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.

We could use some Sunshine!

Growing up I was taught to love the rain. After reading my Grammy's life story, I understood where it all started. Her love for the rain rubbed off on my Mom and then on us children. There was never anything more thrilling to me than a good lightning and thunder storm. Being raised where I was, this was always a rare delight. The smells of the promise of moisture in the air and the promise of wet on a thirsty earth, was truly something exciting and enjoyable. I have memories of sitting on our covered porch swing, watching the storm and loving every minute. Though I have wonderful memories of the rain, I haven't always loved it so much living in Eugene. In a place that rains more often than sun is shone has brought about a brand new perspective on my view of the rain. It can get so heavy and foggy and go on for so many days in a row, that people actually have to take supplemental vitamin D to make up for the loss of what being in the sunshine offers. If you aren't careful and have your days planned out, it can get rather dreary and difficult to keep your spirits up.

This is one of those days. The rain has been coming down since I became aware that it was morning and the house was still dark. My dismal day all started at 1:30 in the morning when I woke to 3 children sandwiching me in bed and my husband having been called in to work late and working till then. By 3:30 and two hours of no success in finding any rest, I got up, did the dishes, caught up on laundry, including ironing, and mending as well...something that isn't common to get to around here. When time for the older children to go to school rolled around, I found myself ready for a nap. That wasn't very successful either. How do you pass the time when you know you have all your younger children out of school for the day, and know that they will demand things and want you to help them with every blessed thing they need throughout the day, while you are left without any energy? I have none. It makes me feel like the worst person in the world.

(Photo found here) 

 So although I do love a good summer desert rain, I could use a LOT more 

SUNSHINE!