03/15/2026
Hey there y'all 👋
It's been a while 👀
Some of you know why, but not all of you.
I'd like to take some time to explain.
Do you remember, when you were a kid, what you thought you wanted to be when you grew up? For as long as I can remember back, being a Chef was my dream. I spent so much time in the kitchen creating things as a child, then as a teen. As I grew up and life changed, I fell in love with the baking/decorating part of being in the kitchen. I wanted nothing more then to have my own small bakery or even a food truck.
Fast forward to the start of school this year, August 2025. I decided to apply as a Para at Tipton Schools because life is really flipping expensive and the hours were perfect since my kiddos are so active. After an amazing interview, I found out I accidentally missed the part when applying that said I needed my HS Diploma to be hired, which I do not have. (Little backstory: I was expelled from Tipton schools for truancy when I was 16 and pregnant with my oldest, so I did not graduate).
After a few chats with the Principal and Superintendent, I found out I could apply to work in the kitchen instead. So, that is what I did. Then, a short time later, right before school started for the year, I was called & offered to be a, "Substitute Para", to which I graciously accepted.
Through the school year, I subbed in many places throughout the Elementary & Middle school. I got to expierence being a para in almost every grade. I quite easily fell in love with the job itself and the kiddos. Holy Moly y'all, the kids. They are seriously EVERYTHING! I don't even know how to explain it with words. They are the sunshine & rainbows after the storm ☀️🌈
In early January, after break, I started working strictly in a special ed room because of a para shortage in there, & I quickly realized that is where I am meant to be. My heart quickly got involved and I could not leave or bring myself to train someone else for that specific position. So, with the support of my family, friends, and coworkers, I started the process of getting my HS Diploma through Kirkwood and I'm currently working hard to get it.
Now, how does this effect my baking you ask? Quite a lot actually. Both my kids are very active in school & sports and between that, working full time, and trying to finish school, I do not really have much time to bake. HOWEVER, working at a school means, I will have SUMMERS off 👀. Which is an added bonus, because I, of course, still very much love to bake. So, "Get Your Bake On", will still be baking away those months for events & farmers markets when available.
Thankfully, there will be absolutely no shortage of baked goods, as there's a lot of amazing bakers in our area with more added every year it would seem. I even see kiddos getting involved and I LOVE it so flipping much! 😍
Again, this is NOT the end of my baking, just a big change that will definitely effect it. I will still be baking my Summers away. I seriously never would have thought this is where my life would take me, but I'm SO glad I took that leap and they took a chance on me 🖤💛🖤💛
