Alis Volat Propriis

It means "She Flies With Her Own Wings" in Latin.

The Latin phrase was added to the Oregon Seal in 1854.  The phrase was changed in 1861 but reinstated as the motto in 1987. Earlier today I was struggling to pick a title for the blog.  Do I try to play off of Oregon Trail?  Do I comment on our future move to Oregon and becoming Oregonians?  I struggled for a good part of the morning trying to decide exactly how to play it.  Luckily for me, I have an amazing sister, who in 10 minutes came up with a creative title that was 600 million times better than any of my ideas.  She recommended Alis Volat Propriis and I fell in love.  The meaning, the fact that it is the motto of Oregon and how beautiful it sounds.  It's perfect!!!  Thanks RoRo.

What I haven't OFFICIALLY stated is that Chris and I are moving to Salem, Oregon!  We are very excited about our new location and the next stage in our lives.  I am so very lucky to have found a job in Oregon that I know I will love.  I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks working at the clinic last year and I discovered the people are amazing, the facilities are great and they care a great deal about their patients.  I cannot wait to start work!  The clinic is in the perfect location for Chris to find a part time job and finally get his chance to pursue his dream job.  He will be taking classes and working on his masters in education starting in the fall.

We are excited about the mountains, the beach, the hiking, the food and the friends/family out west.  

We have a few tasks (and 49 days -
not that anyone is counting) to finish up in Illinois but each day we are getting closer and closer to Oregon!  And each time it snows here, I look at the weather and wish I was in Oregon already.