We hemhawed around for a while, but we know now that it’s time.
It’s definitely time.
If you remember last June, Jamin officially resigned from his job. It was scary, crazy and the most liberating thing we’ve ever done. It’s been a wild ride, and now we’re very excited to make a great change, and step into the next chapter of this journey.
We’ve lived in Montgomery Alabama for twelve years. Our roots have run as deep as they can, and we’ve had a bittersweet experience. It was here that we grew our family, and we have no regrets.
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. We’re big believers that you water your own grass and work hard where you’re planted. And so water our grass, we did. We have been very blessed and fortunate and worked hard to make it flourish.
But in the end, this city, it has never been home. And we’ve never truly felt at peace with where we were. We’ve never belonged here.
Have you ever felt moved to do something big? To do something that didn’t really make much sense at the time on the outside, looking in? Something that would take a lot of faith and something that would require you to let go a little {therefore requiring you to work on your greatest control freak kinda struggle} because you knew that at the end of the day it was totally out of your hands?
We were called two years ago to do this. At the time, we weren’t really sure what it meant. It freaked us out. But the next chapter has begun to materialize for us, one line at a time. And we know it’s time to jump in.
Because we’re about to uproot our entire family, our lives, our business, and step into our next little adventure.
I could worry. I could freak out. I could cry… I have.
And I will some more. It’s just part of the journey.
There are lots of sweet, cherished memories in this home, and we have loved every minute of it. We started our marriage and our lives in Montgomery. We moved into this house just after Aiden’s first birthday, and he’s nine now. We brought two more babies home, here. Had many sleepless nights mixed with snippets of delirious laughter. We learned how to ride our bikes, read bedtime stories and made memories filled with pillow forts and tents and silly giggles with roasted marshmallows in the back yard. We made hard decisions, experienced heartbreak and beautiful moments. We learned who we are.
We grew our little family here.
We have cherished friends in Montgomery. And it was here that we discovered our passions, and knew that we needed to do whatever it takes to change some things for our family, because we know they are the right decision for us, right now.
At some point, we just have to buckle up, and enjoy the ride.
Because our season here has come to an end.
So {deep breath, because writing this feels super official} we’re relocating to Nashville, Tennessee.
We considered Hawaii. We really did. Because I mean, if you could pick anywhere…
But to be closer to family, make a great change for our children, and to expand our business in exciting ways that we can’t wait to share with you… Nashville it has been for two years, and it still is. We’re thrilled and scared and excited and apprehensive and just… ready.
We don’t know exactly where we’re moving to, home-wise… we just know that the right place will pop up. We don’t know when our home will sell, we just know that eventually, it will. In a private way, we didn’t really want to share that, but we know that being open here feels right. It’s a relief to share something that has weighed so heavily, and has been kinda scary, for so long.
And so here we are.
Stay with us. Whether I have a mental meltdown over packing all the things, and start having a free-for-all giving away our chesterfield on the front lawn, or rise to the occasion to keep my cool while we figure it all out… either way, I’m pretty sure it will be somewhere in the middle of the whole oh-my-lands-we’re-changing-our-lives, spectrum.
We promise, it’s about to get really, really good.
Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that – that is what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special and if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself. – Amy Poehler
I’m not sharing this because we think we’re great. But we did find this quote inspiring.
I’m leaving you with it, if you feel like you’ve been on the edge of something for a while, but you’re not sure how or when or what will make that happen. If you doubt the timing, if it really doesn’t make much sense, and it takes a leap… a great leap…. of faith. It’s okay to be scared to death. It’s much more interesting that way.
Buckle up, buttercup… let’s enjoy the ride.
I am sooo excited for you guys! I went to college in Nashville and absolutely love it! It is such a fun city, and I think the perfect size where you get the mix of big city and small town. You guys are going to love love love it!
Thank you, Erica! We are excited/nervous/ready! ;}
How EXCITING!! And nerve-wracking and scary but I love this post! So inspiring. God takes care of all the details. 🙂 Prayers, friends!
Thank you, Amber!
I love all of your inspiring quotes! I think it’s going to be so fun to watch this journey of yours. My husband and I are contemplating a huge leap of faith ourselves (not moving though). I pray for direction and a sign that it’s the right decision…so scary isn’t it??!! Good luck!! ~Kim
Awe, thanks Kim! Thinking of you as well! So excited for you!
Ok, so this post came at exactly the right time for me. I rarely ever comment on blog posts, but this one hit close to home. My husband is Active Duty Navy, but separates next month. He has already been offered (and has accepted) a very promising job with a very well known – amazing-to-work-for – company. So, we’re currently in the process of uprooting our entire lives and moving to another state. We’ve been fortunate enough to be stationed in our home town for the last few years, so what’s difficult for us is leaving our family and friends behind for this new adventure. Luckily, we’re only a state away – so not too far. Our house sold MUCH faster than we were expecting, and the offer we put on our next house was just accepted last night. So, today especially, I’ve been feeling like my life is just a whirlwind and I’ve been feeling very anxious about this next step we’re taking – mostly about leaving my family. It’s all coming to fruition now, and it’s overwhelming. So, when I say this post hit home today, I really mean it. Thank you for your optimism and a different perspective. That’s definitely what I needed today.
Thank you Courtney – thinking of you guys!
ooh i love nashville! congrats- so exciting!!!
Thank you so much, Cassie! ;}
I am so excited for you. May God give both of you peace in the journey. May the kids view this as an adventure. And may your home sell quickly!
Thank you so much, Naomi – you sound like you’ve relocated before – those are my concerns! HA!
I’m thrilled for you guys! You are an inspiration to us all. Best of luck on your new adventure!
Awe thanks so much, Catherine!
Congrats! We are just waiting on some things to fall into place, then we’ll be nashville bound too !
Awesome, Elizabeth! Hope to see ya there!
As a Nashvillian let me say, we can’t wait to have you. Best of luck with the transition.
Thanks so much, Lindsey! Hope we run into each other!
Change is always scary and exciting all wrapped into one. We had a guest speaker at our church this past Sunday, John Ortberg (amazing!) and he was talking about open doors and how GOD gives us choices. He said ” GOD is more concerned with who we become when we go through the door than the door we choose to go through. GOD doesn’t promise is it will be easy when we go, HE promises HE will be with us.” I love your blog and I wish your family great success! ~Sonya
Such wise words, Sonya. Thank you for that – so true!
Oooh,, Ashley, how exciting! I love Nashville, great city. Now I’ll know you will be there to. I can’t wait to see where y’all land. I have some girlfriends up in Nashville who know the ropes, so if you need anything you can ask them. Nashville is a great city. Can’t wait to hear what you’re going to be doing!
Thank you sweet friend! We’re excited and nervous all at the same time! ;} Thanks so much for your sweet words!
Great post! I’m excited for your family and remember always that no matter where this step may take you as long as you have your family you are home 🙂
So true, Shelly. SO true! ;} Thank you!
Good luck and God speed! We’re actually moving to Montgomery in the Spring but we’ll only be stationed there for a year (Army life). We call Nashville home and absolutely love it here. Nashville will welcome you with open arms. I’m sure of it!
Awe so exciting, Jen! Well, do ya need a house?! hahaha I kid I kid. But seriously if you need any help please drop us a line! We’ll be glad to help with whatever we can!
No, we’ll be living in my parents old house in East MGM. I actually spent my high school years there! But the same goes for you – if you need recs for anything in Nashville, let me know! I’ll be glad to help in any way!
So, I just cried reading this post, the “push” post and the post about Jamin resigning. I feel like we’re living a parallel life going through the same sort of thing! A few years ago, we downsized from our 5,000 ft2 home that never felt right to a home that is about 2500ft2 and was a definite fixer-upper so we could be mortgage-free. And that has been amazing.
But we’ve also bounced from one school to the next wondering why in the world none feel right for our sweet daughter and for us? Even though they’re perfectly wonderful schools. And I’ve been terrified to say it out loud (and ironically my husband has been too) – but we figured out that it’s “us” that don’t fit the mold. And we are learning everything we can about homeschooling to (we think) start that journey in the fall.
Bring on the family judgments…. Fear. What ifs….
And we are just feeling like we need a huge shift all the way across our lives.
Isn’t it interesting that so many are feeling this calling to a better life as opposed to the “should” lives that we all thought we were supposed to have.
I applaud y’all for following the push/call and for daring greatly! <3
Love to you from Georgia!
thank you so much, Natalie! I know that feeling well. Thinking of and praying for your sweet family during this time! Ya gotta go with your gut, after all!
I applaud your leap of faith!! Isn’t it funny that when we know we’ve heard from God, we don’t really have to worry about the details (like selling your home) you just know it WILL sell because He has made this next step so clear to you! I’m excited for you and also jealous because Nashville sounds awesome!!
Thanks so much, Danielle! I have to remind myself daily but so true!
I really relate to this. We moved to Northern CA fifteen years ago and at the time, it was a good move. We love, love, loved our little town. We’d always lived in big cities and it was a welcome change. Our son started kindergarten just days after we arrived, so it’s really where he grew up and we were blessed with our daughter a few years after. But our town has slowly changed over the years, and we feel it isn’t the best or safest place for us now. And my husband’s job requires more air travel, and we don’t have an airport! So in the next year or two, we’ll be moving. I’m sad our town isn’t what it was, and sad to move while my son’s in college, because I know our new place won’t feel like home to him, but I’m excited about the change, too. My poor husband’s commute is killing him and there will be more opportunities for all of us. Good luck in Nashville! I lived in Memphis for a few years and never got out there, one of my big regrets!
Thinking of you, M. You guys will totally figure it all out. Prayers for y’all! Thanks for the sweet words!
I knew you were going to say Nashville! Can we be neighbors? No, seriously the house two doors down is for sale! I know you love Franklin! I’m so happy for you all. Here’s hoping I get to run into you in the future! Coffee at The Well maybe?
Haha sounds great, Beth. Thanks so much!
This is exciting! Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures and the new house you will get to make beautiful!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! ;}
How exciting. Looking forward to hearing all about the next stage in life for your family. BTW, I have a brother and nephew who both relocated to Nashville and love it.
Awesome Becky! I love knowing stuff like this. It makes me that much more excited!
Hollon asked me this weekend if I thought you guys would stay here… For real… We were talking about how she misses Jamin… I can’t wait to call her and tell her your good news. We will miss you guys:) I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for you… Guess where Hollon wants to live when she finishes college? Nashville…
HA! So fun, Tiffany! we will miss all the awesome people here but just know it’s time. Thank you so much!
God always pushes us out of our comfort zones, doesn’t He? I am so excited for you guys! Good luck with the journey ahead! Your home is gorgeous – I don’t think you will have a problem selling it!
Trying not to be nervous about it all! Thanks so much, Jami!
Oh we know you are really going to Nashville to start your country music career, just tell us that! 😉 So excited for you guys!!
HAHA! Shhhhhh. Shhhhhhhhh. See ya at the Grammy’s.
It will be a great new adventure…better things to come!!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Britney!
OMGoodness…I am so excited for you! It sounds like such a positive move on all fronts. Nashville is a such a vibrant place to live. Looking forward to watching your new journey unfold.
XO Diane
Awe thanks so much, Diane! Come see us, Okay? ;} We’re overdue anyway …
Best wishes in your new journey!
Thank you so much, Rose!
Scrolling through FB I ran into your post. I remembered that I started following you because your home was so cheerful and you had shared the super cute planner (thank you for that). Buckle up Buttercup was just what I needed to read this morning. I need to live more and not worry about the what if’s. The quotes you included inspired me to write them down. Best of everything to you and your family although you already know that it will be.
Ashley and Jamin:
Your honesty and open-ness are so refreshing.
It will all work out. It always does. : )
And, I, like a LOT of other people, will be cheering, praying, crying, right along with you.
How exciting!
Can’t wait to hear about your new (secret) venture. I’m sure it’ll be a blessing to you and the world.
God Bless,
Michael
Awe thanks so much for your sweet words, Michael! Just trying to figure it all out step by step! ;}
So excited for you and your family. I’ve lived in Nashville all my life and am so proud to call it HOME! Would love to take you to dinner once you are settled and introduce you to my wonderful group of girlfriends! Also have a great “Bunko” group!
Awe thanks so much, Tiffany! you are too sweet!
Squeeee! So excited for you guys! We’re doing the same to Atlanta!
Oh, and seriously? “giving away our chesterfield on the front lawn” Nah, you can just send that my way, ok?
Thanks, Regan! So excited for you as well! That’s awesome! ;}
Best of luck to you!!! I’ve heard the best things about TN! We’ll all look so forward to the new ride with you! 😉
Thank you, Britt!
Thrilled and excited for your next adventure! Best wishes on your move to Nashville!
Thank you so much, Emelyn!
Awesome!! This is so exciting!! Move to Mount Juliet!! Cobblestone Landing in Mount Juliet! We just moved here and we LOVE it. Mount Juliet is right outside the city (Nashville) and the tax break you get for being outside of Davidson County is huge. Plus Mount Juliet is super family friendly, safe and quiet. You would love it here!
We have heard of Mt. Juliet! We’re open to just about everything! ;}
Oh I was hoping and wishing you would say NASHVILLE… yay!!! So exciting! You will LOVE it here 😉 We are in Nolensville, just slightly southeast of Nashville but we love our city and sooo glad the Mills we be our neighbors!!!
Blessings!
Awe thanks, Joanna! My brother and sister in law live there, with their two girls. And my parents {who are also moving from Montgomery with us – haha!} just got an apartment there. We will actually be in Nolensville a lot! It is quite charming.
We love just south of Nashville in Thompsons Station. We absolutely love it! Sounds like a fun new adventure! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for your family in this great city!
Awe, how fun, Tasha! We were looking at an enticing little house there just the other day. If only this one would sell!
Hello we just went through a huge transition and it was hard and all the things and feelings u r processing I had the same ones. However I love what our pastor said and how the holy spirit has etched on my heart. You can have faith or control but you can’t have both. He also said faith is messy and it is so true but the beauty is in the journey. I know God will continue your journey and guide your steps, isn’t a part of Him writing our stories. Because this journey will inspire someone and cause someone to take the leap they never thought they could. Courage takes a leap comfort stats dormit. Praying for u and your family.
So true, Therese! Thank you for the sweet reminder. Control is my greatest struggle. :/
So excited for you guys and I can’t wait to hear more! Nashville sounds fabulous!
Thanks so much, Summer!
I grew up in a northern suburb of Nashville – Hendersonville. It’s a great place to raise a family. Good luck, I know you’ll love it there. 🙂
Thank you, Meagan. It is a lovely area!
My husband and I also made the move from sweet home Alabama to Nashville, and I find it was the best decision! Good luck with the move!
Awe thanks Magen! I love stories like this. We will definitely miss Alabama but are so ready for a fresh start!
I’m excited for you!! Sometimes you just KNOW… My daughter felt God’s call to move from the PNW and in January 2014 she moved to Nashville!!! She loves it and I’m sure you will too! Can’t wait to see how you make your next house a HOME! (P.S. Having moved 3+ times in the last five years, all I can say is packing is NOT fun but this too shall pass…) Blessings!
Love it, Jane! This too shall pass is my mantra. Over and over and over again…
A year and a half ago we did just what you are doing now. We put our house (of 6+ years) on the market and started looking for a place closer to family. I’m a control freak and for whatever reason (okay, not whatever, it was all God) I didn’t panic. We just jumped in- with three kids ages 3,5, and 7. Our old house sold quickly and we found an extreme fixer upper on 5 acres in a great location a couple weeks later. So we pulled the kids out of school and packed up our stuff. The new place was old/smelly/ugly/ and looked like a scene from that hoarders show but with great potential. Due to the way closings were, we were “homeless” for 4 days and spent two weeks living in a tent behind the house while we gutted it. All our belongings were spread in three storage units in three cities. Craziness! But it just felt right. We’ve now lived here 18 months and the kids are happier than ever before- and we are even homeschooling now too!! We left beautiful granite counters and chandeliers and now our new place doesn’t even have baseboards yet. We didn’t even have floors (just thirty year old plywood) for six months but the kids could have cared less. We are making it home one DIY at a time! And we are blessed and we know that it was the right move. Soooo happy we we just DID IT and didn’t stay in our comfort zone. ….. Can’t wait to hear all about your new changes!
This. Is. The best story. Ever. I LOVE It.
Can’t wait to have you here in Nashville!! Good luck!!
I’m excited for you! We have been seriously considering selling and building. We love murfreesboro and plan on staying in this area. We need to meet for lunch when you are available. Good luck with everything and let me know if you need anything.
I always knew you never felt like Montgomery was really “home” for y’all. And yet it still sounds sad to hear it. BUT…this is very exciting for y’all! Nashville sounds like the perfect spot. You guys have played a special role in my life, and it was what we both needed for that particular season of our lives. Now it feels like we’re all growing up or something. 😉 I can’t wait to see where this chapter takes you!
So…can I have your chesterfield?!?! 😉
So I’ve been a fan from afar for quite some time now. I think it started for me with your adorable playhouse out back. I’ve admired your home over IG and Pinterest but never took the time to make any connection regarding your story, location, etc. Change has been calling us for the past few years and I’ll save the story for possibly another time, but that call has led us to look at homes in the MGM area (from NJ) and this morning I opened up my Trulia email and saw……your playhouse! I had no idea that you were from MGM, or that you were selling until this morning! This post inspires and encourages me, because our change doesn’t seem to make much sense and we’d actually be leaving family behind to chase a dream.
Anyway, I just wanted to make the connection. I would buy your home in a heartbeat if everything else seemed to line up! I’d love to talk with you about the area, your experience there and whatnot. Plus, know that I am praying for your journey/change as I continue to lift ours up to the Throne!
I’ll pray your move will go smoothly and you will settle in quickly. Having homeschooled children is a bonus-no new schools to transition into. (We homeschool too!) I can’t wait to see what you do to the next house you live in.
So, so exciting for you guys! I grew up in a little Kentucky town about 40 min. north of Nashville and I love, love the area. There is a great homeschooling community there. (The homeschool tutorial I attended during my high school years is east of Nashville, in Hermitage.) I totally understand living in a place for years but it never feeling like home. That’s exactly how I’ve felt about our nine years in the Atlanta area. We’re hoping that in another year or two we’ll be able to move back to KY for the same reasons you listed. (Well, not the business one.;) )
Praying for you guys as you make this transition. SO exciting!
Woohoo! You’re coming to our town! We’ve been in Nashville for almost 5 yrs, and LOVE it! I’ve been a quiet blog stalker for a longtime, but had to comment on this, esp since I was working on our hideaway today! If you’re in need of instant friends, we’d love to have y’all over! (I know that sounds super stalkerish. lol.) Anyway, congrats on the leap of faith! We did it from Cali, and it couldn’t have been a better fit!
Thanks so much, Brittany! Not at all. You’re super sweet to think of us. We’re so ready to make a change… just waiting on the right person to come along for our home! :/