History Lesson with Answers!

My sister Katie posted a picture quiz last week on her blog of all her travels throughout Europe. She was amazed that people didn't recognize those places more easily, so I thought I would do the same. These are a few of the things I have taught my students in the last week. See how many you know:

A) Who said, "Give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry
B) Who said, "There! His majesty can now read my name without his glasses." John Hancock
C) Who said, "These are the times that try men's souls." Thomas Paine
D) What document says, "We hold these truths to self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Declaration of Independence
E) Who is Nathan Hale? Patriot who was captured by the British and hung as a spy
F) What is Ethan Allen famous for? Leading the Green Mountain boys in the victory at Fort Ticonderoga
G) How are Sam Adams and John Adams related? Cousins
H) Who was President of the Continental Congress? John Hancock
I) Who was commander of the Continental Army? George Washington

Answers to come soon!

Week in Review

3 weeks down on the new diet. I am starting to get the hang of it. I have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks and am feeling good. I am also noticing what foods I really crave a little too much. It is easy to turn down candy bars, but cheese is my weakness. We had a soup party at school this week, but I resisted. We went to the pumpkin patch as a family to celebrate Kori's birthday and resisting popcorn and those cute little donuts was a little hard. I do miss being able to dig into a chip now and then. It is worth it though- the pounds are coming off and I am feeling good. My workouts are picking up and I am looking forward to even better results.

School is plowing along. Each day I am amazed at the things kids say and do.

On a completely separate note: We attended my nephew's flag football game yesterday- he is six. The parents were horrendous. They were walking the sidelines, pacing, following every move of the ball, coaching their kids. Two dads moving the chains were yelling at another dad, who was mad their son was offsides. Then they walked by and said, "Oh, I didn't see that, was that an 80 yard touchdown run." So then another parent talked trash back. Who talks trash at their six year old son's flag football game? There are some intense parents in the world. Let the kids enjoy it and have fun. Sheesh!

Bumper Cars

Driving home tonight, I was merging on the freeway. The car in front of me accelerated- I wasn't that close; I glanced back to check traffic and when I looked again, the car had come to a complete stop. I slammed on my brakes, but I just didn't stop in time. I flew forward and heard a loud bang. I was convinced the front of my car was gone. I pulled my car over, got out, to a shaking young man in the car in front of me. His car was fine, my car was fine. He wasn't injured and neither was I. Two nice state patrolmen descended upon the scene. Since the damage did not exceed $1500, no citation was issued and we all left.

I am embarrassed and shaken up. I have never hit anyone before and it is not a fun feeling. I think I will leave the Bumper Cars for the theme parks next time.

Giveaway

Head over to my sister Katie's blog and check out her giveaway! Click here!

Montana- Old School

For Labor Day this year we went to Montana. I didn't take many pictures, but my sister Kori did. You can check out some here. She mentioned the tradition of taking pictures in the swing, so I went back and found some of the pictures I have scanned in over the years of calendar and movie making and I thought I would share some. These pics are quite embarassing and illustrate my looking like a boy phase, but here they are anyway.

Week 1

I have not been able to lose weight for the last 9 months. I trained for and ran a half marathon and didn't shed a pound- in fact I gained weight. After watching my parents shed their pounds this summer, I decided it was time to give their new thing a try.

Today was the end of the first week. It wasn't always easy. Take Shape for Life has you eat 5 of their meals and 1 of your own. You cut out many of your favorite foods. :( It has been an adjustment thinking about what to make for dinner every night that fits into the guidelines given, but without simply eating chicken and salad every night. I don't want to get bored. So I am learning what I like and don't like and learning to be brave and try new things. LJ as well has embraced the diet.

At the end of week one, I have lots five pounds. I know that will slow down in the weeks to come, but I am dedicated to it for at least a month. If I absolutely hate it at the end of that time, I will quit, but I think I can do it and lose the weight I want to.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!