Homesick Much?

For the past few weeks I have been feeling a bit homesick...but it wasn't until recently that it fully kicked in. I'm pretty sure this has something to do with talking to a bunch of my Louisiana friends on Facebook recently. Not to mention that I missed my nephew's 1st birthday party. As much as I love that these people mean so much to me, I wish this feeling would go away.

I was born and raised in Louisiana and pretty much spent my entire childhood figuring out ways to escape. I briefly moved to California and Texas, but ended up back home -- like always. I moved to South Carolina in January of 2009 to be closer to Keith. At the time we were only dating, but I knew he was the one and couldn't stand being away from him. This move to SC was different. This move totally changed my life.

I married an amazing man and have started to come into my own here in Charleston. I've made friends, found a great doctor, am volunteering again, and have started to realize everything this place has to offer. And yet I've been here for almost 2 years and sometimes still feel like a visitor. Things just aren't the same.

Keith and I will be going to Louisiana for Thanksgiving and I think this will really help. I'll get to see the people and places that I love so dearly. For Christmas, we'll be staying in Charleston. I knew things were going to be like this, but I didn't think it would be this hard to be away from Louisiana. I love Keith and the new Christmas family that I belong to, but I just feel like I'm missing out on growing up with family.

So how does this work exactly? Are any of you living away from your family, but close to your husband's family? Does anyone only go home once or twice a year? Any coping techniques, advice, or tips? Any and all help is appreciate.