Saturday, September 5, 2009

Goodbye, Birmingham

Well, I've been putting off this post for a couple of weeks, as we wanted to share this news in person with as many people as possible first, and, honestly, I haven't had much "spare time" to blog! But since this is all happening in 2 weeks, it's about time for it to go on the blog...
We're MOVING...
to TAMPA...
in 2 WEEKS!!!
It's a very bittersweet moment for us as we are excited about the friends and family we'll be joining in Tampa, and for the opportunity for Larry with his new job, but we are also sad to be leaving such awesome, sweet, loving friends and family here. We've had a very good life here in Birmingham, and the Lord has taught us many lessons, directed us down varied paths and truly blessed us here. We will just continue to seek His guidance and will for our family as we continue our journey in Tampa.
We have much to do in the next 2 weeks with packing and getting our house ready to sell. The kids have been "helping" as you can see... I never imagined how much harder it is to pack with two mess-makers to wrangle at the same time! :)




As we've been packing up the house, it's been a bit of a journey thru our life here together. We got married here, bought our first home- the townhome in Pelham, survived Bernie's puppy-hood, moved to our home in Helena, "hosted" Christmas for my family for the 1st time, finished out a bedroom, bonus room & bathroom downstairs, brought our first baby home here, celebrated her 1st & 2nd birthdays, brought home her baby brother here and again got to host Christmas, and shared many meals, memories and special moments with many special people here. Larry is also leaving behind his childhood, the place where he grew up, went to school and where he can still run into old friends. We've grown together as a couple here, anticipated parenthood, and survived the first few years of parenthood here, with the support of so many. As we look forward to sharing these moments with loved ones and new friends in Tampa, we go secure in the foundation we've built here in Birmingham.
Thank you to each of you, here, there & everywhere, for your love, support and encouragement. Please continue to pray for us as we make this transition together, as a family, and the many details that are involved. We love you and will miss you! We will always have a room ready for you & your family down in the Sunshine State!
"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers."
1 Thessalonians 1:2

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know you will all miss your friends and relatives in Alabama but we are so blessed that you're really on your way down here. love you all -- GrandDad

Anonymous said...

I know how hard it will be for you to leave all of your wonderful friends, Larry's family and your wonderful home in B'ham! We're excited to welcome you to Tampa while we all "camp out" together for a while! It will be fun and I'm sure you willmake the transition well as you both always do. Let us know whatever we can do to hlep and know Grammie is waiting !!!! Hugs!!

Anonymous said...

Don't forget to bring the kiddo's!!! Sure hope the long ride down is ok for all of you and you take your time!!! Drive carefully and we'll see you after the Tenn game!!! MOrgan and Buddy will be there to great you if you beat us to the house! Hugs Grammie

Tracey said...

Hey guys,
Sorry to see you go (even though we don't see y'all too much anymore). I'm so glad that we will be able to keep updated through your blog!!!! It's been a pleasure to know you all!!!! love, the scholls

M said...

Good luck with the move Kathryn and Larry! How neat is that, you're finally returning home Kathryn. Atleast you will always have a home in Birmingham, atleast that's how I feel about the ol' city. Take care and big hugs!!

Meridith

Katie said...

Wow! I can't believe this news! I am so sad to hear you are leaving B'ham, but being close to your family is so nice! I know they will LOVE having you near them. Kathryn, I will always remember you as one of my first friends from working at Briarwood--a sweet and hospitable friend, a good cook and very laid back. More people should be like you! I pray you and Larry have a safe and uneventful move with the kiddos. Keep blogging so I can keep up with you guys! Love, Katie

Ashley Matteo said...

hey
sorry it has taken me so long to comment. i have been thinking of something super inspirational and meaningful for such a big change in yall's life. but unfortunatley i didnt come up with anything awe-inspiring and instead of delaying this any longer i wanted to tell you that we will miss you. although we dont get to see each other much, everytime i do see you its a treat. i will never forget how gracious and fun you and larry were when you would invite shireen and i over for dinner, in our single days. yall are the best and i do praise God for this opportunity and pray for His many blessings. Please keep up the blogging because i love seeing those sweet kiddos grow.