The Evolution Of My Story
Tags: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 comments
Dear Ali, you are such a wonderful person and mom. Your strength in dealing with Simon's issues, your example in honesty onver the years, your strong love for your children and theirs for you, your continued work in the scrapbook world and all that you are shows that you are a remarkable woman. I admire you. You feel like family. My prayers are with you as you and the children go through this time. May God bring special things to you this holiday season and may the coming year be one that is so good you will be amazed. Love you.
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Ali,
You are always honest and transparent, thank you for that. As you and your family transition, I know your children will value your genuine, loving nature.
Peace always!
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Ali,
I just started following your blog a few months ago.I am in awe of your talent,the love for your family and positive attitude are so evident in what you do. My heart hurts to hear your news. May the God of all comfort comfort you daily.My prayers are with you.
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Ali, we are not only wishing you peace this holiday season, but also peace and calm throughout the whole transition into this new chapter of your life. I admire your strength and bravery in sharing these personal details with the whole world!
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I just saw this quote on pinterest...
Every day may not be good,
but there is something good in every day.
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So very true....
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I wish you peace and calm as you endure this change.
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I know you will move forward in this new chapter of this thing called life with the same grace that you show us in the pieces of your life that you share with us out here in Ali blog land.
Wishing you, Simon and Anna peace for this season.
One step in front of the other and breathe.
You have more strength than you probably realize. My grandmother once told me that you can do anything with strength and grace. You have both Ali!
Hugs...
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Thank you so much for continuing to share your story. It means a lot to me and to so many. My sister went through a very rough divorce three years ago, and I still share uplifting quotes with her. I will share this post with her and tell her how proud I am of her. She is so much stronger than she thought she could ever be. I always point this out to her. She is so loved, by her children, by her family, by her friends. And so are you. Thanks again.
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Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa
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Wishing you peace and grace as you journey this new path. thank you for continuing to share your private life with us, the public who love to catch a glimpse of it.
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Your spirit and attitude is so very beautiful. I am inspired by your strength and positive outlook on life. Sending many prayers and hugs to you and your family.
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Like many of your other readers, I have sensed that something had changed in your life. I felt some sadness at the back of my mind all week thinking of you. Your honesty continues to touch many through this really, little, world of ours. Please know that so many "friends" are thinking of you and wishing you only the best in this new phase of your life.
Sending only good thoughts your way,
Jane
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I appreciate your openness and sharing your life with all of us through your blog!! Praying for you and your family!!
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My heart goes out to you and your family. In early 2009 my husband decided he also wanted something different in his life so after 22 years of marriage we separated. To say it was the most difficult time of my life doesn't even begin to describe it. Our ten year old took it really hard as well. A year later, when filing for divorce, we somehow managed to pull it all together and admit that being apart was not what either of us wanted. Life works in complicated ways sometimes. I wish you and your family the best as I personally know the heartache you are experiencing right now. Xoxoxoxoxo
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Ali, Just look at all this love, all this support. I, too, have been in this place and I used scrapbooking and storytelling to document the heartbreak and the healing, the pain and the new joys, the fear and the courage. Life is not a neat page of beautiful pictures but is a collage of joy and pain and we can use our stories to document every part of it. Wishing you peace and calm.
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I've been thinking of your family a lot. Thank you for your openness in your sharing. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this tough period. I pray for your strength and that you do find much joy and love, especially in those gorgeous kids of yours.
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What a beautiful quote. Thank you for being such a model of grace. Blessings to all four of you as you move forward.
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I have wondered, worried, and prayed for you lately. I will continue to pray for you as you start a new journey. Remember that there is good in today, good in the past, and good moving forward into the future. Live in those good moments and surround yourself with friends and family who support and love you. God Bless!
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Im heartbroken.
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I'm really sorry. Divorce is never easy and I hope that things will go smoothly for you. As the child of divorced parents, I hope you won't mind my saying that the absolute best thing you can do for your children is to maintain a positive relationship with their father, even when you hurting so bad on the inside that you want to scream. Nothing hurts more than hearing your parent bad-mouth the other one. Many best wishes to you and your kids as you go through this. :)
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