Smarty Mom: Bonnie Fulp

By Rachel H

Happy Saturday! Today’s Smarty Mom is Bonnie Fulp, who lives in Greensboro with her husband, Chris, and her two daughters, Jillian (7) and Molly (5). Bonnie has lived in the Triad most of her life although she has moved away and come back 3 times! Their last place of residence before moving back to Greensboro was Knoxville, TN in 1998. Being a military child, she moved a lot growing up, including life on an island in the Pacific!

Bonnie volunteers at her daughter, Jillian’s, school and has worked with the local Families with Children from China chapter. Bonnie and Chris adopted both of their girls from China in 2002 and 2004. The picture shown here is the blissful day that they were handed their daughter, Molly, in China. Bonnie's dad is also pictured.

Bonnie went back to school to get her certification as a media specialist once she adopted Jillian. She has a Masters in library science and used to work full-time at the public library. She is hoping to go back to that within the next few years. She is currently a preschool teacher who works part-time.

Let’s hear more from Bonnie …

We all know that moving around a lot can be a difficult transition for children. Do you have any tips for parents in this situation?
As a child, my family’s move overseas to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, was presented to me as an adventure! Certainly there will be friends, family and places that will be missed but the new place will have a lot to offer as well. I still keep in touch with friends from Kwajalein and other places I have lived.

Tell us more about the adoption process you went through and what advice you have for other parents seeking to adopt.
International adoption involves a lot — tons — of paper work! Parents seeking to adopt need to look at all of their options since the processes can be so varied from one country to another. Domestic adoption is very different from international, but is also a very complicated process. The first thing I would suggest would be to narrow down your choices — by country, domestic or international, and then take everything else one step at a time, or it can get overwhelming. Most agencies and local adoption groups can help prospective parents connect with others going through the adoption process.

What are your best tips for balancing home life and a part-time job?
I am so fortunate that my younger daughter, Molly, goes to the preschool where I teach so I don’t have to juggle child care with my job. Molly and I are home before Jillian’s bus arrives. Working in a preschool also means I frequently make things at home and my girls are always eager to help so they serve as my unofficial “assistants”!

What do you like best about working in the preschool?
The constant change—every day holds some type of surprise! That and watching the kids grow and change through the year.

You have lived in the Triad most of your life. What do you think is the best kept secret in the area?
My girls love ArtQuest. It’s an art studio for children in downtown Greensboro and they have so many different media for kids to work with—paint, clay, puppets, building blocks.

What is the smartiest way you save money?
I’m always trying to improve my spending habits, but I look for sales and try to think of a way to recycle and reuse what I already have.

What is your favorite family activity?
We like to go out to dinner and to the zoo in Asheboro.

Favorite “me-time” activity?
A glass of wine with girlfriends!

Favorite place to eat dinner as a family?
Sticks and Stones Pizza in Greensboro

Favorite date night spot?
Anywhere without a childrens menu!

Favorite book you have read?
As a librarian, having one favorite book is nearly impossible and as a preschool teacher I’m always reading childrens’ literature! Lost of Daughters of China by Karin Evans is wonderful for adoptive moms and was the beginning of my own journey.

Best place to eat lunch with the kids?
Ham’s and McDonald’s

Favorite park in the Triad?
Johnson Park—its within walking distance of our house.

Favorite or most helpful blog you have read on Triad Smarty Pants thus far?
Craft ideas—I can use those at work or at home.

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
It’s small enough that children can still have a sense of community.

I could not live without my... computer — it's where work, family, meals (recipes), and shopping (Ebay & Amazon.com, etc.) come together!

Thank you for sharing a little about yourself today, Bonnie!

If you have someone in mind who you think would make a great Smarty Mom or Smarty Dad on Triad Smarty Pants, email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com with your nomination!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM