family . . .

Most of my readers know that Matt and I were together a long time before we got married. We spent countless hours with each others respective families. By the time we got married we both already felt like part of the other's extended family.

When we moved to Florida we were so excited that Bo, Ellen, and Elizabeth weren't going to be too far (just an hour and a half as compared to the rest of the families 15 plus hours) away from us. We've had so much fun seeing them for different occasions. We spent a Thanksgiving with them, we got to see Elizabeth's band concert, we've randomly been able to see each other on their trips to Key Biscayne, etc... Yesterday I got a call from Ellen saying that her and Elizabeth were in town and that maybe we could see each other. I was so excited! More than excited- ecstatic! We just had a lovely dinner of burgers and curly fries at Flannigan's and lovely conversation. I always like hearing about what Ellen's reading (no matter how weird it seems) and catching up with Elizabeth. I remember when she was just ten (!) and we made place cards for Thanksgiving. Now seeing her grown up (Elizabeth- if you are reading you can stop gagging now... lol) is really nice. She's a lovely young woman.

I know, cut the sentimental crap.... but to many of you- you won't get this. Many of you live so close to family that you don't think about how often you get to see one another. I know that I have twinges of jealousy when I hear about Mom having everyone over for someone's birthday, a holiday, or a random Sunday. I do miss being so physically close to family. Especially when Matt is traveling for work.

Thank you facebook!!! Technology has been wonderful, I know what's going on with everyone (thanks facebook) and everyone knows what we're doing (thanks again facebook, and blogging). In fact, I imagine that we all know a lot more about each other than we care to know!! Alas, it doesn't replace the face to face contact. Talking to my mom on the phone while she's walking doesn't replace the fact that we aren't walking together. Talking to Sally over the phone about something from Gourmet Magazine isn't the same as cooking something in person over a bottle of wine with her. Looking at video's of my sister's children isn't the same as being there, watching them grow. Having my brother's butt call me from work....well- maybe not... :-)

Don't get me wrong- I'm not complaining. We have a wonderful life here with great friends. I have family here that although not blood- are still family. I'm so blessed, we are so blessed, and GRATEFUL but FAMILY. . .

You should visit more!!!

:-)