Sunday, May 12, 2013

EMILY'S WEDDING & A TRIBUTE TO MY SWEET MOTHER



Being the first to get married among her friends, this morning of celebration and joyfulness was truly new and wonderful for all of her bridesmaids and we all had such a spectacular time.  I was long over being a nervous wreck and I think the girls were way beyond Jane as being the basketball, soccer mom, volunteer lunch mom and sleep over crazy lady!!  We laughed and joked and fluffed and primped.  Some of then told me how they had always envied Em for having such a pretty mom and that just made me feel so good...for what it's worth.
And finally, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all of you.  This is my mom in her high school graduation picture...St. Sabina High School in Chicago.  She was always   true beauty and she was full of grace.   I am one of seven children, one brother and five sisters  I can never fully comprehend how she did it all, but she did.  We started off in the city and then moved to the flat  prairies of Western Illinois where she said she sat at the kitchen table and looked out at nothing.  But our house was always crazy and full of activity.  I think that made it easier for me to raise 4 children.  When I think of  things she taught me, it was to be a lady,  dress nicely, eat with my mouth closed, wear good shoes and carry a nice purse (God knows she was obssessed with shoes and purses!), wear lipstick,and dress every morning like you were going out or expecting company.  She was absolutely beautiful and had the best sense of humor and laugh.  She loved her children and grandchildren and could change a diaper or heat a bottle like in 2 seconds flat.  She taught my sister and I the basics of motherhood, the rest, she let us explore for ourselves.  She was gone way too soon.  As with anyone you lose in your life, you mostly cry and grieve because you will never see them again.  It's still true for me although it's been 12 years.  Thankfully, I still hear her laugh, see her curled up in her favorite chair with a book and her coffee, doing crosswords at the kitchen table or playing yahtzee by herelf.  If she were still here, that coffee pot would be full and me and my sisters would all be hanging out there...it's so hard to know that you have it all by the tail until it's gone.  I love and miss you Mom...you are so loved on this very day and forever.


Much love to all of my sweet blogging ladies and my precious sisters and brother, as well, on this Mother's Day.

XO,
Jane

72 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh Jane, what a wonderful post, I am so happy for you and yes you two are a beautiful couple, I laughed when your daughter got the puppy right before the wedding, mine did the same thing!!! Kids!

Debra@CommonGround said...

just beautiful, Jane. Hope you're having a wonderful Mother's Day!!!

Susan Shull said...

You are on the ball, girl! The bride and her attendants look so pretty, and it is so sweet that they have been friends for so long. That speaks volumes to me about your daughter. You and your husband look fab!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

This is a beatiful post, and so are you. You look so young in this pic. Wonderful tribute to your mother, also. Happy Mother's day!

Lynn said...

Everyone looks so beautiful Jane! I'm sure it was a great day with many wonderful memories! Happy Mother's Day-enjoy:@)

Susie said...

Sweet beautiful Blonde, You and your husband are gorgeous. Your young daughter , such a beautiful bride. I loved what you said about when we have the world and never know it at the time. I have tried to tell my girls that very thing. Blessings to all of you. xoxo,Susie

Sarah said...

Jane, the mother of the bride is stunning! You and your husband make a handsome couple! I know this was an amazing event. Just seeing all those young women in front of the trolley says what a special child you raised. Hope you can get some rest and relaxation. Happy Mother's Day! ~ Sarah

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Wonderful photos, Jane. Everyone looks beautiful! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day too!

Lori said...

Jane ~ I can't get over all the attendants but what a great shot of them all out by the trolley!! You and your main man look fabulous. I love the tribute to your Mom ~ hope you got to put your feet up a bit today ~ Happy Mother's Day!! xi

Marigene said...

Your daughter was a beautiful bride, but what else could she be with the parents she chose!
What a nice tribute to your lovely mother...it is quite obvious she taught you well, Jane.
Happy Mother's Day...

Knitty said...

I can't wait to see more photos! You and your husband look wonderful, happy and relaxed.

I could say the same things about my mom, especially the coffee, crosswords and Yahtzee. If you had mentioned paperback mysteries, I'd think you were a secret sister!

Knitty said...

I can't wait to see more photos! You and your husband look wonderful, happy and relaxed.

I could say the same things about my mom, especially the coffee, crosswords and Yahtzee. If you had mentioned paperback mysteries, I'd think you were a secret sister!

Theresa said...

Oh sweet friend, your Daughter is gorgeous! So are you and the hubby:) I love the picture in front of the trolley and all of those beautiful friends!

Happy Mother's Day to you! I know you miss your Mom, mine passed away in 1988 and I can still hear her voice, her laugh and feel her presence all around me:)

Hugs to you dear Jane! Hope you get some rest now:) I had no doubt that all would be perfect!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Did I count that right...17 bridesmaids? Oh mercy, no wonder you needed mimosas! Looks beautiful and yes, he is handsome!!

Pondside said...

It did my heart good, Jane, to read about how well everything went on the wedding day. Your daughter looked so lovely and all her attendants so pretty. You look beautiful and I'm sure your husband was the proudest man there. I hope there will be more photos!

Julie Marie said...

It looks just like a fairytale wedding dear Janie... the girls dresses are gorgeous, Emily is an absolutely beautiful bride... your hubby is so dashing and handsome!... and YOU are stunning!... love your curly hair!... I am so happy you were able to relax and enjoy it all... and the girls all think of you as one of the "girlfriends" I am sure... lovely tribute to your pretty mama as well... my mama has been gone 30 years now... and I miss her so... she taught me so many of the same things your mama taught you... my mama always dressed up too and had her makeup on, and loved her nice purses!... you and I certainly inherited our love of nice purses from our mamas!... I think maybe my mama and your mama are celebrating over a mimosa in Heaven today, chatting about their daughters and happy we are friends... much love to you, Happy Mother's Day!... xoxo Julie Marie

Stacey said...

Beautiful girls, beautiful parents, and a stunning bride. It looks like y'all had so much fun and that is important! So glad you shared the pics. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, what a sweet tribute to your dear mother and she was so pretty. You look so much like her! Happy Mother's Day!
Yea! The wedding! How marvelous it must have been. Your daughter looks so beautiful and look at all of her attendants! I don't think I've ever seen that many! :) Now you, sweetie pie, look like a movie star! You're gorgeous! You know how I love your pretty hair and it looks marvelous curled. You and your hubby make a handsome pair! Now do you need some time to recoop? I know I did after my daughter's wedding!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

This is a beautiful post and it makes me excited for our daughter's wedding in two weeks. Love all the pictures. Bet you were missing your sweet momma at the wedding. I will be missing mine, too.

Fondly,
Glenda

Barbara F. said...

Jane, you look so beautiful, the color of your dress was stunning and perfect for you. What a beautiful couple you and your husband make. And Emily, what a gorgeous bride. Happy Mother's day to you. xo

20 North Ora said...

Jane - Beautiful photos. She made an absolute gorgeous bride. You look beautiful too with your handsome husband. Am anxious to see all of the pics.

I know it was special but it's such a relief I'm sure now that it's over and was such a success.

Happy Mother's Day.

Judy

The Bashful Nest said...

Beautiful weeding! I hope it was a magical day for everyone. That sure was a lot bridesmaids! What fun that must have been.
Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com

Donna said...

What a wonderful wedding, Jane! I bet you are tired and happy, too! Can't wait to see more photos, the girls looked so pretty, as did you and hubby! And what a great tribute to your mom, she sounds like an amazing woman. You were blessed:)

Heaven's Walk said...

Beautiful photos! Beautiful memories! Fabulous story! Incredibly beautiful bride! And you and your hubby look awesome, Jane!!! Loved seeing your photos! ♥

xoxo laurie

Junkchiccottage said...

Oh Jane,
This was a beautiful wedding. You looked so pretty and your hubby is so handsome!!! Your daughter is gorgeous just like her mom. What a beautiful day. Congrats.
Kris

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Beautiful pics Jane. Hope you are having a wonderful Mother's Day!

Blessings,
Linda

Divine Theatre said...

Can't post...crying too much. I will have to come back after I compose myself.

xo,

Andie

Beth said...

Beautiful! Beautiful!! The pictures are all wonderful and you are very pretty.
I thought that your daughter resembles your mother.
I grew up in western Illinois in the Macomb area.

Happy Mother's Day!!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Oh, I'm so happy for everyone. It sounds like it could not have been more perfect.

Low Tide High Style said...

Jane, it looks like it was the perfect day for your daughter, and your entire family! How sweet that your Em has so many close friends that she wanted them to share in her special day, and you guys looked amazing! Like you, my mom was gone too soon, and I miss her dearly. Your mother sounds like she was truly an inspiration to you all.

Happy Mother's Day!

xoxo Kat

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

Your daughter looks so beautiful and wow, that's a lot of bridesmaids. It looks like a perfectly lovely day.

Your mom was beautiful and I am sure she was with you all on your daughters wedding day.

Happy Mother's Day
Sue

podso said...

Wonderful account of the wedding and tribute to your mom. You look beautiful! So glad you enjoyed the day and all went well. That trolley picture could win some award. Stunning! I love the color of the dresses! You are gonna bask in all these wonderful memories and photos for a l o n g time. And happy mother's day!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I loved seeing these pics!! Your daughter is gorgeous! I know you're so very proud of her. All the bridesmaids look so pretty! I love the pic of you and your hubby! Y'all are so good lookin'! :) I just realized you're in Chicago. You know, my mom grew up in Chicago. In fact, the house my grandmother grew up in is now the office for the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. My great grandmother was friends with the Wright family. Anyway, can't wait to see more pics of the beautiful wedding!! I was thinking of you this weekend, hoping everything would go smoothly, and it did! Enjoy your week!

Linda said...

You ARE a beautiful mom!! So happy for you and your daughter and all involved! GREAT pics!!
LOVE the pic of you and the husband.He IS handsome and YOU are BEAUTIFUL!!

Melanie said...

I was so thrilled to see these pictures from the wedding and hear a little bit about it! Emily is both so darn cute AND beautiful...and I love her dress. The bridesmaid's dresses are classy and make a statement without screaming, "I'm a bridesmaid's dress!" Can't believe all the bridesmaids she had! And Jane...you look absolutely stunning. Your hair is SO pretty. And of course, the husband looks very debonair. ;-) I can't wait to see more pictures...I hope you'll be posting some more! I'd love to see your entire dress, some of the ceremony, and the reception.

I'm sure Mother's Day is rather bittersweet for you with your mom being gone. She was a beautiful lady. I can see a lot of her in you.
xoxo

Sonia said...

Just a wonderfully beautiful post..so much happiness and love! Congrats and I hope you can get some rest now! You and your hubbie look fantastic! Love your hair!
Miss Bloomers

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Jane,
You and Al look so amazing!
I love the color of your dress...can't wait to see more.
And your daughter is such a beautiful bride!
I love how you set your home up for them to get ready in.
What a great treat that was.
So many happy memories, so glad your day was amazing!
Your Mom is beautiful and I loved the tribute to her.
So happy for you,
Cindy

Kathleen Grace said...

What a beautiful whirlwind a wedding is! Your daughter and her maids are beautiful and full of sparkle and laughter, you and your husband look gorgeous:>) Get some rest this week and enjoy remembering every detail.
Your mother was beautiful, it's easy to see where you get your looks. I am so sorry she is gone, but her love and lessons live on in your heart. What better tribute could a mother ask for?

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Everyone looks so very beautiful, especially YOU!!!... you totally rock that color, too, Jane.

Your mom was beautiful! Clearly you inherited her looks.

Mary said...

Everyone has just about said what I wanted to say......so here's to the happy couple who look so happy and gorgeous....oh yes, and to the bride and groom too, haha!!!! Seriously, lovely to see you and A, proud mom and dad, enjoying what was obviously a beautiful wedding (wow, what a lot of bridesmaids) and a great time for all I'm certain.

Happy for you, you deserve at all and more Jane.
Love - Mary (and Bob).

P.S. Your mom was a beautiful lady and I loved hearing about her. Thanks for sharing - hope your Mother's Day was really special.

It's me said...

Wowwwwwwwwwwww so beautiful post...she looks so good !!...and you two also darling !!.....love all what i see today......wonderful tribute to your mother.....we miss our moms every day .....love from me...xxx...

Primitive Stars said...

What a beautiful day, you are so pretty Jane and yes, Hubby handsome but your daughter looks amazing, what a fabulous dress.......Touching tribute to you Mom, she is smiling down apon you.....Hugs Francine

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

How beautiful everyone is! I am so happy that the day was perfect for your daughter...

Traci said...

It looks like it was a wonderful day. I can't wait to see more pictures!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This was so much fun getting to see the wedding attire, and you all look so beautiful and handsome. LOVE YOUR DRESS. You picked well, my friend. You are one pretty lady, just like your mom and daughters. I loved reading your tribute to her.

I'm thrilled you had such a great time, Janie. And I know Emily will remember this day for the rest of her life as one of the best as will her friends.

Love you,

Sheila

must love junk said...

What great pics! Looks like a happy day, and you look gorgeous! :)
Susan

SmilingSally said...

Oh, I'm so glad that you shared these pictures and this special day. That hair do is indeed gorgeous, and the bride--oh, the bride--is so beautiful.

It looked as if everything was perfect.

BTW: you ARE a pretty mom!

Brenda Pruitt said...

See, everything went fine. You look beautiful, and yes, the husband is quite handsome. Did you cry off your mascara?
Brenda

Sue said...

I couldn't wait to get over here and hear all about it. I am so thrilled that it all turned out the way it was meant to be...perfect! Your daughter looks beautiful, and that dress...wow! You look gorgeous, I love that color on you and with your beautiful hair. I have never seen that many bridesmaids in a wedding! How wonderful they have all remained so close. I can't wait for more pictures and details...Congratulations to all!

Sue said...

Oh...and I loved the part about your mother. Someone told me it is a "club you don't want to be a member of" when you lose your mom. Those in the club understand the depth of the loss. She was so pretty...and she was watching over you all this weekend.

Ricki Treleaven said...

:D This post has made me so happy this morning. I think it's so sweet that your daughter has so many precious friends. I love that! The trolly photo is priceless.

Jane, you look stunning in your photo! Wow, you have the prettiest hair. You and your husband are a great-looking couple!

Thanks for your tribute to your mother, too. She was a beautiful lady! I know your weekend was so special, and I hope to see more photos (hint, hint).

xo,
RJ

Geneva said...

Oh Jane ... I loved seeing the photographs of the wedding. Beautiful! I'm so happy for you all!
Blessings!
Geneva

Lynne said...

Jane!
I have not seen so much beauty and love gathered in one house ever before!

Emily is so beautiful framed by her precious pink maids!

Yes, The Husband is handsome and you my friend are beautiful inside and out!

Your Mom is dancing as she watches from heaven!

~withLove!

Beth said...

Emily looks so beautiful on her special day! You and your husband look happy and stunning. You did a lot to make the entire day special for your daughter and her friends. Nice tribute to your mother, too. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing more about Emily's wedding. You are a blessed woman; and she is blessed to have a sweet, caring, generous mother like you!
xo Beth

Unknown said...

Jane! I can't wait to see the photos. I love how you were able to have the girls in your home for the prep party. What a fabulous idea. :)
Blessings to you!

Congratulations!!! :)
Happy Mother's Day my friend!
~Liz

chateau chic said...

Jane, I've been anxiously waiting to hear about the wedding and see the pics. Everyone looked absolutely glamorous, yes, you too!!! Sooo happy is was such a great and memorable day that you were able to enjoy from beginning to end.
LOVELY tribute to your Mom!!
Mary Alice

Deserae said...

Everyone looks so beautiful! I can only imagine the joy and happiness you felt on such a special day! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day too :o)
~Des

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

WOW! What an amazing bridal gathering!

She had 17 bridesmaids? Incredible!

Every lady looked beautiful, especially YOU. And you look very much like your pretty Momma.

Hope you had a very wonderful Mother's Day too.

Your hubs looks a tiny bit like Tim Robbins the actor. and yes, he is a handsome fella.

RURAL said...

Jane congrats on raising a beautiful daughter, and such a great day.

Sounds like everything was perfect, including your memories.

Jen

Leslie said...

Hi Jane, I'm late coming by but wanted to say congratulations to you and your beautiful family. Tour daughter is the most lovely bride:)

Fun photos of the make up, hair assembly line! It was not the norm to have hair and make up done 30 plus years ago when I got married. Looking forward to seeing more photos.

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos! Emily, you, your hubby, and your mom.....beautiful people!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

I loved looking at your daughter's wedding photos. Her dress was gorgeous and so was she. Thanks so much for sharing, your husband is a cutie and so are you. Loved what you wrote about your mother. I am from a family of six and I don't know how my mother did everything too! She was wonderful, miss her. Happy Belated Mother's Day! Can't wait to see more of the wedding!

Jody

xinex said...

Oh Janie, what a beautiful and fun wedding. The bride is beautiful and so are all the girls. And you and Al are both gorgeous! What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful mother! So sorry you lost her early in life but you know she is always around to watch and guide you. That explains what a beautiful woman you are!...Christine

Unknown said...

Jane, I loved reading this post so much! Your daughter looked gorgeous and I just love her dress. Your mother is also very beautiful and I love the things she taught you. What a blessing it is to still be able to have those precious memories of her. it helps put things into perspective for me to appreciate my mother and to be a good role model for my daughter. Thank you for sharing your sweet memories with us! Big Hugs!!!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Great pictures Jane! The girls all look so fabulous....right now I'm wishing that I could have a make up artist ~ lol!! How awesome :) Now, enjoy your summer girl...you deserve it!

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

What a wonderful photo of you and the hubby. I bet the wedding was beautiful.

Jacqueline said...

Jane, what a wonderful, wonderful day! You look so beautiful and of course she does too. I just love all of the beautiful attendants and that picture in front on the trolley is perfect. They are all so lovely and she is blessed to have so many wonderful close friends. Glad everything went so well. And what a wonderful tribute to your mother too! Moms are the best.Hugs!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

You looked stunning... and your daughter is just beautiful. I'm so happy to hear everything went well and the DAY was just perfect...

Congratulations to the newlyweds...

xo
S

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Such a beautiful, beautiful post Jane! I am thrilled for your family. Emily and you looked gorgeous on that special day, as well as the 17(!) bridesmaids - loved their dresses! What a joyful day for you all.
I love what you wrote about your Mom, too. She was with you in spirit during the wedding, I'm sure.
xo, Susan

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Oh, I was wondering if she already had her wedding! That's what you get when you take a little break! She looked gorgeous! I can't get over all the women in her wedding! How fun! Great picture of you and your husband! Sweet tribute to your momma! :)
Karen

Leslie Harris said...

I finally realized the wedding had past and I went looking for this post. It's so beautiful and I'm so happy for you. Your sentiments about your hubby and your mother were so touching. I look forward to the photos.
Leslie aka gwen moss

oldgreymare said...

How wonderful for your family and she must be a very special girl to have so many close friends...and how dashing a couple you and hubby make <3