Review: A Journey Through Learning

Do you enjoy lapbooking?  Have you ever even heard of lapbooking?  I discovered it many years ago and I've always thought it was a great way to learn.  A Journey Through Learning offers a multitude of lapbooks that you can use with your students.  I was given 4 lapbooks for this review and expected to complete just one, but we've actually finished two so I will share both.  We did Letters, Numbers and Shapes ,which is for ages 3-5 and The Earth, for grades 1-4.

A Journey Through Learning was created by two homeschooling moms, Nancy and Paula.  Take a moment to read their touching story.  If you are not familiar with lapbooking you may wish to watch these how to videos.

Letters, Numbers and Shapes is a 51 page pdf document with printable mini-books and activities to do with your younger children.  There are several booklets for tracing letters on the outside then copying the same letter under a flap on the inside, there is an ice cream cone triangle book, a firetruck rectangle book, number writing, a one-to-one correspondence activity with cards for matching numbers to objects, a booklet for matching capital and lowercase letters and more.

covers of the lapbooks Ellie and Connor made

You could choose to complete a booklet each day and have enough for about 4 school weeks.  We chose to just keep working on several books at a time and had this completed in about a week.  The end of the e-book contains 9 pages of finger plays, letter activities, poems, things to do with letters, learning about shapes with food.  There are lots of fun ideas in here to keep you busy for much longer.

a completed lapbook with the idea sheets that are also included

Connor matching capital and lowercase letters

cards to math numbers with objects

One of the things I really love about A Journey Through Learning is they provide you with an exact placement guide for each booklet in your lapbook.  You don't have to try to figure out what fits where! 

Here is a clip of part of the placement guide for this lapbook:

Add caption

The Earth lapbook is designed for your first to fourth grader.  It is an excellent introduction to Earth Science or would make a great go along for whatever Earth Science curriculum you are using.

The Earth is a 42 page e-book with directions for completing the lapbook, then each lapbook mini-book is accompanied by a page of text. No outside sources are needed to complete the lapbook.  There are 14 mini-books, a book list along with some songs, poems and crafts are included as well. 

The cover of Emma's lapbook

This is the cover of a layers of the earth booklet

and the inside of the same booklet

Part of the completed lapbook shown with the placement diagram that is included.

The Earth lapbook covers layers of the earth, types of rocks, landforms, seasons, mountains, volcanoes and more.

One thing I wanted to mention is that in the poem section there is a poem by Jane Yolen called Earth Day that starts out, "I am the earth, the earth is me." It's a little pantheistic for me, but it's not really a part of the study and you certainly wouldn't have to read it.  This would not prevent me from purchasing the study, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Overall, we had a good time with these lapbooks and will likely complete more in the future.  These lapbooks are especially fun for kids who enjoy crafts and making projects.

You can purchase Letters, Numbers and Shapes for $13 (as a download...see the link for more options) and The Earth is also available for $13 as a download and $21 printed.

A Journey Through Learning offers lapbooks to go along with Jeannie Fulbright's Apologia Titles, Classical Conversations and many more! They also have Express Lapbooks for only $1!

See what others are saying about A Journey Through Learning on the crew blog.

Stick with it Saturday

This was not a good workout week.  It was a busy week, my back hurt, I had a heavy cycle...just really needed a bit of a break I think.  I did start wearing my pedometer again and I want to try getting 10,000 steps in every day like I used to.  I also sit on a stability ball all the time now.  Although it's not the same as running or doing Jillian Michaels I do think little things help.

The scale isn't moving and I'm trying not to stress about it.  Sometimes it is easier than others.


Sunday-
No workout.  It's really hard for me to find time to workout on Sundays.


Monday-

I did some push-ups (girl style...some on my knees and some on my stability ball)
A friend let me borrow her rebounder and I did over 10 minutes (not all at once on that)


Tuesday-

Rebounding- 15 minutes


Wednesday-
Another day...no workout


Thursday-
No workout...didn't mean to not do one.  Oops

Friday-
I didn't do an official workout but I jumped on the trampoline some, did some push ups and some squats.




Goals for the upcoming week: Eat the Trim Healthy Mama Way and exercise at least 4 times this week.  I really hope to get back to it this week...hopefully my back will cooperate.

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

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 6

This is my 6th week of Trim Healthy Mama.  Still not really seeing any results on the scale, but I have a few new ideas for upcoming weeks.  Well, I can't say that I'm not seeing results for sure since I am trying to stay off the scale.  Not weighing scares me....it will be OK, it will be OK. :)  I am trying to focus on the changes I am making that are for my health and not panicking over not losing anything right now.  I really want to be losing though...

Friday
Workout: Sprint Intervals

Breakfast- (FP) Cinnamon Muffin in a Bowl, 3/4 cup Greek O% yogurt
Snack- (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa
Lunch- (S) Tossed Salad with Poached Salmon, Romano Cheese, 1 T. nuts, 1 1/2 T. EVOO and balsamic vinegar (my new favorite lunch) and some pudding (PB Gluccomannan)
Snack- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl- Dollop of 0% Greek Yogurt and Gwen's Berry Syrup
Supper- (FP maybe to S)  I made a stir fry of shiritake noodles, broccoli, a 3 oz piece of steak, egg whites, a little butter and oil and seasonings.  Quite Yummy!  Next time I will add some peanut flour.
Snack- Muffin in a Bowl (yes another one...I have to stop that, but it's really good.)  Also ate some pudding.

Saturday
No workout

Breakfast- (S) Coconut Porridge, Dollop of Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Lunch- (S) Salad with 2 Steamed Eggs (in a bit of grass fed butter), Romano, 1.5 tsp. EVOO, balsamic (Look Pearl NO NUTS!)
Snack-Greek 0% yogurt with 1 tsp. each of cocoa and pb flour, sweetener and Reddi Whip
Supper-I went to a bridal shower...didn't eat before I left and the only thing there on plan was peppers and tomatoes...I also had a few blueberries and strawberries.

I came home STARVING.

I made (S) zucchini noodles which I cooked in a tiny bit of coconut oil then put some lowfat cottage cheese (not too much), some fresh Romano and a little sugar free sauce on it.  YUM!  Then I had a (S) Volcano Mudslide Muffin in a Mug with a large spoonful of Greek yogurt and some berry syrup.
Snack- (FP) Gluccie Pudding

I really don't feel that I ate enough today....or not enough healthy food...needed more protein I think.  I don't feel very satisfied.  The evening thing was my fault for not planning ahead well enough.  It was very disappointing that EVERY single dish that was at the potluck bridal shower I went to was a crossover. Most had pasta in them!  I "could" have brought something I could eat (either to share or just to eat) but due to lack of planning I just didn't.  I ate my lunch really late so I wasn't hungry when I left and the shower lasted 2 and 1/2 hours.

Really needed something to much so finished the day with Kale chips with light oil.  I then made myself a small amount a skinny chocolate.  I definitely have PMS...ugh

And I've totally changed my mind...ate way too much tonight for sure.  Note to self: plan better!


Sunday-
No workout.  It's really hard for me to find time to workout on Sundays.

Breakfast- (FP) Greek 0% Yogurt, protein powder and Stevia sweetened maple syrup
Snack- (S) a handful of nuts and string cheese
Lunch- (S) Pot Roast, Green Beans, Roasted Radishes
Supper-(S) Tossed Salad with 2 Eggs, EVOO, balsamic vinegar, Romano cheese
Snack- Square of dark chocolate (85%), Nighty Night Custard with a bit of Gwen's Berry syrup
I had a muffin in a bowl later before bed because I was hungry...oh and few meringues after they came out of the oven.

Monday-
Workout
I did some push-ups (girl style...some on my knees and some on my stability ball)
A friend let me borrow her rebounder and I did over 10 minutes (not all at once on that)

Breakfast- (E) Trim Healthy Pancakes, Greek 0% Yogurt and Gwen's Berry Syrup
Snack- (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa
Lunch- (S but very light...almost FP) Tossed Salad with 1 tsp. EVOO, balsamic vinegar, 1 T. parm cheese, greens, cucumber, tomato and Salmon then I had a (FP) Muffin in a Bowl with a spoonful of yogurt and Gwen's Berry syrup
Supper-(S) Chicken, Broccoli with Butter, (FP) Muffin in a Bowl for dessert and a (S) Square of Dark Chocolate
Snack-(FP) Nighty Night Custard with Raspberry Compote

Feeling dissatisfied today with what I'm eating.  I want to munch.

Tuesday-

Rebounding- 15 minutes

Breakfast- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl made in waffle iron, Greek 0% yogurt, Gwen's Berry Syrup
Lunch-(S) Salmon Salad with lots of S goodies and Skinny Chocolate
Supper- (FP) Creamy Vegetable Soup with some poached chicken and (S)Skinny Chocolate
Snack- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl and (FP)Joseph's Crackers with a Light Laughing Cow Cheese


I can't have a full batch of Skinny Chocolate on hand, especially when it's the first day of my cycle....I eat it.


Wednesday- Making this an FP day

Breakfast- (FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps with Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Snack-(FP) Fat Stripping Frappa
Lunch-(FP) Creamy Vegetable Soup with 3 oz chicken
Snack-(FP) Gluccie Pudding
Supper- (FP)Konjac Noodles with egg whites and cabbage
Dessert-(FP) Muffin in a Bowl with Greek yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Snack- (FP) Joseph's Crackers with Laughing Cow Cheese and cucumber...some pudding too



Thursday-
No workout...didn't mean to not do one.  Oops

Breakfast- (S) Serene's Steamed Eggs, 1 Brazil Nut and 1 tiny piece of skinny chocolate that I didn't scarf down the other day
Lunch- (E) 1/2 Sweet Potato with 1 tsp. coconut oil, broiled salmon, Reese's whip for dessert because I was still hungry
Supper-(S) Large Tossed Salad with a sprinkle of nuts,EVOO, and Parmesan and a Joseph's Pita Pizza
Dessert-(FP) Muffin in a Bowl with Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Snack- (S) Strawberries with Skinny Chocolate

Low-Carb Red "Potato" Salad

Did you know that you can cook radishes?  Many years ago I once tried a recipe for sauteed radishes that were pretty good, but I kind of forgot about them.  Since starting Trim Healthy Mama I have been looking for low-carb dishes.  Someone on the THM Facebook mentioned using radishes in place of potatoes in recipes...specifically adding them to crockpot recipes like a roast.  I tried this on Sunday but I didn't put the radishes in soon enough and they were still hard, but definitely had potential.

So, I was thinking of making a mock potato salad for Easter.  Yesterday I followed this recipe for boiled radishes and made my the salad the way I normally would.  It's pretty good though I wish I had cooked the radishes a bit longer.  If you are craving potato salad, but you don't want to eat potatoes, I highly suggest you give this a try.

Menu Plan Monday

This is my sixth week of Trim Healthy Mama. I am listing my supper meals by day and ideas for breakfast, lunch and snacks below.  I'm kind of in a rut right now. I will probably tweak this a bit with some E meals since I didn't really plan too many.

Monday: (S) Chicken, Broccoli

Tuesday: (S) Basic Quiche and Salad

Wednesday: (S) Tilapia, Vegetables, Potatoes (for the kids)

Thursday: Spaghetti for the family (Zucchini Noodles for me)

Friday: Homemade Pizza (kids)- FP( Joseph's Pita Pizza for me)

Saturday: (S) Tacos (I'll probably have some taco meat in a salad or a wonder wrap.)

Sunday: Easter Dinner


Breakfast: (E) Trim Healthy Pancakes (2), (S) Serene's Steamed Omega Sensations, (FP) Cookie Bowl Oatmeal, (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) Wonder Wraps with Salmon or Chicken and Light Laughing Cow Cheese

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

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.

Stick with it Saturday

I've now been eating the Trim Healthy Mama way for 5 weeks. The scale isn't budging and I'm not back down to my lowest weight (I'm about 4 lbs from my lowest...sigh.)  But, I am committed to keeping on trying.....

Workouts for the week:

Sunday: No official workout but I had nursery duty in church last night so I had the kids doing jumping jacks and hopping on one foot with me...and some other exercises.  Couldn't hurt. :)

Monday:

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Did Level 1 with 5 lb weights (when I first did it I used 3 lb weights....5 lbs seems so much heavier!)  But this workout was so much easier than when I started it. I could hardly finish the first set of jumping jacks...now the cardio part is all pretty easy on this level. (LOVE seeing progress)

I also did 50 Jumping Jacks while Katie was practicing the organ in the afternoon.  Every little bit helps!

Oh, and on a side note.  I have been seeing a chiropractor for about the last month of so and my lower back is SO much better.  I couldn't lie on the floor before without a folded blanket under me...now?  no problem!

Tuesday:

Totally Transverse workout (core strengthening) and some squats throughout the day.


Wednesday:

Totally Transverse workout, some jump rope (not much), using a small ball to squeeze between the knees and Stability Ball Squats

Thursday: No workout

Friday: Sprint Intervals (outside with my 18 year old daughter...I felt old and slow!)

Today: No workout....got up late and had a busy day.



Goals for the upcoming week: Eat the Trim Healthy Mama Way and exercise at least 4 times this week.

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

(There isn't one posted so this links to last week.)

Trim Healthy Mama-Week 5

This is my 5th week of Trim Healthy Mama. Still enjoying it though I wish I was seeing more results on the scale.

Friday

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 3-Day 2

Breakfast-(FP) Chia Tapioca
Snack- (FP) Fat Stripping Frappa
Lunch- (FP) Wonder Wraps with turkey, lettuce, tomato and laughing cow cheese, half a cucumber, Reese's Whip turned S by adding skinny chocolate and nuts
Supper-  (S) Pepper Crusted Salmon, Mashed Cauliflower
Snack- (S) Reese's Whip turned S by adding skinny chocolate and nuts

I was so hungry when I was trying to fall asleep that I got up and ate a Joseph's pita with leftover Cheeseburger Casserole...and a tiny bit of nuts.

Saturday

Woke up and weighed myself today.  I am extremely discouraged that the scale is going up.  I am trying to relax about it, but I am freaking out.


Breakfast- (E) Sweet Cinnamon Quinoa
Lunch- (S) Pepper Crusted Salmon, Mashed Cauliflower, Cucumber- Reese's Whip with nuts and Skinny Chocolate
Supper- (S) Corned Beef, Cabbage
Snack- (S) Reese's Whip with nuts and Skinny Chocolate


Sunday-

No official workout but I had church nursery duty on Sunday night so I had the kids doing jumping jacks and other exercises with me.

Breakfast- (FP) French Toast Wonder Wraps stuffed with Greek 0 % Yogurt and Berries
Snack-(FP) about 1/2 of a Chia Pudding
Lunch- (FP) Egg White Wraps with Laughing Cow Cheese and Salmon (yum)
Supper- (S) Greek 0% Yogurt with cocoa, peanut flour, sweetener, FF Reddi Whip, Skinny Chocolate and 1 T. peanuts (I measured because I want to make sure I am not overdoing it with nuts.  I'm not going to be eating any nuts at night any more either.)
Snack-(FP) Joseph's Crackers with 1 Light Laughing Cow Cheese and Nighty Night Hot Custard

Monday-

50 jumping jacks while Katie practiced the organ

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1- WOW have I improved since I first started on this.  I upped it to 5 lbs weights.

Breakfast- (E) Trim Healthy Pancakes with Greek 0% yogurt and Gwen's berry syrup
Lunch- (light S) Poached Salmon on a salad lightly dressed with EVOO, balsamic vinegar, a little fresh grated Romano
Snack-(FP) Glucomannan Pudding Parfait (PB banana and Chocolate) with FF Reddi Whip
Supper-(FP) Sweet and Spicy Asian Stir Fry over Shirataki Noodles ended dinner with (S) skinny chocolate and a bit of Butterscotch Gluccie Pudding
Snack-(FP) Nighty Night Hot Custard with Lemon Compote and more pudding....


Tuesday-

Totally Transverse  and some squats also using a small exercise ball to squeeze between the knees...3 sets of 10

Today is my 45th birthday.  I plan to be good...but not that good. :)  I am celebrating the fact that I am thinner and healthier than I've been in over 20 years! This day will be all S!

Breakfast- Serene's Steamed Omega 3's in grass fed butter and yes some skinny chocolate too. (It's my birthday!)
Lunch- Poached Salmon over salad greens, cucumbers, tomato, EVOO, balsamic, a handful of nuts and Romano cheese- Gluccie Pudding parfait
Supper- Lobster Salad over Green salad with EVOO and vinegar.  Skinny Chocolate
Snack- Cake in a Mug ,Skinny Chocolate (and a few bites of chicken that I had cooked for the fridge.

I ate entirely too much Skinny Chocolate today, but considering it was my birthday I don't think I did that bad.  At least I didn't eat this.

Wednesday-

Totally Transverse, small exercise ball to squeeze between the knees...3 sets of 10, did a bit of jump roping today and Stability Ball Squats


Breakfast- (FP) Chia Tapioca
Lunch- (S) Large Tossed Salad with Baked Chicken, EVOO, balsamic and Romano Cheese and a handful of nuts, Skinny Chocolate and some Gluccie Pudding
Supper- (E) All Day Lentil Soup and an apple...first one I've had since THM!
Snack- (S) Skinny Chocolate, Lemon Pudding and Muffin in a Bowl

WAY too much food for a snack....so full I feel sick. Why did I do this??

Thursday-

No workout

Breakfast- (FP) Muffin in a Bowl-0% Greek Yogurt with Gwen's Berry Syrup (Healthy and Yummy!)
Lunch- (S) Salad with Salmon, EVOO, balsamic and Romano cheese, 1 T. nuts and some butterscotch gluccie pudding
Supper-(S) Went out to eat for my birthday with my BFF...got the salad bar at a local steak house. It was an S meal.  I "think" everything I had was OK.
Snack-(FP) Joseph's crackers with a Light Laughing Cow cheese and some Gluccie pudding


I haven't weighed myself in a couple of days but the last time I got on the scale it had gone down some so I was happy to see that.  I am trying not to obsess over the scale, so I'm not weighing every day.  I've made some tweaks to the way I am eating based on some suggestions Pearl gave me...more salads for lunch (which I am loving) and eating FP snacks and laying off the nuts and heavier snacks at night.

This was not an intense workout week.  Feeling kind of bad about that...I "think" it's OK though.