Day 2

It's a good sign when you walk off the airplane onto the tarmac and the airport you're headed for is gorgeous. Another great sign is when it's so hot you need to shed a couple of layers on your way to the baggage claim.
A mariachi band played in the background as we were greeted by girls that looked like chiquita banana . . . and the crowd of vacationers from all over the world started to amaze me. In most places we've traveled, we've found many other Americans as our new "vacation friends" but this year there are so many people from so many places. I tend to hang out trying to overhear French conversations . . . I'm into the language of love and can't get enough of listening to them talk. After finding our transport we headed 25 minutes to our resort. Interesting drive along the way I must say. Republica Dominicana is a very very poor and pathetic looking place. The roads are very narrow and a couple of times it looked like our bus was going to eat the little cars and motorcycles coming at them. We pulled into a very beautiful resort, got an amazing room (with air conditioning thank heaven) and a decent view of the beach.
We're here on ACDelco's dime and they had a big banquet dinner waiting for us so that we could meet and mingle with other TSS shops that were here from all over the country. We have quite a bit in common with many of these people who are also shop owners and it was fun to meet everyone. Tomorrow's plan - the beach. All day. (Big Smile)

Vacation day 1 1/2

So I have to start by saying Happy Birthday to my hubby and best friend Todd. Today he is ... Well 40 something and better than ever. We're half way to our final destination and in the airport in the middle of the night. After 3 short hours of sleep on our long Dallas layover were here at the airport 2 hours before our flight just like we were told. And the question of the morning is why do they want toy here three hours before your international flight but they don't open the airport until 2 hours before your flight? Interesting, don't you think? Totally doesn't matter, before I lay my head down again tonight (which can't come soon enough in my humble opinion) I will have visited a country I've never been in, shared a beautiful day with my birthday boy and thanked God for such a beautiful life.

Vacation day one

Not sure if it really counts as a vacation day since it's mostly filled with travel, but were not at home so I guess it counts. Todd earned a getaway through ACDelco, an independent auto parts distributor, to the Dominican Republic. We fly to Dallas tonight and then Miami and end up at our destination sometime tomorrow afternoon. It's times like this that I wish I were a movie star and could hop on a privately chartered jet and could have cocktails and a nap on the way.
Nevertheless, I'm feeling very grateful that I have wonderful family members to pitch in and help with the kids ( thanks Kensie, Mitch, mom and dad) and that we even qualified to go. We are truly blessed. Stay tuned for day two.

Happy Birthday Jordyn!

Today Jordyn turns 12 !!! She's never been more of a lady than now. I'm amazed at how grown up she's become. She's beautiful inside and out and a true blessing to our family. We love you Jordyn!!

A reason to say "fabulous!"

So I've said over and over how great technology is but this time I'm truly blown away. Apple has introduced me to the world of 'applications' and I'm constantly asking myself how I ever lived without the conveniences of my iPhone and apps. As a matter of fact I'm writing this entry right from my phone ... a great reason to say FABULOUS!!

A special day for mom and Jordyn to share

(click on the pic to get a larger view of the details)
What a special opportunity I have for Jordyn to be ready for baptism at the same time I am! We've decided to share this day as mother and daughter and would love for you and your family to attend! For the past several years we have been growing closer as a family to the Lord and want everyone to know of our commitment and intention to live with him again someday. We would love to share this special day with you so meet us at the Timpanogos park at the mouth of Provo Canyon to see the joy that God has blessed our lives with!

Elk Hunt

There's not a prettier time of year to be hunting in the mountains and if it wasn't for that you wouldn't get me up there! But Todd had an amazing time hunting his Wasatch tag with his dad. This was a once in a lifetime that they had been putting in for since ... well over 16 years so it was a huge deal. Dad got an elk and Todd will have to be patient for another shot in some other lifetime! I hope someday Todd logs in and shares the story ... oh wait, I'm sure he'll write it in a Heritage Makers Storybook!
Todd couldn't have pushed through the week without the help of his good buddy Don and Don's son-in-law Tyler. They were troopers and hung in there with him all week!