Monday, November 30, 2009

3 years ago

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I was driving along to my Aunt's house and well I never made it there. My phone rang and the number on it was my friend Josh. I answered and it wasn't him it was some guy named Jared. The phone was passed around to all these different guys who were board waiting on the bus to come pick them up and take them back to post. They were calling to see why I was talking to Josh a few minutes earlier. (we went to church & school together & stayed in touch after he joined the Army & moved to Hawaii) I told them we were friends and that was it. After all of them putting in their two since I asked to talk to the guy who called me (Jared) once he was back on the phone I decided to pull over and talk to him. About 1hr 30mins later the bus was there to pick up the guys and Jared was asking Josh for my number (I can hear him asking), as he is telling Jared NO I spoke up and said "Hello stupid, ask me for my number I am still right here on the phone". So he did, and after that day we talked for hours and hours on end. Getting to know each other and what we had been through in life and were we wanted to go.
Jared had no intentions on getting married at all because he said it never works out and everyone always ends up in a divorce. WHATEVER!!!
Over a few weeks we (I) started falling in love with this guy name Jared whom I'd only seen 2 pictures of. I was desperate to meet him in person, so we made plans to meet over his block leave and from that moment on we knew we were meant to be together. I couldn't live another day with out him in my life. The way he talked to me and planned our future out was just perfect. I was so in love and would get butterflies in my stomach when I would just think about him.
Once we met the nervousness just went away and you would have thought we had been together for years.
Looking back on that first night 3 years ago November 29, 2006 I never would of though that today I would be sitting here married to Jared. But I am so thankful that I am. He has changed my life in so many ways for the better. I have grown up so much and I am who I am today because of him. He is my life, my Best friend, my Hero, My EVERYTHING and I love knowing that we will be TOGETHER ALWAYS AND FOREVER AND THENSOME!!!

HAPPY 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BABY, I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE TO COME :)XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Talk about MUSCLE

I am all about cars and the speed LOL. About 2 weeks ago we bought a new Dodge Ram SLT Crew Cab 4x4 and we just love it.

While there at the dealership I found a car that I just fell in love with and have come to the conclusion that it WILL BE MY NEXT CAR. Weather that be in a month or a year from now, I am so excited. Now that we have the Crew Cab truck there is no need for us both to have a family style car. So sports car for me it is :) I have always been a car girl and Jared just brings that out in me so much more. I have always wanted a big truck lifted up off the ground & all decked out but now I am ok with out that since we have the Dodge.

I want a DODGE CHALLENGER, it is the most AMAZING car I have ever seen. It reminds me of a old muscle car redone. It dose have room to put 2 people in the back seat and it has all the perks that my Mazda has now plus some. Oh I cant wait, I am always looking it up on line now researching it and trying to see what all it offers. We are hoping by some time next fall we will be able to get it, I am so excited.

I can just picture us now cruising around town in it.
"You only live once and we are not promised tomorrow so why wait and sit on things and hope that they will come to you, you have to get out there and live life to the fullest and that is just what we are doing." This is my new life motto that I am living by. Forget what others say or do, its your life and you are the one living it. :)

Sunday, November 29, 2009

choo choo.......all aboard



~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`A 2nd trip to the Dole Plantation had to be made for another pearl for Jared's mom. (she lost the first one)
While there we got some roasted pecans, which are just so yummy in my tummy. And then decided to take a ride on the PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. We have been through the maze before but not the train so I was excited to do something new.

Along the ride we heard four songs from a local singer as well as the story of how the Dole Plantation came about and Mr. Dole himself. It was a pretty interesting story (however I don't remember it all). We were able so see fields and field of pineapples growing from all different sizes and even a few other plants.
The views of the mountains surrounding us were just breath taking and the wind blowing through the train just made for a perfect ride.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Its begining to look alot like Christmas


Thursday night we started putting up the Christmas tree and much to our surprise the lights we got for it were different colors. One box was a ugly yellow and the other was a pretty white. (the white was what we were going for) After much frustration we went to return the light and get new ones Thanksgiving night. It happened all over again on Friday, so Jared took them all back and got new ones AGAIN. He checked them at the store before he brought them home just so we new it wouldn't happen a third time. The lights were good they were what we wanted. After getting them on the tree, Jared turned on the switch and half of them were YELLOW AGAIN. OMG, I was frustrated so much more now. Friday we went to the PX to see what they had, and nothing. Off to Kmart it was, we finally found clear lights that we had been wanting, and bought 5 boxes of them just to be on the safe side.
Now with the tree lit, we could hang the ornaments. We always get two or three new ornaments a year to help us remember what went on that past year and that are meaningful to us as well. All the ornaments are hung, the tree skirt is in place and the stockings are hung. (all four, ours and the pups that I made) It truly is starting to look like Christmas at the Gabriel house hold. With the tree, stocking, the wreath I made, and a few other decorations in place we are set. I am so excited about Christmas this year. After being with Jared for 3 years we have not spent one Christmas together so this is our first. I can't wait to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now there are even gifts under the tree, awh more and more its starting to look allot like Christmas.

PARADISE COVE




Friday night we thought we would do things Hawaiian style & go to a Luau. Seeing's Gabe & I had been to Germaine's luau before we wanted to do something different. So Paradise Cove it was.
We arrived & were greeted with a Mai Tai & a shell Lei, what a way to start the evening. We found our sets & started exploring the lagoon. There were so many things to do from making Lei bracelets, Haku-lei's (a lei head piece), taking a canon ride, having our pictures taken with parrots even gift shops to explore.
After the unavailing of the pig that had been cooking all day long we made our way back to our seats to get ready to enjoy the wonderful feast that had been prepared.
Dinner was so good, well the part that I had was but Jared told me everything else was pretty good as well.

The show began and it was the most spectacular show ever. Sitting there with My Loves arms wrapped around me keeping me warm, just gave me chills up my spin & butterflies in my stomach. He is the most amazing person ever and always will do whatever he can to make sure I am enjoying myself and having a good time. :)
The evening was just PERFECT as we sat there & listened to the Hawaiian music and watched the dancers dancing with the sun setting in the back ground over the ocean. I just began to think that this is the best year living life in PARADISE!!!!!





Shaved Ice Hawaiian Style


A stop for shaved ice was a must when Cathy was in town visiting and I knew just the place to go. I have had shaved ice a few times since I have been here on island and just loved it but never have I been to Matsumoto's. So it was a perfect chance for us both to do something touristy. I have seen Matsumoto's on the TV show Dinners Drive Ins and Dives before as well as driven by it many times when driving through Haleiwa. So off we went, after fighting through the traffic on our drive down North Shore and some moron local that didn't know how to park we made our way to the line that wrapped around the side of the building.
I knew just what flavors I wanted Strawberry & Banana are my favorite. Cathy went for the Hawaiian Special: Pineapple, Coconut and Banana. It made for a great cool treat after all the shopping (more so window shopping) on black Friday we did.
We even got the super awesome holder to go with our shaved ice, thank goodness because I wouldn't of made it driving back to Schofield with out.
Now to take my love back for some, ummm he says it all taste the same but I have to say he is so so wrong. lol

Friday, November 27, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

We successfully cooked and hosted our very first Thanksgiving as a married couple in our first home. It went off with out a hitch. We had every Holiday dish you could imagine. Ok so many be not everyone, but pretty darn close. From the Turkey, Ham, Rolls, Sweet Potato's, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Casserole, Dressing, Western Bake Beans, Mash Potato's, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, and Deviled eggs. OMG, it was to die for. I was so proud of myself for managing get everything together and still not need Jared's help. Due to him having staff duty the day before he slept all through the cooking and preparing. I was really bummed at first when I found out he had it, knowing he would sleep most of the day Thursday but it really wasn't to bad. He woke up just as lunch was ready and the table was set. My sweet friends Crystal and Adam along with their daughter Chy. joined us for lunch. It was the best Thanksgiving since I have been married. Seeings the first two I spent with out my husband. So having him here just made the day that more better.






After lunch we cleaned up everything (awh, I was so happy to have my kitchen back in order) and off on the road we went. Over to the Kbay side of the island, I love the drive up and around KoKo head Crater. Its just so pretty.



All in all it was one of the best days we have had in Hawaii so far. I'm looking forward to many more to come.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sweet Treats

This evening Cathy & I (Jared's mom) decided to get a head start on our Thanksgiving Feast that we are making. I am so EXCITED not only is this the first Thanksgiving that Jared and I will be together but its the first Thanksgiving that Jared and I are hosting it at our home. :) It makes it extra special to have his parents here to share it with us, as well as my good friend Crystal, her hubby and their daughter Chy. will be joining us.
Tonight I managed to make a Peppermint Cheese Cake (my favorite) and we baked a Pumpkin Pie. We will also be having a Pecan Pie and a Pumpkin Pecan Cheese Cake from the Cheese Cake Factory. Just for Gabe, he LOVES Pumpkin Cheese Cake and the CC Factory it was.
On the down side of things Jared dose have Staff Duty tonight, ugh. Stupid Re-D but only a few more days and he is back to his Platoon. Lucky for him he gets out of doing all the prepping and cooking for the wonderful lunch we will be having. Fine by me he needs his beauty sleep and I love to cook. :)

Peppermint Cheese Cake

Pumpkin Pecan Cheese Cake

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tour / Tourist ???



Today I had the chance to be a tour guide & a tourist right here were I live. I am always seeing new sites here in Hawaii that I have not seen yet as well as learning new things. Having Jared's parents here for This week has been fun, we have managed to make a trip to the Swap Meet, The Dole Plantation, North Shore, Haleiwa Town, Pearl Harbor / USS Arizona Memorial (my 2nd trip there), Waikiki Aquarium, International Market Place and we have even made a drive down Dillingham. Sunday we had breakfast from Kona's Pancake house and lunch at Jimmy Buffet's. It's been so much fun showing them around and we (they) still have so much more to see. Tomorrow we are making our way to Kualoa Ranch for the morning and The Macadamia nut farm, then back to the Swap Meet for another walk around the Aloha Stadium.
I can't wait for more fun to come with them being here :) They are the sweetest people ever and I love how close Jared is with his parents. It just makes my heart melt. Only one more day to Thanksgiving and we are going to be cooking a feast at The Gabriel House hold aaaahhhh, I can't wait
.


"Our new friend Mr. Turtle :)"

Monday, November 23, 2009

You can't take the Texas outta the Girl

I am from Texas born and raised 22 years. I have never lived anywhere else before I moved to Hawaii, and I was so looking forward to the move. I mean come on its Hawaii for crying out load. The ocean, beach, sun all the time, no cold weather, no hail, no snow, new people, new atmosphere, my own home, the food. There was so much I was looking forward to. Once I got to Hawaii, I fell in love with it and still am to this day but the minute I went back home I realized how much I MISSED TEXAS. My family, friends, restaurants, shops, the city just everything that Texas has to offer. I am proud to say that I am from Texas and can't wait to moved back. So proud and I love the GREAT State so much that it has pretty much taken over the whole decor. of our home. So when I was in Texas and found the most amazing, awesomest bed set ever I just knew I had to have it. Of course I checked with my dearest husband first and sent him a picture of it and he said but "I am not from Texas I am from Arizona", I told him he could have the office to decorate or the upstairs bathroom in Arizona stuff. He gave in and said he didn't mind and so once again the Texas theme is moving more and more through the house.
I love our new bed set so much I thinks its super cute and works great with the house. I am so
excited about moving back to Texas soon and buying our FIRST HOME :)
(I just opened the package & put the bed set on our bed this weekend)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Babies, Babies, Babies



Today I had the chance to be apart of celebrating a friends new arrival. (well, just the shower part)
Kristin is a super sweet girl who is going to be having her first little one in February. His name is Bryce and both mom & dad are just so excited :)
This was my first babyshower that I was involved in as far as doing stuff and not just showing up, so it was exciting. From picking out the decor. while I was in Texas to the cake made super special by my friend Annie :)
The shower went off with out a hitch and Momma to be got tons of new and cute goodies. Almost made me wanna have a little one, BUT NOT yet.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lost in a Jungle

For our Anniversary this year we made plans to go out to Kualoa Ranch. They have many different activities that you can pick from so we went for the half day so we could do dinner that night and it not be to late.
I picked one and Jared picked the other. We went with The ATV tour, (Jared picked this one) and I picked the Ocean Voyaging tour. Saturday morning we woke up bright and early at 6:30am to it pouring down rain outside. I was panicking because the ATV tour was first. We had to be there at 8:30am and they go out rain or shine and I really didn't want to ride in the rain. Thankfully be time we got there and the tour started the rain had passed. It was still muggy out but, that didn't stop us at all from having a blast. From driving through the water puddles, up and down many trails and even stopping off to see where some past movies have been filmed, such as 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Lost, You Me & Dupree, so many others. I had the best time ever just riding around, the company was amazing and the scenery was just as breath taking.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The 2nd tour of the day was the Ocean Voyage, we decided to change that when we arrived due to the ugly weather out, we didn't think it would be to pretty. So we went with the Jungle Expedition. It was so much fun we boarded a 6-wheel drive Swiss Pinzgauer and rumbled along jungle trails and up a lush, remote valley for fantastic ocean and mountain views. The adventure tour took us through isolated stream beds, power up hills and tackle rough terrain as well as going to secluded spots that overlook the windward coastline and an ancient Hawaiian fishpond.
The ride was really ruff and bumpy all the way to the top of the mountain and back down. It gave us a chance to see as well as learn more about Hawaii and its history as we road along.






After our afternoon at Kualoa Ranch we went home and took a nap the went out for dinner at our favorite place The Cheesecake Factory. Awh....I love love their food and dessert is by far the best over all.
It has been a great Anniversary, I am so happy were I am in life right now and couldn't imagine things any different. I really do think that things happen for a reason and falling in Love with Jared was definitely one of those things :)

Friday, November 13, 2009

warm & gooey inside

Walking through Target on our day off from work, I was just over joyed with all the Christmas decor. Trying to decided just what we want to set up in our house this year. I know we want to get a tree & a few other things but I still am not ready to go all out and buy a mass amount of stuff, so we will be keeping it quiet simple if I do say so.
As we were heading to check out I had the urge for some Hot Cocoa, it goes great with the Holiday season. Its not nearly cold enough here in Hawaii for it to warm you up but I still love it. We managed to find several different kinds but I just want the plain and simple coco with the mini marshmallows inside. SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I got to thinking AGAIN and wanted to find two GIANT mugs. You know the ones that you could even eat soup out of, I just thought it would make for a great coco mug when I wanted to make some. UMMMMM, maybe sit back have some coco and watch a movie with my love. Target had none :( bummer. We were to tired to and hungry to go look any were else that afternoon so we made our way home.
Last night after we both got home from work we made our way down to Pier 1 Imports and low and behold as soon as we walked in the door there they were just staring at me. The perfect mugs I had been looking for, the ones I had in mind. They had them in red and white. I went with white because all of our other dishes are white so they will match perfect.

I was so excited, mission accomplished. I cant wait to try them out and have me a cup of "JO" lol.
It's the simple things like Hot Chocolate and Giant Cocoa mugs in life that make it so great.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

♥~ ♥~ ♥ Lucky in Love ♥~ ♥~ ♥

Two years ago my life changed for the better in so many ways. Getting Married to Jared was amazing. We had the perfect wedding, Downtown Dallas and all of our friends and family were there to celebrate with us. I look back now and would not change anything as far as how we got were we are today. Each and every step we tool brought us here.
As we set out tonight for dinner we were driving along and no more than 5 minutes in the car the song that we had our "first dance" to came on. I couldn't help but get chills through my body. "I don't wanna miss a Thing" By: Aerosmith.
The more time I spend with Gabe and the more I continue to get to know him, I just fall in ♥ ♥ LOVE ♥ ♥ all over again. He is always there for me, when times are hard or when I get down or am stressed out. He always comes over to give me a hand or his shoulder to cry on. I truly have been blessed with a one of a kind guy that I am lucky in love enough to spend the rest of my life with.


2 Years ago, November 9, 2007
"This Special Day ~ Two Special Hearts
Let Nothing Keep This Love Apart"


this is a quote that was use in our wedding and we live by it every moment of the day, nothing will ever come between us to brake the bond that we have built and continue to build.


We made our way down to Honolulu for dinner at "Buca di Beppo" its a Italian place that Gabe happen to come across while I was in Texas. It was so yummy and we had the giant booth all to our selves :)

After dinner we walked through the shops around us and made our way home. It was a simple but WONDERFUL way to spend our 2ND Year Wedding Anniversary.
We are so looking forward to Saturday because the Anniversary celebrations just keep on coming as we make our way to Kualoa Ranch for the day.

Monday, November 9, 2009

2 YeArS of PURE BLISS


TWO HEARTS BECAME ONE & SHALL NEVER PART

♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥







Here is a sneak peak at some of the pictures that Jenn took for us. I am in Heaven with the way they turned out. I just love love them.

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

HE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND

THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!

A PERFECT SETTING

T & J ='S LOVE

THE BEST VEIW LOOKING IN






♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥
I LOVE THE WAY HE HOLDS ME IN HIS ARMS :)


(these were taken by Jenn Smith http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/LoveBirdPhotography?ref=mf )