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.

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.

Pieces of Me (or us)

Slacker.

That is the only word that can describe me and this blog lately. Nate, Ben and I are still getting use to having so much to do with family and friends around. Here are a few quick updates with us and I promise you won't hear that 7 letter word around here again.

• Possibly the only thing I am good at keeping up on are Ben's monthly updates so you should all remember that little Ben is slowly turning into Big Ben. He's 8 and 1/2 months old and still has no teeth and is just about to take off with his crawling.
• I have a job! I am getting paid in experience rather than money but I am so excited! I am working once a week (so I'm not sure I can really call it a job) at Kate Kelly Photography. I am working as an assistant in the office and on shoots. Hopefully soon I will get to be a 2nd shooter on portrait sessions. Kate is an amazing photographer! If anyone needs photos taken definitely check her out!
• Nate has been to every home Duck game this year and Ben and I have been faithfully watching on TV.
  
  
  
  
• We are enjoying everything Fall in Oregon. We've been walking in the cool weather, gone to The Pumpkin Patch, and taken many driving "naps" through the country. Have I said how much I love Oregon?
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• We are looking forward to a ton of changes this year (and no, I'm not pregnant). It's like 70% fun and 30% scary not knowing where we'll be a year from now. Stay tuned because who knows where life might take us!

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.

Ben-chanted

I think everyone has one of those childhood places they visited every year. A place you would never appreciate as an adult if you hadn't been so captivated by it as a child.

I took Ben to my place recently. As a kid it was a story book fantasy. A place where you were literally thrown into nursery rhymes, the old west, a haunted mansion. As an adult it is a place reminiscent of the scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where the puppets catch on fire. You notice the cords, the dirt, the plywood painted bright colors. It's still an amazing place.

The last time I went was almost 3 years ago when Luke (my nephew) was only 2 1/2 years old. He and I had to leave the small theater (where today we saw Snow White and the Seven Dorks) because he was scared of the man dressed as a lady. Today, his fear of drag queens has been replaced by a love of rollercoasters and the dark.

With Luke and Ellie, 2006

This time I saw Enchanted Forest through Ben's eyes. He loved the bright colors, the drag queens, and the water show. He loved being with his cousins, sliding down the Old Woman's shoe and getting his first pressed penny (he's collecting them of course). He even loved tolerated the haunted house (and actually fell asleep while walking through).

Ben with my cousin, Jane

This was one of those times I really felt like a parent (is it scary I don't feel that way more often?). I'm so looking forward to more of those moments and helping Ben make those memories that make my childhood the amazing time that it was.

Ben's first squished penny

Wordless Wednesday...

My Favorite Things: Summer Edition

Technically we still have 3 weeks left of summer but who really counts these last three weeks as summer. School is about to start, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are on the menu at Starbucks and it's currently a lovely 62 degrees outside (a far cry from the 100+ temperatures of early summer).

Here are some of our favorites of the last two months.

1. We celebrated many birthdays. My two sisters, a nephew, my forever friend Becky, a cousin, a sister-in-law, and me all are born in the summer.

2. We drove the hour and a half to the beach twice. It was gorgeous and has to be the most beautiful beach I've ever seen (and I've been to Hawaii many times).

3. Ben, Nate and I spent a week with the family at Black Butte Ranch where my parents have a cabin. We swam, rode bikes, walked, drank milkshakes and went to the fish hatchery. Ben loved the time with his cousins and loved Black Butte!

4. Design Star and Project Runway started!

5. In baby related news, Ben started solid foods (which he loves), can sit up, reaches for his mommy and sleeps all night (almost every night) in his crib.

6. We were finally able to spend time with all our family and friends back in our home state! There is so much to do when you actually know more than 3 people where you live!

Here's what you're missing...

Check out this guide to our new (and old) hometown of Portland, Oregon (and then come visit)!

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!

Hello Oregon!

We made it here safely! Nate was a champ and drove the 2100+ miles in under 3 days (with Rob the brother-in-law). We couldn't have arrived a better week. The weather is amazing.

Here is a picture of Ben's sweet cousins at the park. Ben was asleep in his stroller (which you kind kind of see in the background).

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!

2 years ago

It was almost 2 years ago that I was packing up and getting ready to make the big move to Texas (actually, exactly 2 years ago we were enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii- thanks Dad!). It's funny to think back to 2 years ago and what was going on. There was so much uncertainty with the big move to Texas. Would I like it? Would I survive away from my family? How long would we live there? Would we make any friends?

In honor of this last week here in Texas I thought I'd wander back through BlogLand to see what my first month here was like.

Here is my first post from the Lonestar State back on July 17th, 2007.

The Plane Ride

Who would ever choose to fly anywhere at 6 o'clock in the morning (unless it's a trip to Hawaii or something)? Cooper and I decided it would be a great idea, so we got up at 3:30 and lugged all our stuff and ourselves (with the help of mom and dad) to the PDX airport.

Cooper was a little nervous for his first time traveling and, needless to say, so was I. We said a quick and sad goodbye to mom and dad and jumped through security. Mom and I had been joking about the security putting Cooper through the "puffer". You know, that's the booth you stand in and it puffs huge gusts of wind at you. As I gave the lady my ticket, she informed me that (because I had a dog with me) Cooper and I would be entering the puffer. I had to hold Cooper, a nervous dog by nature, to my chest and walk into the booth where I was told we would hear a loud noise and feel a "light breeze." We walked in and waited for awhile. All of a sudden there was a deafening roar causing Cooper to try and leap from my arms. I used my man strength to hold him tightly, planted my feet, and prepared for the gusts. As the noise died down, Cooper and I were blown back, Cooper's lips flapping in the "breeze." It was a good thing I had my feet planted.

Cooper and I made it safely through security and down to our gate. As it was time to board, I shoved Cooper, unwillingly, into his small carrier. It was a struggle, but I felt better knowing I was providing half my cabin mates with entertainment. I flipped Cooper over my shoulder and headed onto the plane.

As luck would have it, we were seated in practically the final row where the airline is so generous as to give you approximately 5 inches from the edge of your seat to the back of the seat in front of you. I tipped Coops on his side and shoved him down between the seats until I could jimmy him under the seat. He did well for about 30 seconds. Then he started to cry. Now Cooper is not a noisy dog, so I knew he was totally freaked. Luckily the nice flight attendant (and the even nicer man in the middle seat next to me) let me put Cooper's carrier on my lap. I got as much of my body as possible in the carrier with him (which either calmed him down or left him with so little oxygen he couldn't waste any on crying). The rest of the flight went smoothly until it was time to shove the poor dog back under the seat for the landing.

In Denver I decided I had a mission, and one mission only (besides dragging Cooper into the bathroom stall, but that's a whole other story). My mission was to fly Economy Plus. I got to the gate just as the lady was calling people to board. She obviously sensed my need for that extra 5 inches because she upgraded me at no charge. Cooper and I were living large. Not only did he fit under the seat (no shoving needed), we also had the entire three seats to ourselves. Those two hours were heaven.

All in all, the whole experience wasn't too bad. We made it alive (and one of us a little braver). Next time I will definitely be booking those extra five inches from the beginning.

Taking Suggestions

Nate, Ben, Cooper (yes, he's still part of the family) and I will be living in Oregon in T-minus 17 days. Sadly moving from the Lonestar State to the City of Roses makes my blog name a little outdated. 

SWB seeking new SWBN. Must portray adventure, family, and a little it of everything. Must enjoy the beautiful Pac NW but have a place in it's heart for Texas. Non-smoking is required. If interested, leave a comment here!

My Favorite Things: April

This month made us its B**ch. It was full of ups and downs and therefore I'm not going to do my usual favorite things. One thing did stand out however. Our trip to Oregon to introduce Ben to everyone. It was fantastic and so good to be home. I have a few stories from our travels that will be posted soon (and many pictures). 

Here's to hoping that May is a much better month!

Paranoia, paranoia everybody's coming to get me.

I have an unnatural fear of natural disasters. It doesn't matter what it is, if it's natural I'm totally freaked. The other night there was talk of a tornado around San Antonio. I had about 45 dreams about tornados that night. 

After the tsunami of 2004 I woke up in a cold sweat at my brother-in-law's beach house. I was alone in bed and it was dark. If there was a tsunami, how would I know which way was up? 

About 2 months before I was born, Mt. St. Helen's erupted. My hometown of Portland was covered in snow-like ash. My parents still have some to this day. Maybe this is cause for my unnatural fear.

I love any movie that has anything to do with natural disasters (also man-eating sharks but that's a different story all together). It's like a train wreck I can't turn away from. Tornados, planet destroying astroids, volcanos, nuclear winter. Whatever. I'm into it.  Is there an actual known phobia for my condition?  

As a mom a whole new fear has crept into my being. I'm totally freaked to have Ben sleep anywhere except next to my bed. He's asleep there as I type (in a bassinet because his bedroom is way upstairs while ours is downstairs). What if there was a fire while he was upstairs? What if a crazy craigslister broke into our house while we were asleep? What if a tornado rips through our home (or a hurricane or astroid)? How does one overcome this fear? 

You see, I have plans. Things I will do if any of these scenarios come true. We're downstairs if our house lights aflame. I know where to go if there is a tornado. I sleep with a weapon next to my bed when Nate is gone (when Nate's home he is my weapon). If an astroid hits us I guess we're pretty much screwed no matter where Ben is sleeping. At least that would be fast. But for the most part, my plans are foiled with Ben upstairs. 

As it stands, poor Ben is going to be 15 and still sleeping on the floor next to my bed (I guess I should say poor Nate as well). They may both end up in therapy twice a week. Hmm, maybe I'm the one who needs the therapy.

It pays to be nice.

To get to Oregon from San Antonio one is required to fly on at least 2 different planes for at least 7 hours. Most often we fly through Denver which splits our time pretty evenly. 

This past trip we flew Continental to Houston which is only about a 30 minute flight. Not bad. I wish we could fly to P-town in a half hour. Flight numero uno went smoothly. Ben ate and was silent the entire trip. Not so hard for a half hour.

It was the next flight I was nervous about. From Houston to Portland is about 4 hours and 30 minutes. That's a long time in the eyes of a 2 month old (and in the eyes of his mother). Nate informed me I had an aisle seat. I wasn't too happy about the thought of flashing myself to an entire plane while feeding my son (I didn't yet own a Hooter Hider and had only a mere blanket to shield me from the onlookers). While in Houston (after eating the most delicious milkshake) we walked up to the gate attendants and asked to be switched to a window seat. We were informed there were none available. I have to be honest, I was mad. Mad at my husband for not getting me a window seat to begin with (what kind of man doesn't think about the effects of breast feeding on a plane?). Mad at the ladies for telling me no. Mad that I would have to feed my son and worry about the drink cart slamming into his sweet little head. Luckily my internal anger monitor was in service that day because I simply thanked them for checking and said I hoped no one minded my feeding my son.

As Nate and I walked away to wait for our plane o' misery the lady called me back to the desk. As a mother to a mother, she said, how would we like to sit in first class. I had to think about it for awhile. Did I want to spoil Ben like that on his first trip to Oregon? Would he think we had money to spend in frivolous ways when really he has two unemployed parents? Would he expect extravagant gifts at Christmas and one of those gigantic blow up decorations in our yard? No. And if he does then let him suffer. We were flying first class.

Flying first class kind of ruins any other type of travel for the rest of your life. Was it worth it though? Yes. We did receive a few nervous looks as we boarded the plane with young Ben. Just wait, I thought. Wait until they see what an awesome baby he is. Before the plane even took off Nate was sucking down free whiskey like he was born to do so. I was really wanting some free alcohol but decided the stares I would get while simultaneously drinking and nursing my son wouldn't be worth it. I stuck to Diet Coke. We also got free dinner, a free movie, a really super hot towel that I'm not sure what you are supposed to do with besides burn yourself (it was really hot) and they use real dishes! Ben didn't make a peep the entire trip (take that haters) and actually slept through the majority of his first class experience (no need to worry about previous worries). I, however, tried to stay awake the entire trip so I wouldn't miss one second of luxury. Seriously though, first class rocks.

The moral of this story is: Always (I stress the always) be nice to anyone who might be able to put you in first class. It's so worth it.

And we're back

I had every intention of updating my blog while in Oregon but the two weeks flew by! Nate and I are currently trying to get the house ready to sell and Ben has his first cold. I do promise to be back shortly to share some Oregon stories. 

I leave you with a few pictures (because what is a blog post without pictures?).

Ben's first plane ride. He's obviously getting tired of the paparazzi. 

Ben and his cousins (Wolcott side). Not a great picture but I'd like to see anyone get a great picture of 6 Wolcott kids.

From left to right: Ben (2 months), Luke (5), Max (2 3/4), Drew (3), Ellie (7 3/4), Makena (1)

Life revisited.

Today Nate was laid off. We've been preparing for it but it still sucks. His company laid off close to 500 people and it sounds like there may be more. Not to worry, we are looking at the bright side of things.

We are so lucky to have a wonderful family to support us. Nate's employer is giving the laid off a pretty good deal. We do have to sell our house (know anyone looking in San Antonio?) but most likely we will be moving back to Oregon (stay tuned for a new blog name)! Nate isn't as excited about this prospect as I am.

photo courtesy of dan_photoman

We are also cutting back and realizing what we don't need. We've cancelled our cable (so hard), sold a computer. We are bargain grocery shopping and finding free things to do around the city. I think this could be a good thing. 

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

I can't believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve! This holiday season has flown by! We are so excited to announce that after a trip to the Portland airport, a 10+ hour drive to Sacramento, a flight to Phoenix, a flight to El Paso, and a flight to San Antonio my parents are almost here! We are also truly sorry to anyone who is stuck in or can't get to Portland this Christmas! Hopefully things will turn around soon. 

I hope everyone has a great Christmas Eve. We will miss all our family and friends!