Hello friends! How are you? I can't believe how quickly summer is approaching. My kids finish school next week and I am looking forward to the slower pace that will bring. It's also hard to believe that we still haven't swam in our pool yet this year. It has been chilly and summer is taking its sweet time arriving here in NJ. I do see some warmer temperatures in the forecast which I am looking forward to. Time to turn that pool heater on. I have a stack of summer books just waiting to be read by the pool.
There have been a few life events that are ongoing and have been keeping me busy and away from blogging. My mom's husband fell and broke his newly replaced hip. They live a little over an hour away from us so there has been lots of traveling to help them out. Since my mom's stroke, she no longer drives. His recovery will be a long road to say the least. We also had to say goodbye to a beloved family member, Billy's grandmother. May was a trying month to say the least.
I always find that when life gets tough, it is best to focus on the small things. Like the blooming peonies that fill my home with their beautiful scent. Something about their smell reminds me of my own grandmother and a time gone by. Most flowers don't seem to smell like they used to, especially the store bought varieties. But the peonies never disappoint.
Billy and I took a drive to upstate NY to escape the craziness on a quiet Tuesday. We visited the town of Hudson, NY specifically to check out a store called
Les Indiennes. I had spotted a throw pillow I loved in
Holly Mathis' home in Country Living magazine and when I checked out the source, it turned out there was an outlet right in Hudson.
It was a delightful shop and I picked up a few pillow covers. I love the prints and the details like the side ties. I will definitely be stopping back at that store again.
There is nothing like time with my boys to feed my soul. Here we are all together on Mother's Day.
We also spent Mother's Day with my mom. We enjoyed brunch at my brother's house and then visited her husband in the hospital. I love this picture of her and my youngest. They are planning to visit Paris someday together. :)
May is also a big birthday month in our house. Dax tried to steal some of my birthday cake before we could even cut it. I think that this picture is a very accurate representation of my life at 43.
And my oldest turned 19. Wow, 19!!!
And finally, a cute picture of a freckled Dax, wet from a very chilly dip in the pool.
I hope your summer is off to a great start!
Yes, I think we finally have some pool weather in the near future! Love the new pillows. You always find the cutest things! Sorry to hear you have had a tough month. Hopefully June will be better...I am sure those boys of yours (and dogs) will keep you smiling! Enjoy your weekend and Happy Belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Shelley
Yes! Definitely pool weather this weekend. Yay!! Thank you so much. Yup, they will keep me smiling as yours do too :)
DeleteCourtney, your home looks adorable as always. I'm so sorry your May was hard and have your mom's husband in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I hope billy's memories of his grandmother bring him comfort.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't even opened the pool yet...hopefully this weekend��
Thank you for sharing your happy home, it always gives me a smile������
Gena
Gena, Anytime you leave me a comment gives me a smile. Thank you:)
DeleteI'm so sorry for a very sad May. Prayers to your family. Your home brightens my day. I hope you get to dip your toes in the pool this week! And 19, WOW! Goes by fast doesn't it? When I first stalked your fireplace (lol) my first son was just born. Now he just turned 4 and my littlest is turning 2. Let's slow down!
ReplyDeleteLOL about stalking my fireplace!! You are too funny, Laura. Wow, your littles ones are 4 and 2. It sure does go by fast. If only we could make it slow down. Have a great weekend!!
DeleteYour home is so inviting and is a wonderful refuge From the world, I am sure. I am so sorry you have had a tough month, I know it will improve with summer. Here we don't hurry summer, it will be here soon enough with searing heat. I spotted the Susan Branch Gratitude book on your coffee table. Susan definitely know how to find the happy side of life. Another book you may enjoy with your boys growing up so fast, is The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison. Have a lovely June and I hope you have been swimming by now. I will say a prayer for your mother's husband.
ReplyDeleteChris W Tx
Hi Chris, I am a huge Susan Branch fan and love that little gratitude book. I think you and I must be kindred spirits. :) Also, I think I have read everything Katrina Kenison has written. She writes exactly how I feel about motherhood. Thanks for the prayers and gave a great weekend!
DeleteSo good to see your post pop up in my email today Courtney. Love seeing all the sweet pics of you and the boys and your mom. So sweet. So sorry about all the loss of Billy's grandmother and then your mom's hubby breaking his hip. Life really throws us and tests us. Sounds like you are rolling with it all. Sending good thoughts and wishes for June to be a better month.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Hi Kris,
DeleteYes, life sure does test us and you know that as well as I. But we are both lucky to have such great husbands and families in our lives to support us. So how much can we complain? Just have to roll with it like you said.
I hope things are going well in your new home!
Lots of life happening there, Courtney. You are wise to appreciate the little things and take time to enjoy moments. Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday and a good summer ahead! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!! Same to you :)
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Hold onto those good memories. Hopefully things will get better. It's been very chilly here in NJ. Been wearing my ugg moccassins in the house and a sweatshirt! Who would have thought I'd still be wearing them in June!
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult enough to go through one major calamity but to add to that the loss of a family member? Ugh. I'm so sorry for your family's loss and the hardships with your mother's husband breaking his hip. It seems as though you have found a way to focus your energy on positive things and keep moving forward. That's good. :) I happened upon your blog a little while ago as I was researching some Ikea furniture and am happy to see your update. Hopefully your summer will continue with only good memories to be made!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Courtney. Happy Birthday. The forties are the best...the kids are hitting milestones and you feel very comfortable in your shoes and confident in your relationships. At least I did! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI feel badly about your mom and her husband. That's a long drive and I know many of us at our age are taking care of parents. It's hard juggling that with our own families.
Love all of the new summery things you've done...the pillow covers are so cute. I just love finding covers. I have tons of pillows that need updates so I love finding covers that work...so much more inexpensive.
Happy Summer! Get that pool in shape!!! :)
Jane x
So sorry to hear of the loss of Billy's grandmother and the struggle of your step dad with his new hip; I hope he is on the mend. As usual you got some great photos. Speaking of photos your mom is beautiful and looks so young!
ReplyDelete