My favorite bread recipe

Basic White Bread (found somewhere, somehow on the internet at some point)
5 ½ c. bread flour
1 T salt
2 ½ t. rapid rise yeast (somehow I always use 1 T.)
2 c. very warm water
1 T olive oil
2 T honey

Place dry ingredients in mixer (I use my kitchen aid with the dough hook which works great). In a glass measuring cup, first add the very warm water, then olive oil, then honey (if you measure the oil first, it keeps the honey from sticking to the tablespoon) - stir together so the honey dissolves (5-10 seconds). Turn on the mixer for 15 seconds (to mix the dry ingredients), then add the liquids all at once at mix at setting 1 for 1.5 minutes. Turn off mixer and let it rest for 10 minutes. Mix on level 2 for 3 minutes. Knead 3-4 times (I never do this). Place in an oiled bowl in a warm place, covered, for an hour to rise. Punch down, knead 3-4 times, shape into loaves, rolls, etc. Let rise 45 minutes covered. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes for loaves, 20ish minutes for rolls.

Things I’ve tried and like:
-- I always brush the baked loaves or rolls with olive oil to keep the crust softer. Yum.
-- Cinnamon / Craisin Bread: Add 1 T (ish) cinnamon and 1 cup (ish) of craisins to the dry ingredients before mixing all together. Sometimes I also add an extra tablespoon of honey to make it a touch sweeter (and sometimes I don’t). This is great as rolls or bread. The rolls are super easy to grab for breakfast on your way out the door in the morning. (you can do this with just cinnamon and skip the craisins too).
-- Do above, but before the second rise, roll dough into two large rectangles, brush water (or milk) onto the surface, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, roll into a loaf, pinch the ends together, and then let rise before baking. Yummy.
-- Whole wheat: Use 3 cups white flour, 2 c. wheat flour (you need about ½ c. less flour when you use wheat flour – or I add a bit more water).
-- Garlic Herb: Add 2 T. (to taste) garlic powder and 2 T. (to taste) basil (and any other herbs that inspire you) to dry ingredients before mixing. This is probably the one I do the most, it is very tasty as bread, rolls, homemade croutons, everything! Love it.
-- I’ve also substituted sugar for the honey in the recipe when I didn’t have honey.

Things that don’t work:
-Forgetting to add the salt (though I was able to mix it in even after the rest of the dough was mixed and it worked out fine).
-Using really old yeast- makes for very flat, hard bread (not bad for bread pudding though).
-setting a loaf of this bread on the kitchen bar stool for a minute to clear off counter space and then forgetting it was there tempting a hungry dog and going to change the laundry. Not a good idea, or so I've heard...

And since I’m sharing my favorite bread recipe, I’ll add my crouton recipe too. Often I will have a little bit of bread leftover at the end of the week that I don’t want to go to waste. I cut it into small cubes and make croutons (especially delish with the garlic herb bread leftovers).

Homemade Croutons
4 c. bread cubes
4 T. butter, melted
2 t. basil, 1 t. garlic powder – optional (you can stir these into the melted butter if you want. Typically I just use the garlic herb bread so I don’t need more herbs or garlic).

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour melted butter over bread cubes and toss to coat evenly. Bake on cookie sheet for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Great for salad toppers, adding to soup, snacks after nap (or anytime really), munching on in the car, putting into an empty cranberry juice bottle to keep your dog busy and more…

Quick Takes

I might not be very good at quick takes... maybe I should call these wordy takes... regardless, here's what I've got this week...

1. I cannot believe it is already the end of February! Where does time go? Don't get me wrong, I am SOOOOO thankful it's already the end of February, February can't end soon enough for me really. Next comes March, where it's still not gorgeous outside but there's a light at the end of the tunnel, you know spring is next. Besides, I start all my little seedlings in March, so it gives me hope for spring and gardening season! Hurray!!

2. My official start date for my new job is March 16th. There were some complications figuring it out, but we've finally landed a real start date. I'm grateful for some of those kinks since it gives me a little extra time to get caught up and handed off at my current job. I continue to marvel at God's faithfulness and provision for me! God is so good!

3. I am probably the most over committed person I know. Nope, just kidding, my parents probably take the cake on that one - though they typically over commit at the last minute vs. my over committing in advance. I always assume I can do something far in advance, when the calendar is clear - coordinate something, participate, plan, etc- and then when I look at my schedule as it approaches I realize I've wayyyy over committed myself. I'm still no good at saying no... heck, half the time I volunteer for this stuff!! March is a majorly over committed season for me, in the next few weeks: plan/coordinate a fundraiser, coordinate Habitat for Humanity project with my parish, throw shower for my housemate, do Stations of the Cross with Life Teen, spend a weekend out of town with friends, wrap up at my old job, start a new job (not to mention the drug tests I have to go get ;), organize our spring softball team ... ahhh. "Hi. My name is Favorite Aunt and I'm a chronic over-committer." "Hi Favorite Aunt."

4. Lent. Ah lent. I feel very behind on lent. In light of all the other craziness in my life right now, it totally took me by surprise. And I'm coming up blank on what I need to do and/or give up for this season. Actually, I think I need to simplify things... but I'm not sure how to make that happen in the next few weeks (though I'm determined to not commit to anything else... ever). A good friend had a very inspiring post here ... now if only I could come up with the concrete ways to do that in my own life. Stay tuned on lent... I'm still working on it.

5. I've been baking a lot lately - mostly just bread. I love home baked bread. I love the process of baking it. I love the way the whole house smells when you pull it out of the oven. As I'm sure I've mentioned, baking is therapeutic and relaxing for me... probably why I've baked every weekend the last month or two. Hmmm. Meanwhile the house is going to pot because I've been baking more than cleaning (and having kids over on weekends). Oops. The dog blankets are being washed today for the first time in 3 weeks (I'm usually fanatical about washing them weekly or at the most every other week- 3 weeks though? Clearly my type A mind has been elsewhere.)

6. I found these in the garden, they first started coming up the week it got warm and rained all week. Then they were covered with the next few inches of snow. And now they're trying to come back up!! Yay! Signs of spring!! (Believe it or not, I'm really ready for spring ;)

7. Note to self: Do not bake while distracted. Do not bake and clean at the same time. Do not bake and talk on the phone. If you're going to bake, bake for crying out loud. And please remember to put the salt in the bread before you put it in the bowl to rise (we'll see how this mixing the salt in last works out... I'm not too optimistic about it).

More gushing

Okay, the proud auntie can't help it, here's a few more pics of the new guy. Isn't he darling? And his adoring family is pretty darling too.

At the Nichols homestead, we're slowly transitioning back to life without the munchkins. There are still toys in the living room I need to return to their spots. The dogs have searched every corner for crumbs, licked the booster seat clean, and Mag is happy to be back upstairs with us. Suze, on the other hand, misses her buddies. She still whines at the bottom of the stairs, thinking they might be up there. Nope, sorry Suze, it's just boring ole me... and I'm going to work.

Check out this awesome nap position. I can't imagine how she sleeps like that! but it is kind of entertaining!

God is Good!!

I have a new job!!! I'm not going to get into the long complicated details or tell you where my new job is here on this public forum. But I had my second round of interviews yesterday with a large stable corporation in A2. I thought the interviews went well (I interviewed with 4 people back to back) and they said they'd have a decision for me by the end of the week.

By the end of the day, I got a phone call with the job offer! God is so good! I know this job is a gift directly from Him. Whew. It's also a huge relief. And it is mixed with some very real sadness about leaving my current job and the many wonderful work, people, and blessings I've experienced here. The new job will be very different to be sure, which is daunting and kind of exciting at the same time. My job is technical writing and working closely with test engineers who test equipment. Fascinating stuff -or at least it's fascinating to a nerd like me. I credit my getting the job to my first interview with them...

I was interviewed by the head of the immediate department hiring a tech writer. He was nice, easy to talk to, asked good questions, and then started quizzing me on random mechanical parts he pulled out of a box… the first one he handed me I had no idea what it was and felt like a moron stumbling over my words… uh it’s metal plates fused together with wiring… uh. The next one I guess correctly as a heating coil and even managed to guess what was inside of it, etc.

The third one he pulled out was a similar motor to the one I’d pulled out of my freezer, so I recognized it immediately which I think impressed him. That led to why I knew that part. "You took apart your freezer? Why??" Me: To replace the motor that had burned out. Him: "Wow, and did you fix it?" Me: Of course! "Wow" I think he was pretty pleased – this company tests products by pulling them apart and I’d be writing reports of that nature. As the first interviewer passed me off to his boss for the next interview he tells him, "She took apart her freezer to replace the motor." Boss: You did?? Wow.

Seriously, I really think I got the job because I fixed my old freezer. That frustrating project has paid off big time! (and God still has a great sense of humor).

Andrew Paul

He's finally here!!! I'm pleased to annouce the arrival of my new nephew, Andrew Paul, this morning at 2:48 am. He weighed in at 8 lbs 2 oz and 21 inches long! He's a gorgeous and healthy little man, and has his dad's large hands and long feet.

The kids and I went to visit this morning... and as you can see, they love their new brother. They were pretty excited when I said it was Andrew's birthday, so we brought coffee cake and sang happy birthday to the new arrival - who slept through the whole party, all the holding and jostling and excitement.

My claim to fame was changing his first poopy diaper (it's quite glamorous, i know) and as I moved the diaper I realized I was in the line of fire and quickly covered him back up and said "I just have this feeling he's going to pee all over me..." within seconds, he started peeing, but since I was cautious, most of it just hit the diaper (and not his auntie).

Chewed

A few days ago I had had one of those days... you know, long day, too many details, anxiety about the state of life, emotional for no good reason, you know... one of those days. At some point I walked into the living room to let the dogs out and stumbled across this:

Apparently he was having one of those days too. In fact, I kind of like that as a description: a head chewed up sort of day. Anyway, it's been amusing me so I thought I'd share.

For the record, today has been a great day and my head doesn't feel chewed at all, but I still sympathize with this poor guy.

Every day miracles

Allan is learning to stand up on his own for the first time in his life (see the video). This is obviously a huge step forward for him.



Today my dad informed me that he's able to get himself out of the car and into his wheelchair (which is quite exciting for my dad who has been lifting him in and out the car the past few months). It's neat to see him making steps (literally and figuratively) toward independence that he's never had before! Praise God!

Also this past week my dad took him to the pool at the rec center. Allan was terrified and convinced he would die. But they've got these PVC wheelchairs so my dad wheeled him in and helped him get used to the water. (Apparently in Uganda there's never this much water anywhere). Once his arm cast comes off in two weeks, my dad wants to take him more often to help in work his muscles in the pool. So stay tuned on that too.

The munchkins

I got a nice dose of my munchkins this weekend. Ben and Ellie were here Friday morning – Saturday morning. And then Geno, Lu, and Jane for a Valentine’s lunch.

On the way home from Mass last night we were talking about dinner and how hungry we all were.
Ben: Aunt Reenie, whenever I eat, I grow (they love this game, telling me they are growing while I beg them to stay small).
Reen: But want you to stay small forever Ben!
Ben: Well, I get hungry and have to eat. and then I grow. I'm going to be a priest when I grow really big.
Reenie: Wow Ben, I would love that.
Ellie: an' I'm hungwy too Aunt Weenie!
Reen: You are?
Ellie: Yes, and sometimes I look just like Jesus.
Reen (trying to get where we're going with this): Does Jesus look hungry?
Ellie: Yes, vveewwyy hungwy, and sometimes he sits in his chair and has a dwink

I'm pretty sure that she's mixing up Fr Ed and Jesus here... partly because of this comment and because at the end of Mass after the recessional she looked at the sanctuary and asked, "Where'd Jesus go?"

Ben (watching Suzie in her crate): Look, Aunt Reenie! I just saw her lick herself!!

Lunch with Jane, Lucy and Geno was fun. I was serving mac and cheese and pigs in blankets.
Geno: Why are they called pigs in blankets?
Reen: Look, it’s a sausage, made out of pig, wrapped with a bun, so it’s like wrapping a pig in a blanket.
Geno: Maybe we should call them horses in blankets.
Reen: Or babies in blankets, ‘cause it kinda looks like a baby.
Geno: Oh yeah, well how ‘bout I wrap you in a bun and eat YOU!

Overheard while Geno and Lucy were playing castle:
Geno: “I’m the princess! I am the princess and the queen and you have to obey me.”
I had to look to confirm Geno had acquired the princess playmobile character.

I must say, for being such a petite munchkin, Jane was very brave today. She was certainly cautious with the Suze, and at first just wanted me to hold her when Suzie would approach, but by the end of the visit, she was chasing Suzie around the house (on her wobbly little legs)! Quite a deed for a girl who stands at eye level with that exuberant beast. It was pretty funny, especially since Suzie gets a little nervous when people (munchkins) chase her - so she nervously wags her happy tail and goes to hide behind an adult.

Now all three of us (those of us that live here) are kinda tired. Suzie from lots of playing with the kiddos and being chased around, Maggie from her time in the basement, and me from all the fun.

Quick Takes Friday

1. I took the day off work to have my niece Ellie and nephew Ben over. It is like relaxation therapy for me and just what I needed during a rather stressful season in my life. Their mom was possibly going to be induced today, but that didn't happen (complications). However, since I already took the day off, I sent her home for an afternoon without the kids. And they were pretty excited to be having an overnight here anyway. Pray for my sister and a safe delivery at the right time!

2. It seems like lots of people are sick again. I guess it shouldn't surprise me, but I'm definitely hoping to pass on this round of illness- in it's many various forms. I'm set for the winter, thanks. Which reminds me that I should get a flu shot at my routine appointment on Monday.

3. Last week we had quite a thaw here in MI. It melted all the huge piles of snow, the nice white snow covering everywhere, and turned everything into a dull brown. Not to mention a couple days with rain. Nice. It's now back to freezing temps and we should be getting snow in the next couple days. I think the last stretch was one of the longest I remember having snow and keeping snow for that long. Usually there's more thaws in between. Hmm. Global warming? I have my doubts.

4. Speaking of global warming, don't get me started about politics and this un-stimulous bill our elected officials are voting on. It makes my blood boil. It is a big government, big spending bill and the experts are saying so little of it even creates long term jobs and most of it doesn't stimulate the economy. Awesome. If you want to spend big, go ahead and write me a big check... Also, fascinating that our representatives got a 1000 page bill last night and were expected to vote on it today! They don't even have time to really read it!!! So basically everyone flips it open, checks for their pet projects (pork), and then votes? What??? Grrr. Like I said, don't get me started...

5. This job hunting thing is definitely good for me. It is stressful, don't get me wrong, and I'm not enjoying it but I can see that it is stretching me good ways. God is faithful. In the past week I went through orientation and have a very part time job at a home care company (just have to have my doctor's appt and recertify in first aid and CPR to finalize it). This is a huge blessing and it's comforting to have something lined up. The pay is really low, but I think the work will be rewarding, and every little bit counts right now. Just today I got a call from a big firm, well renowned, about a resume I submitted for a technical writing position. I'd forgotten all about it since I sent it right at the beginning of my search. She said her boss thought my resume stood out as a great mix of engineering and tech writing which is what they are looking for. I have an interview there on Monday! Ahhh. I need new shoes.

6. I am still no good at saying no or setting limits for myself. I've been working on it, but I don't think I've made much progress.

7. Wow. I really shouldn't have this much trouble coming up with a seventh... but I am... uhhhh... oh here's a good one, I broke part of my bumper on the huge snow pile at the end of the driveway, I didn't turn sharp enough and crunched a corner on the snow/ice heap. Today now that the snow has all melted, I just found a piece of bumper. Smooth move Reen.

On a bike

For those of you following Allan's progress, my dad took some video during his last PT bike riding session. It is really cool to see a kid who has never had any use of his legs able to pedal around on his own! Amazing.

And this weekend my dad went and borrowed my sister's kids' bike trailer to take Allan for an impromptu ride while the weather was warmer.

For the record...

I did go ahead and get my hair cut. I decided keeping it long wouldn't actually make me holier, just more frustrated and late for morning Mass... so it's gone. Excellent. No more ponytails for awhile. I figured I should check back since so many of you commented on my oh so trivial blog post ;)

The Hunt...

For any of you that don't know, I'm currently job hunting. Things at the ole family business are very very slow so it is an uncertain time for all of us. Because of this, I decided I need to be job hunting for either a full time job or part time job to tide me over. I will continue to work very reduced hours at my current job just to keep things going and we will see if we get additional work. Needless to say, it's not the happiest time of my life. There are days I freak out about all of it and days I'm quite peaceful. I think the unpredictability of it probably frustrates me the most!

It definitely feels like starting from scratch in a lot of ways, resumes, cover letters, trying to figure out with kind of job to look for, interviewing, etc. So far, one interview that went well but I didn't get the job. Still a great experience and good practice. I had an interview yesterday for what I consider more of a part time / interim job with a home care company- so it's a lot of housekeeping, company, laundry, reminding to take meds, checking in with seniors. Not a long term career for me (the pay is really low) and yet could be a good extra income source for awhile. They basically told me to update my first aid and CPR certifications and TB test and they'll have me in for orientation soon. After that I'll be on call for them. Not bad. I also have an interview with a test scoring company to get on their list for projects. It sounds like in the midst of a project it's a lot of time commitment, but I think it seems like a great opportunity to make some cash, working double time if need be for a few weeks during one of their projects. Again, we shall see, but it is kind of an adventure!

I am applying and have applied to numerous other places where I feel there's a chance for a more permanent fit. I feel like a woman on a mission. Spending evenings checking job ads, writing cover letters, sending resumes... It's kind of a lot, but it's the right thing to do, so forward I go.

Although it is a very uncertain and tough time, I know that God has a plan (at least most days I know that). I am working in faith to do what I believe I need to and trusting God to help me find a way to make the ends meet. This is certainly not what I'd planned on happening this year... nor would I have asked for it... and yet, God has a plan. I know that He is at work in my heart... working on trusting God, which I always need! And this is just another angle of that. All of this also gives me infinitely more compassion for the many others in a similar situation. I certainly know several personally and it seems that every day there are more stories about people losing their jobs, losing their homes, etc. I am praying for all of you in these difficult times and appreciate your prayers for my job situation.

This is not meant to be a complaining post, or a woe-is-me kind of post, just letting you know what's happening in my life. And if you hear of a job opening, by all means, let me know :)

Allan fans

Just wanted to keep the fans happy. Allan is doing great. He still thinks it is too cold here in Michigan. He's excited to be making progress on using his legs. His hand and arm are recovering from the surgery but they will have a lot of therapy ahead on that. He loves hot dogs and pizza and generally just seems to love life.

The PT's continue to be impressed Alan's progress. This week he actually rode around on this big tricycle my dad says it was a major breakthrough and he was sooooo excited! Can't wait to tell everyone what he did.

Apparently he was telling my dad how he wants to see his friends so "they can see how tall is Allan now." He's very excited to be tall. Maybe living with the shortest family around helps that.

The big decision

Okay not really a big decision at all, but it's on my mind so I'm going to bore my imaginary readers here on the blog:

My housemate is making hair appointments for her wedding and needs to know how many to schedule for. My hair is now long enough for a ponytail, meaning by the end of the day, I've usually reverted to a ponytail. It's definitely feeling too long and ready for a cut. But... it is kinda fun to get an up-do for a wedding... on the other hand, it's significantly cheaper to not have long hair and an up-do for the wedding... on the other hand I'm not sure I can handle long hair for the next 3 months anyway. On the other hand... Why are the trivial decisions the hardest ones to make sometime??? Thoughts? Opinions?

I do apologize for the ridiculously trivial nature of this post...