Good morning. While this post may a bit all over the place, I just wanted to fill you in on how we have been doing. I can’t believe how many of you have reached out. Thank you for all of the beautiful comments on this post about mom. I hope to get back to each and every one of you. My entire family is so touched and appreciative. Knowing that mom had an impact on so many people makes our hearts so happy. She was one of the good ones, that’s for sure.
HOME SWEET HOME
Grief is a difficult thing to navigate. We have seen our fair share and experienced everything from sudden and unexpected loss to a long 10 year goodbye. The other day a dear friend picked up the kids to swim and play so my husband and I could have some time alone. You know what we did? We headed straight for my parents’ house. Just to be close to them. And it was wonderful. This gorgeous hydrangea is blooming in the backyard. The house I grew up in is a happy place and we both take comfort in being there.
A NIGHT OUT
Last night I was up way past my bedtime. My daughter and her friend received Shawn Mendes concert tickets for Christmas. There was no way I was going to let her down. So my friend and I took four girls and I have to say it was the best night. His mom was in the crowd and so he dedicated the concert to her. So fitting. He gave a great performance and there is something about live music that is so good for the soul.
And these girls!!! They were smiling ear to ear the entire night. It made it all so worth it. I wish I could have bottled up their excitement and joy. At one point my daughter looked back at me (the moms sat behind the girls) and mouthed, “Thank you.” My heart.
SWEET FLORAL DRESS
In fashion news, I tried this dress on a couple of weeks ago at a local boutique. If you live locally, A Touch of Jane is darling. So many great dresses. This is so cute in person and fits so well. Highly recommend. You can find it here.
THE NORDSTROM SALE
Not that there is ever a convenient time for grief, but it just so happens the Nordstrom sale begins this week (early access). Seeing as though it is part of my job, it’s not something I can ignore. But when I was starting to stress about handling life and work, I found this photo. My baby girl and my mom sitting outside of Nordstrom. Anyone that knew my parents, also knew this spot and would often see them sitting here. They would shop and then get a sweat treat for mom. I learned everything I know about shopping from my mom. LOL.
I made a dent, that’s for sure. To be honest, the catalog was a major letdown this year. But in store, I found the treasures. I will only be bringing you my absolute favorites and pieces I think are worth it. That all hits the blog on Thursday. I do LOVE what I came home with and shoes are a main purchase this year. Really looking forward to sharing my picks. And my first post are all of the great pieces under $100.
CHANGE OF SCENERY
I don’t know if you remember, but last year when we lost my dad, our family decided to follow through with our trip to Washington, D.C. and it was one of the best decisions we ever made. This year we have Vail, Colorado on our calendar and we have decided to go as planned. This family of mine needs fresh air and a change of scenery. It will be at time of healing and joy and we are so looking forward to it. If you have visited Vail and have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.
Wishing you all a wonderful day. And again, thank you. Your support and love means more than you will ever know. I’ll be back soon with the #nsale best of the best!
Sending you the biggest hugs and squeezes special friend x
May God bless and send His comfort to your family
I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you well as you navigate the tricky path of grief.
I just returned from Vail and had the BEST meal at Mountain Standard. Amazing food in a setting right next to the river. Make sure to try the Southern Pimento appetizer – unreal.
Hi. I LOVE your blog! Prayers for you and your family during this time. My husband also lost his father to Alzheimer’s, so it too is a concern for our family. I also have to say thank you for sharing a recent post about taking a chance and going after what you love. I recently decided I would do that and start my own blog. There is so much for us all to share! Thanks for sharing yours!
So very sorry for your loss Courtney. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Vail is my favorite. I’ll send u some recommendations
Wishing you comfort and strength as you and your family navigate this journey of love and grief…
What sad news…I had not checked your blog for a few days… I am so sorry for your loss.I hope your mum will rest in peace with her cherished relatives.
Still following your blog from France,many years after finding it by chance.
What a beautiful person you are,and what a lovely family you have…
Take care of yourself in this time of grief.
Love from France.
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I must’ve missed that post and didn’t know. It sure is never easy losing our parents. For a while, I’m sure you will feel a disconnect to the world, to yourself and just to life in general. A piece of you will feel like it’s missing. I know it’s all very new and raw, but , you will see…as time passes, that ache will soften. Just know that all of her frustrations are gone now. As you know, both my parents had Alzheimer’s and I could never wish them back in the state they had been in. That was not living. It was only existing. Enjoy your family now. 😘
Love to you and your family, Courtney. You took care of your mother so beautifully.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Amanda
Wishing you comfort and a relaxing trip!
Prayers for your family!! ❤️❤️
Sending you big hugs and so much love! I saw your parents sitting at the tables in front of Nordstrom countless times! Always smiling….. hope you have a beautiful time in Vail! I’d love to catch up and take you to lunch soon when we’re both back in town! ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear about your mom but it has to be so comforting to know she’s perfect and whole now surrounded by her loved ones. My mom also suffers from alzheimers, and up until last February has been at home with my dad. My sister and I took care of her on alternate days throughout the week to give dad a “break”. Me, on Mondays & Thursdays, and my sister took Tuesdays & Fridays. It was a huge help to my dad but it got to be too much so we had to place her in a home. Thankfully it’s just 5 minutes from dad’s house so he visits 3 times a day. My sister and I still visit on our selected days. I pray every day for God to take mother “home” so she can be with her twin sister who passed away last October (from the same dreaded disease) and my brother who passed away in 2009. I want to always remember mom the way she was before alzheimers took her away from us.
So very sorry for your loss ❤️. I loved reading about your mum and your experiences as my father had and still has similar experiences with my grandparents and I have lots of worries with my mum’s health myself. Wishing you and your beautiful family well. X Alexandra