The Evolution Of My Story

It's always been my goal to authentically share my story both in my scrapbooks and in this online space.

To me that means addressing the good, the bad, the beautiful, the successes, the challenges - the very real pieces of my life.

As many of you have noticed, and some have commented and emailed, Chris has been mostly absent for some time from the stories and photos. He has decided that he wants something different with his life and we are in the process of getting a divorce.

Chris continues to maintain an active role in the kid's lives.

There is nothing easy about this.

It's very hard and very stressful and very sad.

And yet, the story continues for all of us. For him and me. For the kids and me. For him and the kids. And there are many, many things I have to be thankful for in my life.

I've always maintained, and taught in my workshops, that not all stories need to be told.

But here, in this space, it's important to me that there's a general awareness of this change. This will allow me to more authentically share my story going forward.

A few months ago I asked for your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. I'd humbly ask for your continued kindness as this specific chapter closes and new ones begin.

As you consider leaving a comment I would also humbly ask that you focus on something positive, compassionate and/or uplifting. Our heartfelt intent is to maintain a positive relationship as we move forward in our lives.

Wishing all of you, especially any of you who may be experiencing something similar within your own family, peace during the Christmas season.

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934 thoughts

  1. dnobles says…
    12/15/2011

    It is absolutely possible to continue forward as parents of two great kids and build a positive relationship in that context. It will be different....and it can still be good. It will be what you make it and after following you for years, I know you will make it good.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Kelly Goree says…
      01/16/2012

      I completely agree with this. As a child of divorce, I told my parents every chance I could as I got older that while it was (obviously) a life altering experience for me, that two people could not have handled it better for their child and I was so grateful for that and for them. I pray that your children say the same thing to you one day and that you have continued strength and peace as you face this challenge, Ali. You are an amazing woman and your children are lucky to have you :)

  2. caro says…
    12/15/2011

    AlWAYS remember:
    1. You are Beautiful.
    2. You are beloved.
    and one from my own heart,
    3. You do have the courage this will take.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. melissa deakin says…
    12/15/2011

    you are a remarkable woman. your positive spirit and enthusiasm for life is infectious. almost on a daily basis I encounter someone in some fashion and in my head i say, 'everyone has a story' and i know that this comes from you and your voice and what you have shared with all of us. i wish you strength, peace, and wisdom as you begin this next chapter in your life. know that you have touched mine very profoundly and for that i am so grateful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. KarynS says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali my heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you all this Christmas.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Maureen says…
    12/15/2011

    You have my prayers, my tears but most of all my heartfelt love, as you walk into your new future. When you share your sorrow, it is halved, and quartered, and eighthed and...shared with each compassionate heart that accepts your journey as part of her own.

    Reply 5 Replies
    1. Jennifer says…
      12/28/2011

      Maureen - thank you so much for saying exactly what I was thinking. You put it much better than I could have.
      Ali more prayers and best wishes!

    2. Dawn Cheshire says…
      12/29/2011

      Couldn't have said it better myself. You inspire so many of us everyday Ali, My best wishes to you and your beautiful family and wishing you a happy & healthy 2012!

    3. Cathy says…
      12/17/2011

      Oooh. I LOVE this sentiment. Very well said Maureen!

    4. Kate madaus says…
      12/18/2011

      So true! Thankful for that encouraging reminder-

    5. Emily Kinsaul says…
      12/27/2011

      Beautifully said!

  6. julie says…
    12/15/2011

    oh, ali! i am sorry that you are going through all of this. i hope that joy can surround you in this next chapter of your life. your blog and stories bring so much joy to me. i look forward to checking your blog everyday!! for that... thank you. big hugs to you!! julie

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Mary in IL says…
    12/15/2011

    My heart aches for you Ali because I feel like you are "family," having followed you for 9 years now. My prayers for all of you, God will bring you (and your whole family) through this. May His peace surround you this Christmas season.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. jesa says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, I had wondered this very question but did not want to invade your privacy. I am so sorry to hear of this news. Relationship are never easy no matter what kind we have whether it be with our significant other, family or friend. As always thank you for sharing something so intimate and personal. My prayers and heart go to you an the children in this very difficult time. You are wonderful person, great teacher, caring mother and beautiful story teller.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Tracy says…
    12/15/2011

    I wish you and your family peace this Christmas and always. You are an awesome mom, may God continue to give you strength. Choose happiness & kindness Ali, you and your kids deserve them both. Merry Christmas....blessings & peace in the new year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. toni from says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali,

    Thank you for being so honest and forthcoming. You are one of the most genuine people our there in blog land, and I love that about you. Families come in many shapes and sizes and even with a divorce children can grow into very positive, respectful individuals. We have a blended family and my children (one with husband, one froma previous relationship) are great kids. My oldest has grown up going back and forth from my house to his bio dad's and he is a well-rounded, great kid. He also has Asperger's and is about the same age as Simon. His younger sister (my husband and my child together) also is a happy, content kid.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Stephanie Ackerman says…
    12/15/2011

    Oh Ali, I love you and will keep you,Simon and Anna in my prayers...I emailed you as well.
    Take good care and know that you are NEVER alone.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Kristi O says…
      12/27/2011

      Thank you for being brave and for sharing. I pray for peace, hope and a bright future. You inspire me even in your suffering.

  12. Kris says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali.
    I wish you and your family peace this Christmas season. Thank you for sharing this transition in your life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Lourdes A. says…
    12/15/2011

    Wishing you a peaceful and relaxing season. Focus on those lovely kids you have, on all you have accomplished, on how you touch everyone's lives with your creativity. Thank you for doing so much for everyone else. Now, take a break, and take care of yourself too. Sometimes letting others take care of you works, too. Let all our prayers and positive energy be with you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. jennie says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, sending you lots of prayers and love. I read everyday and am so saddened to hear things didn't work out...you share so much of your story I feel like I know you and the kids. Here's to finding peace in this season.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Michelle L says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, As a lot of others have posted I have wondered about this but didn't feel it was my place to ask or even know something so personal about you. As always you amaze me with your openness. There is something very remarkable about you. I'm not great with words but just know that this and all of your posts mean so much to me and so many others. Many blessing for you and your family. I will continue to pray that everything works out smoothly for all of you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. sharon dryjanski says…
    12/15/2011

    My dear Ali,
    You and the family are always in my prayers as I shared with you at Creative Escape in AZ ....Ali you are loved and beautiful and strong....always remember if God is for us who can be against....I feel like part of your family since I have followed you ever since you had the blog. It was sure honor for me to have a class with you and also to speak with you...Ali you are strong and a new door is waiting to be opened when His time is right......I love you and the family.

    Christmas peace and blessings ....Hugs

    Sharon Dryjanski Phoenix AZ

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Vickie says…
    12/15/2011

    All my best to you and yours.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. marcy says…
    12/15/2011

    You are a fantastic mother and your kids adore you...

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Wendy Goodman says…
    12/15/2011

    Thank you for sharing your story. My brother is going through a similar situation. My heart breaks for him, but I keep telling him that he will get through this and will be better because of it. His story is part of my family, but I can see the positive way it will influence all of us going forward. Sometimes you have to break to become whole again. Best wishes to you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Melanie Kiser says…
    12/15/2011

    I am so sorry. I had wondered, but assumed/hoped he was just sooo busy. I know you will all be fine - you have a wonderful extended family. I will send many calm and peaceful wishes to you on Christmas Day. Many hugs to you, Simon and Anna.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Nora says…
    12/15/2011

    Oh Ali I'm so very sorry to hear about this. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your life with us. I'm praying for you and the kids always. Remember always that God loves you and is there for you. My word is HOPE for 2012 and that is because there is always always hope in the Lord!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jessica says…
    12/15/2011

    I am so very, very sorry. It's not easy. Thinking of you and your family....you all will be in my prayers during this time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. AshleyM says…
    12/15/2011

    Surround yourself with the people you love and take it all one day at a time. Big hugs!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Joanne says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali - I know this wouldnt have been an easy post to write but Im glad you did - it wasnt nice seeing people post in other places with their opinions on what was happening when its none of their business. Ill be thinking of you, Simon and Anna and sending you my best wishes.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Steph says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali - you are so very brave and I am in awe of the grace you've shown as you walk this new path. You are loved and admired and are a fantastic example for Simon and Anna. I hope you feel the love and support that is coming your way. xoxo

    Reply 0 Replies

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