Sucessful Baking

Adventures in Gluten Free Baking means sometimes it's a door stop and sometimes is wonderful food. I've had some great successes lately. Here are some cupcakes - made from a homemade cake mix recipe and Cake Doctor Bakes Gluten Free. I got it from the library but am IN LOVE and will be buying a copy for myself. Let them (me!) eat cake! I ate a ton of these puppies - took some to a birthday party (have cupcakes, can party) and also to a baby shower.

Then today I made my fruit muffins which always seem to work out and some successful bread (!!!!) from another favorite book - Gluten-free Gourmet Bakes Bread.

I 'proofed' my yeast this time. Something they always tell you not to do with Gluten Free baking, but I haven't been able to get my bread to rise so I thought I would give it a try. It made all the difference. I've been working on getting my recipes more organized - one of my many projects before going back to work and I can post them here for anyone who is interested.

Back to work...

Yes, despite promises to myself and to everyone who would listen to me - I am going back to work in 2 weeks. What??!! you ask. But she seemed so sure. (Like I have never made an "I'm absolutely sure" statement before and backed out - like every day.) Here is the order of events.

Tuesday morning: I get a call from the principal - just so you know - the person doing your job is going on to anther job. If you are at home to be with your family you should stay at home but if you are at home to be helpful you should know...
-Me - thanks for the head's up - probably not.
-Rafa - think about it - it's only a few weeks.
-Me - check the calendar. The contract would start the exact day my EI runs out. Providence?

I called the day care and a spot opened up in the baby room just the week before. Providence?

Eight weeks of work starting May 7th and then nine weeks off for the summer. I get to finish of the year the way I like to - we all get to practice our new routine before the general stress of September. I get some pay and benefits through the summer.

I will miss hanging out with my babies. I'll miss our relaxed mornings. (these were ending anyway as Rafa will be heading off to work early every morning) But.. Lucia is significantly more chill than Diego and has already done one full day in child care and several Sundays in the church nursery without batting an eye so I think she will adjust more easily than Diego did.

More on the good side than the bad. Interestingly, the last time around I was ready to go back and while I am resigned and do feel like it is a good decision I am not anxious to reenter the work force this time. Different dynamic.

Here are some pictures of my brood. They're pretty cute right now. Lucia has been trying out standing up on her own. She only makes it a few seconds but I can almost feel the wheels turning. She's ready to be chasing after Diego.

Today at the Park