We are moving.
I thought of 15 different ways I could ease in to sharing those three little words but all of them seemed silly. What I’d really like to do is pour each of us a cup of coffee, sit cross-legged on the couch and have a nice long chat. Face to face is always best for those big conversations in life. And since that isn’t quite possible, this will have to do. I’d love to share with you how we decided on this major milestone. It’s one we are beyond excited for and a decision that was a couple of years in the making.
California is home to us. It always will be. My children are 5th generation. We love California. My roots are deep and my foundation strong from being raised here by my dear parents. I love the ocean breeze, the beautiful weather and the smell of salty air. I love that each road I drive down has a memory that plays like a highlight reel in my head. This has been an amazing place to grow up and raise our family. This has also been a place that has witnessed much heartache and pain in our lives. While it’s been a soft place to land, we have always wanted to explore a life outside of this beautiful state.
If you have followed along with A Thoughtful Place for a while, you know that grief and loss have been at the forefront of our lives for so many years. There is something about the Alzheimer’s journey that fundamentally changes you – down to your core. I can’t explain it but my husband and I both feel it and it’s palpable. That excruciating journey coupled with loss after loss ignited in us a desire to make our dreams a reality. There is something to be said for a fresh start with a fresh perspective and new adventures. Exploring a new part of the country with our crew. We have never been able to do that because commitment to family and being close to my parents was always our desire. It’s safe to say that the last year has solidified our desire to live intentionally. If not now, when? We literally looked at each other and said, “Oh, my gosh. We can do this. We WANT to do this.”
Our children are the most important part of this equation. In fact our son’s travel hockey experience allowed us to look at so many different places. Over the last few years, we’ve explored many different states. Each one with something wonderful to offer. But while my husband and I have had a strong desire to move, we ultimately waited until our children were completely on board. When you have two teenagers who are up for a major change and all that it entails, you know there is something there. Our family is ready for a new page. Our jobs allow us the freedom to move and we’ve never felt more peaceful about a decision. While we may not have all of the answers, we know it feels right. And ever since we made the decision, things have fallen into place. Of course that doesn’t mean it will be smooth and easy, but the forward momentum is carrying us through. That and the belief that God has set us on this path.
Moving across the country will be challenging, stressful and not without its doubts. But with that comes resiliency, growth and living life to its fullest. This family is ready to plant our roots somewhere new. And while it will be so very difficult to leave my sister and all of our dear friends, we know that they are bonds that can’t be broken. And you better believe I will be working on the guest room first.
While this may come as a shock to most of you, it has been in the works for some time. And our recent months were focused on my brother-in-law and his valiant battle with cancer. It certainly wasn’t the time to take you on a play by play of this process. But we feel so connected to all of you and hope that you will join us on this journey. We already feel my parents, and both of our brothers, paving the way for us.
It won’t be easy to leave our home and neighborhood. We adore this home. We have some of the most glorious memories here and have worked hard to create a home that was perfect for our family. We are honored to hand it off to a wonderful family who will continue to fill the home with love and witness their own children grow. In fact, the family that bought our home left flowers and a note when they first toured it. So kind and thoughtful.
In case you might be wondering where we are headed . . . that’s for tomorrow’s post. Just kidding. I wouldn’t do that.
We are thrilled to announce that we will be moving to Tennessee (the Nashville area). We feel comforted knowing that we already have some friends who live there and my husband is overjoyed to be getting back to his small town roots. This country music loving girl is beyond excited. Actually my husband and I both love it and I keep teasing him that it’s time to start his music career. The children have impressed us with their adventurous spirit and excitement. I will share more in time but we are so happy to be closer to his parents, my dad’s family, and the college crew. My sister will always be in San Clemente, California and has assured us we will have a home away from home right here where we started. That means plenty of visits back. And our friends, who feel like family, are already planning trips to Tennessee.
If you are a Chris Stapleton fan, you may recognize these lyrics. They really hit home right about now.
This might not be an easy time
There’s rivers to cross and hills to climb
Some days we might fall apart
And some nights might feel cold and dark
When nobody wins afraid of losing
And the hard roads are the ones worth choosing
Some day we’ll look back and smile
And know it was worth every mile
It don’t matter to me
Wherever we are is where I wanna be
And, honey, for once in our life
Let’s take our chances and roll the dice
I can be your lucky penny
You can be my four-leaf clover
Starting over
Thank you for letting us share this really big announcement. We hope you’ll stick around for our next chapter. We’d love to have you.
Congratulations on your move! We have good friends that just moved to outside of Nashville and LOVE IT! They moved to Thompson’s Station to a great community.
I can’t wait to see your new house and all you do to it!
Oh my goodness! I’ve been a reader for about 10 years, so I know how HUGE this news is! I live in Louisville, KY just a few hours from Nashville. I hope you feel the Southern hospitality as you embark on this new chapter. Thank you for taking us along for the ride. How exciting!! Best of luck and many prayers to your during your time of transition!
Thank you for sharing your moving news. I’m excited for you to try something new! Congratulations!
Congratulations! What a big life decision – bold and brave but following your heart is sure to bring you happiness.
What an exciting time for your family! I am excited to see what next adventures you share in your new home state.
Congrats on a fresh new start which I am sure is inspiring joy and so much excitement! Wishing you all the best! California will miss you.💗
Aww, congratulations. I am from Tennessee, Knoxville! It’s a beautiful, friendly state. So happy for you and your family.
Oh Courtney! I wish all of you the best of luck on your move. Sometimes through heartache, we will find a new perspective on life and the change will be such a refreshing thing for you all.
I live in Franklin, TN and can’t say enough wonderful things about it! If you ever need any advice on anything, feel free to email me.
Prayers and hugs to you and your crew!
Denise Willer
That’s exciting! I live in Charlotte and love the east coast!
I am beyond excited to have my grandchildren so close and or course, you and Ryan! That yearly trip to CA seemed to get longer and more difficult every year!
Grandma Sue in PA
Grandma Sue, I’d like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you in the loss of your son. I am so happy for you to have Ryan, Courtney and children closer to your home. My husband is Tom’s brother. We are excited too to have them closer, we live in Ohio. Life is a journey with all its twists and turns, wishing much happiness to you and your family in the coming years and many blessings. Linda
Oh my gosh!! I literally read that first sentence three times to make sure I wasn’t seeing things! 🙂 Many blessings to you and your family on the big adventure ahead! Kudos to your kids for being brave and leaping into the unknown. Changing schools can be quite the roller coaster! Looking forward to following along as you find a new home and make it just as beautiful as your current home.
Congratulations to you and your family, or should I say to y’all! I started reading your blog when I lived in California. My husband and I lived in the high desert and loved it. I’ve lived in 13 different states and they have all had their charm. I lived in Tennessee for 8 years. I consider it my adopted home state. Moving is a challenge for sure but it’s now in my blood. I’m so happy that you’re all on board for your move to TN. My advice for a smooth move is to keep a journal of things that need to be done daily and purge of things that are unnecessary or unwanted. God bless you and may He help you find the perfect new home. Hugs
Congratulations on moving to the South. We live in Alabama so you’ll have to visit our beautiful gulf beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL. I gotta feeling ya’ll are gonna love the South.
WOW. What a beautiful place to live and visit. After everything you and your family have been through, I think it’s very brave to move. Change is hard but your heart knows when it’s ready!!! Best wishes to all of you.
Wow! I’m so excited for you all! Nashville is one of my favorite places to visit. Did a girls trip there several years ago and had a blast! As I was reading your letter, my mind was coming up with so many places that you could pick and I think you’ve hit it out of the ballpark!
I will miss you and hope we can get together for lunch soon before you leave!
Blessings to you and your family.
Love, Nancy xo
I know that had to be a difficult decision, but how wonderful that everyone is on the same page! We’re just a little north on your soon-to-be-home – in Kentucky. We’re obviously partial to this part of the country, but Nashville has grown so much and it is such a cool place, with lots of great restaurants and things to do and see. I wish you the best in your journey! Congratulations!
Very exciting news, Courtney. It sounds like this is just what your family needs. I hope things continue to fall into place. How good it will be to have your sister always ready to welcome you when you’re able to return for a visit – you will always have a foot in California. Your son will be excited to be so close to another NHL team! Wishing you all much happiness on this new adventure. Will look forward to hearing all about it
Congratulations! I was always a little biased-being a Southern CA gal and all (Newport Beach anyone), but I am SO HAPPY for you and your family!! My husband and I have talked about moving to Tennessee, and maybe one day we will. 😉 I can’t wait to keep following along on your new adventure, and because I just love you so much-you will always be a CA girl to me!! xoxo
How wonderfully exciting! Congratulations and best of luck in your move. We have been to Nashville a couple of times and it is a beautiful area! We have daughters in Atlanta so we pretty much wave hello to Nashville several times a year on our drive down. A move to ATL is in our future soon too. We have experienced much grief over the last few years as well and with no family left in the area, it’s time to make a new start. Wishing you all the best in your new adventure!
Wow! Once again, you totally inspired me! We moved four houses down the street… To what we thought was going to be our forever home. In past four years, we have been renovating every single space in this house to make it fit us. We are smack in the middle of the longest kitchen renovation ever! We’ve been remodeling since we moved in and I was excited to finally get everything done and really settle in. In the last five years I have also lost a father and a brother. My whole family is on the West Coast and I am in the DC area. My husband’s family is here. For the past month, we have been looking at property further west, but still in Northern Virginia. We want land and a pool and space for our kids to sprawl out with their friends. The only thing holding us back has been uprooting our ninth and sixth graders from everything they know. But in our hearts, we know they will quickly adjust and our life will be better.. Thank you for showing your courage in all that you do. I’m looking forward to following you on adventures!
How exciting! Nashville is great! I grew up there, & a large part of my heart is still there. Congratulations!
I’m so excited for your family!! You will love this part of the country (I live in Missouri). And I’m thrilled your kids are happy for the move, too—that’s half the battle! Congratulations, and I can’t wait to see and hear about all your new experiences!
I am so impressed by your children’s willingness to move and to go where He leads!
My Grandma always prayed this when we set out on a journey. It’s my prayer for your family.
The Traveler’s Prayer: Oh Lord, keep your hands upon them as they travel and help them reach their destination in safety. Amen.
Wow! I always admire people who take on a big adventure.
This is exciting news. You can get a LOT of house in Nashville and area.
And, the Predators!!!! Can’t wait to go on this journey “with” you and your family.
Congratulations, Courtney!! Such exciting news and a great adventure for you and your family!! I look forward to following along and I’m so excited for you!!
Again, we are so happy and excited for you, Ryan, Riley and Grady! Life is a journey as you all know very well. Wishing you happiness, growth, peace, and much love.
Uncle Jon & Aunt Linda 😘
Amazing! Congratulations on a wonderful, exciting step for your family! Nashville is incredible-so many Californians heading there and for good reason! Wishing you the very best!
Congratulations! So happy to follow along on your journey.
Congratulations, that is so exciting. My husband and I retired last month and are making a move. We haven’t decided where yet, but are thinking North Carolina.
Congratulations!!! Nashville is so lucky that your family is moving there. Excited to follow you on your adventure.
Welcome to. Nashvegas. I’m in Brentwood! You will love it!
That’s such exciting news and a very brave thing to do for your family. On to new adventures! I think I started following you when my son was first born so over ten years now. Didn’t realize you were so close to us, until recently. Your house is gorgeous, but I know you’ll make your new place gorgeous as well. Good luck with everything and can’t wait to hear the new adventures!
Wishing you all a fresh start and wonderful adventure! Love Tennessee and small towns and seems as if it is a good time to be with your husbands family. I know Kristin and her family will miss you tons. Hugs and love!
Congrats!! I read and follow and never comment but wanted to share: my fam and I recently relocated about 6 months ago from the greater Sacramento region to Charlotte, NC and love our new East Coast life here in many ways!! The south is great people with beautiful hearts and leaving the state of CA in many ways has been a fun adventure filled with new roads to traverse! Prayers to you guys and your kids as you navigate it all! Our kiddos are still adjusting but overall thriving in this new beautiful coast!
Congrats Courtney! What fun adventure! I hope you all have the most amazing time making new memories in a different part of the country!
Wow! This IS an unexpected surprise! Congratulations!! Your resilience is one of the things I love most about reading your blog – and while I love the sunny So Cal content you share, I’m super impressed with your adventurous next chapter! Thank you for sharing all of this with us, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for your adorable family in Nashville. Change like this is inspiring – reminds me that we all need to keep changing + learning. Yay for you guys and tell the kids they’re awesome for going all-in! 😘
So excited for you!!! The south welcomes you all with open hearts and big hugs!!! We lived in Nashville for 10 years (married & had our son there) and loved every second of it. The people are warm and kind, the food amazing, and so much natural beauty in every direction! Praying for a smooth transition for you all. Xo. C
Congrats! Welcome to Tennessee! I live in Memphis, so I hope you’ll come visit our city as well! Good luck!
I’ve been following you for a long time. I recently moved to Franklin, TN, just outside of Nashville, after going through a similar life experience with my in laws. After they passed and we weren’t bound to Chicago anymore, we needed a new start and moved here last year. You’re making a wonderful decision. You’ll love it here. My kids have transitioned beautifully. We feel at home. If I can help you in any way, please reach out to me. Nashville is very welcoming and you’ll find lots of people from California. I look forward to following your journey!! Much love!
OMG!!! Congratulations!! SO very exciting! My brother and SIL, nieces & nephew moved to Nashville 10 years ago with a career relocation and never looked back! They LOVE Nashville & have made it their forever home! They have had gorgeous homes in Franklin, Brentwood & Green Hills. Enjoy this new journey!
Congratulations Courtney. What an exciting adventure for your family. You’ve been through so much that I have no doubt it’s given you clarity and insight on what matters most. If not now, when – is something many of us ask ourselves but few are brave enough to make the leap. Excited for you as you pursue what your heart tells you to do.
so happy for you and the fam! love chris stapleton and that song! some many people talk about starting over and it really take guts, i wish you the best and look forward to the journey with you🤍
I think you know that you and your family are a special part of my social circle and I value all that you contribute. I’ll say a special prayer for you all that your hearts will continue to heal and find joy in TN. The south is lucky to have you and you’ll be just a bit closer to catch a ND game or two.
Congratulations on making such a brave life decision! Nashville is great!
I’m so very happy and excited for you and your next chapter and can’t wait to see what it will bring!
What an exciting adventure for your family! Wishing you all the best and prayers for a smooth move & transition. Can’t wait to follow along with you!
Congratulations!
What a positive way to embrace life after all you’ve been through. So wonderful that the kids are on board.
My family has experienced similar deep losses and I understand how it changes you and your outlook.
Cheers to creating new, happy memories in Nashville!
Nashville!!! What a lovely surprise, as we live quite close. Wishing you family a smooth transition on your adventure!
Wow what a big moment for you all! Long time reader here, I have shed many a tear following along your journey, you have such a way with words and sentiments that always feel authentic unlike any other blogger… a big congratulations and absolute best of luck. We have had this big move talk many times in our house however haven’t had the courage or means to take the dive. I would love to hear more on the other states you considered if you are comfortable to share, it seems through hockey you have all had such a great view on many of them! All the best to you and your family, and especially hats off to you and your husband for raising such open minded, adventurous and brave children! Take care.
Congratulations to you and your family ! What an exciting adventure. Good luck and God Bless you and your family .
I’m a huge Chris Stapleton fan and love that song
Awe welcome to Tennessee!! We’re in Memphis but Nashville is 3 hours away and a fave for even a quick day trip. we love Nashville!!
Oh wow! Welcome to Tennessee! We live in East TN – in fact, we have a view of the Smokies from our front porch! While I do not care for much country music, I love Chris Stapleton!!
We will be down near Nashville at Lake Acorn for a few days next month. Too funny! I’m curious, and I don’t think I’ve heard you say here, but what are your jobs?
Congrats! You will love Tennessee.
Best wishes on your new journey! Excited for your family and to follow along!
Yay, thanks for sharing your big news! So glad you’ll be on the East Coast! I was hoping you were moving to VA, but TN is wonderful as well. Lots to do and see, great food and of course ALL the music! Best wishes for all of the plans and safe travels. Can’t wait to follow along on your new adventure.😀
So exciting!! We have dear friends that moved from Sacramento to a town outside of Nashville recently. They love it! Cannot wait to see how your adventure unfolds and how God leads you in a new journey. Also, I am SO excited for your future home and all the decorating details!
Wow, such exciting news!!! It seems like so many people from my area are either moving to or visiting the Nashville area right now. In fact I just texted a dear friend who currently lives in Minneapolis, and she and her husband have rented a house in Franklin to test the area and see how they like it. And another friend swears by the beauty that is in TN. I will miss your photos of the beach and restaurants etc in sunny CA, and I’m curious if your decorating style will change with a new location. It will be awesome either way! Best wishes to you and your family.
Blessings to you and your lovely family. You have such a genuine way of sharing your heart with us! You are the real deal; beautiful on the inside, on the outside and even in who you love so deeply – not to mention the beautiful home you have created to nourish your souls and how you share a piece of it so freely with all of us. Beautiful. You are truly an inspiration…
I would like to second this – Thank you.
Congratulations and sorry I have tears in my eyes. You invited me in to your world and I dont even know you well personally. I already call you a friend – Courtney. I pray like many who follow your website that your transition be a smooth one. Best Wishes Always – Anjiline
Such exciting news! Congratulations!! My family and I moved from California to South Carolina 17 years ago and we haven’t looked back. It was a great move for our family. Enjoy the move and all of the new experiences to come. 💕
There is no better time than the present. It’s wonderful that you are all excited to embark on this journey together. I’m so glad our paths crossed and that we could meet in person. You are an amazing woman and yes, one with your share of loss, but always generous enough to turn it into a way to support others with your experiences. Best wishes to you all as you make this move to your new place called “home”. Looking forward to following along. (My niece just moved there last week week from CA). And yes, I love Chris Stapleton too! Hugs to you my friend. 😘
Congratulations! We moved from Nashville to Charleston last year, so I empathize with your feelings of excitement and adventure and maybe a little trepidation! There were always so many CA transplants back in Nashville… I think y’all will feel completely at home!!! So exciting.
I feel connected to you already! We moved from Los Angeles, MN four years ago to Nashville, TN. I grew up in Minnesota and my husband grew up in California. My grandmother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease and my father currently suffers from the disease as well. Anyway, please look me up in Nashville if you need a friend!! I would love to connect with you. Best of luck on your journey! xoxo Maggie
Congratulations on your big move!! I feel so connected to you already. We moved from Los Angeles to Nashville, TN almost four years ago! It is a huge change but you will love the slower pace, more space, the friendliness of the people and the beautiful scenery–not to mention the amazing music scene and all of the great restaurants! I grew up in Minnesota–I think you have a MN connection too and my husband grew up in California. I also had a grandmother who passed away from Alzheimer’s and my father currently suffers from Alzheimer’s. If you have any questions about places to live or schools, hockey (my son plays too), etc. please shoot me an email and look me up when you arrive! All the best on your move. Congrats!! Maggie
Amazing and a fresh start, change is always good. So excited for your family. We’ve been to Nashville and absolutely loved the people, city and fun activities. I know you will love your new home .
On a side note, I moved as a young teen and easily transitioned and have life long friends from that move. Your kids will love it.
All the best.
Congratulations Courtney. How invigorating a fresh start can be. I am so happy for you and your beautiful family. I wish you all the absolute best of luck as you journey to the east coast. It’s a very special place💕
God bless you & your family on your move. I hope you finds lots of happiness & peace!
How exciting! My husband and I currently planning a move out of state (not as far as you are going) and I am so excited about it.
What an exciting news for you and your adorable family! I hope it’ll be a smooth new journey for you. I wish you all the best!! xx
Congrats to you and your beautiful family! I applaud you for listening to those still, small promptings that could be easily ignored for comfort sake. Please add more details to your story as you have time, about your initial thoughts and how they progressed and then turned into actions. (My husband and I are in the middle of a similar scenario!)
Thanks for sharing your journey and focusing on the growth and strength that comes with such adventures.
We will stayed tuned…..!!
Many blessings on this new Chapter ! I will miss reading all your local post in OC you, you showed me so many spots that I didn’t know that are a steps away ! I am excited to get a snips of Nashville 💕
How exciting! Wow, that’s a big move, however I know you and your precious family put a lot of thought into it and I bet it will be wonderful! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see your new home! XOXOXO
Congratulations!! Alabama native here /current GA resident who spends time each summer an hour east of Nashville AND whose sis lived in Dana Point for 16 years. I can safely say that TN is Very different from the OC but you will love it as long as you plan regular trips to the Gulf Coast of Fl (I recommend the 30A area). It can be tough to be so landlocked after living so close to the ocean! You should look up Tina Adams (blogger/ wardrobe stylist) in Nashville. Childhood summertime friend. Best of luck!
Being a Kentuckian for all but 2 years of my life (born in MI), I pray you feel that Southern hospitality as you move to TN. It will most definitely be a HUGE culture shock, but for the good! You will love the down-home feeling ans the smiles and greetings! Many prayers for a safe move!