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* 

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.