Mrs. Horne Health Update on a Difficult Day

Today marks the 3rd year since Todd was tragically killed in a car accident. It is very ironic that Scott's mothers health is deteriorating so rapidly at this time of year. To give you a mental image of what is going on........ Of coarse Hospice remains in the picture. She is unable to eat anything, and has been unable to eat for about 2 weeks. She is very weak and isn't able to speak very well. Her days are pretty much centered around her sleeping because of the pain medication we are administering her. We are just trying to keep her as "pain free" as possible.
Please keep everyone in your prayers. Thanks to everyone for the calls, food, PRAYERS, and support.

OH..... Carolyn Horne(Scott's Aunt) asked what individuals could do to help. We are pretty good on food so........
We would love anyone who could to make a donation to "Pilots for Christ". They flew us to Houston free of charge. This trip would not have been possible without their help. Our pilot was Mr. Tommy Lee. We have a peace knowing that we did everything we could to get the BEST medical care available for Mrs. Horne- Thanks to Pilots for Christ.

Lollipop/Candy Shop

So, after much discussion, and careful planning, Reagan picked a "party theme". Now, I'm not much on character theme parties etc. so when Reagan told me "no Mommie" to Dora, Blue, WonderPets, I was somewhat excited. We did do a "candy shop" party. It turned out cute. But, the day of the party, Reagan insisted on a "puttle" cake. FYI "puttle" has two meanings in the "world of Reagan". It can be used to describe a turtle or a frog. So, I showed her several pictures and concluded that it was a TURTLE cake that she wanted. Talk about last minute. I made it myself with what I had at home. Not so bad! I'm sure she will make fun of it when she gets older. I can deal with it though!

Are you ready to "POTTY"

Okay, so we established the fact that we are "Ready to Party" BUT....... Are we "Ready to Potty". You take a look at the pictures and see for yourself. Is this a purse momma, a hat, what is this stuff?

Birthday Party Pics

We enjoyed a "small" celebration with family for Reagan's birthday. We didn't even get to have a scheduled time due to Mrs. Horne's health, but everyone was so kind to just come and go as needed. Thanks to Jay, Marcia, Jessi, Leah,and Mom for just "going with the flow". After we partied at our house, we had a mobile party at Nanna and Poppa's house. We took various snacks to their house to celebrate Reagan's second birthday with them. Reagan's favorite thing was blowing out the candles. We must have lit those candles at least 20 times. So, in summary, Reagan had two parties for her second birthday. I guess that is appropriate.
The following day we had some FUN with our cousins from Birmingham. Van, Carolyn, Melissa, Bryan, Emily, and William came down to see Nanna. They all had so much fun together. Thanks to everyone for making Reagan's day special. There is NOTHING like family.

Quick Update

So, just a quick update..... Mrs. Horne is home resting with Hospice Care. Scott and Alisa are rotating nights caring for her. Now, when I say Scott and Alisa, I want you all to be aware that when he is there.... We all 4 are there. We stick together. He is such a "superhero" to me. I see him do things that I never thought I would see him do. His love for his mother is very evident. I hope Grant loves his mother like his daddy loves his.
Reagan is such a little nurturer. She is saying things to Nanna such as.... " You okay... You hurt.....It's okay....Want some candy.... I fix you hair..... Want some drink...
I picture her going into a profession that helps others~Without a doubt. Now, Grant is a problem solver with a serious need to be RIGHT. He will be my little scientist, physician, or pharmacist. I say this because he is convinced that with the right tools, he could just fix his Nanna and cure cancer. He actually said that.
CONGRATULATIONS to Jacob and William. They are my 2 nephews that have made it to the STATE PLAYOFFS in Athens, AL. They have won their first game, lost their second game, and will play again tomorrow. It is double elimination. Good luck boys. Wish we could be there. You both made the Dothan Eagle with mentions of you both getting "singles". We love and miss you all. DO GOOD~
Please continue to pray for our family. Pray specifically that Mrs. Horne will remain "relatively" pain free. Please pray for Scott and his father as well. Mrs. Horne's mother, Mrs. Irene AKA: NANNIE is also still with us. She is having a very difficult time facing losing her daughter. Please pray for her as well. I will post pictures of Reagan's 2nd birthday ASAP. Thanks to all for the visits, food, and prayers.

MOTHER AND "Aunt KEY"

Mom and "KEY",
I want to post this "THANK YOU" on our "blog" so my children will always remember what you did for us/them at this time in our lives. Thank you for taking care of my babies so that I could be with Scott in Houston. I had NEVER left my children. Having to leave them for 10 whole days- divided up into 2 trips of 5 days- was NOT IN MY PLANS! I had total peace of mind that they were being cared for "just as I would". They never even cried! I know that it was hard for you guys. It was right in the middle of baseball- allstars- and you had your own chaos to deal with. I really appreciate everything that you both did for me. Grant and Reagan love you both so much. Words can't express how BLESSED I am to have a mother and sister like you two. God knows exactly what each person will need in their life. I'm glad he gave me both of you! Thanks again for all of your help and support.
I love you both!
Janice

Mrs. Horne Update

Scott's mother is not doing well at all. Despite our frequent trips to Houston, her condition has deteriorated drastically and fast. She returned home from Texas on Wednesday of last week and had to be taken to Southeast Alabama Medical Center Thursday. She has remained there. Scott and his father discussed what she would want. With much input from all family members, including "Granny" Mrs. Horne's mother(87yrs), they have decided to bring her home with Hospice Care. I do not anticipate Mrs. Horne being here with us many more days.
Despite the TERRIBLE circumstances, Scott has accepted the plan that God has for his mother. While we were in Texas, Mrs. Horne told us she was tired and she was ready to go to Heaven and not have to feel so bad anymore. She was also excited about seeing Todd again!
So, if you all would, please PRAY for our family. We have suffered much loss in just a few years! And, it all seems to hit at this exact time of year. Todd passed away on July 29th- 3 years ago. This is just a tough time.
Please pray that we can make "Little Miss Sunshine" AKA: REAGAN feel special at this time. She will turn 2 Friday. I don't want her to feel like her birthday is any "LESS Special" because of the circumstances.
LIFE IS SO HARD! I don't know what those individuals do that do not have GOD to lean on and PRAY to. And, having a FAMILY that is UNBELIEVABLE also helps too! Thanks to you all! I LOVE YOU!!!!!

This and That

So~ the summer is coming to an end. It has been a quick one. The pictures below are just some random images that I had taken, found, and treasured that have gone "unposted" on the blog. I found a very NEAT website called "Mary Had a Little Party". Please check it out. I posted some of "my finds" such as the hanging blue paper ball and the pictures of Reagan that I will put above the door. So cute. I made mine ALL BY MYSELF! And, I am not creative to say the least.
I wanted to share the picture of my brother Jay and Grant riding the horse together because it is so sweet. There is also a picure of Grant holding a baby chick at my Mom's house. He had the cutest curls! The picture of Grant and me was taken the day he got his glasses. He was a little over 3 years old. So sweet!
Then, there is Reagan. The little tiny baby. It is hard to grasp the reality that she is my last baby. I saw this picture and it made me a little sad. I realized that I will not have another "baby". Reagan started saying "yes ma'am" without being prompted this week. It was a wake up call that she is growing up.
The other pictures are of Grant and Reagan in the pool today. I love my babies!
I have been blessed with a wonderful life.

Alyssa THEN and NOW! We Love You!!!

Happy Birthday ALYSSA!!!!

Our niece- who has come to love her Uncle Scottie more than her Aunt Jan- is turning 17years old today. I can remember just the other day that me, Jackie, Joel, and my father drove to Birmingham to meet her for the very first time. Mother was already there to meet her very first grandchild. We arrived to Jeff and Tracey's house before you even got home from the hospital. I was in the 10th grade -Joel was too! Jackie was a senior. We fought the entire time about who would hold you first. Little did we know that they wanted to introduce you to "puppies" first. I guess that is when your love for animals started. We were so mad!!!! But we eventually got our hands on you. Now, you are the exact same age I was when Reagan was born. I hope you and her are as close as we are. Happy Birthday! We love you soooo much!

Family Food

Well, pictured below are 3 food items. Now, we have realized that Reagan may be a little confused. Previously, she had honey and a banana from the pantry and related them to her grandmothers. Well now, she has added her BROTHER to the mix. He is "BUTTER". Got to love 'em.

How do you know you have done a good job?

Raising children~How do you know you have done, or are doing a good job? I guess from day to day you can not see the evidence of a "job well done". But, I am sitting here in the hospital room with my husband, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. I just realized that when all is said and done, the evidence of a "job well done" is perfectly clear. This pictures shows a loving son and a dedicated husband. This is a very sweet picture to me. These two men have shown more strength than I have ever witnessed in my life.

NASA- Mission Highlights

Space shuttle Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:29 a.m. EDT, July 8, 2011 on the STS-135 mission and final flight of the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis' final flight will cap off an amazing 30-year program of exploration, which launched great observatories, built an International Space Station, and taught us how humans can live, work and thrive in space.

So, what does the future of space exploration hold for our children? Will they ever see another launch? I wanted to post this historic event in the pages of their "scrapbook" so they can mark this HUGE occurrence and how old they were, where they were, and what they were doing. I can vividly remember being in my parents place of business "Jack's Feed Service" and we watched the Challenger launch and tragically explode in mid-air with millions of people viewing it on TV.

I want Grant and Reagan to know that their father and I were in Houston, TX getting "Nanna" treatment for her cancer. Aunt Key and Honey were watching the two of you. You were all in the middle of watching Jacob, Will, and Cameron compete in a baseball tournament in Dothan at Westgate Park. We called to check on the two of you and got this update:

Grant: Jason Steed(the principal at the High School) said that he was behind you in line at the concession stand and that you were "giving the man hell because he wouldn't give you change for a quarter". You had bought something and thought that you should get some change back. Jackie said that you were behaving well and that everyone was getting along fine. I could hear you in the background saying " Haven't I been good Aunt Key".

Reagan: You fell asleep at the ballpark amidst all of the excitement of Jacob and Will winning. The entire team was going to The Red Elephant and Honey had to come and get you because the "fun factor" ran out. Honey said that you have enjoyed playing with the dogs and feeding the horses.

I am flying home tomorrow on a private plane. The pilot is Mr. Tommy Lee. His wife is Lindy. There are two other passengers that will travel with me. Mr. Bang and his wife Barbara. "Bang" is his real name. He is very wealthy. He ownes millions of acres in South Carolina that he uses for hunting land. I can't wait to get my hands on my sweet, precious angles!

Thanks to all of the people who have helped us with our children and various other things while we have been in Texas.

Scheduled Chaos!

As I stated in my previous post title, we plan on having no "scheduled" activities. We can't. I am not complaining, but, we have just accepted the fact that things can change in a moment around the Horne house. So, I will summarize the pictures that I have posted. The fireworks were from the 4th of July. Grant and Reagan loved them. Scott was not able to come with us because he was watching Colby pitch in his ballgame. Colby loves his "Uncle Scottie". Alisa was with Cameron at his ballgame. They both won FYI!

I wanted to let everyone know that I found out that if you want "bakery" style muffins, just add 1 Tbsp of self-rising flour. It makes them so much prettier.

Scott went with me and the kids to "Yogurt Mountain"- as Grant calls it. It is California Yogurt Kraze in Dothan, but he went with Alyssa to Yogurt Mountain in Birmingham, so to him, it is Yogurt Mountain.

Then, the other picture is of Grant and Reagan having an "old fashioned" supper. They thought it was so funny to use this old antique table and silver tea set to pretend that they were poor!

Scott and his Daddy are pictured in the small private plane that "Pilots for Christ" flew us to Houston, TX on to have Mrs. Horne receive her treatment. It took 2 hours versus the 12 hour drive we took previously. So much better. If you are looking for a good cause to make a donation to, please consider this agency. They don't charge a thing for patients who are in poor health and need travel assistance.

Chaos is scheduled daily!

Family Fun to celebrate the 4th

We had so much fun celebrating America's birthday with our family. The kids love to be together and they all get along so well. Scott enjoyed throwing all of the kids in the pool. As you can see, Reagan was not going to miss out on the fun. My children are fearless. It kind-of scares me! Reagan kept going back for her turn. I thought she would cry and pitch a fit, but she did just the opposite. Grant has mastered diving(somewhat), a back flip, a front flip, and numerous other tricks.

Presley and Jake remind me so much of Grant and Reagan. Presley is standing behind Jake on the diving board doing exactly what her "big brother" is doing. Will, MaryLynn, JayAustin, Leah, and Jessi were all there having fun.

You can tell Reagan is telling me "You, get in the water with ME Momma" in two of the pictures I posted. I should have, it was sooooo hot. I hope everyone has a great holiday week-end!