Ever Been to Paradise?

I have.  It's called Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun! I'm certain I have never been to a more beautiful place EVER, not sure one exists honestly.  My brother-in-law treated me (and the hubs) to an unforgettable 40th birthday trip - one I'll remember always.  It made turning 40 a little more bearable. It's been a long time since Matt and I have taken a trip sans kids or even been away from them for long periods.  Matt's parents booked a condo at Crystal Beach and left with the kids early (last) Saturday morning for Destin for Spring Break.  I'm one of those people that waits until the very last minute to pack.  For some reason, I like the pressure of getting it done immediately rather than spreading it out (which makes it stressful but worth it).  I got everything together Thursday/Friday night- all three kids duffles packed and got all my things gathered for our couples getaway. Once we got to the airport, early Saturday morning, the relaxation set in and I could exhale (finally -hah).  We arrived in Mexico around noon and took a 30-minute transfer ride to our PARADISE.  When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted and taken by golf cart to our Preferred Guest lounge, given a cool towel, Champagne and our bags were taxied to our room #2616 while we got checked in at the concierge.  Paul and Shannon, Daniel and Lisa were there to welcome us too.  We had drinks and yummy appetizers in the lounge and then headed to our room to get changed.  Y'all, I have NEVER stayed in a room like this one - B-E-A-Utiful (as Bruce Almighty would say)! A king sized canopy bed, an in-suite two-person whirlpool tub, a fully stocked mini-fridge, lounge area, furnished porch and swim out access to our own private pool.  I say "private" but it's connected to about six rooms, two were occupied by P/S and D/L and I'm fairly sure we were the only ones who took advantage of the swim-out pool.  It was cozy and UH-mazing.


The stock photo doesn't do it justice at all!  Our suite had a Happy Birthday sash on the door and my very own chocolate cake - the royal treatment!  Since it was lunchtime, we were all hungry.  Matt and I got on our swim stuff and headed over to the pool restaurant area.  I was craving seafood (always do at the beach) so we went to Oceana/Seaside Grill to eat (I got a salad, shrimp tacos and noshed on tortilla chips with the freshest salsa/guacamole dip ever).  After lunch, we headed down to the beach (although the pool area was lovelier than anything I've seen). Bluest.water.ever!  People were kite surfing, the water was refreshing, and it was perfect.  It was also crazy to think 2,000 miles directly north of us that our children were playing on the beach and splashing around in the same gulf water.  Secrets Maroma employees 700 people, meaning there are approximately three servers per guest.  You never want for anything, even for a second - drinks, in a flash, nachos, here they are, whatever you like - exemplary service!  There was a gentleman circulating the beach and scheduling visits for the spa.  Me and my girls signed up for facials (that afternoon) and scheduled couples massages for Sunday.

We headed to the spa late afternoon (Saturday) for our Secrets Exclusive facials.  I love a good facial and Regina Webb Salon gives an Aveda one that feels wonderful.  Shannon relented to going (facials aren't her thang).  In fact, the last one she got was with me in Destin (a thousand years ago) at an Aveda Spa.  It was a treacherous adventure, with body scrubs and exfoliating and Shannon almost got decapitated when the mirrored glass/light above her head broke during her facial.  Jokingly, it wasn't a life or death situation, she simply isn't a fan of them but wanted to go with me and Lisa (and give it another shot).  The spa was gorgeous, like everything at Secrets.  Lisa and I were scolded immediately though for being 3 minutes late - I was a bit taken by that comment but we're on VACAY, come on 3 minutes and we're paying a small fortune for the facial - BACK OFF.  Shannon had arrived earlier and went back first and we followed.  The experience was the same but a little different than other facials I've had.  The one I get at Regina involves lots of creams and cleansing and warm towels.  This one didn't. It felt more like an exfoliating sort of facial - scrubs, hot steam being piped on your face, some cleansing - different but still relaxing.  Shannon's report:  I didn't like it, never again, no facials for me!  Hah.  We all laughed about the steam almost suffocating us and headed back to the pool to join the fellas who were watching the basketball finals in one of the bars.   

Saturday night dinner:  our crew wanted to go to the Italian Restaurant, Portofino, but the wait was entirely too long so we put in a reservation at the Mexican Restaurant, El Patio and got in rather quickly.  I'll admit this...I'm not a foodie.  I was still stuffed from lunch and at home, rarely eat more than one big meal per day.  El Patio wasn't real impressive, and the service seemed slow (even though the waiters/waitresses were incredibly friendly).  I ordered something with crab but wasn't a fan of the odd dish (never seen brown crab meat before). Oh, and they gave us some weird appetizer with grasshoppers in it.  Matt and I were exhausted from a long day of travel so we headed back to the room.

Sunday was breathtaking!  Had to pinch myself - places like Cancun make you do that!  We met our buddies for breakfast.  You have never seen a breakfast buffet - food for a mile and everything you can imagine was available.  Fresh squeezed OJ and coffee are served immediately.  After stuffing myself full of eggs, bacon and other goodies, I was in no shape to wear a swim suit =).  However, it's way to hot to stay in a cover up.

We took full advantage of our swim out suite and hung out in our private pool for a while.  Shannon and I decided to do some Zumba at the gazebo to get a little exercise.  We joined the others in the main pool a little later and did some water aerobics.  The guys had to go meet with our transportation people (which we'd forgotten to do the day before) to plan for our transfer back to the airport on Tuesday morning.  I lounged in the pool - literally feel like I stayed there most of the day.  Matt and I ordered a late room-service lunch because breakfast was so filling.  Sunday night was Mexican Fiesta night, so lots was planned for the evening out on the pool veranda.

 Did you see the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2?  I love the part where Maria and Voula are taking a picture together, and they look at each other and say "pull my neck back on the count of three."  I'm sort of wishing someone had yelled "suck your stomach in" for these poses - feel like I'm looking a little pregnant.  I'm not photogenic apparently because look at this picture....

What am I doing with that eagle?  Am I holding up its wing?  What a weirdo!  I need to go to some photo shoots and learn how to pose.

Maybe I should stick to posing behind wooden cut-outs?  I'm good with those.

We couldn't find Daniel for our Mexican Night group pose, so Lisa found a fill-in husband.

We also had to capture a photo with our favorite employee Moeme (pronounced Mimi).

 

Sunday night was FUN!  There were endless tables filled with every kind of Mexican dish imaginable.  We played games, ate until we popped, and enjoyed entertainment by a live mariachi band. I think we also saw a Poi Spinner/Comedian at the club (but can't remember if it was on Sunday or Monday?).  Meant to grab his card because he was entertaining.

Monday was our last full day in paradise. Breakfast was
phenomenal - there was even a saxophone player circulating the room and playing soft (reminded me of Kenny G).  We had our couples massages shortly after.  I've never done hydrotherapy as part of a massage, but that's an option.  We went a little early and took advantage of it - sauna, steam room, jets, etc.  It was refreshing.  Much like Shannon's disdain for facials, I'm not a huge of fan of massages unless they are by my favorite therapist Heather Foster (at Haute Fringe Salon in BG).  I've had a few different masseuse in my time, and Heather is the only one for me.  I'm not sure if it's sensitivity or what, but I feel like I've been beat up if someone else "works" on me.  This was no different.  I was super sore when I left =(.  That didn't stop me from enjoying my last day in Mexico.  We relaxed by the pool a majority of the day before cleaning up and heading for Himitsu for dinner. 

Me and my twin ready for some yummy hibachi!

 We capped the night off with a live-show (The Beatles) and to the club for some dancing before turning in.  (That evening) There was a Mexican Market (sort of like a craft vendor fair) in the outdoor hotel courtyard - jewelry, ceramics, toys, musical instruments, purses, etc.  I purchased a necklace and had already visited the hotel gift shop to pick up a magnet and souvenirs for the kids.
    Tuesday morning was a whirlwind, getting everything packed up, going through customs, and getting back home.  There was a bad storm in Orlando which pushed our flight back a smidge (not much).  We had a layover in Miami and got to Nashville sometime around 6 pm.

It was the perfect vacation!  Hopeful to have 40 more!

Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox if I Die

Well, I'm 40 years old.  There was nothing I could do to stop it.  Good ol' Father Time remains undefeated and keeps adding years onto my life, no matter how many fits I throw. If I'm lucky, I'll manage to stick around another 40 years which is scary because the first 40 went quickly.  It's been a wild and incredibly journey getting here.  I woke up to a lovely message HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY TIFFANY WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH (hung in our family room)...courtesy of the hubs who also sent me a comical email of 40 things he loved about me.

I'll spare you all 40 but picked out a few favorites:

• You went to Western Freaking Kentucky University and graduated. Wow.
• You're the mother of our kids, and even though they're crazy, I'm glad you gave birth to those little pups.
• You put your career on hold so I could have mine, and aren't you glad, cause we are rich now!!!
• You love gangsta rap.
• You broke your nose once and didn't let that end your life.  You kept trying and now you're a successful candy-crusher.
• You sent me a gorilla on my birthday to give me a lap dance.
• You have never been to prison.

He writes from the heart, can't you tell =). 

During my garage workouts (yep, that's my workout center), I like to watch movies to pass the time.  This week's feature was About Schmidt, one of my favs.  I love the part at the beginning when Warren trying to find some connection with his wife, Helen, of 42 years.

Lately...every night. I find myself asking the same question: 

Who is this old woman who lives in my house?
Why is it that every little thing she does irritates me?
Like the way she gets the keys out of her purse - long before we reach the car.
And how she throws our money away on her ridiculous little collections.
And tossing out perfectly good food, - just because the expiration date is past.
And her obsession...her obsession with trying new restaurants.
And the way she cuts me off when I try to speak.
And I hate the ways she sits.
And the way she smells.
 
Cracks me up.  I'm grateful to have a partner who is tolerant of me.  How he has managed to stick around (and put up with me) for the last 20 years, I have no clue, but I sure am glad.  I adore him and unlike Warren and Helen, I cannot wait to own an RV one day and do some cross country traveling together.

Yesterday was busy as usual.  March 30 turned out to be one of those days that everything landed on.  I had already committed to working the Reality Fair at South Middle.  I always represent SKyPAC at the "Entertainment Booth."  I usually work the South and Central fair(s) but haven't heard from Central yet.  I like working with the kids and needling them a little too.  This year was extra exciting because I got to work with Karson's class and knew a lot of the kids.  I spent most of the morning there.  Meanwhile, my mom went to 212 Academy to watch Isaac's bridge building competition.  He and his buddies Eli and Brett were Team Sand Cats.  Unfortunately, they came in 2nd to last in the competition, meaning they probably won't be Civil Engineers (but if they do go that route, be sure to find out which bridges they've built and avoid them - hah).

Anyone who knows me knows my absolute favorite restaurant is Chuy's.  There's no place I'd rather spend my birthday than there.  It's even better when all my family is there to celebrate too. Matt put together a nice little soiree for me complete with Tres Leches cake for everyone.

 Yep, my sister and sister from another-mother Lisa both got me wine and wine glasses - they know me well.  I got some lovely cards, gift cards to Bath and Body (the best store ever), cash, and a bourbon barrel 'D' sign.

How did I get this lucky? I have the best family in the world!  They make turning 40 pretty wonderful!

Off to Cancun for a couple of days at Secrets Maroma Beach for some R & R!

Roller King in the Making

 In case anyone is wondering where I've spent most of Friday nights the last month, it's at the Skate Center.  We've become roller rats.  Miles absolutely loves skating.  He loves it so much that we decided to order him his very own pair of roller skates.  They arrived in the mail Friday afternoon and fit like a charm.

He did some practice spins in the garage.  Friday night's session begins at 7 PM.  Of course, Miles was ready to go promptly at 6:30.  I told him that it was a little early but we could run by Dollar General and pick up some glow bracelets for Glow Skating (we're regulars now, like I told y'all).  It's not that the glow items are expensive at the Skate Center.  But, everyone rushes the counter, so I figured we'd go prepared.

I have failed to mention that Miles, like Karson, has a "significant other."  I didn't know I'd have two kids "dating" but whatever.  Miles's friend is an excellent skater and goes to the Skate Center a lot.  She was there Friday night.  They did a little hand holding here and there =).  I, on the other hand, opted out of skating this weekend and decided to wear a pair of walking shoes and walk laps around the rink.  I figured I might as well get some exercise if I'm trapped there for three hours.  I wish Mama Smurf (aka the owner) had asked me to step in as DJ.  The music was awful Friday night - lots of slow songs.  I don't think the regular DJ was there because he/she (whoever) always has some popping, fresh and CURRENT tunes.  It was a dreadful ear attack and hard to stay awake.  I managed to make it until 10:30 PM.  Lots of late nights in my future at the Skate Center.

Made in 1977

It's already March, and I've missed an entire month of blogging.  There have been lots of blog worthy posts, simply haven't had the energy or desire to write.  Plan and simple.  I love blogging, especially looking back through old posts and reliving moments.  Maybe it's because I'm tired? busy? lazy?  Maybe it's because of watching too much TV? playing too much Candy Crush?  Maybe it's because the weather has been gorgeous this winter, and I've spent a lot of evenings out walking with my neighbor?  Maybe it's because of all the time I've spent at the basketball gym?  I really don't know.  I'm going to blame everything from here on out to turning '40' this month - March 30.  Yep, that's it.  I'm about to be '40' and there's nothing I can do about it.  I ordered a shirt today off Amazon.  Hope it fits because according to the size chart, an XL is equivalent to a size 8?  Weird.  I don't care because I used my points, and it was super cheap.  I got an updated passport for my birthday because my brother-in-law and sister are flying Matt and I to Cancun for a few days of all-inclusive fun.  I've never been to Cancun and am beyond excited!  Got to lose a few pounds so I can gain a few pounds, know what I mean?!?  I'm getting ahead of myself though and the goal of this blog was to highlight some Deaton happenings...

Isaac got to hang out with some of his pals and play laser tag in Nashville.  He's looking pretty fierce with his crew.

 Miles had a virus on Valentine's Day (and the day before) so he didn't get to go to school.  Our sweet neighbor Laila (who is also in his class) brought over his box and goodies to cheer him up.  Matt and I spent the evening in Logan County at the high school watching Karson play JV for South - a hot date!  South's coach asked the 8th grade starters to participate in the last few weeks of practice and games at the high school.  I'm looking forward to seeing some more high school action next winter.  Her middle school team (below) had their banquet in February.  You won't find a sweeter group of girl athletes on any team!  Guaranteed!  They all love each other and work well together.

 

Karson her Advertising Design Team (Jr. BETA) came in 2nd place at the state convention and qualified for Nationals - meaning a trip to Disney is happening this summer.  If any blog readers out there want to donate to my depleted checking account, please feel free.  I'm happy for her and the team and know it will be an exciting, memorable trip.

 

Speaking of trips...in a few short weeks, Matt, Karson and I will travel with about 70+ high school juniors to Boston for the APUSH trip.  Lots of flying for me in the next couple of months!  I find it strange that I haven't flown in a while, and all of sudden, I'm flying to Cancun, Boston and Disney, all within a few months. 

 Have I mentioned I'm going to be an aunt again?  Andrew and MacKenzie are having a baby girl in August.  She will join the Deaton-side of the family along with our favorite 1-year old on the planet - Mae Kathryn - who will turn 2 in August (she's John and Laura's daughter).  I miss the kids being small like Mae.  She is PURE joy to be around.  The kids adore her and we are always eager to babysit.  She's a reminder that 'yes' I'm '40' and about to have a high school freshman and middle schooler this fall & only two more years at Plano with Miles.  Ugh!?!  The days are long but the year's are short.  

Hug your babies!  Before you know it, they'll be taller than you, drinking wine and carrying purses.  Make Isaac's day and like his video's on Youtube!  He's trying to make it big y'all!

 

Miles is addicted to roller skating.  He went to a birthday party two weeks ago and is hooked.  I'm not sure if it's the actual skating or if he enjoyed being the only boy at the birthday party =).  He's a ladies man, what can I say?  His "friend" Ariel invited him to her birthday party, and they were inseparable the whole time.  She's a professional skater, and he could barely keep from falling multiple times in one lap.  He wanted to meet up with her last weekend, but she couldn't make it.  He, however, went again.  Best $6 spent for three hours of entertainment.  Isaac went too and had a blast but got a huge blister.  Miles is already asking me about this weekend.  I might have a future speed skater on my hands.  However, I'm ready to see him get back into golf.  I think he's forgotten how much fun it is and how good he is at it.  I'm hoping Matt will sign him up for some tournaments this summer.

Until I blog again....

Water Bottles

A funny thing happened at Phil Moore Park last night.  Isaac's team played in the semi-finals and had a game scheduled for 6 PM.  Two semi-final games were supposed to happen simultaneously on both Court 1 and Court at PMP.  However, once we arrived at the park,there were only one set of officials, meaning one group would have to wait to play until 7:15.  It was mayhem with four basketball teams warming up to play and not knowing who was playing first.  Boys and basketballs everywhere. 

When I walked in I noticed a water bottle that looked almost identical to Isaac's laying directly under the basketball ball just waiting to be knocked over or there for someone to trip on. 

It looked like this...

I scooped it up thinking it was his and proceeded to the stands.  After a few minutes I called him over and sternly asked "why did you leave your water bottle right under the goal while everyone was warming up (something he would totally do)?"  He said, "I didn't, mine is under our bench and pointed it out to me."  Embarrassed I jumped up and took the water bottle back to the area it was in (but off the court a little).  Minutes later I noticed it was gone - guess the rightful owner found it.  Around half-time, Matt comes over to me and asks if I've seen Isaac's water bottle.  He said, "it was right next to my jacket and now it's gone."  Are.you.kidding.me?  PMP is packed and the two teams that were supposed to be playing on the other court (along with their families) were all crowded on our side.  There were some boys playing around on the other court so I walked over there to take a peek and see if someone had picked Isaac's up by mistake (like I had).  There were TWO that looked almost like (the one above and the one below) his but both had names written on them - otherwise, I probably would've grabbed 'em. 

I don't see it anywhere and head back to the stands.  I figured it would show up after the game when the other two teams started warming up.  I'm sure another mom picked it up thinking it was her son's.  Our game ends and the next two teams start warming up.  I don't see it anywhere.  I decide to go look in the office and at the front desk to make sure no one left it one of those places - nope.

 I assume it's gone but decided to call PMP this morning to see if the had any water bottles in their lost and found this morning.  Lo and behold, the lady I spoke with said yes it's one of those insulated water bottles.  I told her I was certain it was mine and was on my way over there.  This is what his looks like (below)

I'm glad there are other mothers out there probably scolding their sons for being irresponsible with their water bottles (when in fact, they aren't).  Hah!  Thought it was too funny not to blog about. Okay, okay, so they don't look SUPER similar but have the same general color scheme.  I guess it need to get the next water bottle in some crazy, bright, unpopular color to set it apart from the others.