Friday, February, 27

* Background Music: 

"One Day Like This" by Elbow.  Babe, one thing that I adore about  you is that you always laugh at my repeats. :)

Project 365:

The drive back home, from Valu's school this morning was amazingly beautiful. Crisp cool breezes...blue skies...amazing scenery. I couldn't help but roll down the windows and let the wind rustle my hair as I turned up the volume and belted out this tune. Definitely, a beautiful day!! .......But, the VERY best part of today, is..... Ki comes home tonight. :)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  My daddy is home!!!

Valu:  Grateful to have my 'full' family together.

Mom:  Do I even have to say it? When Ki walked out of the airport tonight my lungs took in a huge amount of air. I didn't realize until that moment that my breathing had been so shallow. I actually breathe better when Ki is around.  sigh. :) So grateful that he had a nice break, and grateful that he returned safely.

Dad:  So grateful to be home. There is no place I would rather be. 

Thursday, February 26

* Background Music: "You Surround Me" by Erasure Babe, every time I hear this song it takes me back to when we were dating...long walks on the beach...star gazing at Turtle Bay...such wonderful memories. I have treasured every day with you. :) 

Project 365:

Keenan adores his 'clone trooper guys'. They are his go to toys. His very, very favorite. In December, when I called him by name-- he would ignore me.  When I would walk over to him and ask, "Dude, can't you hear me calling you? " He would say, "I'm not Keenan, I'm clone trooper guy." sigh. These little guys bring him hours of happy play. I love how he will even hum the Imperial March song as he poses them or has them fly on galactic machinery. Looks like Star Wars has won over another Ramanlal boy, right Valu? :)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  I really love my daddy. 

Valu:  Grateful that my mom cooks good food. Seriously, not everyone does, you know!

Mom:  Grateful for tender mercies...my Mele experience.

Dad:  So grateful for my precious family, extended too.

Wednesday, February 25

* Background Music: "Can't Get You Out of My Head" by Kylie Minogue.  -- Not only are the lyrics PERFECT...Kylie is from the land down under.   

Miss you, Babe. :)

Project 365:

Goodbye beautiful blog couture. It's been fun, but off with the old and on with the new, eh?! :) 

House of 3 is having a house warming party this weekend. And to start off the fun they are giving away blog couture. If you post a link with your blog decked out in their FREE goodies....you are entered into a giveaway. Check out their blogs for more info: Heidi, Rhonna and Janet. These woman are creative gurus in my eyes. I am really excited about their new collaboration. I love their fresh ideas and find great inspiration and enthusiasm in their art. I used their digital goodies to create this valentine book...and these too. -- I even put one of their funky frames on the photo above... So fun to dabble in delicious digital delights.

 --- I need to get to bed. You know you are tired when you think constructing a sentence full of words that start with the same letter...is extremely clever.  :}

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Loved talking to my daddy on the phone. I miss him.

Valu:  Grateful for my Mom. Thank you for always taking me to and fro. You are the best.

Mom:  Grateful for creative minds who share their talents and instruction. 

Dad:  (via NZ)  Grateful to have a supportive wife and family. Thank-you.

Tuesday, February 24

* Background Music: "Somebody" by Depeche Mode

Babe,

I haven't listened to this song for a decade or more, and just recently rediscovered it. I fell in love with this song in high school.  I spent a good amount of time rewinding this song over and over on my walkman, so that I could write down the lyrics and memorize them. I may have even cried listening to this song--hoping one day I would find a love like the one described in this song......It's like you were created from the description in my teenage journals. How is it that you keep living BEYOND my expectations? 

You gave me this darling plaque for Valentine's Day last year. Even though you have given me many elaborate and exquisite gifts, this one may be my favorite. I can't help but smile every time I see it, which is several times a day. I love the symbolism behind it. I love the little family tree relief in the corner. I adore how this family is encircled by the fathers arms. This replica is indicative of the way you lead our family--with gentle, loving care. You are undoubtedly the leader of our family. Your power has been earned by the tender care that you enable all of us with. You honor your responsibilities and never take advantage of your power. I have always been amazed at how you keep your ego in check. How I adore this about you. I have always felt an equal partner in our marriage. You value and respect my opinion. Together we can accomplish anything. I am so grateful that our boys have you as a role model. So grateful!! 

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Love making friends at the playground.

Valu:  Have I mentioned how much grateful I am to come home after a long day at school? Because I am. Grateful.

Mom:  So grateful for a husband who honors his marriage covenants.

Dad: (via New Zealand) So grateful to be in NZ with family. Nothing like reuniting and solidifying family ties.

Monday, February 23

* In reference to the background music: Could the lyrics be any more perfect? (song: "Lucky" by Jason Mraz)

Project 365:

Kivalu sent these photos from Vanuatu. And to be honest...they help me appreciate the fact that I am not with him. :)

Lunch at the local market.

Hopefully, this tastes better than it looks. 

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: My school friends are my favorite.

Valu:  Grateful that I do not have any homework.

Mom: Grateful for Kivalu's magic jack. The clarity is amazing. 

Dad:  (via Vanuatu) So grateful for this blog. Looking at the pictures and listening to the music makes me feel soooo loved and helps with my homesickness. I love you all.

Sunday, February, 22

* music will be accompanying my posts this week to heighten the melodrama as I pine for my man. lol (song: : "Jessica's Theme" from the Man From Snowy River soundtrack)

Babe,

"The Man From Snowy River" is one of my all-time favorite movies. I can still remember the smell of the movie theatre as I sat mesmerized by what was on the screen. I had never been so moved by cinematography, music and romance. Oh, the romance! I was only 12 years old when I saw that movie. But at 12, I knew I wanted to marry a Jim Craig. I wanted to marry a humble, dignified man with a sexy accent. And...I knew I wanted to live in a place like Snowy River. A place with gorgeous mountains that clouds would roll over and partially cover. 

The first time my feet landed on this beautiful island I felt at home. When I came to BYU-Hawaii and saw the mountains behind the school, I think I actually gasped. Here were my 'Man From Snowy River' mountains. At that moment, I knew I could live here forever. What about my Jim Craig? My cynical heart decided that he didn't exist years before I even came to Hawaii. But guess what my love? You are my Jim Craig. You are one of the most humble, dignified men I know. And your sexy accent actually makes me a bit weak in the knees. -- I actually loved you before I met you.  --  How does it feel to be so adored? 

Love you, Babe!

I don't think I ever shared this story with you. But, when I took this photo of my Snowy River Mountains the memories came flooding back. 

Project 365:

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Gwateful that I love my brudder. 

Valu:  Grateful for Sister Enesa. She spends a lot of time on her lessons.

Mom:  Grateful that I listened to the yearnings of my heart and came to school here in Hawaii. That decision was one of the most pivotal decisions I have made. 

Dad:  Grateful that my wife said, YES.

Saturday, February, 21

Babe, these photos are for you. Hope you have fun sharing them with the family. Give them our love. -- We miss you!

BTW, keep the cursor off the screen and the photos on the side will disappear in a few seconds. Trust me. ;)

Love you!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

All photos were taken by our amazing photographer and friend, Tara Whitney. Check out her website and her inspiring blog too.

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: Staying up late and watching a movie.
Valu: Laughing hard while watching "Kicking and Screaming".
Mom: So fun to watch a movie with the boys. I love to hear their giggles.
Dad: (via-Vanuatu) Aloha Lover, I love these pictures. I am extremely grateful for you and your love and adoration. I miss you a lot. Thank you for taking time to do this blog. I love it more than you ever know. I especially love you.

Friday, February, 20

Project 365:

Yes, that is my main squeeze "leavin' on a jet plane". I already miss him. -- Prepare yourselves for gushy posts this next week as I pine away for my man.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Grateful that Daddy is going on an "aerplane"-- he can't drive on the ocean, right?

Valu:  Thankful for my friends. 

Mom:  Grateful that Ki doesn't have to go on many business trips. So grateful. When he leaves I often think of the many military families who are separated for many months and have to live with uncertainty. I am truly so grateful for their sacrifices.  True Heroes.

Dad:  Enjoyed listening to Keenan talk to himself as we drove to the airport.  A cute conversation between him and ( ?) discussing his Dad's trip to Tonga.  (Even though I am really going to Oz and NZ.) Such a cute kid.

Thursday, February 19

Project 365:

How cute are his cheeks?

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Blowing bubbles is soooo fun. Don't run (where you spill your bubbles)--bubble juice is slippery.

Valu:  Grateful that I finished my homework  quickly. More time to play.

Mom:  Keenan had a bit of a stomach bug this morning and stayed home from school. We spent the morning snuggling. How I loved the snuggling. Keenie is not one to sit still-ever! So, without sounding like a parent suffering from Munchausen's, I quite enjoy sick days. Sick days are actually very rare around our home.  The boylies have amazing immune systems -- and for this, I am profoundly grateful.

Dad:  An extremely gratifying work day--so thankful for my networking associates.

 

Wednesday, February 18

Project 365:

Hey Valu--I actually got a picture of you. :)

Gratitude Journal:  

Keenan:  I had a 5 star day and got a clone wars trooper guy. My favorite.

Valu:  I still love taking piano lessons.

Mom:  Grateful for car seats that secure my littlest boy from flinging himself from the moving car. Seriously!

Dad:  Today I am just grateful to be a part of my family.

Tuesday, February 17

Project 365:

A little trampoline fun.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Love my school buddies.

Valu:  Grateful that I have a dad that will wrestle with me on the tramp.

Mom:  Grateful that we have a trampoline to help release boy energy.

Dad:  Grateful that I haven't broken my neck YET on the trampoline.

Monday, February 16

Project 365:

The temple has been sandblasted--and all the windows are being replaced.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Having my daddy home.

Valu:  I love school holidays.

Mom:  Rainy days and Mondays always make me...smile.

Dad:  A nice relaxing day.

Sunday, February, 15

Project 365:

I didn't forget the little Keys. These are the Valentines that I made for the boylies. I got the idea from Ho3.  Everything is CUTER little. 

Credits: Listed on the Feb 14 post. :)

This photo shows the size difference between the 

lil' boy books and the manly book.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Hot Chocolate is my favorite.

Valu:  Enjoyed watching home movies.

Mom:  My heart ached a little as we watched home movies. My babies were/are the CUTEST. I miss those plump widdle cheeks. When did my babies get so big. -- So glad we have these memories recorded. 

Dad:  Loved watching our movies. Love this family. What more could a man want? -- Nothing, absolutely nothing!

Saturday, February, 14

Project 365:

Spent the day making valentines. So fun! I haven't created anything in a LOOONG time. Here is the valentine I made for my main squeeze.

Credits: All goodies used are from House of 3, except for some cardstock that I had in my stash. Valentine Book Kit, Ho3 Frames Kit, Heart Attack Brush Kit, Be Mine Valentine Kit, Free Valentine Coupons. One of the things I love about digital elements is that I can use them over and over. Once I realized the versatility of this book, I purchased their book template so that I can make other books using different papers. I love the endless possibilities. Thanks Hof3.

All photos were taking by the brilliant Miss Tara Whitney.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Lego games are the best.

Valu:  Enjoyed a lazy day of game playing.

Mom:  Babe, thanks for entertaining the boys so I could have a blissful day to myself. It was divine. I need to be more mindful of the importance of creative expression. It is good for the soul.

Dad:  Had a blast just being with my boys. Lover, your valentine touched my heart. 

Friday, February, 13

Project 365:

V-day goodies for Keenie's class.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Eating lots of candy.

Valu:  Loved that Keenan made me a valentine cup of goodies--so thoughtful.

Mom:  Had a wonderful Valentine Date with my man. Reminisced about past V-days. On our first V-day Ki gave me our darling little pup,  To'i. How we loved that dog! So fun to skip down memory lane. Thanks for the great memories, Babe.

Dad:  Every day seems like a holiday with my lover -- I am the luckiest guy alive. 

Thursday, February 12

Project 365:

Keenan's pre-school went to the zoo today. The giraffes were the crowd pleaser.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  The zoo was cool.

Valu:  So grateful to be taking piano lessons. I am really enjoying it.

Mom:  Love that there are so many unique species to enjoy. There is something very therapeutic about just watching animals "be".

Dad:  Thankful for yummy food--especially, corn beef stew.

Wednesday, February 11

Project 365:

Had a special Valentine's Day Lunch with Keenan at his school. The pizza tastes the same as it did 30+ years ago.-- Bisquick crust is so gross. Why do they continue to torture the poor kids? 

Well, at least I had a cute date. With a cutie like Keenie by my side, who cares about the food.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Loved having my mommy come and eat with me.

Valu:  Good to be back at school-I don't like work to pile up.

Mom:  So fun to have a date with my littlest. I need to do this more often.

Dad:  Grateful that my wife instigated this Gratitude Journal--I am much more aware of my blessings.

Tuesday, February 10

Project 365:

Pondering over this quote today. 

This is how I try to live my life.

Thanks Grandma Page.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  I love Headstart Preschool.

Valu:  Loved having another day off from school.

Mom:  Loved having another day with Valu all to myself.

Dad:  When we are united as a couple we can accomplish anything. So grateful.

Monday, February 9

Project 365:

Keenan wrestling with his daddy. 

Valu, it sure would be nice if you would let me take a picture of you every once in awhile.  ;)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Playing at the beach.

Valu:  No school. Yippee!!  (The school was fixing a water pipe prob--it will be closed tomorrow too.)

Mom:  Hangin' with Valu today--loved the one-on-one.

Dad:  Enjoyed our FHE on the Restoration.

Sunday, February 8

Project 365:

This is Kivalu's new toy. A NuWave convection oven. lol. It's a little known fact that Ki is a sucker for infomericals. He usually gets sucked into their enticements on Saturday afternoons while surfin' on the TV. Here are a few of his other impulsive purchases:

The Newspaper Grill - This little stinker was enviro friendly but made the food taste like--newspaper. Gross.

The Buttoneer - A handy little item that was greatly needed because his wife never gets around to sewing on buttons. -- Clever, but most buttons fell off after they were washed.

The Sandwich Maker:  A decent little grill--but it ended up rusting in the back of the cupboard.

National Geographic Wildlife DVD's: Actually a great purchase!! WTG, Babe.

Various Exercise Equipment: I think one may have been a thigh master. lol. 

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Being with my friends at church.

Valu:  A nice relaxing day.

Mom:  Mark Bales brought by some of his famous chicken soup. Delish. Love the simplicity and nurturing qualities of good soup. Yum. -- And grateful for friends who bring us yummies.

Dad:  This has been a long day. So grateful to be home.

Saturday, February, 7

Project 365:

These little darlings are a momma's best friend. My sister keeps a dainty little bottle of purell in her purse to sanitize her girls' hands. Mothers of boys know that her dainty bottle may sanitize but it doesn't wash away the grime and goobers that are all over their sons' hands. These wipes get the goo and sanitize too. I love 'em. LOVE. I keep them in the car, beach bag and in the boys' backpacks. I even carry a larger than necessary handbag so that I can keep a stash with me at all times. -- I just wish they made these in a body-size towelette. :)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  FoodFest!  FoodFest!  sung in a darling little tenor voice.

Valu:  Love trying new foods at FoodFest.

Mom:  I slept in today. -- Keenan was up before 7am. Thank-you, Babe. You are the best!!

Dad:  Grateful to have a wonderful companion. We make an excellent team. Together we can accomplish so much in a short period of time. 

Friday, February, 6

Project 365:

This little beauty is Kivalu's favorite new toy. He got it for Christmas from his most favorite person in the world. Me. -- It is an infrared grill that heats up quickly and cooks amazingly. Why? I don't know why. But my man can cook ferociously on this little gem. Tonight we hosted a little get together with some friends. (No, I didn't take any photos--sure wish I did). Kivalu cooked enough flesh to feed 50. Seriously. Our 14 guests took home HUGE doggie bags. :) -- Babe, I hope your love of grillin' lasts forever. But, maybe we could work on the quantity part. 

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: I love playing at Trysta's house.

Valu:  I saw for myself the effects that sugar has on Keenan. He goes ballistic. Grateful that my mother keeps sugar away from the dude.

Mom:  Grateful for friends and an evening of child-free adult conversation. Delish.

Dad: Nice to socialize. I need to do it more often.

Thursday, February 5

Project 365:

A monk seal in front of Keenan's school.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Grateful for a day of playing.

Valu:  I love coming home after a long day of school. No place like home.

Mom:  Grateful for a DVR  full of recorded shows to watch. I have a lot of laundry to fold tonight. 

Dad:  Nothing like playing with your kids to shake off a stressful day.

Wednesday, February 4

Project 365:

Hey Dude!  Look up -- gotcha!

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  No nap today. Yeah! 

Valu:  Grateful for P.E. today--I don't have it on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mom:  So touched by Valu's manava 'ofa (seeing a need and doing it without being asked). As I was getting Keenan showered and ready for bed--Valu put away all of the shopping from Costco. It was a lot of work. Wow! Thank-you sweet boy you made my day--my week--my year. :) I can't stop smiling from your thoughtfulness. 

Dad:  Felt an overwhelming amount of love and gratitude for my family this afternoon. I am the luckiest guy in the world.

Tuesday, February 3

Project 365:
Thought I would share some of my little quirks. -- I usually like to keep my fridge free of magnets and adornments. Clutter drives me nuts. But, I do keep up an inspirational piece (or 2) on our fridge. These 2 are from The Foundation For A Better Life. I love this photo of Edison. Love his scruffy face and smilin' eyes. I marvel at his big hands--how can big mitts like his handle fine filament? Pictures really are priceless.

Even though I detest clutter--I still succumb. Notice, the side of my fridge. This portion of my fridge is not easily visible since it is next to a wall. Here is where I put all the things that need to be sorted--school calendars and forms that need to be filled out. Our daily supplements are here too--hidden from view.
In truth, I am a closet clutter bug . -- Which would also explain my messy closets. :)

Gratitude Journal:
Keenan: I love eating fish.
Valu: I am grateful that I switched Kumon Centers. Not only are my new Sensei's nice, they are also very knowledgeable.
Mom: Cool morning breezes that sweep thru my home and energize my soul.
Dad: Grateful for knowledgeable accountants. They have saved me amazing amounts of stress, time and money. So nice to be able to delegate responsibilities into trusting hands. So grateful.

Monday, February 2

Project 365:

We had crepes for a FHE treat. You can see by Keenan's face and shirt 

that blueberry is his favorite.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Re-watching SB commercials.

Valu:  Having my cheeks hurt from laughing so much.

Mom:  Had an IEP mtg. with Keenan's teachers. Extremely grateful for their care and dedication. 

Dad:  Hanging with my boys this afternoon--a fun 2 hr. car ride, grocery shopping and a stop at the Ice Cream Parlor.

Sunday, February 1

Project 365:
Truth be told, we are not huge football fans. But, we do love Super Bowl Sunday --- LOVE THE ADs.

Keenan's Favorite: We were wondering why the grocery store gave us 3D glasses..sure glad they did......Yes, the 3D even works on computer screens. Hurry...run and get your 3D glasses.

Valu's Favorite: He "loses it" when the poor koala gets punched.


Kivalu's Favorite: Hee Hee.


I am easily amused and couldn't pick a fav--so here are all of them:



Gratitude Journal:

Keenan:  Watching TV on Sunday. :)

Valu:  Watching SB commercials -- so fun.

Mom:  Laughing until my head hurt.

Dad:  Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

p.s. I realize that my blog layout is messed up (side bar is on the bottom) -- but I don't know how to fix it. I am hoping that the computer fairies will work on it tonight while I sleep. -- Yes, this is what I expect to happen in my little world. Don't you?

...edited...Thank-you computer fairies. I will never stop believing.