Shades Mountain Elementary School
I currently teach first grade at Shades Mountain Elementary School (SMES). All three of my children went to SMES. I live within walking distance of the school, and over the years, I have taught many children in my neighborhood. One of the biggest benefits to living in the same neighborhood of the students you teach is getting to know the families really well. I feel as though making connections and forming relationships with our SMES families has been my favorite part of teaching at my little neighborhood school.
La Fiesta
My family loves La Fiesta in Hoover. You will always find us there celebrating birthdays or meeting up with friends for dinner. I can honestly say I’ve never eaten there without running into more people I know. My favorite thing on the menu (besides the skinny margarita) is the pollo loco with vegetables.
Raising My Family in Hoover
My boys were very active in the soccer program at Spain Park High School, and this was our last season to sit on the sidelines and watch our middle child and high school senior, Grant, play. We appreciate the time and effort the teachers and coaches have poured into our children.
Larry Langston and Blue Ridge Park
This year we lost one of our best friends, Larry Langston, who will have a park bench dedicated to him this summer. Years ago, Larry and I met at Blue Ridge Park with other SMES parents. Not only was he a devoted father, but he also became known as the “park dad” to many other SMES kids, too. Because of him, so many kids had a “second dad,” cheering them on throughout their lives. Larry’s “park kids” served as his pallbearers at his funeral.
The Shades Mountain Community
I truly believe I live in the best-kept secret area of Hoover. It isn’t one of the new areas. It is an established neighborhood with families that have raised children and welcomed grandchildren. It is an area where everyone knows your name. It is an area that no matter what–you can always count on your neighbors, your precious small school and the wonderful people who quickly become like family.
