My Favorite Things: November

1. Thanksgiving! How can this not be on my list. I loved having family in town. Having so many people around to watch Ben meant lots of lovely breaks for me! We ate delicious food- my favorite is pumpkin bread made by moi, we watched movies and football, we talked. I remembered back to last Thanksgiving spent with best friends and me on the couch. While I miss Christine and Rob so much, Thanksgiving is definitely made to spend with family!

2. Nate got a job! He's working hard and doing well however I must say that Ben and I miss having him around!

3. Pictures, pictures and more pictures. I had a great time taking lots of pictures this month. Ben's 9 month pictures, sweet baby Riley, and a family Christmas shoot for a friend. Such great practice and I feel like I'm getting better each time.

4. Ben found out he's getting a new cousin! We can't wait to meet little baby Geis this summer!

5. Duck football. I'm pretty sure that nothing more needs to be said.

6. Christmas decor. Yes, Christmas should probably be saved for December but I love to stretch the holidays as long as possible. I use to be all about beautiful white lights and classy Christmas decor but this year I say bring on the tacky! I love seeing the look on Ben's face when he sees sparkly and colorful Christmas decor. This season will definitely been seen through the eyes of a child and I can't wait!

Deep in the Heart.

If you are a regular reader of this blog (all 3 of you) you probably wouldn't be surprised to hear I love Oregon. However, despite my love for my home state I am thankful for the 2 brief years we lived in Texas.

Texas is a pretty bada** state. It's one of the only states you can recognize from it's outline. There's also Florida and California. Maybe Alaska and Hawaii- it's the only island. I guess also Louisiana because it's shaped like an L but all those states could fit inside Texas (besides Alaska of course but put the people of Alaska in a battle against the people of Texas and I guarantee the Texas people will win every time).

Jordan and I at the Alamo

Nate and I definitely lived deep in the heart of Texas and while I love Oregon (in case you forgot) there is no place I would choose over Texas for second place. Nate and I wanted an experience as far from Oregon as we could find and I think we found it in Texas (it was a little like living in Mexico if you're curious). I am thankful that Nate and I had those two years to live on our own. We relied only on each other. We made new friends (with the help of a little something I like to call the internets). I for one become much more outgoing and independent.

The Texas friends

Though we are no longer "doing it Texas style" (though we did do it Texas style and got a Texas baby out of it) I will forever be thankful for those two years. Nate, Cooper and I (and Ben) will never be the same! You can take the Lyons out of Texas but you can't take Texas out of the Lyons.

Baby Love

On the eve of Ben's 9 month-day I was lucky enough to get to hang with one of his BFF's, Riley. Riley was born on October 24th and is the sweetest baby! He is a tiny man like Ben was (though it's still impossible for me to remember Ben being that small only 9 months ago). Riley was so alert and is pretty much a stud. Thanks so much for letting me hang and take his picture!

Click here to see more pictures.

My Favorite Things: October

1. Nate and I took Ben to our favorite pumpkin patch (The Pumpkin Patch). Another bonus to being unemployed is being able to hit the patch during the week when practically no one is there. We played on the hay bales, saw the animals, picked pumpkins and bought tons of fresh food. Ben loved it!

2. Ben and I had a few playdates with friends. Ben definitely misses his Texas friends but is loving hanging out with Maya, Brayden and Anna (and I really love seeing all my friends again).

3. Ben finally learned to crawl! Just last week (at almost 9 months) our very laid back baby finally took off. He still takes it slow (which makes his parents very happy) but he's getting around and loving it!

4. We've been enjoying tons of Duck football! The Ducks are having a great season and it's been a blast watching the games in true Oregon style.

5. I've been working my big old 4 hours a week! It's been a great learning experience already and I love the adult time. I've also taken pictures for my friend's son's 1st birthday and for my sisters. Next week I'm doing a newborn shoot as well!

6. Tonight was our first of many years of trick-or-treating. Sadly Ben received no candy (people asked me if he wanted some and what was I supposed to say: "He doesn't but his mom sure does.") We enjoyed ourselves despite no candy. It was definitely one of those crazy parenting moments where I realized that I was taking my child trick-or-treating.

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.

Living in Style

Our family has quickly realized the difference of living in Oregon vs. Texas. We are busy. We have family, friends, the weather isn't a million point 3 degrees everyday. We go to the gym and for walks. The Nordstrom sale started. We babysit.

Life here is good. We are still getting settled into life and will be back to posting more often soon. I will leave you with a few Oregon/Texas comparisons.

• In Texas we counted pick up trucks. In Oregon we count Subarus.
• Our recycling bin is about twice the size of our garbage can in Texas and we can actually recycle cardboard (yes, Oregon peeps, you read that right).
• We drink sake over margaritas (or if you're Nate you just drink lots of Oregon beer- he has to make up for lost time, right?).
• The produce actually tastes like real fruit (the way I remember it). This is probably because it doesn't have to take 3 different planes just to get to the grocery store.
• There are no margaritas to go in Oregon but you can buy alcohol before noon on Sunday.
• Speaking of Sunday, places are not closed for worship and the mall opens at a normal time in Oregon.
• No queso! (Seriously, what is up with that?)

Stay tuned for more Oregon adventures (and yes, I know I need to change my blog name)!

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!

My Favorite Things: May

1. My mom came to visit! Nate and I were having a little trouble (understatement) getting the house ready to sell with Ben hanging around (which he tends to do). Mama Wolcott flew out to help clean the house and spend some time with her newest grandson. Even with all the work we had a bunch of fun!

Sadly this is the only picture I took of Ben and his Gigi.

2. Nate and Cooper celebrated birthdays (their 29th and 4th respectively) and Ben celebrated his 3 month birthday! We celebrated by putting our house on the market and eating out at Nate's favorite birthday spot, Red Robin.

3. We put our house on the market. This is actually quite sad but we are really looking forward to actually selling it! 

4. I celebrated my first Mother's Day. We had a low key day but it was great to celebrate being a mom. A lot of things are uncertain right now but I know for sure that I was meant to be a mom. There is nothing better!

4. We drove up to Dallas (the real Texas). Ben was awesome in the car and we had a great time with our friends, Shay, Tomas, and Beckham. We were attacked by mosquitos the size of humming birds and spent some serious time in the heat. Ben learned a lot from Beckham (he's bilingual and sucks his feet at just 7 months). 

5. The Bachelorette and SYTYCD (So You Think Your Can Dance for all you non-fans out there) started! Nothing like some good trashy reality TV to get you through the summer!

Outlaws

During our playdate in Dallas, Ben and his buddy Beckham got into a wee bit of trouble. It all started on Saturday. The two decided to join forces to tear up the town of Fort Worth, Texas. Walking down the sleepy streets they happened upon a gaggle of horses the size of Schnauzers (but they were horeses). With no regard to the small children in line to ride the horses, Ben and Beckham commandeered the horses and galloped off.

***Please check out the sweaty man in the background. It was hot!***

Their first stop was Billy Bob's, the greatest Honkey Tonk bar in the land. They tied the horses up outside, dumped the breastmilk from their bottles in the dirt and swaggered inside. 

"Fill um' up!" they yelled at the bartender as they slid their now empty bottles down the bar.

B and B each downed a few of Texas' finest. In his honkey tonk state, Beckham threw caution to the wind and decided to wrestle a Grizzly named Brutus. A normal Grizzly would be quite a feat, but a Grizzly named Brutus is another tale all together. With only a small scratch, Beckham walked away the winner. The two filled up their bottles one last time and set off to ravage the town. Little did they know the authorities were already hot on their trail.

Galloping down the street on their tiny horses, B and B found what they had come for. An entire pen of Longhorns. These were definitely the real thing and B and B had a plan. Being part Oregonian, Ben is somewhat of an animal rights activist. Having just fought Brutus the Grizzly, Beckham knew the ways of the animals. B and B decided to set the Longhorns free before the big rodeo that night. 

They rode up to the pen, tied up the tiny horses once again. They sauntered up to the Longhorn pen pretending to be tourists. Just as they were close enough, they reached out, unlatching the pen and setting the Longhorns free. Unfortunately Longhorns aren't the fastest (or smartest) animals on God's great earth and they sat staring at the two outlaws rather than making a run for it. B and B urged the great beasts on, focusing all their attention on the animals. Little did they know, the town constable had them surrounded. 

B and B were taken by surprise before their mission had even been completed. The two were hauled away to the Forth Worth County Jail. 

Once in jail the two outlaws got into a rumble, each blaming the other for their bad luck. 

The two quickly came to their senses and put their differences behind them. While waiting to be rescued from prison they began planning their next adventure. Oregon, here they come.

Happy Spring!

Today is gorgeous here in San Antonio. Ben and I took a trip downtown to have lunch with my friend, Christine, on the river. Ben loved looking at the ducks and loved the sun. Unfortunately Ben dropped his favorite binkie into the disgusting river. All in all it was a successful trip!

Ben and Christine on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk.

The ducks on the river were very brave and interested in us.

A Year In Review

January

• Brought in the New Year with Nate's family!
• My parents came to visit the grand ole' city of San Antonio.
• I quit my job (actually in December of '07) and enjoyed some very much needed "me" time.

February

• I got a part time job. Way better than my old job!

March

• My niece, Makena, was born!
  
  
  
• Nate and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
• I flew home to Oregon to meet Makena and help celebrate Drew's 2nd and Luke's 4th birthdays.
• Nate and I went to Seattle for Nate's cousin's wedding. It was a Hindu wedding and was so gorgeous (and the food was awesome). Nate was a groomsman and made an awesome speech at the Sangeet (which he wrote minutes before on a napkin).

April

• I attended my first Fiesta celebration here in San Antonio. 
• Cooper had his toe amputated. Sad!

May

• Nate turned 28!
• My parents came to visit.
• We decided we wanted a baby!

June

• We went to San Francisco with Nate's work team (they won a regional contest). We were able to see Nate's sisters (Suzanne and Jessica) and Brent. We saw my forever friend, Becky (seriously we've been friends for 28 years)! And we got to go to Alcatraz. My favorite place ever!
• I got knocked up.

July

• We celebrated 4th of July with our Texas friends.
• Morning sickness kicked in (and is sadly still sticking around- although better- in December).
• We told the families we are having a baby!
• I turned 28 on the 28th!

August

• I traveled home to Portland and we took a family trip to my parents' cabin in Black Butte. Sadly Nate couldn't take the time off and join us but he will be there in 2009!




• We found out we are (almost certainly) having a boy. I was shocked!

September

• Nate and I flew to Boulder, CO for a friend's wedding. It was so gorgeous! 
• I went to a few very fun baby showers!

October

• I went back to Oregon to see the family and hang out with my dad after his surgery. 
• I had a big scare on the flight back to San Antonio and had to go to the ER in Denver. By myself mind you. The people at the hospital were so nice to me!
• We found out we are definitely having a boy! He's quite the show off!

November

• My mom came to visit and we worked on the nursery. We went shopping and had a great time!
• I found out I have PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) and was sentenced to bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy.
• We had our very first "grown up" Thanksgiving with Rob and Christine!

December

• My parents came to visit for Christmas! It was an awesome time!
• My baby is still cooking!

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.  

Faux Sho.

We took the advice of our one responder (come one you guys, I know there are more of you out there) and went with the faux tree. It looks pretty awesome and you can't beat the convenience of fake tree (no watering, no drying out, no bugs!). Thanks Lauren! 

See, we do take your advice! 

My Favorite Things: November

1. My mom came to visit earlier this month! We spent most of the time she was here decorating the nursery. We painted and put together furniture. It looks really good! Not only did we get to decorate (which we both love to do) but we got to spend time together too. We went to the outlet mall, out to dinner, cooked, and watched movies. It was so relaxing and I always love spending time with my mom! I will be sure to post nursery pictures soon!

2. This month Nate and I got to meet lots of little, new babies! We met babies Beckham, J.D, and Elise. They are all the sweetest things and have just made us more excited to meet our own little baby!

3. I have had a TON of me time this month. I've now been on bed rest for 2 1/2 weeks and have spent time reading, watching TV, sleeping, and internet shopping. While it's not always the easiest, I'm trying to enjoy myself and stay positive.

4. While being on couch arrest, my friends and family have kept me entertained and positive (see above). I think I spent more time on the phone with my mom and sisters than I have since I've lived in Texas. My great friends here have been over to visit and brought me magazines and things to keep me occupied. It really makes a girl feel good knowing her friends are there for her!

5. This past Thursday Nate and I hosted our first Thanksgiving. Much like the Indians (Native Americans) and the Pilgrims, we weren't quite sure what we were getting into. Nate did most of the work and turned out an awesome turkey! Christine and Rob made the traditional Thanksgiving baked ziti among other things! It was fun playing grown-ups and it was a very relaxing day!

6. The Ducks winning Civil War!

Thank You Very Much

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there! Today I am thankful for so many things (in random order).

Good TV- Spending this much time on the couch is hard. The many good shows on are really making a difference in my life right now! Some surprise favorites are: A Baby Story (go figure), The Doctors, Design to Sell, and anything on at 9 o'clock.

My Family- They have been nothing but supportive about the whole bed rest problem. I'm stealing my parents away for Christmas, calling everyone all day every day (hey, I'm bored) and they are being nice each time. I love them all unconditionally and will really miss them this holiday season!



Cooper- Cooper has been my couch buddy lately. He brings me toys (he's very considerate), he snuggles next to me, and keeps me company all day every day! He loves the new set-up in our house!



Christmas Commercials on TV- I love seeing all the Christmas commercials! It makes the holidays seem like they are getting close. They remind me to get my internet shopping done. Sadly, they drive Nate crazy (only before Thanksgiving, we should be safe now)!

My Friends- My friends have really been there for me lately! They always go out of their way to see me when I'm in town. They have been calling, emailing, and helping entertain me. My Texas friends have been coming over and keeping me company, bringing me food and magazines and taking Nate out for some much deserved relaxing.



Nate- I know I already mentioned my family, but Nate deserves his own category. Nate is doing everything (including bossing me around) and isn't complaining. He's cooking Thanksgiving dinner (with help from Christine and Rob), keeping the house as spotless as he can, taking care of Cooper, shuttling me to all my doctors appointments, and keeping me company. I'm sure I'm missing something, but you get the idea. He's amazing.



My Baby- Despite everything that's going wrong with me, our little man is doing very well. He's the correct size and weight and moving constantly. While I sit here typing he's stomping up and down in my stomach. I know that no matter what happens, he's a fighter already and will be ready for the world!

I hope everyone who reads this has an amazing Thanksgiving with family and friends! Remember what you are Thankful for!