All About us

We are originally from South Mississippi and Birmingham, AL. Heath grew up in Gautier, Mississippi and moved to Atlanta for his senior year of high school (Morrow). He attended Mississippi State University for a short time and decided to move to Birmingham when his dad was transferred there a year later. I, Karen am from Birmingham, graduated from Vestavia Hills HS and attended Jefferson State College. Heath and I met my senior year of high school. We both went to Jeff State. We married a year and half later on November 12, 1992 (on Heath's 21st birthday, what a gift, LOL!)

We had a few years to grow up and enjoy each other. Along the way, we moved to Nashville and discovered the game of pool. We played competitively (on the amateur level) on leagues. We made it to the National Championship in August of 1998 in Las Vegas. Being 7 1/2 months pregnant, I managed to help our team pick up 33rd place of over 500 teams. Not too shabby for someone who looked like they were smuggling a basketball, huh?

Starting a Family

After almost 6 years of marriage, God blessed us with a child. Austin came along on October 10, 1998, weighing in at 7lbs 4 oz at 12:54 in the afternoon. Being the considerate child, he entered this world during half-time of the Mississippi State vs Auburn football game.

Due to Heath's job, we moved a good bit while Austin was little. From Nashville to Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina and finally here in the Atlanta area. By the time Austin was in kindergarten, he had lived in six states. We are very happy here and don't plan to relocate anytime soon.

Heath and I both have lost our mothers. Nancy Cooper past away on November 6, 2001 and my mom, Barbara McLaughlin on June 20, 2008. Austin had a really great bond with both of his natural grandmothers. My stepmother, Betty (Nana) loves him just the same and has a wonderful relationship with him.

Family Out of Town

We love our family and try to see them as often as possible.

Heath's dad and nephew, Ian now live in Raleigh, NC.

His brother, David and wife, Melessia live in Gautier, MS,

Niece, Constance with husband, Mike and children Kaden (4) and Maezie (3 months) live in Houma, LA.

My older sister, Tina, her husband Tim and kids Teddy (20) and Erin (18) live in Hoover, AL.

My Dad and Stepmother, Betty live in Pinson, AL.

My little sister, Holly and her husband, Aaron live in Midtown part of Atlanta.

My cousin, Leigh Ann, her husband, Jason and their son, Taylor, live in Flowery Branch, GA.

Last, but certainly not least, my Aunt Joan and Uncle Larry live in Forestdale, AL.

Careers

Heath is a Construction Superintendent and I am in the midst of finding my place in the school system. I am currently substitute teaching and loving every minute of it.

Who knows what's next for us.... we will just have to wait and see what God has in store!