Dessert for Two Please

I firmly believe all dinners should be followed by a fabulously delicious dessert.....however that doesn't happen all that often around our dinner table when its just the two of us. Partly because we really try to watch what we eat and make smart healthy choices. 

BUT, tonight was a exception. We've been talking a lot about our future, life in general. There are some big decisions we've been toying over, going back and forth with. Some that leaves neither of us with control over the outcome. Something that I struggle with, not having control or a plan in place. We went to breakfast together this morning before I headed to work. We talked some more about our future plans. I was still so undecided on which way I wanted to go. Not knowing was stressing me out and messing with my head. I went to work and talked with a friend about what was on my mind. After a little conversation I came to the realization that I was over thinking things and making them harder on myself then anything. I was putting to much though and stress in to a situation that wasn't even there. One that should be a huge and exciting part of our life. There in that moment I knew what I wanted to do, I had decided. L gave me the perfect idea on how to get the "ball" conversation rolling that evening. I did put my own spin on it though. On my lunch break toady I went over to the most amazing little bakery / cookie company that is right next to the school I work at. 

(Sidetone: its AMAZING!!!! Its torture to because they open at 7am with a fully stocked case of sweet treats that are to die for and a yummy breakfast assortment.)

I picked up two Cheesecake Brownies to bring home for after dinner dessert. 

Just as always we went on our evening walk around the block with the pups. I was going back and forth the whole time trying to figure out how I was going to set out our little treat with out him seeing me do it. When we came home he mentioned he was going to go take a shower. BAM!!! There's my chance. So while he was taking a shower I set the table candles lit, dessert plated, beer for him and wine for me. He knew I had a little surprise for him but didn't know what it was. As he was coming down stairs I was trying to open my wine bottle when I sprayed it all down my shirt. Classy right!!!

In that moment when we sat down to enjoy our yummy dessert, I laid it out there and told him my plan. It was scary and exciting all at once, its a huge decision but I know we are making the right one. 

It's such a relief to be on the same page and I can't wait to see where this takes us. 

I know this is very vague, I'm not being very open with what is going on with us right now but please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers. When the time comes I'm sure I'll update more, when we feel its a good time to share. 

5 Years Ago.....

......I married my best friend. Little did I know we would have gone through everything we have gone through in the past five years. I wouldn't trade if for the world though, its only gotten us were we are today. It's made us stronger and more in appreciative of each other than I ever though it would.  We've been lucky enough to have only missed out on being together for one of our anniversaries over the past 5 years, which in the military life that's rare. I know that there will be plenty more in the years to come were we wont be together but until then I'm counting my blessings. 

This year I was at a loss on what to get the hubbs for his anniversary gift. 9 times out of 10 whenever either of us want something we go out and get it ourselves. This is all fine and dandy until a day like today comes along and I'm clue less as to what to get him. I've asked and asked over and over and still come up empty handed. He ended up ordering 5 magazines for his Glock's but I still wanted to get him something that he didn't know about. That's when I decided to go with a hat press, I've been at him to get one forever but he just wouldn't give in. He said he didn't need one and was just fine using the glass cups that he'd been using. Me however not so much a fan, one it looked tacking on the desk in our kitchen and two I didn't like the messy look it left when he was at work and the glasses were just left there on the desk. The glasses left rings around the brim of the hat, he said if was character. Lame. There's a place on post called the Fire House, they do a lot of custom work for the battalions and Soldiers here on Ft. Jackson. I went in to talk to them about what I wanted and placed my order. 

I picked it up yesterday, the day before our anniversary and was more than pleased with it. It took everything I had not to give it to him last night but I held out. This morning while he was still getting ready I went and got it out of the car and put it together with his Drill SGT hat in it. It looks great, I'm so happy no more glass cups on the counter. He liked it a lot and started checking it out right away. I was so glad that he liked it. Check in the box for me this year. As much as I try to figure out what I'm going to get him each year, it always ends up working out in the end. 

Last night while I was cooking dinner the hubbs brought down a large Victoria Secret bag from upstairs. I'm big on waiting to do the gift exchange until the day of, that's just me. Like I said I was in the middle of cooking dinner and wanted to get it done. In the mean time he kept at me to come and open up the bag. Finally I did & while doing so I told him he wasn't getting my gift till the next day. He said that's fine because I still have something else for you. Really talk about totally out doing himself this year, as he always does. It was a comfy pair of PJ's to help me stay warm during these crazy cold winter nights we've been having. I love them, they are so cute and just perfect. 

This morning when I was getting ready he left a small package on the kitchen counter with a card. As soon as I looked at the label on the outside of the package I knew exactly what it was. Every year since we've been married he's gotten me a necklace for our anniversary. So when he asked me what I wanted this year it only seemed fitting to reply with a necklace. What better one than a Living Locket Necklace from Origami Owl, ever since I saw them a few months ago I've been eyeing one. I showed him a few of the charms I liked and left it at that. He came through, not that I though he wouldn't I knew he would. 

The charms included are a pair of flip fops, a running shoe, a boot, a cupcake, a sea turtle, a key with a heart at the end, the number 5, the year 2012 and a yellow ribbon. Dressed and ready for our road trip to Atlanta for the day!!!

To celebrate our Anniversary this year we decided to go to the Worlds Largest Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. It only seemed fitting since we were married in a Aquarium. The Dallas World Aquarium back in Texas, its a beautiful place and our wedding was perfect. I wouldn't of changed a thing. (I might be a little biased though lol). We had heard that the Atlanta Aquarium was comparable to the DWA so we figured it had to be good. We made the 3 & 1/2 hour drive early this morning and got there just after they opened. 

The Atlanta Aquarium wasn't anything like the DWA, they are so different in many ways. I honestly think they consider it the worlds largest aquarium simply because of the size of the building. We weren't disappointed but we didn't love it. We can say we've been but I really don't think we will ever go back. It was neat and I'm so glad we decided to celebrate our anniversary by going. We had a great time and best part is we were able to spend the day together. 

 The Belugas ~ I could of stayed here for hours and watched them swim around they are beautiful creatures. 

Some random fishies we saw through out our day. 

Penguins are so stinkin cute!!! In one of the large aquariums they had some of the biggest sting rays that I've ever seen. 

Jelly Fish!!!! 

 Another wall to wall and over the ceiling aquarium with hundreds of different fish. These are my favorite to look at. 

We had a lot of fun, there was even a live dolphin show we were able to go to. Sadly we weren't aloud to take pictures or video during it. Bummer. That probably was my favorite part of the Aquarium, I'd never seen anything like it before. Its amazing how people can train Dolphins to do the things they were doing. 

After we were done at the Aquarium we made our way over to the The World of Coca Cola Museum . It just so happened to be right next to the Aquarium and was free for Military so we couldn't pass that up. It was filled with loads of history and fun facts. I gave up drinking soda over two years ago but before that I was never a big Coke fan. But the museum was neat in its self. 

I love this guy so much, he does so much for me and I love it!!! 

 Some old vintage posters in the museum. 

This is the vault were the secret recipe of Coca-Cola is held. 

At the end of our tour we were able to take a bottle of Coke that was made right there in the factory. The gift shop at the museum was so big there was a ton of stuff. if I was a Coke fan I would have def. been in trouble, good thing I'm not lol.

We headed out to dinner at the Cheese Cake Factory before making the drive home. We talked about trying something local or different but when we saw they had a CCF we had to go. We don't have one in Columbia, the closest one is about a hour & half away. We're big fans if you can't tell. All in all it was a great day, we both were able to get off from work and spend it together. I still can't believe its been 5 years since we said our "I do's", sometimes it seems like forever ago but then other days it seems  like it was just last month. I can't wait to see what the next 5 years has in store for us or even the next 10, 20, 30 plus years. But as long as we are together I'll be happy as ever!!! It's by far been the best 5 years of my life and I know that the hubbs would say the same thing, 

Happy 5 Year Wedding Anniversary Baby!!!! I love you!!!!

This was us 5 years ago on our wedding day. :) 

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. :)

gotta be grateful

If you were to look up the definition to STRESS in the dictionary I am sure my picture would be next to it. This week has just been one of those weeks. Its been up and down, good and bad.
I managed to change my ticket to go back to Texas a few days early so instead of getting there on the 20Th of October I am getting there on the 16Th of October. It didn't cost a dime since I used airline miles to purchase the ticket. So that was good. Once I made the change I started looking at tickets to a concert, Miley Cyrus. I know my little cousin Shae would just love to go. However I was not so lucky on finding two seats together :( Gabe however managed to snag two right near the stage and booked them for me when I was out on my run with Crystal Wednesday night. I came home and he was so excited about it, however they were booked in his name. He didn't think about that part when he booked them and after being on hold for ever that night and the next morning I ended up having to cancel the tickets and get a refund. Due to the fact that the Miley Cyrus Concert's are paperless tickets only you have to show your credit card and ID when entering the event. Since Gabe isn't going to be in Texas with me that just wasn't going to work. I tryed just changing the name on the tickets and they don't do that either. Needless to say that went from good to bad.
We are suppose to be having some people stay with us right now until around the 7Th or 8Th of Oct. and they keep pushing the date back and back on when they are coming which is totally fine by me. (he is in the Army, from Hawaii stationed here and he just got married so why they are waiting to get housing they are going to stay with us.) So that part is good, however I'm being super OCD about keeping the house clean because I can't stand the dogs getting the floor dirty.
Thursday night we had a FRG meeting, I was really looking forward to going because I wanted to get the exact dates for PTA. We have been told all along that it is in November and well Gabe's parents are coming for Thanksgiving and I wanted to make sure he was going to be here when they are here and not having to worry about them missing out on time together. Good news he gets back 3 days before they get here, bad news I get back from Texas on the 7Th of November and he gets back on the 18Th. So that part kinda sucks but its OK. On another note of info. from the FRG meeting we found out that Gabe will be in the field Oct. 14-16 meaning he will be in the field the day I leave for Texas which totally sucks. Now I am wishing I would not of changed my ticket. :( He is going to try and come home that night I leave so he can at least take me to the airport but we will see. My dear sweet friend Crystal is going to keep the pups. over night that one night for us since we totally didn't plan for it. Man she is a life saver. So that is a good thing. We also found out when block leave is for Christmas which doesn't really effect us because we are going to stay here on Island. We are planning on going camping. You would never imagine but it was my idea. I wanted to do something different this year and not just stay at home. Since it is our first Christmas that we will be together in the same place and my first Christmas away from all of my family, I wanted to make is extra special and as well seeing's right now there is a chance that Gabe will be deployed next December.
We planned my trip to Texas around when we thought PTA was and our 2ND year Anniversary so we could be together BUT....Gabe will be at PTA.....possibly, he has been on the schedule to go to a school during the same time frame which is only during the day meaning he will be home at night. Which means WE WILL BE TOGETHER FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY. I'm trying not to get to excited about it yet because I don't wanna get my hopes up and then get let down. We will end up celebrating to the fullest and it will be an amazing time no matter what and when we celebrate. I'm looking forward to that. I already know what I want from my Gabers now I just gotta figure out what he wants or what to get him. (any ideas it will be two years November 9th.)
On not so much of a good note, they are cutting hours at work AGAIN, I normally manage to work 8 hours a day which is awesome. A couple days last week I worked 5 or 6 hour days. Next week I am scheduled to work 6:30am-11:30am every day. I am hoping to get a few extra hours here and there but the more I think about it, its good. I have allot that I need to finish up before I leave so getting off early will give me the chance to do that. I was complaining to Gabe the other night, OK well almost every night this week about wanting to find a new job because I am tired of the hours always changing and going back and forth. But then I stopped myself and started thinking.....well at least I have a JOB. I know so many people right now both here on Island and back on the mainland that are looking for a job and can't seem to find one. So as much as I complain about the situation that I am in, I should be Grateful that I have a job and am getting the hours that I am. Heck, I'm not working past 6pm and not working on the weekends which I refuse to do so it's really not to bad.
Today I came home from work and checked the mail and much to my surprise I had a package from my mommy :) she sent me some Skittles and a giant dill pickle. YUMMY!!! Yes, call me crazy but the two go together wonderfully. You eat out the middle of the pickle and drop the skittles right in and chow down. So so Tasty...."don't knock it till you try it", is what I say.
So my evening run with Crystal is going well. I am really enjoying it allot and feel wonderful after the fact. I am going to try my hardest to keep up with it when I go to Texas, but I know with so much going on and so much to do and people to see, I am sure I will get side tracked a bit.
Speaking of Texas I am so looking forward to going and seeing my family and friends. Doing a bit of shopping and eating. Some catching up and exploring around but I would be lying if I said I hope it goes by slow. There is so much going on here right now and I am going in a million different directions with so much on my mind. I am so just ready to go and get back in the routine of things that we have going on here. BUT I REALLY REALLY CAN'T WAIT TO GO, I MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH AND HAVE NEVER BEEN AWAY FROM MY FAMILY FOR THIS LONG SO IT IS A BIT HARD FOR ME.
To end the lovely fun filled packed week, Gabe has CQ tomorrow. Yeppers. on a Saturday which in my opinion totally SUCKS. He was able to find someone to come fill in for him from 5pm on so it wont be to bad, just like another day at work for him. Its just annoying that it has to be on the weekend.

Oh well another week down, now time to enjoy our weekend and get ready to do the same old song and dance again next week.

What a Weekend ;)

Time to SLOOOOW down after a go go go weekend. We had allot planned to go this weekend and everything was accomplished and then some. (ITS A LONG ONE)
It started off coming home from work on Friday to Gabe just finishing up buffing and waxing his truck. Man it looks like a beauty now. Then off to dinner we went. Meeting up with Annie & Allen at California Pizza Kitchen for some yummy grub. Dinner was great filled with loads of laughter & conversation. Home we headed after chatting for a bit, for a relaxing evening together at the house.
Saturday morning we were able to sleep in a bit, thanks to Gabe letting the pups. come up stairs after their 6am wake up alarm went off.
We had a few places to run to that morning to get ready for our BBQ that evening and then back home to clean!!! While I tackled the inside, (I like to clean it anyhow bc then I know its done good & the way I want it) Gabe went after my car. He washed the whole thing in & out buffed & waxed it as well. Now neither one of our cars have water spots YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!
I was able to prepared food for the evening, baked a birthday cake, cut up all the veggies for burgers and salad in the mist of cleaning as well as all the laundry. We both finish just before 5pm. Everyone was suppose to start arriving in half a hour. We quickly shower and put the finishing touches on the cake just in time. WOW, just enough time for Gabe to turn off the radio and sit down for a quick game on the PS3. But not long after that, the party began :)
There was lots of chit chat, laughter and joking around w/ some of the awesomest people here on Island. We had some GREAT burgers and dogs thanks to my grill master SGT. Gabriel and everyone just loved my Homemade Black Bean Texican Salad and our Homemade Caramel Apple Crisp Dessert .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~






Thankfully with the 4 kiddos all UNDER TWO YEARS OLD & 2 puppies (ours), four grown (ok kinda) men nothing got broke. YAY!!!!! I was so happy. There was only one party mishap were a beer landed on the floor but I was up stairs at the time & it was cleaned up before I got back down other wise someone would of got a ear full. Shortly after 11pm everyone parted their ways and headed home. We finished cleaning up and off to bed we went. It was a LONG BUSY DAY!!! But so much fun.


Sunday morning was no different the dogs were up around 6:30am and ready to go. We had plans to be at the doggie park in Mililani at 9am. They were having a Great Dane meet & we figured we would go check them out and see what new we could learn about the Dane family. As well as the last time we went the puppies just had a FREAKIN BLAST running in the open fields and playing with the other dogs. I think we are going to turn it in to our Sunday routine. (Taking them to the dog park that is and then hit up the driving range for a bit.)
We enjoyed getting to see the different sizes of Danes and how they interact with other dogs of all sizes. I have been stuck on wanting a BullMasstif FOREVER now and I think Gabe has finally gotten me out of that rut. I can't wait to get back to the mainland so we can finally get a house with a bigger yard. (our house & yard here is much to small for a dog of such large size.)

After about a hour of our puppies running crazy we headed home to drop them off and up to the ACC it was.
(Last Thursday I slipped and fell at work having to go to the Dr. to have my wrist checked out because my Assistant Director was flipping out that something was wrong with it and me knowing good and well it was just alittle sore I went just to please her. (having to take all this paper work to the DR. to have them fill out for work, so work could document what was wrong with me "HELLO NOTHING")While there on Thursday they did x-ray's & checked it all out, I ended up getting a brace for my wrist which I wore the rest of the day and to work on Friday. Not only did I get a brace but I got orders from the Dr. "NO LIFTING FOR 10-14 DAYS & LIGHT WORK, also I was suppose to keep this brace thing on for the 14 days as well" are you freaking kidding me. "I'M FINE" ugh. So since this happened I was moved out of the class that I just love working in put into Preschool, which don't get me wrong I love, I just can' stand some of the teachers that work back in that class. After talking to my Director Thursday evening she told me that if my wrist was fine and I wanted to go back to the Dr. and have them give me a note saying "I could return to normal work duties I could". So I didn't have to stay out of my class for 2 weeks, Thank freakin goodness.)

So Hints the reason for the trip to the ACC Sunday after the Dog Park visit. All went well, I was in & out with in about a matter of 30 minutes with a note in hand stating I was all & well (which I knew all along) & could return to normal work duties with NO LIMITATIONS!!!! YEAH!!!! This called for some much celebration, a trip to the 24 hour shoppette. We grabbed a drink, candy bar AND HANNAH MONTANA THE MOVIE to rent. I had been wanting to see it forever now but Gabe was not to hip on the idea. So perfect time. He had a bit of work to do & so I though while he sat & worked on his counseling packets I would watch the movie.
I though it was such a great movie so cute & sweet. He would never admit to it but at times I looked over & saw him watching it as well. The rest of the afternoon included us relaxing and being lazy on the couch. Gabers ended up cooking his famous Chicken Parmesan for dinner, even did the dishes after. We watched Drop Dead Diva & Army Wives heading to bed shortly after. We were totally exhausted from our FANTASTIC weekend.
I can't wait for the work week to come & go so we can do it all over again next weekend. Here's to many more FANTASTIC weekends to come in the future of our life in Hawaii.

Our Fantastic Trip To AZ!!!

Our trip to Arizona this past week was just amazing. I am so lucky to have such great in-laws. They are so loving and caring. Not just Jared's parents but is his whole family. They all get together on the holidays and have a BBQ or some type of dinner. They are such a close nit family and I'm so blessed to be apart of it.
Jared's mom really was happy that we decided to come and visit over the past week and it was good because she needed the help after having surgery.
Boy did we hit the road running....from all the shopping we did and eating at all the different place's that we don't have in Hawaii. When Wednesday morning came after our early breakfast with his Grandparents I was so tired of eating out and ready for some home cookin. It truly was a trip to remember.
We were able to Celebrate our 3rd 4Th of July together as a married couple but really the 2ND one we were together. Any how it was great and it was the 2ND year I was able to spend the 4Th w/ Nichole and Pace.....I think we have a tradition started now :).
Going back to Arizona more and more I find things that I fall in love with and can really see myself living there. But only time will tell when and if that will happen. We did look at house's one day and boy did we find some that we just loven. Man what I would do to have a house that was OUR's and not the Army's....but once again in due time.
I think Jared and I really needed this trip to get away and just be able to spend some time together. We have both been so busy with work and the dogs and people staying at our house that at the end of the day we are so tired. So this was a great relaxation time for us.
It's also always a major plus to be able to hang out with our dear friends Pace & Nichole and Trisha. They are such great friends and so much fun to be around. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful family and group of friends that will always be there for us.
I can not wait to go back to the valley, minus the heat it really is a great place....on our next trip there we plan on going to the Grand Canyon (I have never been) so that will be fun.

Until next time...................


MY LOVE & I, OH HOW I LOVE BEING IN HIS ARMS!!!


MYSELF, NICHOLE & TRISHA....SOME OF THE BEST GIRL FRIENDS AND GIRL CAN ASK FOR


OUR LAST NIGHT IN THE VALLEY.....SO SAD TO LEAVE :(


HE COMPLETES MY WORLD AND GIVES ME A REASON TO SMILE :)

Friends "R" Forever

Nichole & Gabers after a yumtastic dinner



Nichole, Trisha, Emily & I hanging out on the fire pit.



We had the most amazing time catching up with The Clingers & Trisha last night. Having such great friends like them in our life is truly a blessing. I love that no matter how long we go with out seeing each other or talking that we pick right up were we left off. I think that is what a true friendship is about.
We Had a wonderful dinner complements to chef Nichole, watched the guys & Pace's mom play some Horse Shoes and a nice swim in the pool. It was great to just sit back and relax and chat it up. I love coming back to Arizona just for reason's like today and this whole week so far. It's just amazing and growing on me more and more :), just gotta get use to the darn heat. OMG, its killer.

Gabers catching up w/ the his besties.


He LOVES My kisses


Pace made Trisha & I Starbucks Hot CoCo, it was so yummy (& yes it was a 100 something to degrees outside)

One Year Ago

One year ago a Prince married his Princess and I had the Joy of being apart of that day!!!!!!!!!!!

Pat & Angela have been through so much in the past 4 years and still have a crazy road ahead of them, as we all do in this journey called life. One thing that is certain, they have found love in each other. A true love that is ever lasting. Not only do they complete each other as a husband and wife, but as best friends.
Pat stepped in and took the role of a step dad, something not many men are crazy about doing, but well Pat.........he would do anything for Angela.
He up and moved from his hometown, were everything he knew was & everyone he knew lived. To come and start his life in Texas w/ Ang.
Over the past year of Marriage (& prior), I have had the Joy of being right there hand in hand in just about everything and I'm so truly blessed to have such amazing best friends in my life like the both of them to let me in to there life. They are not just friends to Gabe & I but family.
I look forward to the future between Pat & Angela and I only know that their life will be more and more blessed as the years go by. They have a special bond that is unbreakable and no matter the hurdles that they may have to go through, they will get through them together.

WISHING PAT & ANGELA A HAPPY ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AND HERE IS TO MANY MANY MORE TO COME.

It takes two special people,
To make a loving pair.
There’s a joy just being around you,
A feeling we love to share.

So best anniversary wishes to you,
Bringing years of joy and fun.
May each year keep getting better,
We hope the good times have just begun.

By Karl Fuchs

Here's a toast to the two of you
As you celebrate together;
You're the poster kids for happiness,
In sunny or stormy weather.


Your love continues, warm and bright;
May it shine throughout the years;
You’re an example for the rest of us,
So here’s to you: Three cheers!

By Joanna Fuchs

Out w/ the old & In w/ the new

When Gabe was home on R&R in November of last year we went car shopping for him. He was going to need a vehicle once we both got to Hawaii. We new we were already planning on taking mine but one was just not enough. We didn't want to buy in Hawaii because it just cost way to much. It's crazy how much they raise the price on thing just cause it had to be shipped over here. But whatever, that's Hawaiians for you.

So we ended up with a Land Rover Discovery 2003 which he was just so proud of & so happy. You would of though the guy landed on the moon & touch the stars or something. It was great, I love the Land Rover. We fixed it up quite well & replaced a few missing parts. The plan was to turn it in to a super awesome off road vehicle, since that's what land rovers are made for. They are the number one off road vehicle in America, they even out preform the jeep.

On the down side to owning a LR, they can be very costly when something goes wrong & needs fixing. Parts can be expensive & often hard to find in the US.
A few weeks ago, one of the brake lights on the LR went out & we tryed everything to fix it and it just wasn't working. The dealership told us they could fix it and the part would be around $800.00 plus the labor which would be in the couple thousands of dollars. "Yeah, ummmm no thank you". We were still going to shop around to see if we could fix it on our own. Then, this past Thursday rolls around & Gabe calls to tell me the passenger front window will not roll up. OMG, are you kidding me.
One thing Gabe's loves to do is car shop, even if he knows he is not the least bit interested in buying the car he will go to a dealership test drive it. Go in and talk numbers with the sales guy & have them work their butts off to bring the price down to what he wants. Then he is off on his way w/o a new car. THANK GOODNESS.

However this trip was very different today, we got a call from the Ford Dealership down new Pearl City saying they had a truck there on the lot that Gabe had requested information about a few days ago online & wanted him to come in & take a look at it.
Ok sure we will go I told him, know we would just look & ponder of it & then be on our way.
When we got there & they pulled the truck around front I was so shocked. It was just like a truck I had a few years ago, same color, make, model & everything. There was just a few things different. We test drove it, went it & talked numbers as always & got the LR appraised to see how much they would give us for it. (2wks ago when we were at the LR dealership they offered us $6000.00 for it which is what it is worth so that was good) They came back w/ offering $3900.00. Heck freakin no are you kidding me, Jared quickly laid it all out there to the guy & explained our visit to the LR Dealership. So the sales guy left & came back offering $4500.00 for the LR, as well as they have already dropped the price of the truck we were looking at down to around $18000.00 from $26000.00 which was the sticker price. (I tell you he is good at this car haggling) That still wasn't good enough for us to jump up & down about. So once again they did there thing & now they are going to give us $5000.00 for the LR & $17000.00 for the truck out the door. The payment were in the mid $300's which was not okay by me.
Gabe & I stepped out to have a talk. (alittle heart to heart if you will say)The LR is a big deal, & we don't want to get in to deep with it & end up having to pay more to fix things on it than it is worth or even what we paid for it. (seeing's we paid cash for it, it was paid off) After alot of talking & alot of figure out payments & what not, I really started to think that this was the right way to go (Jared of course was all for it from the start, he just wasn't taking less than $6000.00 for the LR)& if we were going to do this we should do it soon while we have found something that we both really like alot.
So I told him I would only do it under once condition.....they had to get the payments under $300.00 a month & no more than 60 months. So we went back & I told the sales guys our plan & how we would take the truck & they looked at me like I was crazy & said ok let me see what I can do. Back again, they were offering $6000.00 for the LR which is what we wanted & $335.00 for a monthly payment. NOPE, thank you and good bye. I said what I wanted you can't do it sorry you don't get our business.
The manager came down & said wait, wait let me try this. So he came back offering the truck at $16000.00 & got our payments down to $303.00, ok this I can work with. Not to mention this whole time the APR on the whole deal was incredible, thanks to our awesome credit we have. We went from a sticker price of alittle over $26,000.00 to $16,000.00 a difference of $10,000.00

(Our awesome sales guy, Sean!!!)
Gabe & I talked and decided to put down a $1000.00 to bring the payment right under $300.00, I couldn't believe this. We were really going to trade in the LR get what we wanted for it & get a new truck that we both really liked.


So we did it, sign the papers and got the keys and were on our way out the door.
We are now the proud owners of a 2009 FORD RANGER 4X4, it had 27 miles on it, which we put on it test driving it. It has 4 doors & is just awesome, Gabe really really likes the small truck & it fits him to a T. We couldn't be happier with the decision we made to trade in the LR and buy the Ranger.


He is so sad to see his Land Rover go, :(

Now the goal is to have it paid off be time we leave this stink place next June, which I know we can do. I can't wait, I'm loven our new TOY we got.


"OUT WITH THE OLD"





"IN WITH THE NEW"


I HAVE TO SAY GABE, GOT THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!