Well, well, well 2014. So you’re finally over, eh?
Can’t say I am too sad about that.
Don’t get me wrong; you had your high points. Actually, you started out super great!
You sent us a LOT of snow…which I hate, BUT it made for lots of fun snow days…which I love. And my district didn’t have to make any up!
You brought the baptism of my little nephew, Ezra.
you encouraged me with some of the most lovely friends I could ever ask for.
Charlie had his first haircut.
Charlie turned 2.
I turned 36 with this crazy crew.
We took Eddie to Chicago for Spring Break.
I went along on the Spanish Trip to Chicago and got to hang with these weirdos.
The world came out to help me build my classroom library.
I said goodbye to my best year (and students) in my teaching career.
I was published and did a book reading with my biggest fans in the audience.
Eddie turned 5!
Cortney took a day off so we could take a family trip to the zoo.
we grew a garden again.
we took boat rides
I got pregnant!
my nephew, Harrison, was born
I went to BlogHer in California and was honored as a Voice of the Year.
We visited Papa Steve.
I ate these ribs.
Eddie started Kindergarten.
I started a new teaching position.
Eddie played soccer
I was published again!
We found out we were having a GIRL!
I presented about using Reader’s Workshop at the MCTE conference.
I was published…AGAIN!
Eddie learned to read and write.
This guy turned 36
My dad retired after 46 years with the same company.
We celebrated Christmas
Behind these pictures though, somewhere in June, a deep sadness set in. There were a lot of unknowns going on, disappointments, and changes that I didn’t want to accept.
It’s hard because as I started inserting the pictures from June on, I felt the sadness all over. Graduation was my last truly happy photo. I can see the forced smile on my face. I have so many blessings, but this year has been tough. Pregnancy is hard on me both physically and mentally. Change is hard for me…even when it’s good.
I am truly happy with the changes in our lives, but it’s still a ball of emotions for me.
So yes, I am excited for a new year. 2015, I’m looking at you. Please be kind to the Sluiter Family.
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BTW: if you usually find your way here via the Sluiter Nation Facebook page, you might want to go over there to my sidebar where it says “enter your email” and go ahead and do that. Facebook isn’t going to let me share links on my page anymore starting in January. ::cue sad trombone”
About Katie
Cheers to the exciting things that await you and your family in 2015 (ahem, butt ruffles!). Happy New Year to all of you!
Happy and sad with you – it looks like an amazing year, but I’m glad you’re saying it out loud – it’s still not always easy and sometimes it’s really hard.
I hope that your 2015 will be just as fantastic as you are! xoxox
I’m so excited for your 2015, because ALICE!
What a year it has been! 2015 will be full of many exciting changes for your family 🙂