Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A Day at the Lake

There is a lake about 10 minutes from our house called Wallback Lake.  (It actually has another name, but everyone just calls it Wallback lake for its location.)  It is a very small man-made lake, but so nice to have close by.  There is a trail that goes all the way around the lake, and if its not a mile long, its very close.  We took the kids there this past Saturday for some MUCH-needed fresh air and exercise!  It was a beautiful day!

Adah was so excited to see the ducks...

The love of my life and our three beautiful children enjoying the fresh air and sunshine!

Walking on the trail - half of the trail is gravel and the other half on the other side of the lake is paved.  The gravel half is really too bumpy for a stroller, but we took one anyways to have going up and down the hill on the paved side!  There is a shooting range at the lake as well.. and of course they started shooting right as we walked past the range!  Scared the girls to death...

Isn't it wonderful to be a child and be so easily amazed?  To them, this lake is HUGE... having the perspective of a small child is amazing.  I remember thinking how big things were when I was little, only to revisit those places as an adult and think..."Wow, this isn't nearly as big as I remembered..."   I hope this was a day my children will remember for years to come.  It wasn't anything grand or spectacular, but it was an amazing day just spent together! 

Success

You can use most any measure

When you're speaking of success;

You can measure it in fancy homes, 

Expensive car, or dress.

But the measure of your real success

Is the one you cannot spend.

Its the way your kids describe you

When they're talking to a friend.

Martin Buxbaum

Dreaming of Summer

Yesterday's storm brought warm weather and high winds for us to enjoy for a bit. It was a perfect opportunity for the kids to finally get out of the house and breathe some fresh air! After the last two weeks filled with illnesses, backaches, and just general "crud", we were all thankful to be outside!

It was Adah's first time flying a kite. She was totally amazed. She did pretty well, considering. There were enough winds that really all she had to do was stand there, and hold on for dear life!

Bailey wasn't so lucky, though. He had a hard time getting his kite to stay up in the air, and got frustrated very quickly.

We had a wonderful time, though, enjoying God's creation. I absolutely can't wait until the weather warms up and I can leave my windows open all the time! One of my favorite places to be is on my porch swing, overlooking the farm. Maybe some spring cleaning today will help, although its dark outside again.

I'll leave you with a picture of my new nephew, Logan Rayne Cochrum. He looks just like his mommy, Tabitha! Another one of God's miracles....

Easy Chicken Pot PIe

Ok, this is for the moms who don't feel guilty about cutting corners sometimes when you're in a hurry! One of my favorite things is leftover roast chicken. You know the kind that you can pick up at the grocery store, already cooked, warm and waiting! Just be sure to check the time on the label, and don't get one thats been sitting there all day. Anyhow, if you do have enough chicken left over after the first meal of, well, roast chicken, here's an idea. Super Easy Chicken Pot Pie!

Ingredients:

1 to 2 cups shredded chicken
2 pre-made refrigerated pie dough crusts
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of peas and carrots
1 can of sliced potatoes (cuts down on the cooking time)
2 tablespoons of whole or canned milk

All you do is put your first crust in a greased pie dish. Layer the chicken, drained peas and carrots, and drained potatoes in the pie. (you can salt and pepper to taste now, if you wish.) Spread the cream of chicken soup over the top. (It will run down in between as it cooks... mmm) Take your other pie crust and lightly flour your counter. (or board, whatever.) I just use a pizza cutter and cut it into strips and basket weave it onto the top of my pie. Brush with 2 tablespoons of milk, then bake at oh, say 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Not everyone will appreciate this recipe, using canned veggies and pre-made pie dough... but trust me, when it comes down to a quick meal (in preparation anyhow) and your choice is this or chicken nuggets? I'll take the pie.

Enjoy! :)

We miss you, Mamaw and Papaw! :)

This video is for Mamaw and Papaw.

Love, Bailey and Adah

Selah's New Dance

This is a video of Selah's new sounds and moves... Enjoy!