Best Bread Recipe Ever!

I have a wonderful friend named Emily who got married just a week after I did and lives close to me. The other day I was telling her that I need to start making fresh bread every week and I just haven't found the inspiration. Well, she told me that she had a recipe that she had been using for 12+ years and it was so easy! So I decided to give it a try and let me tell you, it is soooo easy and the bread tastes amazing and looks incredible! So I thought I'd share the recipe so you can make homemade bread!

Emily's Bread Recipe:
1/4C Sugar
1T yeast
1c Warm Water
Mix those three ingredients and let sit till it is quite foamy and you know your yeast is activated. Once it is foamy (usually takes 5 minutes or round about) add 1/4C oil.
Then take 3C flour and 1t salt and mix together. Then add your liquid to the flour and mix it and then knead it until it is smooth. Then place dough in a greased glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap (this will make sure your dough doesn't become hard and it also traps the warmth and rises faster). I let it rise about an hour and then punch it down and transfer the dough to my greased bread pan. Then you cover with the plastic wrap and let it rise again until the bread reaches the plastic wrap. Then take off the plastic wrap and place in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for about 30 minutes and voila amazing bread!

And they're off...

Daniel and Alaina are on their way to Idaho where he will be stationed for two to three years. So we went over to see them off. This past weekend the whole family got together one last time. We sure are going to miss them!!!

So Tirzah was really tired...and Gideon was cranky but we're all in the picture.

Motor boat...

Uncle Daniel

Car turned airplane

Little Red Hoods

Boy, do I love these adorable little children! A few pictures from a cool night recently when we went outside to play and wait for Daddy to get home!

They sure do love each other

They swapped passies and are trying them out...

This is how she always sits, like a little indian princess

Love these toes!

He wants his passie back

Infectious giggle

I got it back...

Look at all those teeth

Trip to the Natural Bridge for $2

Get a Natural Bridge and Caverns Combo Ticket for the price of a Th omas Jeff erson $2 bill.

Food drive returns this Thurs., September 22nd through Sun., September 25th.

Virginia residents save on a trip to The Natural Bridge, once owned by Thomas Jeff erson and surveyed by a young George Washington. Bring your $2 bill, eight quarters or two George Washington dollars, then enjoy the majesty of this historic landmark along the Cedar Creek Nature Trail. This year, see the NEW indoor butt er fly garden, Butterflies at the Bridge. Present a non-perishable food item and Virginia ID (Driver's License, Student ID, or Virginia Utility Bill) to the Ticket Desk to get the Natural Bridge and Caverns Combo Ticket for only $2 (one per non-perishable food item). Ticket also includes admission to the Monacan Indian Village, Wax Museum, Toy Museum, and Drama of Creation night light presentation. Children can use their parents proof of residency.

Donations stock the shelves at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank which helps feed our neighbors in need, many still struggling in a difficult economy. More info.

Natural Bridge Fall Corn Maze - Open weekends in October

Find the secret stations to conquer the maze.

Wind your way through this custom designed Corn Maze surrounded by the peak of fall color. Find secret stations to conquer the maze. The Corn Maze is open on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) in October starting Saturday, 10/1, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The price is $6 adult and $3 child. The Corn Maze location is just south of the Natural Bridge Hotel on the corner of US 11 and Golf Course Road.

Tickets will be available at the Ticket Desk in the Natural Bridge Gift Shop. Not included with Natural Bridge admission.

Fall Ticket offer: Save $10 on adult Bridge and Caverns Tickets Online

Includes the NEW Butterflies at the Bridge, Virginia's largest indoor, live butterfly garden.

For a limited time, purchase an adult Natural Bridge and Caverns combo ticket and save $10 online. Spread your wings at the new Butterflies at the Bridge, discover the Natural Bridge and Monacan Indian Village along the Cedar Creek Trail, then explore the Caverns, Wax Museum and Toy Museum. Guests must visit and use their ticket by 11/27/11. Offer only valid online. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Not valid on child tickets.

$89 Fall Escape Package - Two Adults
Accommodations, breakfast and tickets

Starting at $89 (plus tax) Sunday through Thursday (savings of $80), $149 plus tax Friday and Saturday (savings of $26). Enjoy the majesty of the Natural Bridge, a hearty country breakfast in the Colonial Dining Room, and stay in the comfort of this historic hotel. Package is good for two (2) adults and includes two (2) Natural Bridge and Caverns combo tickets with the new Butterflies at the Bridge, two (2) $10 breakfast vouchers for the Colonial Dining Room (not valid on room service), and one (1) standard room. Only valid on internet purchases. Available through 11/22/11.

Additional guests staying in the same room will receive one (1) $10 breakfast voucher and one (1) attraction ticket. Additional guests cost $30 per adult and $20 per child. Total of four per room.