Punta Cana

Hola!!!

Just thought I'd blog about our vacation so everyone could read about our adventures in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic. We had a blast!!!

We decided to take a trip out of the country because we haven't gone on a big vacation since our honeymoon 7 years ago in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We loved Mexico but with everything happening there we wanted to go somewhere a bit safer. We booked our trip through Expedia and got a great deal! We ended up choosing the Excellence Punta Cana and it was so worth the money. It was an All Inclusive resort at the far end of the island. We (the resort) basically had a private beach which was super nice!

I won't go into all the details but Garrett went deep sea fishing twice! He won quite a bit of money at the casino and apparently thought he needed to spend it all while still in the DR. haha. Oh well - that's what vacation is for. He reeled in a 50 lb mahi mahi and it jumped off the line about 30 feet from the boat. Here is the video if you care to see. The only "action" happens about 3:45 in. I love hearing the exciting boat captain in the background! He was disappointed so he went again the next day with a nice guy he met from Maine. He caught two fish that day which was better than nothing.

While Garrett was on his fishing trip I went to the spa and had a LONG massage... it was soooo great. I'm laying there relaxing and all of a sudden I realized I left my ring in the room. I am a pretty trusting person but we had already been warned to use the room safe because DR is a third world country and people steal whatever they can. So I had to leave in the middle of my massage to go to my room and get my ring! And I was so glad for my 2 years of Spanish in high school - I was able to communicate with the Spanish speaking masseuse that I would be back in 5 minutes.

We didn't spend as much time at the ocean and the resort pools as we would have liked but we still had a blast! We went on a snorkeling excursion which was so much fun! I have never been snorkeling before and it was way worth it. We also went swimming with stingrays and nurse sharks!!! I was a little scared but they cut the stinger off the stingray (made out of same type of material as our fingernails so it doesn't hurt them) and the nurse sharks don't have teeth - some comfort right? We got in the water with the stingrays and the guy had us line up (execution style I might add) and said, "Now he give you massage..." what?!?! So he did and it was the slimiest massage I've ever had - made me wish I was wearing a wet suit. Ugh! It was pretty cool though! The guys on the boat on the way back put on a show doing some native dances and it was really fun! They got us all involved and made us dance with them - just glad the open bar was there to loosen us up a little first! haha.

There is a local drink in Domincan Republic called manauana! It is POTENT!!! The joke is that it makes you have babies. They kept telling Garrett if he drank it I would be pregnant with twins the next day... needless to say he stopped drinking it after they told him that! HA!

Garrett cracked me up because he kept speaking in broken sentences to the people there since a lot of them don't speak much English. He was seriously entertaining to watch. You know what I mean... like if he wanted to ask the cab driver if there were a lot of accidents he would say "There lot of crash here???" HAHAHA! But the best part was when he started talking to ME like that cuz he was so used to it. "Me no want to go there." I would just look at him and say, "Really, Garrett?!" I loved going to the casino though because it gave me a chance to talk to the dealers and learn some more Spanish. Everyone was super friendly!

Oh and I got attached by a parrot. We just walked by them and were not touching them or anything. One of the parrots slid down the rail and we were saying, "Oh how cute, did you see that?" and then next thing I know he was waddling over to me and straight up attacked my foot. Not even kidding. I was trying to shake him off and he was on there glue! The guy that worked there was kind of just standing there. Garrett was trying to pull me away and while I'm not usually scared I was pretty much screaming for my life. Then AFTER the damn bird gets off the guy said, "Ohhhh he no like senoritas!" Thanks for telling me that now amigo! Geez... Oh well... nothing like a battle wound to prove you had a fun vacation, right?

I am SO excited to see my Garrison today. We pick him and my mother in law up from the airport at 4:30. They went to Utah to see my brother in law, his wife, my nephew, and Garrett's grandma. I'm sure they had a great time and I CANNOT wait to see him!!!!!

Leaving you all with some pictures... wish I would have taken more... doesn't everyone say that after vacation? You can see the rest on Facebook...


The ocean from our breakfast table every morning... sigh...
Garrett at dinner

Me at dinner
Hasta Luego!
Jewels*

Dominican Republic, Boys will be Boys, Girl Time

A couple of weeks ago Garrett randomly said we should go on a cruise. I thought about not wanting to be tight on money... for about 2 seconds. He loves vacation once we go but hates and I mean HATES planning. This includes anything from a date night to a big vacation. So I was stoked when he suggested it. We looked into cruises and realized that the "all inclusive" price does not include alcohol. Not that we are a couple of alchies but when you go on vaca without the kiddo drinking is definitely a fun part. So... we started looking into All Inclusive vacation packages. Someone he works with suggested the Excellence Resort in Punta Cana. By the way did you know Punta Cana literally translates to mean Bitch Let Your Hair Down? Wow! So we looked into it and found a great deal on Expedia and booked it! So excited! So off we go May 2nd to a 6 day vacation on the beach.

Speaking of vacation...and beach... HELLO MOTIVATION!!! I will need to start busting some serious ass like today. I was going to wait until next week but we all know how that goes. I think I'll do my dvd at home today which I have dubbed "I hate you Jillian Michaels" and then head to the gym for a second workout.

So my boys are gone this weekend. Off on a camping/jeeping trip. I am so excited for them to have some boy bonding time but Garrison's first jeeping trip really freaks me out. So I decided not to be there. I was excited to have some girl time this weekend and be able to sleep in. My phone rings at 7:45 this morning though. It was Garrett telling me I forgot to pack Garrison's underwear. Really?!?! I don't think he quite understands that I never get to sleep in and this is bliss to me. So then he says, "Yeah, I guess I'll drive into town and get him some today." Good idea there Garrett... let's please not make our son wear dirty underwear for three days, thanks!

Speaking of Garrison he got in trouble the other day for farting on a girl at school. Oy vey... I grew up in a family 7 uncles and there is no way to avoid adopting male humor when you're in that environment all the time. So I will admit it - farts are funny! But I promise I did not teach him to do it on people. I can only assume he learned this from his father. Geez... and of course I had to be the one that his teacher told that to. What am I going to do with him?

So I was able to get dinner/drinks with one of my best friends last night. Forgot my camera though. I swear we have been great friends for over 4 years now and I don't think we have one picture together. Oh well - just another excuse to get together again soon. I am so glad to have friends who understand what it's like to have to wake up at 5 AM for work and therefore be tired by 9 PM. We had a 3 hour dinner and left 20 minutes before the live music started. Haha... what can I say? I'm an old lady and was so excited to just get home and go to bed.

Tonight another one of my best girl friends is coming over and we're just gonna' order pizza and chill at the house with some wine. Love my girl time!

Hope y'all have a great weekend! I'm off to face the wrath of Jillian Michaels...

Jewels*

Rejuvination and Bliss

Monday I woke up and did not want to get out of bed. I was dragging all day at work and definitely wasn't in a good mood. I kept asking myself why. There really was no reason. Being tired and having no energy just put me in a bad mood and made me want to stay that way. So, I decided to start working out again... what a concept! Oh and it doesn't hurt that I will be in my cousin's wedding as a bridesmaid at the end of March... in a bridesmaid dress... strapless... Hello! Where has my motivation been for the last month? Probably in the trash along with my fast food bags and candy wrappers. Ugh... anyhoo, I've only been at my 4:30 am workout for two days now but I can already tell a huge increase in energy. I've said it a million times - why is it that I know how good working out makes me feel yet I never stay consistent? Not this time... at least not for the next 12 weeks. My hope is to continue popping right out of bed at the ass crack of dawn eager to see Jillian Michaels' face on my tv screen! BRING IT!!!

Do you ever have those ordinary moments where you realize how blessed you are? Last night Garrett said he was going to grill (for the second night in a row I might add... can you say miracle?!). We marinated some Ribeyes in red wine and garlic (try it... trust me!) and he cranked up Hank Williams Jr. while I read to Garrison in the bathtub. As I sat back on the - important to mention closed - toilet (which by the way when you become a mom is like a recliner for 10 minutes while your kiddo takes a bath) drinking my glass of wine it hit me... my life is awesome! Pure bliss! I know that might sound silly to those who think a perfect night is hitting the bars or going to a fancy restaurant. Don't get me wrong - I love going out with my friends on occasion and I love it when Garrett and I get a chance to go out... but it's nights like last night that make me realize that my sometimes chaotic, imperfect, crazy life is truly incredible!


Well I'm off to watch Molly and Jason's wedding (Bachelor) - I know, I know... but I need something mindless every once in a while. It keeps me sane! Because I know that is a word all of my friends would use to describe me - sane!

Jewels*

I'm still here...

Hello! I'm still here... wow it has been forever since I posted.

So, here are the updates in short:

• I started a new job in December
• Garrett and I just celebrated 7 years together. Had a great weekend in Grapevine to celebrate!
• I signed my not so baby anymore boy up for T-ball a couple of weeks ago - starts in March

Now to expand just a bit...

My new job is... let's just say... interesting. I am grateful that I'm making more money now which this sugar mama needs to get my hubby through school. BUT putting it nicely this company makes me appreciate the last company I worked for SO much! This is the most unorganized company I have ever worked for, and those of you who know me know I have worked for a LOT of companies. :) The people are great and the money is good so I'll deal. I just wish there was a perfect job out there... some day!

I am so blessed to have been married to Garrett for 7 years. Those of you who have read any of my blogs or have had relationship conversations with me know that our marriage (like all marriages) is definitely not perfect. Marriage is hard but you have to wake up every morning and want to make it work and be the best partner you can be! And I feel so blessed to be comfortable enough with him to talk it out when we have problems. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Communication is NUMERO UNO in a marriage! Off my soap box... We went to Grapevine and had lots of wine and listened to a jazz band. We stayed out there at the Hilton and it was just a great time for the two of us. I'm so grateful for mini get a ways like that.


Yes, I signed Garrison up for T Ball. Sigh... I know he's getting older and I really don't want to be one of those moms who wishes he was still a baby and stopped growing... but it's so hard. Especially when we have to wait to have another one. Sometimes I want another one RIGHT NOW and sometimes I know it would be best to wait until Garrett is finished with school. Why does life have to get in the way of my plans all the time? :)

So... just thought I would share this thought. Garrison asked me to sing him songs tonight before bed and I always sing praise and worship songs to him. For those of you who sing praise and worship music (by yourself, at church, wherever) do you ever just get lost in it? I mean, I am super passionate about all kinds of music and I can really connect with a lot of songs. But there is just SOMETHING about those songs. It doesn't matter where I am, who I'm with, what the situation is, what mood I'm in... it's always my way of connecting with God. Love it! Anyways, I love that Garrison loves it too and sings along now. And his off key voice with the wrong words half the time is the most beautiful sound I think I have ever heard!!!


Well, I'm off to watch American Idol. I'll really try and blog more often.

Jewels*

At a loss...

Sorry I'm just not creative enough to come up with a catchy title for my blog today.

I have been feeling like crap since Saturday night. Awful sore throat, drainage, stuffed up nose, allergies, sneezing, congestion, coughing... you get the picture. I finally decided to do something about it and went to the doctor today hoping to get a steroid shot like I got a month ago. When the doctor came in and heard my complaints I asked if I could PLEASE have the shot again. I was prepared to beg if that is what it took. He gave me the doctor look and said, "I'll give you the same talk I give my Vicodin addict patients"... what?!?! Anyways, good news is I got the shot! Yay! But the bad news is I can't keep getting them every 2 months. He will only let me do 3 - 4 a year. I guess he doesn't want me growing a penis. Bahhahahaha! Jokes, just jokes. He said some crap about it causing diabetes and osteoperosis over a period of time. Blah blah blah. Just glad I got my "fix" today because I'm already starting to feel better. And in two months I guess nasal spray will just have to do.

Garrison is SO disappointed that we cannot put up Christmas lights on the house this year. Garrett said most of our lights from last year are broken. My response to that was that the garage fairy must have come in and busted them all. WHAT?! Anyways, we can't afford (nor can we even find) new lights for the house this year. So I'll be going the day after Christmas to buy them 75% off. That's right! Dah dah dah dah! Cheap ass to the rescue!!! And to help keep Garrison in the Christmas spirit I'm going to buy him his very own mini pre lit tree for his room! :) So excited!

I am promising myself my house WILL be decorated by the end of this weekend. I am cleaning tonight (thanks to my newfound energy from my steroid shot) and will be decorating the rest of the week/weekend. Oh if I only had a maid, personal decorator, personal trainer, chef, personal massage therapist my life would be SO much easier.

Love,
Jewels*

Hair...Vacation...Atkins...Christmas?!?!

It has been far too long since my last post. So here goes...

I had a hair appointment scheduled the Monday before Garrett and I left to go out of town. Back story on this gal. I was recommended to her by a friend so I went to her once about 6 months ago and she did an AWESOME job on my hair, she was super nice, and really cheap. She charged me $65 for highlight (two colors) and a cut. Well a few months went by and I tried to call and make another appointment, left a message, no return call. I referred my best friend to her, same thing. My friend called her TWICE with no return call. My mom finally called a couple weeks back and the gal's 3 year old daughter answered. (to which my mom said she was thinking "GOTCHA!") Let me pause here and say I'm no expert but if my income depended on repeat and new customers I'm pretty sure I'd return a damn phone call every now and then. Se la vie!

So I went to my appointment Monday night and to keep things clear the first thing I said was, "You still charge $65 for highlight and cut right?" To which her response was, "So what are we doing today?" Oooookay... so I told her what I wanted and asked how much it was and she said $100. What? "How much for one color?" I asked. Her response? "$100." Pretty sure this lady was smoking dope. To shorten this story as much as possible she went back to mix the color before I even had time to respond. She came back and I told her I was so sorry but just could not afford that when I was expecting to pay $65. I even told her I wasn't looking for a handout but it just wasn't what I was expecting. Her response? "Have fun on your vacation!" That was it. So my embarassment for leaving quickly turned to anger and all the "should have saids" quickly came to mind. As a side note I KNOW $65 was cheap for color and cut but that isn't the point. The point is that it's what she charged me the first time. Good luck retaining clients lady!

I ended up going to a random Pro Cuts - that's right, I said it - in Wylie and the manager there did an awesome job on my hair. My mom saw her also and loved her's as well. Here is a pic of my new hair:

Garrett and I took a much needed trip to Arkansas for a little get-a-way. In our 7 years of marriage we have taken one weekend alone trip together about 2 years ago for our anniversary. So I was super excited about this trip. We rode along the infamous Pig Trail to get there and it was a gorgeous drive.

We stayed in a house in Eureka Springs with an awesome view.

We visited the Thorncrown Chapel which was a BEAUTIFUL chapel set out in the woods. So peceful and awesome!

Then we went to Hot Springs for some off roading Jeep fun. I loved it because everywhere we went there was a gorgeous view of mountains.

I was so excited to get home to my bubba (Garrison) and puppies though.

So Garrison has been cracking me up the last few days. I already posted his comment about my bad baseball playing abilities on FB so I won't go into that again. But I will tell you this one:

Last night we were playing around, wrestling and stuff on the couch. And he was messing with Garrett trying to push him off of me and I said, "Get him Garrison, get him!" and...bahahahahah, I'm laughing so hard to myself right now. He SLAPPED him across the face. (Kind of like how Jackson did to Weezer in Steel Magnolias.) You should have SEEN Garrett's face. He was totally shocked! Of course I busted out laughing and could not stop, tears flowing from eyes and all. We told him it's not nice to hit but were both laughing SO hard. Garrison said, "Mommy, I thought you said HIT Daddy!" haha. Good to know he listens at least!

I started Atkins Monday. Call me crazy but it's worked for me before and BY GEORGE it's working for me now. No cravings, not ever really hungry, and in 2 days I've lost 2 lbs. I know it's not the healthiest diet out there but it's the only one I've been able to strictly follow. My plan is to stay on this as long as I can - maybe a month - and then switch over to healthier eating. My workout routine starts back up tomorrow. Only thing I didn't take into consideration is Thanksgiving next week... nice. So I will eat a normal Thanksgiving lunch because I refuse to be one of those women who says, "Oh I'll just have this because I'm on a diet!" Nothing more annoying than those people. And not gonna' lie - kind of looking forward to some green bean casserole and chocolate pie for a day. :)

I CANNOT believe Christmas is right around the corner. Taking Garrison to see A Christmas Carol this weekend - can't wait! And we're going to see Scrooge at the Pocket Sandwich Theater and will probably hit up Santa's Village too. So excited for the Christmas season. Just not looking forward to shopping. Maybe I'll start listening to Christmas music to get into the Christmas (not HOLIDAY, come on people) spirit!

Sorry this was so long but it's what you get when I only post every month. :)

Love,

Jewels*

Happy Birthday Garrett!

Today is my husband Garrett's 27th Birthday. As I put on FB earlier, I can't believe we have celebrated 10 birthdays together. Time really does fly. It seems like yesterday I went to a good friend's house over Spring Break with some friends and there he was! He had just turned 16 and drove down to G-town from McKinney in his POS brown 1982 Datsun. (How I wish I had a picture to share with you.) We all went and played some game at the local elementary school and he and I flirted most of the night. He drove me and a friend home and then we talked almost all night on the phone. And the rest is history...

What do I love about Garrett? Because I know you're dying to know... he makes me laugh until I cry, he tells me the truth even when I don't want to hear it, he is a GREAT dad, he lets me be myself around him, he is one of the hardest workers I know, he sacrifices a lot for our family, he is a manly man, he fit in with my family from the first day (7 uncles and a dad can be intimidating), he has a sensitive side that not a lot of people get to see, most beautiful eyes ever, he is a man of his word, he is giving to others... I could go on and on. I will leave you with my fav pic of my hubby.

Garrison and I went to play basketball (okay, okay we just shot baskets because let's face it - a 4 year old...and me... aren't really "players") at the park by our house yesterday. If you're a parent do you ever have those moments with your kids where it's like time freezes? I know this sounds corny but I'm assuming if you're a parent you know what I'm talking about. He looked up at me at one point and it was like time froze and he had the biggest smile on his face with his flushed little cheeks and that look of pure innocence. It was a moment I will never forget. It is engraved in my memory forever. I love moments like that! Old picture but how can this not make you smile?

I hope y'all have a great night! We're off to dinner for Garrett's birthday but we don't know where yet because as Garrett says, "You know I hate to plan Juliana." UGH! As much as I love him he drives me insane sometimes. But hey, that's what makes life interesting, right?

Love,

Jewels*