Staying Cool!

Hot days need some cool down time for Mckay.


Roger, likes to find cool places too! Biking on top of Alpine loop with some friends.

There is no place cooler or more beautiful to hike then the back country of Zion National Park.

Aren't we the coolest!
Running in the 4th of July 10K with Katy, my friend Jolene, her Mom, and sister(last year). We are the "true beauty queens"! Running and waving at the same time was our talent. Yes, there was a little singing and laughing along the way.
Question? What should we dress up as this year? Race day is coming up and we still have not decided. Help me! Does anyone have any ideas? Remember we have to run 6 miles and it is hot.

We're all in our places.

My Dad use to sing this song to us.

"We are all in our places, with egg on our faces."

That song has been running through my mind all week.

Katy and I have been holding down the fort, while all the others have become tourists.

Sam is home from Hawaii. She is back in school and at work.

She is happy to have her bedroom back for the time being.

Nellie is home from her school tour of Italy, Switzerland, and France.
She is working a lot this summer -because she wants to tour England next year.
Now Katy and I need a vacation!
Okay, Roger and Mckay didn't go on vacation they went to scout camp.
Isn't that the same thing?
I am so happy we are all home for the moment!
Question? Why do teenagers think 11pm is the time to start the nights activities.
Mornings come real early. BIG YAWN!

Complaint Free World!

This is one of my favorite projects. These bracelets are from an organization called,

Complaint Free World!

http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/

The founder is a minister in Missouri - named Will Bowen. Take a look at their story.

I heard about them last November. I ordered the bracelets and slapped one on all of my family. I have been wearing the bracelet ever since. I have become very aware of how much I complain. Try it! You will die at how much you moan and groan about nothing.

The idea is go 21 consecutive days without complaining. Every time you find yourself complaining you switch the bracelet to the other wrist. I have made it a couple of days- then I am right back at square one. Eating my words! I am truly shocked at myself.

I am still trying and I will not give up! I know I have a long way to go, but I am making a little progress every day. Right now I do not complain until after lunch. J/K

I am fond of finding people and organizations like this one to support. Pass the word on. I love that this minister is trying to make the world a little bit better one bracelet at a time. I am going to help by trying harder not to complain. This is a huge challenge! I dare you to try it. Are you ready? Lets do it!

The Truth

I was thinking I needed to post the truth of what an ordinary day is like for me.

Off for a morning jog - emphasis on the word jog.

Mid morning snack.


Barefoot in the garden

Caught napping in the hammock.

Notice the jogging outfit that I never changed from.

Yes, I love my lovely stink after a jog. I love my baseball hat. I love to be barefoot. I love Dr. Pepper. I love to nap. This is me keeping it real.

Ah-ha!

After three days of studying with Syl Carson at White Mountain Yoga I feel I came away saying, "Ah-Ha!"

It was a very peaceful, energizing three days. I feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

We all need to find ways to re-charge once in a while. I really needed this.

I love the scripture that says, " truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come." D&C 93:24
I love history, I love to learn about cultures, and events that have shaped the world. I love to see how one person can change the world. (Like in the book Three cups of tea. by Greg Mortenson. Read it- you will love it!) I am looking forward to the events of Christ's 2nd coming that we've been promised are coming. (Soon I hope!)
With this is mind, I was privileged to learn a little about the Chakra system as taught in the eastern healing systems. I feel I have learned a little more about how our bodies work, and connect the spiritual to the physical. How we hold and manifest our emotions positive and negative. How we can help ourselves grow and heal.
Here is a snippet of what I wrote at the workshop.
Truth sets us free and that is what I am feeling -a freeing in my heart (less judgemental - more love). Free in my mind - not everyone has to follow the exact path that I am on - God will take care of them too. My body feels lighter - I set down some of my worn out burdens - I am not going to require myself to carry them anymore. I am not perfect, nor do I have to be. Life is a path not a test that I need to pass right now. This means to me that I am not on trial today by anybody(including myself.) Christ is right here with me and helping me, teaching me, and showing me the way. Line upon line- precept upon precept, if I am faithful. (D & C 98:12)
I love when you start on a project and you get so excited and wound up - we call that Shakti energy. You also need Shiva energy or a stabilizing energy for that creation to happen in the physical, or it just remains stuck as dream.
I feel I am at the starting to see a few of my creations unfold into the physical.
My kids are starting to step out on there own. There first steps are bigger then I could of imagined. My desire to teach and go to school are starting to take off. I am learning that as I listen to the Spirit and open my heart I see the beauty in all of Gods creations and it is a beautiful sight. - Namaste'

p.s. How does all this relate to Howard DeCyst. That is whole other post.
Just to let you know I believe I can let Howard go now without surgery with the help of some natural healing. Wish me luck.

SUPERSTAH!

This Wednesday I went for my first ever Mammogram, and yes that does make me 40. I had heard friends talk about the wonderful process of getting a mammogram, but the experience was far richer then I expected. So don't laugh, okay I know you are going to laugh. Go ahead - I hope you laugh so hard you pee your pants. I hope that every time you see me you can't help but think of me getting my first mammogram.
The technician got me all posed for the shoot and then told me to tilt my chin up, pull my shoulder back, twist towards her, and stand a little taller and as she is giving me these instructions. I say to my self," here is your chance Jen.

'SUPERSTAH!'"
Right then and there I became a superstar model. I posed beautifully, I tucked, I tilted, and I lifted. I held on to the machine and pulled my shoulder back all the while giving that fabulous poutie face that only real stars know how to give.
Yes, I have had my fleeting moment in the spotlight. Needless to say my outfit was scandalous. (What will the neighbors think?) I did it, can you believe it. I showed more then a little cleavage. You know what I feel so free. What a liberating experience. I do believe it changed my life.
Too bad I only got four shots and they said they did not need me again until next year. I will practice my poses. I will be ready. I will come back stronger then ever. I will make them love me!
So that's my mind doing the mammogram fantasy. Pictures of me hiking are just to distract you as you read this. I am sure you do not want to picture me playing "superstah mammogram."

Impromtu

I did something without a thought today. I went to my normal yoga class this morning and have ended up staying for a work shop. No one knew where I was or what I was doing. I feel like a kid sneaking into Mom's chocolates (which I did as often as I could get away with it.)

This work shop has been scheduled for months. I could of signed up weeks ago, but I was focused on another one at the end of the summer. This workshops is different then others I usually choose to go to - this one is focusing on the chakra's(energy centers in the body) and more of a yin(or softer restorative poses)yoga.

During class all of the sudden I thought I need to go to this workshop. I was trying to figure out all the details of how to make it work, (time, money, etc). Toward the end of class I had logically talked myself out of it and I was going to stick to my original plan. As I sat up from Shavasana, The clearest thought came to me - JUST GO! The teacher walked over to me and said, "Do you have any interest in staying for the workshop, I think you will really like it. I think it will be so good for what you have been going through(meaning - HOWARD DECYST)."

So I stayed - can you believe it- I just stayed.

I am on lunch break right now. I came home to inform my family that I love them, and I have not died in a car crash. Now I am heading back and my head is spinning. I will keep you updated. I need to take a minute and write more about what is going on with Howard that has lead to all of this in the first place.

Ciao!

Summerfest

To kick start the summer we always enjoy a good ole' fashioned summerfest.

This is our town's unique style of celebrating our community and all that stands for.
I always felt sorry for my kids that we never made it to my hometown 24th of July celebration. They needed to experience an old fashion town parade, rodeo and pit barbecue. I have fond nostalgic memories.

This year my daughter, who is out of town, said to me, "I am so sad to be missing this years fest." Our kids have grown up enjoying the summerfest. I had to chuckle. I knew how she felt.

Most years we start the day by some or all of us running the 5k. I have fun and the kids endure. Now days they actually refuse to run (except Katy), but I have pictures to prove we use to make our young kids run the 5k with us. Aren't we the worlds meanest parents.

No wonder they were sad that Mckay's baseball games trumped the 5k this year. I can't figure out why?

Hitting the carnival is always a thrill to the kids. I am now old enough that I enjoy the entertainment tent more then the rides. Katy's group did a fun musical review. Mckay is old enough to go on the rides with his group of buddies. I was thrilled that I did not have to endure the yummy carnival food. Every one was happy.

Saving the parade and fireworks for the end of the day tops the day off. Like putting the cherry on top. We set our blankets out early and ride our bikes over with a picnic dinner. Our traditional spot is surrounded by lots of friends and neighbors. Lately, it seems like one or more of our kids have been in the parade. Small town parades are the best filled with high school marching bands, beauty queens, the flag flying, and firetrucks blaring.

Needless to say, my kids have not missed out on anything, they grew up with the same fond memories, different then mine, but just as sweet to them. Good to know.

Now if anyone has a photo of Aaron riding the calf or Shelton pony in the rodeo, I will pay good money for it.

The Greatest Fathers in the Whole Wide World!

Three Generations of great men.

Roger and his Dad.
My Dad, my sister Holly and I.

I think I need an updated photo - I am twelve in this one. J/K

What a great Fathers Day!

I for one am glad card companies started this holiday. I was able to talk to and spend time with these great men today. I focused on them and did little nice things for them, and that in turn made it so I had a great day. ( I am starting to wonder how many times I can say the word great in this blog.)

Thanks Dads, Roger, and Mckay for being such great men. Thanks for taking care of me and loving me. Thanks for working hard for me, and sharing your laughter, and wisdom with me. I know I have been greatly blessed by a loving Father in Heaven. I am so grateful he has let me share this wonderful life with you. Each of you have brought great joy into my life.

Isn't life great!

P.S. If any of you counted how many times I used the word great(or any variation of the word) in this blog let me know.

The Lesson of the Roses

I counted our rose bushes a couple of nights ago. Fifteen Rose Bushes - Fifteen!

We never set out to have fifteen rose bushes. We started with just one. A pink climbing rose that we wanted to grow on a small arch Rog built. This arch sits between our yard and our neighbors. Then another one was added in the front yard, different color and variety, but equally as beautiful. One by one we added more rose bushes. All beautiful because they are roses, of course.

Our neighbor had a rose garden in his front yard. He sold his home and the new friends and neighbors did not want to keep his rose garden. We inherited several more rose bushes. These are high quality roses in unique shades and varieties. Very beautiful.

I noticed last year a few of our rose bushes had gone wild. When a rose bush almost dies it will send off wild shoots and keep growing. A couple of ways you can tell the difference is by the size of the bloom and the thorns. Wild roses have really wicked thorns. The rose blooms will be smaller, but most of the time more abundant. These roses are very beautiful.

As I was examining the roses this week I noticed some of them have aphids. I need to get busy and see if I can get rid of the aphids. These teeny tiny spiders can eat the whole blossom if you let them. You will see the buds appear, but then they never open - it is the saddest thing.

I am not an expert on roses. I know there is a method and science to growing them. I need to learn a lot more about them. I just water, fertilize them and trim them back in the spring. I am very impressed by what they can do all on their own.

I hope you are seeing the analogy in the roses. I will point out a few I have thought of over the last few days. I am sure there are a lot more.

All kinds of roses are beautiful, each color, each variety.

They are all unique.

A rose garden is beautiful because it has lots of varieties and colors.

Even wild roses are beautiful.

The thorns in wild roses are a lot worse then on a normal rose, but if you can get past that and let the wild rose bloom it adds a unique beauty all their own. I am going to keep mine in my rose garden.

All roses can get aphids, you need to watch for them and get rid of them early so they do not destroy the blossom.

I am glad roses know how to bloom all on their own.

Aren't I lucky -I get to watch them blossom.

Roses bring beauty to our yard and home.

I am so happy we have ended up with so many.

What an unexpected joy.

While you were out!

I swear it is just like the T.V. show - every time I am gone for a few days I come back and this is what happens. I wish I had before shots. Our upstairs family room looked good when I left for girls camp last week, but it looks great now.

I am not exaggerating when I say that every time I leave home for more then one night this happens. I think if I went somewhere for two weeks I would come back to a completely remodeled house. I was counting how many times this has happened over the years and it is has been more then ten times. I have had a completely remodeled kitchen, bathroom(s), family room(s), new carpet, bedroom, and a variety of yard improvements.

I do not know why he needs me out of the way to do projects, and I really am not complaining. Roger has better taste, and ideas then I do, so I let him have free reign. Thanks babe, I love it.

He said he saw this idea at the home show. I banned myself from home shows about fifteen years ago. All it does for me is make me covet. The girls and Rog go every year and they love it.

I was really impressed how a little paint and some creativeness can brighten up a whole room. (No, I am sorry he is not for hire.) He really does have a gift. Aren't I one lucky girl.

She's Alive!

I can't believe she really did it. Wow! She jumped from an airplane and survivied. Not only that she said she loved it and would do it again. What a brave girl. I wonder where she gets her adventuresome spirit from?!
She told me it was on her list of things to do in her lifetime. Check that one off. Crazy kid.
What I love about Samantha is when she says she is going to do something you had better watch out - she will do it. Thank goodness everything she has wanted to do has been a good thing. I am so impressed. I better go and get my list out and get busy. I still have a lot to check off.

FYI: Picture is of Samantha and her friend Mcrae who jumped with her. Picture taken just after they landed.

Yummy Green Smoothies!

I have learned how to make "green smoothies," for breakfast. I will admit my kids do not find them as yummy as I do. I will challenge anyone to try it, you 'll like it. So here is my basic recipe.

1 cup raw spinach

1 apple quartered and cored

(please leave peel on)

1 whole banana fresh or frozen

1 or 2 fresh limes squeezed

1 or 2 T. of Udo's oil or flax seed oil

1 or 2 T. Capra mineral whey

1/2 cup fresh or frozen of any of the following

strawberries

raspberries

peaches

mangos

blueberries
(any fruit you love- you get the idea!

The more fruit you put in the more juice you have)

The first 6 ingredients stay the same every day, but I change what berries I put in every day. So I have a different tasting smoothie everyday.

This is so easy to make and yummy to drink. When you drink your smoothie you are getting above what the FDA recommends for you fruit and veggie quota for the day. The spinach is completely undetectable (and I even like spinach). This smmothie is a great power kick to start your day. Try it- you will feel so good.

What about the blender. I have a blender that is part of my Boshe machine and it does a great job. I know a lot of people that have invested in a vita-mix or a blend-tec. I am sure those blenders are the best you can buy. When I burn up my engine I will invest in one, but for now I am happy with what I have. So try the smoothies out before you buy and when you become addicted like I have - then invest.

Why do I put Udo's oil and whey in my smoothies. Udo's oil is a combination of several oils (flax, sesame, and sunflower). These oils are so good for you and are full of the omega oils that our heart and mind needs. Several years ago I tried to take flax seed oil to be healthy - I lasted for about 2 weeks. The taste is bearable, but the texture of oil is not my favorite. In my smoothie the oil is completely undetectable. Hurray!

The whey is the highest quality whey I could find. Meaning no additives and sugars. This whey is 100% goat milk whey and it is full of protein and calcium, and our bodies absorb this whey easier. Basically protien and calcium helps our bones, joints and muscles function and as we exercise and start to age. We wear them out and tear them up by all the stress and activities we do. Whey helps us recover quicker and stay healthy. Our bodies need calcium and protiens, but we do not get enough in our normal diets. Also undetectable in the smoothie.

So in one little drink we can get all this great nutrition. I am starting my day off right and it is funny, but if I start my day off healthy I seem to crave healthier foods the rest of the day. I dare you to give it a try.

My Yoga Space

Saturday mornings are my favorite. I cannot believe I ever use to crave sleeping in on Saturdays. I didn't even have to set an alarm and I was awake with the sun. I was off to a great yoga class. Then I turned right around and taught my yoga class. Then I ran to Costco and stocked up on all my favorite fruits and vegies - yum. When I walked in the house it's only 10:30 am and I ready for my favorite breakfast- a green smoothie. I feel like I have accomplished amazing things this morning and my kids are just getting up.

I have been so blessed in the past few years to have several friends come into my life who are interested in the same things I am. Introducing Sirpa my yoga mentor/partner/and dear friend. Sirpa has remodeled her bonus room above her garage into this amazing yoga space. I teach here three times a week. I love it. The energy is great and the people I have the privilege to teach are amazing.

I have a funny habit when I teach of saying "Beautiful!" As I teach I watch different people doing different poses and it touches me as deeply beautiful. Yoga is a beautiful practice to watch. My friends who practice with me are amazing. There is something beautiful about a person so into the breath and posture that the body and mind and spirit all shine. I am not talking about some advanced pretzel like posture. (though if you want to learn those you can accomplish that too.) I am talking about a basic sitting posture or tree pose (pictured above). Yoga blesses every ones life and everyone can do it.

The number one reason I love yoga and love to teach it is the feeling it has given me of, "I am a beautiful soul." I do not know how else to describe it. I have grown so much since taking up yoga (about seven years ago -at least). Some of the growing has been beautiful and some of it hard earned. Standing where I am now I would not change a thing. I have loved my unique journey and I am excited for the journey to continue.

The more I open and learn about myself the more I enjoy my life and all the possibilities. As I continue to practice yoga daily, I am really practicing opening my heart, breathing in peace, exhaling out my fears, and surrendering my will to my Heavenly Fathers. It is an amazing practice to add to your life. So come and join us. Everyone is welcome. Come and watch as your life starts to follow the path you dream of and you become the best version of yourself.

-Namaste

(I honor the light in you, and you honor the light in me.)

Hurray for girls Camp!

Katy and I spent a total of 48 hours at girls camp this week, 36 of those hours it poured (poured -not rained). Camping in the rain was alot more fun when I when was a kid.
Is this Bob Marley? No- it is "Totally Katy!"

Rog to the rescue! (and other men)

I know this is a bad picture- sorry!

As you can tell it is raining and cold.

Yes, we came home early.

But what you are not seeing in the pictures is the infestation of little green inch worms hanging from the trees. I was told they come every year for about a week and we hit the right week. GROSS! Of course, the black stink bug beetles all over the ground fight them. We were told not to kill the beetles because they eat the inch worms. Fun times!

Katy named the inch worms(Wallace) and the beetles(Boris). Meanwhile, I started to train the inchworms. I found if I waved my finger in front of them they responded and did all kinds of tricks. Living in a tent in the rain will do this to you. Beware!

The moral to this story is we actually had a pretty fun time. You can survive most anything. This to shall pass- right Mom.

If you are wondering where Nellie was. I have not forgotten her. She is in Europe on a tour with a school class. I will post pictures from her trip when she gets back on the 15th.

I Can Hear The Bells

I am learning how to download videos this is

Katy singing at her spring recital last saturday.

This little girl (by that I mean small in size -

she is the smallest in our family) is a great performer.

Enjoy!

Sacred Grove Fern

This is the story of the Sacred Grove Fern.

Every year in a small corner of my back yard this fern grows. This year it seems especially beautiful.

When Roger was seventeen years old his family traveled in their motor home to pick up his brother serving in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Mission. They visited all of the fun sites along the east coast. I believe they where gone for three weeks. When they visited the Sacred Grove they scooped up a little sample of the fern that grows so abundantly there. They nursed that little seedling all the way home and planted it in the corner of their yard which is now our yard.

That was 28 years ago! Look how beautiful it is. Ferns do not like the heat. So every spring it comes up and by the heat of the summer it dies down. We have transplanted some to Gary and Zona's new yard too. I love this plant! I love being able to look out my kitchen window and see it thriving. I am reminded of where it came from every time I see it. I love that is comes back every spring to remind me that what happened to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove is real. He actually saw our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. That reality is a wonderful blessing in my life.

I often wonder how many others have taken a sample of something from the Sacred Grove. Then I remember we all have - even more beautiful then my fern. We have the Gospel on the earth today and the knowledge that started with an answer to a young boys prayer in a fern growing/grove of trees.