January Down

I've made it a whole month without sugar!!!!! Woohoooo!

Let's take a look back, shall we?

Since I've stopped eating sugar I've lost 7 lbs and 3" off my waist.  My waist is now under 35" which means I'm healthier.  I'm also within my healthy weight range and wearing my pre-pregnancy clothes.  I also haven't had a headache since my initial detox period.  Since I'm not eating sugar my kids are eating a lot less sugar which means I hardly ever need to ask them to clean their faces.  This in turn is keeping our wipe consumption to a minimum.  My children are also willing to try more foods because they are looking for a sugar fix.  Since they are trying more foods they are deciding they like more foods than they thought they did.  Today Super Jack peeled a banana and wanted me to cut off the bad spots.  I was holding Bumbles who was fussy so I explained they are sugar spots and they are just sweeter.  He looked at his banana with a inquisitive face, shrugged his shoulder and started eating.  Not bad for one month.

Today was also Bumbles 8 month birthday.  I thought of this when I was sitting in the boys room helping Bumbles play with a toy cake.  We sang Happy Birthday.  This became the theme of the kids play today.  Who knew it was Super Jack's puppy's birthday today too.

Sweets is so good at playing.

Look at that spread.




 We'll see how February goes.  I'm a little nervous for Ground Hog Day because that is one of our donut holidays.  You might recall from earlier posts that my sister sent me a donut mix and a mini donut pan to make them in.  We will be making donuts on February 2nd.  Wish me luck. 

My mother will also be coming next week for a visit!!!!!  I'm sooo excited!  I will be using her mad skills to help me put up curtains and start my awesome project that I have been planning for 10 year.  While she is here we will also be celebrating Sweet's 7th Birthday, which is on Valentine's Day (that is why she is so sweet).  Sweets is so excited and has been planning for weeks.  She has said something about Chocolate Mint Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Ice Cream.  I told her to keep thinking about it and decide which ones she really wants.  Here's hoping she doesn't pick Chocolate Chip Cookies because that could bring me down.  Usually I get this for Valentine's Day.


Reid Harris I really think your wife would LOVE a box of these!

Actually, I don't get that exactly.  What I REALLY love is a 1 lb box of marzipan from See's Candy.  I won't be getting one of those this year.  Even if I was eating sugar I wouldn't because it would cost a million dollars to ship to Albania.  Must put marzipan on my list of things I can't live without.

Albania: Things are not calming down here.  The two parties are still pointing fingers and using angry rhetoric.  We are pretty sure the Socialist are planning another protest this Friday.  Keep praying for Albania.

Understanding

I had the hardest time getting out of bed this morning.  Bumbles didn't sleep very well and I had stayed up too late.  I am super grumpy when I'm tired.  Andi got up to take care of Bumbles.  He said I should get in the shower so we could get to church.  I grumped that I wasn't going.  I was so mad!  I know most people don't get mad when they're tired, but I do. 

I laid in bed for 30 minutes trying to fight the devil on my shoulder that was telling me to stay in bed and be mad at my husband.  Fortunately the angel on my other shoulder won.

I'm so glad I went.  I have been going to church here in Albania for a year and a half.  (I go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) Usually I just sit through our first meeting (Sacrament Meeting) trying to keep my kids quiet.  Then we go to Primary for almost two hours.  (Primary is the children's organization of which I'm the President in my branch). During Primary I sing songs in Albanian and try to help keep B.D. in his chair, Sweets from doing everything BUT listening, Super Jack from begging everyone for candy and gum and Bumbles from being fussy.   Now that I have two AWESOME helpers it is much easier, but I still feel so relieved when it is time to go home.

What made today so wonderful is that I UNDERSTOOD ALMOST EVERY WORD!  I was actually spiritually fed at church.  I was practically bawling in my chair.  Andi looked at me with concern and asked if I was okay.  I sent him a note telling him I finally got something from church.  I also pointed out that our kids really need Albanian lessons because they are not picking it up fast enough (not enough exposure).

Once we got in the car I gave B.D. the usual lecture about how he needs to behave in Primary.  He listed all the things he had done that he wasn't supposed to do without any prompting from me.  I asked why he did those things if he knew he wasn't supposed to.  He just said, "That is the question."  Indeed. 

B.D. made breakfast while I took care of Bumbles.  He is such a hard worker.  I put my arm around him and said, "You may not be good at sitting still, but you are a hard working boy."  (I love those moments when I remember to love my big boy).

After lunch Bumbles and I had a wonderful 2 hour nap!  What a great Sunday!

P.S.  B.D. was cutting tomatoes for our dinner salad and found this.

It reminded him of the double headed eagle on the
Albanian flag.

I have to agree

P.P.S. Someone at church told me I looked really skinny. =D                             

The Bread of Life

We have this little shop where we like to go get treats.  It is called, "Buke e Jetes".  It means "The Bread of Life".  There is one treat that my husband especially loves.  It is called Mafishe (I think that is how you spell it).  We hadn't been there in awhile (much to my relief), but today we went.

It was hard to take a good picture because
there was a light in front of them.

I think in America we call them meringues.  Let me tell you it was really hard to walk into that store with all of those treats.  Sweets and Super Jack  picked these little chocolate balls with sprinkles.  My mouth was watering then and it is watering now as I type this.  I was really struggling.  They did have some "diabetic" snacks there too, but then I realized I couldn't even get those because I started WW and I can't just eat whatever.  I did make it out of the store without getting a treat.  I also watched my family eating treats and didn't indulge.

Interestingly the chocolate balls had some kind of cake center that no one liked.  I kept asking people to tell me what they tasted like.  The only description I got was "weird".  It was driving me crazy.  I just wanted to taste one.  No one could blame me for just wanting to know what they tasted like.  But I held strong.  Who knows what they tasted like, but I guess I didn't miss anything.  I was dying for something sweet so I ate a banana.  Looking back I'm so glad I didn't give in. 

It was hard getting back on the WW saddle again.  I found out that dried figs are 1 point each! No wonder I haven't been losing very much weight!  When I saw how many points I get to eat on the new program I thought I would be stuffed.  Turns out I've been a big pig and even with high points it was hard to behave myself.

I love WW!  I love to mark off all the little "healthy guidelines" boxes.  I seriously think of those boxes constantly and what I can do to fill another one in.  I'm just so into filling out forms.  I know it is crazy.  Blame my 4 years as a secretary if you'd like (I loved it before I was ever a secretary).

I Gave In

I just couldn't take it anymore.  I gave in.  I joined Weight Watchers.  I know I said I wouldn't do any other dieting, but I really think I need to.  I am down to 34 1/2" in my waist and 154.4 lbs, but I need to do better.  Weight Watchers helps me not over eat.  I'm a major over eater. 

I looked into Flat Belly Diet more and I read this which convinced me it wouldn't really target my belly fat.  So I looked at Weight Watchers again.  They are cancelling their sign up fee until 3/12/2011.  (I love it when they do that).  Also, they have changed their program a bit.  I really want to read all about it and get back on the wagon.  I'm excited.

Today was stressful partly because I didn't sleep well last night (thanks to Bumbles) and partly because I was stressed about the protest.  The protest was peaceful.  I have no idea what that means.  Things are still crazy here.  I will keep you posted if anything interesting happens.

I did keep my kids from eating sugar today. (It wasn't hard we didn't go anywhere).  I really hope we have nice weather tomorrow and we can go do something fun.  I need to get out of this house!

Now I must go learn my new Weight Watchers plan so I leave you with this little gem for your viewing pleasure.

Sorry it's a little blurry, but it is hard to hold a baby
and take a picture of him.

Top Priority

It was a sugar day!  My kids wouldn't let me forget.  We tried to get to the store to buy some chocolate before we went to our usual playgroup at the botanical garden, but we just didn't have time. (Plus, I just don't want sugar to be the #1 priority of my kids' lives).  We had fun at the botanical garden, but I have never seen Super Jack walk so fast when I told him it was time to go.  (He was ready for some chocolate!)

We did a little shopping and my kids were being so helpful.  Saying things like, "Mommy, what can I get for you.  What's next."  They were so excited.  They were focused on the goal.

They each picked a Snickers

It is interesting that they go for the chocolate now that I restrict their sugar intake.  They used to pick non-chocolate candy.  I have to say I miss chocolate and homemade cookies more than anything else.  So I got this . . . .

Were you scared it was chocolate?

I have to say I was a little more than excited that it had flax seeds in it.  I plan to have it for breakfast and I can't wait. 

One of my dear friends made some of my favorite food for us so my sister could try it. (Side Note: My sister has not made it home yet :-(.  She is stuck in New York because of the snowfall in VA.)

Byrek

me Presh (with leeks)

So Yummy!

Please pray for Albania.  Tomorrow there will be another protest.  The protesters are saying that it will be nonviolent, but how can you guarantee what tens of thousands of people will do?  Pray that a peaceful solution will be found that will put Albania on the real track to freedom and democracy.

I Just Love Love

Maddie left in the wee hours of the morning, but she left this for us.

It's the words in red
"Bye! I love you guys!"
'heart' Maddie

Things like that just warm my heart.  I almost got up to hug her goodbye again, but while I was trying to talk myself into it I fell asleep.

It was hard going through our day without Maddie, but somehow we made it.  Dancing helped.

I had to beg her to stop for a picture!

I love how my kids love each other.

Fresh Bread and Fresh Ideas

We really wanted to take Maddie to see the beach.  When we woke up this morning we hurried to get ready to go to the beach.  (we had to hurry because Andi had to get back in time for a meeting) We decided we'd have a picnic, but we didn't have any bread for sandwiches.  Maddie and B.D. went to get some bread.

B.D. said that they had just taken the bread out of the oven and it wasn't cut.  I was a little annoyed. Then I realized that hot fresh bread is yummy.  We packed 3 different kinds of cheese and some apples.  We drove to the beach.  I was glad Maddie got to see some bunkers.  (the entire landscape is dotted with bunkers from the communist era - they were always ready for an invasion.)

We finally got to the beach and it was FREEZING!!!  We just sat in the car and ate our bread and cheese.  Maddie, B.D., Sweets and Super Jack did get out and run around for awhile. Bumbles was asleep so I stayed in the car.  We headed home and ate some more bread and cheese.   I forgot to take a picture of the beautiful bread before we ate it, but here is what it looked like by dinner time.

Sweets is wearing an earpiece, pretending
she works for the Secret Service.

We had this for dinner.

Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce

Then my MIL came over and gave my sister two chocolate bars to take with her on her flight.  When Super Jack saw that, he had a super fit about how he wanted chocolate.  He had already had two chocolaty treats at scouts.  I just had to put him in his bed.  My MIL felt bad.  My MIL also told me that she had seen a report on "Voice of America" about how video games are not good for children if they play them too much.  She was telling me because she knows I restrict my kids from TV and the like.  She was glad to see that the doctors were backing up my behavior.  Then she said this . . . . . drum roll please.

 "Angela, when you first had B.D. and Andi told me you would stay home I couldn't understand it.  People would always ask me what my son's bride does for work. I would have to explain that you didn't work and I just couldn't understand it.  But now I realize that you have made the right decision.  It is better for mothers to stay home and raise their children.  A child's upbringing is so important."

I put my hand on my heart, bowed my head and said, "Falemnderit!" (Thank you)  

It has taken 10 1/2 years, but my MIL and I are finally understanding each other.  Maybe she said it because I told her that in the book "The Flat Belly Diet" I read that wearing socks helps to relieve stress so maybe Albanians have it right.  (It is a crime to be barefoot in this country).

Dancing

I awoke to this!

B.D. and Ada made us a GREAT breakfast!  More pancakes as you can see, eggs, milk, strawberries, black olives, and toast. 

We were soooo tired of being in the house so we went to the mall.  We did find frozen fruit at Euromax at the QTU mall.  I didn't get any because I still don't have a blender, but my sister also suggested that I just eat the fruit and not bother with a mixer.  Still thinking . . . .

It was nice to get out, but it wasn't as refreshing as going for a walk, which we couldn't do because it was raining. 

We watched a movie - again (grrr!)  But after the movie we played with Duklos (Super Jack's word for Duplos).  Then. . . . we turned on the IPOD and DANCED!!!!  I haven't danced that much in years and it was so fun.  The kids were laughing and they had that wonderful look they get when Mommy is being silly.

I haven't been very good at sticking to the sugar days (Sunday and Thursday) for the kids.  It's Super Jack.  He's kind of grumpy and sugar makes him so happy.  And we are bored and sugar is fun.  I've got to think of more fun things that aren't sugar.   So today I got them "chocolate hotdogs"  GAG!!!  They are actually called Pasta Shu, but my kids didn't know what they were called so they called them chocolate hotdogs. 

I even had to help Super Jack unwrap his so I got chocolate on my fingers .  I just wiped them off.  I tried to think of it as motor oil. 

I like wearing size 8 pants - even if they are still a little tight!  I also like the way my legs are aching from dancing. 

I don't have anything to say about the political situation in Albania today.  We are basically just waiting to see what happens next. 

Candy Cans

We didn't go to church today because we were afraid that something might happen.  Plus, the US Embassy sent out an email for us to stay indoors.  Andi went, but Maddie and I stayed home with the kids.  We held primary at home.  I had fun, I don't know if the kids did.

We had lunch and waited for Daddy to come home.  When Andi got home he explained that no protests would happen today because they were burying the 3 men who died.  Just so you know, I'm learning that these men had children and were very poor.  There have been two more protests planned.  One on Wednesday by the government and one on Friday by the opposition.  Knowing this I feel a little calmer and I'm glad Maddie will be gone if something else happens.

Andi and Bumbles took a nap so I got to read some of my book.



I'm really enjoying it.  It was a gift from my parents for Christmas.  It was so relaxing to be able to read!!!

Andi had a meeting so we watched this fun movie.




Since Daddy wasn't home we had one of our "Daddy isn't home dinners" - Chips and Salsa with refried beans.

Then everyone had a "candy can" (yes, another Super Jack-ism), took a bath and went to bed.  Ahhh peace!

Mouth Watering

I was finally able to download this book.



I've read a few chapters.  It seems like it will not be very easy to do here in Albania.  It requires a smoothy a day.  I have yet to find a good source of frozen fruits in Albania.  Maybe when/if things calm down I will go exploring.  My other problem is that I don't have a blender and I haven't been able to find a reasonably priced one.   The diet also includes unsalted sunflower seeds and skim milk.  I guess I could drink boxed milk, but . . . . it's so gross.  I don't think they have any unsalted nuts other than almonds.

I'll keep reading, but I will definitely not be able to start anything until there is peace in the country again.  I did learn that your waist/hip ration is the best predicter of whether or not you are at risk for a heart attack.  It is supposed to be 0.8% or less.  Mine was 0.88% . . . . . I need to do some work.  I am doing really well at avoiding sugar, but I still need to get my overeating under control. 

We had a peaceful day because everyone is mourning the 3 men who died.  However, tomorrow they plan to continue their protests.  They say that they will be nonviolent, but everyone is really mad and no one is making any compromises.  It isn't looking good.  We are monitoring our US Embassy emails to see what they are recommending.   They keep saying we should stay away from the protests and stay indoors. 

Andi and I went with Bumbles this morning and filled up our gas tank and got lots of nuts, fruits, veggies, milk, bread, butter, water, laundry detergent and movies.  I feel like we are getting ready for a snow storm, but it might be a lot worse than that.

I let the kids watch 4 movies today and I let Maddie make these.

My mouth was watering like crazy, but I held strong and ate a mandarin instead.  In fact, while I've been reading Flat Belly Diet my mouth waters like crazy everytime I read Chocolate.  However, after loading these pictures I decide that the following picture looks more delicious than the above picture.

A Great and Terrible Day

Sorry, but I'm not going to tell you about my dinner today because it just doesn't seem that important anymore.  I do want to show you me cute panacake (that's what Super Jack calls them) maker.

Oh, B.D. so handsome

I also wanted to tell you that I squeezed myself into my size 8 jeans this morning.  It was great.  I'll show you a picture if you promise not to judge me.  I wore them all day and it was only a little uncomfortable.  I know they are tight, but when I'm trying to lose weight it helps me to wear tight clothes.

This was taken at 10:00 am and my
shirt was already dirty.

That was the great part of the day.  The rest of the day we watched the protest on TV.  This is not a political blog.  I leave politics to my husband.  However, not to mention what happened today would seem ridiculous.  There was a big protest against our corrupt government and 3 people (so far) were killed.  There is still at least one that is fighting for his life.  I won't go into it all, but I feel so sorry for those families and I'm very worried about what will happen next.   Poor Maddie, this is not a fun time to be in Albania.

Dreaming of Sugar

Have you ever seen these or tasted them?

I don't know what they are called in English, but they are so yummy.  They just call them peppers here.  I had some with my breakfast.

I forgot to tell you that this morning I awoke from a dream that I had eaten sugar.  I was so disappointed in myself.  It wasn't even good sugar it was just some glaze that I got on my finger that I licked.  I was so glad when I realized it was a dream.

We had a lovely day.  We went to the botanical garden.  We go to the botanical garden almost every Thursday to chat with our friends.  Then afterwards we go to the "American Favorites" store.

The shelves are getting bare, but they tell me they have placed another order.  My kids were disappointed that they weren't able to order any root beer or goldfish.  I just want them to keep bringing fat free refried beans.  Actually, the kids got oreos because Thursday is a sugar day.  It was really hard to resist.

My waist is 35 1/4" and I was 155.8 lbs this morning.  I'm sure I will weigh more in the morning because I went on a date with my husband and ate too much, but it was delicious!  I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

On Your Feet

Today while I was nursing Bumbles I was reading an article in

 

entitled "Lose Weight, stay active" in which they recommended that we spend less than 5 hours sitting every day.  So today I tried to stay on my feet.  Here is what I did.

1. Ironed a bunch of my husband's shirts
2. Did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen
3. Folded laundry and put it away
4. Folded diapers
5. Started a load of laundry and put it in the dryer
6. Held Bumbles while standing
7. Taught a few homeschool lessons to B.D.
8. Went for a walk by the lake

Okay we're sitting, but I had to feed Bumbles.
We got right back on our feet.

Then we went down to Andi's office so Maddie could speak to her husband on Skype (our internet is too slow). Of course, whenever we go to Andi's office we have to get crepes.  We got 4 crepes with Nutella, one with chocolate and banana and one vegetarian.  Which one do you think I ate?  It was yummy.  Too much cheese and not enough veggies, but next time I'll have them switch that.

I even had to help Super Jack eat his.  Some of the Nutella dripped on my fingers, but I held strong and wiped it off with a napkin, not my tongue.  There were lots of leftovers so I wrapped them up in tin foil so I didn't have to look at them.

I think I measured my waist correctly this morning and it was 35 1/2".  I am dying to read   

I've ordered it for my e-reader, but B&N is having problems so I haven't been able to download it yet.  Apparently, they were not prepared for the success of the NookColor, go figure.

Cinnamon and Peppermint

Super Jack's favorite breakfast is bulgar.  The only trouble is we usually flavor it with brown sugar.  I made a big pot and put sugar and cinnamon in every one's, but mine.  I only had cinnamon and it tasted super sweet.  I was so amazed.  I think sometimes we put sugar on everything for fear it won't taste good without it.

Can you tell which one doesn't have sugar?

We had a busy day of homeschooling and "Scub Scouts" (that's what Super Jack calls Cub Scouts), but it was sooo much easier with Maddie's help.  I was exhausted and we got pizza for dinner (too much cheese!).  I even suggested that Maddie try a Zuppa.  It was difficult to watch her eat it, but I made it through. 

We headed home and put the kids to sleep.  I was dying for some sugar or something sweet to drink.  I decided to get out the peppermint tea that has been in my drawer for months.   Just smelling the peppermint was a pleasure. 

The tea didn't do much for me, but I did sit there holding the warm mug.  I even put it against my cheeks and it felt really nice.  So maybe what I need is just some comfort or warmth instead of sugar. 

I do feel so much healthier and stronger.  I don't seem to be loosing any weight.  I've been having a hard time measuring my waist.  It can be anywhere between 35" and 37 1/2".  If anyone has any tips for getting an accurate waist measurement I would appreciate it.

A Super Day

We went shopping for yummy fruits and veggies again today.  We even stopped by the KMY (my favorite meat store) and got some veal (they only eat veal here. They don't eat beef). 

We had byrek for lunch.  Maddie tried it and thought it was yummy.  She also got to see how huge cars drive through the street market 2" away from the people (if that).  I had to point out that some of them were driving the wrong way down a one way street. Good Times.

We usually draw a lot of attention when we walk down the street, but to day we got a little extra attention.

Maddie was also impressed with how fearless I am when driving and parking my car.  After that comment I felt like I had super powers.

When we got home Maddie kept my kids so I could go to a meeting BY MYSELF!!!  It was wonderful, but I was also worried about little Bumbles the whole time.  I was so happy when I got home and found that he had just started to miss me.

Understanding

We had the yummiest "dreke" today.  Apparently, my mother-in-law learned a few things about nutrition while Andi was gone.  I think it really helped that she spent a lot of time with us. She learned that we LOVE strawberries.

She even made "Speca te Mbushur" (my favorite) with BROWN RICE!

Albanian Stuffed Peppers

She also made dessert.

He didn't like it - whatever

I resisted.  I ate strawberries and mandarins - yum. 

When we got home Bumbles took a good long nap.  He is getting a tooth on top and I don't think he is having a fun time.   Maddie read a million books to the kids and I baked some bread.

Whole Wheat Flaxseed Bread

It is so hard not to eat bread that is fresh out of the oven.  Don't worry, I had some help.

Funny Story:  Today I had a revelation.  (I get these some times).  While Maddie was looking at all the food on the table she asked me what the creamy white stuff was.  I told her it was Salce Kosi.  She tasted it and said it tasted kind of like sour cream.  A few minutes later I had my revelation - Salce Kosi is Yogurt Sauce.  Salce = Sauce and Kosi = Yogurt.  Why did that take me so long?  Let me tell you it is much yummier than just plain yogurt.

Warm Feet, Cold Lips

We are excited to show my sister all the sites in Albania.  Today we took her to one of my favorite places, Kruje.  It is a mountain town where they have a museum about Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg.  They also have a very nice ethnographic museum and a cute little market that I LOVE.

The house on the left is the ethnographic museum. 
You can also see some of the castle ruins on the bottom left.

The tour of the museum wasn't that exciting because you have to have 8 people to get a tour and we only had 2. I told Maddie everything I could remember, but it wasn't much.  However, the tour guide (that didn't give us a tour) remembered me and Bumbles.  You see I went to Kruje with my parents when Bumbles was 5 days old and I was recovering from a c-section (not the best decision I've ever made).  He said Bumbles earned the title - Youngest Visitor Ever.

At first we didn't have a tour guide at the ethnographic museum either.  When Andi realized this he came to give us a tour of what he could remember.  Then the actual tour guide came.  He gave us the tour in English and did a pretty good job.  He asked me if he spoke good English.  I have to admit I just, "eh".  (I'm so mean).  Later I spoke to him in Albanian and he asked if he should do the tour in Albanian.  I reminded him that my sister only speaks English.  Finally when he said something was carved out of "olive nut" and "pine nut" I had to correct him (sorry, it's in my blood).  You have to understand that there is no "w" in the Albanian language so "wood" is hard from them to say.  Then he kept calling hope chests, treasure chests.  I had to correct him on that too.  At the end of the tour he thanked me.  I was just trying to help him improve.

We did a little shopping at the market.  I basically forced Maddie to get a pair of these.

They are wool socks with leather bottoms
I love them!

She was complaining of cold feet, which is a major problem here.  I knew a pair of these would keep her warm.  When we were looking for a pair the shopkeeper asked what color she liked.  I told him purple.  He handed her a blue pair and said, "these ought to do. They are the right size."  We insisted we wanted purple. 

I also got a pair for Bumbles hoping he couldn't kick them off, but he did.  I even talked Andi into ordering a pair.  We knew they wouldn't have his size, but we just wanted to ask for fun.  He wears size 13.  They are going to make him some and we plan to pick them up next month when my mom is here for a visit.  Are you okay with that, Mom?

I was happy that the loom lady remembered us.  Last time I went I couldn't walk through the market (remember 5 days after a c-section)so this nice lady invited me in to sit on her bench.  She was glad to see us.

Dark clouds started rolling in so we decided it was time to head home.  We were all hungry so we decided to stop for dinner.  Before we even got to the restaurant Super Jack was asking for ice cream.  Who eats ice cream on a cold day? I kept telling him I didn't think we'd be getting any.  Apparently I was wrong.

Surprisingly, ice cream doesn't tempt me as much as
chocolate.