Shaun and I have been hard at work tearing things out of the kitchen. I spent a day just taking down these fake bricks. I had the fan on to keep me cool and wasn't paying attention and it hit me right in the head. :( I was very careful after that blow. (just a bump, not any blood was shed.)

This couple in our ward is in need of a used kitchen for their daughter's college downstairs apartment. So they came over to help us rip everything out. It took hours, but we enjoyed having such a great crew! (And Shaun was excited that he brought his BIG power tools with him.)

The First night we made it to this point

Saturday we hit it again, literally, and cleared out the rest of the dry wall, tile back splash, etc. It was a big project.

We were thrilled that the laminate wood floor came out in large pieces. Shaun is modeling his gear, too. We had heavy duty masks, gloves and Shaun even had coveralls on.

Tomorrow the contractor is coming to move some pipes and vents for us and then we will begin the rebuilding process. Currently we spend most of our time upstairs. It is almost ready for before and after pictures just working on some finishing touches. :)

stay tuned...

Mrs. Broderick Returns

I want to share an experience that has really strengthened me the last few days. So you all know how bummed out I was about not getting a teaching job. I was finally starting to accept the fact that my future was at the mercy of being a substitute. Well, out of the blue there was a job listing for a par time math coach for 4th and 6th graders. I wasn't too interested because I didn't feel that qualified but I decided to apply just because the school name had a nice ring to it. Well, I NEVER expected to get an interview but on Friday I was emailed for an interview time on Tuesday. I was freaking out. What did I even apply for? I had to re-read the description and I was really temped to just cancel my interview. me teach 4th and 6th grade math... but Shaun gave me a pep talk about how I can do things out of my comfort zone if I really want to, but then he left the decision up to me.

For some reason I felt very confidant and peaceful about applying for the position despite the job description.

The interview came. I had to present a 15 minute lesson on an assigned Ohio standard and then in a different room I was asked a series of questions. I felt like I could completely be myself and that things would work out how they were supposed to.

During the interview portion the job description was clarified and it was actually for a 1st-3rd grade math coach job. Really? I wouldn't have to teach 4th & 6th grade math? That is even better!

Well, I was called in for a second interview this morning from the assistant superintendent and that was pretty rough. I thought for sure he wasn't too interested in hiring this out of stater. (He seemed like he wasn't having a very great day.)

But at lunch time I received a call from the Principal and I got the job!!

I start TOMORROW! WOW!

I truly believe when you follow your impressions that everything works out for you even if the task at hand seemed less than desirable. I am grateful for this miracle in my life!

Thank you everyone for your prayers!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

One of my favorite times of year is actually "back to school." I love love love school supplies, getting things all nice and organized. I think new crayons and a new planner are my absolute favorites!!

This year back to school will be a much different experience for me. No classroom to call my own, no team to be a part of, no list of children all awaiting Mrs. Broderick to be their teacher, and no district meetings to get us pumped up for the year. I am definitely struggling to find my place in our new town. *sniff, sniff*

Because of the lack of vacant teaching positions I am planning on working as a substitute teacher. I really love the kids and want to give it a try. The good news is I did survive the substitute teaching training. (The longest three hours of my life) The other good news is that closest school district ONLY allows people to substitute if they have a Bachelor’s degree in teaching. So chances are I should be subbing a lot. (Hopefully)

In the meantime I am trying to keep myself positive and focused on getting our house beautified, helping out in the ward, and learning some new skills. (besides caulking.)

I know things will work out how they are supposed to and that Ohio has a lot to offer for us. This is a really great place to be. It will just take a while to get some roots. I am really grateful for the ward members who have reached out to us. That has really helped me with this transition. Ü

Every night at 9:30...

Shaun and I get to shower...

Meet Emma! This is a girl who also works in the same lab that Shaun is working in. We met her in March when we came to Ohio to check out the school. She lives right across the street from us and lately, she has been SO KIND to let us shower at her house.

YES, we have not had a tub or shower since Saturday and every night Emma lets us walk across the street to shower at her house.

WHY do we not have a shower/tub?

When we got here we were surprised to find three giant cracks in the tub and to make a long story short we have to replace it.

Currently, Shaun has been working very hard to put in the new tub and we should have our own shower back by Saturday. (hopefully)

Thanks Emma for helping us not stink and not go crazy.

Until then I am dreaming of...

a nice distraction

One of the first things I did once we made it to Wooster was get a public library card. I have been going crazy trying to wait to read book two of the Hunger Games- Catching Fire. I finally decided that I needed a real distraction that could help me think about something other than our house so I checked out this book. I LOVED the first book and it pretty much promised myself I couldn't read the next one until book three was almost out because the wait kills me. :)

Well, I am halfway through book two and love my breaks when I get to read! I am so very thankful for good books and how they can make you think beyond your own life and circumstances.

Another great thing I have discovered through our reading group last year was this site called good reads. http://www.goodreads.com/ There you can see what your friends are reading and see feedback on books you have maybe thought about reading. If you haven't...check it out.

don't worry...a house update will be coming soon.