God's Love...

I took this photo, on my way home from my daughter's soccer practice one day.  

Whenever I see the rays coming through the clouds like that, I always think about God's love. Always shining through the storms and struggles of life, He is always there to guide you, to lift you, to be there for you. Love unconditionally.

Mokulele mino'aka a me honihoni

Aloha Kakahiaka!  Happy Aloha Friday!

I was going through my emails and came across this wonderful memory of my Mokulele.  He was so small and adorable!  I can't believe how tiny he was!  And those fingers!  

I can still remember how animated he was and so very pili to me. He's now 5 and a half years old and not so tiny...but still can be very pili. :) 

I have to thank my wonderful sister, once again for this beautiful memory.  She captured a moment in time that I will always have etched in my mind forever!  Here's her professional website - Hokuli'i Images.  Check it out!  It's worth every moment.

So who went????

It was a blast to go out and just hang with the coaches at the Pan Pacific Tournament.  Here we are, at the half the 2nd game.  

I think we have a bunch of great coaches.  

And I don't care, that WAS a PRETTY PASS!!!!

Pan Pacific Tournament - Day 1

Went to the Pan Pacific Tournament last night.  Mahalo to Coach D for the comp tickets from your bro!  We had great seats, although the drama behind us were annoying, AND they had no clue what soccer was all about...  Anyway, first game was LA Galaxy vs. Gamba Osaka.  Even with Beckham, they still lost, 1-0.  Second game was the Houston Dynamo vs. Sydney FC.  The Dynamos won 3-0.  IMUA Brian Ching!!!

D.A.R.E. Grad

Yesterday, Thing 2 had her DARE Graduation.  They even did a skit, showing how drinking and driving is sooo not good for you!  Here she is with Officer Hytry.

Sunset Beach...

So my daughter had a soccer game over at Sunset Beach this past Saturday.  What a beautiful drive and a gorgeous mountain view these people have every day!  Thing 2 took the beach photo - Waimea Beach - while driving back home.  Yup, moving car action!!!

The Great Aloha Run - Leahi Style

Today was the Great Aloha Run.  I haven't been to that since back in '96 I think.  Our daughter was a year and a couple of months old.  Since then, I had no need to do it again!Anyway, here we were, with the Leahi Soccer Club.  The girls had loads of fun!  We all got wet!  Players, Coaches, Parents.  If you were there, you went home with squishy feet and a wet t-shirt and shorts!  You can see the before and after photos how COLD they were too!

Stardust the movie

I want to thank my friend Kaliko for sharing this movie with me.  I really love it!  I've discovered two quotes from Claire Danes (who plays the North Star).  I'd like to share these quotes with you:

"My heart feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it doesn't belong to me anymore. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange. No gifts, no goods, no demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you love me too. Just your heart in exchange for mine."

and

"So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable. And well, strangely easy to mistake for loathing."

Mokulele

Here's one of my favorite photos that my sister - Ger - took of my son, Mokulele, when he was 3 years old.  At the time, he was soooo into Spiderman (not that he isn't still), he had all kinds of spiderman outfits.  The one shown, has webbed arms.  He was chasing the ducks and flapping his arms.  Yeah, it was funny.

Then some of us Moms, went over to Dave & Busters and had a couple of drinks.  Thank you Keri, Laura, and Jill for taking care of me this evening! It was a blast!  We must do this again sometime soon!!!

Leahi Movie Night and Us Moms

So tonight we were supposed to go to the movies "Step Up 2" over at the Ward Theaters.  The group above are the girls that attended this shin-dig.

Dream Boards...

This evening, after a day of busy-ness and soccer, our family planned a night to create our Dream Boards.  I think most people know it being called "Treasure Mapping".  We've done this for years - Jon and I.  Then our kiddies got into it.  It's amazing the kinds of goals we choose, what we want, and the skies the limit!  We each have our own creative ideas.  I'll stick in a photo as soon as I get it loaded!

Valentine's Night

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

We went out this evening - WITHOUT THE KIDDIES!  Met with our good friends Beth & Ace-son at Sushi King.  Beth LOVES this place.  Anyway, had my first 3 shots of sake.  Whoa.  The plan was to go to the movies after, but between all of us, we were so full and tired!  So, we ended up going home.

Of course, forgot to take our annual photo.  Instead, here's Beth & I.  The guys were too busy eating to take a photo together. 

HAPPY VALENTINES, Day!!!

This is my cute, pink little niece, Pua Honi Honi.  She's a Miniature Vietnamese Pot Belly Pig.

Isn't she cute?  She wanted to wish everyone on my blog a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  

If you want to see more of her, please check out her blog (yes, she has her own blog) at Pua's Posts.  You may want to subscribe to her blog as well since she's pretty darn cute!

Wishing you all a day of LOVE!

A night at Aku Bone's

Finally went to listen to Gary Krug and his wonderful group - Pilioha - play at Aku Bone's.  They are FANTASTIC.  Years ago, Jon and I went to listen to Gary and Glenn (I think) play at another bar on Nimitz.  They were just starting out, but their music was still so beautiful.  Anyway, Aku Bone's was PACKED.  I sat at the bar, had a couple of drinks, and just enjoyed the camaradarie.  Of course, one of the last songs played was Pohai Kealoha.  I looked at Gary and he knew how special that song was - Grandma & Grandpa Freitas' song. 

A Freitas Christmas

We are so fortunate that my in-laws live just one island away.  This year, they spent Christmas with us!  And of course, we can't forget our favorite canine, Lucy.  Even she's looking at the camera!  Mahalo again to my sister, Ger, for taking this photo!  

In case you missed our 2007 Christmas card...

Every year, our family creates one of the most interesting Christmas cards to send out.  This year was no exception.  Apparently, everyone looks forward to this card as well!  Thanks to the brilliant mind of Hokuli'i Images (my Sister's company), we had yet another successful take.  PRINT IT!  Wait til this Christmas...it's already in the works to produce. :)

My Family

So here we are...back in 2005.  You would think that with a photographer sister - Hokuli'i Images - I would update this photo!!!  Sheesh!!!  I need to make an appointment...

Welcome to my Blog!

Aloha Kakou!

After much encouragement from my influential older sister, Auntie Rhino, I have decided to create my own personal blog.  

Let's face it, I'm a Mom who's a fanatic about soccer, driving my kiddies around, eating dark chocolate and loving life!  

There are many people that I am ever so grateful for, I know that throughout this blog, I will get to them and express my gratitude.  But first and foremost, I'd like to thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family.  To my Jon.  Thank you for being so patient with me...ALWAYS. My Kiddies - Kawailele, Kauanoelehua, & Mokulele. I love you all so very much.  You all drive me absolutely crazy, but I wouldn't change a thing!!!  I have the best 'ohana ever!!  I know you'll see many many photos of my 'ohana throughout this blog!  And to my awesome Sister.  I have always been in awe of you.  You are the wind beneath MY wings. 

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!  Here we go....

Daisy