Goodbye, 2013...

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." -Brad Paisley

        Year 2013, Day 365... I am so ready to say goodbye to 2013.  It has truly been the most difficult year of mine and my family's lives.  There was deep, heartbreaking, sorrow.  There was joy and relief.  There has been so much struggle, emotionally and physically.  It has been a bittersweet year; an uphill battle; an emotional roller coaster.  I am so thankful this year is finally coming to a close.  

        "Tomorrow is another day..."  The past is the past; all we can do is take a deep breath and give it to Jesus.  It is a new day, a new chapter, a new beginning.  God alone knows what is ahead of us... though I have a feeling it's going to get a lot easier from here.  

        Happy new year, everyone!  May God bless and keep you safe.  I am so very glad to have made it through this past year... and am hoping this next year is a beautiful one.  I think it will be. :)

        Goodbye, 2013... Hello, 2014!

Much love,

~Julie Jean

Lady of Guadalupe

"Let not your heart be disturbed... Am I not here, who is your mother? Are you not under my protection?  Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold?  What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything." - Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe's feast day

        I ended up not having time to make a post on the 12th, so here I am two days later...  My family has always celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Basically on this type of day we remember and honor whoever's special day it is.  We've always had a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.  I often ask for her prayers to her son, our Lord.  I've always felt a special friendship with her.  I don't know why, but I do.
        So, like every year, my family (whoever could be there) gathered for a dinner at my parents' house.  We listened to Christmas music, talked, put up the Christmas tree, and were just our goofy selves.  Our dinner that night is a lot like Thanksgiving dinner... turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, and pie for dessert!  It was fun actually being able to be there this year for our mini celebration.  I just wanted to share a few photos from that night.  Enjoy!

(Christmas decorations!)

(Setting the table for dinner...)

(me and Monica)

(Joe and I :)

(The Christmas tree!!)

        It may seem simple to anyone else, but December 12th is a special day that will remain close to my heart forever.  The feeling of Christmas really begins at my parent's house that day... Although Joe and I put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving, I still want to enjoy this day, every year, with my parents.  I am happy that I was able to be home that day to help with our lil traditions!  God bless.  Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

Much love,
~Julia Jean

p.s. I feel bad, because I realized I didn't get pictures of mom, dad, or Pete. :/ Sorry!

Two years married :)

"In trust, these hands; entwined, two souls begin."

        Two years ago today, December 10th, I married my dearest Joe.  He is honestly my rock, my love, and my best friend.  He keeps me going; never lets me feel sorry for myself through the troubles we've both endured; helps me to become a stronger/better person with each passing moment; helps me to climb each emotional or physical mountain; and makes me laugh every single day!  His smile melts my heart; his laugh is contagious; his will is strong; his loyalty is beyond words; and his soul is beautiful... and I personally think he is a hottie hothot! ;) I am one very lucky lady.

        I believe in soul mates; and I'm absolutely sure Joe is mine... as I am his.  Yes we both have our quirks that drive each other crazy; yes we have our moments where we yell or don't want to talk at all; yes, there's good days and bad;  we're not perfect.  However, we are imperfectly perfect for each other; and I love it.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

        Here is a poem I wrote  for Joe about two years ago, just before we were married...

-the poet and the painter-

And when I say I've given you my heart...

Before mine eyes close, 'mid the starry night;

scattered high-stacked papers portray the art

of this writer's hand, as it bends to write.

As I consider, to its full extent,

desire - consumed 'midst passion and dream;

forever waits, but for a brief moment,

for life to prelude what is meant to be.

And then I feel; warmth from the painter's skin;

hues of affection blend, blushed like a rose.

... In trust, these hands; entwined, two souls begin.

'Midst a cynical world, I dare compose

of Love: a beauty that lasts forever.

And from its face, shan't my gaze cease; never.

~

        I love that poem.  Through  thick and thin,  love is a beauty that lasts forever. :)  So much as happened these past two years and we have stood side by side through it all.  We've been to hell and back again, hand in hand... and we're so very excited for the many, healthy, years to come!  We are truly blessed to have each other.

       I love you, dearest.  Happy anniversary!!  Here's to the first two years of marriage and to many many many more!  Thank  you for being a wonderful  husband. I  hope I make you as happy as you make me. :)

~Julie Jean