2013

Here we are again, upon ourselves with Christmas. Last year, I creatively moved our elf from one location to another, often spending hours with my husband rigging up "hot air balloons" and zip lines. This year.... the elf has moved from one stagnant location to the next. Its been almost a year since I took to my blog, and life has gotten insane. Little Nut(my daughter) is now 4 and a self proclaimed "big kid" because she goes to pre-school instead of day-care.  And most of the time it's just her & I. My hubby took a job working on the other side of the country(literally, we are on opposite coasts and often talk while staring at opposite oceans) Its been a tough transition, but it makes him happy & it's the best thing for our family. We have high hopes he can be transferred closer within the next 2 years. So to replace the void we've added a new family member to the mix.... Jinglebells, our pet Guinea Pig.

So I will sum this "update" post up with 5 things I have learned in 2013:
#1: Communication is Key: It may sound cliche but honestly it is... my relationship with hubby has only strengthened since he has been gone. I believe 100% this is because we actually have to talk to each other. it was so easy when he was home to just sit on the couch and watch TV. Between work & taking care of our daughter we were like passing ships in the night. At one point we went 4 months without a day off together.
#2: Do not let anyone take you for granted: Your time and energy is valuable. This is something I learned while at work and it rings truer than true right now. If you let them take you for granted once, they will do it again, and in the end you will be worn out, tired and unappreciated. It's not worth it.
#3: Children are the best medicine: After a stressful long day, the one thing that can make everything better is a big hug & kiss followed by a "can we watch a movie" from my Little Nut. It makes me remember why we are sacrificing and why I work hard. To provide the best life for her.
#4: Don't count on Children to always be that best medicine: Honestly, any parent should know this one. The day you walk in thinking "I need a hug and a movie" is the day you walk in to a house that looks like Cape Cod miraculously got hit my an earthquake and your child is pant-less running around screaming.
#5: Take some time off: Take time off from work, take time off from your kids, take time off from errands and housework and chores. Take time off from life. It will be worth paying the babysitter that extra hour while you lay on the beach with peace and quiet. You need to take care of yourself.

And my hubby will be home in 3 days. Hopefully we can get some decent elf locations schemed up before Christmas :-)