As summer draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the past season – the hardest season of life I/we have gone through and I’m sure it won’t be the last. A season that was full of change, challenge, stress, sadness, and longing for routine, normalcy, and familiarity. I spent much time missing my Nashville home and family, my actual family in Phoenix, and Grant as he was gone more weeks than home. I have tears in my eyes as I write this thinking about my sweet girls and the memories Grant and made on almost every street in Nashville. The place our story began will always have a large part of my heart and will forever impact my life.

Moving is never easy (no matter your age – hi, mom!). It takes courage, strength, and bravery to land in a new city and make it home. As someone who expects things to settle instantly, this has absolutely been the best lesson in patience and letting things happen naturally. As much as I try to make lists and plan the logistics and details for everything, there are some things you just can’t plan. I expected to know where I was going, have a bunch of friends, and feel completely comfortable in about a week. Surprise! That did NOT happen nor has it truly happened. I still rely about 95% on GPS and have maybe 3 people I feel comfortable calling if I need anything. Feeling at home is something that will never happen instantly and I’m starting to feel okay with that.

It’s easy to focus on what HASN’T happened or how HARD it has been. But let’s not forget about all of the wonderfully amazing things that happened in the past 4 months! What would my blog post be without a nice, organized list?!

• We MOVED. Yes! We did it. An entire semi-truckload of our stuff left Nashville and made it to Minneapolis in one piece (well about 105 boxes but who’s counting). We unpacked in just FOUR days. Everything has a home. Every bin is labeled. Every drawer is organized. YAY.
• Grant and I truly grew together in our marriage. Has it been easy? No. Especially when he’s gone 4 days and home 3, we each get into our routine and expect the other person to just get with the program for a short 72 hours. But… we’re happy! Thriving! He’s my number one fan and I’m his. Words can’t express how proud I am of his work ethic, determination, and desire to completely excel in his role.
• We celebrated ONE wonderful year of marriage.
• Our summer weekends were full of lakes, exploring, family graduations and weddings, walking our beautiful neighborhood streets, and sampling Minnesota eats.
• I surprised Piper and flew to Nashville for her 4th birthday! And got to see the rest of my Nashville fam. It was SO GOOD for my heart.
• I rediscovered my love (and ability) for running! It’s been my favorite way to relax, decompress, and reflect on each day. Half marathon #7 planned for October 22.
• We spent a weekend in Phoenix with my parents and celebrated my mom’s health and their new home!
• I baked. A LOT.
• My brother/sister in law and nephew came to visit. It was so fun to spend time together and show them around our home.
• We were able to visit my grandparents a few times – they are now only 3 hours away!
• My sorority family came to visit. Our weekend was full of rosé and sprinkles.
• Mom and Dad came to help us move in and also for another visit to hang out and explore!

Most of all, we took a deep breath and just decided to live our life. No plans to make any crazy changes (for the foreseeable future) and to simply make the most out of each day. We wake up and choose joy. Choose happiness. Life is simply too short to focus on what isn’t perfect or what we wish we could change. My goal for fall? To make each day golden and to live life to the absolute fullest.

Thank you ALL for your support on this adventure. I couldn’t do it without each one of you!

xo

May 2016 Review | June 2016 Review | July 2016 Review | August 2016 Review