2015. I can't say that I'm sad to see you go. Most of 2015 was spent learning to live life without Ian, without what could have been, what should have been. There were many nights of crying myself to sleep. Many nights I questioned why God could allow this to happen. Many nights I wanted to curl up next to Eric and never get out of bed.
But there were also many nights of good times. Many nights of laughing with Eric until our stomachs hurt. Many nights of staying up a little too late to finish a bottle of wine. Many nights with friends and family filled with love.
I thoroughly enjoyed finding pictures for this blog post, because it showed me just how blessed my year was. Those blessings can get lost pretty easily, so I'm glad I was able to remind myself of them as the year comes to a close.
Here's a few of my favorite moments from 2015!
Eric and I took a little mini-vacation to the Smoky Mountains this summer to celebrate two years of marriage. We stayed in a quaint little cabin with a killer view. We ate way too much food and watched the sunrise from the hot tub. We enjoyed shooting sporting clays, visiting the aquarium, and tasting lots of wine and moonshine. We even saw a bear- a little too close of an encounter for me!- while we hiked to a waterfall. It was the perfect getaway!
Ian's tombstone finally came in and was set at his gravesite. I loved how it turned out. Every time I visit him, I touch his little hand and foot prints and am reminded of the life I was able to carry for 17 weeks. Life is truly precious, cherish each moment.
We also welcomed a new member into our family-Cassie! She's our fetch-loving, rope-pulling, treat-stealing, non-stop puppy, and we couldn't love her more.
In September I made the decision to leave Integrated Therapy Services and accepted a position as the Speech-Language Pathologist at Palestine Grade School. It wasn't an easy decision, but I'm so happy with it. I love my new school, my co-workers, and my students and am excited to see them grow as we head into the new year.
This year saw me kill my first deer! It was an unreal experience that I can't wait to do again. Nothing beats knowing that you actually put meat on the table for your family.
After getting my DSLR camera, I took the plunge into starting a little photography business. To say that this business has exceeded my expectations is an understatement. I love taking pictures. Finding the best light, getting the right angle, placing people in just the right pose- it's a combination that results in pretty awesome pictures. I still have tons to learn, and plan to continue to learn and grow as I take more and more pictures. I can't wait to see where 2016 takes "Schackmann Photography". Be on the lookout for new branding and a big surprise hopefully this summer!
This last picture probably sums up the hardest, yet best times of 2015. I was lucky enough to watch Kendra and Kaci become moms, and Ashley add one more to her beautiful family. I won't lie and say it was easy watching them continue on with their pregnancies and bring home a baby. It was hard, really hard. There was lots of tears, lots of jealousy, lots of questioning "why them and not me?". But there have been even more smiles, even more laughs, and even more blessings watching these babies grow up. When we all get together, the first thing I want to do is hold one of them. I love their baby smell, their big eyes, all the potential inside of them. And I remind them every time I hold them that Ian is watching over them. I can't wait to continue to watch Desmond, August, and Orie grow up. I know it won't always be easy, but it will be worth it.
I'm looking forward to 2015 coming to an end tonight. Not because of what the year was, but because of what 2016 has the potential to become. 2015 has been a year of transition in many ways. I hope that 2016 brings much more love, much more happiness, much more laughing, and hopefully even another baby to add to our family. (Prayers appreciated that that last one comes true!) Have a Happy New Years Eve and an even more blessed 2016.
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