Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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Book Review: The Corruptible (Mystery book with the hope of salvation!)

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir is a great mystery book with the hope of salvation. I'm excited to read the next book in this series and find out how detective Ray Quinn gets saved and redeemed. Even though this book is book two in the Ray Quinn Mystery Series, you don't need to start in book one of the series to understand book two.

The main character, Ray Quinn, is a retired police detective who has his own private investigation company, Night Watchman Detective Agency. (If you're like me and enjoy a little sarcasm in your characters, you'll like Ray Quinn.) In our story Ray Quinn is hired by a wealthy (germaphobe) businessman to find company information stolen by an ex-cop. The story gets interesting when the ex-cop, Logan is found murdered. 

When I first started the book I felt like I was in an old Colombo t.v. episode, but as I kept reading the characters took on a life of their own. Having said that, I have to admit the book did start off slowly for me. Since I did enjoy this book, I'm glad I persevered and continued reading until the story picked up.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

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Book Review: Treasuring Emma

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller is not your average Amish romance book. The characters don't communicate like characters in other Amish books, and they definitely seem more real than how they are portrayed in other books. The women in the book struggled with trusting God (faith) and submission.  Another difference was how Emma was described as fat and plain.

I'm glad the author portrayed the Amish as sinners who need God's grace and forgiveness. Everyone must make their own decision to follow Christ. No one is born into a right relationship with God. We must all repent and have faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.


I enjoyed reading this book. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description 

Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?
Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.

For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.

With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?
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Saturday, July 9, 2011

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Book Review: The Final Hour

The Final Hour is book four of the Homelander series. You definitely should read the first three books before reading The Final Hour. Even though this series is written for teenagers I thoroughly enjoyed reading all four books. My 14 year old daughter also read and enjoyed the books before I even started them. She was surprised with the way it all turned out, while I figured out the whole series at the beginning of the first book (age and experience factor in). But even with knowing how it would all turn out, I still enjoyed the ride. We definitely need more wholesome books like these for our teenagers with good and moral heroes. I just wish there was more written about God and a gospel presentation. For instance when Charlie is questioned about whether he's ready to die, his answer is not based on faith in Jesus Christ but on his own good works.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

The Homelanders are attacking—and it's Charlie's last chance to stop them.
Charlie West was an ordinary high school kid who went to bed one night and woke up in the clutches of terrorists and wanted by the police for murder. He also woke up with no memory of the events of the last year.

His memory is returning now and has brought the terrible realization that he knows when the terrorists are going to strike next.

Whatever it takes, Charlie knows he can't give in or give up until they're stopped . . . even when the final hour is ticking away.
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Book Review: God's Love Letters to You

God's Love Letters to You: A Forty Day Devotional Experience is not your typical devotional book. I'm not the type of person who normally reads devotional books, so I was pleasantly surprised. I normally spend my time reading only the bible for my morning & evening devotions. I have tried devotionals before but never found anything I liked. This book however is different! Larry Crabb, the author, doesn't sugar coat the gospel at all. As a matter of fact his book really tries to get you to dig deeper and see things from God's point of view. He really exposes the holes in the prosperity doctrine. Since I received this book to review, I read it without answering the questions in depth and read it faster than the 40 days.  I will definitely go back and take my time with this book in addition to my daily bible reading. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Experience a unique conversation with God through a daily devotional reading based on twenty Old Testament and twenty New Testament books of the Bible. Written to help the reader listen to what God is saying in His Word, God’s Love Letters to You offers a life-changing encounter with God through the story He is telling. Author Larry Crabb brings the big picture of God’s story into clearer focus, helping readers catch an enticing glimpse of how each of these forty books of the Bible advances the story. The goal? To lose our story in His.
Each day’s devotional includes:
-a selected Scripture reading
-a short devotional message
-reflection questions
-a closing prayer
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

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Book Review: Beyond All Measure

Beyond All Measure by Dorthy Love was not a quick read for me. Even though it was hard for me to get into the story, I did enjoy reading all the historical background information. The racial prejudice as well as North vs. South prejudice depicted in the book helped me see what a long way we have come since the Civil War. Also, I'm glad the characters in the book were able to believe and trust in God again. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Unless she can trust God's love to cast out her fears, Ada may lose the heart of a good man.

Ada Wentworth, a young Bostonian, journeys to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, in the years following the Civil War. Alone and nearly penniless following a broken engagement, Ada accepts a position as a lady’s companion to the elderly Lillian Willis, a pillar of the community and aunt to the local lumber mill owner, Wyatt Caldwell. Ada intends to use her millinery skills to establish a hat shop and secure her future.

Haunted by unanswered questions from her life in Boston, Ada is most drawn to two townsfolks: Wyatt, a Texan with big plans of his own, and Sophie, a mulatto girl who resides at the Hickory Ridge orphanage. Ada's friendship with Sophia attracts the attention of a group of locals seeking to displace the residents of Two Creeks, a "colored" settlement on the edge of town. As tensions rise, Ada is threatened but refuses to abandon her plan to help the girl.

When Lillian dies, Ada is left without employment or a place to call home. And since Wyatt’s primary purpose for staying in Hickory Ridge was to watch over his aunt, he can now pursue his dream of owning Longhorns in his home state of Texas.

With their feelings for each other growing, Ada must decide whether she can trust God with her future and Wyatt with her heart.
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Saturday, June 11, 2011

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Book Review: A Vision of Lucy

I enjoyed reading A Vision of Lucy. Even though it was book three in a series, I was able to follow along and not feel lost at any point in the story without having read any of the prior books. A Vision of Lucy contained a lot of the story elements I am looking for when I read a book - salvation, a moral, and humor. Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he’ll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has—as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.
God’s arms are around this unlikely couple as they discover the truth about long-held assumptions and the importance of forgiveness.
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Thursday, June 9, 2011

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Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish

Saving money, garage sales, thrift stores - some of my favorite topics. No wonder I enjoyed reading Money Secrets of the Amish. Since author Lorilee Cracker has a wonderful sense of humor, her book was a quick and easy read. Even though I already know and practice most of the Amash suggestions, the book was not a disappointment.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America’s thriftiest people, the Amish.

Author, journalist, and descendant of the Amish, Lorilee Craker, was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo—family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering her people, the Amish, and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to get back to her roots and learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

In Money Secrets of the Amish, readers go on an “Amish money makeover,” learning the choices, secrets, and disciplines that safeguarded the contentment and the coffers of America’s favorite plain folk by spending less, saving more, and getting happier doing it.


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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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Book Review: Spring For Susannah

I wouldn't let my daughter read Spring For Susannah until she got married, (might awaken or stir thoughts of sex) and then I'm not so sure I'd recommend it because of the bias. As I read Spring For Susannah, I kept thinking this is a feminist book disguised as a Christian romance. Not only does Susannah's husband, Jesse, say women are smarter than men, but Jesse is missing for one third of the book while Susannah conquers all.

The author, Catherine Richmond, has a gift for adding humor to a story. This book had so much promise; I really wanted to like it, but it dragged after Jesse disappeared. I wouldn't recommend this book for young impressionable unmarried ladies.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Official Book description
When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.





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Friday, May 27, 2011

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Book Review: The Book That Made Your World


The Book That Made Your World written by Vishal Mangalwadi is a must read for homeschoolers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reflecting on Vishal's views about western civilization, Christianity, and eastern philosophies. I think Sonlight should review this book and consider adding it to their curriculum. History, science, philosophy, technology, heroism, languages, literature, and more all covered from a biblical world view.
 Chapter 19 is my favorite chapter. I wish more people understood that education isn't our savior. Jesus Christ is our savior and only hope! A biblical education is what we need.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review. 


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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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Book Review: A Relectant Queen

The Reluctant Queen is a fictionalized version of the book of Esther. Immediately, upon reading the book I noticed the departures from the biblical account, however since I already knew it was a fictional book I enjoyed the story. Author Joan Wolf has a wonderful ability to transport the reader into another time and place. I enjoyed reading and thinking about the reasons an Israelite would marry a pagan and the reasons Haman acted as he did. It was a little amusing to see how the author gave Esther and Ahasuerus such modern time sentiments and attributes. But hey, it's a love story so what do you expect. On the other hand, it was disturbing how the author portrayed Esther as someone who so quickly was willing to leave the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

From the publisher: “See the story of Esther in an entirely new way—with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King [Ahasuerus] was a powerful but lonely man. Esther’s beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.”

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review. 
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Saturday, May 21, 2011

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Book Review: No Place Like Holmes

No Place Like Holmes is a great book for young children. Truthfully even as an adult, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book. The main character, Griffin, is a wonderful example of a christian. I hope his uncle gets saved in the next book.  No Place Like Holmes is a mystery with a redemptive message of forgiveness. It will help your child look beyond peoples bad attitudes and have a redemptive heart.

Book Description
The new resident in 221A Baker Street is about to give Sherlock Holmes a run for his magnifying glass!

When Griffin is sent to stay with his detective uncle at 221A Baker Street for the summer, he is certain that his uncle must be the great Sherlock Holmes! But Griffin is disappointed to discover that Holmes lives at 221B Baker Street and his uncle lives unit 221A. His uncle is a detective, just not a very good one. But when Griffin meets a woman with a case that Holmes has turned away for being too ridiculous, he and his uncle team up to help her. Along the way, Griffin shows his uncle just what it means to have true faith in God, even when the case challenges that. The woman claims that her husband was eaten by the Loch Ness Monster, but monsters aren’t real—or are they?

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

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Book Review: The Promise of an Angel

Reading The Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid was an enjoyable experience. The Promise of an Angel is about an Amish girl, Judith, and how her faith is strengthened. Ruth Reid, a great writer, weaves a story full of conflict and emotion. The story does start off a little confusing because I was left to guess exactly how her younger brother got hurt until near the end of the book.

This book is definitely faith based and speaks about salvation. I liked how the idea of an angel speaking to her was balanced by Andrew. It was made clear how Satan also masquerades as an angel of light, so we must be careful who or what we give heed to.

Also, it doesn't really make sense why she saw the angel to begin with. I know Tobias, the angel, tells her someone is praying for her, but it leaves one to infer it was Andrew praying for her because we find him staying up all night praying for her on several occasions. However, when the story starts Judith and Andrew don't have any kind of friendly relationship, and it's not until after she sees the angel that they get to really know each other. Personally, I would have enjoyed the book more without any reference to an angel as there was plenty of other conflict with her sister and Levi that could have still lead to her learning forgiveness and the strengthening of her faith.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Saturday, May 7, 2011

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Book Review: Johann Sebastian Bach Christian Encounters Series

Enjoyable book. Well this book definitely lives up to it's name, Christian Encounter Series. This is the first biography I have read in this series, and I must say I enjoyed it. The author did a great job explaining the culture Bach grew up in, his dedication to God, his love for music, and his Lutheran background.

I will have my daughter use this book as part of her homeschool curriculum. It can be used as a part of history, composer study (CM), religion, and writing. (I'll require an essay or written narration) Also, it will lead to great discussions especially in the last chapter as there are some blasphemous sentiments expressed. Daniel J. Mount has already written a review about this on Amazon, so I won't go into detail.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.


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Sunday, May 1, 2011

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Book Review: Nick of Time


This is my first time ever reading a book by Tim Downs. The Nick of time is a very fast read as I was able to read it in one night. It has plenty of suspense, humor, and information about bugs and forensics.

However, I did receive this book from a Christian publisher so I kept looking for references to Jesus Christ or even Christianity in general. They weren't there. There was a part in the book when he thought he was dying and he realized that maybe there really was something out there. I'm hoping that since this is a book in a series it will build up to Nick's salvation.

I do understand we live in a time of soft, watered down, compromising, wishy washy Christianity. But I can still hope.

Disclaimer: I review books based on their tie to Christianity and Jesus Christ not necessarily their entertainment value.
I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
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Tabata starting week 5

Our change of diet and exercise program is still going strong. I'm at 170.8 & Dan is at 205.0, so we are excited to continue seeing a drop in weight. I think we need to increase our exercise time because it keeps getting easier. Although with Tabata the main thing is to work as hard as you can in that short amount of time. I'll let you know what we decide for next week.
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Saturday, April 30, 2011

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Movie Review: The Least Among You


I normally don't review movies since I don't even own a television(LOL). However, this movie was provided at no charge by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. Since my husband and I are always looking for evangelistic movies to show at area parks, I decided to preview this movie.

The back cover reads...Leaders are not chosen, they are called. Inspired by a true story. Richard Kelly is a black college graduate forced to serve probation at an all-white seminary after the 1965 Watts riots. Richard is encouraged by the seminary president, Alan Beckett, to break the color line. Richard nears his breaking point when he meets Samuel, an elderly janitor who lives in the basement of his dormitory. As Samuel guides Richard through the trials of racism and the personal life that haunts him, Richard undergoes a transformation that forces him to choose between his dreams and his destiny.

Sounds good, but if you have never heard of Richard Kelly you might get lost. I had to explain most of it to my daughter, and she is very bright. It just didn't seem to flow from scene to scene very well. Maybe it's the point of view we are coming from. If we watch a supposedly christian movie, we expect and are looking for the gospel. Maybe she got lost because she was waiting for and trying to find a connection to the gospel.

Personally, I think I'm in a minority because I LIKE preachy movies. Unfortunately, this movie was not preachy at all. This movie could have been so great if they would have showed HOW and WHEN Richard decided to pursue the call of God and become a preacher. It does have some good parts like when the dean found out the millionaire benefactor decided to pull his money not because of a black student, but because they were no longer teaching the bible as truth in the seminary classrooms.

Bottom line: We won't be showing this movie at any area parks.
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Saturday, April 23, 2011

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Tabata starting week 4

Tabata is getting easier for me. Thank God! This week we also played tennis for about 2 hours on Friday. My weight is now 171.4! My waist dropped an inch, too. Dan's at 206.6, so he's still dropping.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011

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Onenote 2007 for Homeschooling

This past week I've been learning about Onenote 2007. I can't believe I had this great tool all long and wasn't aware of its usefulness! I'm part of the Simply Ruth Beechick yahoo group where someone mentioned they use Onenote 2007 for homeschooling. So, being the curious person I am, I looked into it and I have to say I'm so glad I did. Here are a few links that helped me see different ways I could apply it homeschooling.
http://desertramblings.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/how-technology-helps-me-homeschool-while-working-full-time/
http://www.homeschooltweet.com/home/budget-home-school-planning-with-onenote.html
http://scienceofrelations.blogspot.com/2010/07/interactive-notebooks-with-onenote-and.html
http://learnersathome.blogspot.com/2010/07/student-organization-with-microsoft.html
I'm even using Onenote right now to help me write my post. I've set up notebooks for church follow-up, recipes, Rhiannon's school, lesson planning, and even helped Dan set one up for sermon preparation. If you want to be better organized I recommend using Onenote.
I'm going to try and write a blog series detailing how I'm using Onenote and post pictures of my setup.
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Friday, April 15, 2011

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Tabata starting week 3

Wow! I increased from 4 minutes of Tabata to 6 minutes today! Feels great, but definitely tiring. My endurance is increasing, and my energy levels are still high. I dropped close to another pound, so I'm at 172.8! Can't wait until I'm in the 160s.
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Thursday, April 14, 2011

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Free Math Game Apps April 13th-16th only! By McGraw-Hill for Ipod Touch & Ipad

McGraw Hill states the following on Itunes app website: All of our Everyday Math Games Apps are available for FREE download during NCTM April 13-16 2011!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/everyday-mathematics-divisibility/id428594346?mt=8#
I found 10 free apps by clicking on view more by this developer. When it opens in iTunes click see all, and then download all the free games.
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Monday, April 11, 2011

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Book Review: The Final Summit


"What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?" This question is answered in The Final Summit A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity By Andy Andrews Published by Thomas Nelson. If this book wasn't published and promoted as a Christian book, but as a self - help book it would be fine. But since it's supposed to be Christian it is missing a key figure, Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, we need to understand that human civilization as a whole is heading toward destruction, but individually we must repent and turn to Jesus to be saved. Unfortunately, that isn't the answer given by this book! So, in good faith I can't recommend this book.(Thank you, BookSneeze, for the free copy of The Final Summit.)
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Friday, April 8, 2011

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Tabata starting week 2

Well we did it! We finished week 1 and started week 2 today! We feel a lot better. My energy is through the roof! We are also on The Hacker's Diet, and since combining both we are starting to really see and feel a difference. We started The Hacker's Diet last month on March 22nd. Our goal is to lose 1 lb per week until conference. Dan started at 215.0 and today he's 208.1, so he's lost 7 lbs so far. I on the other hand am losing at a much slower pace. I started at 177.4 and today I'm at 173.2, so not as dramatic as Dan, but hey they say women lose slower than men. LOL! I honestly didn't see much of a lose until we started Tabata. Maybe because my metabolism is so slow, and the studies they've done on Tabata say it increases your metabolism for 36 hrs. I don't know, but I'm happy to finally be losing something!
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Friday, April 1, 2011

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Tabata workout

Today Dan & I started the Tabata workout! We only did 4 minutes, and it was hard for us! So, we are excited to see how fast we can build our endurance up.

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

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Free Spanish exercise videos from University of Texas at Austin

My daughter Rhiannon is learning Spanish this year. While it's going great, I do like to supplement with other resources. I recently received an email from the Homeschool Buyers Co-op with a great Spanish resource. The University of Texas at Austin has a website providing video lesson exercises. Check it out and let me know what you think.
http://www.laits.utexas.edu/spe/index.html
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Friday, March 18, 2011

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Free - Microsoft Math 4.0 Program

Microsoft Releases Math 4.0 Free
Microsoft has released a new version of its math education software Mathematics 4.0, making it available as a free download for the first time.

Check out this link for more info http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/03/10/microsoft-releases-math-4.0-free.aspx
And here is the link to download the program. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=9caca722-5235-401c-8d3f-9e242b794c3a
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