Tired of being tired?

Headed to the 3rd Grade (Skylar)

Skylar hit the 3rd grade this year and he was ready!  This year was a bit different than year before because Skylar was able to actually help get things around and knew exactly what to do to get his supplies, clothes, and other essentials prepared.  In a way it almost made me sad to see him being more and more independent.  So far, Oregon schools have been in session for about a month.  

A few days before school started we went by the school to see who his teacher was for the 3rd grade.




 




Fresh school supplies.  I always loved the first few weeks of school because my school supplies were always brand new.  

(left) Headed to open house at the school.  (right) Skylar found his name on the list.

Looking for his desk.

Placing all his school supplies in his desk for the start of class the next day.

He loved seeing his name on the desk.  He wanted to start school right then.  Ha!

  
His teacher, Ms. Kuehlwein was a pleasure to speak with and I can tell this year is going to be a great year for all of us.


Skylar found his name all over the classroom.


Skylar's great uncle Dan Wilkerson was a founder of the area schools and part of the school board before he passed away.  His name can be seen on a plaque throughout the area schools in Linn County.

Checking out the new gym equipment.


We met everyone we needed to met on our passport while at the open house.  

We even got to visit with Mr. Nelson the new school principal for Pioneer School.

First day of 3rd grade.

  
Skylar was ready to take on the day!

One thing I love is making lunch for my little bean!  He loves the little surprises I put in there too!

The first week of 3rd grade was a great week too!

  
3rd grade is going to be a great year!


  






Eco-Tip:  "We must be the change we want to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi  Gandhi said it best with his quote of being the change you want to see.  Meaning, don't just sit there, do something good.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.




    

Spark of Love this Week: Dragonfly, Quotes, Tomatoes, Butterfly, Room, and Certification

This dragonfly.

Because Skylar caught it.  We let it go once we were done exploring it.


These quotes and sayings. 


Because it's fun to find little inspirational quotes in random places.  The fun of these sayings and quotes is how they brightened my day a little.

This tomato container.

Because I realized, after the tomatoes were gone I could use this little container for something wonderful later .

This little butterfly.


Because he fluttered about my office with such grace, I just had to share his beauty on SNORTH.

My son's room.
Because I have learned that a child's room doesn't have to be perfect, nor does it have to be spotless.  Let's face it, one day all of this will be missed.

Random Photo This Week:
Jeff's certification for his Firefighter I training.  


Eco-Tip:  Take time to learn about life when we didn't depend on electronics, electricity, self-serve, or even fast food.  Find out what life was like without all of this and then start to appreciate what you do have.  Life made more simple is the best way to life green.  For this and other tips on living a greener lifestyle visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.




    

Chocolate Cranberry Chip Cookies

These cookies are super delicious and perfect for holidays coming!


Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup organic butter, softened
• 3/4 cup organic sugar, granulated
• 3/4 cup firmly, packed brown sugar
• 2 organic eggs
• 1 tsp. real vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup bran cereal
• 1 cup organic dried cranberries
• 1 (8oz.) pkg. semi-sweet, organic chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)



Preheat oven to 375°.  In a medium bowl stir together the dry ingredients and set aside.  In a large bowl mix together the wet ingredients.  Mix the dry ingredients with the wet stirring constantly and let rest 5 minutes.

Drop on a cookie sheet in rounded teaspoons, that's been covered with parchment paper.  Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.  Cool on wire rack and serve warm or store in an air-tight container.

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.


Eco-Tip:  Instead of reaching for a Styrofoam cup or paper cup, reach for a mug instead.  There is over 25 billion Styrofoam cups thrown into landfills yearly and over 400,000 paper cups.[1]  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.