Skylar's Twenty-first Birthday (21)

 September 30 was a big deal for Skylar, and us, but mostly him. He turned 21 and had his first day of college classes. We took him to class, and then took him out to dinner. At dinner he was able to have his first drink. He wasn't too into the drink, but it was still a great day! We are so proud of him, and we still can't believe our baby is 21 years old now.

Skylar loves dinosaurs, and he asked for brownies, instead of a cake. So, I made a lava pit of dinosaurs on top of the brownies. He loved it, and the candles brought the whole scene to life.

Happy Birthday, Little Deer! ㉑

Five Simple Things (September 27)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This tree.

We have had success from growing trees from seed in the past, so we are hoping this Bonsai Kit gives us the same success.

2. This doggy.

Always around us, always wanting to be close, always the very best friend. He is getting older, but he is doing great for a doggie that turns 18 this year. Lots of love and unconditional support keeps any living thing thriving. A lot of humans could learn from that.

3. These goofballs.

Welcome, Great Pumpkin.

4. This soup.

I made this potato soup this week and it was a definite hit. We ate on it for about three days and it was so warm and comforting, and I am all about comfort foods this time of year.

5. These bananas.

It's time to make banana muffins, too.

One last thing:

This particular pumpkin is no longer available, but here are similar ones.

The pumpkin on Skylar's head is a giant plastic pumpkin. Although we stray away from plastic, mostly single-use plastic, this giant pumpkin we have had for several years now. We use it every year for our main candy and a blue one for alternative, allergy-free candy. There are other options on the market that are great for Halloween season, and here are a few that I have found.

1.2.  3. 

 1. Vintage Pumpkin Face Bucket (papier-mâché)

2. Paper Mache Orange Jack-O'-Lantern Treat Buckets

3. Paper Mâché Pumpkin Halloween Bucket

Positive affirmations this week:

• Eat plants.
• Study hard.
• Spend smart.
• Work out.
• Don't compare.
• Be happy.

Have a nice weekend.

Welcome Day (Linn Benton Community College)

 I attended welcome day this week with Skylar at Linn Benton Community College. It was raining off and on throughout the day, but we had a great time. He got to meet a lot of his peer counselors, the dean of the school, and assistant dean, a few of the heads of departments, and he learned who his advisor would be for the first term. Linn Benton Community College had first time students go on a scavenger hunt and I was allowed to do the scavenger hunt with Skylar. We got to see the renovated courtyard, too. It is absolutely beautiful. It looks a lot cleaner and more cohesive since I attended LBCC. The day was a great day and I love being part of Skylar's journey through his college years. I am excited for Skylar to start his college experience here.