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High School Graduation Party Ideas

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High School Graduation Party Ideas

If you are looking for high school graduation party ideas then look no further. I threw four graduation parties for my kids and probably have attended a hundred local high school celebrations.

You can make your seniors’ party unique and special by personalizing high school celebrations.

Photo Graduation Invitations

The best way to make your high school graduation special is to send your guests photo graduation invitations. This is a great way to use your senior photos.

Order graduation invitations at least two months in advance of the graduation date. This will allow you to address the invitations and get them in the mail. Mark this special time with a formal graduation invitation or announcement.

Graduation Invitations for Boys

Boys usually don’t like all the attention at their graduation party, so take is a little more low key.

Don’t forget the party favors, candy and outdoor decorations. Think outside the box. Speaking of box, check out these graduation favor boxes. You can even create customized boxes from my Zazzle store with your high school name and graduation year.

Graduation Thank You Cards

Seniors will be getting gift cards, cash and other gifts. So don’t forget the personalized graduation thank you cards. to send your guests after your party.

Personalized Graduation Banners

Take the budget you would spend and create an amazing small graduation party. Pull out all the stops and go ALL out with graduation yard flags, large personalized graduation banners and extra special gift bags.

Ideas for a High School Graduation Party

High school graduation party ideas can be very creative. Graduation favor bags can be filled with candy and even a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Parent-teacher associations can create fundraisers to provide each student with a graduation Amazon gift card.

Graduation Personalized Banner

Hang a graduation banner on your fence or garage door for everyone to see that drives by

You can even personalize banners with senior photos, names, and school name. Find more graduation banners and signs in this collection.

HIgh school seniors have worked hard for four years and deserve to be recognized. Make this a graduation season, not a day, or even a senior week. But, a senior summer!

High School Graduation Signs

Post high school graduation signs in your yard for the whole month. Afterward hang them on your fence, patio, or deck.

Give each student an opportunity to custom order by creating an online order form at school. Encourage all the students to bring their graduation banners to the ceremony. Then post them on the fences and the front lawn of the high school.

High School Graduation Gifts

Graduation gifts are being equally creative. It may not feel like it now, but seniors will want to remember this year. They made history whether they want to admit it or not.

Frame this Then & Now print in a frame and give as a graduation gift to a Mom, Dad or Grandparent who has watched their child or grandchild grow up and mature into a young lady or young man.

This gift pack of a scented candle, caramels, and a cute little succulent plant is a perfect graduation gift for a girl going off to college. She can create a little piece of serenity in her college dorm room as she remembers her friends.

High school graduation party ideas and gifts for girls and boys. #graduation #graduationparty

Celebrating Turning 50, Yes I’m Nifty Fifty

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I don’t understand why people are afraid or depressed about turning fifty. Yes, I will be 50 years old in just a few days and thanks to my hairdresser I don’t have gray hair on my head.

This is my half-century mark and I’m more comfortable today than when I turned 40 or even 30.

My husband hated turning 50, he didn’t even want a cake, and even the mention of his birthday made him growl. I don’t know why men have a harder time with age than women.

50 Things to Do When You Turn 50: 50 Experts on the Subject of Turning 50 (Fifty Experts on the Subject of Turning Fifty)1965 Limited Edition 50th Birthday T-Shirt Vintage Aged To Perfection T-Shirt Large Black

Just think about it, if only I knew then what I know now. I would of been a more relaxed, enjoyed just being in the moment and not so stressed.

So at age 30 I was a new Mom with a baby daughter and two boys under the age of six. I didn’t even have time to take a shower, much less “do my hair”.

Ten years later my boys were teenagers and life got complicated to say the least. I started off on a journey of being a single Mom and it took many years for the insecurities and self doubt to fade.

I not only welcome 50, I’m embracing it!!!

So Have a 50th Birthday Party

Celebrate the joy of turning 50 and the freedome that comes with the wisdom of the age.

I am on the cusp of the 2nd phase of my life and can see retirement just over the horizon not only being a goal but a way of life. With age comes confidence and wisdom from years of making mistakes.

My children are raised and on their own and our relationships are changing to the next phase. I have never been more proud of my kids, whether it be the confidence of taking on a new job, juggling finances and not asking for help, or buying their first car on their own.

What I am VERY much looking forward to is the Grandma stage, I hear it’s wonderful and I’m ready.

Mark My Words 50th Birthday Mug, 4-3/4-Inch, 17-Ounce Capacity

Life after 50 is carefree, it’s doing what you want to do because it’s your choice.

Ever see people in their 70’s that aren’t afraid to say anything, they do and they get away with it. Perks of getting older is saying (pretty much) what you want because you don’t care what people think, you are bold, and an “elder” and all of the sudden you are wise.

Ok, people listen because you’re old, possibly out of respect, but they still listen. It’s not that you’re rude or mean, in fact, the opposite is true, you’ve learned how to communicate better, what “words of wisdom” work, and how to shock a teenager and get attention.

I have decided I’m not only going to celebrate on my birthday, but all year round. You only turn 50 once in your life so you better make it a good one.

The 50th Birthday Game. Fun 50th birthday party idea, also a uniquely fun 50th birthday gift for men and for women.You’re Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children

Getting Away With Senior Moments

I actually have an excuse for walking into a room, standing in the middle, and wondering why I entered. Senior moments, shoot I’ve been having them for years. I forget words, I look for my phone, while I’m talking to my daughter, ON MY PHONE.

I also look for my my sunglasses, oh yes, when they are on my head.

389 Unforgettable Senior Moments Page-A-Day Calendar 2016BigMouth Inc Senior Moment Caution Sign365 Senior Moments You’d Rather Forget

How to Celebrate Turning 50

So I need some ideas, a bucket list, or check list of sorts to say “When I was 50 I did….” I’m not one for tattoos, so that is out. But, I think this milestone is one to be documented, recorded, and remembered for what it is, the first day of the rest of your life.

I do know I’m going to have some Rumchatta, be with my family, laugh, and eat some cake!

You Know You’re Fifty When50 Ways to Enjoy Turning Fifty: Make the Most of Your Milestone Birthday to Have the Best Year Ever

4th of July Traditions

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It is during the holidays you miss your family being all together and the traditions of the 4th of July. Parades, watermelon, laying in the grass watching the fireworks and then going home to set off your own. Happy 4th of July, where ever you and your family may be this year. I celebrated in the town of Murdock Nebraska, who celebrated their 125th birthday in style with a parade, breakfast, a road race, pie and ice cream at the church, BBQ, and a fireworks display.

4th of July parade in Murdock Nebraska
4th of July parade in Murdock Nebraska.

My oldest son, I hope, will be watching the fireworks off Navy Pier in Chicago. Last year I spent a weekend in July and a trip down to Navy Pier to watch the fireworks is definitely worth staying up late.

Chicago 4th of July
Chicago 4th of July

My youngest son, an active Marine unfortunately posted a message on Facebook. “Don’t remember a 4th of July that I haven’t worked these past few years. What are fireworks?” He’s on duty tonight, just like last year. Even my youngest daughter will have to work tonight, but at least she watched the parade this morning and had some “Flag Cake” to celebrate.

This is the first year I’ve made a flag cake, but it reminds me of a tradition when I was in high school. My best friend always had a 4th of July Party at the lake and she always brought the flag cake for dessert. So now, after 40 years I think I’ll start a new tradition. It’s super easy to make. Bake a white cake in a 9 x 13 inch pan, frost with Cool Whip, decorate with blueberries and sliced strawberries.

A 4th of July Tradition, Flag Cake
4th of July Flag Cake

 

No matter where you are you can still appreciate the patriotic spirit of the day, the red, white, and blue decor and even pull up the Patriotic station on Pandora to recognize Independence Day when we declared our Independence from our “Mother Country” England and decided to become our own country in 1776. The United States is a young country in comparison to the rest of the world and let us never become jaded and forget our countries birthday.

United States of America Flag Vintage T-shirt Flag Shirts #13500ASHERANGEL Women’s Sexy Lace Floral Sleeveless Camisole Crop Tank Top Shirts

Happy 4th of July, enjoy your family and enjoy creating new traditions.

4th of July Traditions

A look at July 4th traditions across the US

July 3, 2014: Fair St. Louis fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the St. Louis Art Museum. (AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch). The United States marks 238 years as an independent nation as it celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks, food and music …

4th Of July Traditions: Eight Ways Americans Celebrate Independence

4th Of July Traditions: Eight Ways Americans Celebrate Independence. Eight Traditions For Independence Day. The 4th of July is often filled with parades, barbecues, fireworks, and impromptu baseball games. Families, friends, and neighbors often get …

The Best Places to Watch Fireworks Across America

Plans or traditions for the 4th of July… 4th of July traditions have always included lots of grilling, watermelon, sparklers and being outside! We usually watch fireworks the night before the 4th and then head into the woods for a …

Creating 4th of July Traditions and Frozen Graham Cracker …

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Honey Maid. All thoughts and experiences shared are our own. Sparklers, sprinklers, and cool treats were the highlights of my childhood 4th of …

Sisters Marie: Top Five 4th of July Traditions

Top Five 4th of July Traditions. Our annual 4th of July party is one of those traditions that’s been happening for so long, we can’t even remember life before it. Each year, the excitement begins after the out of office message …

 

Bo Pelini Fired, It’s All About the Money

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As far as sports go, I’m not a sports fan, or a big football fan. I like and respect team character, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and the people behind the plays. That is why I like Bo Pelini. It is also why I don’t like what happened this Sunday morning on November 30th. I’ve always been with BO, he loves the game, he loves his players, and they love him.

Real Nebraska fan will miss Bo Pelini

For Nebraska Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst to announce to the players the firing of their coach and leader, Bo Pelini in an email is cowardly and unprofessional. What was so pressing that couldn’t wait until the players were gathered together in a meeting where they could vent, get mad, grieve together and figure out how support each other during this time period.

Bo Pelini at the University of Nebraska, tunnel walkRegardless of what the press wants the fans and viewers want you to hear or know, the players love Bo Pelini. I know family members of a local player and I’ve been told they players would go do anything for this man. He sincerely cares about them as people, not numbers on the field, not X’s and O’s and certainly not as dollar signs.

But, this is what it comes down to isn’t it. The almighty dollar? Somewhere, someone, with political pull or clout thinks the Huskers are not winning enough National Championships. Well I’m sorry, ok, maybe I’m not, but when did going to college become all about winning a National Football Championship? How many of these young men will play professional football anyway? A few, many former Huskers are playing professional football right now, and they were not on a National Championship Football team.

Bo Pelini Announcement in an Email

What a way to find out your coach got fired. In an email. Who really even checks their email on a regular basis anymore, especially college students. So many of the players found out via text when their phones blew up with messages from team mates, friends and family.

Nebraska Football Players informed Coach Pelini fired in an email

If college football is a business, like many would like to convince us, then let’s look at this from a business perspective. Do you announce the firing of the boss in an email to employees on a Sunday morning at 10:30 am? Or, do you wait until Monday morning, when all the employees arrive at work, have a meeting and then communicate in a professional setting where emotions and questions could be expressed in a controlled setting?

Announcing the firing of Bo Pelini from behind a computer screen is cowardly and unprofessional. Players responded with shock and took to social media, resentment and emotions on both sides are hot and heavy. They took to Twitter Sunday (read them here) and showed their support of Coach Bo, something they did NOT do when Callahan was fired in 2007. Shoot, I’m writing about this and I don’t even bleed red. This is BAD public relations.

Bo Pelini Accomplishments

  • Put Nebraska in the National spotlight with the Team Jack touchdown (no one will ever be able to forget a touchdown a 7 yr old made)
  • One of the nations most successful coaches over the past six seasons. One of only three coaches in the BCS to win nine games their first six year during their first head coaching position. (taken from www.huskers.com which I’m sure will get taken down soon)

Pelnin and Osborne Comparison
Pelnin and Osborne Comparison

  • Bo Pellini matched the performance of much admired and loved Coach Osborne during his first seven years
  • In 2013 had 30 student athletes named to the Academic All-Big Ten team. Not a feat very many schools can touch.
  • An impressive 123 of 130 players on track to earn their degree from the University of Nebraska.

Isn’t that what a University is supposed to do, graduate students and prepare them for a successful future? The college student athlete, their experience is multi-faceted, players are thrust together from all walks of life, from all over the country, poor, rich, urban, country, and must come together as a successful team. These are 18-19 year old-young men, many of them with egos the size of a house, all with the attitude of something to prove.

Ameer Abdullah Said it Best

During the 2014 student-athlete speech at the Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon Ameer Abdullah really wraps up my feeling on why I admire Bo Pelini. Everyone who is not an athlete, or sports fan should listen to this speech. During these eleven minutes this football player shows what college football is all about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6U4_TvJN0Q

“I have come to realize that life is bigger than football, and that my chances of long-term success in life will be greatly enhanced by completing my college education,”

So here ends my rant, as my husband says “Stick a Quarter in you and you’re wound up” yes, some things I am passionate about and the loss of character in the University of Nebraska football program is indeed a loss. Not for the fans, but for the players. Bo Pelini I will miss you, yes, even your side line and press conference rants. It shows you have passion.

I'm With Bo Shirt
I’m With BO! shirt on CafePress

More Response to the Firing Of Nebraska Football Coach Bo Pelini

Bo Pelini fired: @FauxPelini Twitter account…

Fake Bo Pelini, aka @FauxPelini, has more than 152,000 followers on Twitter. Since the account’s creation, it’s handler has created a series of hilarious interactions with everyone from Bo Pelini himself to rival players and even police department …
Nebraska players, Faux Pelini react to Bo Pelini firing

Nebraska’s players woke up Sunday morning to find that head coach Bo Pelini was fired. And few, if any, embraced the change. Many took to Twitter to express their anger and frustration. Here’s a snapshot of those reactions: …
Why Bo Pelini Should Not Have Been Fired by Nebraska: Compare Him to Tom …

Pelini served as head coach of Nebraska for seven seasons, being hired by Tom Osborne at the end of the 2007 season. The decision appears to have been made by Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst, who said the program is looking to move in a “new …
Nebraska players and recruits not happy with Bo…

Nebraska players and recruits not happy with Bo Pelini’s firing · Troy Machir @TroyMachir · Email RSS. November 30, 2014 1:11pm EST. facebook; twitter; googleplus; tumblr; pinterest. Email. Gmail; Yahoo Mail; Outlook; Native Client. On Sunday, Nebraska …
Nebraska QB Zack Darlington shocked by news of Bo Pelini firing

“He asked me if I had seen the e-mail and so I read it and … yeah, I did not see that coming,” Darlington said of the news that Nebraska had fired coach Bo Pelini after a 9-3 season that most Cornhuskers players saw as a positive looking toward the …
Players learn of Pelini news via email, offer reaction on social media

Nebraska football players were informed of coach Bo Pelini’s firing via an email from athletic director Shawn Eichorst on Sunday morning. Defensive lineman Jack Gangwish shared a portion of the email on Twitter, and he and other players voiced …

 

 

 

 

Free Tahmooressi Rally in Omaha Nebraska

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It is time to free Tahmooressi from Mexico! Enough is Enough!

On Friday August 1st at 6:00 there will be a Freedom Rally in Omaha Nebraska at Memorial Park. Jill Tahmooressi, Mother of Andrew Tahmooressi, is the featured speaker. I listened to her radio interview on KFAB and it convinced me that my initial thoughts about this young man were accurate.

The more I learn about Marine Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi being held in a Mexican jail while thousands of illegals are crossing the Mexican border smuggling drugs, weapons and the the extremes the United States went through to free Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for five Taliban leaders the more pissed I become.

free tahmooressi
Click to donate to the Free Tahmooressi Fund

I’ve listened and read several accounts of the circumstances behind his wrong turn into Mexico. I’ve read that his story changed between lawyers, also that he had been to Mexico before. But, this is irrelevant in my opinion. Think about the circumstances and really how accurate are the rumors and the information?

There are a lot of irregularities and inconsistent stories, first there is a language barrier, second the Mexican police is known for being corrupt, and the lawyers he’s gotten haven’t exactly served him well either. I read the hard to see sign has been replaced since he was taken into custody, there are pages of documents missing from the initial report and an interpreter was not provided to him at the border.  What truth can truly be disseminated from all this?

The facts remain he does not have a criminal record, he stated he did not want to go into Mexico. He declared his weapons. If you don’t want him in your country, make him do a U-turn and have him go back to where he started. Do not arrest a citizen of your neighboring country and throw him into a prison where he will be abused and mistreated.

free tahmooressi
Click to donate to the Free Tahmooressi Fund

The way I look at it it’s time to free Tahmooressi for these reasons.

1. What crime did he really commit? He was at the gate, not “in country” and while I can understand punishing and imprisoning a criminal, who had robed, raped, or murdered someone in their country, I cannot understand this. Andrew Tahmooressi does not have a criminal background. The border patrol should of just refused him entry, contacted the US Border Patrol and let them investigate the situation?

2. How often do Mexican illegals smuggle drugs and weapons into the United States? All the time, how many are caught? Very few. Andres didn’t actually smuggle them in, he declared them, if you’re smuggling something into the country you don’t tell someone about your contraband.

3. He called 911 and tried to get help saying he had crossed by accident. Another question is why didn’t the emergency operator try and help him, if his 911 signal still reached and would connect to the American Emergency network why can’t you get help, and WHY isn’t there an American border patrol at one of the busiest international crossings?

4. The United States sends millions of dollars to Mexico, not only from our government, but via their citizens who work (legally and illegally) in our country and send money back to their families. Mexico is supposed to be one of our allies, a friendly country who is in partnership in NAFTA with us and Canada. Why in the world then can they not release this man?

I have read and heard some people state he’s not a Marine, he was a civilian. However, he was on reserve status and actually had a notice to appear to his assigned duty station while he was in the Mexican jail. He had not found a permanent place to live so had all of his possessions in the car.

I will be attending the rally in Omaha, will you?

Information on the Omaha Free Tahmooressi Rally

Additional Information and News

Congress can’t get Obama’s attention to free Tahmooressi, We the People must

When justifying the release of five vicious Taliban terrorists detained at “Gitmo” in exchange for U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, the president said, “We don’t leave our people behind.” He was subsequently accused of violating a law requiring him to …
Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi denied freedom by Mexican judge

Meanwhile, social media posters expressed outrage on GretaWire.com, Greta Van Susteren’s blog, on the breaking announcement of Sgt. Tahmooressi’s continued imprisonment. One wrote: “FREE TAHMOORESSI! NOW! Obama … Shame on you! You are a …
Afghan War Veteran Held in Tecate, Mexico: US Marine Sent Back to Prison …

Dozens of people, including some congressmen, have appealed to the U.S. State Department and Mexican officials to free Tahmooressi. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., sent a letter on July 8 asking for just that, according to Fox …