Shiloh has been in her ballet class since November...her class announced today that they will be performing with a professional ballet company(Cinderella)she is so excited about it! She will be a "court lady", if you know Shiloh she loves being a ballet dancer, in class she takes it so serious...it's so dang cute! I am such a proud mommy of both my girls!

I am back

Great to be back...I have neglected my blog far too long! I will be giving my blog the much needed attention it deserves! Great to read all about what you guys are up too!

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.