JULIE 

Long before I became a mother, I marveled at how my sister-in-law could manage her three-ring circus and still stay so cheerful. Now that I’ve seen motherhood from the other side I’m in disbelief. Julie makes keeping track of the kids, the house, her job and all that comes with them look incredibly easy. And it’s not easy. Not at all.

I am in awe of people who can do so much and always stayed focused on the good parts of life. It’s typical to hear people complain about all the work they have to do, how difficult it is, how under-appreciated they are, what they wish would change. Not Julie. She keeps cheerful even as she scolds, smiles as she works around the latest wrinkle in her plans.

The last time I was out to visit I had a rambunctious toddler that tried my last nerve and a newborn that kept me up at all hours. I did my fair share of complaining. In those wee hours, when the house was still and dark, I’d creep downstairs to make up a bottle and find Julie awake in the softly-lit kitchen. The house was still and peaceful as she sat with her warm mug of coffee. It was her time for herself. Her habit of disappearing to bed just after dinner suddenly made perfect sense. I believe her devotion to her family, her dedication to her faith, her wonderful disposition are possible because of the time she takes for herself. Each morning, in those quiet pre-dawn hours, she allows gives herself the gift of renewal and reflection. So to the long list of things to love abut Julie, you can add brilliant.

Happy Birthday Wonderful You!