Orson F. Whitney said: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering , toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and mother in heaven. "

Oh What Many Blessings I do Have!

As I was getting ready to post this blog, i was downloading all my pics i have taken in the last 3mths. so much has happened- I began to realize i am truly a blessed woman. From taking Cam to Disneyland for his first time to welcoming a new little spirit into my sisters family- what joy I have in life! A synopsis of the last 3mths includes: Cam turning 4, Disneyland, a new little cousin, my brother visiting from oklahoma- who btw is my devoted blog follower thanks Kel!-, Cam starting school, getting new puppies etc... So where to begin-I have recently gone back to work full time while Bren is going back to finish his BA degree in Business. Cam is in a really fun preschool that he loves and calls it the tree house because it has a big tree in it where the kids can climb and play and where story time is. We recently got 2 new puppies! Yep, it is true. Something I never thought i would ever have in my life. I have learned it is fun to try new things and it has made me step out of my "expectations of life" and has made me have a little fun once in a while. Bren and Cam are of course in heaven. The dogs we got are bull dogs and they are sooooooo cute! What I liked about these dogs is they stay cute even as they get older. Also it was a compromise with Bren and me because I hate dog hair on couches, the smell of dogs in the house, and when dogs jump on me. So these dogs are great- they still shed but very minimal-, they can't jump so I don't have to worry about them on my couch or jumping up on me. Plus it has been nice taking my mind off the seriousness of life for a brief moment. So, what else is new? I have a new nephew who is 3mths old now and is a tank! He is so fun and Ang is so cute with him. Well-that was a quick catch up on life- but that is how fast my life is going right now. Sorry it has been a while, I will do better LOL! Until next time- enjoy life!!! ali

Beautiful!

I Love Spring. This is one of my favorite childhood memories of welcoming in spring-pink flowering plum trees. These trees were planted in our front yard growing up and I remember climbing them, smelling the blossoms, loving this time of year when the pink blossoms would bloom. Ahhh! Those Childhood memories! Anyway I can't believe it has been 3mths since I blogged. Thanks to a loving reminder from my brother (which to my surprise someone actually still follows my blog LOL!)I definately needed to update the blog and my life! Lots has happened in life and I am so glad to say I am still loving every minute of life. Yes, there are hard, challenging, bring you to your knees times in our lives but man are they needed to help us grow, become humble, and learn about ourselves on a personal level. Bren was in the hospital with complications, we moved to orem (with some great landlords :) ), and have had some other struggles. But I am so grateful to be alive, healthy, and happy. It is so great to know that we are not alone in life, that there is a plan for us, and that we are loved. Well I am babbling but I am so grateful for family and friends who have supported us through their prayers, phone calls, texting, hugs, and so much love. We love all of you and so grateful-everyday- for all that has been done in our behalf. There will be pictures coming I promise-- to be continued---- ali

HELLO 2010!!!

I cannot wait for valentines day this year. I don't know why but I am so excited for 2010 and for the day to celebrate love. I am so in love with Bren it is crazy. Bren and I were reminiscing on when we first met and our love story. It makes me so grateful for my Romeo- he is my bestest friend. This year we have set new year's resolutions to be able to work towards something together- and finding success together will be exciting. 2010 New Years Resolutions 1-Train and run a 5k together. We are planning on running in the St George 5k in February. It is coming up fast! 2-Temple night monthly. 3-Better Budgeting and Money Management. 4-Baby #2 Hopefully!!!! Those are just some of our goals we have made. I again am so optimistic for 2010. Life is so amazing right now- remembering everything I have been blessed with. An amazing husband, amazing little boy, amazing family, amazing friends, amazing love in my life. I am so grateful for health and love that we have so generously been blessed with. So GOODBYE 2009 HELLO 2010!! ali