Lessons from gates.....

I thought I would share a lesson I have learned recently.....

My dh is a very hard worker and when he does something he is a very serious believer of doing it RIGHT and doing it FAST .He doesn't mess around and just takes his jobs seriously.I love that about him! Well,he tends to be in a hurry alot of the time because of this which I am *not* complaining about! I would NOT change him! :):)

Anyhow,we have two gates in our driveway (because of cattle) that we have to go in and out of every time we leave our house.When dh gets the gate he RUNS :). I am ashamed to admit that I am guilty of being irritated with him now and then for always being in such a hurry.I am even MORE ashamed to admit that when I have gotten the gates in the past I have thought to myself that "I am *not* running".Just because*he* is always in a hurry, does not mean that *I* have to be. (insert embarrassed emoticon)

Well,it never crossed my mind that it was disrespectful to think like that.I mean, he never *told* me to run and get the gates and he *wouldn't* ever tell me something like that....and just because *he* does something it does not mean that *I* have to right? I knew that it irritated him for someone to just walk regularly (he looks at it as rude to everyone else waiting) but even though I never really *thought* the thoughts in my head,looking back,it was almost as if I had the attitude of "I know you don't like it but you are just going to have to put up with it because I don't *have* to do it like that."

I have recently come to believe that I can, and *should* do things that my dh likes,or don't do the things he doesn't like, while he is around just out of respect for him.I don't have to feel that running to get the gates is necessary but I can do it for him just out of respect for him.My previous attitude was a rebellious one and I didn't even realize it.I didn't have the attitude to please my husband but to please myself.

In the mornings I have been riding up with my husband in his big truck(he drives truck) when he leaves for work.I can get his gates (It is a hassle for him to get out of the big truck,pull through the gate,get out again and shut the gate,get back it the truck etc.) and we can also pray together in peace and quiet....:) (Our children get up early) So lately,I kiss him good-bye,get out and RUN to get his gate and give him a big smile and a wave as he leaves......It feels so much better than my previous attitude and I know he appreciates it.(although we haven't even discussed it....I am curious to see if he notices it.....)

Anyhow,just thought I would share with you ladies incase you have the same problem as I did.....:)

Easy French Bread

This is especially  for my dear friend Laurie.....:)

This is PERFECT French Bread!

I thought alot of you might be able to use it.It is the bread I make when I am in a hurry.My Mom found the recipe years ago and it has been a life saver for me alot of times! :) I love to make it with all white flour but usually don't.:)

In a small bowl mix 4.5 tsp of yeast with 1/2 cup warm water and set aside.

In a large bowl place two tsp salt and 2-4 TB butter.Add one cup of boiling water and stir until butter is melted then add 1 cup cold water.Making sure that your mixture is not to hot,(it should be just right) add your yeast mixture and 5-6 cups of flour.Stir until combined....It should be dough but still sticky.Cover and let sit for 45 minutes,stirring down every 15 minutes.NO KNEAD.:)

After 45 minutes,shape into 2 loaves of french bread (or dinner rolls,cinnamon rolls or *anything*) and place on greased cookie sheet.You can cut some fancy slits in the top of the loaves with a knife or scissors.Let rise until doubled and brush with a mixture of 1 egg yolk and 2 TB milk.Bake at 400 for about 25 minutes!