a hit to the head and a little puff

I haven't updated the old blog in awhile... there has really been nothing too exciting to share. It is cold out, and we stay inside most of the time not doing much...

We have had an interesting past week however. I had a little fall on Monday on the ice. I was holding little Leah and luckily I hit my head instead of hers.... I also really hurt my shoulder. But Leah was totally protected and fine! I got my head dermabonded together and got my shoulder put back into place, it has been sore this week. Mike was a gem and was able to stay home for 2 days to help me clean, cook, do laundry and take care of the babes. Many of our great friends and neighbors brought over meals and helped me with carpools and kids, THANK YOU FRIENDS!!!!!
Here is a picture of my head a week later, I just love the bright yellow color my bruise has turned! I don't know how well you can see it in this picture, but it is pretty bright.

My babies have been so helpful this week, they are doing dishes, making beds and cleaning for me!

For christmas this year I got Mike a much needed new coat!
This is Mike's old retro "PUFF", this coat is very warm and I even wear it if I go for a walk with Leah wrapped to me underneath... but it does look a little dated...

And here is Mike's new modern "PUFF" He looks so good in his new coat!

Leapster AKA Leah is really "leaping" in her jolly jumper these days! I can usually get dinner made while she jumps in the pantry door! And as always, Calista is right there helping Leah (pushing her into the walls and trying to undo the safety straps)

We got a new vacuum for christmas, we are now part of the "dyson" club. I seriously LOVE to vacuum now and look forward to the satisfaction I get from seeing what I suck up from the carpet. It is amazing and GROSS all at the same time.

I have also been really into making bread the past month. The bread that I usually make is always SUPER dense and is basically like a brick, so I keep trying new recipes, some good, some bad. I think I might have finally found a good one though. It is lighter, fluffy and is super easy!

Fluffy and Soft 100% Whole Wheat Bread

This bread was FANTASTIC. I used fresh ground white wheat flour and it was so yummy. This is my new favorite bread recipe. I can't wait to make it again because it was so easy! I didn't know whole wheat bread could be so yummy and quick. This bread is incredibly light and fluffy, perfect for sandwiches or simply slathered in butter. Enjoy!

Makes 2 loaves. (I have found that longer 10 inch pans work great)

Mix:
3 1/2 cups wheat flour
1/3 cup vital wheat gluten
1 1/4 T. instant yeast

Add:
2 1/2 cups steaming hot water

Add:
1 T. salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 c. honey
1 1/3 T. lemon juice

Lastly, Add:
2 1/2 cups wheat flour


Mix together the first three ingredients in your mixer with a dough hook. Add water all at once and mix for 1 minute; cover and let rest for 10 minutes (this is called sponging). Add salt, oil, honey, and lemon juice and beat for 1 minute. Add last flour, 1 cup at a time, beating between each cup. Beat for about 6-10 minutes until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This makes very soft dough. It may not pull away from the sides of the bowl until the end of the kneading process. You may add a little bit more flour if necessary.

Pre-heat oven for 1 minute to lukewarm and turn off. Turn dough onto oiled counter top; divide, shape into loaves place in oiled bread pans. Let rise in warm oven until dough reaches top of pan. (usually a few hours for me)Do not remove bread from oven; turn oven to 350 F and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks. Brush crust with butter for a soft crust.

I am now off to frost my cake and get my chili finished for the superbowl party we are going to... Not sure who is even playing, but I am sure to enjoy the commercials!