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* 

Life Gets Busy

Being so busy lately I have failed to share on this blog much. I have often thought that this blog's purpose is the only reason I ever started blogging in the first place. To keep in touch with loved ones and keep somewhat of a journal and scrapbook photos as well as share, blogging makes it easy to do all at once.

 I haven't been in touch too much with those I love. This isn't normal for me. I went through somewhat of a recooperation funk for the months of Jan-March. When this ended I gained a great deal of motivation to get things done around our house, leading to a more consistent share on my Shelstring blog. But now I miss Mommy-Bug because it is here that I share the things that are truly precious to me and closest to my heart.

My family and my thoughts and feelings as well as experiences with them. So I am making a renewed commitment to share. Not concerned so much with who is reading, as much as who will benefit from it some day.

Today is Easter Sunday, and as I write this, I am filled with a great love for my Savior. I have been feeling a profound gratitude and recognition for what he knew I was worth in His sacrifice for me.

I read in a message recently that a woman expressed after many years of hardship and trial that she realized that she was like a $20 bill.

 No matter what happens to a $20 bill, whether it is crumpled, torn, abused, or cared marred, it is still worth it's full value.













She understood that a loving Father in Heaven knew our worth and was willing to sacrifice what was so special to Him in order that we could maintain our worth and be worthy to live with Him again.

How thankful I am for this true principle. It rings true in my heart. When I stop to think about what my loved ones mean to me, then I realize what I alone mean to my Father in Heaven. What a beautiful knowledge.

What a blessing. Happy Easter to all of you, and may you remember that you are of so much worth that He gave his life for you.

Standing for Truth

Yesterday someone on my facebook expressed her excitement and joy in the 1 year anniversary of her family leaving the church, and then proceeded to list her beliefs, which implied that she no longer believed in  an after life, and doubted there is in fact a God. Her words contradicted each other as she had expressed her thoughts about the extensive study and search for truth she has been doing for the past year and how she is happier than she has ever been. I understand that not everyone agrees with each other concerning religion and politics, subjects we were strictly taught to avoid in cosmetology school because of the deep and profound feelings people have regarding both subjects and the contention that can arise regarding them. But I know that when we know something to be true, we need to stand up and testify of it. This is not always easy, and more often then not, it is opposed with vengeance.

I was so impressed and filled with love and gratitude for Tyler when he expressed, very beautifully, his knowledge of truth and the atonement of the Savior to this mutual friend of ours. It was not accepted by all, and most likely many passed judgement and found it critical and inappropriate, but it gave me great peace in knowing that he was willing to take that chance. I am grateful to know that our son will stand up for what he knows to be right. No matter how popular and difficult it may be.

Counting my blessings

If you know me personally or you are a regular reader, then you will know that my outlook on like is naturally and typically pretty positive. If you read my last post, quite some time ago now, than you may have been sorry for the sad edge to it. Lately it has been a pretty difficult for me to be real positive. Sometimes life is just that way, we feel bogged down, overdriven, and quite burned out. I'm experiencing this right now. These are the times that are the most important in finding the light ahead to pull us through. I haven't been seeing that light. It's a hard thing when the rain is falling the majority of the time and the clouds are covering the sun 97-100% of the day. My husband helped me to realize a long time ago that these are the times we need to have something to look forward to. Whether it be arranging a date with a friend or husband, planning a family trip, having a weekend getaway...what have you. For the last few weeks I have struggled to keep my head above water and have pushed myself to accomplish the things I know need to be done. It isn't an easy task, but is well worth it in the end. I'm grateful for a husband with great insight and an understanding that we need to simply find the joys in life to look forward to.

                    So I thank the Lord for my blessings. Each and every one of them. Every day.

Gift from Heaven

It's so important to talk to other moms. To know that you aren't alone in your experiences. Throughout the years of being a mom there are constant cycles that seem to keep flowing through, whether you like them or not. There are the times when life is busy, and then it's okay, then it's slow, then all of a sudden it's busy again. During these times we can get so burned out and yes, even a touch of depression. But what I'm finding is that no matter what, we aren't alone. Not only is there the Savior that understands, and yes we can receive strength and comfort by knowing this, 

photo found HERE

but also, he comforts us by other people.

It's not by accident that there are different prominent people in your life at different times. How thankful I am that the Lord is mindful of us and knows who we need, when we need them. Often times, if it were up to us, we wouldn't know who these people might be. It is a comforting thing to know that even when you are feeling low, you can always know that others are experiencing those same feelings. 

                                                       Photo found HERE
I'm grateful to have found so many wonderful people in my life. It is the blessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ has given to me...and many other moms like me. 

Light in the Storm

There are periods in my life where I feel burnout and realize that the natural me is hidden somewhere inside, but burried so deeply that I struggle to know that person again. These spurts can be short lived, or they can be long lasting. Usually they don't last long and the joys are easily felt and over ride the turmoil that was causing distress.

But for me, this has lasted a lot longer than normal and I have realized there is a need for change. When I started to evaluate the course of my life and what has been causing displeasure and even heavy mood swings, I came to realize how much more important it is to find the blessings in life. However small they may be, they are there. And in doing so, I'm able to see how truly merciful a loving Father in Heaven really is. It makes me grateful for all the great blessings of people I'm surrounded by.

This is Father's greatest blessing to me. He has given me amazing people who can listen, teach, and love me. Who give me an opportunity to serve and find joy in many ways I never dreamed were possible. The light in the storm.