Wheat Bread, Trial Two

A few weeks ago, I tried making wheat bread for the first time. I used freshly ground wheat. Grant screamed and cried while the grinder was running. It sounded like a jet plane was taking off in our kitchen so I don't blame him! Anyway, I was feeling pretty good about my domestic capabilities until I pulled the loaves out of the oven. I slipped them out of the pan and they landed with a thud on the counter. The yeast didn't work too well. Or perhaps it was my inexperience. I did laugh, eventually. After I stopped feeling bad for myself. I decided to try again today. This time, they turned out okay! Now I just have to go have a taste....
Here's the recipe:
2 cups warm water
2 Tbsp milk
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups whole wheat flour
4 tsp instant active dry yeast
Combine first six ingredients and stir. Add flours and yeast and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let raise until doubled, about 40 minutes. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes until dough is smooth. Then split dough into two pieces and form into loaves. Place in greased bread pans. Cover and let raise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If bread starts browning too early, cover with a sheet of tin foil. Cool on wire racks.

All About Grant

Grant was tagged by his friend, Landon. Before I start, I just have to say thanks to everyone who commented about mopping tile! Now I can make a very informed decision and I have lots of cleaning products to choose from. Thanks!

Name: Grant Tyson

Age: 14 months

Favorite Color: blue (BYU, duh!)

Favorite Song: anything I can dance to (the other day, it was "Stayin' Alive." Hilarious to watch a little kid dance to that!)

Favorite Movie: any Baby Einstein

Favorite Toys: books, trucks, Mom's makeup, brushes, silverware from the dishwasher, rocks

Things I'm Scared of: being in any crib but my own

Favorite Food: peaches, grapes, plums, bananas, May-po (thanks, Carolyn!), cheese, spaghetti

Pet Peeves: being strapped in my car seat

Favorite Things to Do: play at both Grandma's houses, be around other people, play outside in the dirt

Bad Habits: throwing my head back when I am mad and hitting it on whatever is the closest (wall, cupboard, Dad's head)

Good Habits: going down for naps and bedtime without even a whimper, snuggling, giving wet, slobbery kisses, laughing and smiling lots

My Favorite Thing to Say: jabber, mostly. Although I have tried to say important words like truck, cheese, and Grandma. But not mom or dad.

What I Do That Make My Mommy Laugh the Hardest: Grant is the silliest dancer- I need to get it on video! He shakes his head back and forth and throws his arms all over. I love it!


I just learned how to walk a few weeks ago, so here's a video of me.



I tag anyone who hasn't already done this!

Mopping Tile

The stench from our mop means it's time to throw it out and find a new one. So question to anyone who has cleaned tile floor: what type of mop and what type of cleaner do you use? I've tried several different things and can't do it without streaks. Ideas?

Yum-O and Scum-O

I have to share this recipe. I was going to wait until Tuesday to hook up with Stevie's Try-it-Tuesdays, but I just couldn't wait! It's from kraftfoods.com.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Dessert

12 oreos, crushed
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 c. cold milk
2 pkg (4 servings each) instant chocolate pudding
2 c. whipped topping
2 Tbsp hot fudge ice cream topping
1/4 candy coated peanut butter pieces.
Put peanut butter in a bowl and gradually add milk, stirring with wire whisk until well blended. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat 2 min. or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Spread onto prepared crust; top evenly with remaining 1 cup whipped topping.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. When ready to serve, microwave fudge topping as directed on package; drizzle over dessert. Sprinkle with candies. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

I didn't have fudge topping or candy but it was still incredibly delicious. Try it and let me know what you think!

And I am sharing a story about how I didn't help someone. I wish I did, which makes me feel like a scum. I was waiting in line at the library to check out one dvd for Grant. Just one item. I was standing in a really long line. I was focused, listing my to-dos in my head and thinking about where we were headed to next. The lady in front of me was carrying a rowdy toddler. The woman was older, probably the grandma to the little guy. She had a huge bin of books and was really struggling with the boy. So I watched and felt bad. But did nothing. The woman in front of her asked if she could take the boy to the fish pond while the older lady checked her books out. It took her two minutes to go out of her way and it really made a difference to the lady. And I was thinking, why am I so focused on myself!? Sigh. Next time, I am going to be a better person offer help to someone who needs it!!!