Ideas for this 3 ft stump in my front yard
+97
My tree was knocked over by a storm and this is what we are left. I have no way of cutting it down any further and to me it's just an eyesore. My uncle set a couple of owls on top of it, just because. I'm sure there are some DIYers on here that could get me some suggestions and ideas of what to do. I've added a couple of pictures for you to see what I'm talking about. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I need to weed eat around it but you get the idea of what I'm talking about
Another view.
The concrete item you see leaning against it is a huge Texas with my address on it. It can be moved.
79 answers
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www.interiorholic.com/outdoors/landscaping/3-...
![Janet Pizaro]()
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 06, 2016
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Drill out the top of the stump and plant flowering and trailing plants.
![Teri Wilson]()
Teri Wilson
on Sep 06, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Here's my 2 cents...I would create a fairy mound city out of the trunk...I would drill large holes around the outside of the trunk then age them a bit so the new wood isn't so noticeable by adding mosses. Then I would make doors out of natural materials to place over the holes. You could also paint a couple of the doors a bright color so they will pop out from the trunk. Inside the doors, I would leave small surprises for anyone brave enough to open the door. Then I would attach broken pieces of pots around the outside of the trunk & add brightly colored flowers, or succulents. Add some fairies, some miniature houses or furniture, Keep the black & grey owl to perch on top & add some branches for a nest. I'd change the concrete Texas for a long wooden plank painted white w/ black numbers on it for your address.
![Kayo Frazier]()
Kayo Frazier
on Sep 06, 2016
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Paint a checkerboard!
![Suz8365073]()
Suz8365073
on Sep 06, 2016
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i made a knome home from mine. I added a rustic roof using wood shingles, and cut a round top door from additional shake shingles. and the surrounding garden planted and 3 knomes "working " on their garden duties wheelbarrow, watering can etc.
![Lynne Forrestal]()
Lynne Forrestal
on Sep 06, 2016
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Put in flowers around the base and drill out the stump for an additional "flower pot".
![Cindy Hagemann]()
Cindy Hagemann
on Sep 06, 2016
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You already have lovely growth around your stump. Find a large flower pot that closely fits the top of the stump. It doesn't have to be deep, just wide enough to look planned. Fill it with petunia's in the summer if it is in the sunshine or shade loving plants if in the shade. Include some trailers and you will be surprised at how happy you are with your new decor. I had my neighbor bring over their stump so that I could put it in my back yard and planted a red climbing rose beside it. I love to see that pretty rose blooming beside the big old stump!
![Carey]()
Carey
on Sep 06, 2016
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I had a very similar problem , I ended up with ants , then termites , So I read an article about enzymes and using them to destroy stumps . I took an axe and chopped a lot of deep gashes , then poured a quart of buttermilk on it . then I waited , sure enough the stump began to disintegrate . Heartened ,I scraped away all the debris as much as I could . Then fresh gashes and more Buttermilk . By spring , no stump .That was over 5 years ago , it is now gone , and where the stump was is now a smooth level area of grass
![Tim]()
Tim
on Sep 06, 2016
- See 5 previous
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Carve it into a totem or similar. If you want to get rid of it, there are stump grinders available or you can burn it (I think I saw a YouTube about it).
![Jackie Byrd]()
Jackie Byrd
on Sep 07, 2016
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As Tim said, you can be asking for termite problems if you leave it rot away. As a Realtor, I recommend getting it removed. Treating for termites gets very expensive. There are different things you can buy such as stump out. I have never heard of his buttermilk usage. Usually they recommend drilling into it to add chemicals or whatever you are using. A stump removal of course would be the quickest way. If you decide to try to get rid of it yourself, I think you could still use it as a planter or birdbath while it is in process.
![Sue Kiene]()
Sue Kiene
on Sep 07, 2016
- See 2 previous
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Chop out part of the center to plant some cascading annuals. Another option is succulents which you also cut out little notches on the side and put some hens and chicks in. I would goggle planting flowers in tree stump and see what you come up with.
![Bonnieroot]()
Bonnieroot
on Sep 07, 2016
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Rent a chain saw to cut it lower and then rent a stump grinder to grind the rest of it down to nothing. Doing it yourself would be cheaper than hiring a company but it really should be taken down
![Jennifer]()
Jennifer
on Sep 07, 2016
- See 1 previous
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If you are afraid of a chain saw, buy a "bow saw" and cut it manually...... u could get one $20 or so easily..... then, if you don't want to go the stump grinding route, you can do the drilling into the remainder of the trunk, and that will speed the removal process.
![JOHN]()
JOHN
on Sep 07, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Not my idea but I saw where someone "built" a fairy castle or garden out of a stomp. It looked very cute.
![Diane]()
Diane
on Sep 07, 2016
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We used an old tree stump in our garden to hold a birdbath that we made from a large leaf and concrete we painted both black
![Sandra mg Donald]()
Sandra mg Donald
on Sep 07, 2016
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Build a little roof out of scrap cedar. Peel off bark. Paint a Fairy Door with Windows and a little Fairy garden on the ground in front, and then seal the wood to prevent rot.
![EL Hoard]()
EL Hoard
on Sep 07, 2016
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I would try to even up the stump, so that i could put a pretty pot with lovely flowers in it. I don't think it would be the cascading ones though - maybe it might look nice though. I would remove the other plants at the base and plant them else where. Very nice plant stand! Don't paint it, spay paint the whole stump with with a clear paint to keep the bugs out. I wish I had a stump, my husband keeps burning them out. If you don't want it call on a neighbor to dig a hole around it 6 inches deep, pack straw or what have you and strike a match. Keep your eyes on it and have a hose ready to put it out! Sherry H. :)
![Sherry H.]()
Sherry H.
on Sep 07, 2016
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Here are some nice stumps for you to think about. Sherry H. Stump seating. Sherry H. :)
![Sherry H.]()
Sherry H.
on Sep 07, 2016
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Birdbath and a sherpards hook for a cute birdfeeder
![Lori]()
Lori
on Sep 07, 2016
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Useful stumps for you below. Sherry H. :)
![Sherry H.]()
Sherry H.
on Sep 07, 2016
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You could attach some thing to make it a bird bath or planter---but I like the fairy house idea the best.
![Cathy]()
Cathy
on Sep 07, 2016
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Hey I'm on a roll now. How about a large round piece of lace to sit on your stump Draped over it, hanging down around the stump. can be washed or use stencil to do in white. see below under picture number two You can find round ones at Michael Craft Store They have stencils too. Sherry H. :)
![Sherry H.]()
Sherry H.
on Sep 07, 2016
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There are great ideas on Pinterest for fairy gardens. Make a small door and attach it to the stump and decorate around it for the fairies.
![Robyn Osiecki]()
Robyn Osiecki
on Sep 07, 2016
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Cascading flower planter, fairy house, a grouping of birdhouses...the possibilities are endless. I've been trying to get my logger son to bring me a stump for my yard!
![Ann]()
Ann
on Sep 07, 2016
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Cut it so that it's straight across. Cut a round piece of plywood and nail or screw it to the top. Put a couple of rustic stools around it. For extra fun, paint a tic tac toe or x's and 0's. Make the game pieces out of some flat stone.....painted plain or with a pattern, bugs, smiley faces or whatever you like. Great place for kids and or adults to sit and have a game!
![Lisa Terry Hann]()
Lisa Terry Hann
on Sep 07, 2016
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I had a similar issue solved by creating terraced beds around the stump which eventually rotted and fed the garden.
![Cas6519225]()
Cas6519225
on Sep 07, 2016
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I heard that someone chipped a hole in the middle and planted an ivy.
![Judy Morris]()
Judy Morris
on Sep 07, 2016
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I put a pretty pot on top with a nice cactus in the pot. It takes care of itself and always looks good.
![Nancy Doucet]()
Nancy Doucet
on Sep 07, 2016
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turn it into a fairy house and village you could go elves and gnomes also!
![Maren Macmillan]()
Maren Macmillan
on Sep 07, 2016
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Go to Pintrist and search decorated stumps. I wish I had see them before I let my husband cut mine down.
![Ela6604453]()
Ela6604453
on Sep 07, 2016
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if you know of anyone who has carving skills ,they could carve an animal it would be a unique piece of art. your local art gallery may be able to recommend someone if you don't know anyone, but ask to see pics of their previous work , to be sure you will like what they do , have them sketch it before they do the work.
![Rita Marie]()
Rita Marie
on Sep 07, 2016
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Put a large pot of something like trailing petunias and they can grow over the edge and hide stump.
![Susie Rufener]()
Susie Rufener
on Sep 07, 2016
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I put a large concrete bird bath on mine. You can buy them without the base.
![Pka10042364]()
Pka10042364
on Sep 07, 2016
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Pka1 has the same idea as mine. Did just that and the birds love it! I had to buy a standing birdbath, as my stump is low.
![Lyn2398900]()
Lyn2398900
on Sep 07, 2016
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I agree with Elaine. Pinerest is the place to go. I have saved several tree trunk ideas but just can't decide yet. LOL! Waiting for lighting to strike.
![861650]()
861650
on Sep 07, 2016
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I had a tree I did not want, chopped down to 3 feet. I am growing plants all around the base & have screwed a metal bowl on the flat surface of the stump & placed another bowl inside the first one... it's easy to remove & clean occasionally. I keep it filled with water for the birds. We have many feathered visitors daily.
![Sheileagh Leens]()
Sheileagh Leens
on Sep 08, 2016
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Thank you everyone for the many suggestions. My daughter has decided she wants to do the fairy house. As soon as we are done, I'll post pictures
![Shannon Lawson Solis]()
Shannon Lawson Solis
on Sep 08, 2016
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The owl family idea is the best.
![UpState]()
UpState
on Sep 08, 2016
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Make a n elf or fairy house by adding,or painting on ,a door. Plant small,fairy garden plants and add a fairy or elf. Maybe a stone pathway.
![Patty]()
Patty
on Sep 08, 2016
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![Traci Fearing]()
Traci Fearing
on Apr 19, 2018
I am sure someone has told you this but... there are people out there who wil take care of the stump find them on line or phone book. Yes it will cost some money but it will be gone. Spending money to decorate it is stupid. -
![Linday]()
Linday
on May 02, 2018
I purposely ask to leave a taller stump from a tree we had to take down because I wanted a Gnome house. I decorated it with windows and doors. Put up a twig and string ladder, a blue stone pool, and 3 gnomes. Flowers and little rustic tools also add to my Gnome estate. I love it. -
![And11720182]()
And11720182
on May 02, 2018
Make a bird feeder out of it. -
![Ashleigh]()
Ashleigh
on May 02, 2018
Add a bird bath to the top! Or as many have said plant annuals on Top! This site give a simple take on going about that and at the end has “stump removal“ if you fear termites. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-create-tree-stump-planterkeep ya updated and good luck! -
![Beth Gold Roccia]()
Beth Gold Roccia
on May 02, 2018
That would make a great fairy garden! -
![27524803]()
27524803
on May 02, 2018
See if you can level off the top... then use a large ceramic or concrete planting bowel.... and plant things that would drip over the edge... put something tall in the center..... -
![Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure]()
Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure
on May 02, 2018
YES, perfect for a Fairy Garden! -
![Alice Samaan]()
Alice Samaan
on May 02, 2018
Drill holes in the stump. It will decompose on it own!! The more holes the better. -
![Barbara-Denison Joy]()
Barbara-Denison Joy
on May 02, 2018
A drill is all you need Any pawn shop usually has a few . Buy a drill bit the same size as a Shepard hook or seasonal flag ! A drill will also help you make a planting dip in the top and even angled holes in the sides . Petunias would be fantastic . Or strawberrys ! -
![Felecia R. Laury]()
Felecia R. Laury
on May 03, 2018
I called the tree surgeons to grind the stump out. -
![Elizabeth]()
Elizabeth
on May 03, 2018
You have a beautiful little garden around the stump, so a simple beautifying solution might be the basin of a bird bath that you fill with water or birdseed or trailing flowers. Actually ANY interesting, shallow basin would do the trick (an old porcelain one, etc)Another simple way to remove a tree stump is to line it with charcoal, let it burn and slowly, the stump disintegrates. Takes time but we've done this numerous times and always have marshmallows then too ! -
![Lisa S.]()
Lisa S.
on May 03, 2018
A birdbath top on top. -
![F.h13582673]()
F.h13582673
on May 04, 2018
I love the fairy garden idea because I have a large fairy garden of my own. But forthe top of the stump I would drill it out, I have done the same in my front yard. If I was home I would add a picture, but stumps have nutrients and you wouldntbelieve the tomatoes I get each year! So if I were you cut or drill a hole find a tomatoe plant you love and enjoy some tomatoes! 😃 -
![Susan K Mullins]()
Susan K Mullins
on May 04, 2018
Drill a hole and add a birdhouse -
![Peter]()
Peter
on May 05, 2018
Plenty of ideas that go 'round and 'round.... I'll add my first impression: create a spiral 'staircase' and develop a planter from that.BTW: Nothing wrong with leaving it as is... over time it will be easier to remove (excepting stump grinding) by just letting it stay long and decaying in place. I'd cut the roots as close to the trunk as possible so it will start to rot... chemicals can be added to speed that along... but do NOT shorten it, the length is a great lever to pull it over once it's weak enough. It may take quite some time, but there's little muscle needed to finish the removal. Meanwhile, decorate! -
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on May 05, 2018
I had 6 large trees cut down from the storm damage and some were too close to the house.I did not have the stumps ground because I did not want sawdust around to be tracked in all summer so we are in the process of covering my stumps to decay over time.Covered with dirt, then black landscape cloth so they will stay wet, then black mulch. I am in the process of decorating the stumps with rocks, pots, junk! A fun project.This is going slow between chilly weather, rain and old aching bones only able to work a little at a time. All of this is happening while I am in the process of planting over 100 Caladium bulbs! -
![Andrea]()
Andrea
on May 05, 2018
This is what I did with mine. its better looking than a dead stump!![]()
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![Smittie22]()
Smittie22
on May 05, 2018
Why can't you just dig it up? -
![Tra1868165]()
Tra1868165
on May 05, 2018
Hi, I have checked around and have heard lots of ideas. If finances are an issue (to hire someone) then the two that I like are Epsom salts mixed strong with water pour over roots repeatedly, or find copper screws and drill them throughout the stump...these are said to kill trees... I hope this helps... -
![Marci J]()
Marci J
on May 06, 2018
We burned ours out one night. Put grill liter on it & sat around lawn chairs. You will loose the plants around it. But digging a soil ring around the stump for safety reasons & water hose available by stump. My husband sat up & watched it burn up until it was even with the ground. Put fresh soil around & plant grass. More plants If your incline. -
![Linda Barrett Dirksen]()
Linda Barrett Dirksen
on May 07, 2018
Drill holes into it and pour stump remover into the holes, found at hardware or garden centers, I've read Epsom salt works too. It will take several months, but much cheaper than a stump grinder. I had 5 big stumps ground down yesterday, $900. Not a cheap way to go! -
![Sandy Murray]()
Sandy Murray
on May 07, 2018
My dear, you have the perfect opportunity for a stumpery. Add some of your logs from the fallen tree. Plants, rocks pots of plants. You can turn it into a delight. A stumpery is usually in the shade as those in England. But for mine I needed lots of sun for herbs and flowers....I share mine with the chickens and a pet pot belly.. .so sometimes I loose a bit! Dash I can't add a photo of mine.... Its gets better looking all the time! I have used painted cans from baked beans, jam etc all painted in cheerful colours! Have fun with it. Too much hard work to take stump out! -
![Eloise]()
Eloise
on May 07, 2018
Some ideas on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=what+to+do+with+a+tree+stump -
![☘️ TxBella]()
☘️ TxBella
on May 07, 2018
Do a mosaic! -
![Bnortheast]()
Bnortheast
on May 07, 2018
I also have a huge stump and we roughed up the top and sides and put wild flower seeds all over the stump to create a wild flower garden.or plant a vine that will flow down over the sides, Grape vines grow rapidly and they feed your family and the birds and are very pretty. -
![Leslie Allison]()
Leslie Allison
on May 07, 2018
I put an old tractor seat on one of mine.There is a product called stump removal, ask at the local garden shop. You drill a hole down the top of the stump and burns out the stump -
![Betty]()
Betty
on May 07, 2018
I planted ivy on mine it has covered the whole stump . -
![Reta Maynor]()
Reta Maynor
on May 07, 2018
drill a hole in the center and put a pretty solar light or a double shepherds hook and and put a couple nice full hanging baskets or you might get a solar light on a pole that has 2 arms and have both light and planter -
![Michelle Masterson]()
Michelle Masterson
on May 08, 2018
Here in Florida we call that plant a "purple heart" and it spreads but its beautiful. 25.00 you can call a tree service or someone with a "Stump grinder" to get rid of it. Or you could make it into a table. I also like the fairy garden ideas. -
![Mary]()
Mary
on May 10, 2018
If you want to remove the stump, find a friend or relative who has a chain saw. First: you dig a trench around the stump. The trench has to be lower than the ground/grass area. By digging a trench around the stump, then someone with a chainsaw can get the blade of the saw below ground level. Then when all is done, you have a nice flat area. (my dad taught me this trick and I've used it on 5 trees. I didn't know anyone with a chain saw, so I used an axe to chop the stump down) -
![Teacup8885]()
Teacup8885
on May 10, 2018
Maybe put a bird bath on the stump n plant some taller decorative grass closer to stump!!? -
![Stj11490811]()
Stj11490811
on May 10, 2018
Start digging a little each day. Soon you’ll have the eyesore out of your lawn. My husband dug several stumps of that size or larger each summer from our property, the biggest being a large Norway pine stump. You can do it. -
![Jan Milner Pirtle]()
Jan Milner Pirtle
on May 12, 2018
I googled “how to decorate a tree stump” and it gave me lots of ideas. -
![Fiddledd224]()
Fiddledd224
on May 12, 2018
I would make getting the stump out a priority! One of my trees was felled by a noreaster 2 years ago and this winter a swarm of termites got INTO MY HOUSE because they used the stump for home and to multiply. Now I have a VERY COSTLY project on my hands. -
![Den4659909]()
Den4659909
on May 13, 2018
I would hollow out stump and turn it into a planter -
![Sue]()
Sue
on May 14, 2018
add a birdbath to the top of it or a bird feeder -
![Psc28529732]()
Psc28529732
on May 14, 2018
Hammering in Copper nails on the top. It will kill the rest of the tree -
![Psc28529732]()
Psc28529732
on May 14, 2018
trickMeantime a pot with ivy and geraniums does the -
![Judy Brittenum]()
Judy Brittenum
on May 15, 2018
Planting things around any item you wish to disguise only draws attention to it! For example, Vines up telephone poles and guy wires, stumps or huge rocks. A professional designer would plant another tree within 6-10 feet or group of flowering trees within a large bed of ground cover and mulch. Ideally have the stump ground down by a professional. The error was in not doing proper removal to begin with. -
![Tony Ive]()
Tony Ive
on May 22, 2018
Depends if you want to remodel or remove this trunk. You're comments indicate you want to remove. Just about the easiest and quickest way to do this is by burning the trunk out.Use a chainsaw to reduce the height, leave about 12" standing.Make two saw cuts at right angles to each other to finish as low down as you can. Cut four wedges and hammer these in to each section of saw cut. They serve to keep the cuts wide open. Make sure you clean all loose branches and other detritus away.Choose a dry still day and start reasonably early. Drop a firestarter down the centre of the cut. Pour some kerosene or other inflamatory liquid into the hole. Remove anything away to a very safe distance. Light the fire, it will initially flare up but will settle down to to an intense fire quite quickly.As long as it is burning don't interfere with it. Before too long the stump itself will have disappeared. However, if there are large roots these may carry on smouldering underground for some time, probably turning to charcoal.The only real effort in all of this is using the chainsaw, cutting and banging in the wedges. Then there's the clear up
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 06, 2016
Teri Wilson
on Sep 06, 2016
Kayo Frazier
on Sep 06, 2016
Suz8365073
on Sep 06, 2016
Lynne Forrestal
on Sep 06, 2016
Cindy Hagemann
on Sep 06, 2016
Carey
on Sep 06, 2016
Tim
on Sep 06, 2016
Jackie Byrd
on Sep 07, 2016
Sue Kiene
on Sep 07, 2016
Bonnieroot
on Sep 07, 2016
Jennifer
on Sep 07, 2016
JOHN
on Sep 07, 2016
Diane
on Sep 07, 2016
Sandra mg Donald
on Sep 07, 2016
EL Hoard
on Sep 07, 2016
Sherry H.
on Sep 07, 2016
Lori
on Sep 07, 2016
Cathy
on Sep 07, 2016
Robyn Osiecki
on Sep 07, 2016
Ann
on Sep 07, 2016
Lisa Terry Hann
on Sep 07, 2016
Cas6519225
on Sep 07, 2016
Judy Morris
on Sep 07, 2016
Rita Marie
on Sep 07, 2016
Susie Rufener
on Sep 07, 2016
Pka10042364
on Sep 07, 2016
Lyn2398900
on Sep 07, 2016
861650
on Sep 07, 2016
Sheileagh Leens
on Sep 08, 2016
Shannon Lawson Solis
on Sep 08, 2016
UpState
on Sep 08, 2016
Patty
on Sep 08, 2016
Traci Fearing
on Apr 19, 2018
Linday
on May 02, 2018
And11720182
on May 02, 2018
Ashleigh
on May 02, 2018
Beth Gold Roccia
on May 02, 2018
27524803
on May 02, 2018
Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure
on May 02, 2018
Alice Samaan
on May 02, 2018
Barbara-Denison Joy
on May 02, 2018
Felecia R. Laury
on May 03, 2018
Elizabeth
on May 03, 2018
Lisa S.
on May 03, 2018
F.h13582673
on May 04, 2018
Susan K Mullins
on May 04, 2018
Peter
on May 05, 2018
Jeanette S
on May 05, 2018
Smittie22
on May 05, 2018
Tra1868165
on May 05, 2018
Marci J
on May 06, 2018
Linda Barrett Dirksen
on May 07, 2018
Sandy Murray
on May 07, 2018
Eloise
on May 07, 2018
☘️ TxBella
on May 07, 2018
Bnortheast
on May 07, 2018
Leslie Allison
on May 07, 2018
Reta Maynor
on May 07, 2018
Michelle Masterson
on May 08, 2018
Mary
on May 10, 2018
Teacup8885
on May 10, 2018
Jan Milner Pirtle
on May 12, 2018
Fiddledd224
on May 12, 2018
Den4659909
on May 13, 2018
Sue
on May 14, 2018
Psc28529732
on May 14, 2018
Judy Brittenum
on May 15, 2018
Tony Ive
on May 22, 2018
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