A Very Special Mother’s Day Gift & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #222
Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that has a tendency to just pass me by. After my mother passed away in 2006, the next few Mother’s Days just sort of made me sad and so I ignored the holiday altogether. Then I became a mother myself just before Mother’s Day in 2011. But still, I felt indifferent at best to this annual celebration of mothers. I still don’t make any fuss about the day nor do I really want much of a fuss made about me on Mother’s Day (although I joke and tell Jeff all day long that the day is about me)! But every once in while someone does something really special and meaningful and it reminds you why we celebrate anything…to bring joy into our lives whenever we can for any reason or for no reason at all.
Traditionally for Mother’s Day, my mother-in-law sends me a beautiful card and Jeff picks one out for her from all of us. Sometimes we give gifts but it’s never expected and it usually only happens when we get together for Mother’s Day. Living 300 miles from our families has limited the number of holidays spent together and the more major holidays generally take priority as our traveling holidays. So Mother’s Days spent with my mother-in-law have been very few over the years.
While we did not see her on Mother’s Day this year, we celebrated the previous weekend when my in-laws came to visit for Archie’s birthday and we had Mother’s day breakfast on Sunday morning…just a week early. You know, Army-style. We never celebrate holidays on the actual day because it just never works out that way.
Anyway, as I said, gifts are never expected so I was surprised when my mother-in-law presented me with a little gift bag containing a jewelry sized box. She quickly explained that she did not purchase the gift new, which of course, intrigued me further! As I was slowly lifting the lid, she began explaining to me that what was inside the box belonged to her mother. I opened it and saw the most beautiful vintage butterfly brooches ever and it was difficult to choke back the tears.
I had a very special bond with Jeff’s grandmother, my mother-in-law’s mother. To put it simply in modern day vernacular, she was hella cool. Like seriously, one of the most badass, fascinating, hilariously funny, most down to earth humans I have ever met. And I am honored beyond words to have something so special that belonged to her.
She had a particular fondness for butterflies and the color purple. Knowing my love of fashion, whenever gift giving occasions came around, butterflies and the color purple were common themes. And cows, but that’s a whole different story. After she passed away, I have always sort of felt like she bequeathed to me her fondness for butterflies and the color purple. Now whenever I see butterflies or butterflies on things, like this adorable butterfly ring, I am reminded of Nanny Ruth and it makes me smile. She was just that kind of person, too, always making people smile just the way butterflies do.
I wanted to style something simple that would allow my brooches to really standout so I went for this olive green mechanic style jumpsuit. This is a trend that I have stayed very far away from, but I spotted this one on clearance at Old Navy a while back and sort of just remembered that it was still hanging in my closet unworn. I have to admit that I might be a fan of this trend now. This was the easiest piece of clothing to style. I just added a whole bunch of gold accessories to jazz it up. Placed my wonderful new old brooches on the pockets and headed off to an abandoned gas station for photos because that seemed like an appropriate spot.
As easy and comfortable as this piece is, however, the first time I had to use the bathroom and realized I wasn’t going to leave the house again that day, I changed into something more bathroom friendly. But if I ever get the chance to go somewhere social again, this outfit is at the top of my list of things to wear.
Thank you so much, Gramma, for this super special and very meaningful gift. I will cherish it forever.
Have you ever received a sentimental gift that made a meaningful impact on you? I would love to hear about your cherished items in the comments.
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Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Jumpsuit and Clutch-Old Navy / Shoes-Chinese Laundry (DSW) / Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelets-Old / Hat-Thrifted / Butterfly Brooches-Gift from my mother-in-law
76 Comments
Suzy
Shelbee, you had me at khaki jumpsuit LOL! OMG you look absolutely gorgeous! And then to read about the very special gift from Nanny Ruth was just wonderful. And the brooches are gorgeous. I love the way you styled them. Such cute shoes too! Also, really love the fact that Archie is matching you in his camp pants!
Love this, Shelbee!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Suzy, thanks so much! I thought of you when I found this jumpsuit! I had a feeling you might love it! I also knew you would appreciate the story of a wonderfully sentimental jewelry gift from my mother-in-law! I hope you are having a fantastic week so far, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
That is a cute jumpsuit on you! And the brooches are such a special gift 🙂 Hubby really surprised me this mother’s day! I got the jacket I wanted, the kids made me so many pretty things and of course I didn’t have to cook dinner as we got takeaway 🙂 I just adore the gifts from the boys!
Thanks for the link up 🙂
Hope your week is going well!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mica, thank you so much! I love that you got the jacket you wanted! Isn’t it wonderful to have a husband who pays attention to those things?! I am so very blessed as well. And of course, the gifts from the kids are always so special! They got me a cute little crystal knick knack for my jewelry table and Ralphie made me a keychain that says “Thanks for helping me grow.”
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
What a thoughtful and amazing gift! These brooches are so pretty and I love that you worn them on this cool utility jumpsuit! I am dying over the gold heels though. They are stunning! So glad you enjoyed your Mother’s day with this special remembrance. Thanks for the link up.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I really liked the contrast of the dressier brooches and my gold heels with this utility jumpsuit. And these shoes are incredibly comfortable for their style. I have had them for a few years and I have very happy feet whenever I wear them!
Happy Birthday to you, my sweet friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Those brooches are beautiful!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Have a lovely day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
what a special gift and how wonderful that you have had great relationships with both your mother-in-law and your grandmother-in-law. And thank you so much for featuring my ice sculpture post! That is so exciting!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I am definitely blessed in the department of in-laws! They do so much for us and their generosity is limitless. It was my pleasure to feature your ice show post! I want to go to one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
What a meaningful gift Shelbee, I’m sure you will treasure these brooches forever! They do embellish this jumpsuit so nicely and add a great feminine touch to it!
My favorite gift ever was when my husband (then boyfriend) wrote me a love story about how were were both placed on the opposite sides of the earth and how we would have to find each other and live happily ever after. He had included a letter telling me that he is really bad at writing but he knew how much I loved poems and stories and such so he tried his best at writing one for me.
That short story probably convinced me to move thousands of miles away from home to be with him 🙂
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thank you so much! I am so honored to have these beautiful brooches in my possession. I will cherish them and always think of Jeff’s grandmother when I wear them! I love the story of your husband’s story and how it go you to move thousands of miles away with him! Do you still have the letter/story? Have you considered framing it? Maybe you already have done that! But that would make a really cool anniversary gift if you haven’t done it already!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Oh, yes I framed it back then and had it hanging in my room 🙂 Still have it in that frame but it’s not displayed now, I keep it in a box with all of my keepsakes.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, that is so sweet! I figured you probably already did something super creative with it!
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
What a great look! Love the shoot location this time!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar! The gas station seemed perfect for a utility/mechanic suit! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Pam Ecrement
Love the outfit, but the story of the special gift from such a special lady in your life is priceless!! So delighted for that for you!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Pam, thanks so much! I am so happy and honored to have been gifted these amazing brooches that belonged to an amazing woman!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
What a special gift! Your brooches are beautiful! Love your jumpsuit and how you styled this look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! I was really happy with this outfit and I love my new brooches so much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tatiana
I love your energy, Shelbee! I love your look very much – very stylish! And I can see how comfortable and confident you feel in this outfit. Great job!
It was my first Mother’s Day without my mom, and I totally understand why you didn’t celebrate Mother’s day after your mom passed away. I lost my mom at the end of February and I am still recovering from this huge loss.
Tatiana
myfabforties.blofspot.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Tatiana! I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We are never so old that we don’t need our mothers in our life so the grief is real and can be a very long process. I spent the first few years just angry before I could ever move onto the next stages of grief. I have been fortunate that my mother’s spirit is very strong and even 15 years later, I can feel her presence around me when I really need her there. Sending you lots of healing energy, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nora Minassian
Shelbee this might be another one of my favorite looks on you! Love that you combined this khaki jumpsuit with the gold glam sandals. And of course the brooches, such a great gift and meaning behind them.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nora, thank you so much! I really do appreciate the ease of styling with jumpsuits like this! And these sandals are definitely favorites in my closet. They are really comfortable on top of being glam and fancy! I hope you have a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Renee Open
What a lovely link up theme (and it totally suits the post I shared, “fun” was my Sag experience). Thank you for hosting and you look *fabulous* my dear <3 😉
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Renee, thank you so much for this lovely comment and for joining the party! I look forward to reading your post! I hope you have the most wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
What a sweet, sweet gift! I love gifts like that that have meaning. I love my jumpsuits and have a few pant and a few short ones but they are tricky for going to the bathroom in; nothing like having to completely disrobe to pee. LOL.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Joanne! I am so honored to own these beautiful brooches! I will wear them with pride always. I am finally on board with rompers, jumpsuits, and overalls, but they really are tedious for using the bathroom! But sometimes cuteness beats practicality!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
What a cool outfit! And such a elegant brooche as a contrast. Love that! Also love the golden touches, that always appeal to me!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I loved the story of your “vintage” dragonfly brooch this morning! You crack me up!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
What a sweet and thoughtful gift!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michele! It really is a very special thing!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Oh, that is so sweet that your mother-in-law passed those brooches along to you! I have jewelry from my Mom, her mother, my dad’s mum and from L’s grandmother (there were tables of jewelry at her funeral after-service and we were encouraged to take a couple of pieces). I also have clothes from a few special people. Every time I wear one of these pieces, I feel that person is close to me. I hope one day my nieces will want some of my stuff.
I love the brooches on your jumpsuit – it looks fabulous. Yeah, jumpsuits are awesome…until you really need to pee! Ha ha!
Happy Mother’s Day to you, and to all the Mom-like figures in your life, Shelbee!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sheila, thanks so much! Oh my gosh, I love that there was a table of jewelry at L’s grandmother’s funeral! What a lovely thing to be able to take a meaningful memento of your loved one! I am passing this on to my husband so he can do the same at my funeral! For real. I freaking love that idea. You really do feel closer to the person when you wear a keepsake that came from them. I have so many sentimental pieces in my wardrobe that I will never get rid of! I’ll leave that to Jeff upon my passing (if I pass first). LOL. And yes, jumpsuits are totally fabulous! Until you have to pee. But you know what, sleep is totally fabulous, too, until you have to pee, and that doesn’t stop me from sleeping! So I guess I’ll keep wearing jumpsuits (but never to bed, that’s like a double bathroom whammy)!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
First off, I’m obsessed with this outfit – it might be my absolute favorite that you’ve ever worn! Secondly, thaat is the sweetest gift! The brooches are stunning. Those types off gifts are the most special and my favorite to receive. Glad you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lizzie, thank you so very much! I am pretty obsessed with this outfit, too! I just wish I had somewhere to go so I can wear it properly not just for photos. Sentimental gifts are always the best, in my opinion! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara
Great post!
Hey, is there a reason my comments don’t appear when i use m’y short name (Beba)? I wonder..
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Barbara! I have not seen any comments come in that have had your short name on them. I have been checking my spam box as well and I haven’t seen any comments there from Beba. I don’t know where they are going! I will certainly be on the lookout though and I will try to figure out why certain comments would fail to come through. I apologize that your comments are going missing!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
I loooove olive green and anything sort of utilitarian style! And the little butterfly touches are so sweet!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! I also love olive green. It is one of my fave colors I think because of the military and utility vibe it creates. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
That is an amzingly special gift that I know you’ll cherish forever. I really hope that one day my grandchildren will think of me that way – hella cool! How very thoughtful of your MIL to gift you this special piece. I know she will love knowing you are wearing and enjoying it!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Kellyann! Nanny Ruth was hella cool, for real! I wanted to share more stories about her but I was pressed for time and needed to check my facts first. But in a nutshell, she was a parachute packer during WWII, she could out-curse and apparently out-drink any male soldier twice her size (she was only about 5 feel tall), and she was a very proud veteran in the years that I knew her. She was orphaned at the age of 5 and went into the foster care system where she had some horrible things happen to her. But she was always forthcoming with her story and probably the most well adjusted person I have ever met especially considering the things she had survived in her life. Her sense of humor was her best coping mechanism and I am very much the same. I think that is why we bonded so quickly! So yes, I will definitely cherish these brooches that once belonged to her!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
Wow! What a precious gift, and so thoughtful. I’m glad you can wear her memory close to your heart.
My daughter made me a little card for Mother’s Day and wrote two quotes inside. The first one said, “A mother is one who can take the place of all others but no one can take the place of a mother.” The second one said, “To the world, you are a mother. To our family, you are the world.” 🙂
Thank you for hosting!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tina! I will definitely cherish these beautiful pins forever. I love both of those quotes that your daughter shared in your Mother’s Day card. What a special human your daughter is!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
I love that those brooches were past on to you! And I also feel the same when it comes to my mom…so this holiday makes m sad- even though I have children of my own. As for the jumpsuit- omg that’s the only drawback for me (can’t get to the bathroom fast enough LOL!!! But I love them- yours is so good!!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! I actually am not a big fan of most holidays which is weird because I love to celebrate life! Maybe I just don’t like society and culture to tell me what and when I am supposed to celebrate! I will celebrate whatever I want whenever I want! And seriously, why do the cutest fashion trends have to be so ridiculously impractical?!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Thoughtful gifts are always the best in my opinion… and, how thoughtful of your MIL to gift you with these butterfly broaches from her mother. I am sure you will wear them all the time or just enjoy looking at them. They are so cute on this army green jumpsuit paired with those smokin’ gold heels!! My Mother’s Day was spent at a dance competition for my daughter and it was ALL weekend. It was exhausting, but as a mother I don’t really ever get a day ‘off’, but I do enjoy seeing my daughter do what she loves, to see her growing and maturing in such a beautiful way… which makes me remember what being a mother is all about!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carrie, thanks so much! You just gave me a cute display idea for my brooch collection so that I can admire them even when I am not wearing them. I am thinking a nice heavy decorative ribbon hanging like from a scroll type of mount. I can attach the brooches all the way down the ribbon to make a cool piece of wall art that displays my pins! A weekend of dance competitions sounds exhausting, but like you said, watching our children thrive at the things they love is totally worth the tired and what being a mom is all about! I hope you are having a wonderful week and are catching up on some rest from the weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
What a wonderful beautiful gift!
You look amazing and what a perfect place for pictures. Like I said, you really can wear anything, it is amazing. The accessories are on point with those fun shoes and hat!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mireille, thank you so very, very much for this wonderfully kind compliment! So often, I get frustrated with my very rectangle-shaped body and just yesterday I was reading a fashion magazine and I realized that most fashion models are also very rectangle shaped (just like 12 sizes smaller than my rectangle shape! Haha) and I think that is why I can wear a lot of different styles and genres of clothing…they are essential created for rectangle shaped people (just really skinny ones). Honestly, that can sometimes be equally frustrating when I go shopping because I ALWAYS go over my budget!
xoxo
Shelbee
Katie
What a beautiful and thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day! It sounds like a piece of jewelry that you will treasure forever! I love how you styled the brooch with your jumpsuit and those fabulous gold shoes. Hope you have a wonderful week!
-Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Katie, thank you so very much! I will definitely treasure these beautiful pins for the rest of my life. Perhaps I will get the opportunity to pass them down to an amazing daughter-in-law or granddaughter one day! I hope you are having a lovely week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Aw, such a sweet tribute to Jeff’s grandma, and how lovely of your mother-in-law! These are the pieces of jewelry that mean the most, I know. The butterflies look adorable on your jumpsuit and I love the juxtaposition of the jumpsuit with the girly gold sandals!! Woohoo! You look amazing. Especially pumping gas! Lol! I love jumpsuits, too, but the bathroom thing is NOT a benefit! I’m glad you had a nice Mother’s Day–army style!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Darlene, thank you so much! I am so in love with my beautiful new old brooches! I need to start wearing pins on my clothing more! I always forget to add them and I have a decent collection of vintage and new ones. I have to be honest, I felt pretty darn amazing in this jumpsuit, too! I really did not think I would like this style that much, but the sass factor is totally my jam! Jeff insisted on photos at the gas pump which made me feel kind of like Stephanie Zinone from Grease 2! I need to layer a pink bomber jacket over it next time like a Pink Lady! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
Such a beautiful and sentimental gift! I know you will cherish it forever!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! And yes, I definitely will! Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I love your jumpsuit (good sale find!) and the pins really make it personal. Happy belated Mother’s Day!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I think the jumpsuit was marked down from like $68 to $20 so I figured I would give it a try. Turns out I love it so it was totally worth $20. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Marcus
I love the way you add glamour to your khaki jumptuist, Shelbee. Giving a special gift for a someone special is as gratifying as received such.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! I absolutely agree that giving a special gift to someone is equally as gratifying as receiving it! I hope you have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah Stinedurf
What a beautiful & incredibly thoughtful gift…it’s beautiful! I have a butterfly brooch that belonged to a very special grandma as well & I think of her every time I wear it or even see it in my jewelry box. xo
Debbie
http://www.yourstyledstory.com
Deborah Stinedurf
PS…Thank you for the shoutout my friend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, it was my pleasure, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Debbie! These are very special brooches, indeed. And I will wear them with pride always! I love that you also have a special sentimental butterfly brooch!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jaymie Ashcraft
What a wonderful meaningful gift!!!
Jaymie
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jaymie!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Such a sweet story and remembrance of Nany Ruth. She would be so tickled that you were wearing her butterfly pin. And the outfit shows it off beautifully!
We never worry about celebrating a holiday on the day either. Dan’s job as an airline pilot had him working on a lot of holidays, and my time as a hospital medical technologist had me working on a lot of holidays too. The important part is getting together with family.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! Nanny Ruth would definitely be tickled that I have featured her brooches in blogland! She passed away before I began my blog but I think she would probably be a fan! As for holidays, I feel like every day should be a celebration of some sort anyway. I don’t know why we need all the extra stuff to go with it all!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Those brooches are wonderful and they really pop out on the jumpsuit. Very nice pic with Nanny Ruth. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! I hope your week is going well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
Such a special post and gift. Priceless really. Those brooches looks stunning against your jumpsuit which btw, you styled so beautifully. Happy belated Mother’s Day Shelbee!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Maureen! It really is a priceless gift and I am so honored to be in possession of these beautiful brooches. I hope you had the most wonderful Mother’s Day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Raellarina
I love your jumpsuit! You look so gorgeous as well. Anyway, just dropping by to say hello all the way from the Philippines! I hope you can drop by my blog too and follow along if you like. Have a nice day! 🙂
xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rae! I really appreciate your very kind compliment! I will definitely head over and check out your blog! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
What a special gift and story!! Those brooches are beautiful. After my grandma passed away, my grandpa gave me a collection of her clip-on earrings (because I’m the only granddaughter without pierced ears) and it was such a special birthday gift. I will cherish those pieces of jewelry forever! Also, I do believe this is my favorite outfit of yours to date – you look SO cool and those shoes are fabulous with this jumpsuit!!
-Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Grace! I remember reading one of your posts about your grandmother’s clip on earrings and I just loved the story so much! It really is a special gift to receive. I used to have my grandmother’s entire vintage hat collection from the 50’s and 60’s. I cherished it so much when I was in high school and I would wear these crazy hats and get the strangest looks from people! I don’t know what happened to all the hats but they got lost somewhere over the years. I do wish I still had them.
xoxo
Shelbee