New and Unexpected Adventures! -Amy

After getting prepared all summer to teach Pre-school in La Porte, I called called last Friday to go in for an interview for a 4th grade position. Long story short, I found out on Monday that I got the job, and school started Wednesday! I am so pumped, because I did my student teaching in 4th grade and LOVED it, and also because this is a full time, certified postion! Also, I am teaching at the same school as my Aunt Judi, so I will have lots of support! I really am very,very excited and could not have created a better scenario for myself. I have been in a bit of a whirlwind for the past few days, getting my room ready and teaching on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I will definitely keep you all updated on the happenings of my 21 4th graders, but for now, here are some pics of the classroom! Keep in mind, this was COMPLETELY EMPTY when I got there on Monday, and these pictures were taken Tuesday night... 40 hours and about $300.00 later! Totally worth it though!













I'm so pumped!

Puppy Fever - Brady

I've had an awful case of puppy fever the last few days. I took this:

Breed Selector Quiz

and it came back that I should get a Newfoundland, a Saint Bernard, or a Landseer (never heard of that breed before). Obviously, I like huge dogs. I think of them as big, friendly bears that laze around your house. Love 'em.

Kevin and I have tried to get a dog twice already. The first time, we actually had a 4-year-old Great Pyrenees at our house for a few days and then gave her back (No worries - she came from a good home and went back to a good home. They just had one more dog than they really wanted and thought that if we could take her, that would help them out). Then, we tried to adopt a mixed breed puppy (part Newfoundland) through a rescue service here in Fort Wayne. We filled out the extensive application, met it, and turned it down (again, puppy was fine - adopted soon after we said no).

Both times, we had mini panic attacks at the thought of having a dog for the rest of its life. What is our problem, exactly? I LOVE dogs - almost nothing makes me happier than getting to spend time with one. But when it comes down to actually committing, I can't do it.

We talked for a long time yesterday about adopting. It would probably work well for us right now - our apartment is dog-friendly and has a fenced backyard, Kelly has Lucy to keep it company, and we'll probably be spending most of our time either in Chicago or at our house in Fort Wayne, both good places for a dog. But I just don't think we can do it yet.

Did anyone else feel like this before getting a dog? It seems like it's so easy for the rest of the world...

The Wild Kingdom AKA Our House - Brady

Cut my normal hour of yard work short today. Why? Pretty sure I both tore out poison oak and disturbed a brown recluse spider hiding in the ivy I was ripping off our house.

Which are worse - gross city things (cockroaches, grime, etc.) or gross country things (poison plants and spiders)? I'm voting country things - at least cockroaches can't do THIS to you. (No, you know what? I was going to link the word "THIS" to a picture of a brown recluse spider bite, but it's too gross. You can look it up yourself if you're really curious.)

Mos def going to buy myself some new, non-holey gardening gloves today. These just aren't cutting it anymore in the wild kingdom.

Read This When You're Feeling Sorry For Yourself - Brady

This was the main story on the Tribune's website today. This tough Chicago lady definitely reminds me that any "problems" I've been complaining about are nothing.

Pregnant, with cancer: An agonizing decision -- chicagotribune.com

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Craft Week - Brady

I did some work last week to make Kevin and my somewhat dark, small room in our Chicago apartment brighter. I'm no artist, but here are my humble achievements:



Project #1:



A make-shift desk constructed and donated by Kevin's parents.



I stained the legs to make them match a little bit better.




Project #2:



Took an old block of wood...



put nails in it...



painted it, and have a place to hang my necklaces so they don't get tangled up.



Project #3:



Took these magnetic corkboards (how is that possible?)...



and this fabric...



and put them together. Hopefully this will make our very white room a little more colorful. We're going to hang them above the desk.



Project #4:



Took some ribbon...



And stuck my jewelry on it. Note: This is HANGING from Project #2. Can you believe it?


So, like I said, I'm not a great artist, but it was kind of fun to try this stuff for a few days. No more, though. I'm done with the craftiness for awhile.

Quick Update - Kelly

1. I love living in Chicago.

2. Living in Chicago is growing on Lucy.

3. Lucy now sports a pink bandana. (Pictures coming!)

4. I'm too busy to post on ANY of my blogs.

5. I worked a 15 hour workday today... and it's Sunday!!!

Where you be? -Amy

Hey Brady, I can't believe you haven't posted since the last time I did! Where in the world are you? I mean, I know you have real things going on like moving and getting ready to start school, but I miss you blog post a day. I guess Kelly and I will have to pick up the slack finally!

I am getting really excited about the school year starting, although it is giving me a little bit of anxiety at the same time. I am trying to get my room set up and get all settled in, but there is still a lot of shuffling going on around the school corp which has caused my room to be moved. This is totally fine, I just need to know where I am going to be! Let's just say I know what I am going to be doing ALL DAY tomorrow! I think my room has finally be set for sure so I really need to start setting things up. I will post pictures soon.

I can't believe how fast this summer went, and it has been a constant reminder that things don't always turn out how they are planned. At the beginning of the summer I thought I would be living in Chicago, ready to start a teaching position. I am, however, very excited to be at home. I have always been a home body and I am really excited to be able to save so much money for the coming year (which I am determined to do!).