I am currently a child of God, a wife to a wonderful husband for over 35 years, a mother of 2 boys, and a grandmother of 3 grandchildren–2 girls and a boy. I have recently retired from being a teacher, assistant principal and principal which spanned and consumed a 31 year period of my life.
After working in stressful jobs for 31 years, my life just seemed a little too easy. Yes, my husband and I babysit our grandchildren, but that is delightful more than stressful so I decided to take up blogging to share some cooking, DIY projects and simple living ideas.
Farm Life
I grew up on a 150 acre farm in western KY with my parents and one brother. We had all the typical farm animals–cows, horses, chickens, ducks, and pigs. We had a one acre garden that fed 3 families–talk about work. My dad also had beef cattle and raised soy beans, corn, and tobacco. On this farm was where I learned my work ethic! well My mother and grandmother also taught me the love for cooking.
I married my husband, Kenny, at 19 while I was still in college at Murray State University. I was studying to be a teacher. We also continued farm life because he also grew up on a farm in a town close by. Soon after I graduated college, our first son, Brandon, was born. Our second son, Garrett, was born about 3 years later. During this time, I was substitute teaching and taking on long term interim leaves for pregnant teachers, but could not secure a full-time teaching position. Therefore, I decided to apply to several different places for a teaching position.
Big Changes
We ended up moving to Memphis, TN for me to teach. Talking about a culture shock! Our little family was now on our own away from our extended family, and neither of us had ever spent time in a larger city. However, we made the best of it by living in the suburbs and making friends that became like our family. We also made weekly 3 hour trips back to western Ky for years to see our families.
I spent the next 31 years dedicating my life to public education. I am talking 18 hour days and working all summer every year. During this time, I saw the best of the best teachers, and some who were not that great that I encouraged to do something else. In fact, my school won a National Blue Ribbon when I was the principal. I am very proud of the lives of children that were enhanced during my time in education. I retired in January of 2021 and had some additional big changes.
Back to Small Town Life
Our son, Garrett, took a job in East TN when we were expecting our second grandchild. In fact, they moved when he was 6 weeks old which was heart-breaking for me because I loved being with my grandchildren. However, I knew I only had a couple of years that I had to teach to retire with full benefits. When his wife became pregnant with our third grandchild, I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to live close to them and they wanted us to come. I retired in January and she was born in March so we were able to be here when she was born. We now live in East TN and love every minute of spending time with our family!
Fun Facts
- I graduated from Fancy Farm High School. Yes, there is a Fancy Farm, KY although the high school is no longer there, but they still have an elementary school.
- I drove a motorcycle from about the time I was 6 years old all over our farm, but would not want to ride one today.
- We are currently building a house on lake frontage even though neither of us have spent a lot of time on a lake.
- I want to buy a jet ski even though I won’t ride a motorcycle!