10 Years of Thank You & 1 Big Announcement
Dear Faithful Readers,
Those of you who know me know that I’m not often at a loss for words. Even my kindergarten report card bears the record from my teacher that “Julie loves to talk,” (written on every grading period throughout the year) and so, perhaps even then, I just embraced it as my destiny.
Along with my talent for talking, God also decided to give me the need to create. And when you combine a creative person with one who likes to express herself, you are likely to get a home blogger. Of course, this was no such thing when I was growing up so I never dreamed of this dream job, but I come from a family of people who believe I can do more than I actually can, and somehow that usually translates to me trying, and every once in awhile, it turns out better than I expected. And despite the fact that I bossed them around and sometimes thought I was too cool for them growing up, it was my sister and brother who convinced me ten Octobers ago that I should start a blog.
And so ten years ago on this day, I made the decision to open the door of my life and our home and share a few words and some simple projects. If you had told me that day that I would still be pressing “publish” all these years later, I would have called you crazy. I’m not known for sticking with jobs for long periods. I’m the girl with a 4-year accounting degree who worked as an accountant for a record one year before retiring from that field. My work record before that includes one summer as a waitress, another summer at Baskin-Robbins, several months as a baker, and many other short–term occupations.
No one is more shocked than I am that I’m still at this job and have not run out of things to say or pictures to share or major life events to post about.
But I’ve learned, if you give a girl encouragement, there’s a good chance she’s going to attempt things she never thought she would. And lending someone your confidence in them when they are fresh out of their own often leads to amazing results. That’s what you all have done for me in these past ten years. We’ve discussed plenty of practical projects and pretty things, but what’s really brought us close is when you’ve given me permission to open the door to the deep parts.
In these past years, your favorite posts have been everything from Grant’s super hero birthday party to Abby’s Graduation and Lily’s Bold Bedroom reveal to Lola’s Serene and Peaceful one. You’ve been with me on trips across the world and walks down memory lane…and my hardest walk of all: walking my dad out of this life on his way to the next.
You know my family, my favorite paint colors, and my decorating tips. And you also know my foundation for life is my faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Standing here at well over 1000 posts and many thousands of your comments, I just want to thank you all again. Big thanks especially to my husband, who has not only supported my crazy ideas, but has often paid for them, helped me bring them to life, then applauded me publicly when I’ve blogged about them right here. And to my 4 kids who give me the distinct honor of being proud of my accomplishments, which is something I value far above fame or fortune.
And there’s one last thing for those of you so gracious to still be reading this extra-long commemorative expression: I’m happy to announce that I have decided this 10-year mark is the perfect occasion to open my own little shop on Amazon!!
Now open, you can find me HERE and in the SHOP tab at the top of my page. This is where I’m sharing all kinds of my favorite things from my home, my closet, and my list of things I just love! I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think!
Thank you all, once again, for joining me on this journey! I can’t wait to see where we are headed next!
Tessa Labatut
October 22, 2019 @ 8:19 am
Congrats Julie !
I can’t wait to see what the future brings for you and your blog, store, and faith.
Thanks for sharing your life with us and especially praying for us.
Tessa
Julie
October 22, 2019 @ 4:16 pm
You are so sweet & I always appreciate your comments!
Dave
October 22, 2019 @ 8:58 am
Wow – 10 years!? How is this possible?!
…
You have very distinct gift of creativity coupled with a heart that feels things at the deepest levels. You are truly an amazing person. I’m proud of you. What most people don’t know, is that this blog is only the tip of the iceberg – a small snapshot of a life that your family has the privilege of being completely surrounded by every day. Whether it is the beauty you create in making up the home, or the the words and love that you speak, express and live out every day.
I believe that these writings capture a short description of you very well:
An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her?
Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
She looks well to how things go in her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.”
Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
Give her of the product of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].
I’m thankful to God for having the privilege to love you and be loved by you.
Sister
October 22, 2019 @ 1:48 pm
You’re killing me, Dave. I’m crying in carline. Thanks. But you’re exactly right. She is all of those things. One of the finest, most loving people the world has ever known. We just get the privilege of doing life with her. She’s a jewel.
Julie
October 22, 2019 @ 4:21 pm
You’re both killing me. Thanks for giving me this idea years ago and for keeping me going here and in real life as well. Not many get me like you do. I love you!
Julie
October 22, 2019 @ 4:20 pm
And this is just a sample of the kind of encouragement that enables me and makes me believe I can do hard things. I can’t ever thank you enough for all you are to me but people who know us just know. I love you!
Jennifer Lovett
October 23, 2019 @ 11:38 am
What a sweet message from Dave! He “gets” you and your hard work does not go unnoticed. I love your blog and thanks for sharing your heart and family with all of us!
Julie
October 23, 2019 @ 10:30 pm
Thank you!! And- Yes, I’m beyond blessed to have him!
Christa
October 22, 2019 @ 11:37 am
Thank you for all of the creativity, inspiration and faith that you have shown through the years.
Julie
October 22, 2019 @ 4:21 pm
You’re welcome! And thank you for being here!
Sandi
October 22, 2019 @ 1:55 pm
So beautiful to celebrate 10 years! Congratulations! God had big plans for that little chatty girl!
Julie
October 23, 2019 @ 10:31 pm
Yes! And that’s a great reminder for me when I see other chatty little girls!
Lynette Russell
October 22, 2019 @ 9:07 pm
Julie I’m so happy for you. You deserve all the blessings and success in life because you’ve always put God first in your life. I hope you’re still blogging 10 years from now. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Love you.
Julie
October 23, 2019 @ 10:32 pm
Thank you, Lynette, for all the encouragement you e given me for most of my life! I appreciate you more than you know!
Jennifer Lovett
October 23, 2019 @ 2:35 pm
Hi Julie! Can I quote you on my Instagram? I will of course give you credit. I love this part especially:
“if you give a girl encouragement, there’s a good chance she’s going to attempt things she never thought she would.”
I love that!! So true.
Julie
October 23, 2019 @ 10:33 pm
Share all you want, friend! I’m glad that spoke to you!
Rachel Park
October 24, 2019 @ 1:30 am
Yay! So glad you blog, as I adore your style and you’re courage to speak up about your beliefs and praise Christ. This amazon shop is going to be very dangerous to me…
Thank you, and hope there are many more years of you sharing with us!
Julie
October 28, 2019 @ 7:25 am
Thanks so much, Rachel! So kind!
Lo
October 24, 2019 @ 2:35 pm
You go mom!!
Julie
October 28, 2019 @ 7:25 am
thanks, babe! 🙂