Honey Oat Bread

There have been so many requests for this bread recipe so I'm finally getting around to posting it! Sorry it took me so long. I've been busy baking bread... :) This is Marnie's (my sister-in-law) recipe so I'm not sure what it's really called. But thanks Marn for the recipe!

MIX:
2 Cups Warm Water
1/4 Cup + 2 Tbs Honey
1 1/2 Tbs Yeast

WHEN IT GETS BUBBLY, ADD:
4 Tbs Melted Butter
2 tsp Salt (Sea or Kosher)
1/4 Cup Milled Flax Seed
4 1/2 Cups Flour (3 Cups White Flour, 1 1/2 Whole Wheat) (Or you could just use all white if you don't have whole wheat)
1/2 Cup Oatmeal
1/4 Cup Dry Milk
2 Tbs Wheat Gluten

RAISE:
Until it has doubled in size. Form in 2 bread pans and let it raise again

BAKE:
@ 350 For 25 Minutes

ENJOY!

The Best Husband Ever

So for the past 3 years I have wanted a Kitchen Aid. I'll admit that I'm a compulsive Food Network watcher. I know it's pathetic, but I love it! And I'm always wanting to make the breads and rolls and yummy things in a Kitchen Aid. But I have a hard time spending that much money on a mixer, so I've never purchased one. While we were in Texas, Marnie made this incredible honey wheat/oat/flaxseed bread. (I'm not sure what it is called, but it was delicious!) When Chad and I were driving home from the airport we were reminiscing about the bread and I just again mentioned that a Kitchen Aid would be nice to have. Nothing else was even discussed or said about it. On Tuesday while I was at work, Chad called a bunch of stores and did some research on Kitchen Aids. He called his sister Amanda to help him out, too. So they went and picked me out my very own Kitchen Aid. But that's not all! He called Marnie in Texas and got the bread recipe! And then he went to the store and bought all of the ingredients!! (What an amazing man) So when I walked in the door, this is what I saw sitting on my counter in the kitchen.



I was blown away to say the least! I couldn't even say anything. Complete shock! I was so in love with Chad and so impressed by his completely selfless gift to me. It was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done. So, I got right to work and made some bread!! This was my very first time EVER making bread, so I was really nervous. But I'm very happy to report that it turned out great! It was delicious. Thanks Chaddy! I love you so much!

TEXAS

So the Talbot clan took a vacation to Houston to visit Brett and Marnie this past week. It was a blast!! We were only there for 5 days, but Houston is HUGE and there was so much to see. We stayed busy! First of all on Friday we took a tour of the University of Houston where Brett goes to school and works. It was really fun for us to see where exactly they will be for the next few years.


After we toured campus, we headed over to Hermann Park. It was this huge beautiful park with animals, a fountain and a little train that goes through the park. So we all took a ride on the train. Ava was terrified of the train.. She no longer likes trains..





On Saturday we went to the beach!! I absolutely love the ocean; the waves, the breeze, the smell, and the sounds... all of it. I miss it so much since I've moved home from Hawaii so it was so incredible to go back to a beach! It was so much fun! The weather was amazing and a nice break from cold and snowy Utah. We also took a ferry ride and saw dolphins and a lot of birds. Ava chirped like a bird most of the ride!



How cute are her little legs? She was so funny to watch as she adjusted to the water on her feet. This was her first trip to the ocean so she didn't really know what was going on. Even though it took her a few minutes to get used to the water, she cried when we took her out. She loved splashing and kicking in the water.

To: Chad Happy Anniversary!

Almost...On January 12 it is our 3 year anniversary. I can't believe it's been three years already. It's amazing how fast time goes when you're happy and in love. And I am proud to say that after three years of marriage, that's exactly what we are- happy and in love. I just want to express how amazing of a man, husband and father Chad really is. The past three years that I have known Chad have been wonderful, but they were definitely not lacking of trials and discouragements. To my amazement, Chad comes out of each trial a stronger and better person. Not only does he carry himself through hard times with such optimism, but he also helps his wife who, ashamedly enough, does not have near as much faith. Never in my life did I think I could end up with a man who is so Christ-like, dedicated, and hard-working. Ava already knows that her daddy loves her more than anything in the world and what a blessing he is in her life, too. Ava and I are two very lucky ladies. Chaddy I love you so much and thank you for the happiest three years of my life! Not a day less will do....