www.raisingbakersfield.com

I am a stay at home mom of two amazing boys.  Colby (7) and Caden (5).  I have been married for 12 1/2 years to my high school sweetheart, Brandon.  I decided that once I became a mom, work was not that important....so, here I am, 7 + years later and wondering if I will really want to go back to work outside the home?  

For "girl time" I enjoy bible studies, hanging out wtih my MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) friends and playdates with the same friends.  I also began my Mary Kay business, 6 years ago...wow~time does fly!  In my "other life" I wore a few differnt hats...I waited tables in high school and into my Jr. College years, worked as a secretary for a brief time until I purchased a hair and nail salon at the age of 20.  I was/still am a California licensed manicurist - this paid for college and I made a lot of great friends in this time.  Once I graduated from college, I went to work with the Dept. of Human Services.  I also enjoyed this challenging work....but, family was most important! 

I was born and raised in Bakersfield, and think it's a great place to raise kids....as long as the air gets cleaner!  I never gave it a second thought until my youngest developed asthma due to allergies.  Running the boys around and taking care of the household keeps me busy.....I am anxious to begin working as a substitute teacher this fall, and am also hoping to volunteer in both boys' classrooms when I'm not subbing.  Staying at home has been a great experience; however, the need to supplement income now that the youngest is in elementary school has led to the call of substitute teaching!  It sounds ideal since I can work while they are at school and still be at home with the boys when they are out of school.