Oregon or BUST!

We have some BIG news in the Harris household [and no I'm not pregnant but still trying of course] we are moving to OREGON!

Vince was offered a fire chief position for the town of Scio, which is about an hour and twenty minutes from Portland and about an hour from the coast! We are so excited and really believe that this is the best possible decision for our family. We have been working on a move for some time, though we originally thought it would be to Florida but we believe that god has a plan for us and we are game to find out where this new adventure leads us! I am so proud of my husband, he was the only candidate during the hiring process that had no chief experience but between his innovative ideas, schooling he's received and the dedication that he has for his profession they chose him over thirteen other guys! 

But no worries about me people...

I also have some interviews lined up too! 

Our plan is to be in Oregon by the end of the year as Vince starts on January 2nd! I will definitely continue blogging so to all my followers...I will just have even more to blog about! 

Of course the question now is...

where the hell am I going to find the time to pack up this house in less than two months!

Oregon or bust...here we come!

Our Trip to Helen & The Birthday Post [Dirty Thirty...]

After living in Georgia for the last eight years I finally got to see Helen...and during Octoberfest too! It was a quick weekend trip with the boys...I swear we do so many trips sometimes I feel like we are never home. But the boys love it so it is totally worth it to us!

They are just the best of friends!

They even got to mine for gems! Mas is now officially obsessed with the idea of mining!

So, with that trip behind us it was time to move on to what else...
MY BIRTHDAY!

This Friday I will be celebrating my 30th BIRTHDAY [and yes I know I'm still young "says" those who are in there 40's and yes I know that I am getting old "says" those in there early 20's].

As I look back on my late 20's and forward to my 30's I am beginning to notice some major differences.

So, here's my list...

1. Eating Taco Bell at two in the morning in your early 20's = mmmm...craving satisfied

Eating Taco Bell at two in the morning in your late 20's = three solid days of pure hell [until your body finally evicts all reminisce of this demon seed also known as the chalupa beef supreme].

2. Spending a day at the beach in your early 20's = putting on your most revealing bikini, stopping by the liquor store for a six pack and throwing a beach towel in your purse is all you need.

Spending a day at the beach in your late 20's [plus one husband and two kids] = putting on a bathing suit that resembles more of a full length robe than a bikini, two fully stocked coolers, six towels [two for each], one gallon of sun screen, three fully inflated floating devices, two full size umbrellas [all strapped on my back like a bloated pack mule].

3."Clubbin'" in your early 20's = slipping into the tallest stiletto's you own, squeezing into the shortest black dress and heading out at 11:30p [because getting there any earlier than 11p is too early] and ending the night or morning that is with a huge slice of greasy pizza.

"Clubbin'" in your late 20's = Ha. [my bedtime is 10:30, my hair is a knotted mess atop my head and I'm probably wearing a four size too big t-shirt with more holes in it than is socially acceptable]. --> But I'm married so it is totally okay.

4. Slang in your early 20's = Fucking awesome and totally wicked in every way used...
Slang in your late 20's = Don't. Just don't. When I try to speak slang now I just feel like a complete idiot and the look on my face while "trying" to "rap the lingo" is probably not helping my case.

5. Heartburn.
[nuff' said]

6. Grocery shopping in your early 20's = Ramon Noodles, Pepsi, Brownies, Bread, Cheese, Ice Cream and Fruit Snacks [ya know cuz you gotta have fruit in your diet].
Grocery shopping in your late 20's = Wheat Bread, Wheat Pasta, more wheat...more wheat...throw in some fiber...more wheat...

There is no doubt the differences but by far some of the best things have got to be..

1. My kids.

2. Not having to move every year [or every six month if you are blessed with a bat shit crazy room mate].

3.Actually having money in your savings account.

4. Having a conversation with someone in there 40's or older and actually feeling like they are taking you seriously and not looking at you like you have no idea what you are speaking about.

5.Ramon Noddles are still the shit...and yes. I still eat them for dinner at least one night a week [don't judge, I need to hang onto something from my youth].

"Back in the day" as they say...oh all the things I thought I knew at 22...

I may be turning 30...[and I may now sing along with the songs while shopping at Walgreens] but damn it I'm still cool, right? Do the whipper snappers still say "cool"?
Whatever. My kids think I'm awesome...for now anyways...

Free Time...What's That?!?!

Wow! Has it really been almost a month since I've blogged? We have been so busy these last few weeks it has honestly felt like a world wind! We love to be busy...there is no doubt about that but it will be nice when things slow down...just a bit! So what's been keeping me on my toes over these past weeks?

Well, it started when I thought it would be an awesome idea to sign up as acting "team mom" for Mason's baseball season...while also starting a new job [I may not have really thought that one through] but

I was committed. 

Between my new job [which I absolutely LOVE] plus two soccer practices a week and then at least two baseball games a week through October...well yeah. My head has been spinning, Vince has been feeling the same way since he is currently in the middle of a semester working on his master's degree and he signed up to be the assistant coach for baseball [why do we do this to ourselves]?!

But in the end it is all worth it, Mas thinks it's just the coolest thing since sliced bread that his dad is his coach too! At the end of the day when your completely exhausted, can't tell whether your coming or going and haven't had more than a three sentence conversation with your husband in almost a week it is totally worth it to see Mason so excited and really enjoying himself!

So because of all the impending craziness that was about to occur I took the opportunity...or I should say my always sweet and loving husband took over the craziness for me so that I could sneak down to Florida for a short weekend trip and of course one of my favorite things to do...CONCERT! It was so awesome, not only did I get to spend some kid free quality time with my best friend since high school but I FINALLY got to see Depeche Mode in concert [and yes it is the same Depeche Mode from the 80's and yes they still are a kick ass band]. It was definitely one of the concerts on my bucket list! Added bonus Bate for Lashes opened for them...who I am now currently obsessed with!

I did take Nash with me so that Mas and Vince could have a "boys weekend" and Nash was well over due for some playtime with his cousin Wesley who lives in Florida too...so it was a win/win for everyone!

Double Trouble

While we were away the boys definitely had a weekend...this was the photo I received from my husband...him and Mas were at a Silverbacks game in Atlanta...

My kid looks absolutely CRAZY in this picture...but man does he love going to those soccer games and chanting with the other hooligans!

In other news on the home front...

Nash is officially sleeping in a "big boy" bed...the doctor told us at his 18 month check up that it was time and surprisingly it was really easy! I thought he was going to fight us on it but all it took was for Mas to lay down in the bed once to show him and then he was all about it! 

Maybe we will be able to apply this same principle to potty training...have Mas show him once and then hope he tries to copy his brother with that too!

Ha! I'm sure I won't get that lucky twice!

Our Mas is turning 5 years old!

I cannot believe we are celebrating Mason's 5th birthday...

I mean, realistically we've been celebrating his birthDAY for about the past TWO WEEKS [but hey, your only 5 once, right?]! We begin the birthday of all birthday celebrations with our trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Mas is very much as you can tell from my last post into anything armed forces related, whether it's the army, navy, green beret...you name it. So, we thought that he would think it was just the coolest thing ever to be able to walk around and explore a REAL aircraft carrier, battleship and submarine. It was a quick and exhausting trip [mainly because Nash is just starting to hit the terrible two's and can be a little bit of a beast here lately] but it was totally worth it to see how excited Mas was to get to see everything! He not only got to explore the ships, he also got to experience a flight simulator, climb in and all over different fighter jets and got to check out what a green beret base camp looks like. 

In his words "This is the best day of my life"

He was so excited!

Nash right by his Bubba's side like always

My handsome little sailor!

We were only there for two days so we tried to make the most of the time we had, we spent pretty much the first day at Patriots Point and then after catching a quick nap headed over to the Noisy Oyster for dinner [my husband cannot be within five miles of the ocean and not crave oysters]. The next morning, we did a little walking to just sight see and let Mas play in the water fountain in downtown Charleston which he enjoyed before we headed to lunch over at Justine's [if you remember my last post about Charleston, we ate here and it was the SHIT <---in a totally good way. So, we HAD to go back for seconds]. After filling our bellies with sweet tea, fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, shrimp and grits...

You get the point. It's a miracle we didn't fall into a food coma.

Next stop, the aquarium!

Lucky for us the aquarium was free that day ((SCORE)) and parking was only a buck [you really can't beat that. Not even with a stick, it is such a good deal] Only thing was everyone else knew it was free that day too, so we had to contend with the long lines and large crowds, but Mas seemed to enjoy it so it was worth it in the end. Nash on the only hand, spent the entire time we were there like this...

First trip to the aquarium...fail.

Sadly, by the time we finished up at the aquarium it was time to head back home. But we will definitely be going back, it is just such a fun city!

Since we've been home it has quieted down just a bit with Mas getting back into the routine of soccer practice twice a week and of course kindergarten [I am still coming to the realization that I now have a child in elementary school]. But it didn't stay calm for very long...

We also took Mas to a Braves game on his actual birthday in hopes to getting him on the jumbo...and you know we did! Check out his awesome sign that he held up for everyone in the park to see!

What a way to end a fun-filled Birthday week but as spending time as a family doing something that we all enjoy so much! Love these boys with all I have!

It's Been a Minute...

So...it has definitely been a minute since I have blogged! It has just been so crazy around our house this last couple of weeks and free time [what the hell is that?!]...so...where to begin...

Well, for starters my sweet little boy is officially a KINDERGARTNER! <-- WhAt?!?! When did this happen?!?! I swear just yesterday we were potty training this kid and now look at him...he's almost an adult [or at least that's how it feels].

Isn't he just the most handsome kid you've ever seen? Yes. Yes he is. 

It was pretty funny, I was working on the chalkboard sign for his first day photos and when I told him it was time for him to fill in the blanks I said "okay, so tell me what you want to be when you grow up?" and he said "I want to be an army man...no no a green beret". He has officially proven without a doubt that he is his father's child. Really. So...not a fireman or policeman or president or any other common answer from most kids?! I am all of a sudden excited to find out what he'll want to be next year!

Look at that big boy!

Anyways, his first day was a complete success and he has been loving school, I love that now we can sit down for dinner and I can listen to him tell me about what he learned, new friends he's made and things that he is looking forward too. 

We also decided to finally get a dog, Mas has been asking for one for about a year now and we've just been kinda putting it off [For good reason. Puppy training sucks]. But my husband finally talked me into it so the search began. We decided that we wanted an older dog, maybe two or three years old that was already house broken...makes perfect sense right? So, this is what we ended up with...

Meet Hendrix

Our 8 week old toy Schnauzer.

Yes...I know. We totally went against the grain on this one...but he was so damn adorable that it caused a momentary lapse in reasoning and all of a sudden I forgot all about puppy potty training and was caught in his crashing waves of cuteness which pulled me towards him, put him in my arms and then the deal was done.  

But it was totally worth it because both boys are completely in love with him and the training has actually not been bad at all, he is a smart breed so he has caught on pretty quick to the way things run around here.

As for his name...Mason vote was for "Jouster Spike" [Okay. I give him points for originality]. But we went with Hendrix...for obvious reasons...he's black and is totally rocking a fro [plus, Mommy got veto on naming the next baby boy Hendrix...so I had to settle for it as the dog's name]. <-- the sacrifices I make.

We have also been filling our weekends with non-stop activities...park playgrounds, drive in movies and Silverback soccer games up in Atlanta. Both boys really enjoy the games but Mas has turned into a full fledged HOOLIGAN.

Pictured below is proof...and yes he is singing and drumming along with the chants.

Speaking of soccer...

Mason's soccer season has started again and we are so excited to see his progress this season over last, first practice was last night and he totally killed it!

Of course...Nash loves this time of the year too. he really gets into watching Mas out on the field and I even caught him clapping and yelling "Bubba" during practice!

But he can't enjoy Bubba's practice without first jacking Mommy's drink.

And finally...

The best news of all over these past few weeks...

I GOT A NEW JOB!

I know this happens to people everyday around the world, but I have been very unhappy for a long time and have truly been praying for a chance to escape and accept a better opportunity. Well, that opportunity came knocking last week and I jumped on it! Not only am I going to be expanding my job duties, but I am also going to have the opportunity now to complete a designation for my license that I have been wanting to work on plus the added bonus of better benefits and a $13,000 RAISE....wHaT WoOt WoOt! 

Life is good.

As always we have tons of stuff planned over the next few months including Mas's birthday trip to the battleships in Charleston, my long weekend trip to Florida to see Depeche Mode in concert with my best girlfriends for September, then in October I have the Nine Inch Nails concert plus our week cruise out of the country and finally a short trip to Alabama for my husband's college graduation ceremony [and that just takes us through the end of October]...damn...do we ever stop?
 No. And that's how I like it!

July 4th...and a bunch of other crazy things we did!

Sorry it's been a minute since I have blogged...our summer is shaping up to be super busy at home and work. But I'm back! ...with an update! 

So, my Mom was in town for the holiday to see us the grand kids and boy did we keep her busy! We started her trip off with a BANG which included a day trip to Savannah since she has never been and it is one of my favorite places! We did some walking around to a few different squares and then ended up at Forsyth square so the kids could play on the playground and run around in the water foundation they have there. We also stopped off in Tybee Island to play on the beach [if you live smack in the middle of the state and then drive 4 hours to the coast...you must stop and at least say hello to the beach]. We ended our night with a really yummy dinner at The Pirate House, it is one of the oldest buildings in Savannah and the decor was pretty awesome. We had planned to stay and watch the fireworks on River Street but by the time the boys had there bellies full of food they could barely keep their eyes open...I'd bet we were in the car ten minutes and they were both passed out. So, we skipped the fireworks and headed home.

Boys enjoying the beach!

The Pirates House

Friday we were soooooo tired from all the driving the day before. So, we just kind of hung around the house, let the boys enjoy there time with my mom and relaxed. The hubs smoked some ribs on the egg and my mom baked a cake with Mas [Nash helped by cleaning off the spoon used to mix the batter]. Good thing about family visiting is...free babysitting! So yeah...we totally took advantage of that and enjoyed a date night to the Village Theater for some laughs! I tell you I wouldn't trade our date nights for anything, I really do still get butterflies every time I know one is coming up!

The hubby had to work his 24 on Saturday so we didn't have anything planned but my mom has been talking about getting a new tattoo for a few months now so we went to see a friend who does A-maZING work and the end result was just beautiful!

Seems like every time she comes to visit she goes home with a new tattoo...

Another must every time my mom visits is pictures, she loves to have updated pictures of her with her boys. We managed to get a few good ones even though Nash's ADD was in full effect...couldn't get that boy to hold still for anything! But here are a few that I thought were cute.

The trip was as always too short but the boys loved seeing her and we had such a good time! 

In the meantime since she has left we have been super busy with Mason's swimming lesson and soccer camp every night this week...once you factor in dinner and baths it makes for very late evenings in our house! But it's all worth it because Mas absolutely loves it! Signing him up for his next season of soccer soon, plus basketball again in the fall [he's been talking about it so why not?] and we are also thinking maybe he's ready to start some baseball so we're looking into that too. So, in other words...goodbye evenings at home...ha! 

BONUS!
Here is a VERY embarrassing picture of me from work...we had a 4th of July contest [whoever dressed up the most patriotic won a day off on the 5th]...it was game on...I wanted to win bad since my mom was going to be in town. 

I didn't win first place...I was actually third but I still got the day off so all was right in the world. Mas was so funny the morning I was getting ready for this...I walked out of the room and he looked at me and laughed. I said "I look pretty goofy huh?" and my sweet boy says to me "yes you do but your still pretty." <-- this is why one day he is going to make an awesome husband to one very lucky lady!

If you didn't know us...we would probably come across as very weird.

This week has been TERRIBLE at work...so on a lighter note I was scrolling through my texts and started laughing at how ridiculous my texts seem with the hubs. Here are some random text conversations I had with my husband [if you didn't know us or the fact that we are Dave Ramsey followers, this would seem very odd].

Me: (.-.)

Ball & Chain: "What is that?"

Me: "Ha. I have no idea, I didn't send it."

Me: "Wilderness at the Smokies."

Ball & Chain: "?"

Me: "Just a reminder for myself to look up after Nash's asleep."

Ball & Chain: "I got Broken City from red box. You're welcome."

Me: "Mmmm...Mark Wahlberg. Be prepared. Did you get milk?"

Ball & Chain: "Yes"

Me: "Music Midtown tickets are $90 each...crazy!"

Ball & Chain: " I told you"

Me: "When do we get blow again?"

Ball & Chain: "I think next check"

Me: "I have a treat for you planned in August"

Ball & Chain: "What's her name?"

Me: "Keep dreaming. I'm gonna need an advance on that blow...my feet are something scary!"

And my personal favorite:

Ball & Chain: "I am tea bagging the hard pillow right now...good night, love u."

This is why I love this man.