Savannah is growing up!

I can't believe my sweet Savannah is nine years old! We celebrated her birthday last Friday it was a blast!

She is no longer a little girl, it seems like she changed into a amazing young lady over night without my notice. We are so pleased with her spirit and moral character. She amazes me all the time, she is truly one of the chosen generation the brethren talk about. Savannah has a good balance between a tough girl, yet feminine at the same time. This summer was so fun to watch her compete in BMX. Now she is learning to play the piano, and she is doing it in typical Savannah style, with all her might. She also has a great sense of fun, she doesn't take life to seriously (which is great because if you can't laugh at yourself then life is dull and boring, I think I would rather laugh than cry, life is way too short). Love ya all Jess

The Son warms my heart.

Well hello ya'all!

I realized that I haven't posted for quite some time, I am still alive, just super busy. I've taken on more cycling classes, and teaching my girls at home tends to take alot of my time (I wouldn't trade it for the world). I just want to say hello and let you all know that I am thinking about you.

I also feel so grateful for my sweet, sweet family. I get pretty sentimental when the holidays draw near. I have been thinking about Thanksgiving, and all that I am thankful for! I am quite overwhelmed when I think about all of my blessings. I am truly a blessed women. I have amazing kids, and a husband that is my best friend.

My friends all have such amazing qualities that I feel I learn from their example everyday. I have the peace and comfort that comes with living the Gospel and being able to share my load with our Savior Jesus Christ, and hearing the spirits promptings letting me know that "men (women) are that they might have joy"2 Nephi 2:25 . A few days ago I had a bit of a hard day, it left me feeling sad and dark (all of us have these days right) I came home and turned on the hymns, I was instantly comforted, my mind and soul was at peace, what a blessing to draw on the powers of Heaven and gain that sweet warm feeling that only the Savior can give. I want to say thank you all for the people that you are and that I love ya dearly Jess.

I love this Scripture John 16:33

" ... In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have over come

the world."

A Bountiful Day

Ahh, harvest time is so beautiful in it's quiet earthy bountiful way. I love Indian summer, Jay and I are so blessed with great friends, healthy children, and a Heavenly Father that loves us and cares for us. This Friday was a "perfect day" my girls and I spent the day exploring books and nature. Then we rolled up our sleeves and shucked a galvanized tub full of the best tasting sweet corn "thank you, thank you Shawna and Kevin".

Time stood still with the warmth of the day and the warmth and peace that came to my heart. God is real and he is everywhere.

From Auguries of INNOCENCE

To see the World in a Grain of Sand

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand

And Eternity in an hour.

William Blake

Being Content

Well, the girls and I have been into our school year almost a whole month! At first I entered with a bit of trepidation. Homeschooling has been one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. With this being our second year, I was worried that it would be as hard as the first, so now with school started and rolling I am glad to say that it has been a delight, that dosen't mean that Shiloh dosen't throw a fit when it is time to do phonics or that savannah isn't thrilled to read to me for 45 mins, but I can finally see the rewards. Shiloh has begun reading books, and liking it! Savannahs math capablities have increased and I can see some confidence coming from the whole experience. What a wonderful joy to be with my girls ( that dosn't mean I don't drive pass elementary schools tempted to kick their cute little rears out the door, so I can go to the spa and have me time, I'm only human).

I loved sister Marjorie Hinckley, in my mind I sort of adopted her as a grandmother, so today I was reading her words and it remined me of being a mother and finding joy in our children.

"Find joy in your children. Don't overschedule them or yourself. You may not be able to take them on exotic vacations. It dosen't matter. When the day dawns bright and sunny, take an excursion to the canyons or the park. When it's cloudy and wet, read a book together or make somthing good to eat. Give them time to explore and learn about the feel of grass and the wiggliness of worms."

Willam Blake wrote " When the voices of children are heard on the green

And laughing is heard on the hill,

My heart is at rest within my breast

And everything else is still."

I am content.

Ahh, sugar, sugar...

I found this article, by the clean eating master herself. Sugar can be such a weakness during the seasons to come, but really folks, it is a slow killer. When I do eat sugar (and you all know I do, I am an addict), I have huge downs, my immune system is whacked, my body gains unhealthy fat, and I am encouraging future diseases etc...yikes! So read this it helps me avoid the sweet stuff.

Sugar Crackdown!

By Tosca Reno
The sooner North Americans learn to recognize simple sugars as a public enemy in the same way they view germs in the bathroom as vile, the sooner their health will improve and their waistlines will decrease. Ridiculous? Think about it for a moment. We sanitize, scrub, wash, bleach and disinfect the devil out of germs, but we consume, indulge, munch, snack, nibble and scarf sugars without a second thought. What gives?
The reality is many of us don’t recognize poor-quality ingredients in the foods we consume. The average adult’s sugar consumption has increased by more than 30 percent in 20 years. Sugar’s seductive sweetness plays havoc on the body, with hormone-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes reaching unprecedented levels.
Let’s not sugarcoat it
Never before has a population faced the onslaught of obesity-related diseases that we encounter today. Many of these diseases are thought to be brought on by consuming too much sugar. And it’s everywhere! Eating a turkey deli sandwich? There are three grams of sugar per slice of turkey alone. Was that ketchup with your fries? More sugar – it’s like candy, virtually everywhere.
Here are some hard facts for you:
• On average, North Americans drink approximately 355 milliliters or 12 fluid ounces of soda each day – the equivalent to 10 teaspoons of refined sugar. That adds to a weight gain of 12 pounds per year!
• But that’s not all – that was only soda. The average North American consumes 23 teaspoons of sugar each day! Not looking good for the waistline.
Carbs: Do I or don’t I?
Carbs have gotten a bad rap – especially as a result of fad diets. Yet carbohydrates, which break down into sugar in the body, are necessary fuel for strenuous exercise. However, it’s important to recognize the difference between simple and complex carbs: They metabolize at different rates. Simple carbs (white bread and pasta, chips, cookies) spike sugar levels, while complex carbs (whole grains, veggies, most fruit) keep blood sugar levels steady longer. They keep you feeling full longer too. Slow conversion is ideal so you don’t experience that crash or the dreaded 3:00 p.m. slump! As a bonus, you won’t get appetite swings, food cravings will dwindle and your energy will soar.

Mind Over Matter

I read this in Oxygen Mag, I really like this publiction ( I don't like alot of women fitness or health mags because most of the time it is watered down and the only objective is weight loss, but oxygen is a peg or two above the rest, even though its focus is on fitness competion).

“If I want change, I need a challenge.” –Trainer Jonathan Ross, who explains that your body will only respond to a stimulus that is more difficult than what it’s used to.
“I am the architect of my life.” –Health and fitness expert Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, Ph.D., who says that getting in optimum shape will help not only your body, but also your happiness and that of your family.

“Calm and focused.” (Or “peaceful” or “powerful” or “vital.”) –Trainer Gregory Florez, who explains that calming words will help with stretching while powerful words will help with high-energy activities like strength training and aerobic exercise.

“Just one more.” –Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, who ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days and wrote 50/50 (Wellness Central, 2008). After his last marathon, in New York City, he turned around and ran 1300 miles back to St. Louis, Missouri, where he had run his first event, the Lewis & Clark Marathon.

“Posture.” –Helen Foster, author of Cellulite Solutions (Hamlyn, 2007), who reminds readers that poor posture can reduce lymph flow and contribute to cellulite. Focus on lengthening your torso by standing tall and tightening your abdominal muscles.

What do you do to boost your motivation?

Good Question, "I am putting it out there".

Resolutions

Well Fall is here again, this year has flown by super fast! I love fall, and the season change but I dread the decline in good diet and exercise that seems to follow, So this year I have decided to not put off my New Year Resolution. I am going to start a Fall Resolution! Hopefully with new set goals, and a fresh out look, I can avoid holiday diet suicide. So anyone that would like to join me in my protest of gaining the Fall to Christmas 10lbs, and start their own Fall Resolution, I would love to hear about it (you know strength in numbers and all that Jazz). I would also like any tips, recipes (healthy low fat, yet to fit the season recipes)or anything that might be motivating. I am super excited to start, I love healthy eating, fall is the best time to avoid sugars, preservatives etc, because those are the things that tear down your immune system, with colds and influenza on the rise it's nice to know your body will be up for the fight. love ya all Jess

Biking Adventures

I have had a blast this year on the bike! I was able to fit a few centuries in and a ton of climbs, what more could a girl ask for? This last weekend Jay and I went to oruray Colorado, on the way we stopped in Moab ( I love Moab) we decided to ride through arches and their about, the red rock was breath taking! Then we drove to colorado and rode the million dollar highway, 12,000 feet of climbing ( I was loving it) Jay told me the the altidude was so high it was like riding your bike to the summit of timp, the veiws were just amazing, the closest thing we have to compare it to in Utah is snowbird, but on steriods. I didn't notice the thin air until after my ride, then my body freaked and I had a cough for about an hour after. We went into Silverton and clicked our way around town I love showing off my spandex!(not). The little town of sliverton was so cool, and the people were sooo friendly. I recomend a bike vaction there, it was a great time.

Savannah's First Race!

Savannah did great! She did crash, but she got right back up and finished. Savannah did great the rest of the night no crashes. She woke up this morning though with a black eye ( I think she's proud of it though). Shiloh raced with the littler kids and got her 1st trophy! We had a blast, Jays already talking olympic's, I geuss old habit's die hard!

Hotter than Hades!

Last week Jay and I took the girls to St.George, we went there with warm weather in mind, and lots of swimming , and that's what we got 108 degrees to be precise. We had to hit the new In and Out burger (all of the four days we were there, Jays request). Then we went to Sand Hollow, that was a blast, Jason had the girls barry him in the sand (he is such a good dad, that sand was so hot). Then we went to Toucan to see the Sound Of Music, it was very good.

Elvis is still alive!

I saw him with my own eyes at lagoon! I think I saw him working at a few city fairs too as a carnie. It was amazing it took all I had not to keep myself from screaming in hysteria at the shear animal attraction I was feeling for the king.

RAD!

RAD! Savannah has begun her own obsession with bike's (I thought it was bad enough with Jay and I totally consumed by the sport). She just started her adventures in BMX racing, and she is hooked! It was alot of fun buying her all the gear, she such a tough girl. I worry though at age eight, if she is catching air and summiting mountains, what is she going to do when she's eighteen "base jumping"? I included some pics one is after a bad crash it shook her up pretty good. But she keeps wanting to go to Rad canyon to practice, and race.

Pics on the river

Pioneer weekend

Well I haven't posted for a week...seems like forever! We have had an awesome week! I am trying to decide what I want to post 1st. Savannah and dad decided to hike Timp again, but start it at midnight (that's why Shiloh and I stayed home this year...Shilohs dead to the world at about 10p.m. I just didn't think her little body could handle it). Jason wanted to watch the sunrise, they had some great adventures, including running into a moose and sliding down the glacier way to fast! Shiloh and I walked to the Legacy Center (remember it was pioneer day we couldn't drive) and went swimming. Shiloh decided to face her fear and go down the grown up water slide, I thought she was going to chicken out once we got up there, never happened she went down like a champ! When she was done I asked her how it was, and she responded adrenaline driven " It was wicked" then went down the slide like 20 more times! The next day we all went canoeing including Lisa Gale, I love the river, Jay according to character capsized the boat. Boy that man keeps me young...after retrieving the camera out of the water and convincing Lisa that the boat was indeed safe (then I laughed). We are still waiting for our new camera to arrive in the mail, the old one just couldn't take the hard playing.

Legacy Of Faith

With Pioneer Day approaching, my mind is full of thoughts of my ancestors, a few weeks ago I was able to attend a family reunion on the Fenton side there they had made copies of a record written by my great, great aunt Estelle. I was so impressed when I read these records about my Great, Great, Great Grandmother Ann Cook West and her pilgrimage to the "Land of Promise" I have decided to share just a few entries that struck my heart, and has given me a glimpse of what my family had to go through to grow the Kingdom. A little back ground Ann Cook was born in 1824 in Draycott, Derby England and was Baptised 1848 she married my great, great, great, Grandfather Nov,1854 and sailed for America Jan 1855, this entry is about the ship voyage to America, and crossing the plains.

"The ship Charles Buck left Liverpool with 402 saints aboard it. Passengers were required to bring their own food and bedding. The sea was rough and they encountered many storms. Cholera broke out on the ship and a number had to be buried at sea. Food had to be rationed and many were ill. Grandmother ( this is aunt Estelle speaking) told of one woman whose baby died and she carried it with her wrapped in a shawl, for three days to keep the ships officer from knowing that it was dead...she couldn't stand to have it lowered into the sea. The ship moored at New Orleans 1855 at least eight weeks on the ocean under very trying conditions...They crossed the plains with the forth company of immigrants. There were 402 saints with 45 wagons, they had to walk most of the way. When the company arrived at Mormon Grove, Grandmother ( Ann cook West) was exhausted from privation and to much walking. Her baby was born under an umbrella which was held over her to protect her from rain.... she was left in such bad physical condition that she suffered from it the rest of her life. This pioneer company arrived in S.L.C Sept 1855. Grandfather had 50 cents and grandma had two black silk dresses and a bustle, stuffed with white silk gloves. Grandma pulled her dresses apart and sold the silk for trimmings...a yard at a time She also de-busseled the bussel and sold the gloves."

Later in the record Estelle talks about the conditions of living in a dug out, and how the ground was infested with fleas. How amazing the scarifies this woman went through to live and follow the Gospel! In the record it later speaks about how prosperous they became later ,and how generous and hard working both of them were outside and within the Church. I am so extremely grateful for their Legacy of Faith! They were doing what the Lord commaned them to do, what a beautiful example of faith, thank you, thank you, my dearest Great Great Great Grandma Ann!

Butterfly Friends

I really love blogging! It has opened a world of communiction with old friends and new! A dear friend of mine gave me this poem, and I thought of all the beautiful people that have touch my life, I wish I had more time to see everyone but with busy lives, distance, and children it can be hard, so thank heaven for the internet. I just want to say I love you all, I think this poem is wonderful, it expresses how I feel about my dear friends.

"Friendship is like a butterfly fluttering here and there,

Lighting upon your shoulders, sitting in your hair.

Sometimes we only grasp it for a moment or two.

There are the ones that stay and together friendship is new. I wish to thank the butterfly who flew into my heart.

At first it was a stranger but was kind right from the start.

The warmth and love it radiated made me feel at ease.

And I wish to keep it's friendship and hope it never leaves.

So I thank you dear sweet butterfly, as I watch you soar above,

Spreading joy wherever you land and bringing with you love."

Have a Sweet Day!!

July 4th!

Bike race, suntan contest, and cannon ball jumping! What do these have in common, the 4th of July, We had the best time. Jason and Robbie towed both girls on the tagalongs, I road single which was fine by me, specially after watching how painful those hill climbs looked with the added weight! After the ride we went to enter the suntan contest; their was a guy from Africa, I thought there is no way we will win but fortunately the contest was based on how light you were to how dark you became. Robbie won 1st place and Shiloh won 1st place in the child's category, they both won beach blankets and a beach bag. It made Shilohs day even though she was kinda confused about why she won ( suntans just aren't important when you a kid). We decided to break from tradition and have mex instead of steaks and hamburgars, it was great. I could write alot more but I will be honest we played so much that I am exhausted! Happy 4th!

Giddy up "Cow girl"

We had so much fun over at the Leakes the other night! We ended up riding skiddles and Rusty, the girls had a blast (so did I as well). I woke up this morning with a sore rear ( I thought I had a pretty tough behind from cycling, I tip my hat at all the cowboys). There was a berry bush near by that we would eat off of, what a life! Thank you Shaunna and Kevin you guys are the greatest! We are so blessed to have such great friends.

Small town Huge Parade!

This week has been a blast! Our ward made a float for Lehi Round up and the Girls were all able to participate. Shiloh got to sit on the float in a rocking chair and pretend to sew the American flag as Betsy Ross, she was sooo excited, by the end of the parade she was super hot and sweaty, and her arms got a bit sore from waving, but all in all she had a terrific time. Savannah, was chosen to hold the banner she did a great job the banner got heavy after the first 15 mins of walking, but if you know Savannah she was a trooper. Lisa had the time of her life! Somebody gave her a water bottle and Jason(of course) talked her into squirting people (in the face). Lisa has always had an obsession with the police...from all the years watching reruns of COPS. So to make a long story short she nailed them the most! What can you do right, she's handicap! I was laughing so hard. I have to mention Jojo my buddy, she was in charge of her ward float, talk about over achiever, check out the pics and you will know why. Jordon you rock!

I love Lehi, I remember telling someone a long time ago that I would like to live in a small town. Lehi is growing at a rapid pace, but it has maintained that small town feel.