Mommies Night Out

On Monday, Jan. 12, we had our first mommies night out of 2009, and it was a blast! Our mommies nights started about a year ago and came about as a result of having our husbands playing football every Thursday nights and then again on Saturdays to participate in the Maui county flag football league. We, the wives, decided that we deserved a night out and although it wouldn't be every week, we'd try to do it once a month. Last year, our mommies nights out were super fun and helped us all to form really good friendships. We've been able to celebrate birthdays, pregnancies, school and just about everything together. We've also been able to help and support one another as we've faced trials throughout the year. Our mommies night out has allowed us to be free of the kids and the husbands for a few hours and enjoy being in the company of good friends. These nights are always filled with laughter, fun, and wonderful memories.

This past Monday was no different. Elyce hosted it and it was themed as our "Spa Night." Kawai gave facials, Lahela did foot massages, Rosie did pedicures, and Jayde did the nails. Keeping in tune with our "Spa" theme, Elyce and I decided that we should try and keep it healthy so we had a menu that consisted of chicken and grape croissaints, chicken caesar salad, fruits and dips, and delicious fruit smoothies. The food was delicious and the ladies were all relaxed and beautified. The nails came out awesome, so thank you Jayde! And, of course stories and laughter filled Elyce's house. It was definitely a fun night! We were however, missing Miss Shaela and she was definitely in our thoughts. Don't worry girl, Elyce said we'll do it all again when you and baby get back to Maui. I'm sure all the ladies would be down for that.

So ladies, I look forward to our next mommies night out. Being that at least half of us are stay at home moms, we thrive for these nights and are anxious for the few hours away from the kids. So, whatever it may be that we plan for our next night, I'm sure it will be great because we'll be in the company of good friends. Thanks again ladies, I can't wait 'til our next night out!

My Year to Blog

As a new year begins, I, like many other people have set some goals for this new year. One being that I would start my own blog. In this way, I can keep family and friends near and far up to date with the Fina'i family happenings. It can also serve as a journaling tool and hopefully my children will be able to treasure this in the years to come. So, I thank Pua for the MANY words of encouragement to hurry and start blogging. Hopefully, I will soon get the hang of this and the blogging will be kept current.

Besides starting our blog, we have also set some family goals as well. First, that we make it to sacrament meeting in time for sacrament. This was really hard for us last year since sacrament started at eight in the morning. Fortunately, we now start at one in the afternoon. This goal seems much more attainable now. Second, that we pray and read our scriptures daily as a family. This can be difficult with a little toddler, but we're getting better at it. Third, that we hold our weekly family home evening. Now that Taimane is older and knows some primary hymns, FHE is quite fun. We just can't have a lesson that's longer than 3 minutes!

2008 was a wonderful year for us and we are so grateful for all that we were and continue to be blessed with. We look forward to another amazing year and pray that our Heavenly Father will continue to bless our little family. We love watching our daughter grow and learn every day and are so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted her to us. We are excited to be welcoming a son this May and are anxious for his arrival. 2009 will bring lots of changes, yet we welcome this with joy and love!