Happy (Almost) 2014!

I am so excited for 2014!

2013 was a little bit of a tough year for me and my family (if I'm being honest...) But amidst the tough times, we had some wonderful times too! I'm joining Kristin, Hadar, and Traci for 13 in 13. Here are 13 of my favorite memories from 2013 (there's a little school and a lot of personal stuff here!) 


 1. I presented at the San Diego CUE conference with a dear teaching friend and partner! We are looking forward to presenting at the CUE in Palm Springs in March, too! 


2. I "just went for it" with some things at school. Here we are Mystery Skyping with Kate from Purely Paperless's class! With a Mystery Skype, you connect with another class and ask questions to figure out where the other class is in the nation (or even world)! My kids had so much fun with this!!! And Kate's class even showed us how their playground was covered in snow! 

3. The weather! This is what we've been "dealing with" in Southern California ;-) 


4. Colleagues have become more than just "people I work with"- these are amazing friends that I love dearly. 

5. This is not one of my favorite moments at all, but I just feel like I need to put it in here. We had to say goodbye to our sweet Abby girl just shy of her 14th birthday as we helped her to the Rainbow Bridge. My heart still aches and I miss her so much everyday. 

6. These two have kept me entertained...
Thank goodness for pets to help get us through the tougher days........ 

7. My mom continues to be an angel! She comes in to school once a week to work with my kiddos and help me out! 

8. We took an amazing cruise to Alaska this summer! If you ever get the chance to go, GO!!!!

9. We celebrated my grandpa's 91st birthday this year!

10. And spending time with family is always the best! 

11. I told my class I'm expecting...

12. And on Christmas we found out... 

13. My word for 2014 is LOVE. 


And just for fun... 


I hope you are enjoying these last few hours of 2013 with family and friends! 


Here's to all of the WONDERFUL 2014 will bring! 


6 comments

  1. Wow, what a great year you've had, with a few challenges thrown in. I found myself smiling right along with you as I read this. I'm jealous you made it to Alaska. My bro lives there. He's a helicopter pilot who take people on tours of the glaciers and I am the only family member who has not been. Congrats on the baby, and I have to say that the mystery skype this sounds absolutely amazing. If you ever want to do it with a 2nd grade class in Atlanta we are game! Enjoy the rest of your break.

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  2. I just love you! I wish I could work with you. What a fabulous look back at your year. I'm so happy for you, your hubs and family with your baby on the way. Happy New Year... It sounds like 2014 will be filled with some spectacular times!

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  3. Oh my gosh! I've been missing your posts! Sorry about your loss with your doggie, but SO excited for your little man :) Congratulations! I may have to sneak down to that conference in Palm Springs! Happy New Year and may your 2014 be incredibly blessed!

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  4. Congrats!!! I love the picture of your students finding out! So fun!! And I Love Love Love the Friends reference...that was a great episode!
    A Tall Drink of Water

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  5. A baby boy, how wonderful! I am so looking forward to a visit to Alaska one day.

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  6. Oh my goodness! Congrats on a baby boy! As I was scrolling through your pictures I had to stop and do a double take when I saw the hangman photo of your message to your kids when you told them you were having a baby! This is the exact same way that I told my kids 3 years ago when I was pregnant! (great minds think alike!) Also, I just wanted to thank you for purchasing 2 of my TpT products. I have been a fan/follower of yours for awhile now (I teach 2nd grade in MN) and it is a confidence builder to know that you were interested in MY products! So, thank you for making my night!
    Mrs. Olson’s Lucky Little Learners

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