Back to Blogging!

It's been way too long since my last post!  I've been trying to figure out how I can get back to blogging but keep it simple and consistent.  After looking at some blogs that I really like I realized that blogging doesn't have to be tons of writing!  Instead, it can be a snapshot of my day, thoughts, ideas, etc.  So, I've decided to get back on the blog wagon and back it up to the beginning of summer with a few posts recapping the month June!

Posts Coming soon . . . Summer Bucket List, Exploring Our Island, Father's Day, and Starlight Starbright.



Make a wish and believe!
Luana Lee

Hōʻike and Lā ʻOhana

Auliʻi and Kuʻumamo of Papa Mailalauliʻi

Hālau Kiliʻoʻopu

On Saturday, November 17th, Hālau Kiliʻoʻopu celebrated our 6 month mark with our first Hōʻike and Lā ʻOhana - Family Day!  It was a wonderful day of hula, ʻohana, music, food, and lots of aloha.  My hālau first opened on October 26th, 1995.  After teaching for over 10 years, I decided to take a break in August of 2006.  Well, that break ended up being 6 years long!  In May of this year, after much prayer and prompting, I re-opened Hālau Kiliʻoʻopu.  It was a memorable day seeing many of my former students who had waited 6 years to return to hula.

The women of Papa ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

Since the opening in May hālau has continued to grow and progress.  One of the new traditions in hālau is to have regular hōʻike, exhibitions of hula.  It is a time to share with our ʻohana the hula and oli that we have been learning.  It is a time to reflect on the progress we have made individually and collectively.  And, it is a time to enjoy together as a hula ʻohana.

The pictures below attest to the beauty of our first hōʻike and lā ʻohana!

Kamalani shared her hula with us as taught by her Kumu, ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes.  Even though she dances for another hālau, she is such an important part of Hālau Kiliʻoʻopu.  It is her hula foundation.

Hālau Kiliʻoʻopu is an ʻohana!  We are connected through our hula genealogy and many of our haumāna are connected through their family genealogies!  Cousins Lilinoe and Taj pose with Lilinoeʻs little brother, Kaua.

In hālau, the older girls are "Big Sisters" to the younger dancers.  Big Sis Kamlaani poses with Amira of our Papa Mailelauliʻi.

                     

Hula O Nā Keiki 2012

This past weekend was wonderful!  After months of hard work, dedication, and overcoming challenges, Kamaehu and Kuʻuipo shared their hula presentations at Hula O Nā Keiki!  It was such a blessed weekend!  We enjoyed being a mini "staycation" at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, but we kept busy preparing Ehu and Kuʻu for their competition.  The kids got to enjoy time at Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock) and in the pool.

Friday morning was a stressful and nerve racking morning for everyone.  One of the hardest parts of this competition is the interview.  Both Ehu and Kuʻu went through rigorous preparation for this.  They had to study their dances, the history and background, the composers of their hapa haole songs, their costumes, adornments, oli - every aspect of their presentation had to be studied and researched and the kids had to be prepared to share their research with the judges in the interview.  They also take all of their costumes and adornments with them to show the judges what they will wear.  They receive separate scores and awards for costumes and adornments.  We were all so nervous, but the kids did great!

Ehu and Kuʻu waiting to be interviewed.

Friday night was hula kahiko (ancient hula).  Kuʻu was number 6 and Kamaehu was number 15, the very last performance of the night.  Kuʻu was beautiful and elegant as she danced for Princess Kaʻiulani.  Her oli (chant) was a genealogical chant she wrote that recites the genealogy of Princess Kaʻiulani.  Kamaehu was strong and powerful as he chanted and danced Mālie ʻo Maui, a very difficult hula passed down from Kumu OʻBrien Eselu who taught Kumu ʻIliahi.

Kamaehu presents "Mālie ʻo Maui" for his hula kahiko.

Saturday afternoon was the hula ʻauana (modern hula) accompanied by beautiful Hawaiian music!  The hula ʻauana for this competition has to be hapa haole (Hawaiian and English lyrics) and be written between 1929 and 1939, the era of hapa haole music.  Kuʻu presented "Dancing Under the Stars" and "Iʻll Weave a Lei of Stars for You".  Her entire costume and adornments complimented the mele.  Kamaehu swung his ti-leaf skirt to "Do the Hula" and "Hula Town", dressed in an Asian-inspired silk Aloha Shirt from the hapa haole era of clothing.  He wore lei plumeria sewn with love by his mother, grandmother, and aunty.

Relieved and excited after his hula ʻauana

One of the highlights this year was watching Kamalani do her farewell performance as Miss Hula O Nā Keiki 2011.  She did a medley of Hawaiʻi Calls, sung by Holunape, Roselani Blossoms, sung by her hula brothers of Papa ʻIliahi (including her brothers Kamaehu and Kamahiwa), and The One They Call Hawaiʻi, sung by her brother, Kamalei.  It was truly a heartwarming, tear-jerking, memorable performance that will last in my heart and mind forever!  

After her farewell, the winners were announced and boy did the hard work pay off!  Kuʻuipo won ʻŌpio Interview Award, ʻAuana Costume and Adornment Award, 1st place Oli Award, 1st place Hula Award, and Overall Winner - Miss Hula O Nā Keiki!  Kamaehu won Kahiko Costume Award, 1st place Oli Award, 1st place Hula Award and Overall Winner - Master Hula O Nā Keiki!  The hālau also won the Kumu Hula Award and Music Award.

The new winners pose with Kamalani!

As the new Miss and Master Hula O Nā Keiki 2012, their very first commitment is an early morning photo shoot with Randy J. Braun on the beach.  They woke up at 4:30 am to prepare.  The perfect picture of each will be selected for the Hula O Nā Keiki wall of fame at the hotel.  We feel so very blessed and we thank Ke Akua, God, for this wonderful accomplishment!

A bond between hula brother and sister.

Kamaehu, "Mālie ʻo Maui"

Ehu and Kuʻu

Men dance hula, too!

Kuhi nō ka lima, hele nō ka maka.

                                                                                                             

Birthday Blessings!

This year I turned 39, the last year in my thirties!  It was another blessed and beautiful birthday!  My students made me feel like a queen.  Brieanna had balloons and cake for me.

My desk filled up with gifts!

Kawena got me roses, Mom, Dad, and Kama gave me balloons and beautiful flowers.  Haaheo made me a full sheet of cake, 48 cupcakes for the class.  Kushaia got me a cake and Mikaela made me a huge cupcake!  Period 3 sang Happy Birthday and we celebrated in all periods together.

Period 3 singing "Happy Birthday"

It was a beautiful and blessed day.  My own kids said, "Wow, Mom, your students really love you.  We donʻt see other teachers getting stuff like that on their birthday!"  That sure made me feel good!  I try my best everyday to let my students know that I love them.  Just as I do with my own children.

Haʻaheo Kekona, one of my punahele.

Cake from Kushaia!

Llewellyn took me out for my birthday dinner.  We decided this year to go to the Waterfront restaurant in Maʻalaea.  It was fabulous!  Our table overlooked the harbor and ocean.  The moon was out and the sky filled with stars.  It was so beautiful!

We had a fabulous dinner that started off with pan fried oysters and Japanese clams for appetizers.
We then had caesar salad made table side. Waterfront is the only restaurant in Hawaiʻi that still makes your

Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail

caesar salad table side.  For the main course I had filet mignon and lobster tail and Llewellyn had the Rib Eye steak.  We topped it all off with an incredible chocolate souffle dessert.  We were so full after eating that meal, but we savored every bite!

The atmosphere, food, view, and service made it a relaxing and enjoyable evening.  The best part was that I had the hottest date in the house!

Saturday morning I went to hula and was surprised yet again!  The ladies had a birthday cake, candles, gifts, and leis to share with me!  I was totally shocked!  Haʻaheo then surprised me with the most beautiful gift - a Polynesian style bracelet with all four of my childrenʻs names on it, praying hands, and ipu heke!  I have wanted one of these for so long!  It was even my favorite color - PURPLE!  I couldnʻt believe how well she knew me, she picked the things that are the dearest to me - my children, my faith, my hula.

When I opened my birthday card, though, I couldnʻt hold back the tears.  My beautiful haumāna had collected funds to purchase a new ipu heke for their kumu!  So blessed!  I contacted Kalim as soon as papa hula was over and ordered my new ipu heke!

My beautiful Cheryle!  Papa ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

This birthday I have been reminded that when you give love, you get love.  I am surrounded by people who love me for who I am.  For that, I am eternally grateful!

Fall means . . . General Conference!

Another sign of Fall is the semi-annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  This conference is held twice a year, in October and again in April.  It is a blessed time of year as we get to hear from our inspired church leaders and beloved Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

Our family tradition is to have a General Conference Brunch right before the last session of conference.  We invite other members and friends over and the missionaries to eat and watch conference with us.  Llewellyn sets up the big screen and projector and we prepare a wonderful meal.  This year our brunch included locks and bagels (bagels topped with cream cheese, salmon, onions, and capers), Swedish pancakes, Portuguese sausage mini pizzas, fried rice and bacon/egg/cheese muffins.  We hosted the Kamakas, Tataipos, Ranos, and our missionaries.  After brunch we got our notebooks, laptops, and ipads and everyone was taking notes, posting their favorite quotes, and writing down words of inspiration.  It was great!

Tried a new recipe - Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Bisquits were delicious!

I like to prepare for conference by writing down my questions and things I am struggling with ahead of time.  Then, as I listen to conference, I can recognize the answers more fully.  It never ceases to amaze me that at every conference I receive answers to my personal questions and struggles.  Every single time!!!  This makes me so grateful to belong to a church that has continued revelation and to know that personal revelation is available to all who are worthy!

My goal now is to make some goals based on the revelation I received and apply it into my everyday life!

Fall Adventures - Up, Up, Country!

Today our Fall Adventure took us Upcountry, to beautiful Kula and ʻUlupalakua.  We filled up two vans full of Kawaʻas and Hosinos.  Our first stop was at Kula Country Farms and the Pumpkin Patch.  We visit this great family friendly place every year and pick out our pumpkins for Halloween.  Itʻs become one of our family traditions.

The kids enjoyed taking pictures with the pumpkins.  I think this place is like Disneyland - it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and everyone is happy!  

I love the Fall colors!  Itʻs one of the few places on Maui where you feel like itʻs Autumn because of the orange hues everywhere.  Thatʻs one of the things we miss out on here on an island.  Our seasons are hot, windy and rainy.  No color changes.  When Kamalani and I traveled to the East Coast in 2008 that was something we really enjoyed - seeing the colors of the Fall Season.  We traveled through Atlanta, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey.  The colors were so vivid and beautiful.  In some places you could see the difference as some trees werenʻt quite changing yet and others were.  Gorgeous!

Kamalani and Ruby took a break for a while, resting on the grassy bank.  These two are like sisters, always together, sharing their secrets, laughter, and smiles.  The rest of the gang went hunting for the best pumpkins. Kamalei earned a new name, "The Pumpkin Whisperer".  He took his time and found the best pumpkins!

After having our fresh strawberry lemonade, we headed further into the country to ʻUlupalakua.  This is the cowboy town of Maui for sure!  Our ʻohana had a picnic lunch at the Tedeschi Vineyard.  Such a rustic old town that truly feels like country living complete with an old country store, horse posts, the ranch, and more than 150,000 thousand trees, many of which are more than 150 years old!  Oprah Winfrey owns a home and land in ʻUlupalakua.  An added bonus on our trip was meeting Mike Wolfe from the TV Show "American Pickers".  Whoʻdda thought?

A great ending to a wonderful day!

Fall Adventures - Exploring Puunene

Every Fall Intersession I try to plan fun, mostly free activities for the kids and I to do.  Itʻs a great opportunity to explore our beautiful island of Maui and go on adventures together!  This year we started our adventure in the old town of Puʻunēnē.  I couldnʻt believe that my kids didnʻt know where Puʻunēnē was. So, we started there.

I took them to the old Puʻunēnē School which was built in 1922.  It is now used as an annex for the Department of Education, but when the town was at itʻs peak some 1000 students attended this school.

Tucked away behind the Sugar Mill off one of the dirt roads youʻll find the Maui Friends of the Library.  A great place to buy used books for .25 cents.  All the books are donated and they even have freebies outside!  The kids loved it!  We will be donating a bunch of our books for sure!

Our visit tot he Sugar Museum was quite delightful.  I love history and old photos, so I really enjoyed my time at the museum.  The kids enjoyed themselves,too, though.  They had a great stamp system set up so the kids could stamp their passports at every exhibit.  Since they all attend or attended Pāʻia School, they enjoyed seeing old pictures of Pāʻia School and the Sugar Mill.  After our visit we sat outside on the picnic tables and read our new used books!

By the end of the day I was pooped!  The kids fell asleep on the way home in the car!

Freedom Riders

Last week I was watching a re-run of Oprah.  It was all about the "Freedom Riders".  I was so inspired by their stories.  I had heard about this remarkable group of people before, but hearing the details of their experiences was amazing and awe inspiring.  Oprahʻs studio was filled with 178 survivors of the Freedom Rides.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Freedom Riders

The story of John Lewis was particularly moving.  He was one of the bus riders who endured the torment of angry white mobs.  Mr. Lewis had been beaten by two white men.  As they were kicking and beating him they asked him, "Who do you think you are?  What are you here for?"  And Mr. Lewis responded, "I mean no harm.  I am here for love."  That one line made a huge impact on me.  "I am here for love."

Congressman John Lewis - one of the Freedom Riders

Mr. Lewis survived and went on to become a U.S. Congressman.  Many years after his attack, one of his attackers tracked him down and met with him, asking for his forgiveness.  Congressman Lewis graciously took his attacker in his arms and forgave him.  What an amazing example of Christ-like love.  The two appeared on the Oprah show together and as the attacker talked and shared his story, Mr. Lewis held his hand and comforted him.  The two have gone from enemies to friends who respect each other.

This show truly changed me.  I realized that history, especially the negative parts, holds so many life lessons on so many levels.  How African Americans were treated, the mistreatment and injustices, the violence, anger, and hatred, should never be forgotten.  As Oprah says, "when you know better, you do better", and history helps us to know better so that we can do better.  What is just as important though is how these young men and women chose to respond then, and more importantly, now.

Diane Nash, leader of the sit-in movement in Nashville.

They stood up for what they believed in.  They took risks to bring about positive change in the world.  They were non-violent and responded in love.  Years later when their offenders came seeking forgiveness, they forgave them, embraced them, and once again, brought love.  So many of them had endured the most horrific trials imaginable, yet they found it in their hearts to forgive.  They CHOSE to forgive.  In my opinion, this is true Christ-like love, the purest love there is.

There are many comparisons that can be made in Hawaiian culture.  The injustices that occurred in my own culture need to be taught so that we do not make the same mistakes again.  Just as important, though, we need to find examples in our culture who stood for change and who made a positive difference.  This inspired me to incorporate these lessons in my curriculum at school.

As a teacher I have the power to influence the next generation for good.  I have the power to inspire them, motivate them, and give them the wisdom and courage to make a difference in the world.  My commitment over Fall Break is to develop lessons and curriculum that teaches my students the truth of Hawaiian history and politics and inspires them to be "movers and shakers" in our community who stand for positive change.  Incorporating examples like the Freedom Riders, the Arkansas 9, and other heroes in other cultures is important and of course, highlighting our own cultural heroes will be the foundation of the curriculum.

So, I salute the many African Americans who were courageous enough to stand up for equality and humble enough to bring love to situations of violence.  I salute those who asked for forgiveness and who have chosen to break the cycle of prejudice and racial inequality.  Their stories have inspired me to inspire the next generation!

90th Annual Maui County Fair

Haʻaheo, Ruby, Kamahiwa, Kamalani, and Dystiney

The County Fair is so much fun!  Now that the kiddos are older we can really enjoy our time!  They get to hang out with friends and ride the rides in the Joy Zone while Mom gets to look at the crafts, exhibits, and enjoy food and entertainment.  As I walk around and see all the youth that go to the Fair, I am truly grateful for my children and the lives they lives as examples of the believers.  They have a good influence on the kids they hang out with.  A friend and I were just talking about how important it is that we help our children be the influence instead of being influenced.  I love the fact that their friends choose to hang out with our family!

Piʻikea and I watching Josh Tatofi sing!

I also feel blessed to be able to spend time with my nieces and nephews, who are like my own children and to see the smiles on their faces as they enjoy the Fair, too!  The best part was watching the Hypnotist with them!  Lots of laughter!  

This is Llewellyn's 14th year volunteering at the Fair!  He started in 1998 when Kamalani was at Pūnana Leo preschool.  Even after our children got older, he has chosen to still volunteer his time each year for the entire Fair.  I am so proud of the work he does and his willingness to be a volunteer in our community.  I am also grateful that our community can come together at this annual event and it still feels like a "small town" affair!

Fall is here!

Fall has officially arrived!  In the Continental U.S. the leaves are changing color, sweaters and jackets are coming out of the closets, and the brilliant features of fall are visible to the naked eye.  Here in Hawai'i it's a little different.  The leaves do not change color and we're not quite ready to bring out our sweaters and jackets.  So how do we know that summer has gone and fall has arrived on an island like Maui?

First quarter of the school year is coming to an end.  That's my signal that fall is here.  We are preparing for fall break and there is excitement in the air, yes, fall is here.  I can see the Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and other rides set up and ready for our annual county fair.  The food booths have been constructed and soon we'll be able to smell the delicious food of fall.  Traffic signs have been posted announcing road closures for our annual parade.  Fall is here.  The sun shines on my face earlier in the morning and our magnificent Maui sun sets a little sooner.  The nights are longer when fall is here.  Our family gathers around the tube for the Season Premiere of our favorite TV shows when fall is here and we have the blessed opportunity of hearing from our Prophets and Church Leaders when fall is here.

So, as you can see, fall is a little different on my island Maui.  But when you pay attention you can surely count the many ways that we recognize . . . Fall is here!

Blessings in Trials

Summer has come and gone.  It was a great 8 weeks off with my children and family.  We enjoyed every minute of summer.  As summer came to a close I found myself in a very scary predicament - JOBLESS.  My contract ended at Kalama Intermediate on July 24th.  I had applied for several different positions at Kamehameha Schools and in the Department of Education, but I did not get any of the jobs.  I even applied outside of the teaching field, but to no avail!  Talk about disappointment and depression!  I began to question everything and wondering what I was doing wrong.  I worried about our income, paying bills, not having medical and dental.  Through it all I was constantly reminded through prayer and counsel from family and friends to TRUST IN THE LORD.  To let go and let God place me where I needed to be.  But it wasnʻt easy.  The bills kept coming, we kept falling farther and farther behind and it created so much stress in our home.  We made lots of changes, moved in with my parents and downsized our budget dramatically.  With every change we made, Heavenly Father provided an answer to prayer both temporally and spiritually.  We got a van for $1100 and no longer had a $400 monthly car payment.  Plus, we could fit everyone!  Mom and Dad made a huge sacrifice and moved their bedroom downstairs so we could have all three bedrooms upstairs.  The kids qualified for 100% full medical coverage.  Then, out of the blue, a friend of mine called and said she would be leaving her teaching position at Baldwin and moving off island.  She asked me to apply for the Hawaiian language and hula position.  On August 1st I started my new job!

So letʻs look back at the events that took place and see how God was there through it all.  I didnʻt fail those job interviews, instead, the Lord closed those doors because He knew He had something even better planned for me.  My new job is a 5 minute drive from home.  I am at school with Kamalei, Kamaehu, Lamakū, Kaleohano, Knyte and Ruby - my kids!  I can help them immediately when they need it.  My classroom is a safe zone for any and all students.  The students choose to hang out in my room, have lunch, socialize, sing, play music, etc.  When Jayvaughn passed away, I was here on campus and able to help my own children as well as the students who mourned his passing.  When Lamakū got very ill with his diabetes and not allowed to leave the classroom, I was here to help him, get him the medical attention he needed and ensure that an incident like that would never happen again.  I have been able to get Kamalei qualified for additional academic services he has needed.  I can easily check in with teachers to check on their progress.  I am saving over $200 a month on gas.  I am teaching in a field that I love and feel most confident in.  I have a full block (70 minutes) of prep time.  The list goes on and on.  These are just some of the blessings.  The countless more that I cannot even recall.  The point is this - GODʻS PLAN IS ALWAYS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN ANY PLAN WE CAN MAKE.  We just have to have enough faith and patience to allow His plan to work in our lives.  I am so grateful for this trial.  I am thankful that through trials I am able to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and our family grows closer as well.  I am thankful that I now have a new found compassion for others who are or will be placed in the same situation and by sharing my experience, I can give them hope.

With God, all things are possible.

Summer Lovin'!  The month of May was a blur with school ending and preparing for summer break.  I want to make sure I get some blogs in before the month of June whisks by!  To begin summer we made of list of things we want to do (the kids and I).  Beach, picnic at Giggle Hill, Maui Ocean Center, picnic at Rice Park with sliding card boards of course, Barnes & Nobles, pool, sunset barbeque, waffle dessert night, camping, and trip to Moloka'i made the top 10.  So far we've done the beach, Barnes & Nobles, and waffle dessert night.  Staying up late and sleeping in is a big hit this summer, too!

Hawaiian beauties enjoying the beach.  Wahikuli, Lahaina, Maui 2012

Kawa'as spending the day at the beach with Aunty Mona, Uncle Dave, and Uilani.

Of course we have some more mondane goals as well like organizing the house, cleaning out the garage, and downsizing our wardrobes.  It's been so much fun having my nieces and nephews over, too.  For years my sister was the stay at home and she picked up the slack during breaks from school, but now, she's a working Mama and I have the pleasure of returning the favor.  Ka'iliwai practically lives here!  That little 4 year old makes us all smile!

Summer has also brought Righteous Youth lots & lots of gigs!  They have been busy almost every weekend since mid-May singing and performing for graduation parties, baby lu'aus, sweet sixteens, and weddings.  With each performance I see them growing in their music and performing skills.  Their success is because they keep God first in their lives and acknowledge Him in all that they do.

Baby lu'au

Ku'u's Sweet Sixteen

We still have lots on our list to do.  It's been a blessed summer so far and we're looking forward to the remaining activities, especially our trip to Moloka'i.

More to come . . .