Home for the holidays.

Saying farewell to the life of luxury and relaxation was not easy. I was going to miss going on my daily nature walks, playing games with my folks, eating fresh fruit everyday, and just enjoying every minute of life. Soaking in every smell, every sight and every sound without any distractions in my head. No worries. What was even harder than leaving was trying to get home, but that is an entirely different story which Josh conveys with more passion, so I'll let him cover that if he ever feels the motivation to.

Anyhow, we decided to book it home after Christmas in Philippines in order to go to what I like to call "The Schmucker Family Christmas." As much as Josh and I didn't want to leave we really couldn't wait for some American comfort food. (Who makes that chicken noodle soup? I absolutely love it.) The Christmas party was fun as usual, I'm glad that we made it back  to the states in time. I really have to give it to Josh's family for making me feel at home in Ohio. More than that, when I go to their parties I like to sit back and watch all of them interact with eachother. There's an electricity that is so strong that it becomes tangible. There is a love there that movies are made of and greeting cards are written about. It's in every action, every hug, smile, every dish that is made, and especially in the laughter. It's hard to find the words to describe how I feel but I do know that I am extremely blessed to have had an oppertunity to witness it.

Other enjoyable moments include seeing how big our god children have grown. Baby Mia is a little woman now and Kevin is practically a man. Holly is going to have her first communion soon. We got to do crosswords with Grandma Ellen and chat it up a little bit. We spent some time over at Uncle Dennys and Aunt Debs, We are SO proud of Mandy and how well she's doing in the nursing program. We had margaritas at el campisinos, many a interesting nights over at Gene's house with a room that looks like a coffin. Tom's game was fun to watch and it was especially interesting to find out that he had come out with an amazing brand called "Ballher." He created it with his girls basketball team in mind. I think it's inspirational. Google it. You'll love it. Our nephew Nate turned the big ONE. We hung out over at Rich and Mandy's a few times and got to spend New Years over at Dave and Jen's. We hung out at dad's house a few times and got to relax a little. And mom was hospitable to put us up until we left for Florida. Over all it was a good time.

I think the most important part of the trip back home was that I feel that it allowed Josh and I to tie up loose ends and come full circle with what and who was important in our lives. Even though it was tough to leave the people we love, especially people that we feel that we could grow more with, we know that we have chosen some really positive and loving people to call friends and we are just grateful that we realized it.

(I'm blogging at work, so pictures will come later)