“In My Life”
There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them allBut of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you moreThough I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you moreIn my life I love you more
– The Beatles
I close my eyes and sometimes I can almost feel like I am a kid again and back celebrating holidays, birthdays and more fun times with my family.
The thing is those times never really are forgotten. As much as they are over and years behind me, I still carry so many of those times and people that I did enjoy moments with.
My parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are all still a part of who I am. Have all shaped me for better or worse (mostly better mind you). Even those who are no longer with us, I carry in my heart now and always. Trust me when I say once again that I have not forgotten them. I admit I might not think of each (some yes I may be guilty of thinking of them more then others) and every one of them on a daily basis, but still something or someone will trigger a memory or a moment and I am transported back.
Where may I be going with this, you might be asking?
Many may have noted I was off the blog grid for a few days this past long, holiday weekend.
It was indeed 4th of July, but also was my great-aunt’s (my grandmother’s sister) 90th birthday.
My family (some I haven’t seen since I got married 8 years ago tomorrow) was in for the celebration.
And even though we had gotten the not so lovely Hurricane Arthur touching down on the early part of the day on 4th of July (I got caught running errands in the pouring, windy rain storm) – the weather cleared up for the latter part of the day and even for the party itself on Saturday.
Yet, no hurricane stops our family from getting together and indeed partying it up.
Hell, we are the family that found fun in losing power during a major state-wide power outage back over 11 years ago during a family get together of sorts, too (I guess it is a trend).
But still back to this weekend, we enjoyed the 4th of July as a family, hurricane and all.
Plus, we also had a blast at a 90th birthday celebration for the now matriarch of our family. I am telling you she is truly amazing (not just because she is my aunt – ok maybe I am a bit prejudice) but still she is going to rival (I have no doubts) my great-grandfather (her own father), who lived to be 103 years old!
My aunt is classy, but also has spunk and knows just how to have fun. It is no surprise that when I do recall her visiting when I was a kid, I always loved spending time with her and would be truly crushed when the visit was over and she had to return home.
So here, I sit at the end of this magnificently awesome weekend, feeling a bit of the air let out of the celebration (the kind of feeling you get after a big celebration like Christmas or a wedding is over and behind you).
But, even though the partying has halted and ended for now, the memories of this weekend will last me a lifetime, as so many other memories have indeed done so as mentioned earlier.
Plain and simple, as I quoted the famous, Beatles earlier in this post, this is just another magnificent family moment “In My Life”, because (again may be a bit prejudiced in saying, but still) my family is the best and just couldn’t have asked to be a part of a better one if I tried!
Happy 90th Birthday Auntie Anne! In my life I love you more!
As a side note, yes it is a Monday, but now Kevin starts his long summer weekends complete with Mondays off, so I guess I get to prolong the weekend just a bit with having both him home and the girls home on summer vacation, too.
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Glad you guys had a great weekend! We ended up missing the fireworks because they were all canceled on Friday night due to Arthur.
Melanie Chisnall says
Looks and sounds like you had a fantastic long weekend Janine. I’m really looking forward to the warmer weather, but quite enjoyed our cosy, rainy weekend just gone by. Have a great week! π
Lisa D says
Looks like they all had fun. Auntie Ann is such a fun person to be around. Glad you guys had a great weekend. π
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Sounds like you had a great weekend and a nice break Janine! I’m glad for you. Happy birthday to your Aunt! And that is awesome that Kevin will have long weekends for the summer…what a nice thing for families! Have a great week and enjoy your family!
Alexa says
She looks amazing for 90!! And it does look like a good time. I’m glad you took some time off. It’s rejuvenating!
The Dose of Reality says
Oh, how wonderful!! Your aunt looks adorable (and much younger than 90!!) What a joyous occasion! I love that even in a hurricane, you all enjoyed your weekend because you were together. Aw…Lovely! Happy birthday, Great Aunt Anne! –Lisa
Seana Turner says
Looks like a wonderful celebration, Janine. I can’t believe your Aunt is 90 — she looks so YOUNG! My daughter thought your cupcakes were adorable:)
Pure Grace Farms says
Your aunt looks fabulous for 90. Glad you were able to relax and have a good time. Thanks for sharing all the fun!
Blessings,
Shari
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
Your Aunt looks amazing for 90 and I’m sure you’re going to be the same way. Even though you were off the grid on the blog you were still around and I appreciated that. You’ve always been a blessing and here’s to you! Love that Beatles song btw.
Bill says
My favorite Beatle song, and your family made the perfect backdrop for that song. Lovely pics, and I’m glad you took time off. Have a great Monday, Janine.
Jhanis says
Sounds like you had a really lovely day Janine! Family and food, now nothing can beat that! Belated happy birthday to your great aunt!
This Busy Life says
Thank you for letting me share in your celebrations!
Echo says
I love this! Your Aunt Anne looks like such a hoot! I’m glad that you had a great weekend despite Hurricane Arthur paying you a visit.
another jennifer says
Love that song! Sounds like a really amazing weekend. So glad you could enjoy it, Janine. Your aunt does not look 90!
Dara says
happy birthday to your aunt and I totally understand how you feel being let down after an event is over!
Diane Roark says
Janine,
You aunt looks so great. I cannot believe she was 90. I love her personality in that picture with her hands up. It reminds me of my husband’s grandma. So sweet!
I am glad you had a wonderful weekend.
Blessings
Diane Roark
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I forgot to tell you that those were the cutest 4th of July cupcakes I have ever seen. Did you buy them or did someone in your family make them?
Blessings, Diane
Allie says
Oh so wonderful Janine!!! Happy birthday to your awesome Aunt. Looks like you had a perfect family weekend celebration. Love it!!
Chris Carter says
Oh how I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! I think this is one of my favorite posts of yours Janine!!! That song! That precious Aunt of yours!! Your family! Your celebration!! Oh my heart…
How you so beautifully pieced this together… with the lyric at the end. Brought chills and tears. Just so deeply touching, my friend.
Embrace those long weekends!!!!
Christy Birmingham says
Aww hi J π Glad you had a nice July 4 and weekend with family and happy belated 90th birthday to the b-day gal too!! Sounds like a lot of fun and it was great to join you with the photos here!
Brittnei says
Oh Janine. How awesome it was to be there with so much family after all that time. I love 90 something year old women. LOL. My great grandma is in her 90s and I talk to her on the phone a few times a month. She is so alert and funny to talk to.
Rea says
I love the song. And your grandmother doesn’t look like 90! She looks so young to me. It’s a good thing you’ve taken some time to enjoy the past weekend and took a break from blogging even for a while. I guess we all need that. I love the fireworks photo too! π
Kim says
Oh – HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your aunt – so very exciting!! She looks super fun and spunky!!
And, your dress is cute – love it!!
Happy anniversary tomorrow!!!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
Happy Birthday to your auntie!! She is so cute and I LOVE that blue dress you have on! Love all the family pics too. I got got in Arthur on Friday too, it was a really gross storm!
Tamara says
One of my favorite songs… ever.
Gorgeous celebration. And I know how it is to feel like the air has gone out and it’s…ugh.. Monday morning and the glory is over. Only for now, though.
Remember – there are more moments and years. So many.
Aunt Gloria says
This was so lovely Janine and I will share it with Auntie Anne, who will probably write her own reply. It was a great weekend and family reunion of sorts. Thanks to you and Kevin, as well as your mom and dad and Michael for opening up your home to us so we could enjoy being together. And now it’s back to things as they were……but with great memories to keep a smile on our faces. Love you……xxxxoooo
Aunt Gloria says
Sounds good Janine. And happy anniversary to you and Kevin!
Aunt Gloria says
Auntie Anne wants to say: Thanks for posting this Janine and making me such a celebrity! It was wonderful to see you and the family (and your mom, my godchild). So glad you were able to celebrate with me, and thanks to you all for opening up your home to me and the family. I love you all. Hope to see you soon again. Lots of love, Auntie Anne
Aunt Gloria says
She got the message!
Veronica Lee says
What an amazing woman! Happy Birthday to your aunt.
Bev says
Your aunt looks incredible, I would have never guessed she was 90 years old! Sounds like you all had a great time together. I’m glad the weather didn’t interfere too much with the celebration!
Jen@JENerallyInformed says
Good for you! Going off the grid is important. So glad you had this time with family members to celebrate a wonderful family celebration.
becka says
Looks like a wonderful party and a great time to get together with family. π We missed out on the fireworks this year but the kids don’t really like them anyway. π Your family looks like fun.
April says
Happy 90th Birthday to your aunt !Such a beautiful event and so glad you got to see some family members you hadn’t seen in a while! I’m glad you had a great Fourth of July weekend!
Rosey says
That does look like a fun celebration. And no way to your aunt!! I had to go back and make sure you said 90! She looks fantastic (and happy birthday to her too). π
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Wow, 90th! That’s amazing! I wish her many many more healthy years ahead! (I’ve been off the blogging grid too. Nice to know I wasn’t alone :D)
Ginny Marie says
Your aunt does look amazing for 90! I only hope I age half as well. I love that you were able to spend the holiday with your family, hurricane and all! Thanks for linking this up to the Spin Cycle. It definitely fits with our “grow” theme this week!
Dawn @ Prickly Mom says
I’m a first-timer to your blog, here from the Honest Voices linkup.
It looks like you have such a fun family! And your aunt looks fantastic for 90! Is she still physically active?
As far as childhood memories go…I think I’ve made a tradition of crying on Christmas Day (not blubbering and looking for attention, just choking up with tears) when I play the same Christmas music albums my mom used to play on the record player. I find myself thinking about how exciting and joyful Christmastime used to be, and it’s bittersweet because it’s a place I know I can’t return to. I remember explaining this to my sister a few years ago and as a result, I think she cries at Christmastime now, too!
The Pinterested Parent says
You look like you have a fun family. It looks like a great holiday. In My Life is one of my favorites. I love that song.
Rabia @TheLiebers says
Oh, I love that song. I haven’t heard it in forever! It looks like you had a great time with a crazy family! You are blessed!!
Janice says
Wonderful post about family and the joys of the love of family. Congratulations to your Aunt Anne on her 90th.
catherine gacad says
what an amazing celebration of life! also, you look fantastic. love the blue dress on you.