It’s now January 9, 2013. I don’t think I’ve posted since December 14th. Lots going on. We drove to Florida and spent an amazing week with my parents and my siblings and their families. Buddy and I got nasty colds. Buddy didn’t sleep while we were in Florida. We left two weeks early due to sickness, weather, and lack of sleep. I thank God for the chance to see my family; I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world! But, it was a hard week.

I’ll be honest, the last two weeks of 2012 kind of topped off what was an incredibly tough year for me. Really. 2012 kind of kicked my butt. I had a busy, fussy infant-turned-toddler, who just started sleeping through the night a few weeks ago. My man took a job half a world away. Okay, so it’s only half a country away, but for all the differences, it could be a world. I spent 5 weeks without my man while he lived in Texas and we lived in Connecticut. Baby Girl struggled without Daddy and acted out in ways that made me wonder what happened to my darling girl. My parents decided to live in Florida instead of near us in Texas. (And for my sister-in-law and parents who are reading this, I am not upset by the decision, but I would love to have them closer. I’d love to have all my family closer for that matter.)

I told my man the other day that I feel like I should be over the adjustments from the move. Reality? I am not over them. I still struggle daily with all of the changes. Sometimes I look around and say, “Do I really live in Texas?” I feel like it shouldn’t be this hard. I wonder if I should be calling this home and speaking with a Texan drawl. But the truth is, I still miss New England. Twitter is full of pictures of snow and reports of cold. I love that weather! Now, on the flip side, I will readily admit that it’s fantastic to be outside, at the zoo, running, and seeing the sun. But it’s not “home” yet, and that makes it difficult.

All of this to say, blogging has been the last thing on my mind. I’m trying to clean house and make this our home, make friends, raise my kids, make healthy meals. Right now blogging isn’t a priority. I have things to say still, like the single greatest idea to helping pass the time on road trips with kids. And hopefully I still will, but if I’m quiet for weeks at a time, then so be it. For my family, we need to get through these adjustments. 2012 brought so many changes. Here’s hoping 2013 brings a settled, more peaceful family. I need it. My kids need it. My man needs it. I want to wake up ready to embrace the day in Texas. So, here’s to 2013. May this be a year of peaceful change, cowboy boots, and newly decorated rooms.

And since everyone loves a post with pictures…

We got to eat at Moe’s in Florida! Baby Girl and I count Moe’s as our favorite restaurant!

My kids got to spend time with their cousins…so special to see. I love family time!

eep Sigh:
When can I go back?

Christmas Eve at the beach   I could get used to this!