Love from Mom & Dad

9 days old, meeting big bro Jeff

Julie,    

     It is hard to believe that it’s been 40 years since we first met!   I  was the first to meet and greet you on February 11^th 1971… (OK… there was Dr. Francis and a few nurses there, too, at Utah Valley Hospital).  I was especially surprised to have you arrive almost six weeks earlier than your March 20^th   due date.   I felt pretty lucky to get an early Valentine instead of a waiting for a Lucky Shamrock.   I’ve watched you grow from that tiny 5 lb 12 oz little baby girl to a wonderful daughter who wears the roles of wife, mother, friend, sister, aunt… and many more identifiers with confidence and grace.  You are such an example to so many.  Your thoughtfulness to those in your circle of influence blesses many lives.

      As I thought about some of the impressive things others would like to know about you…  I thought about your being a peacemaker positioned between your brothers Jeff and Adam.  Your wonderful example to your younger sisters and your compassion in helping care for Emily are all characteristics I admire and appreciate.  Thank you. 

Having a sweet treat    Age 1

     Your creativity and imagination as a little girl often made me smile as you made up stories, art projects or recipes.    I enjoyed watching you in dance recitals, band concerts, cross country meets,  showing your creativity with the GWHS yearbook and journalism activities.  I remember with fondness the years I was Stake Camp Director and you were an Instigator (oops… Inspirator) that made Girl’s Camp such a fun experience!   Other’s might like to know that you are such a good driver of a mini-van today because of your training learning to drive the full-size Dodge Ram Van on those narrow West Virginia Roads…  I don’t think I’ll ever forget the garage door episode! 

     I loved making your wedding dress and being there as you made important temple covenants.  I loved being there as you introduced Amanda to us and gave me a new role of Grandma!  I am so pleased with the mother you are to those six wonderful kids! 

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful 40^th birthday!  

Love, Mom

w/ parents, GGpa Cram & Ethel & brother Jeff, 1971

In February 1971 I was onboard USS Ranger off the coast of Vietnam.  Usually we were out about 30 days and back in port for five days.  But this month our aircraft were called on to provide cover for US and South Vietnamese Soldiers in Laos.  Because of that we were kept out at sea for an exceptionally long time. 

I knew it was my last at sea period before coming home and hoped I would be released earlier enough, and you would be born late enough, that at least I’d be somewhere where I could receive the news by phone.  No such luck.  So while I was involved in “Operation Dewey Canyon II” in the Tonkin Gulf, Mom was going through Operation Julie Ann in Utah Valley Hospital.  Several days later a Red Cross telegram informed me that you had arrived. 

You were a stabilizing influence in our home and a good example to your brothers and sisters especially as we survived the ups and downs of Emily’s life.  You survived all the moves that we made including one final move just before your junior year.  I’m sure that wasn’t easy and we were so grateful for your maturity and support. 

When we found out that you were the family home evening mother and liked your FHE father, Mom and I exchanged knowing smiles.  That reminded us an awful lot of a certain home teacher who married one of the girls he home taught. 

Julie at 2 1/2

I wish you the same experience with your children that we are having with you.  That is that your children grow up to become your best friends.  As I observe you taking time to treat your children as individuals I am very convinced that you will one day have that wonderful experience. 

I’m told that it’s tougher for a woman to turn 40 than a man.  I dunno.  All I know is that I’ve had many, many precious experiences since my 40^th birthday and I’m sure you’ll do likewise.  In any event, it sure as heck beats the alternative! 

We love you and are so grateful that Heavenly Father let you come to our family.  Have a wonderful day!

Love, Dad

p.s. We found that Osteo Bi-flex helps with achy joints. 

4. Julie with her brothers – May 1974

4. Dance Recital -  May 1976

Photo Shoot - age 9 1/2

High School Sophomore

Girls Camp Summer 1986, Julie 2nd from left

Cross Country Meet Morgantown, WV 1986

Moving into BYU - September 1989

With Roommate Heidi Edwards Dec. '89

Graduation from BYU August 1993

New Parents Erik, Julie & Amanda

Happy Birthday Julie!

First of all, is that picture up there of Mason with a wig in a vintage 70’s dress?  Wow!  I can’t believe how much he looks like you!

Second of all, Happy 40^th Birthday!  

It’s hard to believe that we’ve known each other over half our lives!  When we met, I was an eighth grader at the height of my insecurities and obnoxiousness.  With most of my brothers friends, I had always been treated as the annoying little sister (with good reason), but you “cool college girls” treated me as a friend.  I've always appreciated that.  You and Heidi were the best babysitters ever.  I actually don’t remember anything we did (or did not do), but you guys were awesome.  The night of the big snow will always be a happy memory for me.  

It came as no surprise that Erik proposed to you, and it was the most natural thing in the world to have you as our new sister.  You two are perfect mates. Being a few years behind you in getting married and having kids, you have always been a wonderful example of a wife and mother for me to look up to.  I did everything that you and Emily said to do when I had Kate, and she has, so far, done pretty well, so chalk one up there, too.  ;)

I’ve sure enjoyed having you as a sister and friend for the past 17 (!!) years.  We have had a lot of fun times together -- talking, cooking, eating, shopping, laughing.  You are a loving, compassionate and honest person who has a sincere desire to always do what is right.  And, you’re the only one who will clean out the turkey.  And, you've got the sweet skating skills.  Where would we be without you?  You're so much fun!

Thanks for being you.  I love you! 

Happy Birthday!

Love, Betsy

             

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!!! 

I concur with Margo...you have always been really cool.  Basically my main goal in junior high was to be able to wear any piece of your clothing.  Seriously, the best day of my teenage existence was probably when I got your green dress with the white belt as a hand-me-down.  Coolest. Outfit. Ever.

This post covers not even a fraction of what it should but thank you for:

Not being a mean big sister.

Editing every English paper I sent your way.

Letting me listen to your Bryan Adams record (free of charge).

Teaching me how to have really cool bangs.

Letting me wear your clothes.

Allowing me to tag along on outings and feel bigger than I was.

Listening whenever I talk.

Not saying my ideas are silly...even when they are.

Being a great example.

Being a really great friend.

I love you!

Amy

Have an Amazing Birthday!!

Dear Julie,

 

You are 40 now and you are kind of like a hero and an idol to me, although, I don't really feel those are the correct words, I can't put my finger on what the correct words would be...

 

Your life is in order.  You have balance.  You are living the American dream, as far as I'm concerned!  You are an amazing woman, who I am so glad to consider a dear friend!  You mean so much to me and I am happy that you seem to "have it all"!!!!  An envious marriage and family, and satisfying personal life and deep spiritual depth!

 

I'm so grateful to have had you in my midst during some of the roughest moments of my life!  It has brought you very close to my heart and I just wanted you to know that! 

 

Have an amazing birthday and know how VERY MUCH I THINK OF YOU!!!    

 

Love you, my sister!   Lori Stevens