*Update*

First of all, friends, I'd love to update you on my situation...

I should be back in Colorado, but alas, am not!  All for a good reason, but of course I'm anxious to be back.  We decided that since the kids and I are in Iowa, with most of our belongings, this would be a good time to remodel the cabin.  This has been an ongoing project since we purchased it... and will most likely continue to be for some time, but some of the major improvements that were needed were impossible to do with all five of us living there... so, it made sense to get it done now.

Jeremiah has been chipping away at our most important changes.  We have known for some time that we needed to re-insulate the roof.  Condensation on the ceiling has been an issue forever, and we knew the only way to stop it was to tear the sucker off and re-do it!  We also suspected that the condensation had caused some mold to grow - and we were right!  So, now that the old has come down, the new must go up!  With the insulation done, we are waiting for drywall.  We hadn't had any drywall before.  Everything in our home had been wood - tongue and groove, specifically, so it will be a huge aesthetic change to go back to painted walls.  It will be interesting to see the difference, to say the least!  We're also looking forward to some new lighting fixtures and more light in general.  I'm so thankful that when I head back home, I can feel good about some of major concerns being remedied when it comes to the cabin.  Still much to do, but so much closer to our goals!

Honestly, I've been living the "city life" for about three months, and I know it will be an adjustment to go back to mountain living.  After all I have been through, and struggled with regarding my postpartum depression, my main focus is going to be on staying positive.  I can't help but wonder what it will be like to go back to living in a small house where everyone is close and cozy, how it will feel to drive down bumpy dirt roads, and if I'll get my knack back for cooking on my beloved wood stove and baking in it's oven.  Funny, but I miss that wood stove so much.  FYI: I have a conventional oven in the cabin, but it remains useless while we wait for the power company to bring us new service - and I'm actually okay with that.  I chose the mountain life and a rustic way of living when I was in a good place emotionally... With all my heart, I hope I will love it as much as I did back then.

On another note: I miss my mountain girlfriends!  I'm slightly anxious about how I will fit back in.  I didn't mean to up and leave and abandon everyone... but, that's sort of what I did.  I hope everyone can understand that I wasn't myself right at that moment and I needed to get away and gain perspective.  I did what I had to do - and I'm hoping the changes and lasting effects have made me a better mama, a happier person, and returned me too my good ol' Mountaintop Mama self!


*A couple of shots from Easter Weekend... we were blessed to be together as a WHOLE family.  Living apart is not easy!  I don't recommend it to anyone, really, but for now it's how it has to be!  We cannot wait for a glorious, Colorado summertime together.  I've learned so much from this experience - and moving forward, I'll never ever let myself get so down without asking for help first!  Shoulda, woulda, coulda - but I'm confident it's all part of the master plan and I have faith that all will be well in the end!

I wish you and yours love and light, forever and ever!

**~~Nicole~~**

BTW, I haven't forgotten about "Just for Mama Mondays".  If you want to get in on some great deals, check out our new Gift Set & Grab Bag section in the shop right here!!!  There's still time to ship for Mother's Day!