:: Changes on the Horizon ::
Today marks our one-year anniversary on the mountain! In some ways it seems like we’ve been up here forever, in others… it seems like just yesterday we were waking up amongst the trees for the very first time.
We have shared some of the sweetest moments as a family, creating memories that I hope will be imprinted in our minds for the rest of our lives.
What stands out to me most, over the past year, is the overall quietness and peace that mountain life has brought us. {Our lives were filled with such chaos before… hustling from school to activities, then homework, dinner, bed – repeat! We had so little time for the togetherness that we were craving.}
I would venture to say that we are all calmer, more connected, more thoughtful, and more loving towards each other. Family hikes, exploring the outdoors, board games, sledding, making forts, doing art projects, baking together, homeschooling, and hours spent building with Legos have filled our days.
Karate, ballet, and piano have been our only chosen extra-curricular activities freeing up our afternoons for time to simply play.
Personally, my mind has settled down considerably. Although I still have moments of anxiety, overall I feel at peace and so grateful for this one-year holiday we’ve experienced as a family. Up here on the mountain, we’ve just had each other.
We have not had our friends and family… our extended support system. That has been the hardest for all of us, but at the same time, it’s helped me to draw closer to God. When Jason was at work for days on end, and I had no friends or family to call on, I ALWAYS had Him. He never left me, and only brought me peace and comfort. I am so thankful and changed because of it…
As I mentioned, our lack of support on the mountain has been the most difficult part. We had three occasions in the first ten-months where I found myself in the ER with all four children {with Jason at work, hours away}. The last incident, I had to call an ambulance for Finn, and couldn’t ride with him since I had to drive the other kids to the hospital. Putting my three-year old in an ambulance… badly hurt, was the most ridiculously heart-wrenching mommy moment. From that day on… things changed for me. We were already missing those we love, and the social aspect of school… but now, it was clear that we needed the support of close friends and family to help in times of need.
Although we had planned to stay in the mountains a bit longer, we have made the decision, as a family, to move back down the hill and plant some roots. We are currently in the process of buying a lovely home on a 1/3 of an acre lot. In a way, I feel like God has given us the best of the two worlds we have known – our own space for the kids to enjoy the outdoors, in a location that isn’t overly busy… but also a social life with close friends and my mom, nearby. {Having a Trader Joe’s, Target, and yoga studios within reach will be a nice addition, too!}
Packing up our beautiful mountain home, is bittersweet. I am so excited for this next chapter in our lives as a family, but am also profoundly sad to leave the quietness and togetherness that this peaceful atmosphere has shared with us.
I continually remind myself that we have all the amazing memories, as well as, the inner strength and personal growth to carry with us.
I hope to continue to live a ‘simple life’ in our new home – focusing on the quality of our time together, and the relationships that are meaningful to us. I am incredibly grateful for this year that we have been blessed with! I am confident that this mountain life experience has shaped us all, molding us into better human beings. I will keep you all updated with our move, our new home, and our adjustment. Thank you so much for your prayers, well wishes, and support!
*The image “Something Beautiful is on the Horizon” is from this darling… ETSY Shop I think it needs a spot in our new home!