Wow, I am SO BLESSED !!
Here is the first picture for you of us together, though if you are my friend on facebook, you may have seen more. A friend of mine offered us the photo session as a gift - check out A+ Photography.
We had a blast bonding together as a family this past weekend, and the boys love him as much as I do (no surprise there for me). Dylan cried for 3 hours after he flew back to Grande Prairie, and they already call him Daddy. Melts this Momma's heart to know that they are so accepting of this and truly feel that way about him.
Today is wedding dress shopping day, with my BFF Ronna and my Mom, because we SET A DATE !!
November 12 is the big day, and there is so much to do between now and then. Invitations, dresses, flowers, tuxes, catering menu, limo rental, etc. We do have a few things set in stone, but for me the coolest thing is Dylan and Jayden are going to walk me down the aisle. We are getting married as a family, and they tell everyone that ... "We are getting married", not "Mom is getting married". I am so glad that they feel so much a part of this!
Well, I had best get ready for my big day today, tootles, have fun and happy stamping!!
















Julie, I follow your blog and was so excited when I saw that you were engaged! I am so happy for you and the boys! You can see the excitement in their faces in the wedding pictures! I wish you and your family the best!
Posted by: Linda Frizzell | December 16, 2011 at 04:17 PM
So happy for all of you Julie, God Bless.
Posted by: Christine | October 26, 2011 at 02:51 AM
I have never commented on your blog before, but I've been reading for a while. I remember crying so much when your husband passed away, and crying when your faith sustained you and you held strong in His arms, and now I am crying again at this wonderful news! God is good! His ways are definitely not our ways! :) I am so excited to hear about your new man and how this all came to be! Congratulations!
(PS> my upline is in Edmonton area; I'm not too sure how close that'll be to you, but I can pass along her info if you are looking for other demos.)
Posted by: Lori-Anne | October 06, 2011 at 02:12 PM
I am so very happy for you Julie! Your heartbreak over the past year broke MY heart for you and your boys, but your faith is always an inspiration to me. I truly wish you all the happiness you deserve...congratulations!
Posted by: Monica | October 02, 2011 at 06:34 PM
So happy for all of you, Julie! I can only imagine what you have been through in the past year but God is faithful to the end! God bless and keep you as you (all) enter into this sacred union! (((Hugs!)))
Posted by: Cindy Hoffmann Smith | October 01, 2011 at 09:09 PM
Congrats on your forth coming wedding. Everyone has such big happy smiles. You are blessed in finding a second love. My daughter(at that time 3)walked down the isle with me. When the Minister asked "do you take this man..." Her and I both said "I do". We wish you all the joy and love God has to give.
Posted by: Melissa Smith | September 27, 2011 at 03:18 PM
So happy for you and your boys! God truly does bring sunshine after the rain.
Posted by: Sylvia/Georgia | September 27, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Julie, I am so very happy for you! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Sarah Froese | September 26, 2011 at 09:04 PM
So happy for you all Julie.
Glory to God --
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Ephesians 3:20
Hugs
Posted by: Debbie | September 25, 2011 at 02:00 PM
have had you on my prayer list for what seems like years now... lol... and so happy God has given you and the boys someone to love and to love you back... " But the greatest of these is Love " .. congrats and best wishes !!! :)
Posted by: LATRICIA | September 24, 2011 at 12:15 PM
How delightful. Great for the boys giving you to him. That will always be a precious memory for each of you. Hugs to you all.
Sharon Robrahn
Posted by: Sharon Robrahn | September 22, 2011 at 10:06 PM
CONGRATS to U and the boys..I'm so very HAPPY for U..U guys all deserve some new Happiness..
Posted by: Trina | September 22, 2011 at 07:35 PM
Oh Julie, congratulations! I am so happy for you, your sons and your new hubby to be!
Posted by: Betty Murphy | September 22, 2011 at 03:47 PM
I'm so happy for you! God is so good to us! Blessings to you, your children and your soon to be hubby!
Posted by: Cheryl | September 22, 2011 at 02:04 PM
So happy for ALL of you !!! Great picture !!!! GOD ROCKS!!!!!
Posted by: Corinne (aka Roxy) | September 22, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Congrats to ALL of you! I am so very happy for you all. God Bless
Posted by: Angie | September 22, 2011 at 09:30 AM
I am SO happy for you! So much better that Dylan and Jaden are so accepting of John as well! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! From what you've described, one can truly see the hand of God involved in bringing you together!
Posted by: Anne S | September 22, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Congratulations!!!! I have followed you on your journey through your blog for the past several years and I am so happy for you. You and your boys have found sunshine again.
Posted by: Sandra P. | September 22, 2011 at 06:56 AM
Congratulations...so happy for you all! And that is great about the boys as well.
But I think you should share with us how you guys meet??
Posted by: Monika Thiessen | September 22, 2011 at 06:07 AM
I was all choked up as I read your post. I am so very happy for you and I don't even know you!!! Your unwavering faith in Jesus throughout all the things you've been through has been such a source of inspiration. You have been in my prayers so this is so very exciting. God is good indeed.
Posted by: Sara Spencer | September 22, 2011 at 02:37 AM
I am soooo happy for you all. God bless your bright future together. This is great for the boys too.
Posted by: Barb | September 21, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Wow! Congratulations:) So happy for you! You all look happy together. Best Wishes and enjoy...
Posted by: Angela | September 21, 2011 at 08:42 PM
I have tears, because I am so happy to see all of you so happy! It is so exciting to read about your wedding plans. Bless you as you prepare for that wonderful day!
Posted by: Linda Peterson | September 21, 2011 at 08:25 PM
Congratulations!! I wish you every blessing!! There have been many ups and downs for you. Always remember Phil. 4:13
You CAN do all things with Christ's strength. Your life speaks volumes of this precious fact.
God Bless!
Posted by: Connie | September 21, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Oh what a blessing that you are so very happy and so are your boys! You truly look like a very loving family. Enjoy all the wedding preparations as November 12 will be here before you know it. LOVE reading awesome news like this and so glad you shared with your followers!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | September 21, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Congratulations, Julie!! I am so very happy for you! How wonderful that God has brought John into your life. What a blessing for both you and your boys.
Posted by: Jessica | September 21, 2011 at 06:30 PM
So happy for you! ~ and your family. One door closes and another opens! You all look fab in the picture....a happy little family. Wishing you happiness and love for the rest of your days. Congrats!!!
Posted by: Janet Hopper | September 21, 2011 at 04:55 PM
My heart is happy to hear this wonderful news! I'm so glad you found someone who will love your boys, and take care of you, too. How awesome! I wish you the very best always. Blessings to you today and every day of your new life! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | September 21, 2011 at 04:26 PM
What a lovely surprise! I am so happy for all of you. Sending my best wishes for a lovely wedding and a bright future together.
Posted by: Cindy | September 21, 2011 at 04:08 PM
Hope you all have a great life together, and it is wonderful the boys love him...boys need a Daddy. Hope the wedding day is great. Where did you meet???
Love and best wishes.
Rene from OZ xo
Posted by: Rene from OZ xo | September 21, 2011 at 03:22 PM
First off what a fabulous photo. You all look so happy and oh yes "he's quite the handsome guy"...So very happy for all of you.
Please do share the story of how you met.
Have a great time Wedding Dress shopping.
Posted by: Ida | September 21, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Julie I'm so happy for you and your handsome boys! What a beautiful family I wish you all the best!
Hugs
Lana x
Posted by: Lana Clarke | September 21, 2011 at 02:06 PM
God is so good! congrats, what a beautiful family picture Julie! I am so happy for you!
Posted by: Denise Willerton | September 21, 2011 at 01:58 PM
So happy for you and your family!!!
Posted by: Susan Carlson | September 21, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Yay!!! And, I must say, what a hottie! Seriously, though - it's so heartwarming to see you ALL smiling & happy again. I've followed your blog for a few years now & cried & laughed with you. I'm so happy for you & your boys - the new one included!!
Posted by: Julie in TN | September 21, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Congrats to you and the boys! So excited for you!!!
Posted by: Darla | September 21, 2011 at 12:34 PM
What a hottie! I mean...what a nice picture! Congrats , God is so good!
Posted by: Lena nunn | September 21, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Great photo, you all look so happy, Congrats again!!
Posted by: conniecrafter | September 21, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I'm so happy for you & the boys. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Aida Nazario | September 21, 2011 at 12:21 PM
My family and I have been praying daily for you and your family since the news of the cancer. Through this past year, we have lifted your names up to our God and Savior and it is amazing to see what HE has done. I couldn't wait to share your news with the family. My husband reaction surprised me as his eyes filled with tears and he was choked up about the news. He was so very happy for you as the rest of us are/is. God is good. Congratulations. Please continue to post your photos and news, it is so very exciting!
Posted by: Denise | September 21, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Oh such wonderful news Julie!!! I'm so happy for all of you! Great things happen to those who wait!
Congrats to all of you! You make a wonderful family!!!
Posted by: Diane L | September 21, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Congratulations, So happy for you, Praise the Lord for his blessing upon you and your boys!! You all looks so great!! Hugs always! G
Posted by: Germaine | September 21, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Congratulations to all of you. Your man will be such an asset to you and the boys. I am happy for you. He is a lucky man to have you and the boys in is life now. GOD Bless. Mo
Posted by: Mo Moss | September 21, 2011 at 11:35 AM
WOW! You all look like you belong together!
Congratulations to all of you for finding each other.
Posted by: Marie | September 21, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am so happy that God has blessed you and your family so much!
Posted by: Dani C. | September 21, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Hi Julie,
WOW! God is SO good!!! The picture is beautiful. I love the smiles on every face! I am so excited for you - for all of you. God truly has given you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. You have let His light shine in you and through you every step of the way. It has been inspiring to watch as you have allowed Him to comfort you, to strengthen you, to provide for you, and now to restore you as a family! WOW! You go girl! I have been praying for you, throughout this past year, and want you to know I will be keeping you in my prayers as you make your plans and prepare for the big day...and a whole new life as a brand new FAMILY! I am looking forward to hearing all the good things God has in store for you!
H-U-G-S!
Linda
Posted by: Linda L | September 21, 2011 at 11:18 AM
The pictures is great,I can tell God has had his part in making this family.I am so happy for you and the boys and his is very blessed to
have you and the boys to make a family with.
Love and prayers as always.
Jocelan
Posted by: Jocelan Perry | September 21, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Wow, so happy for you!!! Congratulations and best wishes for you and your family!!! Have a great day. Hugs Petra
Posted by: Petra | September 21, 2011 at 11:16 AM
I'm so happy for you Julie and your adorable boys. That is a wonderful photo.
Posted by: stella boatman | September 21, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Great photo, Julie! You all look so happy! I'm overcome with emotions and crying tears of joy for you and your family as I read this. Couldn't be happier for you all! Thanks for the updates! Big Hugs!!
Posted by: Becky Jo | September 21, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Congratulations! So very happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Kelly | September 21, 2011 at 10:46 AM
The way the boys are reacting is a real tribute to You, because You were such a role model when Russ died. You all make a wonderful looking Family! I know the boys will never forget Russ as You won't, but You are doing right by them by giving them a whole Family again. How can You not love this happy ending!!!!! Don't forget to show us pictures along the way to the alter so we can all be a part of Your Wedding Planning!!!
Posted by: Linda Henry | September 21, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Julie, best wishes to you! I did see the photos on FB and I am so happy your boys are happy about this -- but how on earth did you meet him if he lives far away and you will have to move!? It really is a blessing that the boys are so open to this -- and such a blessing for them as well as you! Have fun with all your preparations!
Posted by: Queen Mary | September 21, 2011 at 10:33 AM
So very happy for you!
Posted by: Jen Guarino | September 21, 2011 at 10:32 AM
God is SOOOO good!
Posted by: Vicki | September 21, 2011 at 10:32 AM
This was such wonderful news to see as a Top Story on facebook. I am so happy for you and the boys. God sure does show He is still in our lives. You have been through so much this past year, yet you have stayed faithful to God. You are an encouragement to others. I hope you keep sending out the pictures..can't wait for the wedding ones.
Posted by: Monica Deike | September 21, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Happiness abounds! Great pic, you do look like a happy family. Have a joyful time shopping for a dress and making all the wedding plans. I'll be thinking of you. :)
Posted by: Gabby | September 21, 2011 at 10:24 AM
UH! Are there any more like him where you live? He's a hunk. Seriously, this is truly a blessing from our Lord. And one you deserve. Aren't God's plans for us amazing.
Posted by: Erica Fields | September 21, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Congratulations !! I am truly happy for all of you. Good luck in finding the dress you want. Have a great day. Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne
Posted by: Lynne Hurlburt | September 21, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Sweet photo. Congratulations and best wishes. I am so happy for you and the boys. You have been in my prayers.
Posted by: JoAnn Burnham | September 21, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Congratulations, Julie! So happy for you and your boys. Those smiles speak volumes, and your man is SO stinkin' handsome! Talk about a great smile! Have fun today, and keep us all posted - hugs!
Posted by: Patti J. | September 21, 2011 at 10:13 AM
What a fabulous picture. Everyone looks so happy :) Thrilled the boys are so excited. He will fill a huge hole in their hearts (sounds like he already has). Blessings to you!!
Posted by: Marisa | September 21, 2011 at 09:46 AM
So happy for you and all your Blessings.
Posted by: Sandy | September 21, 2011 at 09:43 AM
this is just so awesome is SO many ways!!!!
Posted by: Lisa H | September 21, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Congratulations, Julie, I am so thrilled for you...all of you! Your boys look so absolutely happy, and I know you will all be a very happy family.
Posted by: Jacki | September 21, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Congratulations! And praise the Lord for His amazing grace that He bestows on us daily. Thank you for your faithfulness and powerful witness. You are such a light for Christ.
Posted by: Lynnette | September 21, 2011 at 09:04 AM