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Thursday, September 10, 2015

My Trimaversary

"Once you discover nothing tastes as good as peace feels, the journey becomes less and less about food and more and more about God." 
Yesterday was my Trimaversary. It was one year ago on September 9 that I started my journey of eating healthy with Trim Healthy Mama.
I had been challenged in the past by God to show self-discipline in my life in the area of food/health, but after many ups and downs, I struggled so much with finding my "want to" that I just couldn't get started!
I went on furlough last year weighing more than I ever have, and discouraged because I knew I would gain more weight while in the US. I hated having pictures taken. It was so hard to choose pictures for our prayer card, because I didn't like any of them! I was on furlough for 4 months when I stepped on the scales and was in shock when I saw how high the numbers were. I had kept promising myself, "I'll never get higher than ___," and I was higher than every one of those promises.
I had two good friends (one in the US and one in NZ) that had shared with me about THM on numerous occasions, but I was afraid to spend that much money on a book. I was afraid that it might not work for me, or even more, that I might not have the will power to stick to it. I tried to get it from the library, but it was always checked out with a long waiting list. This day I was desperate. I just had to make a change. I bought the ebook, and started reading it right away. I stayed up late, devoured half the book, and made changes immediately. I didn't tell anyone that I was trying something new because I thought I might fail! 
In the first week I lost more than 5 lbs. Even though we were on furlough, I was able to cook for myself most of the time. When we were traveling or at other's homes, I just made the best choices I could. If someone made me lasagna, I ate it, and then was right back on plan in 3 hours. By the time we left for the field, 2 months after I started THM, I had already lost over 25 lbs! I have continued THM on the field, and, after a year, have lost 55 lbs (25 kg). I am just lower than my pre-pregnancy weight - FINALLY, as my first pregnancy was 16 years ago, and my last one 13 years ago! I have gone from a US size 18 to a US size 8/10. 
Trim Healthy Mama has helped me implement change. I am not at my goal weight, but I know I can do this. I cannot ever see myself returning to my former eating habits.

(It was these before photos that contributed to my decision to make a change! I don't have good before pics, because I hated having my picture taken!)

Before

After



Sunday, August 16, 2015

Chocolate Coconut Muffin in a Mug with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Icing (THM)

Muffin

1 Egg, beaten
2 Tbsp Almond Flour
1 Tbsp Desiccated Coconut
1 Tbsp Cocoa
1 Tbsp Xylitol
1 tsp Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 Tbsp Water

Mix together in microwave safe mug or bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. (Alternately, bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes.)

Frosting

1 Tbsp Cream Cheese
1 Tbsp Sugar Free Peanut Butter
2 sachets Candarel Stevia (or sweetener of choice)

Mix together and slather on top of cooked muffin. Enjoy!!

**Next time I will thin the icing a little with some almond milk. It was a little thick!

Friday, January 9, 2015

Beverley Naidoo, South Africa & Tapestry of Grace

What happens when you move? You sort. And sort. And sort. I sorted through things as we packed, getting rid of what we no longer need, and now I'm sorting through things as I unpack!
I came across a book today while unpacking my school room that I thought I could add to my my children's reading list this year. We are doing Year 4 of Tapestry of Grace, which covers the time period from 1900 to the Present. The book is Journey to Jo'burg by Beverley Naidoo. As I researched to find the time setting for this book, I found that she's written several other highly recommended books. I thought I would share, first of all, so that I don't forget about them! Secondly, I thought someone else might find it useful.
Please keep in mind, other than Journey to Jo'burg, I haven't previewed the books and plan to preview them before letting my children read them.

Out of Bounds, TOG Y4, Units 3-4, 1950-2000
Recommended for Grades 6 and up. (Also available on Kindle)



Journey to Jo'burg, TOG Y4, Wk 31 - 1985 (This is when the book was first published)
Recommended for Grades 6 and up.


Chain of Fire, TOG Y4, Wk 32 - 1986 (This is when the book was first published) (Out of Print)
Sequel to Journey to Jo'burg


No Turning Back, TOG Y4, Wk 33 or 34
Recommended for Grades 4 and up. (Also available on Kindle)



There is also the sweetest children's book! I am going to have to purchase this one! I just fell in love with the preview on Amazon.

S is for South Africa

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Homeschool Curriculum 2015


Here is what we're using for homeschool this year...

Brandon, age 15
Tapestry of Grace Year 4 - Rhetoric Level, which covers:
  • World History
  • World Classics of Literature
  • Fine Arts
  • Church History
  • Government 
  • Philosophy
Apologia Biology
Easy Grammar 
Math U See Algebra 2 and Stewardship
Mavis Beacon Typing
Afrikaans 
Institute for Excellence in Writing US History, Vol. 2 and High School Essay Intensive

Marissa, age 12
Tapestry of Grace Year 4 - Dialectic:
  • History, Arts, Geography
Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics
Easy Grammar 
Math U See PreAlgebra
Mavis Beacon Typing 
Afrikaans 
Spelling Power, Fourth Edition 
Institute for Excellence in Writing US History, Vol. 2

Mya, Age 7
Little Footprints (first half of year)
Tapestry of Grace Year 4 - Lower Grammar (second half of year)
Hooked on Phonics/Blue LLATL
Math U See Alpha (finish/started last year) & Beta
Handwriting Without Tears 
Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics