Big changes for these Brunsons

WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS VERY SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER REGARDING RELIGION.  IF YOU ARE AT ALL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THAT STOP READING NOW.

I've been thinking about writing about something for quite some time.  I haven't because it is sensitive subject matter and I don't enjoy confrontation.  Especially from people I love, admire, and respect.  I know that many people react to such things with sadness and even anger as I too have been on the other side of it.  However, in my attempt to be my newly found authentic self I have decided to let the world (or the very small amount of people who still read my blog) know the truth.  How you choose to accept this information is up to you, but ultimately it is our decision to make for our family. This path of life was chosen after much soul searching and is what makes sense for our individual family.  Believe me, this decision was not taken lightly and only came after years of struggling.

Back in August of 2014 our family decided to leave the LDS church.  It had been an especially hard year before coming to this decision, with many realizations, shed tears, sleepless nights, and fear.  I don't want to get into details as it is a slippery slope, but it was a devastating time for Scott and myself as the foundation upon which we built our lives crumbled beneath our feet.

We have nothing against any members of the church.  We actually love and adore more members than we can count, and don't believe that being member of the LDS church is wrong. It is just best for our family to no longer be associated with it because of some things that don't align with our own moral character.

It is not our intention to "lead others astray", cause any hurt feelings or make situations with our LDS friends and families awkward.  This is just where we are in life.  Take it or leave it.  In the end we have to make decisions that we feel are best for our family, and this decision has definitely made our family happier. It is my hope that those we love can respect our decisions and love us despite being disappointed.  Because we still love you all like we always have.

Good luck on your own journey!

Back in Utah for 2 years

This Sunday will mark the two year anniversary of our family moving back to Utah.  I can't believe its been two years!  Time goes by so quickly.  I'm still really happy with the decision we made to come back.  Here are a few reasons why, in no particular order:

1.  I walk with my sister, Maxine, five days a week.  I look forward to our walk everyday.  It is the one and only thing that I really do just for me (and Max).  I do it for a release that as a stay at home mom, I otherwise would not get.  Maxine and I chat our worries away.  We make each other laugh when we've had a bad day, or cry together when we've had a really bad day, and can always count on each other to vent our frustrations to.  Its amazingly therapeutic and I think we both feel good at the end of the 3.4 miles (at least I do).  It is one of the very best things to come out of this move.

2. We get to spend a lot more time with Scott's parents.  They literally live about 5 minutes from us and it has been great.  Marde gives Corbin piano lessons on Mondays and the two of them have a strong bond.  She and Ross have also been able to attend many school events with the kids because they are just so close and the kids always feel very loved and supported by them.  Not to mention the babysitting Marde does for us quite regularly.  Scott and I didn't go out much living in Boise, now we actually get to spend alone time together and it is so appreciated! Such a fantastic perk to living 5 minutes apart.

3.  Having most of our friends minutes away.  I don't know if its widely known or not, but we have stayed good friends with the same set of people for years and years.  Everyone gets along so great, even spouses and children.  Its an awesome set up.  It seems like we can always find a reason to get together and we love just talking and laughing and hanging out.  I'm so grateful for such amazing friends.

4. We get to see my parents more.  They still live far away in St. George, but its now just a couple of hours instead of several.  Plus since all my siblings but one live in the area, we get to see them whenever they come to visit someone else.  We even get them for Thanksgiving this year!  We love getting to see them more often.

5.  Those freaking mountains!  Utah is amazingly gorgeous.  I didn't realize how much I missed the mountains until after we came back. And now they are practically in our yard!  They look like a painting and take my breath away.  I love getting to see them everyday.

Those are just the reasons I could think of off the top of my head.  There really are a million reasons why this was a good decision, though.  We are so happy here in Utah, and grateful that Scott has a job that allows us to live in the place we love.