Last year wasn’t a good year for Mother’s Day and many of us didn’t get together as usual. But this year was so wonderful and we had the best day on our back patio with my family. It was the perfect Mother’s Day celebration and the weather couldn’t have been better.
We got the patio all cleaned up and all the cushions out ready for company. I set the table with what I have, runners and some pretty bottles with flowers from our yard. The hydrangeas are just beginning to bloom so i took advantage of that.
We were so happy the weather cooperated and was the perfect temperature, low 80’s.
We had 10 adults and 3 children at our gathering and plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day.
I love when everything is set up out here, it’s such a great space. I don’t leave these cushions out all the time though. That’s how I’ve been able to keep them nice for over 5 years. In fact, it rained later that night on Mother’s Day so we took them all in before dark.
We love this patio so much, such a great extension of our home and makes for great outdoor living.
I got all the flowers in the planters and that makes such a difference too.
Mark took this great panorama shot of the patio and I love it. The big hydrangeas on the right are just beginning to bloom and are a great backdrop to our patio space.
It’s been 2 years since we got to take a Mother’s Day pic, so this year we made sure to do that first. We color coordinated somewhat and were a colorful bunch that day. I love this pic! Four generations and all 3 girls, what a sweet time it was. Parker spent two nights with me and she was crazy about Daisy. She’s the animal lover of the family and really loved Daisy. She was very hands on and helped me with her.
We enjoyed just sitting around the porch and enjoying our girl time. That’s Renee’s sister-in-law, Betty on the right. Glen and Betty came too, Bruce’s brother and SIL, along with Bruce’s mom, Doris.
Mark is so good about chatting with dad and making him feel at home. I love that about him so much. He talks to Dad, asks him questions, and lets Dad tell him all his old stories.
Mom enjoyed being around the girls and of course, baby Alex. She’s such a sweet baby.
Love that girl!
Lauren and her 3 girls.
Mom Dad and Mark.
We had a BBQ buffet that I set up down there and everyone enjoyed it so much. I ordered from a local BBQ place, Ziegler’s and picked it up beforehand.
We had plenty of room for everyone to spread out.
I showed the girls this perfect perch for them to have lunch on the pull out stools.
BBQ from Ziegler’s.
Renee and I made this cake that our relatives make in Florida, called Dooby cake. Cause it do be good! That’s how it got its name, we heard. Our late Aunt Mary used to make it. I’ll share the recipe in another post soon.
The guys on the porch.
Lauren and baby Alex, along with Daisy. Daisy loved having everyone over.
Mom and dad.
Dooby cake tastes like strawberry shortcake. It has vanilla pudding, whipped topping and strawberries. The cake is from scratch, but I think you could easily do a store bought cake and save a lot of time.
Everyone gathered. It was so nice to finally have my family over to enjoy the porch.
Even Bailey came along with them.
Lauren gave mom some Mother’s Day gifts, pictures of the girls. Isn’t this so sweet?
I’m not sure I’ve ever mentioned this, but Bruce is Lauren’s step dad. She was about 17 when they got married so the girls know Bruce as Papa and Bruce’s mom, Doris is also their great grandma. They are very blessed to have 2 great grandmas in their lives. And they have another one on their father’s side of the family. Doris is 92 and doing very well. She also got a sweet pic of the girls.
Lauren also gave mom some personalized placemats of the girls pics.
Renee got a personalized rug that she can change out. It has a metal base that Lauren didn’t bring and she can change out the rugs in it. So cute!
This will be cute at their new lake house when they finish building.
Dad got to enjoy my hanging swing bed. He looks like he’s mad, but he was just resting.
Feeding the baby and hanging out on the porch.
We had such a great day and I’m so glad I got all these pictures to capture the celebration. Mother’s Day 2021 was very good to us and I hope it was to you as well. Thanks as always for loving on my family and enjoying our family gatherings!
Rita C at Panoply says
Oh my goodness, simply fantastic! It’s so good to see your parents, Rhoda. Lauren’s girls are just adorable, and all the family photos are priceless. I’m so happy you & Mark get to use your space and entertain as it was intended. This year is SO much better in so many ways.
Debra says
What a great family day! Your outdoor space is perfect for a day like this. Everyone looked so happy to be together! Great pictures and the food looked delicious. I have my sweet mom who is 96 (soon to be 97) and lived with me so I know how much you love having your folks with you! Thanks for sharing….made me smile!
Susan says
What a blessing for you and yours. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Moore says
I’m so glad everything was so perfect for your sweet, sweet family!! Always enjoy seeing everyone look so great.
Sherry Mullis says
You and Mark have made such a lovely space to entertain family and friends – I enjoy seeing your family pictures because we’ve grown to love seeing them as we feel we know them – you obviously have a long line of beautiful women🥰
Sue Davis says
Your back patio looks so inviting. I’m glad everyone enjoyed Mother’s Day….I know we sure did.
We all have so much to be thankful for. As always, I enjoy seeing your beautiful family. Yes, Mother’s Day this year was so special in so many ways.
Paula@SweetPea says
What a wonderful day of making memories you had!
Terry says
What a wonderful day to have all your family over! Lauren and her girls couldn’t be any cuter. It’s certainly a blessing to have all the great-grandparents celebrating with you. Your parents look amazing and Doris sure doesn’t look 92! My cousin, Rene’, also goes by Nae Nae! Thanks for sharing, Rhoda.
Cyndy says
Such a beautiful family! You are blessed! Looks like it was a glorious day!
beth byrd says
So lovely! Thanks for sharing your family with us! Your mom and dad are so great!
Cindy Kathryn says
Rhoda – – – Absolutely DELIGHTFUL photos of your family & outdoor spaces! Makes me feel like ‘family’ just being a part of this celebration from afar! Thanks for allowing all of us devoted ‘followers’ of your website to view ‘those you hold dear’ on your Mother’s Day celebration! Sending love from the Lake Norman area, NC! (North of Charlotte) God’s LOVE is so GOOD! XO
Lynn says
PERFECT day!!! So much love in all the pictures! This is what makes life so sweet – the gift of family! Thanks for sharing the day with all of us! Some of us have been here so long, that we consider ourselves part of the family too! 🥰
KittyLuvr says
I could just feel the love in every picture! So great to be able to gather safely together again! Thank you for sharing your family and also your recipes! Lol
luxuryoption says
The photos !! The gifts !! The food !! The family !! The weather !! Simply magnificent. Blessings to all!!
Lynne Taylor says
You have such a loving family and I’m so glad that Lauren is able to visit with you and your family so much. Thanks for sharing all the sweet pictures. The food looks delish too!
Helen says
It was delightful seeing your family and the great time you all had on Mother’s Day!!!! Your granddaughters are beautiful and I love the family gathering on a such a special day. Your parents look great. We feel like part of the family so keep sharing the pictures and updates. From Concord NC……
Rhoda says
Thank you, Helen, we had such a great day. The girls are my great nieces, although many think they are my granddaughters. I don’t have any children, but I’m happy to have a sweet niece and 3 great nieces.
Deanna Rabe says
What a lovely day! I’m so glad that you all were able to be together and celebrate. You’ve made your home into a very beautiful and welcoming place. Your patio is perfect for gatherings!
Debbie says
I love your family posts. You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Lynne Beattie says
Love seeing the beautiful smile on your mom’s face. That dessert looks delicious. Hopefully you are all vaccinated since you have several high risk family members with no masks or social distancing. Be safe and aware of others!
Rhoda says
It’s really none of your business, Lynne.
Susanne says
Love seeing your sweet Mom and Dad:) And I cannot BELIEVE Doris is 92?! She looks amazing!