Drum Roll Please....

I can't really think of a time in my life since the age of 15 that I didn't have some sort of job. 

When you graduate from high school and are doing your best to find a suitable plan/career path, you tend to lean towards things you are good at.  At the time, I was a fairly decent journalist.  Working in that industry made sense to me.  I was the Sports Editor of the BGHS Purple Gem, and at WKU, I worked for the College Heights Herald as an Account Representative.  The summer of my junior year, I got a coveted internship at the Courier Journal.  Advertising felt like a field that I could flourish in and did.  After college graduation, Matt and I got married and moved to Valdosta where I started working as a sales representative for the Valdosta Times.  Eight short months later, we decided we were too far from home and made the move back to Bowling Green.  Obviously, there were a lot of other factors that contributed to that decision, but I won't go into great depth on that.  I took a job at the Country Peddler for a little while before joining the BGISD school system as an instructional assistant.  I loved that job!  Working with teenagers everyday and being in a school environment felt like the right fit for me.  After I got pregnant with Karson, staying home with our kids became a priority to us.  We'd sacrifice and save to make it work.  I taught part time at Greenwood Park's Early Education Preschool when the kids were little.  Needless to say, taking a 10-year pause to raise kids has a profound impact on you especially in the career-realm.

SKyPAC opened and took a chance on me in the ticket office in May 2012.  After being a SAHM and working in a Christian-school bubble, it felt like I'd been thrown to the wolves.  After my first night in the ticket office, I went home and balled my eyes out.  What in the world had I gotten myself in to?  I wasn't at SKyPAC long before I met one of my best friends - Artist Andee Rudloff.  She brought energy and a positive outlook to the organization and eventually brought me into the fold of arts education at SKyPAC.  I loved everything about my job but primarily making an impact on children.  At the end of the day, people are what matters the most.  I made lots of wonderful memories there and will forever cherish those moments and friendships made.

Little did I know October 2020 was going to deliver one of the most challenging blows!  It was a Friday afternoon, and I received a call from the President of our board to meet that afternoon.  My gut told me today is not going to end well.  The pandemic financially hurt lots of industry, and the performing arts and entertainment venues were at the top of that list.  All my co-workers assured me that I was too valuable to SKyPAC and that my fears were unfounded.  I worked hard the last eight years and took a lot of pride in my job -wearing many hats and always jumping in to learn new roles and assist when needed.  I tried to calm my nerves, but I received the blow I was expecting.  They laid me off with no definitive plan to bring me back on.  It hurt, and I did my best to handle it professionally.  The sad part about the scenario was that we were schedule to go to Florida on vacation the very next day.  Everything felt like a blur.  My co-workers were shocked.  No one knew what to say. 

I didn't feel like taking many pictures last Fall Break considering the circumstances.  This is one of my favorite ones though.  Karson, Matt and I went to Jackacudas and had some of the best sushi.  Something about that night felt peaceful, like everything will be okay.

Here we are almost a year later!  There were a few bumps in the job road, but I finally found a new work home at Skyctc.  I've been with the Business Division since February 1 - almost eight months.  It's been a welcomed transition, one that I have truly enjoyed.  I have a wonderful supervisor and team of faculty members that I work with.  The benefits, PTO, and flexibility are the absolute best.  It's the perfect fit for our lives right now.  AND, I still get to work with students and make a positive impact on them.  

Me and my Skyctc peeps - the finest group ever and I'm fortunate to be part of this successful team of women.

After typing ALL of that (sorry for the dissertation), it's not the primary purpose of my post.  The purpose of this post is about my spectacular husband MATT!!!  Pastor Matt, Coach Matt, Principal Matt, y'all know who I'm talking about.  

About mid-June, the lead principal at South Warren Middle School took a new position at Franklin Simpson High School.  After 10 years in education, Matt felt like it was the right time to spread his wings and try something new.  He's been at SWHS in a few roles which began with student teaching there.  He went on to become a teacher, coach, dean of students and is currently an assistant principal. Matt applied for the position last summer.  However, with the timing of the old principal leaving and trying to open the school, the decision was made to make the current assistant principal the interim until after the first quarter, which ends after fall break.  This week was the WEEK.  I couldn't help but have my own personal pre-Fall Break flashbacks resurface.  I knew Matt wanted this position.  I wanted it for him!  He didn't just need this, I felt like I needed this too especially two weeks before Fall Break 2021.  No dark clouds this time!!!

The announcement was made yesterday at South's Auditorium.  

Presenting South Warren Middle School's NEW Principal....

Mr. Matthew Deaton!!!  We're so proud of him!!!!

A Winning Weekend

As luck would have it, Miles has had two golf tournaments in Louisville this month.  It's such a treat having an excuse to go to Louisville for golf and to see our girl.  Much has happened since she started at UL.  She rushed and joined the Sigma Kappa sorority and has loved every minute of it.  Sports were such a big part of her life that participating in college intramurals was something she was really excited about.  She's playing football and running track - her nickname is "Wheels" and kicking butt!  I love it and know that she is having the time of her life!  Along with her classes and sorority activities, she has a second interview today with Cardinal Health for a part time campus job.  We're very proud of her work ethic which we know will take her far!  

Some photos of her and her roommate Piper from a Sigma Ep Pref event.  

Friday night was exactly what we needed after a long, tiring week!  We were able to go up to Louisville and enjoy watching the Cards play some football.  Miles was already there because the golf team played a practice round of golf at Quail Chase.  Thankfully my cousin Kenton collected him after the round, treated him to a late lunch and let him hang out with him until the game.

The Spartans brought home a 2nd place finish at their final tournament of the season - The Charger Cup at Quail Chase.

We were so worn out - not sure how we managed to make it home.  However, I think we all slept about 12 hours that night.

This week will be a whirlwind of golf as the team prepares for the Regional tournament next week at Rolling Hills golf course.  GO SPARTANS!!!

This just in....individual/team photos courtesy of the talented Sara Ortiz....

Roots and Wings

Matt sent this out to the staff at South Warren last Thursday (grab some tissues)...

AUGUST 20, 2021

Tonight is a big night at my house. It’s the last night our eldest little bird will spend in the nest before she flies away and becomes a Louisville Cardinal. We are moving her into her dorm early tomorrow morning. There are a handful of days in our lives that change everything, and August 20th, 2021 is going to be one of those days for my family.

Thinking about that reminds me of something important that we need to keep in mind about our students: our Spartans are in a quick, four-year transition phase to their adult lives. Every SWHS student that left us last year is doing the next thing right now. College. Career. Trade School. Military. And this year’s seniors will be getting to their next chapter soon, followed by the next class, and so on. The process happens fast.

What do they really need from us? Along with learning math, history, English, science, etc., they need to learn the soft skills that will help them be successful in whatever they do next. Here are some of those:

-Showing up on time

-Treating others with respect

-Communicating effectively

-Thinking critically and creatively

-Developing problem solving skills

I can say, as the Dad of a Spartan Alum, that the collective group of adults in this building does a great job teaching both academic content and soft skills. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that each of you did for Karson in her four years here. That Spartan is ready to become a Cardinal. Your work matters so much.

Our little girl, Karson Ann Deaton, has officially flown from the nest. I wish I could report that Friday morning, her move in date, went smooth; however, it was bumpy. I am sort of a procrastinator when it comes to packing. It's like, let's cram it all in at once. For weeks, we did prepare for dorm room needs, decor, bedding, school supplies, cleaning/laundry supplies, etc. The BIG stuff like storage containers, clothes, and toiletries had to wait. Meme took her shopping for some last minute supplies Thursday. It was DONE. With a massive mound of stuff, we thought it would be easier to take Matt's parents giant Yukon XL which he picked up Thursday night. We loaded and loaded. I knew it was going to be a sleepless night. Karson had scheduled an early move-in time - 8 AM (EST). We needed to leave by 5AM if we wanted to arrive on time. The last couple of loads went out, and when Matt tried to start the truck, it was DEAD. Lovely. We have a jump box but no cables, and it was EARLY. I did what any helpless daughter would do, texted my dad and asked him to come over and give us a jump. Who sleeps past 5AM anyway =)?!? 10 minutes later he was at our house jump starting the truck. We got on the road later than we wanted when the tire pressure light came on which meant another kink in the travel plans. After a quick detour to the Smiths Grove Shell station, all tires were inflated, and we were ready.

I knew that the time frame for move-in was probably lenient but made a quick call to UL Housing to make sure they knew we'd be very late. I honestly have no idea what time we got to Louisville, but we got her checked in, grabbed a large bin and started unloading. The whole process sort of felt like a blur (probably because we were super tired).

 

We sorted, unpacked, hung, organized, and decided to make a quick run to Kroger for some room snacks/drinks, etc. She's on the meal plan but everyone needs snacks. Around noon, she was ready for us to move along...so we left without her! Our hearts hurt, but we're happy she's happy. She's had a strong foundation and such supportive family and friends. We know this next chapter is going to be amazing for her.

First day of school picture! I know this week will be a busy one for her!

First Week Frenzy

The start of school came and went.  For Isaac, it meant driving to school alone for the first time as a junior.  I was sort of hoping he and friends would go out to breakfast, but I'm thinking that might be more of a girl thing.  The boys want to sleep in and roll out as late as possible.  First day of school pics with friends, ehhh whatever.  He's got a full schedule including two AP courses, drivers education, advanced physics and WKU dual credit (4th block).  I'm not sure how long the students will get to enjoy in-person school as this COVID delta variant blazes through.  However, I feel confident that Isaac, Matt and Miles will be fine.  Both Isaac and Matt both had the virus in December and have had the vaccine.  Miles is also vaccinated, so fingers and toes crossed for no illness.  Isaac already has a plan in place to continue working at Waterworks after school, on weekends or in the event or virtual learning.  The week he got his license, he began working at the car wash with his sister.  He loves it and has worked a lot of hours, getting paid well and lots of tips.  We're so proud of Isaac and how hard he works!!!

Miles, our little freshie, has a full schedule as well but mainly with golf matches.  He had seven tournaments spanning from July 30-August 7 which meant he missed the first and third days of school.  He was able to attend open house and get a feel for where his classes would be since his first day was on Thursday instead of Wednesday.  I honestly don't know what we'd do without supportive grandparents.  Both Colvin (Pap) and Debbie (Nana) were rockstars last week and took him to all of his tournaments.  It was super helpful for us.  The first day of school tournament was at A.J. Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria, KY (about 3+ hours from Bowling Green).

Things won't slow down for him until late September.  I'm hopeful that he'll be able to keep up the pace of in-person school, homework and all of these matches.

 

 

 

He's been doing well with golf.  His last two tournaments, he's done very well scoring an 80 at Western Hills Golf Course (in Hopkinsville) and his personal best on Saturday at Hidden Hills County Club (in Tompkinsville) where he scored a 76 and tied for a 7th place finish. The Spartans won the Monroe County Invitational by two strokes beating a tough Franklin Simpson team.

I've watched Isaac play lacrosse, and I have watched Karson play basketball since 1st grade, volleyball since 7th grade, and run track since her Sophomore year, and I can easily tell you that golf gives me WAY more anxiety than all four of these activities combined.  Golf is hard y'all!!!  It teaches you so much, and my heart hurts when Miles (in his mind) doesn't perform as well as he'd like to. He has such passion for the game not only for himself but for others playing.  He's the biggest champion - expresses excitement when others, even opponents, do well, and wants the best for all his teammates. Miles is such a special young man. 

Matt begins year 11 in education.  I wish this could be a normal year for him and not COVID-filled.  The virus adds such a difficult element to an already stressful mix.  Please be mindful of him and all the other educators out there making hard decisions each day.

Put Your Best Face On....Let's Go Out With a BANG!!!

 That's exactly what happened yesterday for both of the Deaton boys.  As summer closes, both sons had a noteworthy day!  This summer has thrown Isaac a total curveball.  He'd planned to play club lacrosse which was quickly thwarted by a collarbone injury after his first tournament.  It also hindered his ability to drive for a pocket of time.  He got his learner's permit in January and has been driving/logging hours for the last six months.  With COVID and all the restrictions, it takes an act of congress to get a road test appointment these days.  I started getting on the KSP website two weeks to prior to his testing day and checking it religiously every morning until appointments finally popped up.  This week ALSO happens to be the week that students can secure their school parking passes for the year.  He, Matt and Karson went over to South the night before his test to select the "perfect" spot in the junior lot.  Karson is a spot picking pro since having her actual license since her sophomore year.  His car started smoking.  Ugh.  His car is solid black and extremely hot.  This blistering weather has not been easy.  The car started overheating and smoking.  NO!?!?  With his appointment the next day, we had to come up with a new plan.  He'd have to drive my car or Matt's.  I really hated that for him because when you're used to your own vehicle, performing well in another one is a little tricky.  Cars turn different.  They brake different.  Just frustrating.  Our sweet Pap came to the rescue and got his car fixed first thing that morning.  It was a leaky hose.  

 

My best since forever, Jennie was there at the Justice Center with her daughter Mia. Isaac and Mia are two days apart and have grown up together as neighbors and practically family.  They took their permit test in January at the same time, and both teens had their road test at the same time.  It was an exciting day for both of them as they were awarded their restricted license.

The youngest Deaton finished up with his 6th round of tryouts for the South Warren Spartans golf team yesterday.  Y'all...this weather!!!  Those guys walk 18 holes.  This heat is unbearable, and I don't know how anyone can stand to be out in it.  It's instant sweat.  Playing golf for 4+ hours and performing well has to be a challenge.  Good thing he loves it!

 

Yesterday the SW team was announced.  We're super excited for him and the boys golf team and looking forward to a successful season ahead.

Karson had a big week as well.  She went to Louisville over the weekend and did some nurse shadowing at the University of Louisville hospital on Monday.

Our teenagers make us proud!  Both Karson and Isaac got passing scores on their AP exams as well.  

Let's get it started!!!