10 Things about the WOMAN behind A Teaspoon of Home

It’s been a while since I’ve introduced myself. My name is Emily Dunnigan and I am A Teaspoon of Home. I created this blog as a resource for myself, friends and family to find and store my favorite recipes. My favorite thing in the whole world is to have dinner with family and friends. Some of my most memorable experiences have been around the dinner table. So I created a resource for families to create their own memories. Here’s 10 things for you to get to know me a little better.

ONE

I am married to the Modern Dad. He is the love of my life! Corny I know but seriously, I waited a long time to find him and the second I did, I never wanted to let go! He makes me laugh everyday, partners the parenting and home responsibilities with me and treats me like a queen. He is my biggest cheerleader and best friend.

TWO

I have 3 amazing children. It’s so fun to see their personalities come to life. Nixon is 5 and loves anything sports. He practices daily basketball, soccer, baseball, or football and that means I play a lot of sports too. He has the best imagination and I love listening to his creative play. He is the best big brother and the kindest friend. Olive is 3 and a whole lot of girl. She loves dollies, dress-ups and art. She is happiest when she is taking care of her brothers. She is not afraid of anything and is becoming quite the cheerleader and athlete. Baby Will is 16 months. He still refuses to walk on his own and has mastered the bum scoot. He loves balls, books and his siblings. He is the happiest, chillest baby in the world. They are my everything.

THREE

I love to sew. I began lessons at the age of 7 and actively took them until I was 14. Then I was asked to help teach lessons at the store where I took. When I graduated high school I began teaching lessons in my parents basement and have taught thousands of girls (and dozens of boys) the thrill of creating for the last 18 years. 

FOUR

I LOVE being around people and having them in my home. This love began in college as I tried to be a social, all inclusive, friend. I wanted everyone to feel like they had a place, a safe place where they were welcome, loved and accepted for who they were. So to create a draw, I held weekly crepe nights for 6 years. Then the crowd became so large we scaled back to monthly for the last 4 years. Throughout the decade of crepe nights I was able to connect 18 couples. In case you were wondering, I did not meet my husband at a crepe night but he did attend a few of the final ones. I will always have a special place in my heart for crepes and the memories we created through food.

FIVE

I love to teach! As a child I would hold summer school for all of the neighbors in my backyard, and taught all of my cousins at grandmas house on Sundays. I always knew I wanted to teach. There is something so electrifying when you watch individuals make connections. I taught 2nd grade for 7 years at William Penn Elementary. Five of those years, I taught 2nd grade in Spanish through their dual immersion program. I have taken a little sabbatical from teaching so I can be present in my children’s lives but can’t wait for the day I can get back into the classroom and inspire young minds.

SIX

I get stage fright if I am performing but can speak in front of thousands with ease. So I have never been one to take the stage or be the star of a show. Yet, for the last 10 years I have been directing elementary school musicals at William Penn Elementary. I love watching shy, nervous, reserved children come and audition, participate and perform. There is a transformation that comes when they participate in the arts. It fuels my soul and has become such an inspiration. We have over 160 students participate in the musicals but every student in the school helps create props and scenery for the show. Then every year I teach the entire school one song/dance so that when we perform for the school each student feels a part of the musical. It is chilling.

SEVEN

I love to exercise! I have spent the last year fully committed to 5 days a week exercise. Before this year my gym habits were occasional and full of excuses. This year I committed to doing it for me! I have seen slow progress in my physical appearance but my overall confidence has never been better! It is my self care time that I look forward to everyday!

EIGHT

I’ll admit it. I am addicted to Diet Coke. The end.

NINE

I was never a “cheerleader” but I love cheering friends and family. I’ll go to any sport, dance, music, event or adventure to show how much I care. Best part is that my husband is the exact same and my kids are turning into little cheerleaders too! Nothing makes me happier than seeing the smile on someone’s face who knows they are loved because of a little extra effort on my part.

TEN

I love to cook! I was always the taco maker at my home growing up. My mom would work one day a week and that’s when I would make tacos. Then I’d make cookies whenever there were extra kids at our house. As I matured and left home I recognized the love that goes into something homemade. So I spent lots of time creating meals and treats to share. It has gone full circle because my little Olive pulls up a chair to help anytime I’m making something in the kitchen. She is the best and I hope she can always look back on our mealtime memories as some of the sweetest moments of her life.

I hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better and find A Teaspoon of Home a great resource for making memories in our own home!