Time for my annual review of the past year. Sadly, I didn’t do a lot of blogging in 2024 so hopefully this is a chance for me to document the last 12 months.

January- I continued subbing. I was blessed to be each of my kids teacher at least once. I also taught art, music, pottery, english for all grades, library, ASL… Every day was an adventure. I also picked up a subbing position for adults with special needs. I had no idea at the time that this would be significant because the job became available later in the year and I jumped at the chance to do it full time! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though because this is January we are talking about and I had no idea this would turn into a life altering opportunity.

In February our chicks that we got back in late August of 2023 were all laying eggs and we were seeing what colors they were.

I am obsessed with eggs and egg color so this was a really cool thing for me. It was our first time having green, blue, and dark brown. This was a dream come true for me!

Does it change the taste? No. All “farm” fresh eggs are delish and the color doesn’t matter. They are pretty to look at though.

We also started a bathroom makeover almost a year later the final details still aren’t finished, but it’s functioning and it’s waaaay better than what it was. Here is the before photo. Yes it was that bad.

J put in a new door, new floors, toilet, sink– the whole shebang.

March came and SJ turned 14.

She had her first sleepover birthday party with her friends and it was truly awesome. SJ’s birthday is Z’s half birthday which meant his driver’s permit was expiring. So we have another driver in the family now and it’s pretty awesome.

April was super exciting because I became a full-time employee at my children’s school where I had been subbing the past two years. Because I can’t show any of the TONS of photos I have of these students that I got so attached to I will bless you with some glimpses of the facility dogs who I was also very attached to.

Because I was full-time I missed out on seeing a total eclipse but the rest of my family traveled a short distance to be in the path of totality and I was able to see some of it from where I was. It was a very cool experience for all of us! That is one of the highlights of 2024 for sure.

Then just one month later another spectacular sky sight was the aurora borealis! I was not expecting to see such an amazing display of color in my own backyard but it was amazing.

Also, SJ was doing soccer, Ezie was in soccer, Z was leading worship for youth group and Elle was officially signed up and suited up for cheer (which would start in the summer).

In June our garden was taking off, and was very successful this year if I do say so myself.

I also celebrated my birthday with the grand opening of Aldi so that was awesome.

July was the most wild, fun, adventurous month of the whole year and there is no way I can cram it all in to a few sentences (it deserves its own post). But if I have to sum it up- we went to Detroit with friends and a week later we went to Florida.

Florida was our biggest family road trip ever. It was unforgettable.

August means it’s time for back to school.

I was moved from that job I loved to a new job that I was unsure of. This was definitely a tough transition for me, but God is good. He knew exactly where I needed to be. I am working in a junior high program focused on behavioral and mental health. I had to have specific trainings and certifications to even work this job so it’s I am not in a typical paraprofessional position. I love my team and my students though. For as much as I pitched a fit over it I am very thankful to be where I am.

September was a ton more cheer, soccer, and Z had homecoming and his first college fair.

I also did a book table at a women’s conference. This was an extremely busy season for our family and I to be honest I am still recovering!

October we surprised Ezie with tickets to see 21 Pilots. I was terrified of how high and steep the seats seemed at first but in the end I LOVED it. I still go back to those moments at the concert when I hear the music. Another top moment of 2024 for me for sure.

We also did another fall camping trip to Hocking Hills with our friends. It did not disappoint. I am so thankful for these camping memories.

November I had a big Squishmallow party for Elle. It was so tough to pull off because I was working full time and wasn’t sure I had the capacity for it . I pushed through though and it was one of the best of the theme parties I’ve thrown.

Also J’s “brothers” surprised him with the life long dream of seeing his team, Michigan, face off against Ohio State. To say Michigan was the underdog of the game would be an understatement, but they won! I was so happy J got to have that experience!

Last but not least December. Christmas time. It was a really busy holiday season and I’m not going to lie, I want to make a list of things to do differently next year so that it’s not as stressful. In the end though it was really wonderful.

I am so thankful for all of my friends and family. More than anything I am thankful for the gift of Jesus of course and what a blessing it was to get to share this at the Newspring church women’s group just a couple of weeks ago.

That is the year in a nutshell. I am glad I took this time to reflect because it really does make my heart overwhelmed with gratitude! I’m ready for 2025 but 2024 is one of those years I will always look back on fondly.