Supreme mistake:-(

I've often been disappointed in our local government. I'm usually disappointed in our state governement. I'm always disappointed in our federal government and now I'm royally disappointed in the Supreme Court. Obamacare upheld.....really?  I understand those who argue that we are required to carry automobile insurance...I get that.... that involves others.... I also understand the need for health care... I understand it to the tune of $1057.00 A MONTH!!!!... The government doesn't help me, my employer doesn't help me ( that's me), I won't be reaping any benefits during my retirement and now I MUST have it.  I've never been one to do something because someone tells me I have to (shocker).  Rebelliously, that's often given me reason not to do it!  Unfortunately, many Americans will now be making choices, heat vs health care....food vs. health care and even medicine vs. health care.  I know that many provisions included in O-care will not be put into place until 2014...and I actually think a few of them are good.  Insuring with pre-existing conditions is a plus.  The Medicaid debacle and states opting to say NO with no repercussions is confusing to me...well actually the entire thing is confusing to me.... which is exactly their objective.  I know that many Americans are incapable of making wise choices...well aren't they lucky... they don't even get the chance anymore.

Where there's a will................

This pretty much says it all.  I'm not sure it's exactly what health care officials or my lawyer were looking for.....but it works for me!!

A Contest

Life is not a contest. It's really not who has more money or who has a bigger house. It's certainly not who has a nicer car or who goes where on vacation. It absolutely isn't who gets better grades in school or who can read better, run faster, sing louder or hit the ball the farthest.  It isn't even who is more successful.....Success is relative!  A man who works each day digging ditches, has a healthy family and whose bills are paid is far more successful (in my opinion) than a corporate exec who sits in a big office with credit cards maxed to the hilt, mortgages he may never pay off and stress that's slowly killing him. It really isn't "he who dies with the most toys wins!"  We, as parents and grandparents, have the ability to instill our kids the basic equality in us all.  I'm not sure we're doing such a hot job. Our educational system is based on test scores...Bullshit.. (sorry)...Now we're going to share our teacher evaluations with the world.  That kind of turns teaching into a contest.  We all learn differently.  I know I'm guilty of bragging up Bailee's reading ability...but the poor girl has trouble skipping......... I guess when I brag, I'm probably not doing anyone a favor...least of all Bailee.  I think what I love about 5 year olds is their lack of stereotyping... They really don't see black or white, smarter or slower, ugly or beautiful......We are the ones who plant those seeds.... I'm sure not purposely but these little minds soak up everything they see and hear.  Whether it's a joke that Grandpa tells or a comment made about how someone looks....they're learning that from us!  Life may not be a contest but we're responsible nonetheless for the rules.  They see things through us... scary as that might be if you think about it.  Bailee and I were playing Guess Who the other day.  My question was, "Is your person black?" Her reply, "what does that mean Grandma?"    There you go!

Cock a Doodle-Two

Yep, we brought in the boys.  Saturday night we were discussing the pros and cons of adding a rooster to our poultry family.  Sunday morning I got a message that there were two available from a local family, if we were interested.  Personally I'd have been happy with just the girls but it never hurts to have a couple of guys around to remind "us" how exceptionally talented and hardworking "we" are.  After all, they don't need a rooster to lay eggs. A fact that my husband just learned despite being raised on a farm.

So, off we journeyed, with dog crate in hand, to adopt some more critters to join us at EIEIO.  Bailee has named them, Steve Harvey (her favorite "funny guy") and Dufus.  They both have the gnarliest feet we've ever seen....since Great Grandma's that is:-/  We figured we might as well just let them loose in the chicken pen and see what happened.  A few pecks here and there and a few flying feathers but they seem to have adjusted and are all still alive and pecking.  Only a few cock a doodles last night and no wake up calls this morning.  We made a family decision, if problems arise, we can always eat them.....( OK maybe all the family wasn't in agreement but majority rules!!!)

Look out first grade...

And a celebration it was.....even if I did get fresh batteries for my camera and FORGET the memory card.... Luckily Papa saved the day by sharing his..(which he always keeps handy in his truck in case he needs a photo of a recently killed woodchuck!) The kids did a wonderful job with all their great songs and they were happy to be moving on to first grade. After the celebration, we enjoyed ice cream, "great report card surprises" and then a movie in the H.U.T. where it was cool and comfy (95 outside:-( 
Bailee's report card was wonderful.... All 4's (above average) for her language arts and math and was given awards for Homework completion and Responsibility.  Her teacher remarked that she was "gifted!" and would do well in school.... Whew! We will be working on letting others finish talking before we add our opinions.....I cannot, for the life of me, figure out where this trait might have developed???
We have lots of fun things planned for the summer and I'm sure it will fly by. We're going to spend time in the woods and outside, work on our "101 things to see before I'm 12," build some candy construction, swim, visit Great Grandma, read lots of chapter books and spend some time at Daddys. 

Our first GRAND graduate

Today is Kindergarten Graduation..I mean Celebration....and Miss Bailee is ready whether you see her coming or see her going!  Thank goodness the new elementary auditorium is air conditioned as the temps are expected to be 95+.  I just love how our Kindergarten families are so excited about this day.  Small towns really do rock.  A couple of local fire dept. families even surprised their graduates with a "Last day of Kindergarten" ride to school.  I think that's pretty awesome.  It will be a fun afternoon with singing, report cards, pictures (of course) and the joy of seeing the anticipation of who they'll share the next year with..both teachers and classmates.

Congratulations all you Miniature Adults... I think the next generation (The Class of 2024) will be in pretty good hands♥♥♥

Things I've learned....from "Fifty"

Well, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is in the books...so to speak! My Kindle is happy to actually be out of my hands for awhile and take a well deserved rest.  It was an interesting trip. One I wouldn't have made if it weren't for all the hype and publicity.  We all know that's one of the glories of reading... you get to travel to places you normally wouldn't have the opportunity ( or maybe even desire) to visit.  I had never thought of going there but I must admit, I enjoyed it!  It was, however; a learning experience and here are some souvenirs from my "Journey to Greysland!"

10.   The only Sub I'm interested in is Subway!
9.     The only Dom I enjoy, is Dom-Perignon!!
8.     If I never hear the word gape again....it will be too soon!
7.     I will never, ever call my granddaughter's toy room a playroom again!
6.     I now more fully understand the meaning of GRAND PIANO..
5.     Painting a room red won't happen.
4.     I never knew that eating ice cream could be such a pleasure.
3.     I will never even whip cream again...Maybe just beat it by hand:-o
2.     I knew I loved Vanilla for a reason.

And the number one thing I learned from this trip.....This year, I'll be decorating my Christmas tree with silver balls.......lots and lots of little silver balls!!!