A little Holiday Inspiration... Love and one of my favorite quotes of all time.

We are just 24  hours away from Celebrating the Day our Christ and Savior was born.  Don't get me wrong... Christmas means so many different things to so many people... but to me - it is so much more than that.  As a child - I was taught to value and cherish each moment... because though times are tough, you will always have your love, your beliefs and your faith.  I haven't forgotten that... and teach my children that Christmas is more than just a day of presents... but a day to give thanks for all that our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us.

I am pretty lucky as an individual - I have a loving husband, wonderful sons and the support of family and friends. The love within my little family circle (myself, husband and children) is one that could overcome any obstacle... and lately, I have noticed how that very love has caused many people to be jealous and steer bad energy in our direction.  But - that hasn't stopped us from loving one another unconditionally, and our family circle is strong.  At the end of the day - sometimes, all we have is our love for one another, to get through life's many trials and tribulations.  Our Faith in God has definitely helped to move us in the right path and direction as well.

Even though many have not had the opportunity to experience such love - look around you... look at all the Love that God is giving to you - from the trees to the sky, the birds chirping... the smell of flowers.  All of those simple things we take for granted so often - are ways that God is showing his love to all of you.

Photo by Ho'onani Photography - Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

This year has been one of the most difficult.for everyone I'm sure... with our Economy on a fritz and so many people without jobs, houses and in some cases - even food... the emotional side of our lives is sure to kick in.  But - I want to remind everyone... that with a little bit of faith, hope and Love - anything is possible.  One of my favorite quotes always opens my mind and eyes during the times when I need it most.  Remembering that our faith in God, Jesus and our Love for one another will get us through the darkest times - if we believe and hold strong to that.  I will leave you with this quote and wish all of my family and friends, readers and followers... a wonderful Holiday Season.  May God bless you with all that you need and desire and that you hold your Faith and your Love close to your heart always.

Love is patient and kind,
it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited,
it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense, nor is it resentful.
Love takes no pleasure in others' sins but delights in in the truth;
it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure what ever comes.


Love does not come to an end.
There are three things that last; faith, hope and love.
And, the greatest of these is love.


- Corinthians 13: 4-8

God Bless Us All!
xoxo

The best Christmas gifts ever...

I absolutely love the Holiday Season... Christmas is my favorite Holiday and next comes Valentine's Day. ;) I consider myself very fortunate to have parents that instilled great values in me... values that remind me that Christmas is a time for giving... not for what you are receiving. Growing up - though I was not a privileged child... my parents always made sure that they provided us with something special, even if it was just a box of chocolates... or a last minute bowling ball set. lol Those memories are reminders that these times are for family and for love.

I do my best to teach my children these ways so that they cherish each moment everyday and during the Holidays and am so thankful that I have such awesome children.  My little ones are too small to understand yet, but I know my eldest will keep our thoughts and traditions alive and teach his younger brothers the true meaning of Christmas.

Here is what Christmas means to me...

My Husband... who even after 14 years, still looks at me like I am the person he fell in love with at first sight.  Who knows me inside and out... who knows what drives me, what saddens me... my strengths, my weaknesses, my happy thoughts. The man who is my Everything and my one and only BEST FRIEND!  Though I know and others may too - that I am not a perfect woman, whether physical or emotional... but My Husband treats me like I am the most perfect person in the World.  I LOVE YOU KEVIN!

My Children... When I say that I truly struggled through each pregnancy of my children - those are not burdens, but triumphs to me... because - I have 3 very beautiful and handsome boys.  My eldest loves unconditionally and has manners and respects others in such displays of affection that many adults haven't even done once in their lifetime.  He gives from his heart, always taking the time to make sure that everyone around him has for them, even if he has to go without.  Who is my biggest helper and best buddy.  I LOVE YOU KA'EO!  My Twins, who though are so young and do not quite understand... they offer me comfort when times are so tough.  Their smiles melt our hearts and provide me with a brighter outlook on life.  A child's innocence is priceless... and I'm lucky to have 3. <3

So - Christmas to me... is more than just presents or gifts... candy or food, it's a time where I get to thank our Heavenly Father for bringing me the best Family in the Whole World. I must admit - that's the best Christmas Present Ever... absolutely PRICELESS!


xoxo,

Have a wonderful week - get rid of those Monday blues...

I love the Holidays and they are so close - I can smell it in the air. ;) It seems with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, work, finances - paying bills... everything gets molded into one thing and no one remembers... that life is so much more important than living paycheck to paycheck.

Take the time today to tell someone you love them ;) You never know when you  will have another opportunity to do so... and even if you see your loved ones each day - by taking that extra second out of your day to do so...  it will help to make your crazy day go by so much faster.

Happy Monday ;)
xoxo
Honey

Because a smile is worth a thousand words... ;)

No matter how difficult the day, how trying the moment... a smile goes a long way in making someone happy or forget about all the bad things - even if just for one moment.  My children are always making me smile.  Don't get me wrong - they drive me absolutely insane and sometimes I consider checking myself into the ward... but, just a simple smile and my heart melts again and again. 

Luke is not usually easy to capture on camera without he making goofy faces. lol

Ka'eo loves his little brothers and is such a great big brother. 

The twins love their big brother very very much. ;) Awesome smiles.

Priceless.

Isaiah is our biggest goofball and a complete ham when it comes to the camera... he will stop to smile any day of the week - if a camera is involved. lol

And the goofball making faces. ;)

Brotherly love.

Hopefully their beautiful smiles and happy faces make your day an awesome one. ;)

xoxo

Honey

Date Night with my Love - celebrating 14 years together

I wanted to blog about my awesome night out with my love last night - but was busy working on I-Candy Couture's website and lost track of time.  But - I didn't forget. lol

My husband and I almost never go out by ourselves without the kiddos... so when we do - we enjoy the quite time, we talk and really enjoy one another.  We miss our babies after an hour - but, we try to make use of the time we have together ;)

We ate dinner at Sansei - one of our favorite Sushi Bars & Restaurants.  The food and service is always awesome. ;)  Here's what we ate.

Panko Crusted Ahi Sushi Roll

Rainbow Sushi Roll and in the middle of those - a lobster asparagus roll

fresh Uni sushi

shrimp tempura roll

Miso Butterfish

teriyaki steak

Shrimp & lobster Ravioli with Truffle Oil drizzle

Macadamia nut crusted fried ice cream with chocolate & caramel sauce. 

Everything was so delicious although we usually order the exact thing all the time.  I always enjoy my special time with my husband.  With the hustle and bustle of every day life... we often don't have any time with one another. I was extra excited to have this time and enjoyed my date with him.

Last but not least... the best part of our dinner...

This EXTRA HANDSOME Man! ;)

xoxo

Honey

It's Quarter after One, I'm so alone and I need you now!

I don't know what it is about this song, but since the first time I heard it, I loved it and it remains to be one of my favorites.  Obviously - the words don't completely pertain to me or my relationship... but imagining myself without my husband... I know I would turn to this song consistently.  Not to mention, when he isn't near me, I feel so lost... I am complete wreck, I can't think straight and I am always so tempted to call my husband... even if  he is only gone at 1am because he has to work... I'm nothing without him.

So - this week's "Ear Candy" is Need You Now by Lady Antebellum... Enjoy! xoxo Honey

My twins... just a few months old.

I was in trouble the moment I found out I was pregnant... They absolutely stole my heart from the beginning. ;)

Irresistible Eye Candy - Sunday Finest

Hey dolls... so here is this week's Irresistible Eye Candy. Enjoy! ;)

I took this picture a year ago of a Hibiscus in my yard.  It is one of my favorites and I still use it often as a screensaver or other because I just love it.  I love the Bokeh on this image... there is no real shape to it - but it looks like a painting of colors in the background and this hibiscus shows that there really is nothing completely perfect in this world - even if it may seem to be ;)

The photo above was taken by my husband.  Another photo that is such a beauty.  I also love the Bokeh in this photo... so delicate like a painting. ;)

The above photo was taken of my husband and my eldest son by Me in 2008.  I love that Father & Son can have a conversation with one another and each will learn from one another as well.  

Definitely  -  EYE CANDY! ;)  Besides, my hubby is HOT! lol

The above photo was taken by me at a wedding my husband and I photographed last year.  There is nothing like a stolen kiss or sweet nothings whispered in your ear.  So special and moments that we all should stop and cherish. ;)  

Hope you all enjoyed this weeks Eye Candy.  I know I did.  Stay tuned for next weeks goodies ;)

xoxo

Honey

Happy Father's Day

It is that time of year again - when we acknowledge those men in our lives that work hard and strive to direct us in in the right path.  It's Father's Day!

This is a short & sweet post... but I would love to wish my wonderful Husband of 10+ years an awesome Father's Day.  I know that he is working right now and we all wish that he were here with us - but, he is out sacrificing his time to provide for his family.  We are so lucky and so thankful for him and all he does.  And, we wish he knows this not only today but always.  Happy Father's Day my love, the love of my life, Father of my Children and my Soul mate.

And, baby... your sons send their love too... :)

Also - I would not be here today if it were not for him.  My Father - though like all dads... can drive me crazy and be a pain in my butt... I still love him with all my heart.  He has taught me many valuable lessons in my life and I am thankful that he is my daddy.  

Happy Father's Day to all of the Father's in my life.  My Husband, Daddy, Father in Law, Brother in Laws and all the others that have made an impact on me... and of course, all the rest. :) Have an awesome awesome day.

xoxo ~ Honey

Monday Inspiration - Forever Love!

Love is something that will take you to places you have never imagined.  What is it about being in love that takes us all by surprise - makes us feel utterly helpless... and simply just takes our breath away?  This feeling... always makes me seem like I'm floating on clouds - literally... and I feel superhuman - like I can conquer the World.  

I could never imagine not feeling this way forever... my World would simply no longer be in existence without this wonderful feeling.  Like butterflies flying around in the pit of my stomach - a flutter of nervousness, each and every time.  A Smile that would just melt a heart... words that are whispered in your ear... "I Love You" said over and over again without ever getting tired or old. 

Have you ever felt this way?  I surely have and currently do - FOREVER!  I refuse to imagine it any other way... or do I want it to change. I LOVE being in LOVE forever!  

I simply would not go on without My Love by my side - true love!

"I can't live in a World 

where you don't exist!" 

- Edward Cullen, Twilight Saga

Just because...

So much is going on over the next few weeks... so you may be seeing "short & sweet" blog posts from me. :)  It's not necessarily a bad thing... short & sweet is awesome.

So, I know that those of you who have befriended me on Facebook have possibly seen these photos... but it truly is some of my favorites of me & my love. I wanted to share them with all of you.

If you follow me on any of my social networking sites... you know how much my family means to me.  

My husband is absolutely AWESOME.  He has made me a better person...  he has inspired me to love life and live each moment to the fullest.  He has made me a mother to 3 wonderful boys (who can drive me crazy from time to time...lol).  I love him.  

I wanted to share these few moments with my friends...  to those that have yet to find this kind of love... don't worry - you will, and when you do - you will have butterflies all the time, just like me.  And, those that have found this kind of special love... I'm sure you know exactly how I feel every single day of my life.

xoxo

The photos above were taken by Jason Lanier Photography and edited by me. There are no copyright infringement laws broken as I was given full copyright laws by the Photographer.

Family Time...

This past weekend has definitely kept us quite busy - hence the reason why I have not blogged in a few days.  My husband's family had a "family reunion" with lots of festivities over the course of the last four days.  Needless to say... I totally did not follow my diet plan and gained a bunch of pounds - but all in all - it was good family fun. :)

We had a few opportunities to take family pictures so we capitalized on it the best we could.  It is hard to be a photographer and not able to take your own photos...

Here is a picture of my family.  The twins are making goofy faces... those little goof balls. :)

They are so peaceful when they are sleeping. :)

These little boys keep me going through out the day (and night) and thought they can tire me out completely... I wouldn't trade them (or their big brother Ka'eo) for anything in the world. :)  I took this picture this afternoon while they were taking a nap.  They fell asleep playing with their toys and when I glanced over to look at them, they were laying this way.  I thought it was so funny... I had to share it. :)  ** Brotherly Love**

Happy birthday to my son Ka'eo

Seven years ago, on this very day... My husband and I was blessed with our eldest son, Kevin Ka'eo'okamalei'okahonuakamakaniamekekai Kaho'ohanohano. Thus was a very joyous occasion for my husband and I had tried for many years to get pregnant... And when we decided to stop trying... We found out we were expecting.  While I was in labor (2 weeks overdue and had to be induced.  12 hours of labor and pain killers that NEVER worked), we decided we would call him Ka'eo for short.

Ka'eo - 3 days old, 2004

Ka'eo - 1 month old, 2004

Ka'eo - 6 months old, 2004

Ka'eo - 1 year old, 2005

Ka'eo - 1 1/2 years old, 2005

Ka'eo - 2 years old, 2006

Ka'eo - 3 years old, 2007

Photo by: Randy Jay Braun

The last few years have been such a joy. As most parents know... Whether it is your first time or your fifth... It is always a learning experience. Each year on this day I remember leaving him with my parents when he was a month old so I could go back to work. Needless to say, it was a very traumatic experience for me and I cried continuously for the remainder of the day.  Then, having to rush him to the emergency room because he fell down in the kitchen and split his chin open...  I had to be brave mommy & not show any emotion as we waiting for hours in the ER for his chin to get 12 stitches.

Ka'eo - 4 years old, 2008
Photo: Ho'onani Photography

Each minute, each day, each year... there are memories that are cherished... Watching Ka'eo get excited in 2009 as my tummy grew bigger & bigger with his twin brothers... and how he continued to talk to my belly every day. And how he held each one in his arms when he visited me and his brothers in the hospital.  Now, more than a year later... he is the best big brother any little brother could ask for. :)

Ka'eo - 5 years old, 2009

Photo: Ho'onani Photography

As I mentioned earlier...  my husband and I are definitely blessed.  Though boys will be boys and all 3 of my sons can drive me crazy once in a great while... I would never trade being their mommy for anything in the world.

So - in closing... I want to wish my darling son Ka'eo a Happy Happy Birthday.  Daddy & I wish you a lifetime of blessings and happiness and our love for you is FOREVER.  Hau'oli La Hanau e' Ka'eo.

Ka'eo - 1st Grade, 2010-2011 (6 years old, going on 7)

Photo:  Action Photo of Hawaii

Thoughts of you...

This blog post is dedicated to my one & only - my soul mate, my true love, my Kevin. <3 xoxo

I was sitting here... just reminiscing of my past and all the challenges that have led me on my journey.  While engulfed in my thoughts...  I remembered times when my honey & I would walk down a beach, holding hands... with only our love keeping us warm as the moon began to rise, and the sun set.  Such beautiful, peaceful times.  Now, don't get me wrong... it's not like I would ever change my life and how it is at this moment... not at all.  I would never change it for the whole world.  I just find myself day dreaming of what things were like when my husband and I first started dating... and then when we were newly married.  It's been over 13 years since our journey has began, 13 wonderful years... and my heart is so full - so content... that I couldn't picture it to be any other way than the path that has chosen us.

Have you ever stopped in the middle of doing something and for some odd reason... you had a thought overwhelm your entire body... that it consumed each bit of energy you had and you could no longer go back to what you were originally doing????   Well, this is exactly what happened to me - which is why I am blogging about it now.  I can't get it out of my head. :)

What was this thought, you ask...  that took over my body so hard that I couldn't continue what I was doing????
Are you ready for this?  Well, here it is:

"Have you ever had a moment in your life, where you are arguing with your honey or engaged in such deep conversation, filled with so much emotion - that any interruption would completely and utterly make the situation a miserable mess?  But, right in the middle of it... your love grabs and takes you into him, holding you so tight as if to comfort your heart & soul... and then kisses you.  The passion shared - it simply is unexplainable...  no conversations can be continued, no arguments, no heartache, nothing can return to what it was, once a kiss like this is made.  It's as if time stood still...  as if someone stopped the clock...  and the only ones moving are you and him.

From time to time, out of the blue... while in the middle of writing, editing, cooking, driving, awaking... thoughts like these pour onto me like a rush of emotion... and everything else around me seems to be lost in unfinished thoughts.  I love those thoughts...  they give me chills, goosebumps and sweet dreams...

I love my husband.  He is so special and dear to me.  Without him, I would not be who I am today - nor, would I be the wife & mommy that I am.  Thank you, my love... for loving and supporting me. :)

My life as a mother...

All mothers know the joys of such a wonderful and busy, lifelong job... Or at least I would like to think so. The challenges that children present to us are a daily reminder of how ourifs are such wonderful blessings.

Today, my son Luke... The eldest of my twins, fell down hard and hit his head on the corner of a cement block. He has a large lump on his head and some bruising and the doctor says that he will most likely have a black eye... But the CT scan came out normal and be is doing okay. I cannot believe what happened and I can only imagine how much pain my poor son has experienced today. I thank God each day that he has blessed us and watch over us.

I love being a mommy and my children are my biggest blessing.

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Ringin' in the New Year - 2011

I am so behind on my posting... so I'm sorry this is late.  If you are a friend on Facebook, I already uploaded a few of these photos there... but I wanted to share with everyone the awesomeness that my family & I had on New Years Eve, while ringing in 2011.  I wish you all a great year, filled with happiness, love and prosperity...  Yay for 2011.

The twins Luke & Isaiah sitting on the Electronic Bull for the first time. 

Ka'eo riding the bull for the first time all by himself... go cowboy!

My love and I stopping for a quick pic while enjoying our new year festivities. :)

I <3 HIM!

Prepping the Line Up... getting ready for our big show.

absolutely beautiful.

such a great site.

an awesome way to ring in the new year. :)