Long Time---- No Blog------BIG NEWS

Hi everyone! I know, I know. Long time AGAIN in updating my blog. Sorry Kel!! :) And to no surprise I have to make this short but I promise to try to be better at updating my blog. The biggest news of all that has happened to us since I blogged is that we are adding a new addition to our family. We are all so excited!!! It has been a journey for Bren and I to get here. We are grateful daily for the journey we have been on and are able to have another beautiful spirit join our family. Can't say any more or I will start crying just thinking about it :) One cute thing is Camden. He is so excited to have a little sister (ahh yes it is a GIRL!!!!) and he will be the BEST big brother ever!!! Well I will update later. Good to be back.

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

Happy Halloween!!

What a fun day we had. Cam had a school Halloween parade that was so cute and he loved it. He loved being a ninja but said next year he wants to be Batman. We will see if he stays with that idea for next year or not!!! We had a Family Halloween Party and Camden loved trick or treating with his cousins (we missed you Tyler and Mei!!!) and mom and dad are benefiting from Cams treats ha ha!!!

The Final Days of Summer!

What a fun summer we have had! From Family reunions, Camping in our trailer, Swimming, Barbeques etc... It has definately been eventful and fun. I Remember as a little girl Summer lasted forever. Now it seems everyday is getting shorter and life is passing by so quickly. Anyone that knows me knows I love poems. I read this one just recently and thought it to be fitting for this season of my life. Poem THE END OF SUMMER The summer days are fading, as they must From endless hours to short and fleeting light The bird's once bright, immortal tune, now cries A melancholy aura to the dusk The children fiercely climb, and dream, and race Before their wild and unchained days depart And yet beneath the zeal lies a half heart For there isn't time, there's only enough space The sun seems low, a hazy orange sphere Now reminiscing sweetly of the days When endlessly before you summer lay And as in the deep, crimson dusk you stir Your soul joins with the birds in wistful brood Crying for lost summer days, for childhood Author:Shannon Georgia Schaubroeck, USA I loved my childhood-- Thanks Mom and Dad. Now I love seeing in Cam those little moments of "child play" that I miss but remember through him. I love being a mom and seeing such pure joy and love in him. Bren and I have had a fun summer and look forward to the fun days ahead. Thanks for everyone who planned and helped with these family vacations/reunions and get togethers. We love you all and want you to know we are so thankful for each of you. Love Bren and Ali

I found some great information on yahoo.com on what foods to eat to stay slim and healthy and interesting facts on these foods as well. Hope you enjoy!!!! QUINOA Per ¼ cup: 170 calories 2.5 g fat 7 g protein 3 g fiber For starters, anytime you choose a whole-grain product over one made from nutrient-stripped white flour, you wage war against belly fat. Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories. What's more, quinoa contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular cereal grains, fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates, and even a handful of healthy fats. So start your day off with a cup of cooked quinoa combined with a ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of blueberries—microwave for 60 seconds, and you have a delicious (and slimming) alternative to your traditional oatmeal. Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa won "Best Grain" in Men's Health's Best Foods Awards 2009. KEFIR Per cup: 174 calories 2 g fat 14 g protein 3 g fiber Think of kefir as drinkable yogurt, or an extra-thick, protein-packed smoothie. In either case, this delicious dairy product is a belly-blasting essential. Beyond the satiety-inducing protein, the probiotics in kefir may also speed weight loss. British scientists found that these active organisms boosted the breakdown of fat molecules in mice, preventing the rodents from gaining weight. The researchers still need to prove the finding in humans, but there's no danger in downing probiotic-packed products. We like Lifeway Lowfat Blueberry Kefir—it contains L. casei, the same probiotic used in the study. AVOCADO Per avocado: 322 calories 29 g fat (4 g saturated, 20 g monounsaturated) 13 g fiber 4 g protein Never fear this full-fat Mediterranean-diet staple: It's teeming with healthy monounsaturated fats (also found in olive oil), which have been linked to lowered LDL cholesterol levels and weight loss. In fact, a recent longitudinal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the healthy-fat Mediterranean diet was more effective than a diet that avoided fats altogether—so go ahead and indulge! EGGS Per 1 large scrambled egg: 102 calories 7 g fat (2 g saturated) 7 g protein A British study found that people who increased the percentage of protein-based calories in their diet burned 71 more calories a day (that's 7.4 pounds a year!). Jumpstart your metabolism as soon as you wake up with a protein-rich breakfast of scrambled eggs. (Go to eatthis.com for other great no-diet weight-loss secrets.) GRAPEFRUIT Per grapefruit: 104 calories 4 g fiber 2 g protein A grapefruit a day in addition to your regular meals can speed weight loss. The fruit's acidity slows digestion, meaning it takes longer to move through your system, and you'll end up feeling fuller, and more satisfied, for longer. And the vitamin C-packed grapefruit works to lower cholesterol and decrease risk of stroke, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

My Cowboy!

I have to say this is the cutest little cowboy in the whole world! Bren and Cam went horse back riding this morning and , needless to say, had so much fun!

I am SOOOOOO in Trouble!!!!

I know, I know it has been a while since I have blogged. Life has gotten CRAZY lately but I am loving every minute of it. Here are some pics of what fun we have been having. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

We Love 4 wheelin'!!!!!!

Fun In the Sun!!!!

We loved itty bitty ball this year.

I Love to See the Temple!

Bren and I were blessed to be able to go to the dedication of the Draper Temple. It was so beautiful, beyond what any words can describe. The spirit was so strong and so real--- I love this church, I am so grateful to have temples so close to us. I truly do love to see the Temple.

I LOVE ST GEORGE!!!!

I have to first say a big THANK YOU to those of you who made this possible for Bren and I this last weekend. I have to say I love St. George. The warm weather (60's), the beautiful blue sky, the bright yellow sun shining, the beautiful red cliffs Ahhhh I am in love! Brennen (kindof)surprised me and took me to St. George for the weekend. It was so much fun, I felt like I was 18 again and free spirited. Bren and I often joked that we felt like we were dating all over again (even though it will be 7 years this year!!!) The hotel room was nice (thanks to you know who you are!!!) the food was amazing, the company was even better!!! I hope anyone reading this will consider going to St. George if your life is as crazy as mine to just get away and be stress free for a couple of days is good for the soul. Not to mention be in beautiful weather and scenery. I'm so grateful Bren planned this, I feel so rejuvinated and energetic about life again. Thanks hunny!! I sure love you.

I was reading my friend's, Amber's,blog and she had this quote on there that she pulled from one of her friends' blogs and so on.... Anyways I loved this quote as well and wanted to capture it on my blog too. Thanks Amber!!! "As You create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey." -Marjorie Pay Hinckley I Love the part of having joy in your home, chldren and husband. I am recommited to finding joy in my life by finding it in my amazing husband and spirited,loveable little boy who both add such love to my life. That is now one of my 2009 goals-- to take time to remember to sit back once in a while and reflect on what a beautiful life and family I have. To "Be grateful for the journey."

Here Comes Santa Claus!!

We all had so much fun seeing Santa and riding the train at the mall. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Thorne! We can't wait for Christmas to come. We put up our tree a while ago along with our Christmas train and we have already gone through 2 sets of batteries! I love Christmas time and the reason for the season. Hope everyone Has a very merry Christmas!

I Am So Blessed!!!

As many of you might know I injured my back about 1 1/2 wks ago. I wish I could say that I was doing something awesome like triathlon training, snowboarding, etc... but unfortunately I was just picking up some toys around the house and my back spasmed! That is right I couldn't stand up straight I had to just fall to the ground and call Bren. It was so painful. My cute little boy asked me "you otay mom?" all night and was so cute. Well needless to say I was bed ridden for about 3-4days only able to get up and walk to the bathroom. With a 2yr old that presented a huge problem as you might guess! He is an active little boy and I definately needed help. That is why I am writing this in my blog. I feel so grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and service that was shown to me during this time. From my Family, friends, and to my ward family I have had so many people calling and offering to help in so many ways I was amazed. I am so grateful for each and every one of you for showing me your love and giving me support in being there for anything I needed. Thank you. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many people who truly do care for me and my family. With Thanksgiving approaching I feel it appropriate to share my Thanks to all of you and to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Hunt Begins!

I can't believe it is the Deer Hunt again already! Time Flies!! Well my boys are both into the hunt as you can tell. Our litte guy can't wait to go with his Dad hunting and Bren Can't wait to have another hunting buddy with him. He was so cute getting all of his Dad's hunting gear on. Well-Good Luck Boys, bring home a Monster Buck!!!!

I Love General Conference! I love being a memeber of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This gospel is so real and so true. It is such a blessing especially today when the world offers little peace and a lot of worries.This wonderful gospel offers peace, love, and happiness. After listening to the Conference talks and feeling the spirit I am motivated to be a better wife, mother, and Individual. I truly love this Church.