Read Aloud Challenge

Since I posted my Read Aloud Challenge post late last week, it really hasn't been very long, so we haven't accomplished too much.

I read this book during school time yesterday.  Young Teddy Roosevelt by Cheryl Harness is an excellent book about the life of Teddy Roosevelt from birth until he became president.  We really enjoyed it.

We finally finished reading the The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum. I can say that I really enjoyed the book.  I didn't know if I would because the movie always terrified me.

We are almost finished reading 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve with Science.  This is a great book.  I'll be posting a review of it very soon.

That's all so far this week but I am planning to start reading Dear America: Survival in the Storm The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards and finish reading America's First World War: General Pershing and the Yanks by Henry Castor that I started a few weeks ago but dropped for other things.

Want some reading inspiration? Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge to see what others are reading. (will update this week's when it goes up)

Goal Planning "Monday"

Once again it has been 2 weeks since I posted for Goal Planning Monday by Mama Manuscripts.   I meant to...I just never did.  Here's what I accomplished in the last 2 weeks.

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group. (Yes!)

2. Write in my Journible. (Yes, but not every day.)

3. Make sink skirt for church nursery. (UGH...not yet)

4. Finish and post Progeny Press review. (Done!)

5. Finish and post Math Rider review. (Yes!)

6. Work on other reviews. (Yes!)

7. Do more cleaning in the closet. (Hardly any)

8. Catch up on ironing. (Yes and I didn't even have to do it myself.)

9. Go through the kids shoes, coats and clothes-bring out spring/summer clothes. (Yes, what a HUGE accomplishment!)

10. Start running again. (Yes!)


This week I want to:


1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group.

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Make sink skirt for church nursery.

4. Finish and post Home School in the Woods review

5. Write Science Naturally Review.

6. Other blogging

7. Read to the kids.

8. Order HP tests for Emma and Ryan.

Menu Plan Monday

Nothing too fancy this week.  Plain meals, but it's still helpful to have it all written down at the beginning of the week! I have recently lost 100 lbs and am still working on losing more.  I eat using a combination of Trim Healthy Mama and Weight Watchers.

Monday: Grilled Chicken, Baked Potato (kids), Acorn Squash (me), Green Beans

Tuesday: Tilapia, Broccoli and Homemade Sourdough Bread

Wednesday: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread (kids)-Spaghetti Squash for me

Thursday: Kid Friendly meal (Date night)

Friday: Chicken in Crockpot, Veggies, Noodles or Rice for the kids

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Leftovers/Sandwiches


Breakfast: Trim Healthy Pancakes, French Toast Wonder Wraps, Greek 0% Yogurt with Protein Powder and Berries, Omega 3 Egg with 3 Whites and Vegetables, Cookie Bowl Oatmeal

Lunch: Salad with Salmon or Chicken, WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, Tuna Sandwich on Muffin in a Bowl bread or in Joseph's lavash

Snacks: Fat Stripping Frappa, Muffin in a Bowl, Kale Chips, Tummy Tucking Ice Cream, Strawberry Shortcake with sweetened oat fiber bread, Skinny Chocolate

Link up your own menu plan at orgjunkie.com. (Or just find great ideas from other bloggers that share their menus.) This week is found here.

The Long Awaited Announcement

As of today I have lost just over 100 lbs!  This has been a long process and it is so exciting to hit such a big milestone.

Two and a half years ago I started this weight loss journey when I was inspired by my good friend Amanda to start losing weight.  I have written two previous posts about this and I don't want to re-hash it all here so you can read:

How I Lost 50 Pounds and Obese No More: How I Lost 85 Lbs

I wrote the latter post in October of 2012.  I continued to lose a few pounds more until the end of the year.  When 2013 rolled around, I stalled.  I had no new weight loss.  I was tired of paying Weight Watchers especially when I wasn't losing.  Around this time, I kept hearing about Trim Healthy Mama.  I decided to buy the book and leave Weight Watchers.

Though some people think there is a pretty large learning curve with Trim Healthy Mama, I really didn't.  I jumped right in...however, still had no new weight loss.  I even gained a couple of pounds.  It was so frustrating to me to just be stuck.  After about 8 weeks, I finally decided that I would still follow the THM plan, but also count WW points (which is not part of the plan) and the scale began to move.  I post a weekly summary of what I've eaten, how many points, workouts etc on Thursday nights so you can search this blog if you are interested in seeing exactly what I am doing.

I am pleased that I am finally losing weight again.  Since starting Trim Healthy Mama, I am eating a very healthy diet free from artificial sweeteners and free from processed food!

So here is a before and now picture....it's very difficult to post a before picture.

  I hate even looking at it.  It is worth it though if it inspires anyone to lose weight.  Morbid obesity is a horrible place to be...and I know I felt stuck there for many years.  If I can do this...anyone can!

Stick with it Saturday

This has been a pretty good week.  I am running again which I love.  I have also been working on healing my diastatis recti and some pelvic floor issues I have with an online video and the app mentioned below.  I also visited a URO-GYN physical therapist yesterday and I have some exercises to do every day for that.  I am concerned that I might not be able to continue running which makes me sad because I really enjoy it.  My shoulder is starting to hurt again just from the running I have done this week.  Not sure what I will end up doing if I can't run.


Sunday-
 Week 2 Day 1 of 5K app

Monday-none

Tuesday- Week 2 Day 1 of my 5K app (did this again accidentally).  I will probably skip day 2 and go on to Day 3. Also Totally Transverse and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well (app)

Wednesday-
Totally Transverse and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well (app)

Thursday-
Jeff Galloway 5K app-Week 2 Day 3 and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well (app)

Friday-
Totally Transverse and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well.

Saturday-
Nothing today....I was at a youth conference at church all day.  I'm exhausted.


My goals this week are to continue with my healthy eating plan combining Trim Healthy Mama with Weight Watchers and exercise as much as I am able.

Link up your own diet/exercise post over at Sam's Noggin. 

Read Aloud Challenge

I usually post this on Tuesday or Wednesday.  I am not sure where this week went! I have such a hard time getting into the swing of things after a week of vacation. This week we did some reading but not what as much as I would have liked.



This past week we continued on with our study of 20th Century America reading the The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum.

Today, I started reading The Story of George Washington Carver by Eva Moore.  I don't think I'll finish it as a read aloud though.  I am planning to move on to something else and Emma will read the rest of it on her own.

We are also reading 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve with Science for a review.  Emma absolutely LOVES this book.  (Review will be coming soon.)

Want some reading inspiration? Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge to see what others are reading.

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 10

This is my 10th week of Trim Healthy Mama.  I am starting this week with high hopes of losing enough to cross a huge milestone. For those who haven't read my blog before.  I combine the THM eating plan with Weight Watchers points.  This helps me with portion control and now the scale is moving again.  It is very exciting after having plateaued for about 4 months.

Friday
Workout-Jeff Galloway 5K app-Week One Day 3

I started this morning .4 lbs above a "big" goal which I am hoping to announce soon.  I decided to eat a  pretty heavy point day. My husband and I usually go out to eat once a week.  He was on vacation this week so we went out twice.  Tonight was one of those times and I had a planned crossover that is not "on plan". I have eaten this meal almost every week for the past 2.5 years while losing weight.  I enjoy it so I'm not stopping now.  (I did go without it for the first 8 weeks of THM.)


Breakfast-(FP) Greek 0% Yogurt with Protein Powder and strawberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus), Homemade Vegetable Soup (0 Points Plus)
Supper-(S)Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
(Crossover) Slice of Pizza and Caeasar Salad (dressing on the side)(12 Points Plus)
Snack-(E) Peaches and Blackberries over Sweetened Oat Fiber Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 30 Points (4 from Weekly Points)

Saturday
Workout: Totally Transverse

The scale was up this morning which was what I fully expected.  I am OK with fluctuation.

Breakfast-(FP) Muffin in a Bowl with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup.  (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(FP) Zoodles and 3 oz grilled chicken (3 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Cottage Berry Whip (2 Points Plus)
Supper-(FP) Veggie Soup with 3 oz Chicken (3 Points Plus), Yogurt with Protein Powder and Berries (5 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP) Tummy Tucking Ice Cream (Not exactly sure how many points...I'm going with 2 or 3 for how I made it and how much I ate) 2 pieces Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus) and Strawberries over Oat Fiber Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

I am under on points today but that was because I didn't eat enough during the day.  I was busy and ate sort of filling low points meals all day.  I don't want to eat any more tonight as it is late and what I ate was a fair amount of food for an evening snack.I was going to make this a complete FP day but at the end of the day I had so many points left I figured I should eat some Skinny Chocolate. :)

Total Points: 22 Points (This is 4 less than I should have had at a minimum....and a total coincidence that I ate 4 extra yesterday.)

Sunday-
Workout: Week 2 Day 1 of 5K app

Breakfast-(FP) 1 cup Greek 0% yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, strawberries and blackberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Vegetable Soup with Laughing Cow Cheese (1 Point Plus), 3 oz Chicken (3 Point Plus)
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Supper-(E) Broiled Salmon, Sweet Potato, 1 tsp. coconut oil, cut up cukes, pepper and tomato (7 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 21 Points

(I really didn't under eat today....I think it's harder to eat all of my WW Points when I am not eating a lot of fat.)  Tomorrow will have to be an S day.  This is the end of my WW week.  I start with a fresh week on Monday morning (as far as using my weekly points).

Monday-

After 2 days of eating very little fat I was so cold last night I could hardly sleep.  Today I am upping my fats!

Breakfast-(S)1 egg, 2 whites, 1 tsp. VCO, 1 tsp EVOO, summer squash/zucchini (6 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Broiled Salmon, Large Tossed Salad, 1 T EVOO, red wine vinegar (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
Supper- (S) Grilled Chicken, Broccoli and Cauli-Rice with 2 tsp grass fed butter (6 Points Plus)
Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)
Snack-(E) Cottage Berry Whip made with frozen peaches (2 Points Plus)  YUM!

Total Points: 28   Weekly Points Remaining: 47

Tuesday-
Workout- Week 2 Day 1 of my 5K app (did this again accidentally).  I will probably skip day 2 and go on to Day 3

Also Totally Transverse and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well (app)


Breakfast- (FP) Greek Pudding with blueberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus), Veggie Soup, Laughing Cow Cheese and Chicken (3 Points Plus), Oat Fiber Bread with Laughing Cow Cheese (2 Points)
Supper-(Crossover) Pizza and Salad (unexpected dinner out )(12 Points)

Total Points: 30  Weekly Points Remaining: 43

I really wanted a bigger lunch than normal today and planned to have a lighter supper.  My husband and I went to visit a friend in the hospital and ended up being out.  I probably could have just had the salad but I do eat at this restaurant once a week it's just earlier in the week than usual.  If I had known earlier in the day that I was going out I would have made different choices.  But, it's all good since I have weekly points to use anyway.

Wednesday-
Totally Transverse and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well (app)


Breakfast-(FP) Greek Pudding with berries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Tuna wrap with Laughing Cow cheese, lettuce and arugula, 1 cut up cucumber (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
Supper- (FP) Veggie Soup with Salmon and Laughing Cow Cheese (3 Points Plus), and Cottage Berry Whip (blueberry) 2 Points Plus
Snack-(FP) Tummy Tucking Ice Cream (2 Points Plus), Joseph's crackers and Laughing Cow Cheese (2 Points Plus)

Total Points: 26  Weekly Points Remaining: 43

Thursday-
Jeff Galloway 5K app-Week 2 Day 3 and the exercise/stretches in Aligned and Well (app)

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus), Veggie Soup with 3 oz chicken (3 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) Zoodles, 1 T. Parmesan Cheese, 3 oz Chicken, Oat Fiber Bread, 1 T. grass fed butter (8 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Coffee Flavored Tummy Tucking Ice Cream (2 Points Plus), Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 26  Weekly Points Remaining: 43

Overall, this was a good week.  No new weight loss but I am used to losing and then leveling off before a new loss.  I hope next week I will have some new loss. (My WW week doesn't end until Sunday.  I should figure out a way to make it so this post and my WW week coincide.)

Math Rider Review

Last year we had the opportunity to try Math Rider and once again we have had the opportunity to review it.  This is a math facts software program that is as effective as it is fun to play. Math Rider is recommended for ages 6-12 but really could be used by anyone (even older children) working on their math facts.  I even like playing it myself.  Facts from 1-12 are covered in this game. Up to 8 riders (users) can play....which is perfect for large families like mine.

Students (or parents) can choose which of the 4 operations to practice (or practice them mixed) and  can set which numbers are being used as well.  There are two "race modes" .  One is timed, where the other allows the student as much time as they need.

The following screen shot shows one of the courses.  The blue box in the lower right corner is where the problem appears it then starts moving across the screen toward the white box.  If the student enters the wrong answer or no answer the problem and answer will come up on the screen and there is audio as well.  I like the audio/visual reinforcement.

At the end of each ride there is a bar graph that you can mouse over.  It will tell how long it took you to answer each fact and it you are going slower than your last ride it will tell you that as well.

Statistics are available that shows which facts have been mastered and also gives a list of facts that the student is struggling with.  You can also see their progress at a quick glance on the bottom right.

Part of the fun factor of Math Rider is the quests. In Quest mode, students follow a story (finding medicine for your sick mother, save a princess etc) and work their way through The Mathlands.  They can see this map to see how they are progressing. As students complete quests they earn "rewards". There is a magical element to this program It wasn't a problem for us, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Watch this video for a good overview:

My elementary students have been using this daily as a part of their math learning.

Overall, Math Rider is a fun way for your child to learn their math facts while you easily monitor their progress.   I highly recommend it. You can also try it free for 7 days.

Purchase Math Rider for $47. The $47 purchase is for a lifetime license with free updates.  System requirements can be found here.

See what others are saying about Math Rider on the The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.

Stick with it Saturday

I don't think I've written one of these in a few weeks.  I haven't been doing a whole lot of exercise to be honest. This week I decided to start running again.  Loved it!  I am using my Jeff Galloway 5K app which I also love.  I only ran twice.  I accidentally skipped Day 1 so I ran twice, but finished week 1. (Each week has 3 days of running, 2 short and 1 long.) I am hoping to stay injury free.  I really love to run.

I have also finally started losing weight.   I dropped just over 5 lbs in the last week and a half.  I was up a bit today but I always fluctuate some and even being up today I am down over 4 from where I was 2 weeks ago.  After not losing since the first of the year...I'll take it!

You can read more about my new approach of combining Trim Healthy Mama and Weight Watchers here and here.


Goals for the upcoming week: Eat the Trim Healthy Mama Way using WW points, complete week 2 of my 5 K app and do this video daily.  I have an enormous diastasis recti that I would really like to see get smaller. I'm not sure there is any hope for completely closing it. (My Dr. said no, but doctors don't know everything.  However, I have had it for many years so he could be right.)  Don't know what diastasis recti is?  You can watch this video to see if you have one.

Link up your own diet/exercise post over at Sam's Noggin. 

(will update this link later if Sam posts one today)

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 9

This is my 9th week of Trim Healthy Mama.  I am really excited about the possibilities for this week.  If you read my post last week you know that I have started combining THM with what I learned in Weight Watchers.  Can't wait to see how it goes!

Friday


Breakfast- (FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps, 1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt and fresh strawberries (1 Point Plus) and a Rootbeer Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) 1 cup Vegetable soup, FP Muffin in a Bowl Bread grilled with 1 T. grass fed butter and Kale chips made with 1 T. EVCO (7 Points Plus)
Snack- 1/2 cup Greek 0% Yogurt and 1 T. PB2 (3 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) Tossed Salad, 1 T EVOO, balsamic and salmon (5 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP)Strawberry Shortcake, Leftover Chicken (5 Points Plus)

Saturday

Breakfast- (S) Egg, 3 Egg Whites, 1 tsp. EVCO, mushrooms and zucchini (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tuna, 1 T. lite mayo, lettuce, tomato on Joseph's lavash (5 Points Plus)
Supper-(S)Muffin in a Bowl Bread with 1 T. grass fed butter and Veggie Soup (4 Points Plus)
Yogurt with Protein Powder and berries (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(S)Skinny Chocolate (8 yes 8 Points Plus)
Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

I went to a wedding today and basically ate a few berries and tomatoes to hold me over until I got home.  They served appetizers/sandwiches and there really wasn't anything that  I wanted that I felt like I could stay on plan with.  I probably should have packed a snack.  I didn't think we'd be there that long so I didn't.

I am definitely trying to make sure that I eat lots of healthy fat and protein.  I did use a couple of my 49 weekly points today and that is what they are there for.  My week ends tomorrow so I probably didn't use enough of them and should plan to use more for good oils this coming week. I am finding that it is fairly easy to use points for EV coconut oil (EVCO) and EVOO.  When I was previously on WW I saved a lot of my points for microwave popcorn, fiber bars and even ice cream.  Now, I am trying to make much healthier choices and feel much more satisfied.

Sunday-

Breakfast-(FP) 1 cup 0% Greek yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder and berries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad, salmon, 1 T. EVOO, 1 T. balsamic vinegar (5 Points Plus) and Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus)
Supper-(E) Vegetable Soup, 2 oz homemade sourdough bread, string cheese (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)
Joseph's Crackers with Light Laughing Cow Cheese (4 Points Plus)

Monday-

So, so excited today!  The scale moved for my first new weight loss of 2013.  When I started THM I gained a couple of pounds and just stayed there.  At my weigh in this morning I was down 3.8 lbs from where I was last Monday!

Breakfast-(FP) 1 Cup 0% Greek Yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup strawberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad, salmon, 1 T. EVOO, 1 T. balsamic vinegar (5 Points Plus)
Snack- Rootbeer Ice (0 Points plus)
Supper-(S) 6 oz BBQ Chicken with homemade BBQ sauce, Green Beans, 1 tsp. butter (7 Points Plus) and Skinny Chocolate (8 Points)
Snack-(FP)Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point)


Tuesday-
 The scale was down yet again today.  I know this can't continue but I am enjoying it while it lasts!  I am getting so close to the 100 lbs lost mark!  I can't wait.


Breakfast-(FP) 1 Cup 0% Greek Yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup strawberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Broiled Salmon, Sweet Potato, 1 tsp EVCO, cucumber and tomato (6 Points Plus) Cottage Berry Whip (2 Point Plus)
Supper-(Crossover) Slice of Pizza and Caesar Salad (dressing on side, fork dipped) (12 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Today we took our kids to a living historical museum.  It is an 1800s seaport.  Anyway, I was so exhausted I just knew I needed an E meal (Ha I typed e-mail the first time.)  So, I decided on a sweet potato....so, so yummy. I definitely felt better after that.

Wednesday-

I was up a little today on the scale but wasn't surprised or upset by it.  I feel confident that it will go down again.  Today I went out for a run/walk with my Jeff Galloway 5K app.  It was a perfect day for it and felt SOOOO good to get out and run again.


Breakfast-(S) Egg, 3 Egg Whites, 1 tsp. EVCO, zucchini (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, String Cheese (1 Points Plus)
Lunch- (S) Tuna, peppers and 1 T. light mayo with a Joseph's Lavash (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus)
Supper-(FP) Zucchini Noodles with 2 T. parmesan cheese and 1 T. grass fed butter (4 Point Plus), (FP) 1 Cup 0% Greek Yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup strawberries (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Today I went to a funeral.  I packed some cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, and a string cheese.  So glad I did.  I ate it in the car in between the graveside service and the reception...there wasn't ONE thing there that I could have eaten.  Sausage and potatoes, pizza, meatballs, potato salad, macaroni salad and ...nary a vegetable to be found!  I ate when I got home.

I also decided to  use a few of my weekly points to get some nice EVCO and butter in my diet.  Hopefully it will pay off.  

I am noticing that I really don't crave junk food lately.  I was always a cookie/candy girl.  I do like my skinny chocolate but really that is health food.  I am much more satisfied eating this way.  I'm also not afraid to use more of my points earlier in the day.  Prior to THM, I always saved a lot of points for my evening snack.  

Thursday-

Breakfast-(S) Oat Fiber Bread French Toast made with 1 egg and 2 whites, 1 tsp butter, a ladle of Gwen's berry syrup and some stevia sweetened maple syrup  (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad, salmon, 1 T. EVOO, 1 T. balsamic vinegar (5 Points Plus), 1 cup yogurt with berries (3 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) 4 oz grilled chicken, cauli rice with 1 tsp. grass fed butter (5 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus)
Snack-Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus), Kale Chips with EVCO (3 Points Plus)

What a great week!  Couldn't be happier....OK I would be happier if I reached that 100 lb milestone but it will come.  It was also great to start running this week again too.  I lost somewhere around 5 lbs in the last week and a half....after almost 4 months of no loss at all.  

Read Aloud Challenge

This past week we continued on with our study of 20th Century America.  We read The Story of Admiral Peary at the North Pole by Zachary Kent and The Titanic by Deborah Kent.

We are also reading 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve with Science for a review.  We are loving this as well.

We have also been reading the The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum this week.  Even though I do not like the movie of this so far the book is pretty good.  The kids are enjoying it too.

This is a vacation week for us but we are still managing to get some reading in.  Yay!

Want some reading inspiration? Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge to see what others are reading.

Progeny Press-The Hobbit-Review

This is the second time Progeny Press has supplied me with a study guide to review.  This year we got The Hobbit.  Katie, my 10th grader, has been working on this.  She is a lover of all things Lord of the Rings so this was a perfect study for her.

While you can order the study guide in a printed format or on CD we received the instant download version which is what I will be referring to.

The Hobbit study guide is a 62 page interactive pdf.  It also comes with an 8 page answer key, also on pdf. Each study guide can be counted for a 1/4 credit for a high school student. Students are able to type in answers or click for multiple choice questions.

Katie does her study each day on her computer and at the end of the week she e-mails it to me for correcting.  I love that we can do that electronically AND that we have the option to print the study and do it that way as well if we want to.  I find it easier to correct and go over with her by printing it so that is what I've done.

The suggested pace of this study is 1 section per week, but Katie has been completing more than this (because she wanted to).  It should take a typical student about 8-10 weeks to complete any of the high school studies. This seems like a good pace to me.

The guide begins with a how to use section for the teacher/parent, a synopsis of the story, a page about the author and pre-reading ideas including some map work, nature study and a music project.

Next is the actual study guide which covers a lot of vocabulary along with parts of speech and literary topics such as characterization, metaphors, epithets, similes, setting, synonyms, antonyms, parallelism, irony and more. Next you will find Questions about the Story, a Thinking About It section where various topics are explored and finally the last section in each chapter is called Digging Deeper; This section covers biblical principles relating the story to real life.

Here is a screen shot clip of a vocab/parts of speech question:

Not all of the vocabulary in the study is multiple choice. This is just one example.

And a clip of one of the Dig Deeper questions:

One of the really neat things about a pdf study guide is that I can make comments on Katie's work and e-mail it back to her.  It really makes doing this completely on the computer not only possible but kind of fun too.  (Of course I am not doing it this way, but I like that I could.)

Here is a screen shot of a sample comment:

You will also find projects and writing projects to be completed at the end of the study (and some within the study as well) and a list of additional resources (books and videos) that could be used.  An 8-page answer key also comes with the study.  I like how they condense the answer key down to just a few pages so I don't have to use a lot of ink and paper printing it (I could just use it on the screen, but again, I prefer to have it on paper in front of me.)

I like how so many different things are combined into one study.  Literary analysis, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and Biblical instruction all rolled into one convenient, affordable download.  I also like the variety of multiple choice, fill in the blanks AND lots of questions that require thought and writing out (or typing as the case may be) the answers.

I also love that we will be able to use these for years to come with other children, making Progeny Press study guides perfect for large families like mine.  As mentioned in my previous review of 2 other Progeny Press Study Guides, we plan to use more of these in the future.

 The Hobbit Study Guide is available in 3 formats:

$21.99 Printed Booklet
$18.99 CD
$18.99 Instant Download

Progeny Press has study guides for many titles for all ages. Each guide concentrates on critical thinking, comprehension, literary analysis, and Christian application.  Visit the FAQ page if you have questions (or feel free to ask in the comments and I'll answer if I can!) You read more about Progeny Press, its founders and their mission and faith statements as well.

Read what others are saying about Progeny Press on the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog. I am looking forward to reading the reviews of the other titles crew members are doing.

Menu Plan Monday

This is my second full week of combining Weight Watchers Points with the Trim Healthy Mama program.  The first week of combining went great!

Monday: Crockpot chicken, Broccoli and Acorn Squash

Tuesday: Tilapia, Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes (maybe a sweet potato for me)

Wednesday: Spaghetti and Bread (kids)-Spaghetti Squash for me

Thursday: Hamburgers and Chips (family) Grilled Portobello Mushroom for me

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Grilled Chicken and vegetables

Sunday: Leftovers/Sandwiches


Breakfast: Trim Healthy Pancakes, French Toast Wonder Wraps, Greek 0% Yogurt with Protein Powder and Berries, Omega 3 Egg with 3 Whites and Vegetables, Oat Fiber Bread French Toast with Berries

Lunch: Salad with Salmon or Eggs, WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, Tuna Sandwich on Muffin in a Bowl bread or in Joseph's lavash

Snacks: Fat Stripping Frappa, Muffin in a Bowl, Kale Chips, Apple with 1 tsp. peanut butter or PB2, Strawberry Shortcake with sweetened oat fiber bread.

Link up your own menu plan at orgjunkie.com.  (Or just find great ideas from other bloggers that share their menus.) This week is found here.

Goal Planning Monday

Here is this week's Goal Planning Monday  post at Mama Manuscripts. I got more done than I actually expected to last week since it was such a busy week.

Last week:

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group. (Pretty much.  I have one new one that still isn't 100%, but almost.)

2. Write in my Journible. (I did this, but not every day.)

3. Do Erin's taxes. (Yes!)

4. Do Rachel's taxes. (Yes!)

5. Shorten church nursery curtains. (No, but I don't have to...plans were changed and different curtains were purchased.)

6. Make sink skirt for church nursery. (No, hoping to get to this this week.)

7. Exercise 4 times this week. (No, I did exercise some but not 4 times.  My back has been bothering me.)

8. Write a Homeschool Mother's Journal post this week. (Ugh...no)

9. Work on TOS reviews. (Not really)

10. Do some closet cleaning! (Yes, I did start this!)

This week:

My husband is on vacation this week.  This makes life different.  Hoping to get a lot done but he also likes to go places so I'm not sure how much I will get done.

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group.

2. Write in my Journible. (Yes, but not every day.)

3. Make sink skirt for church nursery.

4. Finish and post Progeny Press review. (Done!)

5. Finish and post Math Rider review.

6. Work on other reviews.

7. Do more cleaning in the closet.

8. Catch up on ironing. (Yes and I didn't even have to do it myself.)

9. Go through the kids shoes, coats and clothes-bring out spring/summer clothes. (Yes, what a HUGE accomplishment!)

10. Start running again. (Yes!)

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 8

This is my 8th week of Trim Healthy Mama. As you will see if you read this post, I have made some decisions regarding following this plan.

Friday
No workout


Breakfast-(FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps
Lunch- (FP) Savory Muffin in a Bowl with Laughing Cow Cheese and a Bowl of Vegetable Soup
Supper-(S) Salmon over a huge tossed salad
Snack-(FP) Muffin in a Bowl with peanut flour flavored yogurt

This felt like a "good" food day.  I wasn't snacking or eating more than I should.  I felt like it was all pretty healthy too.  I do find that even though I don't eat sugar most of the time I am still eating sweet things.  Today had less of that I think.

Saturday-
No workout

Breakfast- (E) Sprouted French Toast with a small side dish of Greek 0% yogurt and blueberries
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (about 3/4 of it)
Lunch-(S) Chicken Caesar Salad
Supper- (S) Bacon Cheeseburger (no roll) and Tossed Salad with Bleu Cheese dressing
Snack- (FP) a little pudding

This was not what I intended for today, but ended up being out for both lunch and supper.  Supper was at Panera Bread.  I ordered from the Low Carb menu.  I chose a tossed salad as my side and it came with croutons??  I didn't eat them, but I thought that was weird...and the burger came with sweet pickles which I didn't know until I had one in my mouth...so I gave the others to my husband.

Sunday-
No workout

Breakfast-(FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps with Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Lunch- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl (savory) with Light Laughing Cow Cheese and Vegetable Soup with some Choco-orange pudding for dessert
Snack-(FP) Greek pudding (yogurt with peanut flour, cocoa and whey protein)
Supper-(FP) Tossed Salad with homemade fat free ranch and Salmon
Snack-(FP) Nighty Night Custard with Berry syrup

This was a pretty low calorie day but I wasn't overly hungry.  I didn't like the salad dressing that I made at all which was a bummer since it was a big salad and I wasn't about to waste it.

After 7 1/2 weeks on THM I am finding that it just is not working for me.  I am seriously considering going back to counting WW points and/or calories.  I'll see how I feel in the morning about this....  It's not that I don't love THM. I do, but I am not losing weight and I just need to see some results.  I haven't lost any weight in 2013 at all.  I am going crazy!

Monday-

When I woke up this morning I was still in a quandary about what I wanted to do. I literally stood in the kitchen unable to decide what to eat.  I finally decided that I would start counting WW points while still eating the THM way to see what happens.  I have to figure out a way to eat healthy and get the scale moving back down!

Breakfast- (S) 1 whole egg with 3 whites, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and 1 tsp. nutritional yeast with a side of zucchini sauteed in 1/2 tsp. coconut oil  (4 Points Plus)
Lunch- (S) Large tossed salad with 1 T. light mayo, 2 T. balsamic vinegar, 2 T. parmesan cheese and salmon  (4 Points Plus)
Supper- (FP) Vegetable Soup and Greek "Pudding" (Greek 0% yogurt and whey protein powder) with 4 fresh strawberries (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Kale Chips (2 Points Plus) and a Cake in a Mug (6 Points Plus)

I still have 5 points left to eat but I feel like that would be too much food for tonight.  Tomorrow I will try to eat more at each meal.  I would have had a snack this afternoon, but I had a dr. appointment and ended up taking my daughter to work and did some quick grocery shopping while I was out (so I wasn't home for that.

As of now (only the first day) I am feeling very good about my decision to combine what I've learned from THM with Weight Watchers.  

I am hoping to get back to running or at least exercising tomorrow.  I went to my chiropractor today and my back should be in better shape now.  It had been bothering me quite a bit.

Weight Watchers recommends 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 tsp. healthy oils (they allow canola-ick and olive oil- I am allowing coconut and EVOO), 6 glasses of liquid, and 2 servings of non-fat or low fat dairy. They also recommend taking a multi-vitamin. I have met all of the healthy guidelines for today.  I think I might come up with my own list.

Tuesday-
workout- sprint intervals and walking

Breakfast-(S)  1 whole egg with 3 whites, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and 1 tsp. nutritional yeast with a side of zucchini and mushrooms sauteed in 1/2 tsp. coconut oil and some diced tomato (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Sweet Potato with 1 tsp. EVCO, Salmon, cukes, tomato and peppers, apple with pb2 (technically not a THM food but I have a lot of it) (6 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Supper- Large Tossed Salad with 2 tsp. EVOO, balsamic vinegar, string cheese and 4 oz chicken (7 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Muffin in a Mug, 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's Berry syrup (4 Points Plus) since I had 2 points left and a new shipment of oat fiber I decided to make a plain muffin in a mug with all oat fiber and had it with 3 strawberries, a swirl of stevia sweetened maple syrup and FF Reddi Whip (1 Point Plus)

I have 1 point left today but I've eaten plenty I think.

Very,very happy that I am counting points again. I can't explain why this would make me so happy....but, it does.  

I met my WW healthy guidelines for the day today.



Wednesday-
No official workout but I did 20 push-ups, 10 squats and 20 sit ups.

Breakfast- (FP) Greek 0% Yogurt, Whey Protein and Blueberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad, Salmon, EVOO, balsamic with FP Muffin in a Bowl Bread and Light Laughing Cow Cheese (7 Points Plus)
Supper-(FP) Konjac noodles, cabbage, egg whites, chicken, sesame oil/coconut oil, peanut flour (5 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP) Joseph's Crackers with 1 Laughing Cow Cheese (4 Points Plus)
Strawberry Shortcake (Strawberries sweetened with Truvia over an oat fiber "muffin" with fat free Reddi Whip) (1 Point Plus)

Once again I am have points left over.  I think it's because I had a huge supper, but it wasn't a lot of points.  I should have put more oil in it.  The shortcake I had tonight was SO good.

I ended up having a Cottage Berry Whip for 2 Points Plus and still went to bed with 2 points leftover.

I met my healthy guidelines for WW today.


Thursday-
No workout

Breakfast- (S)  1 whole egg with 3 whites, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and 1 tsp. nutritional yeast with a side of zucchini and mushrooms sauteed in 1/2 tsp. coconut oil and some diced tomato (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad, Salmon, 1 T. EVOO, 1 T. balsamic (5 Points Plus)
Supper- (A planned crossover) Slice of Pizza and a Caesar salad(fork dipped the dressing) with some croutons. (12 Points Plus) This is the first time I've had pizza in 2 months...so good.
Snack- FP Strawberry Shortcake (1 Points Plus) This is my new favorite thing to eat.
Greek yogurt with blueberries and strawberries (3 Points Plus)

I met my healthy guidelines for WW today.  Still going to bed with 1 Point left.

My goal for this next week is to continue doing what I am doing now, but try to be done eating before 9 pm and to eat more points earlier in the day.  I also hope to start getting into a regular exercise routine again.

100 Bible Verses in 2013

I haven't posted one of these in a couple of week but I am still plugging along. I am all caught up on my verses in 100 Bible Verses in 2013 using Robert Morgan's book 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart which I am doing along with a Facebook group started by Shanna at Learning at His Feet. I have 1 of this week's 2 already memorized and I'm working on the second one.

I always include my list of scripture memory resources in these posts but truth be told the only one I actually use is Scripture Typer.  I don't know how I could have learned (and reviewed) these verses without it.  It's easier than a card system and I have the app so I can take it with me wherever I go.  I review verses in the car (not when I'm driving of course) and while I'm waiting...you know...waiting while kids have music lessons, waiting at appointments etc.  I highly recommend Scripure Typer!

This week's verses are Psalm 100:4 and 1 Peter 1:3. (I don't have the time to do word art right now but I didn't want to let another week go by without posting on this.)  I think we are up to 32 verses now.  Can't say how glad I am that I am doing this.

Scripture Memory Resources:

LOVE Scripture Typer online (free) and the app ($5.99)

Well Versed Bible Memory Assistant 

scripture memory system box

Bible Truth Music
A Holy Experience blog

Read Aloud Challenge

Last week I mentioned that we started a study of the 20th century in America.  I've really been enjoying it and we've been doing lots of reading.  Since we are studying the early 1900s right now I thought it would be fun to do a Five in a Row story set in the same time frame.

So we are reading The Glorious Flight for Five in a Row.

Tonight I finished reading Wilbur and Orville Wright: Young Fliers from the Childhood of Famous Americans series.  (very enjoyable book)

We also read  Earthquake! (X-Treme Disasters That Changed America) by Lynn Brunelle  and  San Francisco earthquake : April 18, 1906  by Sue Hamilton

I started reading the The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum this week as well.

We also continue to read Grammarland. I was originally reading a free version on my laptop but we were enjoying it and it was only $1.99 for my Kindle and a lot more convenient so I purchased it.

Lots more reading planned for this coming week!  Loving it!


Want some reading inspiration? Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge to see what others are reading.

Goal Planning Monday

Here is this week's Goal Planning Monday  post at Mama Manuscripts. I didn't get much done this past week so it's back on the list for this week. I am doubtful about how much I'll get to because it is a busy week.

Last week:

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group. (YES!)

2. Write in my Journible. (Yes, but not every day.)

3. Do Erin's taxes. (No)

4. Do Rachel's taxes. (No)

5. Shorten church nursery curtains. (No)

6. Make sink skirt for church nursery. (No)

7. Exercise 4 times this week.  (I have a cold and my back has been bothering me so we'll see.) I'm not sure if I made it to 4 or not.

8. Write a Homeschool Mother's Journal post this week. (No. SIGH)

9. Work on TOS reviews. (Yes, I did some.)

10. Do some closet cleaning! (No)


This week:

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group.

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Do Erin's taxes.

4. Do Rachel's taxes.

5. Shorten church nursery curtains.

6. Make sink skirt for church nursery.

7. Exercise 4 times this week. 

8. Write a Homeschool Mother's Journal post this week.

9. Work on TOS reviews.

10. Do some closet cleaning!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday:  Tacos

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken and Broccoli

Wednesday: Spaghetti, meatballs and homemade sourdough bread (Zucchini Noodles for me)

Thursday: Baked Fish, Green Beans and Potatoes (I might have a sweet potato with mine)

Friday: Pizza for the kids. We have a rehearsal dinner to attend.

Saturday: Not sure yet.  We'll be at a wedding during the day so I won't feel much like cooking when I get home.

Sunday: Leftovers/Sandwiches


Breakfast: Trim Healthy Pancakes, Serene's Steamed Omega Sensations, French Toast Wonder Wraps

Lunch: Salad with Salmon or Eggs,  WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, Tuna Sandwich on Muffin in a Bowl bread

Snacks: Pudding, Fat Stripping Frappa, Muffin in a Bowl, Nighty Night Custard, Kale Chips, Apple with 1 tsp. peanut butter, Yogurt with whey protein

Link up your own menu plan at orgjunkie.com.  (Or just find great ideas from other bloggers that share their menus.) This week is found here.

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 7

This is my 7th week of Trim Healthy Mama. Holding steady.

Friday

No official workout. I did jump on the trampoline some today.


Breakfast- (FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps with Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's' Berry Syrup
Snack- (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa
Lunch- (S) Out to lunch with Rob: Iceberg wedge salad with bleu cheese and bacon, grilled chicken
Supper- (S) FP muffin bread with Laughing Cow Cheese, Greek Yogurt with 2 tsp. peanut flour and Gwen's berry syrup and later 2 small pieces of skinny chocolate.
Snack- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl, Greek 0% yogurt, Gwen's Berry syrup and S(a square of 85% dark chocolate)

Saturday

No official workout.  Did a few pushups and jumped a little on the trampoline.

Breakfast- (FP) Muffin bread, butter, 2 Steamed Omega 3s with coconut oil
Lunch-(S) Greek 0% yogurt as Reese's Whip with FF Reddi Whip and a few nuts
Supper- (S) Tossed Salad with Salmon, Muffin in a Bowl and Gwen's Berry syrup
Snack- (FP) Joseph's crackers and Laughing Cow Cheese, Pudding


Sunday- Easter Sunday
Workout- 300+ jumps on the rebounder, push ups, squats, worked with my 5 lb handweights and did sit ups

Breakfast- (S) 2 eggs and FP muffin bread
Lunch- Easter Dinner...all on plan...but TOO much

I can't remember what I had last night and didn't write it down.  It was on plan...overall I did eat too much but it wasn't "terrible"


Monday-

Workout-Not much.  My back hurt.  I did some squats and a few push ups.

Breakfast- (FP) Greek yogurt with Jay Robb whey protein and some pb flour
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad with broiled salmon, a small amount of almonds, EVOO, balsamic and parmesan
Supper-Leftover ham in lavash with laughing cow cheese and tomato and a FP muffin in a bowl with yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Snack- (FP) Nighty Night custard


Tuesday-

 Workout- Rebounding, From Door to Floor (this is where you start out with 1 pushup then stand up and touch the door frame...then 2 pushups..stand up etc.  I made it to 8 push ups!), squats


Breakfast- (E) Trim Healthy Pancakes, Greek 0% yogurt, Gwen's berry syrup
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa
Lunch-(S) My usual salad with Salmon
Snack- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl with Greek yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup (and some Kale chips)
Supper-(S) Portobello Mushroom Pizza,(S) Skinny chocolate
Snack- (FP)  Yogurt with whey protein powder and 1 T. peanut flour



Wednesday-

No workout

Breakfast- Greek 0% Yogurt with Whey Protein and some peanut flour
Lunch- Salad (the usual)
Supper-(FP) Creamy Vegetable Soup and FP Muffin in a Bowl Bread with butter (this probably made this meal a light S)
Snack- Muffin in a Bowl with Greek 0% yogurt and Berry Syrup
Joseph's Crackers with laughing cow cheese



Thursday-
Workout-Jump 100 times on rebounder-10 push-ups, 100 times on rebounder-9 push-ups etc down to 1 push up (all "girl" style)

Breakfast- (S) Coconut Blueberry Muffins
Lunch-(S)Tuna on FP muffin in a bowl bread (YUM)- small dessert dish of "Reese's" Whip yogurt
Supper-(S) Quiche and Tossed Salad with EVOO and balsalmic (no extra goodies)
Snack- (E) Apple with 1 tsp. peanut butter

Read Aloud Challenge

I am so excited that I have actually been reading and have something to share.  We started a unit study of The 20th Century for an upcoming review and we've been reading all kinds of things.  I really enjoy learning/teaching this way.

Since we are studying the 20th Century I decided to take a chronological approach.  So right now we are reading books from subjects pertaining to the early 1900s.

The first book we read was Remember the Lusitania! by Diana Preston.  Though it is a mostly sad story, I have always enjoyed taken an interest in reading books about ships that were sunk and what happened.  Morbid?  Maybe.

I also read part of The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire, 1906  by Eric Saul and Don Denevi. This is not a children's book but I read some of the text and we looked at lots of pictures.

I am currently reading a book from the Dear America series, Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady R.M.S. Titanic, 1912.

We've also read parts of a Kids Discover magazine on World War I.

I have more books out of the library right now than we can possibly get to, but am really enjoying the books we are reading so much.

And on a side note, every time I get on a roll with reading aloud I get sick.  EVERY TIME.  Yes, I have a cold and I am so stuffed up it is nearly impossible to read.  I hate that!


Want some reading inspiration?  Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge to see what others are reading.

Goal Planning "Monday"

Here is this week's Goal Planning Monday (this is actually last week's..can't find a new one) post at Mama Manuscripts. It seems that I only get to one of these every couple of weeks AND I'm not accomplishing anything either.  So frustrated with myself!  Trying again!

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group.

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Do Erin's taxes.

4. Do Rachel's taxes.

5. Shorten church nursery curtains.

6. Make sink skirt for church nursery.

7. Exercise 4 times this week.  (I have a cold and my back has been bothering me so we'll see.)

8. Write a Homeschool Mother's Journal post this week.

9. Work on TOS reviews.

10. Do some closet cleaning!

Menu Plan "Monday"

Well I am a day late but still wanted to post. This is my seventh week of Trim Healthy Mama. I am listing my supper meals by day and ideas for breakfast, lunch and snacks below.

Monday: (S) Easter leftovers

Tuesday: (S) Portobello Mushroom Pizza (the family had takeout pizza because I wasn't home at supper time)

Wednesday: (S) Spaghetti for the family (Zucchini Noodles for me)

Thursday: (S) Tacos (I'll probably have some taco meat in a salad.)

Friday: (S) Macafoni and Cheese (made with Cauliflower-for me) Homemade for the kids

Saturday: (E) Balsamic Chicken, Green Beans, Potatoes (for the kids)

Sunday: Leftovers


Breakfast: (E) Trim Healthy Pancakes (2), (S) Serene's Steamed Omega Sensations,  (FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps

Lunch: (S) Salad with Salmon or Eggs, (FP) Konjac Noodles and Cabbage, (FP) WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, (FP) 

Snacks: (FP) Pudding, (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa,(S) Skinny Chocolate, (FP) Muffin in a Bowl,  (FP) Nighty Night Custard 

Link up your own menu plan at orgjunkie.com.  (Or just find great ideas from other bloggers that share their menus.) This week is found here.