I got this from a friend and I thought I would share it for all of you Mom's.

Before I was a Mom- I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair & my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom- I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over my toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisionous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom- I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Spit on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom- I never held down a screaming baby so that doctors could do tests..or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom- I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a mom.
Before I was a Mom- I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom- I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom

More Pics of Route 66

ROUTE 66 ~ Sept. 16th 2006
Dad Brought out the old '55, for a the annual Route 66 Rendezvous. This is one of the biggest car shows in the nation (according to Mom) and the classics were streched out for blocks. Dad's was the only 55 Ford we saw though. We took her out cruising along the designated path and old "Betsy" actually got a few hoots, or maybe that was for Mom.

NASCAR ~ California Speedway


Brad really enjoys Nascar and okay I admit it, I do enjoy a few left hand turns from time to time. My excuse... I have spent a few too many years in the South and I have a touch of redneck in me. We have our favorite drivers his Dale Earnhardt Jr. # 8, who finished 2nd that day, and mine #88 Dale Jarrett, who finished on the lead lap (that is an acomplishment). The good thing is I can yell "Go Dale Go!" without any dirty looks from Brad, now thats bonding.

At the time Brad and I were living in North Carolina in a smalll military town and I was working as a tech for the local veterinary hospital, since we worked 12 hour days we only worked four days a week, Wed's were my day off, Sept 11th 2001 was on a Wed. I had the Today show on and was actually getting ready to bring my cat to the hospitsl for a weigh in (he'd been on a diet) when the 1st plane hit. I at the time didn't realize what was going on. Then a second plane and the magnitude of the situation finally occurred to me. Brad came home form work shortly thereafter to inform me that he was on 24 hour stand by to fight but who exactly he would be defending us from I didn't know. We embraced and then he left again with my mind spinning. Not willing to be left alone I brought my 17inch t.v. to the vet hospital and we all watched and listened in shock and disbelief. That day changed us all, but as the spouse of a Marine it forever changed the way we view the world and our life together. Since 9/11 Brad has been on stand by countless times and has been on two tours to the middle east, the last was an 8 month stint in Afghanistan. His brother was in Fallujah during the collapse.Living on a Marine Base is a constant reminder of 9/11. Just driving to the commissary emblazoned on the back windshield of Marines cars are the names of their friends and comrades that have perished. Ninteen year old kids with widows and year old babies. Lest us not forget 9/11 and those who sadly perished tht day but let us also not forget those who have fought, regardless of ones personal political veiwpoint of the war.

for Katy and Kent :

Happy Wedding Day

Wish we were there to help you celebrate your special day.

May your marriage be full of happiness, laughter,and always love.