Daniel's Turn

Some 33 years ago, on the day I was born (October 29th, people--get ready, now!), I'm sure the Universe looked upon me and said, "Someday, this being will have beautiful daughters, and one of them will look like this:

I'm sure this caused great distress, because, well...I'm not this cute. :-9  "Who will help her bring all this loveliness to pass?" they must have wondered, searching high and low, past and future, until somebody showed up and asked, "How about this guy?"

"Wow!" they thought. "He's perfect!"  But one little voice of doubt piped up from the back, "Are you sure? Because he's going to have spend a few years looking like this,

and I'm not sure she'll be okay with that."  A slight ripple of laughter washed over the crowd, and quickly a solution was found: "We'll make sure they don't meet until after he grows out of that phase, and starts looking more like this:

And he will love her, and protect her, and annoy her, and forgive her, and hold her, and make her laugh, and give her a life sweeter than her bratty self deserves, and she will understand a comfort, and have an unfair advantage, that comes in knowing there is almost nothing she can do to make him stop loving her (I haven't figured out what quantifies the "almost," and I don't plan on finding out.).  And she will love him more than even she knows.

And it was exactly as it should be. 

Happy birthday, Daniel.  I love you.

Look Who's Turning a Quarter-of-a-Century!

Presenting

Joshua Charles Ielemiah

Okay...maybe not. 

Let's try that again:

There.  That's better. 

My first little brother, who was born shortly before my 8th birthday, turned 25 a few days ago.  This comes as a shock to me, since I spend most of my days thinking I'm 22, and, well...that math just doesn't add up.

For those of you who know Josh, you know he's pretty cool.  That comes from spending a lot of time around me.  (Wow. I couldn't even type that with a straight face.)  But, seriously, he is. 

It's been fascinating to watch him find his way in this world, with more style and grace than I could have ever imagined.  (Which means that he can wear pink and not get beat up, and that he can work a room like a real politician. And not get beat up.)  I have loved watching him morph from a timid 18-year-old who required a minor amount of handholding, to a strong, mostly positive influence (;-9) on the little band of Hawaiians he's shepherding around today (our littlest brother has made his way over here, and brought all of his friends with him.  They're not quite as timid as Josh was.). 

Some things that he has never grown out of: a gentle spirit, and a heart of gold.  So many stories, so little time, and so much thankfulness for who he is today.

Hau'oli la hanau, brother; love you, no kidding.

Hau'oli La Hanau, e Malia

The little girl in the middle transformed into a 6-year-old yesterday. 

Just like that. 

Didn't even check with me to make sure it was okay. 

(If she had, I probably wouldn't have signed off on it.) 

But it happens anyway--surely, and more swiftly than I could

 have ever imagined. 

With each milestone, I am excited for her, proud of her,

and keenly aware of the fact that

I will never pass this way again.

She and her sisters have been joy unimaginable,

and the best is yet to come.

"In raising my children, I have lost my mind, but found my soul." 

-Lisa T. Shepherd

Indeed.

  

(Click here for an oldie but goodie-Malia at three years old.)

Changing Things Up a Bit

Thinking of these outstanding human beings today, and am thankful that I somehow ended up in this mix. 

Love you guys.

Showing Off

So, one of the great things about having brothers is that, eventually, they start behaving well enough to have a girlfriend.  My brother Josh lucked out and even got himself a talented girlfriend.

Proof:

Thank you, Bethany, for capturing these moments.

Thanks, brother, for finding the talent. ;-p 

To see more of Bethany Raelene's fabulous work, click here.  Don't forget to check out her blog, too!

Confessions of a Guilt-Ridden Aunty...

Oy vey. 

I try not to live with too much guilt, but tell me how I could avoid it after this conversation:

Me:  "Hi, Kawena!  Happy Birthday, babe!  How was your birthday yesterday?"

Kawena: "It was good."  (She filled me in on the details, which included seeing Toy Story 3, having dinner at Genki sushi, and she receiving a Polly Pocket toy she'd been wanting.)

Me: "That's great, babe!  I'm glad you had such a good day!  Aunty is so sorry for not calling yesterday, I just..."

Kawena: "...forgot."

Uh-huh. 

Talk about feeling like a miserable loser of an aunty.  And, truth be told, she'd been in our thoughts all day, but I guess it doesn't count unless she knows about it. :-s

So, this is my formal public apology to my sweet baby niece, who is not such a baby anymore--Six Years Old!!! =D  Love you, babe!

                                       One of the images permanently etched on my heart. :D                                       

He's Leaving, On a Jet Plane, Don't Know When He'll Be Back Again....

Hopefully sooner, rather than later...

After a relaxedly exciting (?) couple of weeks, today seems slightly melancholic as we sent Papa (my dad) back home to Hawaii.  His return was originally scheduled for the 10th, but we were able to talk him into staying a few extra days.  Well, that's not entirely true; the ER doctor was able to talk him into it. =p  He's doing fine; had a blood pressure scare, but is back on track, and on his way to being healthier than ever, I think. =D

Enjoying some delectable treats from Monica's Waterfront Bakery in Old Town.

Papa's Girls....well, three of them, anyway.  They love having Papa here, but it seems to make them miss their Hawaii counterparts even more.... =S

 

Queen Baby.

Danny Girl. =D

Mini Me.

And, finally, a sweet shot of Miki with her Papa:

Precious moments.

Mickey's Turf

Feeling rather uninspired, as of late, but just thought I'd change things up a bit with some (long overdue) pictures from our first family trip to the Happiest Place on Earth... :D

This was the first guy we ran into....

Another familiar face!

Meeting the OP (Original Princess). =)

Daddy and his Mini Me.

Miki's friend Alea (and family) joined us at Disneyland, too!

And, finally, a shot with the Mouse himself. 

It was a fun trip, made more special by visits from Aunty Heather, and, as mentioned above, Alea and family.  I think the family favorite this time around was actually the Soarin' Over California ride at the California Adventure park; there was a lot we didn't get to see, so we've got a long to-do list for next time!

Sweet is the Rest

"Sweet is the rest that comes with dawn at last,
After the night of dark defeat is past,
And breaks the day: the triumph of Thy will--
Thy purpose in my life, Lord, to fulfill.

Sweet is the rest in bearing of the cross:
Death to a life that brings me only loss;
But from this death, a resurrection sure:
A Christ-filled life, acceptable and pure.

Sweet is the rest when after weary toil,
I do not glory in the battle's spoil.
The victor's crown, all honours let them be
To Thee alone, who gives the victory.

Sweet is the rest that comes at close of day,
When life departs, the spirit flies away
To be with Thee, the One whom I adore,
And live with Thee and Thine forever more.

This blessed rest, O Master, give to me,
That I may find my peace, my all in Thee."

I have sung these words many times throughout my life; today, especially,  they bring comfort, with the news of Jessi's passing.  Thankful for the few, brief moments spent with her and her family, and thankful, too, for the example of faith they have been during this experience. 

"Laugh much, love deeply, and live each moment in faith that the best is yet to come."

Sea World. Dolphins. Wow.

No doubt, Sea World is cool.

Sea World is even cooler when you get to make the dolphins dance.

"Our" dolphin, Crunch.

Saying hello to Crunch.

Dance, Crunch baby, dance! :D

Amazing.

Bonus: the family we were with is actually the family of Alea, Miki's best friend from kindergarten and first grade; they live here now, and joined us for the day. 

 (As you can imagine, there were a lot of warm fuzzies going around that day.)

As for the dolphin encounter: Highly recommend!!!!