Trim Healthy Mama-Week 15

This is my 15th week of Trim Healthy Mama. I didn't exercise at all this week.  I am still recovering from a respiratory virus.  Hopefully I will be able to run again soon.  This week I pretty much stayed the same. I was bound to hit a plateau after all of the great loss I've seen recently.  I'm good with it. :)

Friday

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus), Mocha Java Chiller (2 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Salad, 1 T. each balsamic vinegar, EVOO, 2 eggs (5 Points Plus), Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(E) Lentil Soup (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(S Helper) Whip of Wonders (6 Points Plus) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 27   Weekly Points Remaining: 38  Activity Points Earned:   Total:

Saturday

Breakfast- (FP) Greek 0% Yogurt with protein powder and wild blueberries (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) 2 Eggs fried in 1 tsp. butter in a Joseph's Pita (7 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) hamburger, pizza dip, veggies, deviled egg (8 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) 1/2 cup Greek 0% Yogurt with 1 tsp. each cocoa and pb flour, Skinny Chocolate (3 Points Plus), Gluccie pudding before bed because I was so hungry (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 27  Weekly Points Remaining: 37   Activity Points Earned:  Total:

Sunday-

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) 3 oz Sweet Potato with 1 tsp. VCO, Broiled Salmon, cucumber/pepper/tomato with balsamic vinegar (5 Points Plus), 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt with blueberries (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Reese's Whip with Skinny Chocolate and almonds (9 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Whip of Wonders ( 6 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4)

Total Points: 29  Weekly Points Remaining: 35   Activity Points Earned:  Total:

Ending the week with my weight holding at the lowest I've been in well over 20 years.  (107.2 lbs lost.) 
*****End of WW week*****

Monday-

Breakfast-(E) Sweet Cinnamon Quinoa (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Deviled Egg, Grilled Chicken, Dip, Vegetables, Dill Pickles (8 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Supper-(FP) 2 oz Chicken in Joseph's Pita (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 26   Weekly Points Remaining: 49   Activity Points Earned:  Total:

Tuesday-

Breakfast-(E) Trim Healthy Pancakes with 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's Berry Syrup (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Lime Chicken Soft Taco (8 Points Plus), Iced Coffee with 1 T. cream (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Salad with 4 tsp EVOO, string cheese, almonds, chicken, balsamic vinegar (9 Points Plus), Choco-Orange Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Snack-(FP) Yogurt and Blueberries (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 27  Weekly Points Remaining: 48    Activity Points Earned:  Total:

Wednesday-

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus),Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Lunch- (FP) Chicken, Lettuce, Salsa in Joseph's Pita (5 Points Plus)
Supper- (S) Salad,  2T. EVOO, chicken, almonds, string cheese and balsamic (11 Points Plus), Choco-Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Snack-(E) 1 Cup Greek 0% Yogurt and Blueberries (3 Points plus) 1 Slice Ezekiel toast with 1 tsp. butter (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 30   Weekly Points Remaining: 44  Activity Points Earned:  Total:

Thursday-

Breakfast-(S) Steamed Zucchini with fresh salsa, 2 fresh eggs fried in 1 tsp. VCO, nutritional yeast (5 Points Plus), Iced Coffee with 1 T. cream (1 Point Plus)
Lunch-(S) Lime Chicken Soft Taco (8 Points Plus), Choco-Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(Planned Cheat) Salad and Pizza-out to dinner (12 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Yogurt and Blueberries (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 30  Weekly Points Remaining: 40  Activity Points Earned:  Total:

100 Bible Verses in 2013

We are on week 22 of 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 know I keep saying this but I am really enjoying learning these verses.

Here are this week's verses:

Scripture Memory Resources:

I 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

*photos were taken by my daughter Rachel

Goal Planning Monday

It's time for Goal Planning Monday which is now being hosted by Debbie's Digest.  I am still not feeling that great.  It was a very busy week leading up to an extremely busy weekend including 5 parties (one of which was our daughter's graduation party) and we also had an unexpected death in the family.  The remainder of this week is fairly busy too so I haven't set too many goals.

Last week:

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

2. Write in my Journible. (Yes, but not as much as I would like.)

3. Start IEW review. (Yes!)

4. Other blogging (Yes!)

5. Secret project I don't want to reveal in case the person it is for is reading. :) (No, hopefully will get to it this week.)

6. Run if I feel better. (No, still dealing with respiratory stuff.)

7. Start summer bucket list (No)

8. Sew sink skirt (should I even bother putting this on the list?) (No)

9. Have Emma and Ryan finish their HP tests and mail them in. (Yes)


This week:

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

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Blog

4. Secret project I don't want to reveal in case the person it is for is reading. :)

5. Start summer bucket list

Menu Plan Monday

My weekly plan for Trim Healthy Mama.  My breakfast and lunch plans are found at the bottom.  The last couple of weeks I have been making sure to get one E-meal each day and that seems to be working for me. I feel sort of in a "rut" and need to figure out some new recipes that are THM (and WW friendly) that the whole family will love.  :)

Monday: Graduation party

Tuesday: Leftovers from Graduation party (I'll be having leftover grilled chicken over a salad.)

Wednesday: (S) Sponge Bob's Crabby Patties and Salad

Thursday: Homemade Pizza for the kids (date night)

Friday: (FP) Sweet and Spicy Asian Stir Fry with Rice (for the family) and Konjac noodles (for me)

Saturday: (E) Chana Dahl Soup in the crockpot

Sunday: Leftovers/Sandwiches (I'll probably have soup.)


Breakfast: (E) Trim Healthy Pancakes, (E) Sweet Cinnamon Quioa, (FP) Greek 0% Yogurt with Protein Powder and Berries, (S) Omega-3 Egg with 2 or 3 Whites and Vegetables, (FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal

Lunch: (S)BLT Salad with Salmon, Eggs or Chicken, (FP) WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, (E) Tuscany in a Bowl, (E) Sweet Potato and Salmon, (S) Exotic Green Curry

Snack Ideas: (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa, (S) Kale Chips, (S) Tummy Tucking Ice Cream, (FP) Glucomannan Pudding, (S) Skinny Chocolate, (FP) Cottage Berry Whip, (S) Cake in a Mug, (FP)Yogurt with Berries

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.

Pizza Dip

This weekend we attended no less than 5 parties- 4 graduation parties and a birthday party (and one party was at our house.)  I made this delicious dip for 3 of the parties.  For those of you who are Trim Healthy Mamas this is an S dip.  You could serve with Joseph's crackers or vegetables.

You need :

8 oz package of cream cheese

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 cup pizza sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan (I'm sure the kind in the shaker works as well)

opt. peppers, green onions, olives (for garnish)

Directions:

Mix softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning (I do this in my Kitchen aid and don't bother softening it first).  Spread in a dish (shown here in a foil pie plate-I also like to make it in my Pampered Chef mini-baker), spread 1/2 of the cheese over the top, then pour the sauce over and spread, top with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly (or microwave for 5 or so minutes).  You can garnish with finely diced peppers, green onions and/or olives.  

For guests I serve this with crunchy baguettes.  I cut sourdough bread (you could just use french bread) into thin slices and brush with olive oil, then cut into dipping sized pieces.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crisp at 350. (This can be done ahead.)

Yum!

Linking up with Stacy Makes Cents/Gwen's Nest (where you can find more THM recipes) 

and Try a New Recipe Tuesday.

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 14

This is my 14th week of Trim Healthy Mama. Ever since deciding to combine Weight Watchers Points with THM I have been steadily dropping weight.  I am completely thrilled with this.

Friday- Starting out the week sick.  My total weight loss as of today is 104.2 lbs. (new weight loss today of .4)
Activity-none-sick

Breakfast-(FP) 1 cup Greek 0% Yogurt with blueberries (3 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Tuscany in a Bowl E style with Quinoa (5 Points Plus), Gluccie Pudding-Butterscotch-YUM (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Sauteed Cabbage in 1 tsp. butter with 2 eggs scrambled in (5 Points Plus)-Didn't enjoy this at all...I should have taken the time to make soup.1/2 cup Greek 0% Yogurt and blueberries(1 Point Plus)
Snack-(S) Tummy Tucking Ice Cream made with Greek yogurt and Skinny Chocolate (6 Points Plus)

Total Points: 28  Weekly Points Remaining: 39  Activity Points Earned: 0   Total: 1

Saturday- down another .6 today (104.8 lost)
Activity-none

Breakfast-(FP) 1 cup Greek 0% Yogurt with blueberries (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) All Day Lentil Soup (1 1/2 cups) (Guessing 5 Points Plus), Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-Sipping homemade chicken broth due to a terrible stomachache
Snack- 2 oz chicken in a Joseph's pita (3 Points Plus) Reese's Whip (6 Points Plus)

Total Points: 18  Weekly Points Remaining: 39   Activity Points Earned:0  Total: 1

Sunday- down another .2 (105 lbs lost)
Activity- none

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) 3 oz Chicken with 1/2 Avocado in a Joseph's pita (6 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4), 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt with blueberries (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(E) All Day Lentil Soup-1 Cup (4 Points-guessing), Cottage Blueberry Whip (2 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Cake in a Mug (6 Points Plus), Chai Tea with cream (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 29   Weekly Points Remaining: 38  Activity Points Earned: 0 Total: 1


I lost 2.8 lbs in the last week.  This is so amazing to me!  I never lose that much in a week.  Great week!!

*****End of WW week*****

Monday-down .8 this morning (105.8 lost)

Breakfast-(E) Trim Healthy Pancakes with 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Exotic Green Curry (5 Points Plus), Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Zucchini Noodles with 3 oz Chicken and Light Alfredo Sauce (5 Points Plus), Reece's Whip with Skinny Choc.(8 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) 1 Cup Greek 0% Yogurt with blueberries (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 27  Weekly Points Remaining: 48   Activity Points Earned: 0  Total: 0

Still not really feeling great.  I had a lot of yogurt today...it is what sounds good.

Tuesday-down 1.4 this morning (107.2 lost)

Breakfast-(FP) Greek 0% yogurt and blueberries (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Sweet Potato with 1 tsp. coconut oil, lettuce, red pepper, balsamic and tuna(4 Points Plus), Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Green Fries (1 Point Plus), Fried Fish (7 Points Plus), Reese's Whip (6 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 26 Weekly Points Remaining: 48   Activity Points Earned: 0 Total: 0

Wednesday- (scale was up .4 today)

Breakfast-(S) 2 Farm Fresh Eggs fried in 1 tsp. grassfed butter, zucchini noodles, 1 tsp coconut oil (6 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Tuscany in a Bowl with Quinoa (5 Points Plus), 1/2 cup grapes, Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)
Snack-(S) Reese's Whip with Skinny Chocolate and nuts (10 Points Plus)

I do not have my normal appetite.  Still not feeling that great.  It's rare for me to not have a huge appetite. I spent quite a while cleaning today and also walked around Walmart so I'm sure I earned some activity points but I wasn't wearing my pedometer so I'm not officially counting anything.

Total Points: 23   Weekly Points Remaining: 48   Activity Points Earned: 0  Total: 0

Thursday- (same as yesterday)

Snack- Woke up at 5 AM and couldn't stop coughing, then I was so hungry I couldn't sleep so I got up and had (FP) 1/2 cup Greek 0% Yogurt and some berries (1 Point Plus)
Breakfast-(E) Savory Skillet Quinoa (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Chicken/Laughing Cow Wedge in Joseph's Pita (5 Points Plus), Frappa with 1/2 Scoop Whey Protein (2 Points Plus), Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(Planned Cheat) Pizza (12 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Yogurt with strawberries and Skinny Chocolate (5 Points Plus)


Total Points: 31   Weekly Points Remaining: 43  Activity Points Earned: 0 Total: 0

I lost 2.6 lbs this week.  That is so amazing to me.  I'm so, so happy to be losing again.

100 Bible Verses in 2013

I haven't posted one of these in over a month but I am so excited to say that 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've learned 44 verses so far this year!

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 these verses without it. It also has a built in review system so that I am constantly reviewing them and keeping them fresh. It's easier than a card system and I have the app so I can take it with me wherever I go. I use it A LOT. I highly recommend Scripure Typer!

Here are this week's verses:

I am also seriously considering signing my kids up for the Bible Bee this year.  I only have a few more days to decide. Would love to hear feedback if you've participated in the past.

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

*photos were taken by my daughter Rachel

Read Aloud Challenge

Once again not a great reading week, but I find that knowing I am doing this post each week motivates me to at least do some. We've had a lot going on and I've been sick on top of that so not a lot got done.  Right now I can't stop coughing long enough to read.  UGH  So here it is:

We read more of  Dear America: Survival in the Storm The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards (last week we couldn't find it, but it reappeared....I read some then Emma went off with it and finished it on her own....I love that!)

We read a little more of  Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor which is an adaptation of the John Bunyan Classic.

Want some reading inspiration? Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge (I don't think there is going to be one with week...will update if there is) to see what others are reading. 

Schoolhouse Library

As a member of The Old Schoolhouse Review crew I found out today about a new resource called Schoolhouse Library.

  For a one time purchase of $25 you will receive access to 175 audio or e-books including:

• 2 Study Guides from YWAM
• Draw Write Now Sampler E-Book by Barker Creek
• Heroines of the Past-Victorian unit study from Amy Puetz
• Map Trek: Atlas and Outline Maps of World History from Knowledge Quest
• Teaching Writing E-Book from WriteShop
• 15 audio E-Books from My Audio School in history and literature
• A Glimpse at Carnivorous Plants Lapbook from In the Hands of a Child
• Video from Jessica Hulcy on “Learning as a Family”
• From Frazzled to Focused: 7 Planning Tools for Busy Moms from Mary Jo Tate

This digital library covers ages pre-school through high school.

You will find over 25 topics including:

• Art and Crafts
• Bible
• Economics
• Electives
• Encouragement
• Geography
• Government
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Reading
• Organization (with several planners)
• Nature Study
• Special Needs

Looking forward to checking this out! 

Disclaimer: I will receive a free subscription to Schoolhouse Library in exchange for this informational blog post.

Goal Planning Monday

It's time for Goal Planning Monday.  I was sick most of last week.  It was a full week besides...not much accomplished. I'm OK with it though.

Last week:

1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group.(I have been keeping current with memorized verses. I memorized  1 of the 2 new ones for last week.  Still working on one of them.)

2. Write in my Journible.(Not every day but I did write in it.)

3. Write and finish Scaredy Cat reading review. (YES!)

4. Start IEW review. (Not yet.)

5. Other blogging (Yes!)

6. Run if I feel better (I didn't run at all because I was sick.)

7. Start summer bucket list (Not yet.)

8. Sew sink skirt....seriously...this needs to get done!! (UGH...don't ask!)

This week:


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

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Start IEW review.

4. Other blogging

5. Secret project I don't want to reveal in case the person it is for is reading. :)

6. Run if I feel better.

7. Start summer bucket list

8. Sew sink skirt (should I even bother putting this on the list?)

9. Have Emma and Ryan finish their HP tests and mail them in.

Menu Plan Monday

My weekly plan for Trim Healthy Mama.  My breakfast and lunch plans are found at the bottom.  I aim to eat one E meal each day.  Since I've been doing this (along with counting Weight Watchers points) and making sure to eat about 4 times a day (occasionally 5) the weight has really been coming off.  

Monday: (FP) Sweet and Spicy Asian Stir Fry with Rice (for the family) and Konjac noodles (for me)

Tuesday: (S) Tilapia with vegetables (and potatoes for the kids)

Wednesday: (S) Alfredo Chicken with Pasta and Broccoli (I'll have zucchini noodles)

Thursday: Homemade Pizza for the kids (date night)

Friday: (S) Sponge Bob's Crabby Patties and Salad (made these last week for the first time...everyone loved them)

Saturday: Going to a graduation party/BBQ (not sure what I'll eat...might eat before I go)

Sunday: Leftovers/Sandwiches (I'll probably have soup.)


Breakfast: (E)Trim Healthy Pancakes, (E) Savory Skillet Quinoa, (FP) Greek 0% Yogurt with Protein Powder and Berries, (S) Omega-3 Egg with 2 or 3 Whites and Vegetables, (FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal

Lunch: (S)BLT Salad with Salmon, Eggs or Chicken, (FP) WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, (E) All Day Lentil Soup, (E) Tuscany in a Bowl, (E) Sweet Potato and Salmon, (S) Exotic Green Curry

Snack Ideas: (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa, (S) Kale Chips, (S)Tummy Tucking Ice Cream, (FP) Glucomannan Pudding, (S) Skinny Chocolate, (FP) Cottage Berry Whip, (S) Cake in a Mug, (FP)Yogurt with Berries

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.

Scaredy Cat Reading System-Review

For the last few weeks we have been using Level One of Scaredy Cat Reading from Joyce Herzog.  We received a full set including the Teacher's manual, Student workbook, Student Reader, The Story of the LetterMaster, Song CD and a Fun Pack. Scaredy Cat Reading is not only phonics based, it is mastery based as well.

Level One of Scaredy Cat Reading familiarizes students with the alphabet and teaches them the sounds the letters make. The Teacher's Manual is a wonderful resource for the parent of any young child.  I cannot begin to tell you the number of ideas that are included in this book.  It is a 45-page spiral bound which includes an introduction, the rules of the Scaredy Cat Reading System (which are not taught to the students in level one), specifics of the program for pre-readers and other general information you need to know.  

The book then describes the three steps of Scaredy Cat Reading level one.

Step One: learn the alphabet

Step Two: learn the names of each letter and recognize it in many different fonts

Step Three: learning the primary sounds of each of the consistent consonants and learning "who" the vowels are

Next you will find a page on Reading Aloud, Games to Play with Letters, Progress Tracking Sheets, Handwriting Hints and several pages you can copy for handwriting practice.

Finally, the remainder of the book is packed with ideas for teaching the letters and their sounds. She has a cute idea of having different styles of days depending on how much time you have or how much you want to work on this in a day.  There are appetizer days to whet your child's appetite, main course days where you spend more time with the child on specific activities, salad days and dessert days are also on the "menu". 

The Story of LetterMaster; Who Gave the Letters their Jobs is a 31 page comic book style story of how each letter was assigned its sound or sounds.  The story is also found on the audio CD.  Unfortunately, this did not really hold the attention of my children (and I can't say I loved it either.)  I'm not one for a comic book to begin with and we just didn't care for the story.

The LetterMaster comic and one of the reproducible handwriting pages

The ABC Reader is available in a secular and a Christian version.  I was sent the secular version.  It contains the lyrics to an ABC song that is different from the "next time won't you sing with me" version we are all familiar with.  This is to prevent children learning "elliminnowpee".  There are two versions of this song.  The one in the book has secular words, the one on the audio CD is the Christian version.

Sadie with the ABC reader

The ABC reader starts out with many pages of the alphabet written in different type fonts and styles.  Capital and Lower case letters are both learned.  There is also a page of the letters in sign language.  Other pages include a pictorial primer, a list of animal names by letter and given names by letter.  It also includes all of the lyrics to the songs.

a worksheet from the student workbook

The Student Workbook has 143 pages.  Step One of the book has 18 pages where students match letters and learning the alphabet.  The final page of this section has students do a dot-to-dot of the alphabet in alphabetical order.  In Step Two students learn the letter names on pages like the one shown above.  There are 53 pages in this section.  Step Three teaches children the letter sounds.  Letters are taught individually in groups.  The First Letter names are taught first.  These are the letters that say their name first like B and D.    There are a couple of pages for each letter which include a page of pictures where the child circles words that begin with the letters and and/or cross out ones that do not followed by a page of letter activities.  For example, for the letter T some suggestions are to touch your toes ten times, listen to a tuba or a trombone, and taste tea by the teaspoon with your tongue.  Lots and lots of ideas for each letter.  The final pages are by the different groups of letters (first name consonants, last name consonants, hard working consonants and vowels).

The Audio CD begins with a reading of the LetterMaster which takes about 25 minutes, followed by a variety of simple songs sung acapella.  Most are more like jingles or rhymes than songs and I don't find them all that catchy.  The kids don't enjoy listening to it.

The Fun Pack comes on light cardstock so I laminated most of it. There are Bingo cards, and Alphabet Spinner, cards for uppercase and lowercase letters, letter pieces to put together to build letters and cards with pictures to match sounds with.  There are some magnet sheets as well with letters and pictures for learning and reviewing concepts.

 A few of the games and activities from the Fun Pack

I have mainly focused on using this with 5 year old Ellie.  She loves the fun activities and the workbook.  She often asks to do it and for that I am thankful.  We try to do some part of Scaredy Cat reading each day. We don't always manage to fit it in, but I really like that she enjoys it and is learning.  My 3 year old also likes to join in and sometimes even the older kids will as well.  (Especially if we play BINGO and Skittles are involved! Forgot to take pictures of that.)

Ellie playing a matching letter game.

Ellie loves learning her letters. She put them all in order herself.

I plan to use a lot of this program with my 3 year old when she turns 4 in September.  I think it will be fun for her to have her own "school" to do next year.   While we do like this, I don't think we will purchase future levels.

My favorite part of this curriculum is the flexibility and the wonderful ideas (and fun pack) to really help children learn pre-reading skills.  If you are looking for something to teach your child reading in a fun way, I do think this is worth taking a look at.

There are 4 levels of Scaredy Cat Reading.  You can have your child take a free placement test to determine which level you need. There is also a page of free downloads.

The crew is reviewing a wide variety of books and curriculum from Joyce Herzog including: Scaredy Cat Reading System Level 2, Scaredy Cat Reading System Level 3, Scaredy Cat Reading System Express, Learning in Spite of Labels (A great book!  I have this.), Timeless Teaching Tips,  Choosing & Using Curriculum Set, Luke's Life List, Luke's School List, Stepping Stones to Praise and Worship,  Stepping Stones to Bigger Faith For Little People, Budding Authors, 6 Weeks to Understanding Grammar, Bible Quotes and Educational Dice Bag.  Lots of fun stuff to read about!

Here is a video from author Dr. Herzog about the Scaredy Cat Reading System:

Scaredy Cat Reading System level 1 is available for $75.00.  Additional student workbooks are $30.

Author Dr. Joyce Herzog is well known in the homeschooling community.  She taught learning disabled students for 25 years in public and private schools and has written many books and curriculum for homeschoolers.  Read more about her.

Click to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew.

Trim Healthy Mama- Week 13

This is my 13th week of Trim Healthy Mama. Time flies and I am loving THM more and more!

Friday
Activity-put just over 9,000 steps on my pedometer

Breakfast-(S) Greek 0% Yogurt, Skinny Chocolate, Strawberries (7 Points Plus)
Lunch-(FP) 3 Oz Grilled Chicken in Joseph's Lavash with veggies, salsa and Laughing Cow Cheese (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (1/2 scoop whey) (2 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus), 1 whole egg + 2 whites, 1 tsp. butter and Grilled Portobello mushrooms with 1/2 cup cottage cheese (5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Greek Yogurt and berries (3 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 30   Weekly Points Remaining: 37  Activity Points Earned: 2  Total: 13

Saturday
Activity-Nothing to speak of....not feeling well.

Breakfast-(E) THM blueberry pancakes with 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt and 1 tsp butter (6 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Large Salad of Greens with 1/2 tomato, 2 T. 50% less fat bacon bits, 1/4 avocado with 1 Omega 3 egg and 2 whites in 1 tsp. grass fed butter.(6 Points Plus) 37 calorie brownie and choco-pudding for dessert (3 Points Plus) This salad was so good!
Supper-(S) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Vegetable Soup with 3 oz chicken and green salsa (3 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Kale Chips made with 1 T. VCO(3 Points Plus), 1/2 cup yogurt with blueberries (1 Point Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 30   Weekly Points Remaining: 33  Activity Points Earned: 0 Total: 13

Sunday-Happy Mother's Day!!
Activity- still sick, actually feeling worse today than yesterday

Breakfast-(E) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus), I also ate a slice of pineapple and some strawberries because my daughter sent me a lovely fruit arrangement for Mother's Day.
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa 1/2 scoop whey protein (2 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Large Salad of Greens with cucumber, tomato, and yellow pepper, 2 T. 50% less fat bacon bits, 1/4 avocado with 2 Omega 3 eggs and 1 whites in 1 tsp. grass fed butter.(8 Points Plus)
Supper-(FP)Vegetable Soup with 3 oz chicken and green salsa (3 Points Plus), 37 Cal Brownie (2 Points Plus), 1 cup 0 % Greek yogurt with blueberries (2 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Tummy Tucking Coffee Ice Cream with 1 square Lindt 85% Dark Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Brownie (2 Points Plus errr make that 4...I shouldn't have eaten them out of the pan!  Just sayin')

Total Points: 29  Weekly Points Remaining: 30 Activity Points Earned: 0 Total: 13

So, I am down again today after being up all week.  I've now lost 102.2 lbs.  YAY!  I am seriously considering dropping WW points to just try THM again without it but, this is going so well I may wait until I lose another 10 lbs before doing that.  I am officially only 10 lbs overweight now (on the BMI chart)  I didn't get much exercise this week and this upcoming week is crazy busy...and I'm not feeling well so I'm thinking I won't do much better on this week coming up either.

*****End of WW week*****

Monday-
Activity-none

Breakfast-(E) Sweet Cinnamon Quinoa (5 Points Plus), FS Frappa with 1/2 scoop Whey (2 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) BLT Avocado Salad with Salmon (5 Points Plus), 37 calorie brownie (2 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) Crabby Patties, Broccoli with 1 tsp. Butter (6 Points Plus), Cottage Berry Whip (2 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Tummy Tucking Coffee Ice Cream with Skinny Chocolate (6 Points Plus) I also ate a tiny choco-pudding pop that I am not counting points for...it was a small amount of pudding left from a larger popsicle that I made..the 2 together would only be 1 PT)

Total Points: 28  Weekly Points Remaining: 47   Activity Points Earned: 0 Total: 0

Tuesday- (down another 1.2 lbs this morning!)
Activity-none

Breakfast- (S) 2 Omega-3 Eggs and 1 white in 1 tsp. VCO with steamed Kale and 1 tsp. grassfed butter (6 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Tuscany in a Bowl with 1/2 cup Quinoa (5 Points Plus), Brownie (2 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP) Choco-Pudding Pop (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Salad with homemade Avocado dressing, bacon bits,  Omega 3 Egg and 2 whites in a tsp. of grassfed butter (7 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) 1 cup Greek 0% yogurt with berries (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 28  Weekly Points Remaining: 45  Activity Points Earned:  0 Total: 0

Wednesday- (down a little more again today!)

Breakfast-(E) Trim Healthy Blueberry Pancakes with SF syrup and 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt with blueberries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Salad with homemade Avocado dressing, bacon bits, salmon packet (7 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Choco-Pudding(1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Zucchini Noodles with Chicken Alfredo (7 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) 1 cup Greek 0% yogurt with berries (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 28  Weekly Points Remaining: 43  Activity Points Earned: 0  Total: 0

Thursday- (my weight bounced up a bit today but it is fine...and totally expected with all this losing I've been doing!)
Activity- Had somewhere around 6,000 steps on my pedometer today before getting sick late today with something that feels like influenza.

Breakfast-(E) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus), 1/2 cup Greek 0% yogurt with blueberries (1 Point Plus)
Lunch-(S) Salad with homemade Avocado dressing, bacon bits, 1 Omega-3 Egg and 2 whites cooked in 1 tsp. grassfed butter (8 Points Plus)
Supper-(Cheat) Slice of Pizza (this was planned and not a desperation move!)  (12 Points Plus)
Snack- Craving Yogurt and blueberries so that is how I am finishing my week.  (3 Points Plus)

Total Points: 28 Weekly Points Remaining: 41  Activity Points Earned: 1  Total: 1

Over all a really fantastic week!

Homemade Avocado Dressing

This week I made up this salad dressing this week on a whim and it was so delicious I wanted to share it.  For you Trim Healthy Mamas this is a nice S dressing for your salads.

I forgot to put the NuNaturals sweeteners in the picture (and in the dressing)
Don't forget it, it makes a big difference. :)

1/4 Avocado
2 tsp. EVOO
pinch or 2 of celtic sea salt
fresh ground pepper
fresh lime juice- the juice from about half a lime
1 T. balsamic vinegar
NuNaturals Pure Stevia Extract to taste. ( I used 2 or 3 shakes)

I've made this twice now. The first time I did it in the Magic Bullet and it came out nice and creamy.  Today I did it with a fork and it wasn't nearly as creamy but still tasted good (well would have if I hadn't forgotten the sweetener ...and took it with me while I was on the go so I couldn't add it later).  I will say it isn't the most beautiful dressing once you add the balsamic vinegar, but you could use a white balsamic and I bet it would be gorgeous!

Science Naturally-Review

Several weeks ago we received the book 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science from Science Naturally. This 180-page paperback written for 8-12 year olds contains 65 short mysteries (hence the title) with scientific solutions.  It also includes 5 bonus math mysteries.

The day we received this, I started reading it to my 10 and 13 year olds.  We read the first 15 mysteries because they didn't want me to stop.  The stories are one page long with the answer to the mystery being on the following page. You can read a few sample mysteries here.

This is the length of a story

A black and white picture is included on the solution page

There are 15 stories each in the following categories:

• Life Science
• Earth and Space Science
• Physical and Chemical Science
• General Science  
• Followed by 5 bonus science mysteries and 5 bonus math mysteries!

These stories are fun for the entire family and get everyone thinking.  You could easily use this as a brain teaser to start your day or just read through it like we did. (Might be great for car trips this summer as well!) As soon as we finished reading this Emma (10) said, We need to read it again!" I love when my kids are enthusiastic about an educational book. I highly recommend this book and plan to purchase other books from Science Naturally.

Purchase 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science for $9.95.  E-books are also available at varying prices. See website for details. Science Naturally has also generously offered my readers a coupon code 3SPEC to purchase any 3 books on the website for $19.95 plus $2.95 shipping. (a $12.90 savings)

Don't forget to follow Science Naturally on Facebook and Twitter.

Read about the authors Eric and Natalie Yoder.

Click to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew.

Read Aloud Challenge

I can't say this has been a great reading week, but it was better than last week.  We read more of  Dear America: Survival in the Storm The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards but it has been misplaced so I haven't been able to continue with it.

Yesterday, I started reading Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor which is an adaptation of the John Bunyan Classic.

I also read a small stack of picture books to the younger kids:

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack

Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Angus Lost by Marjorie Flack

Play with Me by Marie Hall Ets

and my 3 year old's favorite right now:  Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London

The rest of this week is extremely busy, but I'm hoping to fit some reading in to share next time!  Oh! and I want to highly recommend listening to Andrew Pudewa's Nurturing Competent Communicators for great motivation for reading aloud to your children.

Want some reading inspiration? Visit Footprints in the Butter for this week's challenge (not yet posted...will update when it is) to see what others are reading. 

Goal Planning Monday

It's time for Goal Planning Monday (which is on haitus, but I still want to post my weekly goals) by Mama Manuscripts. This is an insanely busy week with appointments every day (I canceled one for today since I'm not feeling well) and our church missions conference which is going on Wed.-Sun. every night.

Last week:

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

2. Write in my Journible. (Mostly, the pen I use is missing and I want the whole book in the same ink...)

3. Work on my Scaredy Cat reading review. (No)

4. Finish Science Naturally review. (Just about)

5. Other blogging (Yes)

6. Read to the kids (Yes, but not as much as I'd like.)

7. Run 3 times. (Finish week 4 of the 5K training I am doing.) (I only ran twice because I got sick.)

8. Make Ellie's pediatric ophthalmology appointment (Yes!)

This week;

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

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Write and finish Scaredy Cat reading review.

4. Start IEW review.

5. Other blogging

6. Run if I feel better

7. Start summer bucket list

8. Sew sink skirt....seriously...this needs to get done!!

Menu Plan Monday

My weekly plan for Trim Healthy Mama.  My breakfast and lunch plans are found at the bottom.

Monday: (S) Sponge Bob's Crabby Patties and Salad

Tuesday:  (E) All Day Lentil Soup

Wednesday: (FP or S) Grilled Chicken and Veggies

Thursday: Pizza for kids (I'll make something else for me)

Friday: (S) Alfredo Chicken with Dreamfield's Pasta and Broccoli

Saturday: (FP) Sweet and Spicy Asian Stir Fry

Sunday: Leftovers/Sandwiches (I'll probably have soup.)


Breakfast: (E)Trim Healthy Pancakes, (E) Sweet Cinnamon Quinoa, (FP) Greek 0% Yogurt with Protein Powder and Berries, (S) Omega 3 Egg with 2 or 3 Whites and Vegetables, (FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal

Lunch: (S)BLT Salad with Salmon, Eggs or Chicken, (FP) WW Vegetable Soup with a lean protein source, (S)Tuna Sandwich in Joseph's lavash with veggies, Tuscany in a Bowl, (E) Sweet Potato and Salmon

Snack Ideas: (FP)Fat Stripping Frappa,(S) Kale Chips, (S) Tummy Tucking Ice Cream, (FP)Frozen Choco-Pudding, (S) Skinny Chocolate, (FP) Cottage Berry Whip, (S) Cake in a Mug, (FP)Yogurt with Berries

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.

BLT Salad with Egg (revisited)

Last year I enjoyed eating a BLT salad that I came up with but since then I've changed the way I eat and follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan. Yesterday I came up with this revised version.  It is filling and delicious.

First I tear up some Artisan Lettuce and Romaine and wash it in my salad spinner.  The Artisan Lettuce is especially dirty since it is packed in the field...so yummy but make sure to wash it good. (I've seen this at Walmart and Aldi's) Then I slice up 1/4 of an avocado and dump it on the top.

Next, I dig my hands in and squish the avocado all over the lettuce leaves.

Then I added some chopped up cucumber, tomato and sweet yellow pepper, 2 T. of 50% less fat peppered bacon bits, salt, pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Doesn't this look yummy??

The final step is to fry up an egg or two (or an egg and some whites) in some nice butter (I used a tsp.) and put the eggs over the top.  Very filling...very yummy.  You could use more avocado or add some EVOO if you wanted this to be a heavier S.  You could also use chicken or salmon in this salad instead of eggs.  This is my new favorite lunch.

Trim Healthy Mama- Week 12

This is my 12th week of Trim Healthy Mama.  I am also planning to start wearing my WW pedometer and start keeping track of activity points again.  It can be motivating.  I added a couple of E meals this week.  I haven't lost anything new and this morning I was even up a couple.  I am sure it's just normal fluctuation, but it frustrates me just the same.

Friday
Workout-Week 3 Day 3 app (I love running in case I haven't said this 1,000 times yet.)


Breakfast-(E) 1 cup 0% Greek yogurt, apple, 1 T. nuts (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate (2 Points Plus), String Cheese (1 Point Plus), Strawberries (0 Points Plus), 37 Cal Brownie (2 Points Plus)  (This might have been a crossover.  I'm not sure I waited long enough. I was so hungry and had to go out for an appointment and this was what I had available.)
Lunch-(FP) Soup with 3 oz Chicken (3 Points Plus), Choco-Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Salad with Salmon with EVOO/balsamic vinegar (5 Points Plus) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus) Brownie (2 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (2 Points), Tummy Tucking Ice Cream with 1 Square Lindt 85% dark chocolate (4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 30  Weekly Points Remaining: 43

Saturday

Breakfast-(FP) Yogurt, Protein Powder, Berries (5 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Sirloin and Broccoli with Parmesan Cheese (7 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Skinny Chocolate, Choco-Pudding (5 Point Plus)
Supper-(FP) Veggie Soup, Oat Fiber Bread with Laughing Cow Cheese(2 Points Plus)
Snack-(S) Spicy Kale Chips with VCO (3 Points Plus), Tummy Tucking Coffee Ice Cream with 1 Square Lindt 85% dark chocolate (4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 26 Weekly Points Remaining: 43

Sunday-

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) 1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt with berries and 1/2 scoop Protein Powder (2 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Sweet Potato with 1 tsp. VCO, Broiled Salmon, small salad with balsamic vinegar (6 Points Plus), Brownie and Choco Pudding (3 Points Plus)
Supper-(FP) Greek Yogurt 0% with blueberries (3 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus), (S)Tummy Tucking Coffee Ice Cream with Skinny Chocolate and 1 T. cream (6 Points Plus) and one additional piece of Skinny chocolate(2 Points Plus)

Total Points: 27  Weekly Points Remaining: 42

*****End of WW week*****

Monday-
Workout- Week 4 Day of 5 K app

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus) (I sure do love this for breakfast!)
Snack-(FP) Orange Creamsicle Frappa (forgot the cream) (2 Points Plus)
Lunch-(E) Mexican Cottage Cheese Salad (4 Points), 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt 0% with blueberries (1 Point Plus)
Snack-(FP) Choco-Pudding(1 Point Plus), Brownie (2 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) Chicken Caesar Salad (dressing on side no croutons) (10 Points Plus-guessing)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (2 Points Plus), Brownie (2 Points Plus)

Total Points: 24  Weekly Points Remaining: 47 Activity Points Earned: 2

Tuesday-
Workout- Walked 4 miles and walked more to obtain over 12000 steps on my pedometer

Breakfast-(E) 3 Egg Whites, Grape Tomatoes, Steamed Kale, 1 Slice German Rye, 1 tsp. grass fed butter(5 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) 1/2 Cup Greek 0% yogurt with berries (1 Point Plus)
Lunch-Vegetable Soup-1 cup, 1/2 Cucumber, Broiled Salmon (2 Points Plus), Reese's Whip with Skinny Chocolate (8 Points Plus)
Supper-(S) Shiratake Noodles with 1 tsp. coconut oil, broccoli and 1 light Laughing Cow cheese and 3 oz grilled chicken (5 Points Plus), Brownie (4 Points Plus-planned to have 2 points worth but kept going...)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 26 Weekly Points Remaining: 47 Activity Points Earned: 4  Total: 6

Wednesday-
I really wanted to run today, but it just never happened.

Breakfast- (S) Egg and 3 Whites with 1 tsp VCO, Zucchini Noodles with 2 tsp. Grass-fed butter (6 Points Plus)
Snack- (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa (3 Points Plus)
Lunch-(S) Tossed Salad with Salmon and 1 T. each of EVOO and balsamic vinegar (5 Points Plus), Choco-Pudding (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(S) Vegetable Soup with 3 Oz. Chicken and Salsa (3 Points Plus) Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)
Snack-(S) Tummy Tucking Ice Cream with 1 Square Dark Chocolate (4 Points Plus), Skinny Chocolate(4 Points Plus)

Total Points: 31  Weekly Points Remaining: 42  Activity Points Earned: 1  Total: 7

Thursday-
Workout- Week 4 Day 2 of 5 K app (had my best time ever to the 1 mile point) I continued walking when I was done until I reached 12,000 steps on my pedometer.

Breakfast-(FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal (4 Points Plus)
Lunch-(FP) Vegetable Soup with 3 oz Chicken and Salsa (3 Points Plus), (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa 1/2 scoop whey protein (2 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP) Strawberry Shortcake (1 Point Plus)
Supper-(CO) Pizza and Salad (12 Points Plus)
Snack-(FP)Tummy Tucking Ice Cream( 1 Point Plus), Skinny Chocolate (4 Points Plus)
1/2 cup yogurt with blueberries (1 Point Plus)

Total Points: 28  Weekly Points Remaining: 41  Activity Points Earned: 4  Total: 11

Read Aloud Challenge

This has not been a great week for reading aloud.  I started reading  Dear America: Survival in the Storm The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards and that is IT!

Hopefully, I will have more next week.  

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

Goal Planning Monday

It's time for Goal Planning Monday(this links to last week...I will update if/when a new one is posted) by Mama Manuscripts. I had a good week.  I love when I accomplish the things I set out to do.  I do so much better with a list.

Last week:


1. Keep up to date with my scripture memory group. (Yes, I am so excited about this.  I have memorized 38 verses so far this year.)

2. Write in my Journible. (Not every day but yes, I am working on this.)

3. Make sink skirt for church nursery. (Not finished but I have the measurements I need and the fabric and velcro.)

4. Finish and post Home School in the Woods review (Yes!)

5. Write Science Naturally Review. (Yes...it's not finished but it's almost done and not due until next week.  Yay!)

6. Other blogging (Yes!)

7. Read to the kids. (Yes, but not as much as I would have liked.)

8. Order HP tests for Emma and Ryan. (Yes)


This week:

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

2. Write in my Journible.

3. Work on my Scaredy Cat reading review.

4. Finish Science Naturally review.

5. Other blogging

6. Read to the kids

7. Run 3 times. (Finish week 4 of the 5K training I am doing.)

8. Make Ellie's pediatric ophthalmology appointment

Stick with It Saturday

This was an exciting week.  On Sunday, I announced that I had lost 100 lbs.  I am now at 100.8 lbs lost.  I am feeling like I might finally get down to a normal weight.  I am getting so close!  It took me 2.5 years to get this far I'm not about to quit now!

Rather than write out what I did each day I'm just going to say that I am using exercises from my Aligned and Well App, the Totally Transverse video to heal my diastasis recti and exercises I got from my physical therapist for some pelvic floor issues.  AND I've been running.  I DO love to run...my back doesn't necessarily agree....This week I went on 3 runs...2 short ones and one longer.  I finished week 3 of my Jeff Galloway 5 K app.  I ran just over 2 miles today and I'm pretty sure I had a personal record (not that it was fast mind you...but faster than I was running it last year.)  I really hope I can continue to run.

My goals this week are to continue with my healthy eating plan combining Trim Healthy Mama with Weight Watchers and complete week 4 of my 5K training.  I will also continue with my PT stuff.

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