The Distance Dilemma–Solved
Don’t look back… Only forward. Those are the words that are playing on “repeat” in my mind as I think about my life and the way it’s going, though sometimes I’m not sure which way is which.
I loved visiting with all of his family and we miss them so much. But it was also SO much fun to be a visitor. You know… Special treatment and all. Snoop was greeted with a nice big bone on our bed, and we both got treats too. I can imagine how fun it will be when trips to grandma’s house are special for our children.
I thought I’d leave Utah yearning for more and dying to move back, but that’s not the case. Coming back to Austin was coming Home for us, and it feels great.
Being in a new place–Though I’ve been there a year, is a good excuse to become a new person, reinvent and redefine oneself. I’m not sure what the new definition of “me” is… Blogger? Potential mother? But I know I have to keep moving forward.
As I leave one family behind I’m opening my arms to embrace a new one–One that’s not quite formed, but it’s coming together. I have two close friends having babies. As much as I wish that were me, I’m sincerely happy for them. I’m where I am for a reason, and I have to trust that everything will work out.
Before, I was thinking our kids would be missing out on so much if we lived away from family. But now I’ve realized there’s family everywhere, though we’re not always bound by blood.
According to Random.org, the winners of Part 1 of my 400th Follower giveaway:
Commenter #138: The VERY lucky Jess won the hand-stamped necklace from Token Designs.
Commenter #282: The also VERY lucky AnaLee wins the beautiful premade layout of their choice from The Design Girl.
Commenter #34: Elle’s Mom won the beautiful LOVE sign from The Back Porch Shoppe.
Commenter #308: JusticeCW wins the wristlet of their choice from Sweet Irie (I just got mine today and I LOVE it!!)
And finally, Commenter #12: {Katie Lane} wins an adorable BBQ style Apron from Aprons and More!
Winners get me your addresses! LIVE giveaway winners… I know we’ve already determined, you can send me your addresses too, but I’m going to request those later this week.
There’s still time to enter my 400th Follower Giveaway. Part 2 ends tonight at midnight!
I can’t believe I won that beautiful prize!! I’m thrilled!!!!!
I so hope I feel this way soon! Reading your post got me all teary I miss my family & am so sad right now but hey at least there was a lil something at the end to brighten my day woohoo THANK YOU!
I like how you put that – I’ve always feared moving away from family but at the same time I yearn to try something new. Maybe it won’t be as scary as I think.
I can only imagine how much more special visits to Grandmas will be for your children. A very close friend of mine is actually from West Virgina and not Louisville. She has raised both of her girls her and she wouldn’t change it for anything. You have made Austin your home and you have extended family there. You have made you family bigger by making the move to Austin! I am glad you were able to see this on your trip home:)
I’m going to college in a month and everything you just wrote made absolutely perfect sense! It’s wonderful to see that I’m not the only one who ever feels like this.
No way!! Are you serious? I was just scamming your post with my handy dandy Google reader. I had moved on to the next one when the thought “Did I just see my name?” came to mind. Sure enough I went back and there it was š
Of course there is family everywhere. But I still struggle with not having enough time with my old family. It’s kind of annoying to me that my time with them has to be limited because I have a new family now. I’m grateful my road trips don’t have to be as long as yours though!
Yay! I’m SO excited I won! Thank you thank you! š
Great post. I’m glad you feel at home in your own home. It’s not always an easy task!
I left something for you on my blog!
Family is more about being supportive, less about common blood. My kids and I have lived all over this country, and found good friends who treated us like family in every place we called home.
Thanks for the advice – I think that one can never be truly happy until they let go of their regrets/past and always move forward. š
Living away from home is nice, it only makes it more special to visit.
I am so happy I found your blog today. I too have longed to have a family. I too have moved away from the family I grew up in. Your words are so eloquently put. It is true that you find more family along the way. I’ll be back to visit again.