Friends and a Wedding

Thanks to Facebook I've reconnected with friends I've known since

elementary school. Yesterday 4 of us met in Saginaw and spent a few hours

catching up on a lifetime of memories. So much fun!!!

Over the week-end I attended the wedding of my cousin
Jeanne to our newest family member Matt.
Here a few of the cousins gathered pre-wedding including
cousin Peter (far left) who I hadn't seen in 10years!

Jeanne was escorted down the isles by son's Tyler (in his Coast Guard uniform)

and Brady. Her daughter Morgan served as Maid of Honor and Matt's son, Andrew

as Best Man. Very touching.... as they surround their new step-daddy Matty!

Matt & Jeanne during their vows....

Jeanne surprising Matt by singing to him. A beautiful song, bride and voice!!!!

The deed is done! Congratulations to the Peter's and

their family!

Sisters Susie and Marsha...

Cousin Jeff back for the occassion from Alaska -

one of my favorite people! Someday I'm going to

go visit him!!

Jeanne and Andrew hitting the dance floor

and about to dip....

Michael and Nancy taking a break from dancing to attend to

a bit of clean-up.

Mackinac Island

We're off to the island - cruising over on the ferry for a few days

of.....

....relaxation???

fun in the sun...

....whose idea was it to take that valence down??

All freshened up now....

....a bit of swiffering on the porch

ahh, a moment to enjoy the floral displays

...and the freshly dusted cottage

...a joy to clean the fabulous antiques in the

cozy family room.

Time to explore the neighborhood.

This log "shed" is tucked away in the woods...

....this beauty right out front on the East Bluff.

It was the tree that caught my attention this time.

The "Baby Grand" is also along the Bluff, so named for it's

similarities to the Grand Hotel.

Gorgeous flowers greet us as we return back to the cottage...

...meanwhile Maryanke (our hostess) and Susan are getting

Pearl hitched up to the antique carriage for a spin around town...

The 1st annual "Festival of the Horses" is this weekend on the Island.





Sandy & Alex relax in the family room -

2 of the most loving and lovable dogs ever!

...where did the week go...but what a week of fun and laughter we had!

Aunt Wilma

Yesterday we celebrated the life of my Aunt Wilma.

She passed away on Jan. 14th - it was fitting to have

her service on a beautiful sunny day in the summer.

Her final resting place is beside her parents

...with her husband at her side.

We reflected afterwards

...her grandson Calvin says good-bye

...his older brother Boone talks with his mom..

...and cousins stood together not wanting to leave

this place where so many of our decendents are buried.

....but cousins Susie and Leo opened up their home to us...
my brother Bill was explaining to Jeanne & Matt the

legal aspects of their upcoming marriage (heehee)

and the laughter began

and went on for hours.

Meanwhile indoors - Wilma's 2 remaining sisters and a few more

cousins sat and looked through photo albums - gathering

memories long since forgotten. A sad day, but a day also

of celebration and gratefulness for the family that we share.

Featured Home

I was honored to be July's featured home in

Mt Pleasant Monthly magazine!

The magazine is the creation of Candi Purtill and is a fantastic

addition to our area. Full of vibrant photos, informative articles,

a calendar of events and much much more.

Just when I thought I couldn't possibly add one more piece of

furniture to my home, we needed to find a safe place to keep

this curio cabinet - other than my garage. Surprise - this little

nook in my family room turned out to be the perfect spot!

Filling it is still a work in progress.... The little chair was also from

Aunt Norma's and at least for now works fine by the cabinet.

The prints above the cabinet I got at our church's rummage sale last year.

The cute little candle sconces I purchased for $.25 two days ago at a

garage sale.

The rocking chair was my grandparents. My parents had it in their

home, re-upholstered it and it was in mom's apt. until now. I have

always loved the comfort of this chair!

Okay, now no more furniture!!!!

Mom's Memorial

For those of you who were unable to attend- a photo cousin

Steven emailed me today. The bouquet of peonies came from

Bill's garden - the rest from family and friends. I think mom

would have been pleased with the simplicity and the beauty.

Mom collected turtle figurines - this stuffed one was given to her by

her granddaughters a few years ago. It stayed with her in her bed her last

2 weeks adding a touch of comfort. God Bless you mom, we miss you.

Wedding Day

Saturday was the wedding of my dear friend Sally's daughter

Jessie to Matt. A beautiful day for a wedding outdoors at

CMU's Warriner Mall.

Jessie and her father Jim - she was gorgeous...

...my friend Sally and my godson Nick...
A great way to end the day because....

my garage sale ended at noon and I was ready for

some fun and relaxation! The sale was a success, but

everytime I say "never again"!

Scenes from June

An array of bouquets filled my home -

as friends and family shared their love-

and their condolences -

for our beloved mother.

This little lamp lit mom's room

and the guardian angel watched over her.

The bouquet is from my dear friends at church

lovingly put together by Sarah.
Thank-you to all.

Family gathered to play....

...reminisce and fill my home with even more love.

Emma has spent a couple days with me, which as always

is fun. Here she is with my neighbor Henry getting ready

for a ride compliments of Henry's dad Jason, who has the

energy to bike with a trailer attached!

This is my bedroom 1 hour after Emma arrived!

Okay the ironing board is my contribution and I actually got a

few items ironed while playing house...

My new furniture compliments of Aunt Norma.

I'd been coveting the dressing table since I was a

little girl. Emma's first comment was "Nana, is

this for me?" A new coveter in my midst!

...and this is my garage. All ready for the sale

except for the pricing. Most of it is from Aunt Norma as

we moved her from her apt. into assisted living. Some

beautiful treasures to be had!!!!