It’s been some time since I’ve sat down to chat with all of you. I am not quite sure how to repay you or thank you for all of the love you have showered upon my family. Each and every response to this post was read, re-read, and held in my heart. I am not exaggerating. My husband read every single comment as well. What my family has gone through in the last two weeks is still beyond my grasp. But I can say that I have fallen even more in love with this community we have built here. There really aren’t words that can express how much I appreciate and feel your support. Today I want to share a bit of what we have been up to. While I am not ready to go into great detail, I have missed this space and am so happy to share our Monday Morning Wrap-up.
MY LOVE
This beautiful woman is everything I could hope to be as a mom. Alzheimer’s is a horrendous disease. There is no way around that. Our journey is still in progress and without my dad we are learning to navigate the ship. I promise to share more about how this is all unfolding. I think it’s so important to share more about Alzheimer’s and how it affects families across the world.
If this disease touches your family, you know all to well that the grieving process begins once the diagnosis is given. What we have been going through lately reminds me so much of this song.
FOR PAPA
Shortly after my dad passed away, this sweet boy was able to hoist the cup. Papa always wished he could watch more of his games and now he has a front row seat.
Not sure where my little boy went! But watching this young man follow his passion gives us all such joy. And a shout out to my husband who has been my rock. My safety net.
DANA POINT HARBOR
pants | blazer | t-shirt | handbag | heels | necklace
Getting out of pajamas and sweats felt pretty good. But let’s keep it real, I was back in my sweats the second we got home!
TRADITION
This past weekend, we gathered our two families so the cousins could see one another and enjoy family time. While this Easter was certainly different from any other in my last 42 years, it was beautiful in its own way. And what could be better than ice cream by the boats. Growing up, my dad always took us to the Scoop Deck in Dana point. He then continued the tradition taking the grand children. It only seemed fitting to order ice cream at the very same spot to honor Papa.
This sweet girl was in town for the weekend and it was so good for all of us. My niece is always a breath of fresh air and my two have worshipped her since they were born. We hit up Waterman’s for a very special lunch. If you are local, the food is fantastic.
EASTER SUNDAY
After church, we spent time with mama. Nothing makes her laugh more than seeing these crazy filters. And if you know my mom, seeing her laugh and smile is what we live for.
The boys enjoyed a game of mini pool. I just love how these boys look all dressed up. While I know my mom loves me, these boys rank pretty high up there with her! She adores them both.
JUST IN TIME
Better late than never, right?! At 4:00 PM on Easter Sunday we finally got around to dying eggs. It was the perfect activity to keep us busy while dinner was cooking. Sweat pants, together time and a yummy dinner. That was all we needed.
A NEW EASTER
It was just the four of us, but I set the table using much of what I used last year when our entire family was together. We were grateful for a quiet and relaxed evening. My husband made a prime rib and I made our favorite potatoes (they are seriously so good). Not the usual chaos we are used to but if it’s one thing we are learning in life is how to adapt. That’s where the learning, appreciation and growth happen.
SPRING BREAK
jammies | bracelet | crossbody | earrings | sandals | sunnies | suitcase | slides | top | jeans
Spring break is upon us. It actually comes at such a great time. Throwing the school routine out the window and ditching the long hours of homework for my daughter are a welcome change. These are all tried and true favorites of mine. Especially that suitcase. I just may have to pack it and get the heck out-of-town. Anyone else needing a break from the norm?!
Thank you for being patient with me and for all of your understanding. It has meant the world to me. I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I hope you have a wonderful week. I’ll check back in soon. xo
Welcome back! You have been payed for and missed.
*prayed for ????????
So happy to, see your picture with your beautiful mother. My heart just aches for all of you. We were all so blessed to call him brother, father, and grandfather. I wish you a healing heart knowing you were, and are loved by the very best this world has to offer.
Thea
My heart just breaks for all of you.. I know God has his arms wrapped around you, to comfort you. There are no words to take away your pain. Know that we love you. Marie
So nice to see your Monday Morning Wrap-up – know that we all love you and will wait patiently for your posts – time heals all, but it does take TIME!
Love,
Sue
I love reading your Monday Morning wrap-ups! Beautiful photos today, time is so fleeting with loved ones. xo
Design by Sydnee | life + style ????
Good morning, Courtney. So glad to see you are feeling back to posting. It’s so hard to transition back to real life isn’t it? It’s like you have a grief force field or something. Nice timing for spring break.!
Karin
I’ve made your potatoes a couple of times now. They are so good! And we didn’t get around to dyeing eggs until Sunday afternoon either.
I’m sorry again for your loss.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, all of it. I only follow a handful of bloggers anymore, and you are one of them because you are so authentic.
That filtered picture of you and your Mom is too cute! Enjoy your spring break!
Love all the sweet moments you captured. Grady is looking more and more like his dad (you’ll be fending off the ladies soon enough 😉 Have a blessed week friend.
So nice to see you back Courtney. I know Ryan gave you our condolences but there’s nothing left to say I know how you feel in fact Steve and I were with Ryan the first time my mother really showed the symptoms of her dementia. It’s hard to go and visit one of the closest people in your lives and they look at you like you’re an alien I have no idea who you are. at least in your time I’m sure you had more videos of her with expressions. Please take care and know that Our love is with you.
Mary
Glad to have you back, Courtney. And I’m glad you were able to take some time to spend with your family. Last week was the 5 year anniversary of my dad’s passing. It’s always such a difficult time of year but eventually, I stopped remembering the hard times and was able to focus on all the good memories we had. I hope you are able to do the same. Easter is such an important time and I was told that God only brings home His very best at that time. Your father must have been one of the great ones like mine. Sending love.
Great to see you back posting. I’m sure it must be difficult. Love to you and all the family xx
You are an amazing woman Courtney, and I am so inspired by the daughter you are.
You are continuously in my prayers – and happy Easter to you all x
Thank you for sharing, Courtney. Your strength is an inspiration to me. My husband’s mother passed away very suddenly 6 yrs ago, and it totally threw us. And his father is having memory issues now. Thank you for reminding us we are all connected, and to cherish each stage in its own way. Your way with your mom in your Friday stories is so thoughtful and genuine. She is so lucky to have you. This burden must be so hard, but know that we are all thinking of you and your family and wishing peace and some joy in the coming months.
I’ve been thinking of you during this difficult time. I lost my mom 7 years ago and remember the fog in the weeks after her death. She also suffered from Alzheimer’s. Every experience is different but I certainly relate to the unique nature of Alzheimer’s. The Glenn Campbell song “I’m not gonna miss you” is about his own Alzheimer’s and is so true to me. A beloved columnist of the LA Times lost his son a month ago and published condolences over the weekend that were so touching. Perhaps you will find solace in them. http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-erskine-column-20180331-story.html
Peace-
How well I know the feelings you’ve described. I lost my dad on Saturday after a long battle with dementia with many complications at age 85. Fortunately, my mother is in good health but this disease takes a toll on the whole family, physically and emotionally. I thank the Lord that I can say that my dad has risen indeed, alongside Jesus now and free. It’s so hard. Blessings to you and your family as you walk this new road.
Take it one day at a time. That’s all you can do. And you are doing a wonderful job. I am thankful for you and your willingness to share.
And those dimples your mom has! It’s easy to see where those come from in your family. Adorable. 😀
I’ve been wondering about you and so glad to see an update! I love all of the pictures and your thoughts about learning to adapt.
I have been thinking of you and your family. The grace , strength and love for family that that you all exhibit is obvious! Sometimes just being together is the biggest comfort there is.
So nice to read your post this morning. I just adore seeing all your family photos and it’s fun to learn what your kiddos are up to as well. Thank you so much for sharing the Ed Sheeran song it’s just beautiful ????
Courtney – Sending you and your family my deepest condolences. I lost my mom to Alzheimer’s also 4 1/2 years ago. It is a very difficult thing to watch your parents go thru this. It does affect the whole family in many ways. And it is so true what you said about how the grieving process starts the minute you get the diagnosis. I hope in time you can start to remember the good memories and not the hard times that we usually go thru with this disease. One day at a time is the only way to deal with grief. Wishing for peace and comfort for you during this difficult time. Hugs! Donna
Oh Courtney, you have been on my mind sooo much! I’m always so glad to see you post something, even if it’s just a quick little something about retail therapy. You are full of grace and strength and the love your family shares is so obvious. Your family has been through so much, it just does not seem fair. I know your dad is right up there with your brother watching you all with so much pride. Sending prayers up for you and your family. ????????????
Love you friend! You guys have been on our minds non stop. Hugs ~ you can do this, your dad is smiling down & is so proud. See you soon! xx
You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. I too have lost my dad. He battled Parkinson’s disease for years so I know exactly what you mean when you say the grieving begins at the diagnosis with your mom. You are so blessed in having a husband who holds you up through all of this and to be able to take a deep breath in the sweet moments that come through these times. When I lost my dad (who had been a teacher and coach), I was told so many stories about how my dad touched others’ lives. Not everyone gets to hear those stories. I hold onto them. Enjoy spring break and that beautiful family of yours ❤️
Welcome back! You all have been in my thoughts and prayers daily. Big hugs and much love.
Courtney , sending ????????????????????