Sunday, May 19, 2013

Happy 87th Birthday Mom!

We gathered in Chicago this weekend to honor and celebrate Mom's special day.  My family came from all over to be there....us from Ohio, Jim from Georgia, Rick from Wisconsin...Phil, Greg, and my sister Midge all live in the Chicago area so their commute was a bit quicker! It was a great time! We laughed and told all the family folklore and even a few new stories came out! On Friday there were just us adults....no grandkiddos or children...just time spent with Mom as her kids.
My hubby Jack and my Sister-in-laws, Jan and Deidra , joined us and had to put up with the stories, but joined us also in the laughter!
Mom and Midge had the yard looking fabulous for everyone to enjoy.
Tables were set up and made pretty.

My brother Jim brought this boat back from Georgia..my brother Greg's going to let his daughter and her family borrow it to go fishing.  What's so special about this boat? Well, it was my Dad's...I listened to the stories of how he came to buy it and the fishing antics that go along with it...it's age? Same as mine! 60! It has been around the country and I bet has a few stories of it's own to tell.  Maybe it will make an appearance in Ohio one day!   Jim said when he thought of Dad...who passed away in 1976...a certain butterfly would always appear...a yellow one.  Can you believe that we found this just after he told me that? Yep, in the back of the boat was this butterfly!  I kid you not!
I think Dad was here with us celebrating my awesome Mom.
These are my wonderful brothers...so special..so cool...so fun...sooooooo...why am I going on like this? Well, I  wrote a tribute to my Dad last year on his birthday and said that my sister and I always gave Dad a reason to smile and my brothers always gave him trouble...or something to that effect...For some reason they don't understand why I wrote that....well, there was a reason, and they know it....but really they  are the greatest and I promised to say that and mean it too!  You guys ROCK!
Well, Happy Birthday Mom! It was a great weekend and I have many more pics and stories that will need another post to get it all out....Hope you enjoyed your day!


14 comments:

Kim said...

That butterfly story gave me goosebumps. Happy Birthday to your Mom. I'm sure it was a wonderful day for her, surrounded by family.

Julia said...

Awww Yaya, what a nice way to spend your Mom's birthday with her whole family. The butterfly omen is just so special.... they are not usually that tame.

Your mom still looks so well. I love how she keeps her flower garden and yard so neat.

My husband and I spent all afternoon picking dandelions on the lawn in the back and in the front. I think that we are making some progress but they will come back with new ones I'm sure. Icame back from the farm wiped out.

Hugs,
JB

Hilary said...

Happy Birthday to your lovely mother. That is such a cool story about your dad and the yellow butterfly. It gave me goosebumps and a teary smile. I just love when someone you love feels so present like that.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi there, YaYa! First of all, dear friend, I need to point out a typo in the title of your post. You wrote "87th" but the woman identified as your mother looks considerably younger than that to me. Did you mean to write "37th"? :) Happy birthday to your dear mother, a beautiful woman indeed! I very much enjoyed these pictures taken at your family gathering in Chicago. You have a wonderful family. I also appreciate the immaculate condition of that planting bed and the handsome speciments contained in it. I hope you are feeling well, dear friend YaYa, and I wish you a safe and happy week ahead!

acorn hollow said...

Oh my gosh the butterfly!!! Your mother looks so great. Happy birthday to her.It looks like you all had such fun.
Cathy

selvageedge said...

Looks like you had a wonderful weekend. How awesome that your dad came too. :)

selvageedge said...

Looks like you had a wonderful weekend. How awesome that your dad came too. :)

Cindy said...

Oh, wow, what a nice celebration!! You all seem to have so much fun and I bet your mom was oh so happy to have everyone together!! And, I LOVE LOVE the butterfly story...there are signs all around us!!

rjerdee said...

What a great family you come from! I so enjoyed reading your birthday weekend good times. Yes, butterflies. After my dad's funeral, the kids ran across a field to his house and thousands of butterflies flew up around them...perhaps it was the milkweed in the field...who cares? It was such a perfect finish to the burial.

Judi said...

You are so lucky and Blessed to have your Mom with you.
Looks like you all had a great time!
Your yard is spectacular...

Rosaria Williams said...

How wonderful for all of you to show up for your mother's birthday! I can see the love and generous spirit in each one of you.

Susan Anderson said...

You gave her such a great day, and I love the butterfly visit!

=)

Cheltz said...

She's only 2 years older than my grandma! I bet she loved having you guys celebrate with her, and I'm sure your dad was there too! 1976? That'll be 40 years soon, your mom has been alone for a long time :(.

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Happy Birthday to your Mom. God bless her !
My brother in law had a similar story except about a Robin.