We love Writeshop. There are skill builders and quite a bit of hand holding- that said- it is original writing. You have to pick an object to describe- and while they walk you through the steps and brainstorming- it is still coming up with your own words and descriptions. Would something like IEW be a better fit? They give you the topic, and the info for most of the writing- there are a few units where they expand into original writing- but it's gently.

I had the Charge HR and it was great- until the band came apart. It did that on 2 before I decided to do the Fitbit Flex. It is separate from the band and you pop it into the band. It doesn't track heart rate, but I'm ok with that. I have had a fit bit for several years as we get HSA kickbacks from DH company for active minutes.

^^What she said. Both my parents died in their 50's. Dad was 55, mom was 53. Both was because of unhealthy lifestyle choices. I know I can't deny genetics, or defy death, but I can do what I can to be healthy and leave the rest to God. I don't want to be the mom who is too overweight or sick to be a part of my children's life. I'm not in control, but I believe I can make decisions to eat healthy and move my body. I want to do what I can to take care of my body, and live this life I have to the best of my ability.

In these situations- and others Yes they are "off plan" with THM, but you simply eat moderately (I'm guessing similar to weight watchers) and then get back on track your next meal. No biggie. For me, keeping track of everything and measuring everything is harder than THM. THM is not a free for all though with no effort. It does take a learning curve just like any other program. I'm all for whatever works for you- so I'm not in any way saying THM is the only way or for you. Just stating how I deal with those situations. I do have the luxury of having several others in my circle doing this- most have which are at goal weight now and just eating for health instead of weight kids and I admit that makes it easier.

I do mix up several muffin in a mug mixes for busy mornings. I just put them in snack bags and that way I have a variety of them available. I keep a canister of the hot chicolate trimmy mix made since I am not a coffee drinker- some people do the same with the coffee trimmy mix. I pre cook several pounds of chicken breast and hamburger meat as a quick meal maker for those busy days. I sometimes will pre chop veggies. I pre cook bags of beans and rice and freeze. That is more money saving then time saving. They suggest "hangry pockets" for those days when you have minimal time, but I haven't made those yet. I find it easy as long as I'm not having all these holiday things, and my son is home on leave asking for his favorites. 😉 Because they are busy homeschool moms themselves I find they don't have too many involved recipes. Do you have the Trim Healthy Table book? That's great for a "quick start" guide. I love and prefer the first edition to really learn the why and not just the how. It just makes sense to me, and I can throw together a yummy brownie in a bowl or truffles, etc... to beat that sweet tooth. 😊

I'm continuing my journey with Trim Healthy Mama. It works. I've lost around 70ish pounds (I avoided the scale) and though I have gained a few back over the holidays- and want to lose 10-15 depending on what feels right at that point. While I want to be at a solid healthy weight and run another half marathon this year- I'm not aiming for a specific number in the scale.

I'm one who rarely takes a child to the doctor. I can count the number of times each child has been in on one hand. That said- I have 1 who every sickness seems to settle in her throat. It's weird. I had to take her in today because her throats was too swollen and sore to swallow much more than liquids and even that is painful. She tested positive for Strep. Waiting on results to see if she has mono as well. Mono is viral and I wouldn't have gone in for just that, but there are several people we know who have had it in the last month.

We won't finish opening gifts until my son gets home on leave on Thursday. But today we opened a few things- the biggest hits were Princess Bride 30th anniversary edition books, critter toys for my daughters mice and birds, and an Alien Gear Shape Shift holster.

Hoping for new running shoes. Ghost 10's to be exact. I usually run one "model" behind, but I missed it this time and I'm about to start training for a half marathon... Oh and a new Grubt Style (military brand) shirt that has the Davy Crockett quote "You may all go to hell, but I am going to Texas"- I know that's not quite right but you get the idea...

My daughters have pepper spray, carry larger pocket knives, and have keychain weapons. One Dd has a tool called black cat, and the other a similar version but a dog. Self protection and training is very important to us.

Thanks everyone! I had no idea people would start something this physical "later" in life. I know there are competitions, etc... and I'm not about that, I just want to learn some new skills, stay fit, and even "help" my daughter by being able to practice with her. I do run- slowly but surely- but wasn't sure about starting something with so this much physical contact.

Ok more of a 42 year old woman... has anyone done this? My youngest daughter is starting a class, and I will be there anyways because it wouldn't make sense to leave most of the time. I'm in decent health, but I'm older and while right now things are "gentle" as they are just learning- and going through the moves in practice forms- but I also saw part of the advance class and they were really going after it- of course it was a man dominated class at the advance level. They had followed the teacher from the other gym. I think 1 other female. So the idea of grappling with a full grown man is a little awkward. They are a new gym so that may change- but the Sensei was great, experienced, and is coming from another location where he lost his contract on the gym- so not new to teaching. I know it's month by month, and I can step out anytime- but just wondering if anyone else has started this late in life. Thoughts?

Yea! I loved mine. I'm excited for you!

Thanks- I just ordered the first one for my daughters Christmas book. I had never heard of this series but it looks like something she will enjoy! I'm excited!

Zentangles? https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1454919027/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513280944&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=zentangle+for+kids

Would these be ok for a 14 year old girl as well?

I have a Nordictrac now- but it's an older model- so know virtual walks or anything. We paid $200 for it. Still a good treadmill, but hubby wants to upgrade to a new sole f80. He is over weight and weighs enough to put "stress" on this older treadmill. If you want new- now is a good time to buy- if you want used- March/April will be a great time.

I haven't read all the replies, but I would adjust my schedule to better accommodate his. That may mean shifting bedtime for the child I need one on one time with, or doing that during nap time. I know it's not always popular, but I would let him have his sleep, and wake up time. I would prepare his lunches after the kids were in bed.

We had a wonderful experience building our home. We used a general contractor we knew well from church and knew he could be trusted to use and watch, good sub contractors. I will agree with padding your budget 10-15%. I am frugal to the core and save money wherever I can, but we still ended up needing that padding for inevitables. If you don't need it- yea!

Been through this several times.... I'm sure hospice is great in some ways- but while they were educational as to what to expect in the cases I've dealt with them, the actual physical needs they weren't there enough to help for. I learned from our first time to be ready with "bed pads" like they use in childbirth because control of bowel function decreases quickly. I don't mean that to sound horrible, but I was not prepared for that the first time and was limited on how I could handle it. Granted, I was 15 and the main "adult" in charge because my mother was not much help. Make sure you can quickly obtain liquid pain medicine. When they can no longer swallow you still want to be able to control pain. I second the memory foam on top of the hospital bed if you have a hospital bed. Those are the main things I didn't consider until I needed it. Sorry for your loss.

Yes! We love her 3 writing books. Haven't used her literary analysis books.

We use the same recipe as luvtoread and it always gets rave reviews and people asking for the recipe at our Christmas cookie party.

Definitely go to a running store if you can. I had to drive over an hour to go. That said- I LOVE my Brooks Ghosts. I always go up a half size to allow for my feet to swell a bit running "long distances".

I do not "like" Saxon. My kids do not "like" Saxon. But it has all the teacher help I need, and they do acknowledge it has prepared them well for college math. It works, and I don't know that any of us would "like" any math program.

You've had some great suggestions, so I'll just add one that worked for me when we were in similar circumstances. We have never been a video game family, but I bought Active Outdoor Challenge for the Wii and that was a very active game we all enjoyed on THOSE days.