What Is Real Right Now

Project Life | Week Thirty-Four

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW Simon began the 4th grade last week. The start of school has traditionally been a challenge for him as he navigates a new classroom, new teachers, new structures and a return to old routines here at home but so far he's been doing great. Definitely a bit sleepy this morning as we all adjust to waking up earlier.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Simon is doing just awesome: riding his bike, reaching out to other kids, being more comfortable in new situations, reading books with joy and excitement. It's so amazing how much he loves to read if it's something he's really interested in - which really is not all that amazing when I remember that my favorite things to read are things I'm really into and excited about. We just need to find more of things for him. A couple Tuesdays ago he read a Shrek book to me for 2 hours while I was working.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that fall is on it's way. I could feel it last night coming in through the half-open windows. I saw it yesterday in a few leaves that are beginning to change colors and drop to the street. I saw it again early this morning when waking to complete darkness.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Chris and I are having a challenging time. There are many things we are great at together and yet many areas in which we struggle to connect. I want you to know that life is real here - just as it is in your home and your life - and there's good and bad and easy days and hard ones and this happens to be a time in my life that is really hard. I'd totally take your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. Things are changing here and I'm hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Anna is two. She's more two than I think Simon ever was - she's got opinions and the language skills to back them up. She's also much more of a boundary tester than Simon. She loves to jump on the couch and asks "Why Mom?" as a response to just about everything. She started a daily Montessori preschool last week and seems to be adjusting just fine. Chris and I dropped her off this morning and she was so happy to show him her school and have him meet her teacher and see her classroom. She's really pretty darn amazing and I'm so happy she's a part of my life.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that I finished both The Help and Little Bee last month. Loved them both. I asked for suggestions via Facebook and Twitter last week and started Cutting For Stone last night. Hoping to go see The Help this weekend.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that this post from my friend Jen Lemen is super inspiring: How To Be Dangerous.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW are these words: This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. Author Unknown.

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376 thoughts

  1. Liz says…
    09/13/2011

    My journey has sometimes taken me down a path I never expected to follow. But you know what? It's always taken me eventually to a much better place : )

    Sending positive thoughts to you Ali,
    Hugs
    Liz

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  2. Felicia says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, your light shines so brightly and you so generously share your light with the world. May you find peace in your truth. Coincidentally, today's daily word speaks of Harmony. http://www.dailyword.com/ My prayers are with you and your family. Remember, only love is real; the rest is all an illusion.

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  3. Jennifer Henson says…
    09/13/2011

    Sending prayers up and good vibes your way! Many hugs!!

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  4. Debora Prass says…
    09/13/2011

    Thank you for sharing all of these stories with us! I guess we all have challenging times in our lifes, work, relationships... sending some love to you, hope it all works out for the best!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. dawn says…
    09/13/2011

    oh Ali, I'm sorry your going thru a rough patch right now with Chris. All the comments before mine sums up my feelings too. Just remember you have all of us to support you thru anything and if we could we'd all be on a plane to come hold your hand. So feel the love from all the comments and don't feel alone. Sending bunches of positive energy, strength, hope and prayers. Thank you for being so real here with us and sharing your feelings with us.

    Thank you for sharing all the good stuff that's happening right now too because that is what will help you get thru your days. So awesome of Simon and doing so well right now. I'm so happy for you and him. Miss Anna will be full of drama her whole life and be so adorable. I can see her fitting in anywhere. She's got a great role model showing her the way, big brother Simon!!

    I'm ready for signs of fall too. The jackets are out and so are the jeans and thinking of buying cider this weekend.

    (((HUGS)))
    Dawn

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  6. Kristy says…
    09/13/2011

    Prayers for you and your family Ali. My husband and I are celebrating our 12th anniversary this weekend. Three boys, two dogs and twelve years can bring a lot of challenges and we've certainly had our share, but at the end of the day, I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. Sending peace and positive thoughts your way!

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  7. Jen says…
    09/13/2011

    This post really resonated with me tonight. My Son started school today in the face of a possible PDD diagnosis and I feel some challenges at home and at work that I hope that I have the will and strength to work through. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in these struggles. Thinking and sending a prayer your way.

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  8. Jennifer Johnson says…
    09/13/2011

    Thank you so much for this post. My husband and I are having a very challenging time right now and it is nice to know that I am not alone and others face the same struggles that I do. Keeping your family in my prayers! BTW - totally love the new digital templates you just released!!!! Hoping for many more in the future! :)

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  9. Tina Z says…
    09/13/2011

    Lifting you and your family up in prayer.

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  10. sherry says…
    09/13/2011

    Prayers and Hugs!!

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  11. Michelle says…
    09/13/2011

    Thinking of you and praying for you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. michelle says…
    09/13/2011

    Prayers to your family. We all have come to love you all. You have shared so much with us and reading about what you do not only inspires me, but it grounds me as well. Special prayers to you and Chris.

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  13. Shannon R says…
    09/13/2011

    Surrounding you and Chris in prayers, knowing that if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Don't lose heart. Stay strong and stay true to you. Your encouragement to others is such a blessing. Now let others lift you up in this time of challenge.

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  14. Catherine says…
    09/13/2011

    Thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way. When someone like you is honest in a public space, it opens the way for others to be more honest and open and eventually we all live in a better world. Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Kathleen Loughran says…
    09/13/2011

    Your honesty and real-ness have given me a sense of a connection to you. As I read your words today and as I type this now I hope and pray your family can bind, grow and flourish. Blessing and hugs to you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Heidi says…
    09/13/2011

    Your blog is one of my favorite sources of inspiration. Thanks for sharing! We've been through some of our own rough patches - thankful to be in a good place right now but can certainly relate! I hope this season passes in a positive way and you get to the other side soon.

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  17. Angela says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali--
    Marriage is HARD work...one book/dvd curriculum that is great is Love and Respect. It's written by and for Christian couples. There is a book and workbook. Here's the Amazon link
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=love+and+respect&x=0&y=0

    Also, a great book is Power of the Praying Wife and The Power of the Praying Husband for that matter!

    Blessings to you during this stormy season!
    Angela in TX

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. creole wisdom says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, I remember meeting you twice (once in PDX at Art House and then again in Provo at CKU 2008.) Both times you left a lasting impression on me.

    You are a beautiful, creative, strong, incredible woman and your blog is both honest and uplifting. Thank you.

    I'm thinking of you right now, and I send some prayers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Paola Norman says…
    09/13/2011

    Dear Ali, thanks so much for your honesty and being real.
    Thats one of of the many reasons people love you so, your real.
    Going through hardships with your spouse bites, it's quite the struggle. Two years ago when I thought I was losing my marriage I prayed and hung on to what I knew was true in our marriage and focused on that. Most importantly I surrendered any expectations I had for him/us and just loved. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Be gentle with yourself and always be true to you. Hugs.

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  20. Kelly R. says…
    09/13/2011

    sending prayers your way, thanks for being real with us Ali.

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  21. shannon b says…
    09/13/2011

    I've always loved everything you do and everything you are about, Ali. Sending lots of positive thoughts. Wishing the best for you and your family.

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  22. Briel says…
    09/13/2011

    Thank you.

    I believe that one thing that we can do as women to support one another is to be honest. As many others said, marriage is hard work. Thank you for saying this out loud.

    I send you strength.

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  23. Barb @ getupandplay says…
    09/13/2011

    peace and prayers for you

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  24. Christine says…
    09/13/2011

    I will be praying too.

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  25. Ann Marie says…
    09/13/2011

    I'm sending as much positive energy as is possible. I'm sorry to hear you are having difficult times... I always look to you for inspiration and your ability to keep things real.... Hang in there Ali. Life is full of peaks and valleys and that goes for relationships too. I guess once the valleys are behind us it make the peaks all that much sweeter!! Thinking of you Ali!!

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