The best day.

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.


Posted in

46 Comments

  1. Kimmie @ Hello MessJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  2. forever folding laundryJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:36 PM

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

    Much love, friend.

    ~Keri

    ReplyDelete
  3. DrewBJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    I am so thankful for you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kristin SellarsJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:07 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. nursenickiJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kyla ArmstrongJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    That picture is awesomeness! Pure Joy.

    ReplyDelete
  8. KaylaJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    That picture brings a tear to my eye also. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. HazelWeaJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:38 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. emily hopeJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. TKJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:35 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. LoveJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    yes, she is. and so are you!

    ReplyDelete
  16. KristinJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:48 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. Heidi Jo the ArtistJanuary 26, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    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!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Heidi Jo the ArtistJanuary 26, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    And the awesome bright colors too!

    ReplyDelete
  19. JanineJanuary 26, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ingrid @ thesunnyside.meJanuary 26, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  21. jaquelyn {mama thoughts}January 26, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    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}}

    ReplyDelete
  22. SarahJanuary 26, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    SO beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. KelliJanuary 26, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Laurie JJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jessica JohnsonJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Mari Bryant- MarksJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  27. MelissaJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Michelle {Daydream Believers}January 26, 2011 at 8:09 AM

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

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

    <3 to you! M*

    ReplyDelete
  29. Marta @ Haus of GirlsJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  30. SummerJanuary 26, 2011 at 9:00 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  31. TashaJanuary 26, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownJanuary 26, 2011 at 9:58 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  33. DenissaJanuary 26, 2011 at 10:40 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  34. tiffJanuary 26, 2011 at 10:44 AM

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

    ♥

    ReplyDelete
  35. BrittanyJanuary 26, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  36. the mcclenahansJanuary 26, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  37. gophergirlJanuary 26, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  38. ErynJanuary 26, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Tai BenderJanuary 26, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    gorgeous picture! You are such an inspiration Julie!

    ReplyDelete
  40. DeniseJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    " 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).

    ReplyDelete
  41. Gina ThomasJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    I LOVE THAT picture! beautiful and glorious:)
    gina

    ReplyDelete
  42. Grabbing My HappyJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Heather | Cookie MondaysJanuary 26, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  44. LoriJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:38 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  45. KatyJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    That picture is absolutely beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  46. B.janeJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete