My Political Perspective

I've debated with myself for the past few days over whether or not to write anything about my political perspective on the world in which we live. Please understand, I LOOOOOVVVVEEE politics. I don't even mind when people disagree with me politically, but what I do mind is how divisive our world is. I truly despise how filled with hate, and how selfish and uncaring people behave. I know that a large portion of this hatred and selfishness comes from fear and lack of knowledge, but nonetheless it saddens me.

 What's more it bothers me that some people I consider family, and close friends are  so closed minded and frightened of the idea of a national health care plan. And to be honest, I do understand where they are coming from. Growing up, I remember a couple that emigrated to the United States from Scotland because they needed medical care. I was just a small child, and I know their names were Mr and Mrs Edwards. Do I remember what care Mrs. Edwards needed? No. I do not. But what I do remember is that Scotland had a nationally (Socialized) run medical program and that there was an extremely long waiting list for the care she needed. So rather than wait, Mr and Mrs Edwards came to the United States to get faster health care. I assume it was better care, but I can't swear to that.

And I'll admit when I first heard about National Medical Care in the United States these were the first thoughts that appeared within my head. So I get the other side, I truly do. BUT, and this is a major but then I began to explore it further. And through the twists, turns, experiences, and discussions within my immediate family (and almost immediate family) my opinion of  the Affordable Care Act began to change.
First off, I have a nephew who was born with hydrocephalus. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's literally water on the brain. I've included a picture of a child with hydrocephalus that hasn't been treated so that you can get a more clear picture of what I'm describing.

 So, all people have some fluid around their brains, but the body regulates how much fluid is made and cushions the brain. For my nephew this isn't true. His body just continues to make more and more fluid and his skull would not have fuzed together properly without brain surgery and a shunt being inserted. The shunt drains the extra fluid from his brain into his abdomen. As I'm sure you can imagine this surgery, literally brain surgery, is very dangerous, but also very expensive! Combine that with the fact that this nephew was a mere two pounds and some odd ounces when he was born there is no doubt he would have maxed out any lifetime cap that insurance companies placed on care within his lifetime. See he won't just need brain surgery once, but possibly every seven years or so. He's seven now (soon to be 8) and so far has just had to have one surgery, but we all (in our family) know there will be another one in his future and more than likely another one after that etc...

I've also included a picture, on the right, of my nephew so you can compare the difference that this surgery makes and how impossible it is to tell someone has hydrocephalus when it's treated properly.

 Danny, looks like and functions as a normal little boy because of this life changing surgery.  However, once he hits the lifetime maximum on insurance getting the second or third or fourth necessary brain surgery would be almost impossible. However, the Affordable Care Act removes that cap. And my nephew can have as many brain surgeries as he needs to live a happy, productive and normal life. So that was the first thing that began to change my perspective on the Affordable Care Act.

And if that wasn't enough then there's my sister. God bless my sister! She's one of the most caring, most giving people I know. Any time she sees a person in need, she gives! Even to her own detriment she will give to others. But my generous sister has had some major health problems within her lifetime. She had a tubal seven years ago that went wrong. The doctor tore her uterus and then tried to fix it and tore it again. He claimed it was paper thin and that he couldn't tell she'd borne four children. But she had! Anyway, because of his negligence major scar tissue developed and wrapped itself around many organs within her. She began having blood cysts and endometriosis and extreme pain. She went to the doctor and the E.R. repeatedly telling them she hurt as if she was in labor for days. They gave her mild pain meds and sent her on her way. They'd discuss with her the options but almost no surgeons were willing to operate to remove the scar tissue present. Why? She had no insurance. She had a disc bulge in her back and had very little care because she had no insurance...and I could go on and on with her medical plights. My family discovered during her healthcare adventures that the only healthcare hospitals had to or doctors were willing to provide was for imminent  life saving procedures. Quality of life for those without insurance didn't matter.

And then, I became a stay at home Mom. Until I decided to stay at home with my girls my husband, girls and I had wonderful insurance through the school system. But after that the shock of how messed up our status quo healthcare system was truly hit home. First, I had a very difficult time finding insurance that would cover me, even with exclusion provisions. I had, had two back surgeries and two C-sections in the last five years. All 4 of these surgeries were necessary. The back surgeries because I had a massive rupture of my L4-L5 disc twice. The rupture was so massive that I truly have no disc left at that level. The C-sections were due to severe pre-eclampsia that didn't manifest itself until I was in the midst of labor (both times). Oh and I'm asthmatic....so it was almost impossible to find coverage for my family that included me since I was no longer employed.

My husband spoke to his employer about providing insurance but was told it wasn't necessary because all the other employees had it through their spouses' jobs. So we had to search for insurance on our own. Then, we found a company that would approve us for coverage with the exclusion of any C-sections for me. So obviously I couldn't get pregnant, but no biggie. I didn't plan to anyway.

All was good until my daughters caught the flu. When we went to get prescriptions for their flu I was shocked. Total cost for their prescriptions for Theraflu for my two girls and anti-nausea medicine was $500!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you read that correctly. No this didn't include the cost for the Dr's visit. It was medicine alone supposedly with insurance.

Needless to say I began to wonder shortly there after how in the world my family would manage if anyone caught even the slightest cold after that. And decided drastic action had to be taken. I'd been totally against the idea of applying for Peach care for my children before the $500 prescriptions, but after that it became my main goal in life. And it just about took an act of Congress to get it for them, but we did it. So I now no longer have to worry about their medical insurance.

But my dear husband and I still had the lousy health insurance that we were paying out $240 a month for just the two of us and wasn't covering almost anything...and I do mean anything We simply couldn't continue to pay for that. We couldn't afford it! But I didn't want to be uninsured so I called companies and told them I only wanted major medical, like serious problem type insurance. I was told what I was looking for didn't exist. I truly wanted hospital coverage so that if my back had problems again or something to that effect we'd not be out tens of thousands of dollars. So we took a leap.

I cancelled our insurance and we became one of the millions of uninsured. Thankfully, knock on wood we've managed. Neither of us have had any major illnesses. A common cold here and there...but nothing major. And we've held on or at least I've held on to the hope that Obamacare would be the answer. We will be able to afford insurance. What a blessed day! Not only will be able to afford insurance, but good quality insurance. Does that please me? Yes...immensely.

Now let me make this footnote because I know someone may comment, well if it was that important to you then you could have just kept your job and not become a stay at home Mom. Honestly, no I couldn't. I call it my choice and it's true, I quit...

However, it was inevitable. The school where I worked had issues with my focus on my family. They couldn't understand why I'd travel to Arkansas to be with my dying Nanny and with my youngest daughters need to nurse and the arrangements to do so which in no way affected my job performance. However, the administration saw it as an all or nothing matter so I quit and made it official that my family was first in my life.

 

Do I regret that decision? No, I do not, not in the least!. I simply regret that our society has become so work focused that they couldn't realize that family has to be a top priority too. And I would resign again tomorrow, even knowing the things that I now know.  I'd do it again a million times. Being at home and truly putting my family first was one of the best decisions I've ever made. But I'm sure I've upset some people with my perspective and for that I apologize. However, I hope that I've made those same individuals think and consider who this Obamacare is going to help. We, the individuals who need the Affordable Care Act are not (in the majority) people trying to mooch off the system.  They are people who can't get or can't afford the healthcare they should receive in the status quo. As a friend of mine commented yesterday:

"Hands are a powerful thing. While I have one in a fist of smiting rage at our horrible Congress, the other is wiping away tears of joy and gratitude because I am amazed that I will have health insurance. Love it or hate it, there are lots of us good, tax-paying folks that have dreamed of this day so that we can finally get treatment on, say, an arm that dislocates every day. No matter how you feel about what's going on and the shenanigans of our government, I hope we the people can hug it out, make each other laugh, and get through it...hand in hand."

 I couldn't agree more with her if I tried so that my dear reader is my hope as well. So with that in mind, I leave you for the day...and I promise a less controversial blog tomorrow.

Until then,
Boop Doop De Doop

 

National Blog Writing Month

Hi all-

Today, since it's the first day of October, is the first day of National Blog Writing Month. I've attempted this for the last three years and I don't believe I've ever managed to blog every day for the entire month, but I'm rearing to go and super excited about trying again. If you blog, love to write or even are mildly curious in trying to do so I highly suggest that you give it a try. Just put a link to your blog on Facebook at NaBloWriMo. Join us! Won't you?

Now with that said...buckle in and get ready for the ride. I can hardly wait to blog each day for the month! I suppose I could start by telling you why I do NaBloWriMo and a little bit more about my crazy life that I love. Today is actually a quiet day around here...okay semi-quiet. My four year old does have both gymnastics and soccer this afternoon, but other than that the day is much more calm than they've been lately. Since I'm a stay at home much of my days are focused around helping others, be it my in-laws, children, people in the community, etc...and of course running my household.

Lately, it's been a challenge to get it all done each day, but a joyful one. Two weeks ago my father-in-law fell 18feet out of a tree and broke his pelvis. He was airlifted to a larger hospital because his fracture was so severe, but the larger hospital opted not to operate and sent him home after just a few days. So my daughters and I have been visiting with him multiple times a day for the last couple of weeks. Honestly, it's been a blessing to have that time together for all involved. My girls are becoming much closer to their paternal grandparents and the relationship between my mother-in-law, father-in-law and I has changed drastically. As much as I'd never wish this situation upon anyone, good has come from it. It just goes to show sometimes we don't know why life leads us into the moments it does, but there's true purpose in all that happens and good can come out of even the worst circumstances.

I think the other major change in our lives is that although I'm a former high school teacher, I'm embracing my stay at home Mom role a bit more fully this year. Perhaps that's true because it's my second full year at home...but for whatever reason it really makes me question how families with two working parents make sure it all gets done. Okay...so the added money would be nice, BUT it wouldn't be worth the things I'd have to miss out on. Don't get me wrong, I know at some point I will return to working outside the home (maybe when both girls are in school) but until then I'm going to savor our moments together and find creative ways to make funds in the process.

I've started a pet sitting service and actually am heading out to distribute more information about it today. I have a regular customer that the girls and I visit with her dogs every day and it's really been a joy to see the puppies smiling faces. I've tried selling my daughters old clothes for consignment, but haven't had much luck. I've made less than $100 dollars doing that. But as I said money isn't everything.

This next week we begin fall break and I'm truly looking forward to our little Stay-cation. Actually, I find myself looking forward to October as I always do. We have so many wonderful things that happen in October. This coming week the girls and I will be traveling to see the Ugly Ducking Light Show at the Grand in Macon. We have a Blessing of Animals at our Church this coming Saturday. My eldest is headed out to a birthday party for her best friend on Saturday and she has soccer pictures on Saturday too. Saturday is going to be BUSY!!!

The next weekend we are going to the GA National Fair, and the weekend after that to ride on Thomas the train at Day out with Thomas. I believe it's our fourth year to go to that too. :) And we have a yard sale at church too! Whew!! Busy, busy but just how I love it.

We will probably throw in some play dates, visits to museums and the bouncy houses, etc...in the mix and just enjoy our life here at home.

Yes, the beginning of October always lifts my spirits y'all. Perhaps, it's the realization it's really fall. And this  year the air is a little bit more crisp (something that is unusual this early in the fall in South GA). Perhaps it's the apple picking, or the pumpkin patches popping up everywhere. Maybe it's because my birthday falls in this month and reminds me how important it is to celebrate each day and year of my life.


Whatever it is, not even the shut down of the Government can spoil my mood. Which says a lot since I think it's absurd that our elected officials can't worth together for the good of all. But I won't get on a political soap box on this grand day. So with that said, I hope you all have a blessed day and that you consider joining us as we begin our new adventure into National Blog Writing Month.

I'll talk to you again tomorrow!
Until then, Boop doop de Doop

And a new school year begins!

I can't even begin to count the number of school years that I've begun over my lifetime (okay, I could, but there are not only those from when I was a student, but also all my teaching years too). So I'd say and since my Momma taught school most of my life the beginning of a school year marked a profound change.  It was truly a new beginning, a clean slate and a chance to make life into whatever you want it to be.

Today my little ones began a new school year as did I; however, some things are already very different about this school year for us. First, Evie Alice is completing her school year at home. I wasn't ready to give her up to preschool yet, nor was she ready to go. And Ella Rose is starting private pre-k. Wow! My eldest little girl is growing up so quickly!!!!

The biggest difference for me this year though is the home schooling. Never in a million years did I think I'd be teaching from home. Who'd of thunk? But seriously, I believe it will be a grand adventure and one I am looking quite forward to. Evie Alice and I had a blast this morning and began her schooling shortly after Ella Rose departed for Pre-K this morning. Evie working on singing ABCs, counting, identifying squares. Then we looked at her name, colored, made a handprint craft and painted. It was so much fun and is so far removed from what I've done with much of my adult life (since I've worked with teenagers for the last decade.

But it's a good change. Now both my little ones are napping, I've had a brief break and I'm going to continue working on the daily chores of picking up and putting everything in it's place.

Oh! But before I forget, today also began my first day of pet sitting. And it was grand...what truly amazing adventures are in store for us this year. I like what I'm seeing so far...and when I think about how much God has changed my path from where it was I am amazed. And as different as it is, it is also grand.

Well...off to clean up before my busy bees awaken...

Boop doop de doop
 

Are we rich?

I don't think I ever realized until today how blessed my children and I are. I don't think I ever felt so rich or over indulged...and trust me we are far from rich. We are a single income family. Money is tight, sometimes beyond tight and seems so scarce that we don't know what we'll do. But we pull through, we always do.

 I don't think I knew exactly how blessed we were until today. And the realization shocked me. I have a friend with multiple children. The children are good friends of my girls. The parents are loving parents...very involved in their children's lives. They make sure the children are in the right school district, have plenty of food, extra treats and snacks, hey make sure homework in done before they kids go out to play and they are particular that their children follow safety rules and be respectful, etc.


And I really thought that their home was a lot like ours. Cluttered (maybe a bit neater) since the Momma was more particular about when and where the children eat treats than I am.. She always cares more about what they do if a treat as  they dropson the ground. It's off limits. Whereas my philosophy is blow/brush it off and go ahead. Children eating sand shocks her. My girls have both gone through this phase and my response is simply...it's not going to feel good later. :)

So I knew there were some differences...but overall, I felt like we had more similarities than differences and perhaps we still do...

But the other day, I had a reason to enter into their home. I'd never done so before since they live close by...we'd just visited outside...but as I entered the home I was shocked. Not because it was filthy, it wasn't (although mine has been at times). Not because it was cluttered, it wasn't (although mine regularly is). No I was shocked by the sparceness of it. It was bare. In the livingroom there was a couch, a tv and two pictures on the walls. In the children's rooms I saw one doll and no books, puzzles, etc. There are five children living there. ONE DOLL!! Now I know there are a FEW other toys there...but that is all I saw.

This gave me pause. While playing outside the children have toys, a trampoline, bicycles, and such. But indoors....nothing...or very little at least. And I thought back to their reactions upon seeing the girls many fine things. They love to come in our home and play in the girls rooms. Or upon being given a birthday invitation to one of our daughter's birthdays I was told, we don't celebrate ours at all. Hmmm....

And it made me realize how different our families are. I think the children of both are loved and cherished and blessed in both, but I definitely think mine are more indulged. Honestly, I'm not sure that's a bad thing. I was definitely indulged as I grew up...spoiled even, but it was good for me. Yes, you read correctly because it taught me so much and made me want to strive to provide the same for my own family one day. And we try to...

Are my girls, blessed. Yes, beyond any shadow of a doubt. Their biggest worry is whether or not I'll get to the store tomorrow to pick up the next thing they decide they want or whether their sister will be nice. They have no reason to worry about more than this. If something breaks, it will most likely be replaced (assuming it wasn't abused in the process). It something is used up...we'll get more.

So are my girls indulged (and a bit spoiled)  you better believe it. Camps, Lessons, Sports, Toys, and Travels abound in our home. And I think it made me realize, not only do my children have love, but they have things. Now we just have to make sure they realize, that to whom much is given...much is expected. Because my girls certain have much given to them, through love and things, intellect, skills, etc.

Do I do enough to make them realize what is expected in return? I think I do. They see no difference between themselves and their friends. They truly love and respect their friends and willingly share their things day in and day out. And even when my patience wears thin, and I begin to wonder why their friends mistreat the girls toys or act a particular way..or don't know what peaches are when we have them for snack...I have to stop and remind myself. They are different. They've not been given what my girls are. But it's good that they are friends with my girls. They are loving, caring children...to whom much also has been given in love and caring even if not much is given in things.

And it was good for me to realize that those without come in all shapes and forms. It doesn't have to mean the child is going hungry for there to be a lack there.

So as I ponder through this, I find myself answering questions. Do we do too much for the girls? I don't think we do. We expect a lot from them in return for what they have. We try to expose them to culture so they can become well rounded and we want them to respect people, but work hard to make good lives for themselves so they can provide just as good of a life for their children one day. Which brings me back to wondering, is my little family actually rich...yes indeed we are: Spiritually, Emotionally, & Materially. But then again, I guess I never should have doubted that. :)

 

Summer Safari

Today began our first day of Summer Vacation, and what a day it was. Ella Rose had her preschool program...which Evie Alice fussed her way through. We quickly followed this by getting a flat tire, but we still managed to cram a tremendous amount into our day and I'm determined we aren't going to waste a minute of our summer vacation. Ella Rose is out of school for 12 weeks and I plan to savor each moment of it. So in addition to all the excitement that I mentioned the other day...we are going to have a Summer Safari at-home-camp too. Now this at home camp will be loosely themed and the schedule will be play as we go, but here are the basics that I've outlined so far...each week will have a theme.

When I began to think about this I started digging through other mother's blogs of successful stay-at-home camps and adventures. The most helpful site that I found was one where a mom had successfully created and successfully held summer camps for her children the past two years...and so I swiped a lot of her themes and then combined them with other themes and ideas that I found from other creative mothers to create a mish mash of themes which we will attempt this summer...You can find her page at http://tropichomeandfamily.com Just search for her summer camp ideas.


So with that said the themes for the Summer Safari Camp are:

Week 1: Wildlife explorers
Week 2: Artist/Artisans
Week 3: Trains!
Week 4: Up in the Air!
Week 5: Pirates!
Week 6: Mad Scientists
Week 7: Ocean Wonders
Week 8: Camping/Pioneers
Week 9: Welcome to the Jungle
Week 10: World Travelers
Week 11: Out on the Ranch
Week 12: Water Week

I've also assigned jobs to each day.

Mondays are Park/Pool days.

Tuesdays are Library/Craft days

Wednesdays are Trip days  

Thursdays are Cooking days

Fridays are Pool/Education

 

 

Then as far as a daily schedule goes we are going to play it by ear...BUT I want to fit certain things into each day include nap time (2 hours), a story time, and a themed snack. Then a few times a week, I want do a craft/science experiment, handwriting/ math or language skill each day. Other than that, my goal is to have the girls outside at least 4 hours each day.

 

They'll easily play all afternoon outside if I let them so this shouldn't be too much of a stretch. I'll try to update each week with pictures and descriptions of how the week went.

Welcome Summer, these Game Rangers are going to have many wonderful Sundowners!

Boop doop de doop!

 

Summer time and the living is BUSY!!!

I can hardly believe it. I've been a stay at home Momma for a year now and summer time is upon us once again.Wow! The time certainly has flown.

But, you wouldn't know it's almost summer time by the weather we are having. I even had to put a light jacket on Evie Alice and me this morning as we ran out of the house to do an early morning errand...nonetheless...summer is here. Ella Rose has one more day of school and then she officially becomes a pre-k girl.Where has the time gone? How can my big girl be ready to go to pre-k. And how am I going to feel when it's time for her to go to kindergarten in a year....hmmm....

Thankfully, we are able to put off her entry into public school this year. So she will be completing her pre-k in the same school that she did her two year old preschool and three year old preschool tenures. I am so thankful she's staying put..but nonetheless the transition seems huge to me. How can my baby be so BIG!

And summer hasn't even started but it's already packed! Granted it's packed with fun filled activities...but it's still slam full. Josh was joking just the other day with Ella Rose that she will need a vacation from her summer and I do believe that's true.

So what have we got planned for the summer? Well, here's the mega-long list. Ella Rose is doing Dance camp, Gymnastics Camp, "School camp" three days this summer and swimming lessons. Evie Alice has a Dr's appt for her eye that doesn't track properly, story hour at the library, weekly play dates
 and many family activities planned. We are going to participate in the summer reading program from the library. We will see a few of the kids summer movies when we can fit it in to
our schedule we are going to Camp CoCo...our family camp in Arkansas...taking a family trip to the beach, and visiting Disney World and Universal Studios on the way home from the beach....then of course there are play dates, trips to the pool, a dance recital, and Vacation Bible school that I'm directing and the girls are participating in.

I can hardly wait! Now if the weather would just cooperate...we would be good to go. Bring on the triple digit weather.... so the fun can begin. :)

Boop doop de doop.

 

Lovely, soft, cloud dust filled days. Thank God.

Today made me wonder if I'd inadvertently moved to Ireland on a warm summer day (since their hottest days are in the 70s). Not only did the temperatures here rival your usual Irish summer weather (low sixties) but the softing (rain) also modelled the Irish experience exactly. So I found myself ," thinking back to my Irish Summers of days gone by. How I loved my summers there and listening to people say, " 'tis a lovely soft day, thank God," as they carried own with their every day lives in the softing rain.

 Rain didn't stop or slow down lives there...it wasn't an inconvenience. It was a blessing. Whenever I'm out and out in the "softing" I often think of my adventures in Ireland. And today was no exception.

   So the softing rain today and the cool temperatures as of late have made me wonder on more than one occasion whether we've moved to Ireland, and are simply unaware. Seriously though,  the weather has been quite wacky as of late...and living in south Georgi mid-sixties are regular occurrences in mid-February...but rarely seen in early May. Usually, we are hitting the mid to upper 80s and preparing our bodies for many days of 100+ weather during the summer. This year, that preparation seems absent...no today could be a nice February way or even a warmer March day...but definitely does not feel very May-like.

So I decided that since we've moved into Ireland's climate whether or not we've actually moved that the girls and I would have an Irish adventure today. We would walk to the neighborhood market and pick up some ingredients for supper tonight. So we set out on a very Irish-like adventure with the girls loaded into their double stroller we began to walk to the store. Another of the things I loved about Ireland was being able to walk every place in town we wanted to go. My little sister and I had a regular path worn between our flat and the grocery store. The refrigerator for the family was similar in size to a large dorm frig and so we had to make multiple trips by foot to the store each week. Those trips were fun...and honestly, just finding the grocery store was an adventure since it was situated back in a mall on the lower level.

Of course today, there was no search for the store. We simply had to head up the street hang a right at the light, walk past our church and the neighborhood store would be one block ahead. So off we went. Now, unlike our trips to the "grocery" in Ireland when we were visiting a truly Irish supermarket...in this case our neighborhood market carries only the very basics.  Usually, I frequent it only when I realize at the the last minute that I'm out of a crucial ingredient. But today, although I needed a few ingredients for a squash casserole and some baking soda to make blueberry muffins I really just wanted to get out of the house, exercise, and spend some time with my girls.

 And so off we went. We walked in the softing rain, neither girl seems to care and nor did I. In short, we had a blast. I found myself noticing details I'd missed out on as I'd sped by them in my car. I'd not noticed our church sign  listed the family service. I'd missed sharing how to suck the honey suckles properly with my daughter. Of course, our walk remedied both of these problems. Ella Rose was amazed by how sweet the honey suckle tasted. And I found myself thinking back to memories of my own Momma teaching me the very same things.

And continuing in the line of creating memories, I decided it was time to create some cloud dust (mixing flour and canola oil) in order make play sand for the front porch. The girls had fun building sand castles with it on our covered porch despite the softing rain...and our dear Daisy dog jumped the fence repeatedly just so she could join in on the fun.

Days like this make the cooler weather not seem so bad...after all those Lovely soft days gone by contain so many fond memories....So summer weather even though I long for you...I'm appreciative for these memory filled moments of cool early spring like soft days with jumping daisies, clouds on the front porch, and softing rain falling while my girls and I explore the wonders of childhood all over again.