What they say Wednesday

Plopping himself into a kitchen chair after playing in the flour while making sugar cookie cutouts, Justin said with realization:

"Making a mess can actually be fun."

Mommy tip Tuesday and: It's Not too Late to Give

A couple years ago Steve and I decided that we needed to do whatever we could to ease the stress that inevitably accompanies the Christmas season. We omitted some unnecessary traditions and tweaked some, and planned to go on a family trip just before Christmas Eve (details later). These simple, yet significant, changes have really helped me to enjoy things a lot more, and as a consequence, helped my family as well. One of those "traditions" is the treat plates. Steve loves to give them to his home teaching families, and I to my close friends, not to mention how much I love to bake. But this year needed to have things ready a lot sooner so that I could have the children packed and ready for a longer trip to Utah to see one of our Nephews get married. I knew I couldn't get stressed and that there wouldn't be time to fit everything in, so we decided to make goodies AFTER Christmas. I started to rationalize that people would probably appreciate this more since they could take their goodies to a party they were attending if they didn't want to eat all of it themselves. 

So our Sunday activity was making Grammy Buxton's sugar cookies (recipe HERE) and for family home evening we frosted some for treat. {I'm all for efficiency.} ;)

  These particular cookies are loaded with fond memories for me and my siblings, doesn't need to be chilled before handling, and turn out perfect every time. I've also found a very valuable solutions over the years when making them. So for mommy tip Tuesday, that's what I'm sharing today! Ready for the big, yet simple, secret? Here goes:

*drum roll please*

*MOMMY TIP

 When rolling out the dough and you find you (or some little helpers) added too much flour, put the dough back into the mixing bowl, add softened butter, and remix. I was thrilled when I tried this and it worked! What do you have to lose? Crumbly dough is no good to you, is it? In the end, this will save your efforts. Win-win!

 Meanwhile, we are going to deliver the rest of our goodies.

 Happy New year!

Another Lost Tooth

Early in her kindergarten year, Alyssa was playing on the monkey bars at recess when she slipped and cut her lower lip with her teeth. As a result her upper tooth was loose and turned a grey color from the damage of the impact. Her adult tooth has long since grown in and she has been bumping one tooth at a time since.

As her adult teeth grow in I'm getting increasingly concerned that she will keep falling and knocking her teeth loose. It has become a constant prayer that she can keep them to a ripe old age. 

A Clown at Family Scripture Study

Every night we get together as a family and read scriptures together. I'd like to say that it is always full of spirituality and great inspirational focus, but the truth of the matter is, it's not. There are always things going on. The sad truth is, while it should be a great time of focus and serious reflection on important eternal principles, one could be quite amused...even amused. Such was the case this one evening when I found it quite difficult to keep a straight face.

 Our sweet and subtle 7 year old, Justin, innocently walks in. Sits down. And starts to read when it is his turn.

 All while wearing this silly wig from our Halloween costume box. 

Perfectly true to his adorable personality!

What they Say Wednesday

Alyssa, guess what my name is.

Alyssa: Huh?

Amy: Princess Luna

Justin: oh, that's a good name!

Alyssa: laughing continually.

Mom: Laughing at Alyssa laughing

Alyssa: Luna-tic?! (continuing to laugh)

I didn't know she knew that word!(?)

Wake-up Call

I've found at different times in my life that it is necessary to experience trials so that we can gain strength. These trials don't always come at the most convenient times. They don't come at the most expected times. But they come at the most necessary times. I, as everyone, have experienced a great many of these experiences, some of them big, some small. But the one thing I've come to really understand is the blessings that can be found through them. They are the meat for which our spirits are strengthened because they cause us to rely on our Savior. They help us to see that not only can we not endure them by ourselves, but we were never meant to. I'm finding a great deal of comfort in knowing this. I know that it isn't an empty faith and a wish that somebody will be there to pick us up and carry us through the roughest of our journey, but that they really are. I know this because it is a feeling of peace and a strength when all of my own have run out. When there is truly nothing left within myself and I know that I am completely in the hands of a loving Father that is just wanting to teach me what I need to learn with open arms all the while.

Source

July 25th I was scheduled to have a colonoscopy due to bleeding in my bowels. There was a very large tumor found, which upon testing proved to be cancerous. At the time there was no more to tell other than that I had cancer. A very difficult thing to say, to digest, to accept. During the days of waiting for further testing so that we could know the extent, there were many things that were realized between my incredibly supportive and loving spouse and myself. For me it was a wake-up call. A realization that maybe the way I spend my time and what I focus on isn't always what it should be. That there is so much more that could be done and so many more important things to do, such as serving others. I looked around me and discovered the blessings that the Lord has been placing in my life all through the years. I discovered some things I already recognized, yet didn't realize to what depth I knew them. Things like how much I love my children. How important their welfare is to me and how badly I want to be a part of every moment of their successes and be there to hold them up when they fall. I discovered who I wanted to share my news with, such as those that mean the most to me besides my husband and my children, those wonderful best friends of mine that are my siblings, my mother, my father. All of these were the main concern of my thoughts bringing me much sorrow to think I might possibly not be able to enjoy them again as I have throughout the years. I began to realize how important it would be to adequately express my love to them and gratitude that they are such an influential part of me and the reasons I value the things I do.

source

I realized how well I have chosen my friends and who I choose to surround myself with every day. People who love the Savior and exemplify Him through their daily actions. I know this has been because of the influence of the Holy Ghost, the best friend of all.

Source

In the past I have recognized that even though trials may be difficult, they are necessary in forming our character and helping us to become who the Lord knows we can be. I'm grateful for the wake-up call. It has shown me how much I love and value life on a whole.

Crazy Hectic Wonderful Memories

The last few weeks of school were crazy. As I've talked to friends, I've come to realize this is normal for mothers of several children. It hits like a rush that you didn't expect. Suddenly you are running around like a wild woman trying to keep up and playing tag team with your sweet husband who seems to be the only steady force in your life. Though things were so busy, I'm grateful for the events that took place and am so happy my children could have the opportunities they have. Here are a few of the events that took place in one week's time: 

The children had dental appointments. This takes approx. three days with 2 children going in for check-ups each day. I learned that this is the longest I can handle at a time. Any more makes for a really rough experience. This particular visit was Amy's first! She left that office with successful check-up and a clean bill of health. 

No cavities and a beautiful smile! *whew!*(this makes us feel like through it all, we must be doing something right).

The children had a day off for a teacher's grading day. We met a couple friends at Lone Pine Farms which the children LOVE. They have a lot to do all year round. The kids love playing on their playground especially since it has a merry-go-round. It isn't common anymore to find a park that has one of these. This is strawberry season so we picked strawberries.

Two buckets full! I had made strawberry jam already, so we froze these for smoothies and ate a few in crepes with cream. They were delicious.

They also have goats and bunnies to feed, so the children enjoyed doing this. The goats are a lot of fun. They have ramps that go up to a second story and the children can fill a can with food and pully it up to the goats. It is entertaining to do.

 Michael had a game in a town called Lowell. It is 45-60 min. each way and was the furthest game he played in the season. I was tagged to take him on this particular night and Amy wanted to come. So during the game, we swung on the swings together. 

 The trip was very enjoyable and gave us an opportunity to really enjoy each other. Sometimes it's a blessing in disguise to have to pull yourself away from the busy life you think you can't take time away from. The weather was perfect, the game was enjoyable and the ride offered us opportunities that we would not have otherwise enjoyed. We picked flowers, swung on swings, and looked at the beautiful view of the Willamette River and covered bridge.

These two are so alike that it was a pleasantly delightful experience. The game ended up being so long that we ate at Subway for dinner on the way home out of complete hunger. 

Justin loved soccer. He ended up on the team that was younger than him this season. When I told him I was going to get him on the right team, he asked me to leave him on this one. He loved his team and looked forward to each practice. This was so refreshing since, although each time we've had a child in sports, they've asked for the experience, every once in awhile they resist because they don't feel like going. That never happened with Justin. When he learned it was his last game, he was very disappointed and asked if they would at least still practice. 

Since he was so disappointed at the response to that question, we signed him up for fall and spring of next year. We are delighted that he loves it so much. His team was great. I attribute this largely to his wonderful coach Mrs. White, who's son has become one of Justin's best friends. 

 Here they are at the end of the season party at the park with their trophies. What a fun group of kids!

The same weekend that we went to Lone Pine on Friday, the following Saturday was a busy one, but Steve had wanted to go to the parade of classic cars. We've come to realize over the years that we don't want to take anyone that doesn't want to join us in an event. So announced that whoever wanted to go to the parade get in the car, and off we went. It was Just Steve, Tyler, Amy and I. It was so enjoyable. I'm grateful for experiences like these.

So among the crazy and hectic, the blessing is that we have created wonderful memories. I'm grateful to be "stretched" so that we can recognize the enriching joys life has to offer. 

Tyler Graduated!

This has been a very eventful week for Tyler. We enjoyed his seminary graduation, are planning his Eagle Court of Honor (more of that later), and enjoyed his High School Graduation.

 It's hard to believe we have two sons graduated now. 

How time flies!

Rules & Guidelines

I'm thinking most people don't like to read a negative post. I understand that. That's much of the reason I hesitate to write today. But writing is also good therapy and anyone that truly knows me, knows that I am generally pretty positive and that these feelings will be fleeting.

Things around here have been rather busy, and now the crash. With the hectic schedules of sports, scouts, school activities, and end of the school year madness, I have been running around like a crazy woman trying to keep up and just barely keeping my head above water. I think it's safe to say that I'm truly 10 feet under. It became really necessary to make a rule in our home that the living room is only used for visiting guests and activities that are reverent-(ie) scripture reading, music, prayers, family meetings and home evenings. There are no toys, no lounging and no hoarsing around. These rules have helped me to truly survive.

What made me realize that there is nothing wrong in this attitude was that the children have several places where they can let out their physical energies, they don't need to have EVERY space to do these activities in. And as a bonus, it teaches them respect, reverence, and purpose.

Now when I have an unexpected guest, I'm able to take them into a room that is clean and tidy. A place that doesn't embarras them or me. I'm finding that setting rules and guidelines and enforcing them is a necessary and eternal principal. If not, there would be complete and utter chaos. So for now, I might barely be surviving, but at least I have a room that speaks calm and clean. 

And now, even when I'm just walking past, it speaks calm to me and feels like a place of peace and refuge from the craziness. This is necessary for my sanity.

Do I Have Something In My Mustache?

The other day Jeremy and I found these mustache tattoos at the Dollar Tree. It was something we couldn't resist! One package was enough for 6 people, so since Justin fell asleep before the kids got them out, Steve was a great sport and applied one too. Now I know what he would look like with a mustache, never thought I'd see the day! 

I think we have a lot of performers in the family. 

Aren't they fun?!

*Funny Face*

**WARNING: the tattoos are hard to remove. 

Amy went to church with black spots on her upper lip. People were probably wondering why her mother didn't clean her face. (hahaha!)

Mommy Tip Tuesday

If you're not going to drink the milk, don't dip your cookies so that no one else wants it. 

It's a waste. 

Thank you very much.

Mother's Day

As always, my family spoiled me for Mother's day, starting with breakfast in bed from my husband just before he ran out the door for his first meeting. Followed by sweet Happy Mother's Day wishes from each of my children throughout the day. I think the thing I love about Mother's Day, is all the sweet homemade cards and gifts (I love each and every one of them so much!) as well as those that had so much thought behind them (like the dove chocolates my husband knows I LOVE).

*All my sweet gifts. And look...

I got new running shoes and socks!! YAY!!! (I was so tempted to wear them for the 5K the day before-more on that later.)*

*Love this pic. of Elder (Bryon) Alger. Isn't that amazing?!*

The biggest highlight of all, I have to say, was talking to Bryon on the phone clear in Japan. When a missionary is serving, there are only two times of the whole year they can call home. Christmas, and Mother's day. This makes those calls that much more precious. Just the sound of his voice was amazing! He was my first ever Mother's Day gift. I was in labor with him the whole day before having him at 3:55a.m. the next day. He has been a blessing and great example to each of his siblings that have followed. They miss him so much that it was really neat to hear each of them talk to him.

I'm so thankful for the wonderful blessings of a great family. It is amazing to be a Mother to such amazing children and wife to such a great and supportive husband. What a great gift our loving Father in Heaven has given to me!

When Amy Turned 4

Somehow the age of 4 was a milestone. One that was hard for me to get over. Not with any of the other children, just with Amy. Probably because she is the baby and will probably remain that way for our family. We have enjoyed every one of our children very much. 

Through her growing up, I have come to realize how grateful I am that I still have young ones in the home to "mommy" and take care of. I have absolutely loved being a mom!

Just like with every birthday, Grandma and Grandpa Alger called to wish Amy a Happy Birthday. 

Glued to the hip as these sisters are, it was not surprising to see Alyssa want to listen in on the conversation. 

We had a little cake mix left over, so I made her a giant cupcake. 

I think it turned out better than her cake. My cake baking skills have something to be desired lately. 

She had her two best friends over to celebrate with her siblings. I 

It was a lot of fun and she got more My Little Ponies, which made it the best birthday EVER! ;)

My baby girl is growing up. 

*whimper*