Times Trick

I just saw the 9x finger trick on Pinterest.  I've used that for as long as I can remember, but it made me think of another trick.

Brock was working on these one day and he started explaining a new way to figure out the 9x.  I had never heard of this and as far as I know he figured this out on his own, if he saw or heard it somewhere he's keeping it a secret.  Either way it is quite helpful, a couple of more steps than the finger trick, but good problem solving practice anyway.

Let's take 6x9. Your tens place number will be one less than the factor that is not 9 (in this case 6), so that would be  5.  Your ones place number will be the difference between 10 and the number nine is multiplied by so that would be 10-6=4.  That makes the product 54.  It only works up to 10x9; but pretty cool, huh?

Goals and a Plan

I've decided it's high time I get down to business in the healthy living area. 

Goals

1. Be healthy as can be

2. Feel better, have more energy

3. Lose weight

4. No bondage (to food)

Plan

1. Smaller portions

2. Drink water

3. Less carbs

4. Tues/Thurs Workout with friends

5. Wed/Fri Treadmill

This is just my simple little outline.  I have these printed, as well as choice scripture, on index cards and posted on my frig and in my kitchen area.

I prefer "all things in moderation" as opposed to starving myself or denying all cravings.  That wouldn't last a week!  I can't drastically change our meal habits either, so I'm opting to make a few healthier substitutions and control portions.  I think exercise alone has helped a lot, as my diet isn't all that horrible to begin with, well, except for maybe my carb addiction and my Starbucks habit. 

I've steadily worked out twice a week since this past September.  I know that's not the recommended number of times, but it's more than I was doing!  I'm very thankful to the ladies that meet together, they are so encouraging and keep me motivated.  And thanks to Rick purchasing a treadmill, I'm easily able to add in a couple of more workout times each week.     

Also, I've been reading Reshaping it All and Made to Crave , both have been encouraging and helpful.

The One My Heart Loves

Part of Song of Solomon 3:4 was in the card I gave to Rick for our anniversary "I have found the one my heart loves."  I also wrote several things about him I am thankful for.  Among them  - loving me despite my shortcomings (thinking kitchen skills here), blessing me in big (new furniture on the way!) and small ways (cleaning the kitchen), and loving the Lord, most of all.

I love the way that verse continues "I held him and I would not let him go..."

Getting Ready for High School

High School?! (Gasp!)  Wow, time does fly.  I've spent a little time this past week gathering resources to plan Braden's high school course of study.  I found our state's, as well as our local school districts, requirements for graduation.  I know I don't have to follow it, but it is a good guide to work from.  Plus, it will provide the needed credit hours required for entrance to most colleges, should that be in his future.

I'm most concerned about grade and record keeping.  I've not kept grades or formal records in these younger years, just worked to mastery and kept current lesson work on hand.  I found the HSLDA high school section of their website helpful.  They recommended Transcripts Made Easy .  I downloaded the ebook.  I'm hopeful it will be easy to follow.  Kathleen Duncan was also a recommendation, but I don't see her seminar schedule in my area any time soon.  I'll keep watching though.

Any 'high school help' recommendations would be appreciated.

Framed Menu

This is my new kitchen friend.  A crafter friend of mine makes and sells them.  As soon as she posted this addition to her shop, I knew I needed one!  

You just write on the glass with a dry erase marker and wipe away with a cloth.  Super easy, and cute too!

It gives me a little motivation to put some thought into a weekly menu.  Plus,  I think the boys like having the menu posted.  They ask about having it updated when we near the end of the week. 

Praise Ye the LORD

Psalm 148

 ¹Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

 ²Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

 ³Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

 ⁴Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

 ⁵Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

 ⁶He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

 ⁷Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

 ⁸Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

 ⁹Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

 ¹⁰Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

 ¹¹Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

 ¹²Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

 ¹³Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

 ¹⁴He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

I had no idea the stars made any noise at all.  This was so mind blowing, I had to share.

Espresso for Your Spirit

Book Review:  Espresso for Your Spirit, Hope and Humor for Pooped Out Parents by Pam Vredevelt

I really expected "Espresso for Your Spirit" be mostly fluff.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book.

The short chapters are just the right size to give busy moms a little shot of encouragement, like a shot of espresso puts a little pep in your step.  The author shares personal stories of trial and triumphs while in the trenches of child rearing.  This is not a step by step, be a better parent handbook.  It is basically just one mom sharing her stories and wisdom with the rest of us.  I loved that about this book.  I found I was able to easily relate to the author.  She often left me with something to ponder or just the thought of, "oh yeah, I've been there;" it was nice to know someone else had too.

One particular area this book impacted me in was noticing God in the little everyday things.  It is so easy to think God only cares about the "big stuff."  Not so!  He is at work and uses those seemingly unimportant moments to make himself known to us.  I just need to pay closer attention.        

The chapters are followed by alternating sections of "A Taste of  Hope" and "A Sip of Humor."  The sections featuring hope are filled with scriptures or meaningful quotes.  The humor portions are mostly short, funny stories or a few jokes to bring a little smile to your face.   I particularly loved the quotes.

This would be a nice book to read with a friend or small group.  It includes a section of "Koffee Klatch Questions" at the end of the book.  Two questions go with each chapter's reading to spur on conversation regarding the topic presented in the chapter.  It's a nice addition to the book.

I was almost guilty of "judging a book by its cover."  I passed this book up a couple of times because I thought it was one of those "gift" books, which I don't usually care for.  The cover design and title give it that "feel" when you first look at it.  However, that is not the case.  This is a "for real" book with wonderful encouragement.  Grab your cup of coffee and enjoy!  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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