A Bad Day in Perspective

Well, I woke this morning in good spirits, only to find out that the rest of my household woke in bad moods. It doesn't take long for that to become frustrating. Anyhow, the day got a little better mid morning, but got worse again after lunch. I survived....didn't spank a one of them! ;) To end a bad day, I got a text from someone in tune....to tell me they loved me. Thank you! It is a good way to end a bad day.

My family is such a blessing in my life. My little two-year-old was a messenger to me tonight. She chose her bedtime story, Did I Ever Tell you How Lucky You Are, by Dr. Seuss. I have felt so blessed lately, but had forgotten today.

"When I was quite young and quite small for my size,
I met an old man in the Desert of Drize.
And he sand me a song I will never forget.
At least, well, I haven't forgotten it yet.

"He sat in a terribly prickly place.
But he sang with a sunnny sweet smile on his face:
When you think things are bad,
when you feel sour and blue,
when you start to get mad...
you should do what I do!

"Just tell yourself, Duckie,
you're really quite lucky!
Some people are much more...
oh, ever so much more...
oh, muchly much-much more
unlucky than you!

"...It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it
are troubled with troubles almost every minute.
You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot,
for the places and people you're lucky you're not!

"...That's why I say, "Duckie,
Don't grumble! Don't stew!
Some critters are much-much,
oh, ever so much- much,
so muchly much-much more unlucky than you!"


So, today, even though I was wishing we all stayed in bed, I am so thankful for the blessings Heavenly Father has given me. I really don't have anything to complain about. I have a good life, home, family, everything I need and more. And if bad days consist of a four-year-old who throws a fit because her hair needs to be straighter today and lays on the couch in her underwear refusing to get dressed to go to dance class....well then...I need a reminder from my two-year- old,

"Just tell yourself, Duckie,
you're really quite lucky!
Some people are much more...
oh, ever so much more...
oh, muchly much-much more
unlucky than you!"

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

I have tried MANY whole wheat bread recipes always end up disappointed. One would be too heavy, others too bland or too salty.  I am happy to say that I have found a recipe that I LOVE!!!!  In my experimenting I have had much better results using my own ground hard white wheat, rather than store-bought wheat flour. It is MUCH better and lighter when you use your freshly ground white wheat!!! I like to grind mine at the finest setting.

This is easy and delicious and is done from start to finish in under 2 hours!  Enjoy!

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

3 cups whole wheat flour*
1 T vital wheat gluten
5 tsp. yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water

In a large mixing bowl (preferably a KitchenAid), add the 3 cups flour, wheat gluten, and yeast. Stir. Add in warm water and stir until combined. Let sit for 10 minutes.

1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup honey
1 1/2 T lemon juice
1 T salt
3 1/2-4 cups whole wheat flour*

Mix the oil, honey, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Add to flour mixture after the 10 minutes. Mix until combined. Add in the additional flour and mix. Now knead the dough for 10 minutes with the dough hook. When it is done divide the dough into two loaves. Make sure they are even. Shape them into loaf form. Place the dough into 2 loaf pans that have been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After the loaves have risen, bake them for 30 minutes. They should be golden brown. Let cool before slicing, if you can wait:) You can freeze one of the loaves if you wish.

NOTE:I have tried it with both store-bought wheat flour and my own ground wheat flour. It is MUCH better and lighter with your freshly ground white wheat!!! I like to grind mine at the finest setting.

BTW, I found this recipe at: twopeasandtheirpod.com.