Greetings, and happy Mother’s Day! It’s a weird one, for sure, but the sun is shining and it’s supposed to be a mild afternoon here in PA. Thank heavens for small blessings.
I was supposed to be in Paris for Mother’s Day this year. We would be wrapping up our trip and preparing to fly back home tomorrow, if all had gone as planned. I actually purchased the Oui tee I’m wearing above in celebration of our trip. I doubt I’d have actually worn it in Paris, but I was hoping to enjoy wearing it as we planned and prepared for our trip.
But it was clearly not meant to be, and with my hip injury and some nagging vertigo, I’m kind of relieved the decision was made for me. Pandemic aside, I don’t know that it would have been the best time to go. At least now, I get to spend the day with my kids!
I know this can be a hard day for many on a good year, so I’m sure that is compounded by the current situation. If you are hurting today, please know you are not forgotten.
While Paul and I can’t be with either of our mothers today, at least I can be with my kids, and I’m so very grateful for that. We will talk to our moms at some point, and I’m comforted knowing they are both safe and healthy and in their respective homes.
I told my kids, all I want for Mother’s Day is a picture with the three of them. It’s been a few years since we got a good one. Plus, C has some homemade cinnamon rolls ready to bake for a late breakfast, and Paul is planning to grill burgers later this afternoon, so that will be nice.
I don’t plan to lift a finger! I was up at o dark thirty with the puppy, so I figure I’ve done my duty for the day.
Speaking of the puppy… Ozzy is doing as well as can be expected. He’s such a smart dog, and he’s already learning some basic commands. This picture is from last weekend, when it was so warm that we were able to swim in our pool! He’s already grown since then.
He’s also doing really well at night. R takes him to her room, where his crate is right beside her bed, and she can get him settled pretty easily if/when he wakes up. He can make it from 10 or 11PM to 5 or 6AM without going outside, which is a big relief, especially since it has gotten so cold here this week.
He and Savannah have learned to coexist for the most part. When he’s super playful, he comes at her, and she tries to put him in his place, so that can get a little dicey. Otherwise, they pretty much ignore each other, or sniff a bit and then go their separate ways.
In other news, our stay at home orders have been extended until June 4th. Le sigh… I knew we were going to be one of the later states to open up, but I was hoping we could take this a week or two at a time. Four is really a lot at this point, especially when our next phase is still extremely limiting compared to what other states are allowing in their first phase of reopening.
Once again, I’m grateful it doesn’t directly impact Paul’s and my ability to work, but I’m growing increasingly concerned for the small business owners and “non-essential” workers who really are feeling the impact of all this.
As far as work is concerned, I’m being interviewed for a feature in a local magazine, so that’s pretty cool! Their photographer is coming out this week to get a few shots, so of course I’m scrambling to figure out what to wear. I’m thinking one of my floral blouses and white jeans.
The article will be published in July or August, so they said to dress for summer. Maybe this?
It sure would be nice to have a fresh cut and color before then, but since that ain’t happening, I’ll use that hair dye I got from the Zoom consultation with Corissa at Concihairge. (Here’s a link to book their services. I’m not affiliated, just sharing in case you need it!)
We decided not to go with a permanent color, since the color I typically get at the salon is a semi-permanent. Instead, she recommended a gloss that does a pretty good job but washes out fairly quickly. It should at least freshen me up enough to get through this photo shoot.
So yeah, that’s pretty much the latest from my neck of the woods.
It occurred to me this morning that today is my 20th Mother’s Day! It seems unreal, but I’ve got the gray hair to prove it. In years past on this day, I’ve shared my Mother’s Day pictures through the years, so I thought I’d round up some of my favorites.
This was my very first Mother’s Day as a mom, back in May of 2000… Good grief, those bangs!
Someone at some point in my life told me that I should always wear bangs because I have a long forehead, so for most of my life, I thought I had to have bangs. I don’t remember when I ditched them for good, but I think that was the single best hair decision I ever made… except when I stopped perming it in college.
This was Mother’s Day 2002 — the very day I discovered I was pregnant with C. (Clearly I had ditched the bangs somewhere between 2000 and 2002.)
D had other things on his mind and was trying to get away from me, but I was determined to get my Mother’s Day photo. And I swear, I was wearing makeup. It doesn’t look like it, does it???
Enter C, Mother’s Day 2003… Oh, yes. I will get my Mother’s Day picture, smiling or not!
This is one of my all-time favorites, Mother’s Day 2004…
And then there were THREE! Mother’s Day 2007…
Now we jump to 2011…
And this was Mother’s Day 2013… funny how long and baggy those “skinny jeans” were.
Mother’s Day 2014… I guess that’s when I started using bigger pictures on the blog!
I also love this one from the same year, of the kids with Paul’s parents.
This one’s of my mom and me, Mother’s Day 2015…
And I got my kids in a picture too.
Finally, this was last year, Mother’s Day 2019. We celebrated with Paul’s parents and his brother’s family. Evidently I didn’t get the memo to dress in blue and white!
And that’s all I’ve got until later this afternoon, when I hope to corral my three and get my Mother’s Day 2020 photo.
I hope you’re able to spend some time today with the people who are most important to you, even if it’s just on FaceTime.
Happy Mother’s Day!
43 Responses
Happy Mother’s Day! What a great post! Such sweet memories for you looking back through the years. Especially the pictures with the parents! Ours have all passed on, BUT I do have a step father-in-law who has survived COVID-19 in our local nursing home!! He’s a 97 year old WWII vet who survived the Battle of the Bulge & now this virus – amazing! We have ordered a Mother’s Day Special from a local family owned restaurant, and will celebrate with our daughters & family, since we’ve all been together since the beginning of this virus. Praying everyone has a safe & Happy Mother’s Day!
That is amazing. Good for him! We found out last night that Paul’s elderly aunt had it and survived. It’s nice to hear success stories from the older population.
I am so sorry about your Paris trip! That’s the pits. My daughter, DIL and I were supposed to have been coming home from a week at the beach today for Katie’s college graduation…that didn’t happen either. We found out at the end of last month, our shelter in place has been extended through the end of May, so we’re right there with you. I love all of your Mother’s Day pics. We are really bad at documenting things like this. Hope you have a wonderful day and your weather improves soon. XO
Happy Mother’s day. Love pics. Glad you ditched Those bangs.Ha
Happy Mother’s Day!! Love the pictures…..wow do you look like your mom!!
Sigh on the June 4th date to open things up….I live in the Lehigh Valley so Im feeling your pain!! Cant wait to sit on the beach (WITHOUT a mask on!!).
Enjoy your day:)
My brain just woke up when you mentioned Vertigo so I am passing this along just in case it helps. My sister is the “Ear & Hearing” expert in my family so this comes from a place of knowing about inner ear stuff. You may indeed have some other issue that is causing the Vertigo but she tells me that this is often missed in the medical people trying to do their due diligence to make sure it is not something bigger. Somewhere inside your ear where you can’t see there is a “tube” that has tiny crystals/stones in it that are part of the system that gives us balance….if these get out of alignment it can result in vertigo issues…..all it takes is a fall or small bump to the head, etc.to rattle these crystals/stones out of their normal position. If this is what is causing your vertigo the fix is relatively simple fix called “Canalith Repositoning” …..and yes you can Google that and then find a Doctor, Audiologist, Chiropractor, etc. to do this with you.
Now back to Mother’s Day…..fabulous pictures! Enjoy your day
I’ve been tested for that, and it’s not the issue with mine. I’ve done a lot of tests, and they call come up negative. The next step is a neurologist, but I never pursued it. Probably time to do that.
Thank you for all the pictures of you and your family! They are precious. I also see that you are as beautiful as your mother…you two look so alike! Have a Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for all your wonderful posts. I enjoy them everyday. They are a highlight to my day.❤️
Happy Mother’s Day! Wow, you haven’t changed at all (except your hairstyle)!
Happy Mother’s Day! The photos from years past are just great! I’m sorry your Paris trip was cancelled & hope you’re able to go in the future & will also feel much better so you can enjoy every minute!
As someone who lives in a Southern state that is “re-opening” I don’t think that it’s all that great. Our infection rate & deaths are still rising, but our Governor seems to think the economy must prevail. Please know I don’t take lightly the many people who are currently out of work due to Covid-19. But I also fear that more infections & deaths are headed our way as I see pictures of people in my state no longer practicing social distancing & not wearing masks as they rush out to shop. It’s very scary that many have associated “re-opening” to mean “no risk.” Hopefully, your state will come out of this in a safer position. I know Pennsylvania was hit hard.
Yeah, masks are required here, and I know that is very controversial, but I’m glad they are. It makes me feel better about getting out and about. PA was hit hard, but mostly in nursing homes. We did a good job flattening the curve, so it will be interesting to see how things play out as more people are out. Even with the stay home order extended, people are getting out more and seeing more people socially.
Oh my gosh, Caroline’s hair is so cute in the 2007 picture with the big pink bow and the matching dresses on the girls is adorable! It’s so fun to look back at our family pictures over the years. Happy Mother’s Day!
Such fun pictures! Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day! Wishing you all the best.
Love all the pictures down memory lane! How fun!! Especially on Mother’s Day it was touching that you included a picture with your lovely mom. Jo-Lynne, you brighten my Inbox everyday with your jam-packed, newsy posts. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into your posts. I also love hearing about your family, IF, Ozzy and your kitchen. You are awesome, girlfriend! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day! 🌺
I second and echo everything Jean said so eloquently. Congratulations on the magazine feature! Thats exciting! Perhaps ask your photographer Allison what to wear as patterns can come off as too busy? Just an idea…..
Happy Mother’s Day!🌸
Jo-Lynne,
Happy Mother’s Day to you. I really enjoyed your post. Blessings to you and enjoy your day.
You do great work. I hope you share the article from the local magazine.
Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for sharing your fashion knowledge, your life tidbits and positive attitude! Congrats on getting a feature in the local news! That’s exciting! I adore the floral top you are thinking of wearing (in fact I bought it when I saw it on you!) but I want to suggest you have a back-up top that is solid color. I was interviewed for a national magazine a bunch of years ago and they suggested that a solid would make YOU stand out rather than the printed top. Maybe ask your photographer what she suggests too and have the magazine photographer take pics in both the floral and the solid and see what works better?? Just want our girl to shine!!
Thanks so much. I didn’t think of that.
Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for sharing your pictures! I hope to look through some of my photos today, too.
I love photos so this is awesome! I always want a picture with my kids but for some reason, it’s been gross out the last few years. Not sure about today because I think they’ll be in pjs all day. 🙄
Happy Mother’s Day!!🦋💐😊❤️🌈
Have a fantastic day!!!
I enjoyed all of the photos!! They are all
beautiful!!!
It has started raining where I live a suburb of Chicago, Illinois!!!(☔️)
Hi! My favorite us you and your mom. You two look so alike and are both beautiful!!!!
I am a “Muppy” mom of a puppy Annie. For so many women today is a day of pain grief loss or wishing what might have been.
If you have a mom, if you are a mom, consider yourself very blessed.
For others please know you are not alone. You are valued, you are loved and appreciated, and in my prayers today, kindred sisters.
I love the all old pictures! I had (still have) that same coral floral blouse you’re wearing in 2015 with your mom (Lucky brand, right?) I love it and can’t bear to get rid of it! Happy Mother’s Day! Our 80 degree weather has gone away and it’s partly cloudy and in the high 60s today. I plan to sit outside anyway (in my cozy joggers instead of shorts) and read a new book. My husband went and picked me up a Starbucks coconut milk latte this morning (So good! Haven’t had it in over two months!) Things are opening back up here in So CA but still with many restrictions in place (masks, distancing, shortened open times at stores, order ahead and go pick up.) I went to Home Depot garden center a couple days ago and the line to get in was super long; they’re only letting in a few people at a time. Everyone is gardening right now! 🌻🌿 Congrats on getting recognized in your local magazine! So fun & well-deserved!
Yep, Lucky Brand. It really is/was a cute blouse.
Fun to see older photos of you and your family. You and your Mom look so much alike! Not sure I have seen a picture of her before.
Sounds like you have a nice day planned.
Happy Mother’s Day! I love seeing all the pictures.
Thanks for sharing the pictures. Happy Mothers day Jo-Lynne. Burgers sound like a great choice. I don’t eat meat, but that really sounds good. 🙂 We’re ordering take out.
We live in Florida and are able to go out to eat with the 6 feet distancing, but we’re not ready to do so yet. I made some chocolate chip cookies for dessert later.
Good luck with the interview. I know you’ll look great in whatever outfit you pick to wear.
I so much enjoyed seeing all the old pictures. I started following you I think 3 years ago shortly before Easter and I remember you showing past Mother’s Day pics then too. I really appreciate your sharing your life with us and putting all the time into your research and posts. It’s why you are my favorite blogger. I agree with everyone else, I like the pic of your mom with you, and how much you look alike.
Beautiful post, enjoyed the photos. Happy Mother’s Day! Ozzie is just too darn cute. Hope you get your pic. We forgot😢 but I guess I’ll file it away with this strange year. We had some kids/grandkids here, others on FaceTime and we were social distancing in our garage because it’s cold & raining in Chicago today. Things took on a life of their own. After they left we realized – no photo. I am counting my blessings that I saw my kids (one way or another) and everyone is well. My husband has ordered a lovely takeout dinner for us tonight from Weber Grill. We’re going to have a fire in the fireplace – cuz yes, it will feel good, and call it a wonderful day. Enjoy all!
Thanks for sharing the pictures! They are so sweet to look through. Hang in there with the lockdown. I’m in NJ and we’re still there with you until at least June 4th as well. My daughter is an ER nurse in Jersey City and the good news is that it seems to be slowing down. Still very sick patients, but less coming in. That’s something to be thankful for. Happy Mother’s Day to you and your followers!
Happy Mother’s Day Jo-Lynne! I enjoyed the family pictures-adorable children. And your mom-we can see where you get your good looks from! But I have to agree that I like you better without the bangs too! That’s so exciting about the local magazine feature. Hope you’ll let us know when it comes out.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! I hope that you’ve had a fabulous day! I love all of the pictures and seeing how your children have grown up. Your mom is beautiful!
Happy Mother’s Day! I enjoyed seeing you through the years!
Happy Mother’s Day! Love seeing these pictures.
Happy Mother’s Day, Jo-Lynne! I love the outfit you are thinking of for the magazine shoot; you look stunning in it. So sorry you had to miss your Paris trip, but I know you will get there someday in the not too distant future. And then you will savor the experience even more.
Happy Mother’s Day! I love the pictures!
Happy Mother’s Day!! What great pictures and memories! Thank you for ALL you do! You are a part of my morning “waking up” routine, out here in Cali. I always look forward to your posts. Funny thing, I have been following you for YEARS and just today realized that you have a hyphen in your name. We named our 11 year old daughter “Jada-Lynn” (the Lynn is for my middle name). I have often regretted the hyphen when filling out forms, so funny that I literally just realized you have one too!
Too funny! I hate the hyphen. SUCH a pain. I mean, it’s pretty but with everything being digital these days, it’s a real hassle.
That is so exciting about the magazine article on you. I hope you will share it with all of us when it comes out. Would love to read it
I too was supposed to be in Paris. I was coming home on the 8th so I could be home for Mother’s Day. Oh well at least everyone is healthy. That’s more important!
Love all the family pics! Hope the article/pictures are a hit!
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Thanks for sharing, the photos are so cute! What a great idea. Here is Nebraska things are starting to open a bit. We actually went out to eat last week. It was so nice to get out of the house for a bit. Blessings from the midwest!