Trying something new

...is not something I'm completely foreign to. After all, I did get married and move to a new town with my new husband as he was starting a new chapter in his education. We did try a new church. We did make new friends. I was challenged by a new job at a time when leaving my old one was scary. We became new parents. I even ran a half-marathon, did a sprint-triathlon and ate Indian food...very new to me.

So many changes looking back over almost seven years here in Birmingham. And now it's time to make some more. Tyler wrapped up 25 years of education at the beginning of April when he received his orthodontics certification from the UAB School of Dentistry.

I could not be more proud of this man

(standing with his department chairman),

and the fact that he wanted me for a wife.

Which is why I am looking forward, with genuine excitement and anticipation, to our new adventure! Tyler is now the owner of Scenic City Orthodontics in Chattanooga, Tennessee!

We love Chattanooga. After all, it's where we met, fell in love, found our dog, got engaged. We have friends there we miss and can't wait to reconnect with. We already have our aquarium and zoo memberships ready to put to good use, and Tyler is chomping at the bit to get up to the river for some fly-fishing. He's actually spent the better portion of this month there, but sadly has no fish to show from it! Instead, he's been setting up his business, moving our belongings into the cute house we're renting from my sister and brother-in-law, painting a nursery and bedroom, meeting local dentists, and generally just preparing our life.

One Toddler and a Truck, reporting for duty

Ben and I have been holding down the fort here, and have done better than I expected, nine months pregnant and all. We miss Tyler during the week of course - "daddy no here" everyday as we pull into the driveway - but it's just made our weekends together that much sweeter. And our neighbors and friends have been quick to offer assistance from packing our house to taking me to the hospital should I need to go in the middle of night, and then watching Ben while I'm gone! (fortunately, none of those have happened. Whew - can you imagine having your friend pack all your junk?!;))

(he's being an elephant)

Once the baby comes tomorrow, we'll be here for another week and then join Tyler for good in the Scenic City! Now please don't misinterpret the exclamation marks as a sign that I am anxious to leave the Magic City. Far from it actually, because I have a lot to show for all those new things I did in Birmingham:

A marriage that grounds me, excites me and a best friend who is my rock.

A real relationship with God, security in my salvation, a heart for worshipping Him and a desire to make a difference for eternity.

Lifelong friends who crack me up, challenge, motivate, encourage, support and understand me.

Work experiences and people that have molded me, supported me and helped me develop new skills I'll use forever.

Children whom I love so dearly that words just fail.

But even as my heart aches to leave people so precious to me and a community that I love behind, I know that there are great things in store and I welcome the change wholeheartedly. After all, what I've learned from trying new things before is...

my home will always be with my family

my church will always be where God is

my friends will always be in my heart (and on the phone, skype, email, facebook and road trips)

We hope that a short drive won't stand in anyone's way of coming for a visit - it really does live up to its name...lots to see and do. So if you haven't been before, you've got a place to stay and try something new too!

And here's to another new chapter, starting bright and early tomorrow!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29: 11-12