Meet Julianna.

Julianna has more heart than anyone I’ve met. She is so real and down to earth, so kind and thoughtful, and so funny. She has just got it all. She is a great mother and a loving friend. I feel blessed to know her, as I hope you all will after getting to know here a little bit, here.

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?
My three babies being laid on my chest right after they were born. Amongst all the chaos of giving birth, it all becomes worth it as soon as those babies are placed on your chest and they are crying. As soon as they hear your voice and look into your eyes- they stop, recognize your voice immediately and it is then that your world will never be the same.

What has brought you the most joy in life so far?
My family. Cliche? Maybe- but it’s true! My parents, my brothers and their families, my husband and his family and of course our children. I LOVE the relationship I have with each of my family members. No matter the challenges or heart ache a family member is going through the rest of us are there for each other and support each other through thick and thin. We LOVE to be together and try to make it happen as much as we can no matter the distance. Being a mom is my greatest challenge in life- but also my GREATEST JOY. The simple joy that my children bring to our lives is indescribable. I cant stop. Then there is my husband- my best friend. He brings me joy every day even on my worst days! I am so grateful to know he will be by my side forever.

What advice would you give to newlyweds on the ups and downs of marriage?
There will be lots of ups and downs in marriage and I think everyone knows that and expects that in a marriage- because if they don’t then they are in for a surprise! There is no PERFECT marriage. But I do believe that when two people work through their most difficult trials together, they become stronger individually and as a couple. They can continually work to “perfect” their marriage as they care more for the needs of their spouse than they do themselves. Feelings get hurt, and harsh words or actions will come. I have found that forgiveness and not holding grudges is the best medicine for healing hurtful wounds. Most importantly remember why you fell in love in the first place. Find humor and laughter in challenging times. As I write this, I realize I am only preaching to the choir. I am far from making this “advice” a habit in my own marriage, but I know that we (my husband and I) continue daily to be better than the day before.

Who is your hero?
My hero is anyone in life who endures very tough and real heart ache or trials while holding on with all they’ve got. I look up to anyone who comes out of a dark hole realizing that life is still worth living even when it has beat you down. Life is so hard at times. We all face different challenges and different adversities. I look up to people in my life who, when through their most darkest moments, or even their most frightening experiences become stronger in the end. They NEVER give up withstanding the “storms” of life. A hero to me is someone who is resilient and true to who they are amidst all that life throws at them.

When was the last time you felt brave?
The birth of my last baby. I had prepared the whole 9 months to give birth naturally and felt I was ready until the hours before she was born. It was then that I began to really LISTEN to my OWN body and I KNEW that no matter the many wonderful books, and articles I had read and the many encouraging words of advice I had received leading up to this moment regarding a natural birth, I knew that for me it was going to be different and not the way I had expected and trained for throughout my pregnancy. And I chose to be brave with that decision, by not letting myself feel guilty for not doing it the way I had thought was best for me. I was so proud that I listened to my body and gave birth the way I KNEW was best for me and my baby. It was my favorite birth experience!:)