Today’s Monday Morning Wrap-Up is unlike any I have done because it was such an emotional and special weekend. We celebrated the life of my beautiful mom and it was glorious. My sister and I have worked very hard over the last two months to harken back to the 67 healthy years and that spark we all adored. We tried very hard to honor both versions of my sweet and amazing mom.
A SPECIAL DAY
From sweet swelling roses ( my mom’s favorite) to gathering with dear friends and family, it was a weekend we all needed. In fact we waited for this day so that her most special friends and family could all attend. That was what was most important to us.
FOREVER FRIENDS
I don’t know what I would do without these women in my life. Our friendships have been through it all and their support and love have been the backbone of some of my most difficult times.
Despite so many tears, the smiles shone through thinking about how lucky we were to have Grammy in our lives.
HER PARTY
ready for guests to arrive after mass
five picture boards highlighting five stages of mom’s life
Growing up, I would often hear my mom say that she wanted a party when she went to heaven. My daughter, just yesterday, said, “Mom! It really felt like a party for her!” Music to my ears. She deserved every moment of it.
my beautiful mom
MOM’S SWEET TOOTH
Some of the weekend was spent baking mom’s favorite recipes and that gave me great joy. Something about cranking up the music and just feeling her presence that is such a gift.
FAMILY TIME
relaxing in my sister’s beautiful home
The most special part of the weekend was with being with everyone we love. From lifelong friends to extended family, it’s exactly how mom would have wanted it. Truth be told, I didn’t want it to end. I almost didn’t let my Aunt Linda and Uncle Jon fly home because I wanted to keep them here.
Grammy is smiling down on these faces, that is for sure.
TIME TO EXHALE
After the dust had settled, I sat out here and thanked Mom and Dad for being with us all weekend. I could absolutely feel their love.
And with most major life events, they can take a toll. So thankful my cold did not set in until everyone had gone. My baby girl brought tea to me in bed.
FILLED WITH LOVE
Sweet flowers from friends now fill our home and I continue to pour over all of the photos we gathered for the reception.
top – on sale | belt | similar shorts
What I couldn’t believe was that it’s been crazy hot here. But the two days of celebrating mom were a perfect 76 degrees. Pretty much her favorite temperature. It was glorious. And now . . . we are back to 90. Here’s hoping the pretty Fall temps start to settle in.
Beginning this week very thankful for the love and support from all of our family and friends this past weekend. You know who you are and we love you more than you could ever know. Thank you for helping us celebrate such a treasured soul.
Wishing you all a beautiful Monday.
I wish I could have been there for you and Kristen. Instead I was playing with my family who came in from St. Louis, Kevin, Julia and kids, and I know your mom would have approved. I still find remnants of her in my things, and for that I am forever grateful.
A beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life! God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much, Linda ( my mom’s name). I think she was smiling down.
What a wonderfully, beautiful way to celebrate your mom…a party with family and friends just how she had requested it. Hope you’re feeling better today!
Thank you, Shannon. I didn’t want the weekend to end. Felt so good to have all of her favorite people in one spot. Wishing you a lovely week ahead.
Such a lovely party for your dear mother. Love the roses , the pictures boards and the baking of some of her favorite recipes. All such beautiful ways to celebrate her life. Thank you for sharing this very special day with us. 💕
Thank you, Jeri. I appreciate that so much. Tried to do the things she would have done. Have a wonderful week.
Such a beautiful tribute to your mom Courtney. So wonderful that you all had such a wonderful time surrounded by your loved ones, celebrating her Life. Especially Love Love the baking to honor her favorites! This is so special and makes me so happy just wondering how this makes such an impact on our children! This has always been my hope for my own children! Wishing that you forever continue to feel her presence surround you in all that you do!
It looks like it was such a special way to honor her and her life! Such a beautiful party 🙂
Such a beautiful way to honor your dear mom! I can almost feel your heart being at peace knowing she is whole and healthy and watching over you all. Xo
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom.
I can see so much of her in you, just based how you have talked of her over the years.
I am sure she is up in heaven smiling with your Dad.
Looks like a perfect day to celebrate your mom. She must have been smiling down on you and your family. Wish I could have been there. Sending hugs and hope you feel better. ❤️
Courtney,
What I love most about your blog is that you keep it real to your true self. It’s not all decor and shopping advice (although we do enjoy your helpful suggestions on those fronts!)…..you share your live’s true passions……your family, your favorite haunts, your vacation destinations…….keeping it all about you and your life’s journey in every respect. You are to be commended for that!
That said…..(!)…. I wondered if you would share with us the brand/make of your large oversized mirror you have leaning against the wall in your master bedroom? I believe you have offered up info on all other items in that room except perhaps that.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Many thanks from a devoted reader.
What a lovely tribute on Friday to your mom, Courtney and Kristen. Mary and I were so happy we could share it with you and your family. Everything was lovely, so fitting for the lovely person Linda was. May God bless you with treasured memories and peace.
Love, Nancy ❤️
How sweet! Sending you love!