I probably mentioned this a little bit ago but I love the shocked look on people’s faces when I tell them… My family moved to town! Yes, MY town. Like, they’re less than two miles from my house. My mom and two of my sisters are now basically my neighbors.

Since I had my son in April and my mom came to visit she’d been teasing me with the idea of moving to Texas. I’d been campaigning to get family to move near me for years with no success. “It’s too hot!” they say or “We have so much family in Utah.”

For a little while I thought I was close to getting my sister-in-law to move here, yet a job offer in Denver took them back west. I was crushed. But not ready to give up.

My mom said she’s consider moving after my sister Lauren graduated from high school. She sold her house several months ago and stayed with friends while they decided if they should rent another house in Georgia or relocate to Texas. Luckily my mom has a job that allows her to work from home, so location isn’t an issue.

The night after my sister’s graduation they packed up their things and sent me a text message saying they were on their way.

I haven’t lived this close to my family since I was a kid and it’s been quite a change.

Here are five things that have been difference since my family moved to town.

1. More company. When my husband works nights it can get lonely around dinner and after the kids go to bed. Most nights he’s at work my sister or mom will come over and watch a show with me after helping me put the kids to bed. Having an extra adult to talk to is so nice. Lil’ J is also OBSESSED with her aunt Kimmie.

2. Extra TV commentators. Aside from Breaking Bad and Suits, my husband and I don’t watch many shows together. It’s nice having other ladies around who can enjoy a good chick show (ie: Bachelorette) or lame show (ie: Rising Star).

3. Gym buddies. Getting to the gym isn’t easy. Now that my sister is here, we motivate each other to hit the early-morning classes. My mom has even started joining us. We’ve been going almost every day and I can’t wait to see some results.

4. A new auto-hangout spot. You don’t really need an invite to go over to your moms house. When we are tired of our own place we can just drive two miles down the road to my mom’s.

5. Emergency babysitters. Date nights, girls nights, game nights. I don’t have to turn down as many things because of my husband’s crazy schedule. I’m even starting an adult hip hop class with friends this week.

Overall we are having a good time. I hope they’re enjoying it as much and decide to dig their roots in a little deeper. I’m getting spoiled and I don’t want to go back. With young kids, a job, and a spouse with a unusual schedule, having family close can make a world of a difference, and I’m so thankful.

Tags: family