I'm just trying to walk myself home.
Our third week in Aberdeen has been made brighter by the fact that my mama is here! I’m so grateful that we planned for her to come so soon, so that she could help us all settle in. She encourages the kids daily and her smile makes us all feel like we are doing great …
We celebrated getting through our first week of school here in Scotland with a trip to the village of Stonehaven to see the famous and very impressive Dunnottar Castle!
You were meant for amazing things!! Do you need a reminder? Hanging on your wall? Of course you do! We all need a little encouragement from time to time. So, in honor of the fact that I am turning 40 this week, I have a free download for you! My girl, Kandace Parker, created this …
The kids started at their new schools in Scotland this week. Super exciting! They get to wear these darling uniforms that they pretty much despise. Until now, my boys could probably count the number of times they’ve worn a dress shirt and tie on one hand. This is the best I could do on a …
Our second week in Aberdeen has been full of cobblestones, pretty buildings, new discoveries and big adjustments. We’ve logged some miles seeing our new city, the center of which is a constant bustle of activity.
I am missing getting vegetables from my sweet friends, Sandy and Michael. We were roasting okra by the bushel back home and we always ate every bite. It is a family favorite for sure. My mom tosses okra in olive oil and cornmeal before baking it, which mimics southern fried okra, but is much healthier! …
Today’s my dad’s birthday, in honor of which, I’ve made a list of 10 Life Lessons I’ve Learned From My Dad. And really, the list could be titled 10 Life Lessons Anyone Could Learn From My Dad. I’ve left off ones that are snarky, but true, such as How To Be Sarcastic or How To …
While househunting, we have been enjoying the kind hospitality of three different new sets of friends, for which we are super thankful! We got the kids all squared away to start school next week and spent today shopping for their uniforms. Lots going on! For weeks I’ve been reading info on moving abroad, traveling in …
Our first two days in Aberdeen, Scotland have been marked mostly by our search for a home. However, we have been taking it all in as we have wandered about and so here are our first glimpses of our new home town. Aberdeen, Scotland At First Glance At the moment, we are staying with a …
Ready or not, it’s time to go. We’re putting on our game faces and heading out into the big wide world. Taido is already in Scotland, continuing the house hunt. We’re not sure what his plan is for the 20 suitcases we have in tow, but we’ll be glad to see him no matter what! …
We’ve reached that part of the summer where we’re swimming in summer squash and zucchini! You too? Good news! There are so many wonderful ways to fix it, and of course, if you simply cannot use it all, you can slice it up and freeze it for minestrone in the winter.
Yesterday I dropped Taido at the airport and now he’s in Scotland. Just like that. So, I Guess This Means We’re Really Moving. The kids and I leave in a week, so we are soaking up the end of the summer at the lake with our cousins. This summer has been full to the brim …
Lots of mixed feelings this week, closing up the house and saying goodbye to our life on Cedar Street. Reprinted below is the text of an actual letter I wrote to my sweet neighborhood to say goodbye. An Open Letter To My Neighbors, Upon Saying Goodbye Dear Neighbor, My family and I have moved everything …
Welcome to the sometimes weekly (more like monthly) edition of In The Pipeline, where I list stuff I like on the internet and tell you what’s coming down the pipe at the Chino House. So, it’s August. You know what that means. We are moving to Scotland this month. Whenever I talk to anyone, they …
Bread + Cheese + Wine = Perfect. Just add friends. I can’t think of a meal I love more than bread and cheese. Seriously, I can not turn it down. A perfect bread and cheese platter is easy to put together and effortless to serve, plus it’s so beautiful. We used to have a bread …
2 families, 4 days, 3 nights, 15 miles, 3,000 feet of elevation gain. This summer our family hiked from Aspen to Crested Butte with another precious family. Read about our first day on the trail here. And second day here. Third day here. Aspen To Crested Butte: Day 4 Taido woke us up early with …
Welcome to the sometimes weekly (more like monthly) edition of In The Pipeline, where I list stuff I like on the internet and tell you what’s coming down the pipe at the Chino House. I did my first ever Google Hangout this week with Jenna at Webjet. (Yay for figuring out how to do new …
Cobb Salad With Edamame, Prosciutto and Bacon I wildly vary my Cobb Salad in the summertime, according to what I have around and what vegetables are in abundance. For example, if I were to make this same salad today, I would add some thinly sliced yellow squash. However, a few things stay the same. There …
2 families, 4 days, 3 nights, 15 miles, 3,000 feet of elevation gain. This summer our family hiked from Aspen to Crested Butte with another precious family. Read about our first day on the trail here. And second day here. Aspen To Crested Butte: Day 3
Fresh Juices + Tequila = Orange Pineapple Margaritas Friends, is there anything happier than a fruity drink by the pool in the summertime? If that fruity drink is made with all real fruit juices and freshly squeezed limes, and it is served in a bright cup with fresh fruit on the side, well, then I’ll …