The Ivy Girl Academy Workshop

Last weekend we had a house full ~ with 28 girls and a few volunteer moms (thank you ladies!) in and out all day.  Jessie was amazing with the girls... inspiring them to have confidence through engaging activities - not to mention, she sang for them and told her story about having the confidence to say 'No' to a worldly singing career when she was only 15 years old. 

They dicussed gratitude, self defense, motherhood, true beauty, etiquitte, and what it means to be a lady. The girls loved creating Dream Boards - I loved seeing their individual personalities shine through the pictures and random items they chose to put on their boards. Loved it!

My sweet friend Carey huddled with the girls and talked about service and good works and I had a great time chatting with the girls about nutrition and exercise.

Jessie's Shoes

Escape

Once or twice a year, my wise husband literally kicks me out the door for a few days away to catch up on sleep, do a little reading, and self reflecting. So, over the weekend I slipped away and it wasn't a coincidence when I was handed the keys to my rental car, a spunky silver Ford Escape.  Where did I escape to?  A relaxing and uplifting Mother's Retreat put together by two wonderful women - Saren and April (their website Power of Moms) at the beautiful Red Mountain Spa in St George Utah.  The mountains and weather were gorgeous.

I spent time with amazing women and ate yummy food.  I had a chat with Linda Eyre ~ I will be forever grateful for her example, as her words rescued me during a chaotic year (when I had a newborn and barely 2 year old twin boys) through her books - Teaching Children Joy and A Joyful Mother of Children.  I came home with fresh ideas for family systems and traditions and wonderful memories of inspiring conversations.  Thanks to my sweet husband and mother for keeping up with the kids and the house so I could escape for a few days!