Thank you for your notes, texts, emails, calls, flowers and love.
Thank you for being a part of our lives, our story, and the legacy that our dear Joy continues to write.
We are simply overwhelmed in the best possible way.


I love how my sis in law put it:
"Joy will be a much bigger part of your future, than your past."

We celebrated as a family at the beach with Drew B, sunshine, cupcakes, and happiness.


It was a perfect, beautiful, meaningful day.

I have so so so so much more to share.

So much.
Soon.

Until then, I will leave you with this little sneak peek, of which I would like to have printed on a billboard, to put inside my house.  I get teary just looking at it.  How amazing is Drew?  Seriously, ridiculously, epically amazing.


46 Comments

  1. I love your sister-in-law's quote! Joy has brought SO MUCH to SO MANY people...I'm thankful that you know that. <3 Lots of love to you, sweet friend. xoxo

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  2. Joy is a gift...
    not only to you,
    but to all who know you
    and all who "know" you.

    Much love, friend.

    ~Keri

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  3. So true that Joy will be a much bigger part of your future than your past. She has touched so many people. I can personally thank Joy for bringing you and your wonderful family into my life. I have no doubts that it was Joy that brought us together.

    Thank you for spending the day with me. It means so much to get to spend such a special day with the Carsons. xoxoxo times a billion!

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  4. I am so thankful for you.

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  5. love love love it! Can't wait to see more!!!

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  6. How beautiful. I still remember the first time I read your blog and Joy's story. Thank you so much for sharing, and continuing to do so. <3

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  7. That picture is awesomeness! Pure Joy.

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  8. That picture brings a tear to my eye also. xoxo

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  9. What an amazing representation of joy...to remember Joy. Blessings to you and your family!

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  10. what a beautiful day, Julie! I'm so glad it was full of love & life for your sweet family.

    and i'm definitely a fan of Drew now because of you :)

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  11. Julie I swear you could be on one of the beaches here in Adelaide - what a beautiful day - nothing I can say to change things BUT sending loads of hugs, cuddles, hugs, laughter, hugs and God's abundance your way! TK xx

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  12. Julie, I really appreciate your sharing your story so candidly - especially your focus on God through it all and the beauty and joy of your life today. I wrote about you on my new blog today, and will be praying for you and your family. Thank you for opening your heart!

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  13. Oops! I meant to say that my blog is here. You can delete this comment - I just wanted you to know where the post is....
    Best,
    Sarah P.

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  14. this is a far cry from white button downs and jeans....

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  15. You can feel the love in your pictures. Glad it was such a memorable and special day for all of you.

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  16. Such an amazing quote by your sister-in-law! :)

    Love, love, love the sneak peak photo, can't wait to see more. It has been so gloomy here in Iowa that I'm especially enjoying the sunshine in the photo!!! :)

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  17. Looks like you had a beautiful celebration. You sister in law is right in so many ways. It is such an insightful quote. "
    Joy will be a much bigger part of your future, than your past."

    I know she is referring to your daughter Joy, but if you say the sentence again using joy as a word and not a name it holds a beautiful meaning as well. God bless your little angel.

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  18. just so beautiful julie. all of it!
    joy has left her footprints on so many hearts&lives
    including ours in such a huge way

    everything about that picture is JOY

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  19. Aw, Julie...this is such a perfect, lovely picture. Joy is there, for sure.

    Love you, sweet bloggy friend! Thanks for always being an inspiration & an encouragement. :)

    {{hugs}}

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  20. I love your sil's comment...such Truth! I'm so excited that you had the best day...what a way to honor your Joy.

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  21. gorgeous pic
    if I had an ocean anywhere near me (like less than 5 states away to get to one) I'd totally take a fam pic on the beach
    Love it!

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  22. what a perfect way to honor your sweet little girl that has changed you for such good. and to acknowledge God's faithfulness in restoration. gorgeous, gorgeous picture, julie. drew IS amazing. and so are you.

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  23. Its just pure beauty. And the flash of light off to the side... oh my. There are no words sufficient. I'm glad you had such a beautiful day and now have a wonderful picture to remember it by.

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  24. I wish I could give you a great big hug! I often wonder how those who aren't Christians can survive through a situation like this, what a blessing to know that you will see her again!

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  25. This picture... Seriously, ridiculously, epically amazing!

    Julie, you and your sweet, random blog...Seriously, ridiculously, epically amazing!

    <3 to you! M*

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  26. That photo is too much.
    I also get teary looking at it.
    Your family is so beautiful Julie.
    And I am kidnapping Drew from Cali & forcing her to live here in the Lou with me. Snow and all.
    I hope your day was as perfect as this photo looks!

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  27. This was my fav from her too! She is amazing and so are you! You seriously inspire me. As a woman and a mother.

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  28. Beautiful. Drew is amazing. And so are you. Cannot wait to see the rest of your pictures. I am glad it was such a good day for you. What a special way to spend it.

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  29. So beautiful! Love your sis's quote so true and such a beautiful statement about her and your lives!

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  30. Absolutely beautiful...Love your sister-in-laws quote so incredibly true!

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  31. Wow, your photographer is beyond words amazing. The subjects of said photo aren't bad either:P

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  32. LOVE the photo and can't wait to see more! I have that comforter from my college days and am saving it for when I start my own family :) It's so bright and cheery!

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  33. I love what your sister-in-law said. And not only will Joy be a bigger part of your future, but so many others as well. I know she has forever touched me. The picture of your family is incredible. Just perfect. Sending hugs.

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  34. A beautiful picture full of love in so many ways. Thank you for sharing her story, your story, your family's story so we can experience Joy.

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  35. I was SUPER impressed that you happened upon a empty Huntington (??) and then I remembered photoshop existed. ;) Still the cutest photo probably ever in existence!

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  36. gorgeous picture! You are such an inspiration Julie!

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  37. " a bigger part of your future" those words are comfort.

    blessings to you julie and your family. may God continue to be glorified in and through you, and through joy (i know he will be for that is his way).

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  38. I LOVE THAT picture! beautiful and glorious:)
    gina

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  39. I had to let you know that I shared Joy's story with my husband last night. It made him teary. And it made him hug our little ones a little tighter. See? Joy is spreading her message of love, gratitude and spirit without ever speaking a word or taking a breath. God bless you, sweet lady.

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  40. could the day have been more beautiful? i need to see the rest of those asap. and, i am totally bringing a bright yellow cocktail table and a rainbow bunting next time i go to the beach. you guys rock.

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  41. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Thank you for continuing to share Joy's legacy with us!

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  42. That picture is absolutely beautiful!

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  43. Hi Julie,
    I am in LOVE with this photo!!!
    I can just see this as a blog header with Joy's Hope in the top left sky!

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