diets, discussion, decorating

As some of you may know, Monday is the new Saturday in the La household. Tuan takes Mondays off since he works Saturdays. This is nice, because Sundays are usually tiring (we are gone from the house for about 11 hours straight). We like to spend our Mondays, doing projects, watching movies, sleeping late, reading, etc . . . Now that we are on this diet, we get one "indulgence" day (I won't say cheat, because it's not against the "rules"). We really look forward to Mondays now that this has developed!

Today's indulgent menu has included: Symphony Brownies, lots of milk, Nachos, and Fried Chicken Alfredo garnished with romano shavings. Oh, my goodness. My husband is the king of cooking, I am convinced. As he so rightly put it--"my frying gift is totally lost on this diet." It is his frying gift that got us here in the first place, but I digress. I cannot begin to describe how good that dish was. It may be our new company meal.
I think the diet is working as I am in pre-pregnancy jeans (WHOO-HOO!). If my measurements are right, I've lost two inches in the hips and waist. That's encouraging.

We've been working on a project all day (which I'll discuss in the next paragraph--see, the title is my outline in disguise). That's been fun, but also convenient as we have indulged in movies. We first watched Sense and Sensibility. I love that movie and have been learning to play the score. In addition, Tuan enjoys the movie, and we laugh together over the dialogue. Today we engaged in debate over whether Willoughby really loved Marianne. What do you, gentle reader, think? Tonight, we've been watching Star Wars Episode 1 and 2. In a lot of ways they are amazing, and in a lot of ways, they're pretty ridiculous (need I even mention Jar-Jar Binks or Padme/Anakin rolling in the grass?). It's put me into an ornery mood and I've been making critical comments about it all night. Tuan just shrugs helplessly and says he didn't make it up.

Our project is photos. I've bought a number of black and white picture frames, which we've been scanning, photoshopping, and framing all day long. We are going to hang them in the kitchen a la Pottery Barn. Now that we've lived here 1 1/2 years, it's time to truly commit to hanging up pictures.

So, that is our life. I do have one prayer request to shoot out to you all. Most of you are aware that our son's nursery is a walk-in closet in disguise. I am creative and willing to improvise as much as possible--but there is no way a big bed will ever fit in that closet. In order for us to be here long-term, space is needed. Would y'all pray that God would provide that space and in doing so or not doing so also direct our future steps? If several critical things happen this fall, then we could see this prayer/hope realized. So, brothers and sisters, please, please pray! We love TL and want to be here for a long while.

bargain of the week

We just purchased from Hudson's in Pearl a Kelty Journey baby carrier (backpack type) for 30.00. It retails for 99.00. As we are going to the Mountains in a week or two it should come in handy.



In other news I'm under the weather. I won't say with what, but I've spent most of the day in bed. One thing I've learned is that Johnny doesn't care whether I am sick or healthy. He just wants to eat when he's hungry and will SCREAM if I haven't met that need as soon as he thinks I should. I've worn an oversized soft fleece shirt all day and Johnny is still in his PJS. I did dishes this morning, but as it didn't seem to make a difference, I left the lunch ones in the sink. My question: who takes care of Mommies when they get sick?

happenings

I wish I could think of really great titles for my posts like Caroline, but I do everything hurriedly and titles are not a priority.
We have been somewhat busy lately and I haven't made blogging much of a priority. Johnny is getting super big. Last week he hit 20 pounds! Right now he is in his baby seat and he's almost to the point of not being able to use it anymore! We are looking for carseats now since he is two pounds away from outgrowing his car seat too! It's fun having a little sumo baby. Johnny could easily take on any of the fellow 3-5 month olds in nursery with him. They don't stand a chance! I think the fourth month has been the best so far. It seems like every day there is something new: rolling over, eating from a spoon, pushing up on his arms, almost sitting up and laughing. Parenthood is a joy. My Baby in his overalls is a joy. Overalls and onesies are the cutest things. (Johnny has now moved into his jumper--the chair got old). I can't wait to have another!
Tuan and I, between the excitement and business of parenthood have been struggling to eat healthier (aka diet), and excercise. With his work schedule, excercising together is a struggle (although we did go out to the rock wall the other night), but I've been walking away the pounds and have just started back on Pilates. Pilates focuses on your "core" the abdominals, which after having Johnny mine are VERY weak. They are very similar to marshmallows. So, Pilates has gone from being moderate to difficult with me gasping for breath and groaning aloud.
As far as the eating plan goes, we are finally getting in stride with it and not feeling too deprived. We eat roughly six times a day (three small meals and three snacks). At each meal we eat a protein and a carb and Veggies are inserted randomly throughout the day. I now make tea once a week instead of almost daily, we have discovered the joys of ground turkey, light yogurt, pistachios, craisins, and whole-grain everything else. I think it's working. I can't eat as much and we have found healthier versions of decadent favorites. How, you may ask, is Paula La surviving without chocolate? Oh, ho, ho. No, chocolate has not been forsaken. I eat small quantities of dark chocolate every day. (you can buy a bag of Nestle dark chocolate for baking in the chocolate chip section of wal-mart) We also get one "cheat day" a week. Cheese is usually the thing we both really want on that day (and sweets and red meat). Until cheat day comes, here are a couple of scrumptious recipes that are not so bad for you!

Baked fries
(Serves 2 under three hundred calories per serving and less than one g fat)
Slice five small (or 2 baking) potatoes into french fry strips and toss in two egg whites/one egg (beaten). Spread onto a parchment lined baking sheet, mist with olive oil and salt/pepper to taste. Bake 25-45 minutes at 450.

Tuan's Chili
(Serves 2.. This is great on top of the fries. If you like chili-cheese tots or fries from sonic this is almost just like them! Top with a small amount of grated cheddar)
Chop well:
1/4 med onion*3 cloves garlic*1/4 bell pepper
Saute above with:
1 Tbsp olive oil*1/4 c cubed turkey sausage
When turkey is cooked, Add:
1/4 c. Tomato Sauce*1/2 can kidney beans*1Tbsp chili powder*Salt to taste*H20 or chicken stock as desired
Smash a few beans before adding to thicken chili. Simmer app. 30 minutes.