A big loss...

I've been absent from blog land.   My father in law died last week. 

My husband had spent the last several weeks traveling back and forth across the state and living out of hotel rooms to be closer to the hospital, but none of us really thought he would be really gone from our lives.  73 is much too young.  

I have to share part of the obituary that my husband wrote.  Leonard Kenward will be remembered for his giving nature, his generous heart, and unwavering wish for all of his children and grandchildren to be happy and successful. 

He was a constant thread in all of our lives and was the first person we went to in times of struggle, need, or great celebration. His presence and daily involvement in all of our lives will be greatly missed. 

We anticipate Heaven to be filled with lots of golfing, plenty of fishing, daily video poker, reminiscing with those who have gone before him, and lots and lots of laughter. 

Goodbye, Papa.  We love you lots and lots.

Summer fluffing...

All my patriotic decorations have been packed up at home and I’ve pulled out a few of my favorite summer treasures. 

 A few of them were recent additions from estate sale land, including the sand pail shovel with the mermaid.

The shells were collected from our recent trip to Florida in April. The vintage sailboat teapot was a Goodwill steal. My grandmother had the exact same style teapot and I remember it fondly.

I’ve been picking aquarium figure and castles from estate sales. I just love their onion top shaped roofs.

 I’ve shared this picture in previous blog posts, but the little girl in the sunglasses is me with my Dad probably around 1970. Love those big purple sunglasses.

 I hope you are staying cool. Have a thrifty crafty weekend, friends.

Festivities at the Aframe

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th (or 3rd)!  

The annual Hess Lake Ring of Fire and fireworks was another fantastic event and gave me a great excuse to decorate the Aframe.

Like I need any excuses to decorate for a holiday (smile). 

On my previous post, I shared our pink flamingo inflatables found at Five Below.

Of course, I had to go back and get a few more.

We've been enjoying nature's fireworks every morning from the Aframe.  I hope your July has been good to you so far.

Lake life and estate sale treasures

With all the high school graduation events finally over, we have gotten into our summer routine of heading to the Aframe and enjoying lake life as much as we can. 

That also means finding a few more things from estate sales to bring to the lake.

I'm not sure where we are going to put this 8 seater toboggan sled, but it's the coolest thing and the jingle bells still jingle!

 My thermos addiction continues thanks to estate sale land.

Although this has nothing to do with estate sales, Five Below is carrying these flamingo lights.  Aren't they the perfect touch on our back patio?

I hope your summer is off to a good start!

Hard to believe July is nearly here!
 

Graduation celebrations and open house decorations

It's been a whirlwind of milestones at our house and now that we are officially past Emma's open house and her graduation ceremonies, I can share pictures. 

Emma has always been fascinated with maps.  In fact, the majority of her bedroom walls are covered in maps.

Chris asked his elementary teacher colleagues if they had any large classroom maps that he might use for Emma's graduation party.   Several maps that were in school storage were magically made available and we quickly got to work covering our garage walls with painters drop cloths and maps.

One of the maps was used to gather signatures and inspirational quotes from guests and she will be bringing that to college with her next year.

Luckily the weather cooperated and despite the extreme heat, we didn't have any rain or wind to content with.  I can also add tent construction to my "party planner" title. I honestly think it was a miracle that Chris and I were able to put this tent up ourselves.

In case anyone is wondering where Emma is going to college next year, here's a big hint.  At this point, she's declared Social Work as a major (following in her dad's footsteps).

Her official move-in date is August 23rd and we are all excited and nervous about the upcoming changes (especially Josie).

Congratulations, Emma.   We were so happy to celebrate your special day.