Ra-Ra-Sis-BOOM-Ba!!

So.... we're not asking you to become crazed, face-painted, no-shirt wearing in 25 degree weather, type of fans, buuuuuut, come check out our brand new Facebook Fan Page!!! Like I mentioned on the previous post, I was more or less hesitant on doing so. It took a few days to click the "publish" button, but I took that step of faith, and now..... TA-DA!!!

Come visit us... be a crazed fan and be on the lookout for future discussions!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

To Bruise My Ego Or Not

Ok... I'm totally stepping out on the limb on this one. I've been dancing (like MC Hammer with the big parachute pants) around the idea of creating a fanpage on Facebook. Ok.... so I've created one, but I haven't published it for public veiwing. Admittedly so, it is out of fear that NO ONE will join. And it really is out of character for me to care so much about being accepted, but I guess when it boild down to my child, my hubby, & now my biz, I'm a tad bit overprotective of it. But it's "big girl" time and I will do it, however, I still want your opinion on it. Vote on it! Should I or shouldn't it?

Kuroi Ame ~ Black Rain

We couldn't have gone back any sooner and my heart just sang when I heard where Ms. Alyssa's 7th Birthday party will be held. We'll definitely be there and not because of the venue, but because of how fabulous this little girl is. Most importantly, it's because of how fab-tastic her Momma is!

As we finished our delicious and hunger-reducing meal to the sounds of thunder, rain, and jungle creatures, we set off to the grand finale. Build-a-Bear! And this is where Aly bonded a friendship with an unsuspecting furry, forest friend. She picked out her friend herself and helped "stuff" her to her utmost comfort level. She sealed her heart with a rub and a kiss, and promised to always care for her.

We hadn't chosen the name until the day after. The name came quite easily and suited this black bear to a T. The blank spot on her "birth certificate" is now neatly written in. She is now, "Kuroi Ame". Japanese for "black rain". Black because, well, HELLO! She's a BLACK bear. And rain because it rained the night we brought her home. Heck, it was raining while we were walking to the car! Why Japanese you ask? I've always all things Japanese. They're beautiful and I hope to one day be able to visit the country of the Rising Sun with my family. To see the gentle cherry blossoms in full bloom, to eat authentic Japanese food in little hole in the wall digs, and to just marvel at the surroundings engulfing us in a beautiful way.

I've also had a thing about Geishas. It's amazing the work and studies they put into this art. It all started roughly more than 22 years ago. My Mom's office at Yamaha was decked out with these dolls. These amazing and stunning works of art. Her Geisha dolls. As a little girl visiting her at work, I was never bored because I had these colorful and elegant dolls to gaze at. When her days at this company ended, she was gifted all her Geisha dolls as a "farewell" and as a "thank you" for her many years of employment. Two of these stunners were then gifted to a wide-eyed child. Her daughter. Me!

And roughly 22 years later, they are now gazed at by another wide-eyed little girl. Aly.

Interestingly enough, after all these years, I had never named my Geisha dolls. But they are no less special because of it. Maybe one day, my daughter will name them herself.

This is not nearly as old as the other two, but special nonetheless. She was gifted to me 4 years ago for my birthday by a special friend. A sister really.

As soon as this book hit the shelves, I went out and bought it, read it, and finished it the same day.

(It's been read & borrowed many a times.)

But now we have a new and an even more special Geisha to add to the mix. Say 'hello' to, Kuroi Ame.

She may not have been around for more than 20 odd years, but already, she has earned her title as Geisha and surpassed her time as maiko.

Kampai!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Sneak Peek} ~ Cardenas Kids

To say that time has flown by, and has flown by rather quickly, is an understatement compared to seeing a couple of kids grow. And grow they most certainly have. Quite quickly!! I met them when one was 8 and the other was 3. Now he's 15 and has completely towered over me. And she's 10. A beautiful & graious 10 year old.

~~ Joaquin ~~

***Natalia***

More to come!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Client Thank You's} ~ Lauren & John

It just doesn't get any better than this. We arrive home yesterday from a shoot with one of our favorite families and what's awaiting our arrival? A dainty little package by our door step. As I approached closer and closer, my cheers of glee set of the happy meter to oblivion! Stationary. Pretty stationary. On exquisite linen paper (my favorite of all textures). And to top off my decadent make believe Paradise Cake (~ which Jorge ate, by the way....), my logo is proudly showcased on the front. Ahhhhh... pure bliss!!

As if I'm not ecstatic to the max already, I open their Thank You card, only to discover one of the photos I took of them on their session as the cover of the intricately designed card. Through the years, Jorge has known my infinite appreciation for cards. Birthday cards. Anniversary cards. Just Because cards. I love receiving them as much as I love giving them. This is definitely something I inherited from my Papa. He's an awesome card shopper. Always picking out the perfect card for the right ocassion. This card is has landed in my top 5 faves!!

Thank YOU, Lauren and John, for such an amazing time and for being the most awesome pair of lovebird models eva!!! And my gratitude for my kick-bootie logo ~~~~ WOOHOO!!!! More than words!!! (Ooh, remember that little ditty?)

Cheers!!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Sometimes, All You Need Is Love

Happy Love Day, folks! What did you crazy love birds do this fine Valentine's Day? The weather was gorgeous! Just as gorgeous as your special someone. These two elements combined must have made 2010's Valentine's extra special. I know ours was. Simple, but special. Extra special.

We started our day with church service and a pho lunch shortly followed. As we drove towards the restaurant, my Valentine and love, turned to me and said (enthusiastically!), "Who wants to go to Downtown Disney?!" I jumped with excitement and quickly yelled, " I do!!!" Aly was somewhat startled at the truimphant cheers from the front of the car, but hey, I had to get my "YES" in otherwise, I'll lose my chance. You see peeps, my hubby is not a BIG Disneyland fan. In fact, it's like driving a bent nail into cement. You just can't do it unless you painstainly drill a hole first and then force the nail through. So yes, this was a treat and a half!

(On a side note) ~ This year's Valentine's was even more romantic and heartfelt due to yesterday's healthy and biblical reminder of what a marriage entails. This was a fabulous way to start our weekend. Our teachings came from Hebrews 4:11-14 and Ephesians 5, highlighting on verse 21. Our time shared on this particular day was a gift in itself and we were the happy recipients!

Of course, what would a post be without any photos? We don't have any photos of the 3 of us together to share, but here's what our day at the free part of the "happiest place on earth" looked like.

My loves ~ my Valentines

God's Valentine for Jorge and I

Daddy's loves & Valentines

We had to take the typical tourist shot!

Our day ended in our "happiest place on earth"...

In each other's arms!

Yes sir! This year's Valentine's was special. Extra special!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Client Thank You's} ~ Nikki

Social networking... it's a crazy thing! It brings people together in this vast, large world.

We've kept in touch merely by emails and an ocassion or two, here and there, but good 'ol Facebook has bumped it up a knotch. We were high school acquaintances. Friends of each other's friends, but hardly that of a confidant or best friend. Years (how many? countless!) go by and here we are. Connecting, or reconnecting, and in closer terms... just the way I prefer it. She's beautiful inside, as she is on the outside. You're quickly drawn to her smile and sucked in to her vortex with her laughter. She's a gorgeous creation from God and her children reflect this as well.

I thank God for this relationship He has forged between us. And I thank you, Nicole, for being a Sister in Christ! I pray we continually encourage and motivate one another in all we do and to be the confidant we never were. Love ya!

Check out her little man ~ Curtis! What a cutie!!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Same Difference

As I made the bed this morning, I couldn't help but notice the differences between hubby's bedside table and my own. His is simple & sparse. A lamp, alarm clock, a decorative faux-orchid, and the remote control. The lamp is really only there to help him see in the early mornings when he wakes up to go to work. To make sure he doesn't step on one of the dogs and to ensure he's grabbing the right pair of socks. The 20 year old alarm clock (no joke... it's the same one I've had since 6th grade) is so misplaced from the rest of our decor. It's off-white and boxy and should be laid to rest. But nevertheless, it still works and is the only alarm clock he can wake up to. There's a certain sound it makes right before it turns the radio on and plays smooth jazz on 94.7, The Wave. The faux-orchid? Well, this was placed there by me because it's pretty and fits perfectly in his space. And then there's the remote control. For obvious reasons, it's on his side of the bed because he's the TV watcher in the family. It helps him to relax before shutting his eyes. I, on the other hand, can live without TV. Probably indefinitely. Which leads me to my side of the bed.

Mine consists of a lamp, a candle, the One Year Bible, a novel, a pen, my laptop, and a House Beautiful and Marie Claire magazine. The lamp is my reading and typing tool. I love light. Jorge tried to get me to use this little clip-on lamp that attaches to the book I'm reading and that didn't work out well for me at all. The candle hasn't been lit yet, but maybe one night we'll order some Posh Berries and eat it in candle light while watching a romantic comedy. We're trying to get into the Word as a couple now and we're reading a devotion before bed where we can have a discussion before prayer time. It's been going great so far and sure beats having something on TV be the last thing on our mind before going night night. A novel to help me sleep. A pen to underline a verse that pops out at me. My laptop to surf the net while Jorge watches TV (sometimes). And the magazines are temporary. House Beatiful cause the homes they choose to feature are so elegant and classy with simplistic values, with the use of non-offensive colors. Marie Claire because of the model's poses and an article they feature once a month about women and the strife, sadness, or tragedies they've experienced and overcame in life. Other than that, the rest of the magazine gets tossed into the gar-ba-sh!

Regardless of our differnces, whether it be the items we keep beside our bed or the differences in our likes and dislikes and personality, we're still the same. We're still one. Our bond in marriage cannot be separated and this is how we like it. This is how we prefer it to be. We may poke fun and at times, yes, we may annoy one another, but we're one and the same. Two pieces of wood glued together cannot be torn apart neatly. They are bonded together. If they are separated, it's a "hot mess"! Yes, I did just quote Neicy Nash from Clean House. Moving on... let's celebrate the differences we have and thank God for the hunky or beautiful piece of wood He's stuck us to!

Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.



And because I am not easily embarrassed...
Here's a quick blast from the past... Jorge & Paola ~ Circa 2004
What's up with my eyebrows??



 
~ Circa 2005
Jorge doing "sexy eyes"!

 





















Cheers!
 
Loving Hearts Captured Photography

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

Check this out peeps! I've just given birth to my second baby and married my second hubby!

Come now, people. Calm down! I would never do this to Jorge or have a miraculous birth. But now, thanks to the super-colossal awesomeness of Lauren @ Details Beyond Design, I now have an official (ROCKING) logo! Before I unveil her masterpiece, let me give you a little synopsis of how fabulous this woman is.

Lauren, exudes beauty and grace like that of a movie star from the 50's. The elegancy & obscure sultriness of Vivien Leigh. The quirkiness and innocent beauty of Natalie Wood. And the style and glamour of Audrey Hepburn. She's all this and much more. All wrapped up in a petite and stylish package. Her  astonishing style spills from within her and unto the meticulous details of her designs. And her gracious service is nothing short of EXCELLENT! You can just tell she designed and worked with a smile the whole way through.

Here she is ~ Lauren

And, drum roll please.....

It's like giving birth without the mess or pain. Only pure joy and the relief you feel knowing that your baby is here in the world.... healthy and gorgeous!

Thank you again, Lauren. You're hard work and diligence has blown away my expectations and our logo is every bit the way I wanted and envisioned it.... but waaaaay better! The way you encapsulated all the elements I wanted is phenomenal! You're delivery and execution is every sense of the word, remarkable! And your patience and endurance in putting up with my requests, unfathomable.

Thank you, thank you. With all of my heart! Thank you!

Cheers & xx,

~Paola

Loving Hearts Captured Photography