I know what you mean about feeling proud of big loaves! I've continued thinking about this and have just run across a link that might be helpful: www.redstaryeast.net/improving.htm At this address they list all kinds of problems and solutions to them (now I can do better, too!) I'm also sending along a couple recipes--ones that have passed "The Kid Test" (4 of them)in my house:

Honey Oatmeal Bread

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup butter or margarine
5 1/2 - 6 1/2 cups flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 teaspoons salt
1 package yeast
1 tablespoon water
1 egg white
Oatmeal

Combine water, honey and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until liquids are very warm. Place 4 cups flour, oats, salt and yeast in bowl, and mix. Add warm liquids to flour mixture and mix. Mix and knead dough into remaining flour. Knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rest until double in size. Punch dough down and divide in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise in warm place until double in size.
Combine water and egg white, Brush tops of loaves with mixture. Sprinkle with oatmeal. (Makes the loaves beautiful,but I only do it if I'm having a good day!) Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove from pans and brush all surfaces with cooking oil or shortening.

Potato Bread (1 LOAF)

1 cup Water
2 1/2 tsp Yeast
3 tbsp Butter or margerine
1 Egg
3 cups Bread flour
3/4 cup Instant mashed potatos
1 tbsp Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Salt

There were no instructions with this recipe, but I usually soften the yeast in the water, along with the sugar and a little flour until it's bubbly, then add the butter, salt, egg and enough of the flour to make a good dough. Most of the time I leave out the egg and still have good results..you might want to try it both ways and see what you prefer. Potato bread with real mashed potato is probably a little better, but with kids, the instant mix makes this recipe less trouble.

Again, I hope this is of some help.