Everyone told me so. I guess I didn’t believe it until all of a sudden, without warning, my baby was one. They DO grow up fast.
I’m making a hard decision for next year-one that has been hashed over and over in my head but I know it’s the right one.
I’m taking a one year leave from my wonderful job working in the public schools to be home with Aislyn. And it’s really because of you that I can do this. This month marks 3 years since I started this blog. Without it and TPT, I would not have the chance to stay home for a year. I. am. so. grateful.
Admittedly, it did not come without tears. If you follow me on Instagram (nrallison), you know little notes like these always pull at my heart.
And there were definitely not dry eyes when I began packing up my office. I had to keep telling myself…It’s just a year, it’s just a year.
It was hard.
What are my plans for next year? Well, since you asked….
I’ll be doing a little therapy for a company in my home. My husband and I are renovating the room above our garage and turning it into a therapy room/play room. Here’s what it looks like now. Yep, we got nice and dirty and took it down to it’s bare-bones. #nofilter. Do you think kids will WANT to do therapy in this room? Hopefully, it won’t look like this for very long. The goal is for it to be finished by August. I’ll keep you updated 🙂
I’ll be concentrating on doing more presentations:
like this 3-hour professional development on June 11th. 3 hours. I hope ya’ll can stay with me that long
and this one with my good friend Jenna Rayburn for OSSPEAC in October.
I’m also planning on making some more products in my abundant spare time 😉 Ideas include a Data Collection Binder for upper grades, Social Group Curriculum for lower grades and Articulation for Reading and Conversation (all positions). You all need to hold me accountable, okay?
I’ve also started a fun little side-hobby I’ve always wanted to explore.
But honestly, mostly I’ll be spending my time with this little gal right here. And that makes me happy 🙂
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
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Sparklle SLP says
June 1, 2015 at 11:20 amLots of luck on your year of new adventures!
Sarah says
June 1, 2015 at 1:25 pmGlad you can make it work! I look forward to checking out your new TPT materials. Enjoy the time with your adorable little girl!
Sharon Swindell says
June 1, 2015 at 2:08 pmCongratulations on your decision – I know it wasn’t an easy one. If I could have, I would have stayed home with my babies too! On a different note, I am excited to be attending your presentation on June 11th! Your blog and TPT store are among my favorites!
Judy Hale says
June 1, 2015 at 3:23 pmGood for you! You will never regret time spent with your darling little girl! Please keep creating your awesome products, as they are so helpful for all of us. Good luck and hope you can keep posting. I think over the years, I’ve worked in rooms that looked worse than your attic space does right now–I know you will make it amazing and welcoming!
Ann-Marie S. says
June 1, 2015 at 3:49 pmGood Luck on your new adventure! Best wishes!
Mary Boettcher says
June 1, 2015 at 11:01 pmWow! You never cease to amaze me!!! Where do you find all the time to do all of these things. My kids are much older and we have a new puppy and I cannot even find the time to entertain the idea of renovating a small bathroom much less take a room to its bare bones. Congratulations on your decision to take the time to spend with your little girl; many often consider this, but rarely actually put their plan in place–kudos to you!
Emily Heller says
June 1, 2015 at 11:38 pmYay for all of this, I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to see progress on your speech room! And I’m hoping to be at OSSPEAC…if it’s able to happen I will be at your presentation for sure!! 🙂
Teach Speech 365 says
June 2, 2015 at 12:32 amBest wishes for your new adventure! I don’t think you could regret more time with your little one!
Danielle Morrison says
June 2, 2015 at 1:07 amCongrats Nicole!! You’ll be fabulous and successful on your year adventure! I can’t wait to see the wonderful renovation, materials and presentations you come up with!!
Nancy says
June 2, 2015 at 1:21 amI took time off with my son and loved it! Enjoy that special time!
Lori Arnold says
June 2, 2015 at 1:57 amNicole, Congrats and Best of Luck. You will do great!! Have fun
Robin Brighton says
June 2, 2015 at 2:17 amCongratulations on being able to follow your heart! Enjoy!
Erica Hawks says
June 2, 2015 at 2:48 amI left my job in a school that I love as well. I left to join a private practice doing AAC therapy, which is why I got into our field. It was very hard to leave those sweet faces behind and I can totally sympathize with you. Good luck in your endeavors this year and enjoy your time with your little one. You’re doing the right thing!
Annie Doyle says
June 2, 2015 at 3:09 pmPerfect move! I think you are going to be plenty busy and may decide to stay home longer! Being home with our kids was the best decision ever and I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. N. was in kindergarten and M. was 3 when I went back. I would have stayed home longer if a job in THEIR school hadn’t become available (so blessed)! Please keep us posted on your professional development offerings if they are online; I’m in!
Terri Drushell says
June 2, 2015 at 8:13 pmCongratulations on your decision! I look forward to seeing your new products!
Alex Chaplin says
June 7, 2015 at 3:03 pmVery impressed by all of your blogs & your “speechy” talent! Looking forward to reading more of your blogs as I always do! So proud & goodluck!
Kate Summers says
June 26, 2015 at 4:56 pmGood luck to you! Thank you for being such an amazing SLP and resource! I am looking forward to your new projects! I am interested in your presentation with Jenna, but I do not live in Ohio. Any plans to share it (e.g. online) with the rest of us? SLPs and the CCSS is a major area of focus for my district.
Nicole Allison says
June 29, 2015 at 1:52 pmThank you so much! If there was a way I knew how to share, I would! Come to Ohio!