Family Here and Family There

I think we did the right thing choosing Iowa as the place to raise our family. I feel Carl's family couldn't be much more supportive. Josh and Annette and Mom & Dad have all taken turns watching my kiddos for a variety of reasons. They have made us feel needed and wanted. They have gone out of their way to tiptoe around my pet peeves. I love that Carl gets to spend time with his brother, sister and parents. I think it's great that he can be there to celebrate their successes with them and remorse over the downfalls of life with them. How cool is it that he can take his sister out to lunch, go to a movie with his mom, take his dad fishing or go out with his little brother bowling?

But secretly, I'm envious... jealous to the point that I want to break down in tears. I want to go out with my mom and get our nails done. I want my little brother and I to share lunch without kids. I want to garage sale with my dad for a whole Saturday morning. Don't get me wrong. Carl goes out of his way every year to make sure I get to visit one or both of my parents. I never have a year without them. But it's hard. When we are together, the time is short. When I visit- I seldom have alone time with them. Maybe it will get easier as I get older- but it seems my longing to have them near has gotten worse lately. Time heals - I guess.