The End.
Just Kidding. That was toooo easy.
Let's take a look at the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of having our families so far away.
The Good
- We don't have to go somewhere every week for Sunday dinner. For the most part we value every last second of family time, down time, nap time and HATE a chaotic and busy life - so simpler is always better.
- We don't have to deal with the DRAMA. We hear all sorts of drama from our friends who have family close by about who goes to see who more - or other petty jealousies and things that creep up: who's hosting Christmas or Thanksgiving or why can't everyone come watch junior play pee wee football.
- No one can run away to my house when they are mad. I am much less concerned about this now that the kids are older, but still..!
The Bad
- Having to pay a babysitter. It would be so cool to have family nearby to 1) have a relationship with the kids and 2) be there to help out.
- Having no where to go every Sunday night. I know I know, but you know... kinda jealous of the idea too.
- Having to travel, travel, travel, travel. I hate driving. I hate flying with kids. I hate the cost. I hate how much time we waste driving. I hate how much money we spend traveling. Did I say I hate how much it costs?
- Cousins. Some of my ABSOLUTE most FAVORITE memories growing up are of being at our cousins house. I wish the cousins could be closer again - it was so good while we had it!
- Missing everyone's birthday's and important events. It would be nice to be together for all of these - But it just isn't possible, and it is sad.
- I wish that the kids could know our families better. Especially after writing about my Grandparents it makes me think about how much every one is missing. You just don't get the same experience in a weeks visit.
- Missing and Forgetting birthdays, not getting the card in the mail soon enough, shipping.
The Ugly
- The ugly truth is that we have been away from family for nearly 20 years and it feels normal.
- Home to Matt and I is Kansas City - even though we don't have family there anymore.
- Home to Izzy and Alex is St Louis. They think they are Cardinals fans. We let them play along at school. But truthfully they bleed purple. (K-STATE fans)
- The Phone Bill. Thanks to this BLOG, Facebook, Email, and texting - the Phone Bill isn't quite so ugly anymore.
You did a "gotcha" on me with the beginning. Pretty funny.
ReplyDeleteI could relate to each of your points, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I moan and groan about being an hour away from my kids. I think I have to sit down and write a list of pros and cons about that too. It might make me think about it a little differently.