Stacy Julian LLC

It's this guy's BIRTHDAY today AND this is my new FAVORITE picture of us.

Jesus is my rock, but Geoff is my steady! By the way, I totally wrote that and then changed the song--which dates us just a bit because we surely did some "steady rockin all night long" (back in 89 🪩🤩) but seriously, this one has to be the smartest thing I've ever done, with the biggest and most eternal benefits and blessings (that's you kids!) I'll have to post and tell you about the epic SURPRISE 60th birthday trip two weeks ago--I got him good! 🥳

Just look at this gorgeous 1977 mother of mine? She was my BEST friend, my confidant, my cheerleader. I was always proud to be Connie's daughter. To me, she could do anything and everything (dance, decorate, bake, teach, talk to people) and she had great style! I remember buying our matching jeans and how cool I felt wearing them. I've been reading a gratitude journal of hers and I'm struck by how often I find my name and the names of my siblings. My mom was grateful to be a mom. She loved and needed sunshine and she was thankful for many little moments and things, but most of all she recognized the joy and blessing of family and I'm so so so grateful to her for this example--in life and perhaps even more now, five years after she has passed. I'm not sure there is a greater or more important or more foundational than the gift than of knowing you have a mother who loves you and recognizes with gratitude the sacrifice she made to bring you into the world. 💜 Happy Mother's Day

Catching up on a BIG beautiful milestone: On April 23rd, Taft and Laurelle were married! THIS just makes my heart sing because this is my baby boy and he has found the love of his life. These two are equally yoked in every important way and truly this ceremony was so special and sacred and especially JOYous because so many family members and friends were there to witness and celebrate with us, PLUS, when they exited the temple ...

So. Much. LOVE ❤️

More photos to follow when we get them all back, but my absolute FAVORITE is the last one, when our oldest, Grandpa Briggs and our youngest family member (that can walk), Hallie picked up Laurelle's train and helped her move through the crowd. Seriously?!

It's my BIRTHDAY 🎉 week (May 6th) AND I am all in on life! Seriously, sign me up for the BIG, beautiful milestones, the parties, the chance to plan a good surprise, to witness and celebrate accomplishment--we've enjoyed ALL of these very recently.

I've learned many times over that I actually need novelty and the constant (sometimes uncomfortable) change that means I'm still learning. I love JOYful reunions, long oxytocin-inducing HUGS, deeply satisfying conversations and deepening friendships, I love taking pictures, sharing stories, Marco Polo messages, trying to listen more than I talk and trying not to talk before I think, ha!
But, I also need more than ever the quieter moments, my early morning scripture and planning time, walks by the river, walks after dinner, a frequent late afternoon retreat to my bedroom to "read" (ie, nap.)

I so look forward to family time. Seeing my boys doing their adulting is pretty rad. I LOVE FaceTime calls with my "grand-girlies" and hilarious text threads in the family group chat!

With my fifties now clearly visible in the rear view mirror, I am settled about the most important things, like faith and the power and purpose of covenants, like family and the importance of trusting God and the process (whatever it is--always.) I'm curious about many things like health and vitality as I age, like should I paint the dining room? Or re-do my downstairs and studio? Like will I in fact have the energy for an upcoming humanitarian trip to Zambia. Like, how do I make sure to spend time with my 88-year old father? How can I serve and volunteer in ways that will make a difference. Can I really create room for new things while still maintaining a sense of freedom--how will I creatively weave together what was with what I want next?

Mostly, I'm just incredibly HAPPY to be alive, I'm thrilled that I'm able to purchase and plant flowers and so grateful to believe that there is yet so much goodness and adventure ahead. Here's to another lap around the sun 🥳

Got a new little fern for my turquoise teacup planter, but adverse conditions in the back of my car resulted in three broken fronds. After transplanting a noticed little Jesus and thought. "Why not?!"

He is RISEN! He has overcome death and sin. Now we must overcome contention, contempt and hate. We can do this (I can do a better job of this) with His help. He LIVES 💜 Let's strive to follow and be like him!

What if you stepped outside. Looked up ☀️took a squinting selfie and then sat down in front of a daffodil and had a short conversation about the miracle of spring v and the overwhelming and colorful presence of God in your life. I think that would be a good idea!

Got my Easter boxes in the mail AND was crossing my fingers for quick delivery options, but let's just say this Grandma is grateful for Easter Monday! 🙄