Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

We are excited that Mary Mead, of Alan's Automotive, is our featured Mom on the Move. Check out her Mom story below! Thank you, Mary, for sharing with us.

Tell us about your family:

I have been happily married to Alan for 31 years. We have 3 children, the oldest is our daughter: 30 years old with 3 priceless grandchildren; Oran-11, Kaden-8, and Keagan-8 months. She is a Gunny Sgt. in the Marines stationed in Jacksonville, NC with her husband, also a Gunny Sgt. in the Marines. They both enjoy their jobs and are very proud to serve their country. Our son Jake: 27 years old has one adorable son, Joshie-5. He is a Sgt in the Marines and stationed only a few miles from his sister and brother-in-law. He is currently in Afghanistan for his 3rd tour and will be returning in October, 2011. At this point, they all plan on continuing in the Marines to retirement. Our youngest son Nathan, 18; currently works with us and wants to be like his Dad. He loves working and learning the trade. Nathan is our "wild little Indian". We were living on an Indian Reservation in Alaska where a young lady dropped by to visit. She offered her unborn son to us to adopt. From the moment we accepted, she treated the baby as a gift to us and we built a wonderful relationship. We were approved both by the Alaskan Indian tribe and through the State of Alaska to adopt him. Although Nathan loves his Momma, he has always been a Daddy's boy. He loves fishing, hunting and learning to be a mechanic.

Tell us about your business:

Fifteen years ago, Alan and I were at a garage sale looking at tools when a man offered us to buy a mechanic shop consisting of a phone number, building, few customers, and limited equipment. At the time, we had no intensions of owning a business. We discussed the possibilities for a few days and decided to take him up on his offer. Here we are today in a beautiful facility, a wonderful data base of happy customers, and an experienced staff we consider part of our family.

We proudly consider ourselves ‘Your Dealership Alternative' in Colorado Springs! As such, we provide all the services and amenities of the big dealerships, but with personal service that lets you know you are more than just another number in a line. We are a family-owned/operated business and are committed to integrity and dependability in all our services for every one of our customers. Our experienced technicians use only state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to quickly find your vehicle's problem and get you back on the road as soon as possible. We not only have the expensive equipment, but most importantly we know how to use it! We provide old-fashioned service while using new technology.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a mom:

The loves and snuggles, teaching, learning and exploring. I learn as much, or more, from my children and grandchildren than I ever taught them. It's so rewarding to watch each one of my children grow up and gain their independence, yet still love and need their parents! It's such a joy to be able to watch my children raise their children with the traits we instilled in them.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a mom on the move?

Learning! Kids learn that we are human beings and make mistakes but the best reward is teaching them how to move forward with a positive attitude and most importantly to learn from their mistakes.

What is your biggest challenge being a mom?

Prioritizing...and keeping a realistic schedule. Keep in mind that your kids are only young once. We missed a few of our oldest son's football games when we first started our business. That was unacceptable and hurtful to him. It's a huge deal to your children when you take time out of your schedule for them.

What are some of your mom shortcuts or tips you could share with us?

Learn to accept that schedules will change, re-change, and re-re-change. Have a scheduling system in place that you pack with you so that it can be easily changed as needed- whether it is a pocket calendar with a pencil or a smart phone. Don't kick yourself if you forget an appointment or lose track of time, it happens to all of us. Just stop, take a breath, re-focus, and re-schedule. Always plan quality time with your children. We, as mom's or parents, need the quality time as much as they need us.

What is your favorite book for kids or teens?

The Eragon books are a difficult, but worthy read full of adventure. I would take turns with my youngest son in reading a page at a time.

What is your favorite adult book:

I recently had the pleasure of going on a camping trip with my family which offered a chance to read a book. I read "Water for Elephants", and currently reading "The Help".

Check out Alan's Automotive by clicking here and make sure to tell Mary you found her on My719Moms.com!