Proud to be her husband.

Well my last post was about a month ago, i know i'm slacking. I've got like 6 or 7 in my draft folder that i'll post soon. But today i wanted to post about my lovely wife and how deeply and immensely in love with her i am.

We've been married for almost 4 years now and every time i lock eyes with her, or feel her touch i get a tingly feeling inside. Sometimes in my heart i ask myself what did i do to deserve such a beautiful woman. I am one of the luckiest brothas in the world if not the luckiest. So i decided to make a top ten list of the things that love and adore about her.

10. She loves my chicken and rice.
9. She's competitive.
8. She love's the same t.v. shows that i love.
7. She writes GREAT MUSIC.
6. She's very supportive.
5. She loves community.
4. She does everything with passion.
3. She's a GREAT mother to our two sons.
2. She loves our families
1. She LOVE'S ME with all of her heart.

The list is infinite, it can go and on. But the one thing I LOVE THE MOST! Is that she loves the LORD with all of heart. What more can i ask for!

Proud Daddy Moment

Yesterday our family spent a few hours at a birthday party in honor of Ethan Denison who just turned three. In our household it was pretty much the buzz for a few days for my son Cameron. He said he couldn't wait to go to Ethan's birthday party and have cake and see all of his friends. If there is one thing he LOVES to do, it's hang out with his friends (like father, like son) I guess.

Our morning started off a little rough, Lauren and i had a little tiff, mostly my fault for being an insensitive husband. One of the things that i hate the most about arguing is that sometimes you're unaware that you're doing it in front of your kids.

But kids and i mean ALL KIDS believe it or not have this special gift from GOD that can change a sour situation into one of sweet memories.

Like Today....

We arrive at the park and the excitement of Cameron being with his friends is overflowing with a huge smile as i'm getting him out of his seat. We grab a couple of things, his tricycle and Ethan's present. As we get there Cameron insists on riding his tricycle down to the party with the gift in the bucket of his tricycle. We're greeted by the welcoming committee (Marissa, Maddie, Hailey and Ella).

Now here's the "Proud Daddy" moment . Cam's peddling as fast as he can and he sees Ethan in sight and shouts "ETHAN, I'VE GOT YOU A BIRTHDAY PRESENT"!!! He rides his tricycle right up to Ethan and hops off of it and grabs the gift and hands it to Ethan and says "Happy Birthday Ethan" and gives him a hug. Now how can you not LOVE that! I had to look away from everyone because tears started to well up as my heart was bursting with joy. I kept thinking to myself my son may love "Community" just as much as i do. The kid loves his friends and he loves people in general. My prayer is that i can continue to grow him and encourage him in this love.

It's so weird how GOD wires our children to do the craziest and most memorable and lovable things to refocus and redirect our attention on HIM!

I LOVE being a DAD!

A special thanks and shout out to my friends....

Well we're back from Vegas and some of my friends have posted about what happened there and how much we enjoyed our trip. I echo everything they've said already. So instead of repeating what's been posted i thought I'd take it a step further and blog about my friends and do a "what i love about them list."

What i love and appreciate about:

Gregg- Very easy-going and selfless, nothing really fazes him, Great Dad.
Becky- Caring, compassionate loves her family and friends.
Chad- Gentle and soft spoken, Selfless, Great Athlete, Cool Dad.
Kara- Makes the best shakes, hard-working, thoughtful, funny and a great Mom.
Rod- Smart, jokester, sports fanatic.
Tara- Great Mom, Aspiring cook in her own right, good listener.
Lauren- Lovely wife and a Super Mom, Hot, Etc...

I really wish our other friends (The Denisons, The Hammonds and The Berry's) could have been there, maybe next time.

I really loved and enjoyed watching everyone on our trip have fun. Sometimes it's worth it to break away from the hustle and bustle of life and just EXHALE.

One last thing about my friends... I'm not sure where my brother stands in his relationship with Christ, and that is something to be praying about, but what i think he saw was quality "Community". He saw people that we're passionate about life and GOD. He saw that life as a Christ follower isn't all that boring and that we're real people.

Thanks for celebrating life with me. I love you guys a bunch!!!

Happy Birthday

Yesterday i celebrated my 32nd birthday. Out of the 365 days of the year it's my FAVORITE day, it's like New years day but on a more personal level. I kind of treat as a "make a resolution to be a better husband,father and friend, re-map out goals and re-commit to them like i did at the beginning of the year type day." It started with an awesome breakfast that my wife whipped up. I also received b-day cards from her and Cameron, it's amazing how scribble on a card can get the best of your emotions. That was really cool!

I also started to write a song, went to the park, and the WHO concert with my friend. Ended the evening with Chic-fil-a and hanging with some friends until about 11:00 p.m. ish. Overall i had a fun day. I received some really cool gifts yesterday too! One was an awesome "special" shake from yogurt mill from my friend Kara and the other was a post on her blog from Tara. They were priceless!!

And of course the gift of all gifts, was from my wife, somethings only married people should do.

Remembering Bob

A few days ago i had a chance to go to a Reggae festival where bands paid homage to the legendary pioneer of reggae music Mr.Bob Marley. I'm a HUGE Marley fan, always have been, ever since i was a little kid I was bobbing my head to his music. He's a total legend. Nowadays reggae music other than Bob's stuff is just o.k. for me. Songs these days dont seem to have the conviction and depth that Bob had and wrote about.

As some of you may know (like my wife and her ghetto KB park crew) when you're high you get the munchies and you want to snack and grub on anything that's edible. I have never experienced that but have heard a whole bunch of stories from the wife. That night i saw with my own two eyes what an impact a plant can make on one's judgment.

I was not only there for the festival though, i was there to help my friends Chad and Kara out with the apple carts that they have at the IPayone center. I had a blast! I made new friends and learned how to slice apples with the best of them. I also learned how to dip cheesecake and bananas. Anyways back to the impact of the plant, Chad was running back and forth from cart to cart and while he was gone Veronica (new friend) and I were working and a guy came up to our cart hazed eyes and all. He ordered a "KILLER" but he wanted it sliced, so we hooked him up. Here's how jacked up he was, a killer is five bucks and he gave me a hundy (slang for Hundred dollar bill) i went to get him his change and turned back around and he was walking away. Now a few thoughts ran through my head... should i just let him go and hook my friends Chad and Kara up with a huge tip or should i chase him down and give him his change. I thought about it for about 10 seconds and then ran after him. It was the right thing to do.

Thanks to my friend Chad I had a chance to be a good citizen, good employee and a good example for all of the Rastafarians to see. I also had a headache going into that evening but thanks to all of the burning bushes in the building i may be healed forever.

Long live BOB!

One of my favorite people....

I've been thinking of possibly signing off of blog-land forever and i'm still debating that. However i couldn't sign off without a blog about My mother in law. She is one of those people who has a genuine heart and love for people. You know they say that when you marry your wife you're pretty much marrying the family too. My mother in law makes me glad that i did. Anyways i decided to make a top ten list of the things that i love about my mother in law:

10. She makes the best Mandarin-Orange cake in the world.
9. She works hard at anything she does.
8. She introduced me to the Magic Eraser.
7. She likes my Soy Sauce Chicken.
6. She cooks really well, i'll eat anything she makes, except anything with raisins.
5. She's a bargain shopper at the grocery stores.
4. She loves her family.
3. She loves her Husband
2. She loves her grandkids Cameron and Riley.
1. She loves me and Lauren.

The list of the things that make her great can go and on! What can i say, i'm a pretty blessed son-in-law!

Refreshing....

Yesterday was a pretty rough one for me, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was one of those days that i wanted to go away as soon as the morning started. I never could get myself rolling, I was kind of a grump the whole day. I felt soo yucky and for being the guy who absolutely LOVES community and people, i did not want to be seen in public or talk to anyone.

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. Mid-afternoon I realized that i had to get out and do some soul searching. I decided to take a drive and ask God to lead me to the place where he felt i needed to go to collect my thoughts. He lead me to my Father's burial site. This past January marked the ten year anniversary since he passed, wow it honestly feels like it just yesterday. Anyways I pull up to Greenwood mortuary and there were quite a few people paying respects to there loved ones. When i arrived to his stone, i started to weep and weep for about a good half hour. I talked a little about how i missed him and how i wish he was here to play with my boys and speak his broken english to my lovely wife. I tried to catch him up on all of things that he was missing.

After being there an hour and half i realized why God lead me there. One: was to cry and to release all of the things that were causing my soul and my heart to callous. It's amazing how refreshing it is to cry, there is a sense of relief and a sweet aroma of God's grace in crying. The second reason i was there was to be reminded of the legacy he left behind. I sat there and found myself laughing and crying conversing with a man who's been dead for 10 years. Crazy huh?!

Anyhow i'm sitting here with my calendar and purposefully making dates with my "Pops" to cry and laugh more. Did i forget to mention that he's a good listener too!

Tofa.

Aunt Dani... you rock!!!

Today marks the 1 month anniversary of Riley's surgery. He is doing soo awesome! These past few weeks I've had a front row seat to watching the hand of God move in Riley's life. Through this process i've been reminded of how important it is to surround yourself with people who love GOD and love you.

As i'm typing this out, I hear my Aunt Dani laughing in the background at my crazy son Cameron's antics. That brings a smile to my face and my heart. Thanks Aunt Dani for being an example of love to us!

Cameron crazie.....

Last week today we had to take Cameron to urgent care because he was showing signs of an ear infection. We get there only to find out that both of his ears were infected. Anyhow they sent us home with some antibiotics that he has to take twice for 10 days straight. The first day was like pulling teeth giving him his medicine, but that didn't last long. He quickly realized that his medicine is bubble gum flavored. Now he loves it and wants to take it all by himself with no help from mommy and daddy. After he's done he ends his ordeal with a high five to both Lauren and I, jumping around yelling "I did it Daddy, i did it" and then i respond with "Good job son, I'm soo proud of you."

This past Sunday i lead worship in Encounter our high school ministry. Our babysitter had canceled on us that morning so we took the boys to church with us. Lauren was singing in the worship center that morning so she took Riley with her and i took Cameron.

I get Cameron situated with a donut and milk so that i can sound check with the band, Cameron macks his donut while Dad tries to warm up vocally. Twenty minutes later sound check is over and i go to sit by Cameron and he greets me with (donut crumbs on his mouth) with a huge hug and says "Good job Daddy, I'm so proud of you." That absolutely melted my heart. I felt like the best Dad in the world at that moment.

Lately I've been struggling and wrestling God for clarity with these two questions "Am i doing what I'm suppose to be doing with my life?", and "Is this worth it?" This past Sunday morning I think i got my answer. Not with a burning bush or some bright star in the sky, but a two year old handsome little messenger boy with crumbs on his mouth.

Priceless...Thanks GOD!!

We've only just begun......or I've just begun.

Well, it's over. My fast has come to an end. Though the fast may be over, the lessons i learned from this week have just begun. I honestly have to say that it was hard the first few days but it turned out alright and very beneficial to my soul and to the waistline. (at least i like to think it was) My friend Tara thinks so too (but i think she's just saying that). Anyhow the fast went great, my wife was such huge support and when i felt like giving in she was there to talk me out of it. I'm not a huge vegetable or salad fan, but this week, when it's the only thing that you can really eat, you can't help but become a fan of it. We became creative with our veggies and didn't eat much salad just a whole lot of spinach. Overall it was a great experience and another great way to worship GOD.

I'm going to incorporate more of these faith building, heart checking and soul refreshing moments into my journey with him this year.

I've started to do another thing that i hate to do, yes you guessed it "exercise" Although i have to honestly say that this is another thing that i don't love but it's growing on me. I've been doing some running/walking at Lake Murray these past few weeks and it's starting to feel really good. Today i busted loose with a whopping 6 miles. I'm pretty stoked about it, i always go into "exercise" mode and get discouraged really easy. Not this time, because when i start to love it, it's all systems go from here on out. I'll keep you posted with my progress.

Before i go i want to clarify something, I'm not at the crazy point yet where my friend Becky is, but i sure hope to get there.

Fast and the furious...

Cool title, however I'm not referring to the movie. My wife and I are going to embark upon a one week Daniel fast inspired by our great friends Rod and Tara Kaya. I honestly have to say that i'm pretty excited about it, and if you know me, giving up opportunities to eat meat for fruits and vegetables is out of the ordinary. Fasting is one spiritual discipline I really want to increase in my journey with God.

I LOVE food and my wife knows it and my family and friends know it, but I love GOD more and i really want to rely on him to fill me. If there is anything that i want people to know me for would be my love for GOD.

Yesterday my wife and I went shopping. Lauren had success with a few things, I on the other hand struggled soo much with trying to find something to wear or something that would look good on me. It felt like everything i tried on made me feel fat and gross. I hate those feelings because they lead to other thoughts that are unhealthy.

Anyhow, I'm hoping that in this fast God would reveal more of himself to us. I'm also hoping to really grow in knowledge of eating healthier, for the sake my family and my soul.

Christmas... A season that should never end.

So today Cameron and I went to my brothers house to visit some of our relatives who are visiting from American Samoa. On our way there he insisted that we listen to a song called "Inside out". He LOVES this song and he sings it almost word for word, well in the language of a two year old, pretty close though.

So we did the visit thing and said our hellos and hung out there for a little while, he was his loveable self hugging and kissing everybody, even the folks who he just met. My cousins from Samoa loved him and asked if they could take him back home with them, i thought about all of the times of my frustration with him, i thought hmmm maybe that's not a bad idea. (Just kidding)

It was time to leave and we said our good-byes and hugged everyone a billion times, at least it felt like it (Big Family). So we hop in the car and i turn on the radio to "Inside Out" thinking he might want to continue to listen to it. He said in a very nice way "Turn off Dad" let's sing "Santa Claus is coming to town" so i said "Cameron, Christmas is over" he said PLEEASE. so like the sucker i am for my son i gave in, how could you not. So in our 10 min. ride home we sang all four of the Christmas songs he knows. It's probably going to take a while for Cameron to realize that Christmas is only once a year.

Or is it?

As we pulled into our parking lot and parked I turned the car off and Cameron said "Thank you Dad" as i was unbuckling his seatbelt. I learned a valuable lesson from my son today.

It seems like everyone during Christmas season seems to treat everyone a little nicer and people are more polite, it seems like the it's easier to feel the love. Singing Christmas songs today was a great reminder for me that even though we celebrate Christmas once a year it doesn't mean that we should stop treating people like we do around Christmas season. Our love and respect for people should be year round, all the time, 24/7.

We'll probably sing Christmas songs throughout this whole year, i don't mine, it'll just be a constant reminder of what I'm suppose to do.

Good to be home...

WHEW!!! We are finally home. Thank you to all who've prayed and continue to pray with us on behalf of our little boy. It truly is an honor to be part of such a loving community. I honestly don't know how a person who lacks community makes it through times like these. I don't think we would've been able to make it through this without you all. I am forever grateful.

This past week was full of crazy emotions. Having friends and family around was very comforting. Receiving emails from people to let you know that they were praying for you was refreshing.

Thanks for loving us!!

And so it begins......

Have you ever had one of those nights where all of your feelings and emotions could no longer be bottled up inside and the only thing left for you to do was cry and release them. Last night was one of those nights for me. After Lauren and I put our boys to sleep, we spent a little down time together, something we don't get to do very often with two crazy boys. About 9:45 ish i receive a phone call from my sister and she calls to let me know that she's praying for us and Riley, and as I'm talking to her i hear her voice crack with sincerity as she expressed her love for us. My sister is such a Godly woman and words from her are always comforting to me. As she was talking to me i was reminded of my relationship with my Dad and how her words to me last night sounded like something he would say to me if he were still around. That kind of set it all off for me last night.

A few weeks ago if you were to ask me about Riley and his surgery process i would've told you that Lauren and i are really looking forward to recovery. A good friend of mine JD always asks me "How are you feeling about Riley and his surgery" and my response every time would be the generic "We just want to start the road to recovery."

Last night as i lay in bed weeping, i could no longer hide the fact that I'M SCARED and i really wished that when we woke up the day of the surgery that GOD would heal him and that we wouldn't have to put him through soo much pain. I HATE to see people hurt and when he or she is your own son or daughter it hurts even more. I cried my self to sleep, something that i haven't done in a while.

I'd be lying to you if i said that i woke up feeling better about all of it. I was however greeted this morning by a huge smile from Riley and a big hug from Cameron.

I realized this morning the road to recovery has begun.

Happy New Year!!!

YIPEE! 2007 is here! Tonight we broke in the new year with some of our dearest friends. It was such a great time of laughter and singing and dancing. Oh Yeah did i mention singing. Our friends who hosted the party (Gregg and Becky) did such an awesome job making it memorable. They had a karaoke machine and a full on dance floor with a party ball. Some folks came out of there shells tonight and i saw folks do things that i never thought that i would see them do. We'll keep it on the DL though.

Anyhow, i learned tonight that there are many common threads that bind us together, but the one that stuck out the most tonight was "laughter." I love it when people laugh and are having a good time. It honestly gives me goosebumps and a genuine warm feeling inside my soul. The bible says that a "cheerful heart is medicine to the soul." Tonight we experienced the true essence of " Community."

I really believe that it's in "Community" that we can share laughter and tears. It's a place where you can be who you are minus the facade. It's where high fives and hugs are given. It's with these people that our lives are changed and challenged. We are so blessed to have friends like these.

You give me a name of someone who can live without community and i tell you to kick yourself because no such person exists. We ALL need each other. May 2007 be a year where you increase your love for community and your love for life.

Thank you friends for allowing me and my family to share our lives with you and yours.

Adios 2006

I told you my wife was awesome! She set up my new page and for a small fee she can make your page look just as good. Just kidding.

A New year is just around the corner, what's mind boggling is where did the last one go. There are so many things that happened this past year that I'm thankful for, so i decided to highlight and share a few with you.

Celebrated 3 years of marriage.
Cameron celebrated his 2nd birthday.
Built new friendships.
Started small group with a great bunch of people.
Dedicated Emersen Kate Kaya.

And the greatest thing to happen to me this year is the birth of my Beautiful son Riley James Faiai on July 24th 2006.

Box of Chocolates?!

Whew! What a week... It has been one full of anticipation of my son Riley's Pre-op appointment on Friday December 29th. In the wait, there was a lot of prayer support. Thank you to all who've been praying and thinking about us. It really means a lot to us, so much so I'm going to be selfish and ask for more as we've entered the thick of it all. I believe one of the greatest things that anyone could ask for in times such as this, is support and love from their "Community"of friends and family.

I've been thinking about soo much lately, and the one thing that i can't seem to shake is the fact that "Life should be savored" Maybe my good friend Tom Hanks was right in Forrest Gump when he said "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." Whatever kind of chocolate you get or whatever life deals to you, i'm finding out, it's worth savoring. I never knew that in my box of chocolates or goodies that i would get such and amazing wife, nor did i know that i would be the father of the two greatest gifts in my life, Cameron and Riley!! How
COOL is that!

However there are somethings that come in the same box of those goodies that your not very fond of. Riley's surgery is one of those things that I've gotten. And to be totally honest with you it's a piece of life that I'm not very fond of right now. As SUCKY as it is, it's still a part of my life that i must savor. I can't control the outcome of the surgery, however what i can control is how i choose to savor every sweet moment with him.

There is a lot of life to live in every single one of us, young and old alike. So we should savor it because it comes from the Lord. Psalm 34:8 says to "Taste and see that the LORD is good." What a cool verse to live by.

So to sum it all up here some.....

Final thoughts:

"Take an inventory of your box", what have you passed up on, you know what i'm talking about. We've all opened a box of Sees candies and have gone straight for the familiar candy. What deserves a second look, or a first look.

"Find out what your missing out on" What doesn't look so good on the outside shouldn't discourage you from looking on the inside. A lot of times blessings are disguised.

Lastly...."What are you waiting for?" Don't wait any longer to love people and celebrate your kids and do something for someone other than yourself. The list is eternal you fill in the blank _____________.

Happy New Year!

Well, I honestly feel a little rusty and out of sync. I haven't blogged in over a month, it's not that there was nothing worth blogging about, it's just that life has been soo busy and so fast lately, there has been really no time to sit down and talk or i mean write...wait i meant push buttons. So i decided to wake up early enough on this fine morning to blog.

Have you ever been in love with someone that you would absolutely do anything for them. Even if it was something so crazy that only you would have the guts to take on any challenge set before you to show your love. Well yesterday i felt one of those moments.

My wife I and drove up to Santa Monica for a 2:00 p.m. Doctor's appointment for our son, Riley. We got there a little early to kind of check the place out and fill out paperwork. Very soon after we turned in our paperwork we got called to the back to see the Head Surgeon for Riley's surgery, Dr. Henry Kawamoto. He sat down with us for a while and briefed us on what exactly is going to take place and what his role is going to be during the surgery. Then, we walked over to another room to snap photos of Riley. After the pictures and a breif assessment of Riley's health, we were "good to go!" and on our way home!

A little "SELF" took place yesterday as we were walking out of that building. In my mind i thought to myself " you mean I drove over 2 hours for you to ask me questions I could have asked over the phone" , "I drove 2 hours for you to take pictures of my sons head that I could have taken myself and and sent to you in an email. UGGGHH!I was a little frustrated.

As we're riding down the elevator though, my son starts to make cooing sounds and cracks one of those irresistible smiles that melts your heart. I started to well up with tears in my eyes because that was THE moment I realized that I'm sooo madly in love with this precious little boy that i would do absolutely ANYTHING for him and that i would drive a million miles to see any Doctor anywhere.

I couldn't help but compare this feeling to the way GOD feels about us.During this Christmas season we're reminded of a GOD who sent us a Savior named Jesus because he was deeply in love with you and me. CRAZY huh?!

Finish the sentence

I don't know.......
I talk........to whoever wants to and likes to talk to me.
I love.........Chick-fil-a and Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookies.
My best friend..........Is watching over me.
My first real kiss.........Sloppy.
I hate it when people........jump to conclusions.
Love is.......Indescribable.
Somewhere, someone is thinking.........about something.
I'll always...........love the color blue
The last time I cried was because..........I had a moment with my sons that i wish my Dad was around to see.
My cell phone............is great tool.
When I wake up in the morning..........i make my son Cameron a bowl of Cereal (Honeycomb) to be exact.
Before I go to sleep at night..........mentally recap the day and plan ahead for tomorrow.
Right now I'm thinking about.........Christmas eve services.
Babies are............are the COOLEST and life changing!
Today I .................Lead worship for Real Life.
Tonight I will............go to bed late.
Tomorrow I will.........spend the night at my in-laws.
I really want.................some really cool sweater vests, you know the dressy kind.

Whoever's reading this.....consider yourself tagged!

Alone anyone??

Well we're about a month and a half away from our son Riley's surgery, and honestly have to say that i have mixed feeling about it all as we get closer to the day. A part of me is wishing that we had more time and the other part of me just kind of wants to get it over with. Everytime i hold him i pray that God would just heal him so that we don't have to go through all that stuff. I realize though that God has our best interest in mind and that he was in control of all of this.

A good friend of mine reminded me of something a few months ago, we were talking about life and the things that are dealt to us sometimes. He said that "Life is not meant to be done alone" a phrase i've always known and heard so many times. However for some reason this time when i heard it, it clicked. Maybe it was because of our circumstances that we're going through.

I'm a HUGE community guy. I LOVE people, ALL people. I think the worst thing that can ever happen to anybody is to feel joy and sorrow alone. On my wife's blog is the story of our son Riley's journey and ever since it's been up, there has been a flood of support from everywhere, people we've never seen or met, but because they've experienced some similar events in there own lives they're spreading the love and support they've felt from others.

Life is Beautiful and should be shared with everyone. Each and everyone of us has the ability to speak into each others lives and make this place we call earth a better place to live. Yeah we have differences and dislikes but through all of that is the common thread called LOVE.

So here's the walk-away of this post.... Spread LOVE, like it's a fast spreading disease!