Family life isn't always hectic, but there are times when keeping track of all those appointments, chores, activities and errands can seem almost impossible.

Enter Cozi, a free Web service available through www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com that's designed to help busy families keep track of everything from birthdays to dentist appointments and even shopping lists, all of which can be read to you over the phone or sent via text message to your cell just by calling a toll-free number.

Cozi's calendar function keeps activities for each family member color-coded and accessible for everyone. Parents who use Microsoft Outlook at work can sync their Cozi calendars with their work computers so they can keep track of their schedules from the office, too. Cell phones or PDAs equipped with Outlook can also sync to Cozi.

Cozi isn't just easily accessible, it also helps send out e-mails and text messages to family members who might not remember to log in. That function could particularly come in handy when mom or dad realizes there's a scheduling conflict and family members need to be contacted to readjust their plans.

The message function can also be used to send out reminders and to-do lists to family members.

Adding fun to its functionality, Cozi also has a place to keep a family journal and can pull up old family photos to create collage screensavers for the computer, leaving a spot for the day's schedule down in the corner.

Seattle-based Cozi was launched by veterans of Microsoft, Expedia and Amazon in 2006. Today it has more than a half-million members, most of them with two or more children under 18. Working moms in particular seem to like the service. About 68 percent of moms who use it work outside of the home.

To check it out, visit www.honoluluadvertiser.com/cozi.