Sam & Tammy

Michael and Amy on their new little baby, Connor. Born May 15th.

And to Ben and my sister Cheri on their first little baby, Michael Connor. Also born May 15th. 

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped 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 child so 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 them 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.

I’m officially a driver!

I passed my (3rd) test!

I got a “very good” with a smiley face from the examiner. Only two errors.

A Vic-tory out of seeming defeat. I got failed the day before by a small debatable offense. I said “hells no” and planned to walk in without an appointment the next day.  Thank God it worked out perfectly, He even arranged for me to get the sweetest driving instructor and an easier driving route. TYJ!

A BIG thanks goes to Doug Spencer (my driving instructor) who went above and beyond to ensure that I would pass my test.  And Sam Peck who patiently had me drive around town on our day off and sometimes skipping his exercise time to help me get more practice. And also to our co-workers who supported and covered slots for us.

God bless you all!

Kyla, Brooke and Ella participated in their ballet school’s Spring show.

Kyla and Brooke were baby bees.

Kyla did very well, I’m so proud of her.

Kyla front center, Brooke second row left.

Tada! (and that’s only half the “bees” that were on the stage)

Ella was a pirate. A very pretty one.

Har! Har!

Sam’s Birthday. I love you babe!

Saint Patrick’s Day (for the first time)

Claire’s Birthday.

(some of these pics are just a collection of the past year or two)