Getting crafty for graduation

We've been busy getting our house and yard in order for Emma's senior graduation open house.  Last weekend, we hauled 15 yards of mulch.

It's my least favorite thing to do, but the flower beds and our backyard woods do look all nice and tidy again.

Emma wanted something different to use for picture boards to display at her upcoming open house.    Chris found a couple of screen doors at a local thrift store and after painting them, he removed the screen and replace it with chicken wire.

Tiny clothes pins found at the Dollar Tree attach the photos to the chicken wire.
The doors are hinged together so that they can stand up.

Because I needed a glue gun fix, I ended up making a bunting to hang across the doors.  I think it turned out really neat and Emma has been having fun going through photo albums to find pictures to hang on her doors.

Although she doesn't graduate until June 2nd, her school held a senior assembly this past Thursday.  What a beautiful event and the weather was perfect for outdoor photos.  

It's nonstop celebrations right now.
 

A new holiday for my year-round tree!

My long time followers know that I have a year-round tree that stays up in my sunroom.

 In years past during the month of May, the tree has been decorated with various birthday themes.

This year, my tree is celebrating a brand new holiday...Emma's senior graduation!

We're so proud of all her accomplishments and wonderful friends.  

Between all her sports, marching band, student committees and retail job, she's been a busy and successful young lady.

Graduation officially happens June 2nd but until then, we've been celebrating all sorts of special senior events.

We're so proud of you, Emma!  
 

Backyard magic

Over the weekend, my sister gave me several new toadstool solar lights for my backyard gnome garden.  

I also found a pair of mini plastic flamingos at Shopco (rumor has it they are also available at Camping World and some Dollar Tree stores).

With all my new backyard accessories, the gnome house and all the plantings received a good spring cleaning.   Yes.  I might have taken some of these pictures in my pajamas. I realize I am a dork and it's a good thing that my gnome garden is in the backyard woods and that only a few birds and small creatures witnessed this photo shoot.  

I promise to try and catch up on blog reading.  May is my hectic month of faculty development and spring semester classes.  I haven't had much blogging time lately.  Don't give up on me!

This and That.

Over the weekend, we celebrated Emma's very last high school prom.  Sigh.  Such a beautiful girl, even if I'm a bit biased.

I also spent some time cleaning out my garden shed (which is more like an adult playhouse than a garden shed).   I chased out all the spiders and washed linens. Now, I just wish our weather would stay warm enough to enjoy it!

On Sunday, my mom, sister and I attended season opener of the Allegan Antique market.  Of course, I found another Chinese Checkerboard to add to my growing collection.  I'm addicted, I tell ya! 

Lastly, if you are out shopping this weekend and near a Dollar Tree, they are selling the prettiest paper lanterns and they even light up!  Wouldn't they be really festive as birthday party or Mother's day decorations?  I hope you find time to play this weekend.

XOXO

Porch sittin weather!

Only in MI can you go from 30 degree weather one Sunday to to 80 degree weather the following Sunday.

Over the weekend, we took some time to get the patio furniture out of storage, scrub down the deck, add new light bulbs to my estate sale lanterns and purchase a few pansies.

We've still got all kinds of spring cleaning to do in the yard.    

 Welcome warm weather, you've been missed!

XOXO