Week Five

I'm finally getting these up! Last week was a big week and I couldn't choose just one.

Cupcakes made by me (cake mix from a box- don't let the fancy frosting fool you).

Cake made by my sister, Megan (not from a box).

Happy Birthday one more time little man!

Welcome to Oregon.

I am enjoying every minute of the Oregon fall. It is cold, rainy and overcast. I love it (in on October 16th, on March 16th not so much). I forgot how much I missed the Oregon seasons.

In true Oregon fashion, we welcomed our friends Tomas, Shae and Beckham last month with a rainy weekend. We hauled the two babies all around the state (more on that to come) and around Portland.

In an effort to introduce Tomas and Shae to Oregon beer (and organic food) we drove down to the Pearl for lunch at Bridgeport Brewery. Waiting in line behind a group of typical Oregonians we noticed a sweet baby not much younger than Ben.

As all mothers do, the mommy turned around to ask about Ben and Beckham. She asked how old our babies were and I looked down at her tiny bundle getting ready to return the question when my eyes grew wide as I realized this mom was breastfeeding her child while waiting for a table. I tried desperately to turn Shae and Tomas's attention to the free peep show as I quickly averted my eyes from the mother's areas.

It must be said that I am all about nursing your baby. I would even go as far to say I support feeding your baby in public, but in line at a restaurant? Please lady, if you are out there, please at least wait until you are seated. And get yourself a Hooter Hider.

Welcome to Oregon.

My Favorite Things: June

The month of June consisted of packing, packing and more packing. In between the packing we were able to squeeze in a few more things. My favorites were:

1. Taking Ben to the zoo for the first time. It was obviously more enjoyable for us than him, but we have to try to be educational every once in awhile.
2. We celebrated Nate's first Father's Day. Unfortunately we decided to take Nate out for a celebratory breakfast were Ben decided to scream. Nate and I both took turns eating alone or walking Ben outside the restaurant. Fun Father's Day for Nate.
3. A farewell dinner with Rob and Christine! We will miss our Texas friends so much but it was so much fun to spend one last day with them. The theme of our party was "clean out the pantry" and we ate whatever after a fun day at the pool. Ben and Rob bonded over grilled chicken.
   
   
4. Moving back to Oregon. This is also on the worst of the month list as I hate moving but I'm so glad it's over and we are here!

Farewell Texas

Tomorrow is the big day. The day Ben, Cooper and I (with the help of my parents) get onto the plane and fly back to Oregon. The day Nate begins the long drive back home in the Uhaul.

I never doubted for a second that I am truly an Oregonian but I have to say that I am definitely sad to leave. Texas has been good to us. We have met some of the best friends ever. We have eaten tons (literally tons) of delicious Mexican food. We have enjoyed more hot weather days than I've probably experienced in my whole Oregon life combined. Texas also gave us our very own little Texan.

For this baby of the family, living on our own has taught me a lot. I've learned a ton about myself and Nate. I value my family and the time we have together more than ever before. I hope I never have to live away from them again. I've learned a little more Spanish and how to make queso. Nate and I have raised an almost 5 month old baby mostly on our own. I've learned to never assume something doesn't have meat in it just because it's not listed on the menu. I've learned a ton about the Alamo.

I now know what a real rainstorm looks like and I've lived through many thunderstorms. I was never bitten by a rattlesnake (nor did I ever even see one). I've tried on cowboy boots and been about a foot from a longhorn.

Here are some things I adore about Texas.

• The weather in the winter.
• The HEB sells Texas shaped crackers.
• Seriously, everything is bigger in Texas.
• Sonic (specifically Sonic Happy Hour).
• Super Target
• Christine, Lauren and Shae (as well as Beckham and Elise).
  
  
• Bunco
• Bennett was born here. We can take Ben out of Texas, but we can't take the Texas out of Ben.
• Taco Cabana
• Our neighborhood pool
• It stills feels like I'm on a perma-vacation with all the gorgeous flowers and palm trees.
• Our home.

I know we will be back to visit but it will never be quite the same. I know Nate will miss Texas more than I'll ever know. I know Ben will wonder about the place he was born. We will have many stories to tell him.

Thanks Texas. We will miss you!

July 30, 2007

Here is one more adventure that I had as a new Texan. I laugh at my naivete now.

A Vegetarian in Texas

Texas has to have AT LEAST one BBQ place per square mile. I'm not sure the people here have ever heard the word "vegetarian". Nate and I ventured to an awesome Mexican restaurant (which will remain nameless). I was informed that the enchiladas were "amazing" and decided to give them a go. As the only vegetarian in Texas, I ordered the cheese version (I also ordered the cheapest, most awesome margarita, but that's a whole other story).

Nate and I waited very patiently for our food (not only aren't people in Texas vegetarians, but they also aren't in a hurry to do anything). Finally or food arrives. I'm so excited for my first bite of delicious cheese enchilada! I look down and what do I see? My beautiful cheese enchilada covered in ground beef. Who puts beef on a cheese enchilada?

I calmly walk my nasty enchilada to the lady at the counter and explain my problem. "I ordered CHEESE enchiladas," I say.

She replies (in broken English), "Yes, cheese."

"But these have beef on them. I'm a vegetarian." The lady continues to inform me that it's "just a leetle beet of beef."

"But I'm a vegetarian. I don't eat meat!"

"Yes, but just a leetle beet of beef." We continue arguing this point for a while longer (me: that I'm a vegetarian, she: that it's just a little bit of beef). Finally she dumps the plate to give it another try.

I go back to the table where I can see her flinging food about (no doubt trying to hide beef somewhere in my food). She walks towards me, throws my food on the table and walks away. I look down at plate number 2 of cheese enchiladas to find them...covered in beef. Hmm.

This time I make it up to the counter where I just ask for the cheese quesadilla. I figure you can't mess that up. I'm informed the lady I spoke with doesn't speak English. I want to say, "She sure knows how to say 'leetle beet of beef'."

Needless to say, the quesadilla had no beef and the margarita was good.

About one week later, we go to Mexican restaurant number two and go for cheese enchiladas again. After I order I ask the waitress if there is any beef on the cheese enchiladas. She looks at me like I'm the stupidest gringo in Texas. "No," she says.

Cut to 15 minutes later. Our food arrives, and yes, cheese enchiladas covered in beef! This time I just scrapped it off and dealt with it (however cheese enchiladas with all the sauce scrapped off aren't the greatest).

Moral of the story: If you are a vegetarian and you find yourself in Texas, do not order the cheese enchiladas (unless maybe you've had so many margaritas you won't even notice).

For good measure...

Yes, that is a children's menu.

Chicken Fried

Last Thursday Nate, Ben and I took a trip to the San Antonio Zoo (wanting to get in some tourist attractions before the big move). Ben loved watching all the animals and hearing about where they came from and what they ate. He was intrigued by the variety of rare birds and the warthogs. 

Seriously he slept pretty much the whole time. He did however love the fish in the Hippo exhibit. Next time we're going to take our $20 and get dinner at the Thai place with the aquarium in the back. 

Sadly this picture of Ben and Nate enjoying the fish is a bit blurry!

My favorite part of the zoo was definitely the rhino. Not because I'm fascinated with this great beast but because of the rhino habitat. The rhino at the San Antonio Zoo resides in a giant bowl. Nate and I were quite interested to see the large animal (it seems like most of the animals at the SA Zoo are quite small). We walked up to the wall that overlooked the rhino and searched for his massive-ness and horn. I finally leaned over the wall (which barely passed my knees) to see this approximately 10 feet below me.

Um, hello San Antonio Zoo people? Does this seem a reasonably safe choice for a rhino habitat? Seriously, take one crazy mom at the zoo (and she probably wouldn't have to be that crazy) and one whinny kid in the Africa exhibit and the rhino could be eating something besides hay. Here is another view of the great animal.

The top of the wall is just outside the picture. You can kind of tell in the top right corner. 

Just as I'm sure many people have accidently walked straight off the Riverwalk and into the river, I would not be at all surprised if some curious little rugrat took a tumble onto the rhino. I'm just glad it wasn't my little rugrat.

After our trip to the zoo, Nate forced us to eat at Lulu's. I didn't take any pictures because I wasn't sure if people would think I was reaching for my gun and shoot us. 

Lulu's will soon be on the show Man vs. Food. The star of the show, Adam Richman, chose Lulu's due to it's incredibly huge chicken fried steak and 3 lb. cinnamon rolls. Seriously, this thing was bigger than Ben! 

Please excuse the picture. It was taken with Nate's iphone.

While I may not claim Lulu's to be in the top 100 restaurants (and that's being generous) the cinnamon roll was freaking good! Stay tuned to see it on TV soon!

While Nate and I are sad to be saying goodbye to San Antonio soon, we had an awesome day playing tourists with Ben. Only 18 days and we will be Oregonians once again!

The male future of Texas

Nate and I are lucky. We have spent a good part of our lives around babies and children (me being a 1st grade teacher in my past life). For the most part we know what to expect when it comes to Ben.

This is not the case for everyone.

Example Number One:

Ben and I were weary from a long day of travel. We had finally arrived in the Houston airport around 6 pm. I was in serious need of some frozen yogurt. Ben and I wandered the terminal in search of something tasty when we happened upon Wendy's.

I decided a Frosty would suffice and, with Ben strapped to my chest, walked up to the counter. Being as there were no other customers anywhere near the store, there were a ton of employees. The majority of the workers were young men who looked like working at Wendy's may not be there first choice. 

The young man (who informed me he was in high school) behind the counter took my order and proceeded to talk to Ben. Ben really liked the tall, skinny boy and smiled and laughed at him. He asked if he could keep Ben (to which I replied maybe). The cashier called over his buddies to look at Ben. The boys were LOUD and there were a lot of them. Tall, skinny boy's friend (shorter and not so skinny) informed me that Ben was "freakin me ow. He look like a bobbie dahl (Barbie doll). He too good lookin. He freakin me ow."

Apparently Ben didn't like this and his lip started to hang and the tears began to flow. This made not so tall and skinny guy feel bad. To make up for his he offered Ben a large amount of crackers ("Here gib him sum crackas"). 

Sweet? Yes. Logical? Maybe. I guess to some people a small 10 pound baby may look like he eats Saltines. It must be all his chins.

Example Number Two:

Last night Nate, Ben and I went to Red Robin for Nate's free birthday burger (hey, when your unemployed nothing beats free). The young man seating us looked down at sleeping Ben in his infant carrier and asked if we needed a children's menu. Seriously? 

It looks like the young men of the world (or just Texas) need a little more baby experience. Either that or my baby needs to go on a diet.

Ben showing off his svelte body obtained by eating Saltines and Red Robin burgers.

Better Late Than Never

I've been a little slow at uploading pictures from my camera, but I have a few that I must share (specifically of our beautiful Thanksgiving turkey). 

Here is Nate pulling out the poor turkey's giblets. 

Making a turkey takes a lot of concentration.

Almost done! We had a little mishap and had to put it back in the oven. In the end it turned out perfect (so I hear from my meat eating comrades). 

All the hard work made it necessary for Nate and Rob to have an Irish Car Bomb. Life is rough.  

A vegetarian in Texas, part 2.

Today was a first for this vegetarian. Actually, two. I met one of my best SA friends for lunch where we dined at a vegetarian restuarant. A vegetarian restaurant in Texas, you say? Yes (though it may be the only one). We not only found a vegetarian dining experience (Christine did really), but we also located ALL the hippies in this south TX town. We both thought the food was good (especially the vegan chocolate chip cookie, also known as the 2nd first) and the service was good. Ironically while we weren't eating meat, Christine was eaten by mosquitoes.

Viva Fiesta!

Wednesday night was the big night! Most people head down south to the "real" fiesta parties. For me the south was a little too crowded, too dirty, and too Fiesta. I figure it's good to ease in. So Lauren, Matt, Shae, Tomas, Christine, Rob, and I (the 7th wheel) stuck to the Northside (Nate had a to work). It was much more my "fiesta" style.

Here are some things I learned about fiesta:

1. Fiesta hats do exist and come in many styles. I tried to get some pictures of people in their hats (ranging from huge with bright and fake flowers to smaller more tasteful hats). I did get a pic of one unsuspecting man.



2. Make friends with Lauren's mom. She is great at sweet talking the security man into letting non-VIP guests into the VIP bathroom (i.e. not the port-o-potty).

3. Get your beer early! That goes for food too. When you find something you like ("gourmet nuts") get a lot of it!

5. Don't wear a white shirt (sorry Matt).

We had a great time! I can't wait to celebrate again next year! Here's a parting picture of us (minus Matt and his shirt) at the end of the night. Sorry it's blurry. It gives a little sense to how many of us felt that night.

Happy Birthday Rob and Christine!

Last night we all drove down to the San Antonio landmark (or watermark), the Riverwalk! We had a fun dinner at Acenar and got to sit outside on April 19th (in tank tops mind you). Not much to say, but I do have fun pictures to share!





The ladies (me, Christine, Lauren, Shae)

A vegetarian in Texas

Texas has to have AT LEAST one BBQ place per square mile. I'm not sure the people here have ever heard the word "vegetarian". Nate and I ventured to an awesome Mexican restaurant (which will remain nameless). I was informed that the enchiladas were "amazing" and decided to give them a go. As the only vegetarian in Texas, I ordered the cheese version (I also ordered the cheapest, most awesome margarita, but that's a whole other story).

Nate and I waited very patiently for our food (not only aren't people in Texas vegetarians, but they also aren't in a hurry to do anything). Finally or food arrives. I'm so excited for my first bite of delicious cheese enchilada! I look down and what do I see? My beautiful cheese enchilada covered in ground beef. Who puts beef on a cheese enchilada?

I calmly walk my nasty enchilada to the lady at the counter and explain my problem. "I ordered CHEESE enchiladas," I say.

She replies (in broken English), "Yes, cheese."

"But these have beef on them. I'm a vegetarian." The lady continues to inform me that it's "just a leetle beet of beef."

"But I'm a vegetarian. I don't eat meat!"

"Yes, but just a leetle beet of beef." We continue arguing this point for a while longer (me: that I'm a vegetarian, she: that it's just a little bit of beef). Finally she dumps the plate to give it another try.

I go back to the table where I can see her flinging food about (no doubt trying to hide beef somewhere in my food). She walks towards me, throws my food on the table and walks away. I look down at plate number 2 of cheese enchiladas to find them...covered in beef. Hmm.

This time I make it up to the counter where I just ask for the cheese quesadilla. I figure you can't mess that up. I'm informed the lady I spoke with doesn't speak English. I want to say, "She sure knows how to say 'leetle beet of beef'."

Needless to say, the quesadilla had no beef and the margarita was good.

About one week later, we go to Mexican restaurant number two and go for cheese enchiladas again. After I order I ask the waitress if there is any beef on the cheese enchiladas. She looks at me like I'm the stupidest gringo in Texas. "No," she says.

Cut to 15 minutes later. Our food arrives, and yes, cheese enchiladas covered in beef! This time I just scrapped it off and dealt with it (however cheese enchiladas with all the sauce scrapped off aren't the greatest).

Moral of the story: If you are a vegetarian and you find yourself in Texas, do not order the cheese enchiladas (unless maybe you've had so many margaritas you won't even notice).