How did you meet and how long have you been married? Tiffany We met at my brother’s deployment send-off party. He was my brother’s best friend, and we didn’t tell him when we started dating! Brad On our first date, I was just talking away and she asked me if I was going to kiss her or not. We started dating 13 years ago and have been married 11 years last September. Do you allow time for a date night? We LOVE date night! It’s especially easy since we have the best live-in babysitter. We think it’s very important to set aside time for just the two of us. We love trying new restaurants. It’s always fun to browse a bookstore after dinner. If we get a chance to have a daytime date, we enjoy visiting used bookstores. What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? Watching our kids through each stage of their lives. They’re slowly becoming the people they’re going to be, and who God wants them to be. It has been really eye opening to realize we will have a senior next year! The years pass by so quickly. That’s why I enjoy taking photos. I can look back on each of those stages and remember the pride that came with each one. When you see them learning what you’ve been trying to teach them, it makes you feel like the effort has been worth it. Who is the financial manager in your home? Brad and I maintain a joint bank account that we both contribute to. We always make decisions about large expenses together. I feel like we stay on the same track as far as spending goes because our financial goals are mostly the same. I’m sure there are areas where we could improve our budget. When your children were younger, what was your discipline philosophy? Because our children are so spread out, we still have young ones. We have always tried to teach our kids that actions have consequences, whether natural or imposed. If you wear shorts in the winter, you may be cold. If you don’t do your chores, you don’t get to go out with friends. Our philosophy hasn’t changed much; the consequences have just changed to become age appropriate as they get older. What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit to your family? Tiffany I have always seen my role as encourager to my kids. I try to encourage them to do their best, to practice and study, to seek God’s will in their lives. I’m sure they would tell you that sometimes I encourage them too much. I believe my role as wife to Brad is to support his decisions, to encourage him when he needs it, and to be his best friend. He is definitely mine! Brad Being the provider and spiritual leader. I hope they can learn from my example what it means to care for and lead a family. What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food? And who does the cooking? Brad I probably do most of the cooking because I enjoy it. I turn on some music and get to work. Because we’re on the go a lot, we use our crockpot all the time. We all love red beans and rice. How long has Pearl been your home? Tiffany I grew up mostly in South Jackson. After college, I landed in Rankin County. We have been in Pearl almost 14 years. Brad I also grew up in Jackson, but graduated from NWR when my family moved to Flowood. Shortly after graduation, I joined the National Guard and moved out on my own. When Tiffany and I met, I moved to Pearl and have been here since. I don’t plan on leaving either. What are some of your favorite things about Rankin County? We like how close we are to shopping, recreation, and family-friendly activities. We feel safe with our family in Rankin County. We love the Pearl Public School District and our church, which is very close to our home. How do you spend your summer breaks? Tiffany I make my own schedule, so I love summers with the kids! We always try to make a summer bucket list of things we wouldn’t normally get to do during the school year. We like to sleep late, visit museums and parks, try out new lunch places, go geocaching, kayak, swim, visit the library, etc. The kids also love to go to camps, and we try to visit Dauphin Island each year. Brad Working. There is no such thing as a summer break. What accomplishments make you proud during your time living in Pearl? Tiffany I’m proud of the business I have been able to build. We are always proud of athletic championships the kids have been part of. This is not an accomplishment, but I am so proud of the way our community lifted up our family when Brad was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. We were encouraged, supported, and prayed for way above anything we ever expected. Brad The relationships we have built with people here. We are thankful to be part of such an awesome community. What drives you to have the job that you have? And what do you do for a living? Tiffany I work as a photographer and I get to take photos all over the metro, mostly in Rankin County. I get to meet so many people and help them preserve their memories. My flexible schedule means that I get to do preschool with my kids when they are little and spend breaks with them once they start school. I love what I do! Brad I work as a mechanic for the National Guard, repairing and maintaining all types of equipment for local guard units. I enjoy working with my hands and I like to think I am good at what I do. 80 • FEBRUARY 2023
Questions for the children What’s your favorite thing to do as a family? Skye Travel to new places. Rainer Kayaking Calder Kayaking June Bradly Going out to eat. What your favorite place to eat? Skye The Blue Feather Rainer Salsa’s in Pearl Calder Sushi Village June Bradly Sushi Village What’s your favorite TV show? Skye Gilmore Girls Rainer Wednesday Calder I would rather play video games! June Bradly Princess Fun Place Hometown RANKIN • 81
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