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Tom

Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers - Alfred Lord Tennyson

About Me

I am a blessed man who is married to Melissa and the father of Katie and Caroline. I so much enjoy doing the husband and father "thing". Being an "older" father of young children, I appreciate every single moment of my time with them. It's so much fun watching Katie's soccer matches and basketball games and Caroline's gymnastics competitions. Those two girls are without a doubt, THE very best thing I have ever done in my life!We attend Mt. Sterling First Church of God where we are involved in several groups and activities. We love our church family and our pastors. Our Sunday School class and Wednesday evening small group are loving and caring groups, and we are blessed to be a part of them. Our girls are as happy as clams being a part of the wonderful children's programs. We feel very blessed to be a part of such a great church.My wife and I are both teachers. She teaches second grade and I teach fifth grade. I have taught at the same school for 25 years. In fact, I've taught in the same fifth grade room for the past 19 years. After so many years in the same job, I am getting ready to move into retirement mode soon. Just two more years and I will leave the building forever. Although it will be sad to have such a major part of my life over, I look forward to trying a new direction.

My Interests

If we had all money we needed, we would spend major amounts of time traveling the world. We love cruising anywhere, going to any beach, southern California, Las Vegas, Savannah, Georgia, and even Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Brown County, Indiana. Quaint little towns are big favorites of ours.The place where I can relax the most is in the kitchen. I know, a man in the kitchen - go figure. Although I do enjoy "putting a meal on the table", baking goodies is my favorite type of cooking. There's just nothing better than a good cake, pie, cookies, or other dessert. If you have a great recipe for anything, please feel free to share it with me!Being involved in my kids hobbies and sports is one of my greatest interest. I'm usually the one who sits on hard wooden benches for hours on end or walks the sidelines watching drill after drill while Katie practices with her basketball and soccer teams. I'm also the father who has his eyes squeezed tightly shut while Caroline does her routines in gymnastics competitions. I'm a nervous wreck when she's competing.Managing our finances have recently become one of our interest, almost to the point of obsession. Melissa and I recently took Dave Ramsey's class "Financial Peace University" at our church. It has completely changed the way we handling our money. Dave is THE man!

I'd like to meet:

I wish I could have met Ronald Reagan. I truly believe history will remember him as one of America's greatest Presidents. He played a big part in this country rediscovering patriotism at a time when Americans were beaten down by crooked politians, anti-American protests, and a slumping economy. And, on top of that, he led the charge to dissolve Communism. I still get chills when I watch the video of President Reagan in Berlin saying, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" What an awesome man he was!Another person I'd love to meet is Paula Deen from Savannah, Georgia. I really enjoy her Food Network show because her style of cooking is something I can relate too. We had the opportunity to eat at her restaurant, "The Lady and Sons", last summer and it was wonderful.

Music:

When I have time to listen to music, I REALLY enjoy Southern Gospel music. One of my dreams is to go to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville in September. Melissa says we will go the September after I retire.

Television:

Alright, now this is my category! I love television! I have really gotten into the new night time game shows like "Deal or No Deal" and "One Vs. One Hundred". I also like sitcoms and Melissa has gotten me started watching a couple of the evening "soap operas" like "Grey's Anatomy". I am just as happy watching Bill O'Reilly on Fox News or Paula Deen on the Food Network.

Books:

One of my favorite books is "Black and Blue" by Anna Quindlen. I also like the "Miss Julia" series by Ann B. Ross. And, I love John Grisham books.

Heroes:

My wife for her committment to our family. My parents for raising me in a Christian home. My grandmother for her faith, her determination, and her boundless love for her grandson! Dave Ramsey for his ministry in personal finances. Ronald Reagan, for his leadership as our President.