Bittersweet Day

This morning I was awakened quite early by a big "BOOM BOOM!"  It was the sonic boom from Space Shuttle Atlantis returning home.  I turned to Hubby and said in my half asleep state, "Shuttle's home."  He said, "Yep, for the last time." 
We have known for quite some time that the space shuttle program was coming to an end.  Today was officially the last day.  There will be no more shuttle launches and no more booms announcing her safe return.  The end of an era and this booster brat is quite sad.  I barely remember my life before the shuttle program began and having grown up as a part of the Kennedy Space Center family, there is an emptiness thinking that there will be no more.

Here she is after bringing our astronauts safely home today.

Perhaps there will be another vehicle to come along in my lifetime.  I hope that the powers that be will realize sooner rather than later the importance of our space program and place a priority on getting us back up there.  We can't just sit here and wait and watch while other countries pass us by. 



Hubby made this video last year after we went to see Atlantis Roll out from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad.  In it, you can hear Prince talk to the crew of that mission.

There are many people who have invested their lives in the Space Shuttle Program, for science, for national security, for innovation, for America.  I am blessed to be a part of a space family.  From my Grandaddy to my parents, uncles, aunts, and brother-in-law they have all been a part of a team that has been "Doing What Others Dream."  This afternoon my Dad came by with presents for us.  He brought us t-shirts, but he also brought a medallion commemorating the end of the space shuttle program.  The metal that the coin is made from flew on in space on the shuttle.  It's a nice remembrance of many good years.

It's been a nice ride and I hope I'm alive to see what comes next. 

Happy 30th Anniversary STS-1

Today was an amazing day!  Thirty years ago today, Columbia launched into space for the first time, carrying astronauts John Young and Bob Crippen.  The space shuttle program has been such a part of my life that I hardly remember my life before STS-1.  At a press conference this afternoon, NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden announced that Space Shuttle Atlantis will remain at Kennedy Space Center after it's final flight later this year.  This was an amazing announcement because while it seems common sense that one of the orbitors would be housed at KSC, there was no guarantee.  There were many museums that were vying for a shuttle.  The others will go to Los Angeles, New York, and DC.  Houston, we have a problem....in that Houston did not get one of the shuttles and they really should have. 

Anyway, this afternoon/evening there was a 30th Anniversary celebration for employees and their families and we were fortunate enough to attend.  This is Charlie Bolden giving his speech.  Also on the platform are Bob Cabana, Director of KSC (left) and Rita Willcoxen, Director of Launch Vehicle Processing.

This is astronaut Chris Ferguson, who we have met before and Prince really enjoyed him.  Ferguson will be Commander of the last launch, STS-135. 

Look who came for the ocassion!! Yep, it's the Cake Boss and he made that amazing shuttle with boosters and tank in the background.  He said the shuttle itself is made of rice crispy treats.  The rest is cake. 

Here's another picture of the cake.

And, here's me with the cake.

They put flares on the bottom of the solid rocket boosters and lit them as the structure the cake was on lifted the cake.  It was really quite amazing. 

Princess and Prince goof off with Grandma.

It was a fun celebration and I am so glad we went.  Even if it was 90 degrees and humid as all get out.  It was worth it and I got to eat cake from the Cake Boss.  Yummy!!

Recent Happenings

We have had quite an eventful past several days, which is why I haven't been on to write lately.

1.  Princess lost 3 teeth last week!  She is really keeping the tooth fairy busy.  For the first two teeth, she paid her brother to pull them out for her.  She conned my sister into pulling her third tooth out on Friday afternoon.  This meant that the tooth fairy had to come to the Grandparents' house, which I was trying to avoid, but that's the way it happened.

2.  On Thursday night we went to see Space Shuttle Endeavour roll out from the VAB to the launch pad.  She was quite beautiful under the spotlights.  I will miss these times.

I also met up with some cute little future astronauts.  They were so cute that I decided to bring them home with me.

3.  Hubby took me away for a surprise anniversary trip this weekend.  I was busy getting children packed and ready to spend the weekend at Grandma and Grandaddy's, as well as getting myself packed without knowing exactly where we were going or what we'd be doing.  Hubby did a fantastic job planning our weekend away and I can't wait to tell you all about it...tomorrow!  Today I have to get through some laundry and get us organized and ready to start the week.

Discovery's Launch

Well, she finally launched!  It was down to the wire whether or not the launch would go, as there were range safety issues, but within 2 seconds of having to scrub, they were able to work out the computer issues and she is now on her way to the International Space Station.  We watched today's launch from our house.  First on T.V,

Main Engine Start

Beautiful Launch

Then we ran out into the back yard and got on top of the kids' playground to see this:

Beautiful Contrail

If you can see the tiny white dot in the middle of this picture, that's a solid rocket booster falling toward the ocean.

The weather was beautiful, the launch was beautiful, Godspeed Discovery!

Godspeed Discovery

In honor of the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery...



This will be Discovery's last mission. 

Praying for a safe launch and safe return home for our crew.

Godspeed Discovery!

In Memory of the Challenger 7 Crew

It was the defining moment for my generation.  The older generation says they will never forget where they were when President Kennedy was shot and of course we all remember Sept. 11th.  I will never forget that day 25 years ago that Space Shuttle Challenger and her crew were lost.  It seems like yesterday and yet, so many things have happened since.

I was in 5th grade and it was my day for gifted class.  The usual protocol was to have a fire drill that coincided with shuttle launches so we would all be out on the PE field to see the launch go.  On this day, we didn't have a fire drill.  The launch happened during lunch time so we didn't go out.  We were in the gifted classroom, eating lunch and watching the television for what seemed like any ordinary shuttle launch.  Growing up with the Space Center in our back yards and having parents and grandparents that worked out there, we had seen enough of these to think it was just something everybody got to see and a regular part of our lives.  I guess you could say that we really took it for granted.  What we saw though, was anything but an ordinary launch and we knew that as soon as we saw the smoke split into what looked like a Y in the air.  That was something we hadn't seen before and we watched in shock, not knowing exactly what this would mean.  We were all concerned, many of us crying, worried that pieces of the wreckage could have fallen back down toward the Space Center, not knowing if our Dads, Grandads, all those we knew were safe, unsure of the extent of the damage.  It was a very sad day.  We had never known a tragedy of this magnitude and we saw it happen live.  I remember that it was so very cold on that January day.  You could see your breath in front of your face.  I had an ear infection and my mom took me to the doctor that afternoon.  When we came home, I remember seeing my Dad sitting in front of the television.  They had all been sent home from work early and  I could tell when I looked at him that he wasn't doing well with this.  We all just felt such a sense of loss.  That's the amazing thing about the Space community; we are like a family.  We all cheer together with successful launches and we mourn together when lives are lost. 
I remember watching President Reagan on television as he addressed the nation.

This accident has left a lasting impression on us all as we watched them "slip the surley bonds of earth to touch the face of God."  On facebook today, so many of my friends recalled where they were and what they were feeling.  Tonight I am incredibly grateful for all of the astronauts that have risked their lives for space exploration and I am praying special prayers for the families of those astronauts that were lost 25 years ago today.

Space: The Final Frontier

Last weekend was Family Day at Kennedy Space Center.  As a Booster Brat, I have grown up going to these, but this one was somehow different.  It was different because this was the last time we'd be out there while the Space Shuttle is in flight.  I don't really remember life before the Space Shuttle.  When it first flew, I was quite small and growing up around it, I have always taken it for granted. 



Prince and Princess met Astronaut Chris Ferguson.  He was so great to talk to.

 Prince wants to be an astronaut when he grows up.  He enjoyed interviewing Mr. Ferguson about what it is like to go into space. 

 Here we are in front of the VAB. (Vehicle Assembly Building)  My Grandaddy worked in this building many years ago.  Whenever I walk through those doors, I am in awe of how huge this building is!  I also get sentimental thinking of the generations that have worked side by side through the years on the different launch vehicles. 

 This is me, my Mema, Prince, my Mom, and Princess in NASA's Headquarters Building. 

 Princess pretends to be the Public Affairs Officer in the Firing Room.  What she really wanted to be was the Launch Director and push the button to launch the shuttle! 

 Princess and Prince explore parts from the wheels of the Space Shuttle. 

Thousands of families have spent their lives involved in the space program.  Generations of engineers, technicians, support personnel have worked together as a giant family and taken great pride in being on the cutting edge of new scientific discoveries.  My family has been a part of this important work.  Grandfathers on both sides, parents, aunts and uncles, brother-in-law...and it's coming to an end soon.  We are all grieving the end of manned space flight with no other plan on the horizon.  Tomorrow about a thousand people will be laid off from their jobs.  Thankfully, my family members are able to keep their jobs, but there are many families who won't be so lucky.  Please pray as our community goes through a huge and traumatic transition.  We don't know what the future holds for our area, but we are hopeful that our government will realize the value of manned space flight and perhaps Prince really will be able to become an astronaut when he grows up.

Big God, Big Blessings

We serve a  big God.  There are so many reminders each day of how amazing He is, if only we will take them in.  I want to share a few of the reminders I have noticed in the last few days.

God made this beautiful beach.  The waves are so powerful and big yet...

He also made these delicate shells and He knows how many grains of sand are on this beach.

God made Prince's feet that are growing bigger by the day.  They started out as tiny little baby feet and look at them now!  These feet carry Jesus with him wherever he goes. 

God gave me not one, but TWO miracle children to love and to teach them about God's love for all of us.  I still can't fully understand God's love for us, but having children has brought me closer to that idea of unconditional love.

Speaking of unconditional love, God has given me a soul mate to share this life with me.  He's my partner in crime and my partner in life.  I know how much he loves me because every year on Black Friday he braves the stores and the maddening crowds "just for the fun of it" with me.  This relationship is truly a gift from God, He ordained it years ago and He knew even before I did, who my sweet Hubby would be.

My sweet sister.  God gave me this sister to grow up and old with.  We are forever connected with a bond that has so connected our hearts and lives, we often know when one is hurting, even though we aren't together.  We've always been that way.  The truth of the matter is that at times we drive each other totally insane, mostly because we have such different personalities.  But there is no relationship like that of a sister.  You can be at odds one minute, but then if you need her, she's right there cheering you on.  My sister is one of the most loyal and giving people I know.  I'm so glad God gave me a sister.  Look at Sweet Cheeks, sitting on her lap.  How can you not know that God made those precious, kissable cheeks?!

Last night we went to the final roll out of Space Shuttle Discovery.  It was awesome.  Yes, I am quite aware that this machine was made by man, but I can't help but be awestruck when I think that it takes man into space to see the amazingly intricate universe God created. 

It is so tempting to get caught up in the hectic, busy day and not pay attention to my surroundings.  To really look, and appreciate those people and things that God has placed in my life because He loves me.  But when I look around and see it, really notice the people and things He has done for me, I am amazed.  I am amazed that He can love me so much.  Amazed at all He created.  Amazed and so in love with Him! 

Atlantis Lift Off Video

Thanks so much to hubby for the technical support! And now dear readers, this is a taste of what it's like to see a space shuttle launch in person.

Come on, summer!

I am so glad we are at the last week of school. I have been so busy lately and I don’t think I could have kept this pace up for much longer. I am really looking forward to summer, where the kids and I can relax and take on a bit of a slower pace. Only 4 more days!

This weekend we had company and it was a wonderful time. Hubby’s favorite aunt and uncle came to visit and to see the shuttle launch.
We were able to view it from the Kennedy Space Center and it was truly a beautiful launch. I will try to post the video that hubby made. Fun fact: Hubby used to be a television reporter and producer in a former life. These are skills that come in handy for the purposes of making neat videos and photo collections on DVDs. In the mean time, a few photos:


It was a beautiful launch!


Grandaddy was working, but he stopped by to see us! This is my dad, Safety Bob. (We call him that because he works Safety both at work and at home)


The princess and Grandma wait for the launch. They are the bestest of buddies.


And here is Handsome Hubby with our kidlets. I tell him he looks dangerous in his sunglasses. Maybe not so much in this picture, but trust me, he does.

The princess lost her first tooth on Saturday afternoon. She was quite excited and pulled it right out herself. Her twin brother has already lost 3 teeth to her 1 and she has been waiting so patiently for her tooth to be ready to come out. The tooth fairy even found her at Grandma and Grandaddy’s house that night. Did you know that the tooth fairy brings more money than she used to? I was just telling the princess the other day that when I was little I only got jingle money from the tooth fairy. Princess says, "You can't buy anything good with jingle money." Right she is...back in the day we could buy a little something or save it up to buy something big. These days jingle money will get you nothing. At our house the tooth fairy brings $5 for the first tooth you lose and then $1 for each tooth after that.

Hubby and I are trying to be all cultured and sophisticated-like and part of that effort has been going to see plays and shows. Saturday night we saw The Man of La Mancha. It was really well done and we had a great time. The kiddos spent the night with their grandparents so it was win/win for everyone.

Happy Monday everyone! Make it a great day!

Here are some pictures of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Rollout, as promised. It was worth keeping the prince and princess up until after midnight to see it...truly a once in a lifetime experience. The crawler drove right past us and the crew for this next mission showed up too, which was a great surprise. I have grown up a Booster Brat and am still in awe everytime I see this beautiful shuttle. I am so sad thinking about the discontinuation of the shuttle program. A HUGE thank you goes out to my awesome Mom and Dad who stayed out waaaay past their bedtime to bring us out to see this!

Fond Friend Memories and Other Things

So I've really been slacking on my blog this week. Mostly because I've been so incredibly busy that when I slow down at night I fall asleep but I also find that my brain has been so tied up with the to-do lists, that I haven't had much time for reflection.

Yesterday was an important anniversary for a dear friend. She lost her mother several years ago and as I was praying for her and calling to check on her, it brought memories of times I spent with her and her mother. When we were in college I spent quite a bit of time at her house and I remember lazy afternoons of watching movies and especially playing Scrabble. I always thought I was a pretty good Scrabble player until I started playing against my friend and her mom. They would beat me every time. We had lots of fun times together and yesterday especially I was missing my dear friend because she now lives on the complete other side of the country. I just wanted to go hang out with her and spend a lazy afternoon together like the old days...watching Pretty Woman, playing Scrabble, taking a nap, cooking meals, just being together. The most I could offer was a hug through the phone and words of encouragement. I can't wait to see her in the fall. It will be a great time.

In other news, I have been to Kennedy Space Center twice this week to try to see the Space Shuttle rollout which was scrubbed both times due to weather. It is supposed to go at midnight tonight and we will once again pack up the car and head out there. For those of you who don't know what that means, the shuttle is currently in the VAB (Vertical Assembly Building). It is mated to the solid rocket boosters and external tank and will be rolled out to the launch pad to prepare for the May 14th launch. The shuttle sits on a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) and is rolled out on a crawler that travels about 1 mile per hour, the 3.5 miles to the launch pad. As a Booster Brat, I have been raised around this stuff but this will be the first time I've ever been able to see this. So I am super excited and I really hope it happens tonight. I'll post pictures later.

The princess, in all of her allerginess (yes, I know that's not a real word) is going to see an allergist for the first time on Friday. I really hope we survive until then. She has to be off of all antihistimines for 48 hours before her appointment and she is not doing well with that. I had to stop writing a few minutes ago to help clean her up because she got sick from coughing so much. We're doing a breathing treatment right now, hoping this helps. If not, it may really and truly be a looooooonnnnnnggggg night for Mommy.

Ending on a happy note, my couponing is really starting to pay off. Tonight I went to the grocery store and got $50.01 worth of stuff for $6.95. I must say that I'm rather impressed with myself. It feels great to save money!!

Well, I'm off to get ready to see the shuttle!

Random Thoughts ~ Episode 1

Yesterday morning I was awakened by the awesome rumbling produced during a space shuttle launch. I ran out the front door in time to witness the bright light of the most beautiful shuttle launch at sunrise. It makes me appreciate the opportunities I have had, growing up as a Booster Brat on the Space Coast. It also reminds me of how much I am going to miss these beautiful shuttle launches when the shuttle program is retired. My little prince says he wants to be an astronaut and ride on the shuttle when he grows up. I don't have the heart to tell him that the shuttle won't be around then. At five, I want him to dream big and he loves all things space related. I am hopeful that by the time he grows up, if he truly wants to be an astronaut, we'll have another launch vehicle.

Also, yesterday was the first day back to work from Spring Break. While we were on break, a couple of my teachers decided they needed to pull an April Fool's prank on me. I returned to work to find the contents of my desktop packed into a cardboard box. I feel loved AND I am plotting revenge for when they least expect it.


I am loving the beautiful spring weather we have been having. It makes me want to do spring cleaning! I have a huge plan built up in my brain of all the things I want to accomplish but finding the time to do it all is problematic. So I am going to make lists...lots and lots of lists and cross those things off, big and small as they are done. This will at least help me to feel like I have things in hand. That perception of having things in control...it's a great feeling, especially for a control freak like myself.