Am I the only one going through headaches after over eating sugary treats during Christmas?  Oh, the agony...  It hasn't seemed to affect my son Alaka'i or my nieces much... although... they were quite rowdy yesterday after all the sweets they consumed from Alaka'i's birthday and Christmas.

It's been a crazy, fun couple of days here in our home though... I didn't take many photos because I was so busy prepping for the birthday and for Christmas.  I literally stayed up 24 hours straight wrapping everything and putting together all of the bikes for the kids and a Disney car I bought my nieces to drive around in.  Perhaps that contributed to my "holiday hangover" more than anything else.  I was lucky enough to catch some sleep after the morning presents were all opened and boy oh boy did I need it!!


I miss the days where I had an endless supply of energy like my silly son and nieces do.  Up and down the run and fall and recover so quickly.  Meanwhile, merely watching them play seems exhausting to me! haha.  


Here are some photos from Alaka'i's birthday celebration at home.  He got to spend the day at Dave & Buster's with some friends playing games but we had a quiet family night at home with cake and ice cream.  What a wonderful day.  My boy is growing up before my eyes so quickly I can barely keep up!

One of my favorite blogs, Simply Heavenly Food, shared her recipe for the yummiest Stollen which is a bread that is full of fruits and other yummy ingredients.  It's utterly delicious and I thought I'd share it with all of you. 



Martha Stewart said:

Stollen's richness is similar to that of brioche, but dried fruit makes it sweeter and gives it a more interesting texture. Serve this rich holiday treat in thin slices as breakfast bread or with afternoon tea. Like fruitcake, stollen improves with age and can be made up to three weeks in advance.

Here is the recipe: .... To read the rest of this recipe, click HERE! 

E L E V E N.... yeah.... eleven years ago today at 11:29 PM, the greatest gift from God I've ever gotten came into this world after 3 long days of agonizing labor.  Alaka'i, my son, my inspiration, my love was born a half hour before Christmas eve, a whopping 10 lb 4.8 oz 25 in long little boy came into my life and changed it forever.  There is not a day that goes by that this boy doesn't bring me joy and love.  He truly is a gift from God, the perfect Christmas gift that I get to enjoy 365 days a year.  My smart, sweet, talented, strong, and amazing boy has always been a giving soul and even now, inspires me with his kindness and generosity towards others.

As I go off to church this morning to celebrate the birth of Jesus and then go to a little party to celebrate the birth of my son Alaka'i, I just wanted to make a short and sweet little post to my little man.  Once so small is now so tall that he is catching up to me and soon will surpass me and be looking down at me from above.  Take care, my love.  I am so thankful and happy and honored to have you as a son.

Hau`oli lā hānau Me ka aloha pumehana,  (that means "Happy Birthday with all my love and warm regards" in Hawaiian)

Mommy

Did you and your kids bake anything?  Share your posts about what you baked in the comments below and link to it!! I have to come by and check it out.

I hope you all have the loveliest of weekends!  Come link up with our Aloha Friday (all weekend long) Blog Hop + Giveaway {Here} if you haven't already!!

Aloha,

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The Aloha Friday Blog Hop is more than a "Friday" hop, it's a way to share aloha and friendship to our fellow bloggers all weekend long!!  I consider this particular blog hop to be more of a weekend hop because Fridays are so hectic that a lot of people function on what we like to call "Hawaiian Time" here in Hawai'i which means they link up on Saturday or sometimes even Sunday which is just fine and dandy with me!  That's why I keep it open from Friday through Wednesday because I sincerely believe, the more the merrier!! 

Aloha Hoapili translates as Hello Close Friend. So, without further ado let me introduce you to this week's featured friend ...

Stefani blogs all about family life and good living, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. Want a little taste of her blog? Check out these posts to find out what you've been missing: Wedding Night Stories A Guidebook for PMS Easiest Bread Ever
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While I was cleaning up the aftermath of my son and niece's cookie project- more on that later... I heard Dr. Phil read such a beautiful and moving poem on air about Sandy Hook Elementary School.  I don't normally watch much tv because I'm always working or busy but it was on and I'm so happy it was.  It was a re-crafted version of the classic holiday poem, 'Twas the Night before Christmas, shared by viewer Trina, and written by Cameo.  I must confess that I sobbed as I heard Dr. Phil and his wife read it aloud but at the same time, the words so eloquently written in the poem comforted me.

I just wanted to make a short little post to share this poem and the video with all of you and hope that it touched you all as much as it touched me.  My heart goes out to the families of all those deceased, especially the parents of those precious babies.  I believe that they are with Jesus now, in heaven, without pain or worry.  I don't know any of these people but for some reason, this tragedy has greatly affected my life.  Oh how I wish I could wrap my arms around all the grieving parents and comfort them, how I wish I could rewind time and bring their babies back to them...

You can donate to honor the victims and their families.

Newton Youth & Family Services

Here is the poem written out for all of you.  Cherish those you love.  Hold them tight and let them know how much they are loved.

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Where did the time go?  What happened to my little guy?  It was just me and him against the world and in 7 short years he will be venturing out into the world on his own finding his way (though I'll always be right there in the wings when he needs me).   This bright light, this beautiful gift from the Lord is going to leave me in yet another wink, another dash of time that will fly by too quickly.  How lucky I am to have this light, this love, this pure source of joy in my life.  I don't deserve such a wonderful son but boy oh boy, am I thankful that I got him.  It hasn't always been the easiest ride for him or for me, but it's the one thing in my life I would never change, not for all the money in the world.

Alaka'i, if you ever read this when you're older and on the web, know that I love you more than words can say... I always have and I always will.  I am so proud of you, you are the greatest source of joy and love that I have ever known and I just want you to know how amazing you are and how thankful I am to be your mommy.  I believe in you, you have the potential to realize all your dreams and more.  Stay strong, persevere and always trust in the Lord.  I love you my Alaka'i.

Love always,

Mommy