We havent had many birthday parties for Tommy other than some small family get togethers. I wanted to make his 18th birthday a “big deal.” In 2021 you may remember we pulled him out of school due to covid and other issues. I knew that although continuing in home school there would never be a formal graduation for him so I thought that this would be a good time to celebrate him.

Tommy’s favorite time of the year is Christmas of course, but I do believe he does understand birthdays and a new year of age to some extent, but P.A.R.T.Y!! He definitely understands. LOL

I put an invitation together on Facebook and invited family and some extended family along with friends that have interaction with him. He absolutely knew that there was going to be a party and that it was for HIM:)

He had recently developed a liking to Pac-Man. I found some vibrant color decoration on Amazon in this theme and showed it to him. (Because he is an approver of all things purchased for Tommy!) He said, “That One” which is his final answer! LOL We decorated and with the help of Kahlyn and her balloon arch skills, everything turned out super cute. He loved it and that is what mattered.

Tommy would greet his guest one by one as they arrived. He would say “hello”, take their gift and place it in the designated spot. He was very calm and gracious. It was really fun to watch him interact with everyone.

As we gathered around the cake to sing Happy Birthday, he was beaming from ear to ear. He blew out the candles and flexed his muscles. Showing off a bit. He loved the attention!

Tommy Snacks -

were the plan for food for the evening. We served Cheese Dip, Goldfish, Chicken Fries, Mac-n-cheese, Grapes and Oranges! We accented the cake with M&M’s. It was perfectly Tommy!

He received so many wonderful gifts. our friends and family truly blessed him. A few had the idea to gift “tommy snacks” including his favorite chips and mini coke, etc. With a little help, he thanked everyone as he opened their present!

Heath and I continued to visit with everyone. It was nice that it was at our home where I don’t have to worry about Tommy, but I noticed that he was no longer in the living room… I went looking and found him in his room! Fully clothed too, you just never know!! LOL

He had taken each gift and began organizing and putting everything in its proper spot. He does have a spot for everything and don’t go moving it. He has animals by the drawer full and he knows what is in each drawer. It is super hard to help him find something if he can’t put into words exactly what he is wanting. So, he has just about got me trained to not mess with his stuff. LOL

He received a strand of dinosaur lights that he already had hung up and were lit up. He received some Pac-man socks that he was sporting! And all of his snacks were lined up too on his credenza. I believe that he thought since he moved them to his room that I would not be controlling them, but he quickly found out that was not the case. If I would have left it all it would have been gone within a couple of days :(

We had a great time celebrating Tommy! We can never express our thankfulness for all of the love and care that we are shown with Tommy. The understanding that we sense among our friends and family is appreciated the most! This day was a “diamond” but somedays are just “stones.” Rough around the edges and not shiny at all. We have some future plans to keep Tommy out and about. Growing, learning and visiting this great big world. Getting him out of “his world” as much as we can. I pray for his willingness to participate in our adventures as we are exploring and hope that one day he realizes how much we plan and prepare for him and his future.

We covet and appreciate your prayers too! Thanks for following - God Bless