Simple, Sweet . . . Blessed Birthday!

Kamahiwa's sweet & simple birthday card for mommy.

Birthdays are special in our family!  We try to do something sweet for the birthday person.  Sometimes it's very simple - cake, ice cream, and singing Happy Birthday.  On milestone birthdays we do a birthday bash, like Kamalani's Sweet Sixteen!  Today is my birthday and I would describe it as simple, sweet, and blessed this year.

One of the sweetest things I received was a simple, yet beautiful card from Kamahiwa.  He designed it on a new computer program he learned in school called Keynote.  I love that he is learning about technology!  The words of the card were simple, sweet, and reminded me of how blessed I am.

Me and my seventh grade student, Alycea Harp.  Cupcakes for Kumu!

 My students blessed me with sweet and simple presents and cards.  Alycea brought cupcakes and I even let her smash one in my face!  She was pretty gentle!  Other students made cards, brought gifts, gave me hugs, and sang to me.  A touching moment was when I came back from getting my lunch and a line of my former Hawaiian Immersion students were standing there waiting.  As I approached, they began chanting the chant I wrote for them last year.  I was overwhelmed!  Fighting back the tears, I answered them in chant and we had a big group hug.  They had made a huge card for me that they all signed.  I was so touched that they remembered me.

Birthday blessings!

The sweetest birthday balloon!

Kepa Revelle made me a delicious cake!  That was my birthday breakfast!  My day was filled with simple gestures and sweet words filled with love!

Llewellyn took me out to dinner while the kids went to Trunk or Treat at church.  We went to Genki Sushi and then watched the movie Courageous.  It was the best movie I have seen in a long, long time.  We ended the evening gathered around my bed in family prayer.  My children wished me a Happy Birthday one last time, and then went to bed - simply beautiful!

As I end my simple, sweet, blessed birthday, I am counting my blessings, naming them one by one and reminding myself of just what God has done for me!

Sabbath Serene . . .

You know, I love going to church.  I look forward to it.  But some Sundays are very special and today was definitely one of those special Sundays.  There was anything specific that happened, I just felt the spirit very strong and left feeling spiritually fed.

My favorite hour is always Relief Society.  There's just something about a group of woman of various ages and diverse backgrounds sitting together discussing the Gospel.  I always find it to be a learning experience for me.  The kupuna (elders) share their thoughts.  The young mothers are juggling a baby on one arm and their scriptures in the other.  Teachers cry as they share their lessons.  Middle-aged women (I guess that include me, now) answer questions and share their experiences while smiling at the younger mothers who are trying to keep their toddler from banging on the piano.  In the midst of such diversity and difference, there is commonality, sisterhood, and love.  It's beautiful!

And of course, the my special sabbath day ended with great company at Sunday Family Dinner.  I went to bed tonight feeling happy and content.  Mahalo ke Akua!

Time Out For Young Women 2011

Today was wonderful!  We had our first annual Stake activity called "Time Out For Young Women".  The idea behind this activity was to give the young women and their leaders a spiritual "time out".  Life is so busy!  We are constantly going from one thing to the next - work, chores, callings, sports, activities, hobbies, parties, and more!  Sometimes, we need a "time out"!

We opened the morning making journal jars.  Everyone got a jar (the kind used when you make jams & jellies).  There were various pieces of decorative material and ribbon the girls could choose from to decorate their journal jar cover.  We had hot glue guns set up along the perimeter to help secure the decorations to the jar lids.  Then the girls got slips of paper, in the YW values colors, with a journal prompt typed out.  One slip was blank, giving them the opportunity to choose their own topic.

Journal Jars

After the journal jar activity, the girls were given "service coupons".  They had to choose a YW in their ward that they could do service for, fill out the coupon, and give it to that girl.  This was a nice way to cultivate service among the YW.

The highlight of the day was the standards activity.  Each ward was given a type of attire they had to create using newspaper.  The outfits had to meet church standards.  They had a limited amount of time to create their designs.  When the time was up, the girls came to the stage and modeled their outfit while their YW leader shared a little bit about their design.  President Yuen has music playing while the girls modeled.  It was so cute!  I couldn't believe how creative the girls, leaders, and even Priesthood were.  Below are a couple of pictures from this activity.

The Fabulous Young Women models!

Kamalani and her newspaper pants complete
with matching purse, flower head band, bracelet and buttons!

Next thing on the agenda . . . ZUMBA!  Lala Johnson from the Waiehu Ward was set up in the Gym.  She had the music going and the girls and leaders did 45 minutes of Zumba.  When Sister Wunder said it was the last song, she actually got "booed" by the crowd! LOL - Everyone was enjoying themselves too much to end!

During lunch Sister Trish (Tupou) Lavaka was our luncheon speaker.  She did a fantastic job sharing her testimony and speaking on the topic "Choices".  Her personal experiences were very touching and brought the  Spirit into the room.  While she was speaking Kamalani turned to me and said, "Mom, she's my role model!  Her and Leka!"

To close the event I had the opportunity to share with girls and leaders our idea to have a marching unit in the parade.  The girls were very enthusiastic in their response and most of them raised their hand in support.  As Stake Leaders, we were very happy to see their positive response.  Kamalani gave the closing prayer and the everyone headed to the Gym to break open the beautiful star pinata Sister Wunder had made.

It really was a wonderful day!  While Kamalani and I were at this special activity, Llewellyn and the three boys were giving service, painting Malia's house, and doing the yard of an elderly member.  How grateful I am that today, we were all following President Hinckley's counsel to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause"!    

Petitioning the Lord

Today, a good friend reminded me of an important gospel principle - petitioning the Lord through prayer.  I am a firm believer in prayer.  I pray in the morning, throughout the day, and at night.  We pray as a family and we encourage our children to do their individual, personal prayers.  In spite of my convictions about prayer, what this sweet sister shared with me really opened my eyes.  As I was talking to her about a particular situation and whether I should share my concerns with the next level of authority, she said to me, "Luana, petition the Lord.  Be specific and ask for what you feel should happen.  If we petition the Lord, He will answer our prayers."  I was humbled by her faith.  Here I was venting and a bit frustrated that nothing had been done to alleviate the situation, and here was this faithful sister gently reminding me to pray.  It made me reflect on how I pray.

I can get deep with Heavenly Father.  I unload my burdens sometimes as I pray to Him, but my friend reminded me to be specific.  To ask the Lord to make it happen.  I started to think, gee, If I am willing to go to the next level to voice my concerns and say what I think should happen, why don't I just go straight to the top, to Heavenly Father himself, and ask Him?

Sometimes we unintentionally put too much burden on our Priesthood leaders.  We forget that they are praying for answers and those answers don't always come right away.  We also forget that we can petition the Lord ourselves.  We can specifically ask for the things we need, want, or feel should happen.  We can pray for our Priesthood Leaders, that they will receive inspiration, guidance, and direction and then have the faith and courage to act upon it.  Even our Prophet - President Thomas M. Monson humbly asked us to pray for him at this last General Conference.  If he stands in need of our prayers, how much do our leaders need our prayers as well.

Lesson learned - petition the Lord!  Then, "trust in the Lord they God with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understandings.  In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5).

The Faith of Our Children

It is a busy time for the Kawa'a family!  Kamalani has waited two years to enter her first solo hula competition, Hula O Na Keiki.  Competition is now just two weeks away!  We are preparing her physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally for this special opportunity.

This picture was taken in New York City.  Kamalani is sitting at the window of our hotel room at the Westin.
This is the day I found out Kamalani would be the next Hula O Na Keiki soloist.

As she prepares, we still have three other busy children with football, Scouts, activities, music gigs, and more.  Inevitably, this can cause schedule conflicts.  For instance, Kamalei's last football game, which also happens to be Homecoming and his first game playing after a four week academic probation is the same night as Kamalani's Kahiko presentation for her competition!  Initially we encouraged Kamalei to be on the field with his team, but recently he has been having other promptings.

If you know Kamalei, he is a very unselfish person and thinks of others before himself.  He is also very reflective and contemplative.  He shared with us tonight that he has been praying about it and he feels he should be there for his sister.  Both Llewellyn and I and even Kamalani were surprised to hear him say that.  Kamalani immediately encouraged her brother to play his last game of the season, but Kamalei answered saying that he will continue to pray about it.

I really admire both of Kamalani and Kamalei.  They both have showed tremendous love for each other through the support they extend to each other.  Kamalani is in the stands every football game with hand-made signs cheering her brother on.  She is there even when Kamalei isn't playing!  Kamalei, in return, is having a hard time thinking of his sister on stage at her first solo competition without him there.  I think it really is affecting Kamalei because he has been through this competition, and won!  

Kamalei - Master Hula O Na Keiki 2008

I continue to be amazed at the decisions my children make.  I am so thankful that on their own, without us telling them to, they pray for answers to their questions.  They already have a testimony of petitioning the Lord through prayer.  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted these special, valiant, righteous spirits in our care as they are examples to me each day!

LDS Tech 101

Well, as you can see, I spiced up our blog today!  Since I am home sick and can't do much, I decided to focus on learning more about blogs and how to add your own flare.  I am still learning, but I think I did pretty good so far.

Hi, I'm Luana, and I'm a Mormon!

As I was viewing other blogs to get ideas, I browsed through some LDS blogs.  I noticed that many of them had a gadget that linked to their mormon.org profiles.  I thought this was a great idea!  I had started a mormon.org profile a while back, but never completed it.  I finished it today and now I have a pretty gadget on my blog that you click on and it links my blog readers to my mormon.org profile!  What a great way to spread the Gospel.  The mormon.org profile also allows you to link to your blog, facebook, and twitter.  It's amazing to see how Heavenly Father is using technology to share His Gospel!  Click here to create your profile!

LDS APPS

For those of you who are into phone apps, there are some great LDS apps out there. Here is a list of apps I use and highly recommend - 

• Gospel Library - provides a vast selection of LDS materials including the full quad of scriptures
• Scripture A Day - this is a widget that shares a new scripture each day
• LDS Youth - a wonderful new app with links to youth material and music
• Mormon Channel - talks, music, radio

The best part of all is that these apps are all FREE!

LDS TOOLBAR

The LDS Toolbar can be downloaded for free.  The toolbar gives you access a wealth of LDS online resources.  In adddition, the search mechanism is filtered so you will never pull up inappropriate sites when doing a search.  You can even listen to BYU Radio and other LDS stations right from your toolbar.  I found it fascinating just browsing through all the LDS sites! Click here to download the toolbar now!

May we all use technology in meaningful ways that help in our efforts to build the kingdom of God!

Righteous Youth

Righteous Youth meets "Da Green" at Teen Expo 2011.
(Kamalani, Nawai, Kamalei, and Kamaehu)

After our temple trip in March, Kamalei (Bubba) shared that he had a strong prompting to start a band.  He shared how Sister Haroldeen Ortiz had taught a lesson in Seminary about sharing your God-given talents.  She shared a personal story about not using talents wisely and losing that gift.  It made an impression on Kamalei, even thought Sister Ortiz probably thought he was sleeping through all her early morning lesson! LOL Kamalei said, "Mom, I don't want to lose my talent.  I feel like I need to share it and not be shame!"  A few weeks later, Righteous Youth was born.

In the past seven months the band has been so blessed!  They met Nawai'eha Kala, who is now one of their brothers.  They added Kamalani to the band, bringing a sweet, distinct female voice.  They lost some members along the way, but those were lessons learned.  They have gained powerful mentors.  Lukela Keala "Uncle Kela" of Ekolu has become their greatest mentor and example and through his support, Righteous Youth had the opportunity to open for the CD release party of Manali'i at Lulu's in Lahaina.


They have been blessed with many "gigs" and have started to actually get paid for their music!  Here is a list of "gigs" they have done so far:

• Graduation Parties
• Birthday Parties
• Weddings
• Family Gatherings
• Pono and Zabrie's Grad Party
• Maui Mall Talent Night
• Fourth of July Fireworks Show in Lahaina
• Teen Expo (Opened for "Da Green")
• Mahina Santiago's First Birthday
• Justin Paredes' First Birthday
• Wimberley Wedding

And that's just the past six months!  The best thing about the band is that they are all so young.  Kamalani is 16 and she does vocals.  Kamalei (Bubba) is 15 and he plays drums and 'ukulele and is the lead vocalist.  Nawai'eha is 14 and plays 'ukulele and vocals.  Kamaehu is just 13 and he plays electric and upright bass and vocals.  It's amazing to see this young talent.  They truly live up to their name, "Righteous Youth" in their words and actions.  Their love for God and foundation in the Gospel is their greatest asset!

I know that Righteous Youth will continue to grow musically and spiritually.  I am so grateful that these fine young youth have their hearts centered on Christ and willingly share the talents He has blessed them with.  

Mahalo ke Akua!

Thanks be to God!

Back on the Blog!

It has been a long time since I posted in our family blog!  2011 is almost over and the last post was in January 2010!  Now that I have made some changes in how I am choosing to spend my time, I am determined to devote more time and energy to this blog!

So many things have happened since my last post.  I will try to slowly catch up with past events while keeping current events at the forefront.

Kamalani is now 16!  We celebrated her Sweet Sixteen in August with a Candylicious Dance Party!  It was so much fun!  She is preparing for her solo hula competition next month.  Still active in Young Women, she is now a Laurel.  She sings with the band Righteous Youth.

Kamalei is 15 and playing and playing Football for Baldwin High School Bears!  He is number 72.  Our family spends our Friday nights at the game, cheering him on.  He is still in Hula and preparing for his first Merrie Monarch competition in April 2012.  He is the lead singer in the band Righteous Youth.

Kamaehu is 13 and in the 8th grade - his last year at Kalama.  He will be playing Football for Baldwin next year.  Ehu is the bass player and vocalist with Righteous Youth.  Like his brother, Kamaehu is preparing for his first Merrie Monarch competition.  He will also be the halau's solo dancer next year at Hula O Na Keiki!

Kamahiwa is 11 and just started middle school at Kalama.  He took a break from hula, but is thinking about going back in January.  He is finding his singing voice and hopes to join Righteous Youth soon!  He is class representative, in Student Council, and helping to plan events at Kalama School.

Llewellyn and I are doing our best to keep up with our children!  We still try to have our special date nights even with our busy schedules.  I am teaching 7th grade English at Kalama School and in a Master's in Education program.  Llewellyn is still painting and just completed his annual volunteer effort at the Maui Fair.  He serves in the Young Men and Scouting at church.  I am serving on the Stake Young Women Presidency and as the Stake Birth Parent Coordinator.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is our foundation!  Families are forever and we love to see the temple!