Happy New Year, School, Dentist, Giving Back, Day of Acceptance, and Turning 40

James lies on a cushioned support on a patterned rug, wearing a blue Superman T‑shirt, dark pants with red lettering, and red Converse‑style shoes. A blue foam pool noodle rests under one arm, and a white cloth sits near his head. Jeff in an orange shirt is partially visible nearby. A wooden table beside them holds a garland, a framed photo, and a “HAPPY NEW Year” headband, creating a mix of care, comfort, and celebration in a home setting.
Happy New Year

 

Happy New Year! This is probably going to be a pretty short post because there’s not much going on here. We all survived the holidays without any illnesses or trips to the hospital, and I think we’re back into our normal routine. I’m back at work; James is back at school; and Stacy is back to whatever she does while I’m at work and James is at school.

 

School

Speaking of school, we had James’ IEP meeting on Wednesday. An IEP is an individualized education plan. Because James can’t learn and do most of the things that normal kids can, his IEP is geared toward the things that he can do. His teacher and all of his school therapists (OT, PT, vision, hearing, etc.) all have a part in his IEP, which also includes goals that they want to see him accomplish.

Stacy and I both think the meeting went well. Such a big difference when compared to the last school year. So far this school year has been a good one and we think the rest of it will be good as well.

 

Dentist

James had a checkup with the dentist on Thursday and left the office with two less teeth! They were loose enough that the dentist was able to just pop them out. Poor kid is almost out of teeth.

 

A close‑up view of a James' face focuses on his mouth. The mouth is open wide, showing teeth, gums, and bloody spots where two teeth is missing. James is wearing a red outer layer with a darker garment underneath.
The dentist pulled two loose teeth

 

Giving Back

We’ve been extremely fortunate with all the help and support we have received over the years. Raising a special needs child like James is hard, stressful and expensive and we are very appreciative of everything we have been given. We always look for ways to give back when we can.

Operation North Pole, the organization that sent us on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the North Pole last month, is having a fundraiser in February that we’re thinking about attending. It’s kind of expensive, but we had such a wonderful time, and we want to help them continue with their efforts to send other families like our on this awesome adventure.

 

A promotional flyer for “Operation North Pole Santa’s Sampler,” a culinary fundraising event held on February 8, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza Rosemont. The design features a silver serving dish with the event name displayed on a card, surrounded by white decorative flourishes on a dark blue background. On the right is a photo of Chef Mario Rizzotti, noted as the evening’s emcee. The flyer lists participating Chicago‑area chefs and culinary schools, event details such as time, location, and ticket price, and highlights complimentary beer, wine, parking, and coat check. A brief biography describes Rizzotti’s television and culinary credentials.
Operation North Pole fundraiser

 

Day of Acceptance

Mark your calendars for January 20th, the International Day of Acceptance.

 

James lies on a cushioned surface covered with a patterned sheet, holding two signs that read “#DayOfAcceptance January 20th” and “January 20 DayOfAcceptance.com,” the latter featuring the 3E Love heart design that incorporates a wheelchair symbol. A stuffed monkey rests nearby. The scene highlights disability acceptance and inclusion through a calm, supportive moment.

 

Turning 40

It was bound to happen sooner or later, but I have finally entered a new decade in my life. The big 4-0. I thought turning 30 was hard. Not quite sure how I feel about turning 40 yet. Some say that age is just a number. True, but the average life expectancy in the United States (as of 2015) is 78.7 years. Assuming that I make it to that age, my life is now more than half over. How has my life been up to this point? Are there things I want to accomplish before I leave this world? What can I do to make this world a better place? All these questions running through my mind.

Enough about me struggling with getting older.  Let’s enjoy some pictures of this amazing cake that Stacy bought me.

 

Four people gather around a wooden dining table for a birthday celebration. A child in a blue and orange Chicago Bears jersey sits in front of a two‑tiered cake decorated with a black‑and‑white checkered top layer, orange flames around the bottom, and a small toy car beside a single lit candle. Jeff in a blue sweatshirt sits next to the child, looking toward the camera. Behind them, two older adults stand — one smiling and clapping, the other watching quietly.

 

A group of people sit and stand around a wooden table during a birthday celebration. At the center is a two‑tiered racing‑themed cake: the top tier has a black‑and‑white checkered pattern with the name “JEFF” in red letters and a small toy race car on top, while the bottom tier is black with bright orange flames and the number “40.” A tray of assorted cookies and a cake knife sit nearby. Adults and children gather around the table, creating a lively, family‑style moment.