This week...

Just got back from the long ( yet beautiful and intriguing) drive up to Ranong!

If you've never heard of Ranong ( and chances are you haven't as it's not one of Thailand's most notable cities) it is known for producing delicious cashew nuts, as well as where foreigners frequent to do 'visa runs' over to Myanmar to get their visas extended. I have always said to friends that Ranong is so beautiful and that I would be tempted to live there impermanently, despite their being little to do. This particular trip that feeling was confirmed. Before the 4 hour drive I stumbled upon a magazine talking about what to see in Ranong as where as the best places for roti ( yummy dish also popular in Malaysia). I told Billy we must at least visit one of the waterfalls or restaurants and just get to know this place a little better. We headed over to the tourist center and were greeted by two incredibly friendly guys who both spoke impeccable English. We chatted with them for a while and I picked up some pamphlets in English. We didn't have time to head to the hot springs or waterfalls but we did stop at Le Ranong, a bistro and hotel in the city. I ordered the most delicious banana coffee and we got some pesto. The staff weren't too friendly, but the experience was lovely-just doing something different than what we normally do every time we make the trek up to the town.

We got back last night and Kaya wanted to play Mario Galaxy with her Papa as I crashed onto the bed, exhausted from entertaining the little one for hours in the car. I am hoping we never have to do the drive again or at least not as frequently, but we had a great experience this time around, particularly on the way up.

Oh and good news!! I am no longer a 'no reply' blogger! I can't believe I hadn't figured this our by now....long term wordpress.org user here and still getting used to the ropes!! :)

Linking with Whatever Wednesday Rebecca This Girls Life Melissa Shanna Marquis

To all the Papas

Papa's Day.

I want to write something long and detailed, expressing my love for Dads in general and specifically my daughter's wonderful Father/my love, but time is of the essence as we are getting packing for our two day trip to Ranong. We're hoping this is the last one ( fingers crossed!!) and plan to visit the water fall and hot springs there.

I spent last night thinking of my Father, who has been gone for over 10 years now. I wasn't filled with sadness. I reflected on what he would do if he was in my shoes, what he would say to me when I need advice. I've asked him in my mind for some time now what would you do? I remember his incredible generosity with everyone he knew. He believed in me too, despite our differences. Yet it wasn't until recently that I felt a strong internal feeling that there was a response to my questions. It came when Kaya and I were watching a 90s movie called Split Infinity, about a entrepreneurial girl that gets taken back in time to convince her Grandfather not to sell the family farm. It was before the depression and so the young man version of her Grandfather wanted to sell the house and invest it in stocks. Days after the sale was made, Black Tuesday happened and the family lost the farm that the girl was trying to save. But they were able to keep the house and barn and it got them through the depression.
The movie was so good and heartfelt that it stuck with me for days. Stability, comfort, family, self sufficiency. Quality food. Happiness. Things that Dads provide and help foster, as do Moms. It made me really reflect on the role of a Father and what it represents in all aspects. What incredible responsability Dads have! We tend to focus on Moms and how little respect we get from society ( very true sadly) and yet look at Dads. They get even less! It's like a no biggie. It's normal, not special. Parenthood is special. Dads have huge jobs in parenting in needing to be present for their families and help create a stable financial environment. And in this economy, is that an easy task? It's been so hard for us to find those things, and were met more frequently with insults rather than support from people we needed guidance from.
I admire my husband for his ability to adapt. For his strength to continue striving for bigger and better things for us and his business. I am so grateful for Dads, where do I even begin? Seeing him hold Kaya, run after her, play with her. He is told everywhere we go how involved he is as a Dad and how lucky I am to have him. I know! I am lucky beyond words.

Dads, we love ya. We love having you around and here, holding the wee ones and embracing us. Thank you for all you do.

Linking up with Honee Bee Nan Amy Molly Bri Krysten Julie The Better Mom Amanda Whippeberry

Organic Goodies for my curly angel

Seriously, not to have a proud Mom moment but isn't her hair gorgeous???? And yet today she was telling me she was mad about it, she wants to look like me with long hair. Everyone said noooo in unison, praising her lovely locks. But this is Kaya we are talking about, and she wants to be like me for some reason. I'm Mom and I guess I am cool in her mind. Which makes it challenging for me to try and make sure I am the best role model I can be for a young girl to aspire to emulate, even if this is just a phase. What I say and do now will affect her the most. No pressure whatsoever right? lol

  After our few days of hellishly battling fire ants, we received two much welcomed packages filled with organic goodies for Billy to review. Shoosha Baby is an organic product line from Canada that uses the best ingredients that are safe for babies and don't contain any parabens or whatnot. They sent the most scrumptious smelling hazelnut and vanilla bean soap..... We also received literally the best all natural, chemical free deodorant from Schmidt's. They smell incredible and actually work ( we've had bad luck with those crystal deodorants....).

It was lovely to have received something in the mail, I must say. Granted they took 2 months to arrive!! Oh well :)

Linking up with:

 Diana

Marquis

Northern Belle Diaries

Jean

Lauren

Amelia

Chrissy

Kenzie