinets, a microwave, and various supplies in the background. Signs on the wall read “IMPORTANT” and “DON’T FORGET AWESOME,” adding a supportive, encouraging tone to the space.
PJ Day

 

Tuesday: Hat Day

James sits in his wheelchair wearing a red Spider‑Man cap, a blue shirt, red shorts, and red wrist supports. The wheelchair has a tray and an arm rest decorated with colorful travel‑patch designs. His nurse kneels beside him and smiles, wearing a light shirt and a white captain’s hat labeled “CROATIA.” Behind them is a classroom with desks, chairs, and a whiteboard displaying posters that say “OUR RULES” and “BE AWESOME TODAY!” The scene captures a friendly, supportive moment in an educational setting.
Hat Day

 

Wednesday: Work Out Day

James and his nurse are in a hallway with brick walls and doors behind them. His nurse stands smiling, wearing a bright yellow‑green long‑sleeve athletic shirt and pink shorts. Beside her, James sits in his wheelchair wearing a red Adidas shirt, black shorts, black socks, red shoes, and dark sunglasses. The wheelchair has a black tray and visible support equipment. The scene feels like an indoor school or community‑center setting, with papers posted on the wall adding to the everyday atmosphere.
Work Out Day

 

Thursday: Disney Day

James sits in a wheelchair with supportive padding and wrist braces, wearing sunglasses and a black Star Wars shirt that reads “I’M THE.” Beside him, his nurse kneels and smiles, wearing a white‑and‑blue striped shirt with a Little Mermaid design and a headband with large black‑and‑red sequined Mickey Mouse ears. They are in a hallway with brick walls, bright overhead lighting, and a door with glass panels at the far end. The moment feels friendly and supportive, captured in a school‑like setting.
Disney Day

 

Friday: Spirit Day

James and his nurse are in a library setting. James sits in his wheelchair with a headrest and a front tray, wearing a gray shirt with a partially blurred logo. Standing beside him is nurse smiling, wearing a light blue shirt printed with words like “EMBRACE,” “TEAMWORK,” “ENGAGE,” “DEDICATION,” “HARD WORK,” and “FUN.” Behind them are bookshelves filled with books, a globe, and colorful educational decorations, creating a welcoming school‑library atmosphere.
Spirit Day

 

A week ago, they had picture day so he had to look all spiffy:

 

James lies on a soft patterned surface decorated with circular designs, wearing a plaid shirt in shades of orange, blue, and white. A gray neck pillow rests around his neck for support. The background includes a beige carpet and part of a piece of furniture, giving the scene a quiet, home‑like feeling of rest and comfort.
Ready for picture day

 

They’ve been studying megalodons in class and have been were working on some sort of a project. I have no idea what they are making, but I understand that it’s megalodon related. Can’t wait to see the finished product. What, you don’t know what a megalodon is? That’s okay, I had to look it up, too. According to Wikipedia, a megalodon is an “extinct species of mackerel shark that lived approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago (Mya), from the Early Miocene to the Pliocene epochs. It was formerly thought to be a member of the family Lamnidae and a close relative of the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). However, it is now classified into the extinct family Otodontidae, which diverged from the great white shark during the Early Cretaceous.”

 

James sits in his wheelchair in a classroom, wearing a gray T‑shirt with a blurred logo and red wrist supports and holding a paintbrush. A piece of cardboard rests on the wheelchair tray, with a pink bowl filled with a gray material. Behind him are wooden cabinets, drawers, and various classroom supplies including papers, a phone, and colorful objects, creating the feel of an art or craft activity in a school setting.
Megalodon art project

 

Stacy bought James a new bag to take to and from school. As a Thirty-One consultant, I think she looks for any excuse to buy a new bag. It does give her the opportunity to try out some of the products that she sells, though.

 

A black fabric bag with black‑and‑white striped handles features a stitched cartoon dinosaur. The dinosaur is green with a purple belly and small purple flower‑shaped spots. Below the design, the embroidered text reads “Jamesasaurus” in purple thread. The overall look is playful and personalized, like a custom accessory made for James.

 

Stacy takes selfie in the bathroom mirror while wearing a purple shirt and holding a black tote bag. The bag features a green cartoon dinosaur and the embroidered word “Jamesasaurus” in purple text. The bathroom has beige tile, a blue patterned shower curtain, a towel on a rack, a beige countertop, and a white sink with a silver faucet.

 

 

Other Stuff

How many of you like popcorn, specifically cheese popcorn? Don’t you hate the cheesy film that it leaves on your hands? Stacy has found a solution to that problem. I guess this is what happens when you have a house full of medical supplies:

 

Stacy sits on a red couch in a living room, wearing a dark blue shirt with white text that reads “Elmhurst College.” She holds a bowl of popcorn in one hand and a green‑lidded water bottle in the other. A yellow pillow with a Curious George pattern rests beside her, and folded towels are stacked on the armrest. Behind the couch, windows with blinds let in daylight, giving the scene a relaxed, homey feel.
Eating popcorn with a medical glove

 

If you remember a while back, I mentioned that Stacy had stumbled across an organization called Who I Run For that matches runners with people who can’t run. The premise is that it gives the runner some extra motivation and inspiration to push harder. Stacy had signed James up and he was matched with a young woman who dedicates her runs to him. She happened to be in the area for a business trip last week and was able to stop by to meet James for the first time and give him a couple of the medals she earned.

 

James and his runner are on a carpeted floor indoors. James lies on a cushioned reclining chair with a polka‑dot cover, wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, with a supportive neck pillow and a yellow cartoon‑print pillow under his arm. Beside him, his runner sits close, wearing a dark athletic jacket with a “Marathon” logo, gently holding their hand. In the background are a wooden table, a cardboard box, and a folded mattress with a monkey pattern, creating a home‑like, caregiving atmosphere.
James with his runner

 

James lies on a patterned cushion with circular designs, wearing a dark gray T‑shirt and a red‑and‑white checkered ribbon holding a medal that features a lighthouse and the words “Youth Triathlon” and “Maniac.” A gray neck pillow supports their head with a white cloth draped over it. An adult hand gently holds James' arm. In the background, a red chair and a plush toy add to the cozy, home‑like setting.
The medals she gave him

 

James on a patterned surface with circular designs, supported by a gray neck pillow. He wears a dark gray shirt with red and white text reading “stevens elementary.” Around his neck are two medals: one on a purple ribbon labeled “MINI MANIAC Youth Triathlon September 7, 2019,” and another on a red‑and‑white checkered ribbon labeled “HAMPTONS MARATHON September 28, 2019.” The background shows a carpeted floor and part of another person’s feet, giving the scene a relaxed, home‑like feel.
James with his medals

 

This past Sunday, October 6th, was World Cerebral Palsy Day. It is a social movement of, by and for the CP community helping to ensure that everyone with CP has the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else. CP is the most common physical disability in childhood and is also one of the least understood. Doctors are reluctant to make a diagnosis, too many people receive ineffective therapies, too many individuals and their families lack access to basic information and support, too little money is being spent on research, and far too many societies keep people with CP out of sight, out of mind, and out of options. Stacy got the word out to make the world green on October 6th in honor of James, who is loved beyond measure, and all others with CP around the world!

 

A five‑panel collage highlights World Cerebral Palsy Day. The top panel shows a blue background with a stylized green‑and‑white globe and the text “WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY” along with “www.worldcpday.org.” The four photos below feature James in different moments with family and caregivers: being kissed on both cheeks outdoors by mom and dad, sitting indoors between mom and dad, posing outside with his nurse while holding a sign that says “FIRST DAY OF 5th Grade,” and wearing sunglasses and a plaid shirt while seated in a wheelchair. The collage conveys celebration, support, and awareness.