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!

Reagan is WAY to HIGH!

Hot Graduation and Frustrating Photo Shoot!

Grant was a "Muscle Man" in his kindergarten graduation program. He really put on a show. He had to be moved to the front of his group because he was one of the best "performers". That is what Grant said Mrs. Gulledge told him. Reagan is pictured being uncooperative and silly in her pictures. It was NOT fun! I did enjoy watching Grant perform, but it was bitter-sweet. I can't believe he will be going into the 1st grade.

What kind of Birthday do you want to have REAGAN?

Okay, So we were all at home trying to "prep" Reagan for her party pictures...which were not great at all! Scott hated the first picture I put on the invitations, so the latest post was his picture pick. Moving on.... Scott, Grant, and I were looking at party themes and asking Reagan "What kind of party do you want to have Reagan"? She would just nod her little head NO over and over and over. Grant asked "Dora"? She shook her head no. We must have asked her 10-15 different themes. They all resulted in the same little no nodding answer.

Then, we asked her one final time. What did the little SMARTIE say? I WANT TO HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! She has kept with that theme for about 2 weeks now. We have all laughed at her. I guess, deep down, that is what all of us want. That is the ultimate birthday theme. SMART GIRL! And funny too!

Customize your own free invite card

Reagan's turning 2!

Customize your own digital invite

Summer Fun in the Sun

We have been getting the most out of our long summer days. Reagan doesn't understand what "summer break" means. She doesn't realize that we COULD sleep late, take unscheduled naps, stay up a little later, and just "go with the flow". Miss Priss maintains her "school in session" schedule. That means bedtime is 8:30, and she wakes up at 7:30. I guess I will be glad when school starts that she kept herself programmed. Today we enjoyed the sunshine while we finger painted- don't pay attention to the paintbrushes~they sure didn't. It didn't last too long~ then we headed to the backyard and got into the swimming pool.

It looks like Reagan is a genius~ I painted that star. But, in her defense, she is a pretty smart chick-a-dee! She takes after her big brother. She does EVERYTHING he does. They love each other so much. They love having a "dance party" in the living room. Reagan says" Brother" and reaches up for him to pick her up. They dance for hours. I love all of the little "perks" of motherhood.

What's a POST without a PICTURE? BORING!!!!

Everyone please excuse the lack of post and pictures. My husband thought it would be a good idea to put my EXPENSIVE camera in Grant's bat bag! It is all his fault. My camera is on a field trip that began at Photorama. I don't know where it will end up, or when it will return. I just wanted to explain the circumstances.