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Who wants to brainstorm with me?
Topic Started: May 9 2008, 11:01 AM (328 Views)
Cabann
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I need ideas so I can throw Dustin a great graduation party that isn't going to destitue my wallet. I wasn't going to have a party for him, he didn't seem too interested, plus he knows about my financial situation. Last night changed my mind. It was the ROTC awards night at his school. He did awesome. He won a national award, leadership ribbon, top 4th year cadet ribbon, his 4th block letter, Academics medal (he is ranked 23rd out of 472 graduating seniors), and a ribbon for being in the top 5 % of the unit. This kid has gone through so much and still is fighting his demons. He was very proud of himself and everytime his name was called the whole crowd was cheering for him. As the graduating seniors were being announced, I could see the tears in his eyes because his high school years are coming to an end. He has worked hard to get back to this level. I still want to ring his neck at times and these past few months he has pulled some fast ones, but he didnt' give up. His grades are awesome and he is loved by everyone. I can't tell you how proud of him I am.


I want to do something extra special for him for graduation so I needs some party ideas that won't break my bank...food, party favors ect.... I am going to start searching today for ideas but if anyone else has a site that might be of some help please post it. He graduates June 5th and depending on his work schedule, I will either have the party on the 7th or 8th.


I really need all the ideas I can get. I want him to be surprised.


Thanks
Edited by Cabann, May 9 2008, 11:29 AM.
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Ravenlost
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Wow...way to go Dustin!

Hmmm...will have to think about party ideas. I don't throw parties so I'm not sure about party ideas.
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amysusi
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How about sandwiches for the food. Sal and I have done this for large family gatherings. We used french bread and made big sandwiches with lunch meat. We had the condiments in little bowls on the table.

For decorations, I would suggest curling ribbon. I did that for Lena's birthday one year and it was so cute, I left it up for weeks. I curled a bunch of ribbon, then hung up with tape in little pieces (about 6 inches) from the ceiling. You could do school colors.
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psimer

PM me your address again. I would love to contribute to this party.
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Cabann
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Thank you Sara for the offer, but I think I will be able to swing it. I have been saving all my change since this past Christmas so I will cash that in. I also had $ put aside for him to attend his sober senior grad night, he chose not to go. That should give me close to $100 to work with. If you would like to send him a card, I think he would like that. He still asks about you. Dust remembers how you knew exactly what he was going through during his really bad times, he always said that you were the only one who understood. Expecially when he went into the mental hospital. That was hard on the whole family, if it wasn't for you I don't think Dustin nor myself would have made it through last year. I still have nightmares about him being in that hospital, calling me begging to please get him out. It still makes me cry thinking about that. Last night was very emotional for me. I remembered everything that happened, all the suicide threats and then seeing him so happy last night with a big goofy smile on his face, it is just hard to believe. By the way did you get the last email I sent (I sent it from my msn account, I have been having trouble sending and receiving emails)? I'll try again from the other account. I need your opinion on the highs and lows he has been having. Pretty severe.



I like the sandwich idea. French bread is rather easy to make, I will keep my eyes open for sales on lunch meats and cheeses. I found some great decorating ideas on line, hanging caps, gowns and dipolmas throughout the house and yard (I just need to get construction paper),that with the curiling ribbon idea should be festive. I might display pictures of him as a baby up to now thoughout the house. I want to get some kind of poster to have all his guests sign and maybe find some kind of party favors that have the graduation year imprinted on it. For Zach's grad party I made stress balls with the school colors (navy/silver/white). All those took were balloons and wild bird feed. I might do that again. I am estimating about 40 people. I have quite a bit more planning to do. Please keep the ideas coming.
Edited by Cabann, May 9 2008, 02:23 PM.
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Ravenlost
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You could do a potluck cookout. Provide the dessert, condiments and buns, have everyone bring a pack of sausages/hot dogs/hamburger buns/etc. and their favorite drink. Maybe make the dessert in the school colors or do a cake in the shape of the school mascot.

I bet Steven would make a great DJ for the party!
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Cabann
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Ravenlost
May 9 2008, 02:56 PM
You could do a potluck cookout. Provide the dessert, condiments and buns, have everyone bring a pack of sausages/hot dogs/hamburger buns/etc. and their favorite drink. Maybe make the dessert in the school colors or do a cake in the shape of the school mascot.

I bet Steven would make a great DJ for the party!
I wish I was that creative, the school mascot is a Ram.

I have also been tossing around the idea of a taco bar.

Thanks for the ideas, keep them coming.
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Tina
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For Samantha's graduation party, I picked up some blue plastic table cloths and confetti at dollar tree. I just put the blue cloths on all the tables and scattered the class of 2007 confetti and grad hats on them. They had the confetti in various colors, (I used blue, gold & silver) I bought 3 bags and had way more than I needed. She used the leftover pieces in her scrapbook. We did a big photo collage with pictures from her growing up and had it displayed in a nice 16x20 frame that I picked up at dollar general for $5.

For the refreshments, We had a cake, chips, cocktail smokies, sausage balls, a veggie tray with dip, a fruit tray with dip, cookies & mini pecan tarts, fudge.

The cocktail smokies, sausage balls, veggie & fruit trays and the fudge were everyone's favorites.

Congrats to Dustin! You have every right to be proud of him!

I prepared WAY too much food, because we were planning on having about 150 to show up since everyone at church was invited to attend.
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Cabann
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Tina, my neighbor suggested little appetizers type of foods also. I make a great paper wrapped chicken. Made with chicken thighs it cost very little to make. Also mini empanadas are a hit. They are a bit time consuming to make but always a crowd pleaser. Thanks for the ideas.



I talked to one of Dustin's good friends and he is going to take care of inviting some of the ROTC kids. I am actually looking forward to this. Boy is my son going to be surprised.
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Ravenlost
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If you don't have a Dollar Tree nearby, I could mail you some stuff...decorations, plates/cups/napkins/etc. We have a Dollar Tree here in town.

Just let me know what colors to get.
Edited by Ravenlost, May 9 2008, 08:07 PM.
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