Around the world and yet....

Yes, it is true that this year has been a year of adventure and travel for us. I am so busy that i haven't even blogged about 2 of our trips, one to Rome back in September and Bali just earlier this month. Now some would say, wow i would give anything to go the places you have gone and see the things you have seen, but i have to say that i would trade all of these trips for more time back in the US with family and friends. It's easy for people who have never left the comfort of their country to not fully grasp what it is like to spend so much time on foreign soil. Yes, it is an amazing experience that we will forever treasure, and yes we have seen things i never imagined in all of my wildest dreams, we have met amazing people along the way and all of these things are valued, but when you are truly homesick all the 5 star resorts on the planet cant compare!

I don't take these trips for granted and i am not trying to sound spoiled, but i would in a heartbeat trade Bali, Rome, and even Thailand for more than a few weeks in the US 2 times a year! I want to lay in my bed and bask in the quiet of the country. I want to play with my dogs and watch my daughter with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I want to drive my car to nowhere just because i can. I want to shop at Walmart where i can actually get all my needs fulfilled in one location (something i hated before i came here, but would give anything for now). I want to sit with Sarah and watch our kids play together, and i want to spend time with these few women who have stuck by my side through all of these years when the rest of the friends faded away. I miss girl time with my sister and sitting with my Mom.

The trips are great, but the grass is not as green as you may think. Funny how we always want to be where we are not! Don't get me wrong, i am so very thankful to God for our time in India and the opportunity to see the world...It has changed my life forever and i could never regret a moment of it! I am, however, ready for a long break back in the US, something we have not had for 3 years now! I am missing all of my freedoms that i used to take for granted! Especially my freedom of Religion, something America not only takes for granted, but lately seems to be pushing to the way side! I am happy that i got to come here and truly find out how blessed i am as an American. So for now i will enjoy my travel and count my blessings, until God sees fit to plant our feet firmly on American soil for good!

Birthday In Bali

We decided to spend Ella Mae's first birthday in Bali. We love Thailand and were very excited to check out this new Indonesian island paradise. I have to say that Bali is breathtakingly beautiful and the statues and carvings are amazing. It is filled with friendly people and rich in culture.

My absolutely favorite part of Bali was the thunderstorms. We vacationed on the end of the peak season, nearing the start of the wet season, but it was the perfect time in my opinion. The weather stayed pleasant the entire time, not to hot not to cold. The afternoon thunderstorms would roll in and there is just nothing like it! We enjoyed most of our meals at the hotels Cocos beach bar. It is literally sand floor with thatched roof and nothing but glorious ocean for a view.

This vacation we had decided would be one of relaxation, so we did not go out and explore the island too much. We did however drive a good part of the island to get to the Bali Safari and Marine park and that is a must see if you ever visit Bali. The animals were healthy, well kept and spectacular! It is a beautiful park! I don't regret our decision to stay close to home, as it allowed us to give Ella Mae proper rest. She loves the pool and the ocean and we spent our days in both. Ryan and i both enjoyed a beachside massage in the resorts outdoor spa huts...There is nothing quite like having a massage while listening to the ocean (live) and feeling the wind blowing off the water, it was the most relaxing massage i have ever enjoyed!

I will say that the water and the beaches could not compare to Thailand however. Yes, the water and beaches we experienced were clean and well kept, but they did not have that beautiful azure water of Thailand or the coral white sand beaches we fell in love with at Phuket. Bali had its own unique charm that made it a completely different experience from Thailand, but if the choice is down to beaches and water then Thailand wins, hands down!

Bali felt like a land of ancient ruins surrounded by lush jungle, it was gorgeous. I loved the feel of stepping back into a timeless place...There was truly something magical about this island. I am happy that we chose to stay in the Tanjung Benoa/Nusa Dua area instead of choosing the touristy Kuta beach area. Our resort was located near the top of the peninsula so we were further from the manicured Nusa Dua zone, and got more a feel of the real Bali.

All in all it was a good choice and i am happy that we got to experience Bali, it will forever be in my heart! Next stop will of course be Thailand, we have truly fallen in love with the country and there is so much more to see!!!!

The birth of our miracle

Its hard to believe that a year ago i was just beginning the journey of Ella Mae's birth. The 18 hours of labor and the final push to bring her into this world are a memory, but one that i will carry with me for all time. The very second that the Dr's placed her in my arms i knew i would love her forever, and that i would lay my life on the line for her always, what i didn't know is that feeling, that powerful love would only multiply with each passing day, week, month and now year. I love her more now than i ever imagined i had the capacity to love. Some nights i hold her while she sleeps and it feels she is the reason my heart beats! True, as she gets older we have begun the power struggle, and some days are not all fun and games...Good or bad days, regardless are the best days simply because Ella Mae is here with us and we are a family.

This year has been an amazing experience. We have watched her grow from a helpless infant to a daring toddler. Watching her little body grow and her amazing mind develop, all things that are such a blessing to be part of. The one characteristic that never ceases to amaze me is her never ending love and adoration for us. She gives hugs with out asking, she kisses us often and gives us her trademark head butts just to show she cares. Even after not getting her way she is never greedy with the love, she offers it freely and openly. Her heart is so big, and every second with her makes my heart bigger.

I thought i fully understood love, but i am sad to say that i never knew of this love, this powerful, deep and undying love that i feel for my daughter. Loving her has taught me to better love all people in my life. I take my cues from her, i forgive easily and show love fiercely. I can not imagine a minute of my life spent without her and i look forward to watching her continue to grow and change. Ella Mae is incredible...I really cant say much more than that.

This last year has brought Ryan and i to a new level of love and our family to a new level of faith. God is amazing and he blessed us above and beyond with the gift of our baby girl. This year we will sing happy Birthday to Ella Mae in Bali Indonesia, which is fitting of her jet set life that she has had since birth. She is an adventurer and wherever Ryan and Ella Mae are is home. Thank you God, for an amazing husband and the miracle of my baby girl Ella Mae....My blessing overflow!!!!