Top 2 Tuesday--Reality Shows

I am participating in Top 2 Tuesday

Which reality show would you like to join?

#1:  THE HILLS

Photo from thehills.mtv.com

I just want to live like them for a little while! Their lives seem to be way more interesting and         

luxurious than mine. However, I don't know if I could spend 5 minutes in a room with Spencer Pratt!

#2: BIG BROTHER

Photo from cbs.com

I love Big Brother. I cannot wait for each new season to begin. I wish there was a Summer & Winter series. Once per year is just too long to wait!

I would definitely love to be cast for the show, but I am sure I would be eliminated in the first round!

Grateful for Monday

I apologize if this post offends readers, but I felt the need to express my opinion.

Today, I am grateful for my health. Too often, we take the simple blessing of health for granted, inevitably leading to poor choices which may negatively impact the outcome of our lives. I am so fearful to soon witness the effects of Healthcare Reform, initiated by President Obama. In 2014, I predict insurance premiums of the average working person to skyrocket in attempt to cover the cost of medical insurance for those who have CHOSEN to never work. Many of those people will live an unhealthy lifestyle, indulging in bad habits of smoking, inactivity, poor diet, drug abuse, etc. I am in no way judging the people who choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle, I just don't think I should have to work to cover the cost of their medical insurance when they do not work. (Please note--I am not talking about those who have unfortunately faced lay-offs or cutbacks. I am talking about people who have made a decision to not work because the Government will provide for them.) Where is the initiative to encourage people to go to work, get an education, or to improve their health? There is already wide misuse and abuse of the Medicaid system without extending coverage to even more adults.

I am so grateful to not have numerous health problems, requiring daily medications as I am sure there will soon be very high insurance premiums to cover the costs of very limited healthcare options.

Again, I am very sorry to offend anyone, but I fear for an inevitable collapse of the American Healthcare system, which will ultimately result in an economic depression. I think so many hear the wonderful promise of health coverage for everyone and neglect to understand the impending economic ramifications.

Father's Day Weekend

We've had a wonderful Father's Day weekend, with the exception of 100 degree heat. We grilled at the houseboat yesterday for our fathers and had to stay in the lake most of the day due to the extreme heat. It was unbearable. One of my aunts, Vicki,  and her daughters also stopped by to visit. My first cousin, Jessica, brought her son & daughter to swim and fish (I think of them as my niece & nephew instead of cousins). They are so cute!

Jessica & Emily Grace

Emily Grace

Emily couldn't decide if she liked the water or not!

Hunter loved the water!

We thought he would be afraid of the slide....

I guess we were wrong.

He wanted the swim across the lake....

But Robby couldn't keep up!

They swam for hours.

Hunter and his fish.

My brother, Shane, also celebrated his first Father's Day as a soon-to-be Dad. We are all so excited to welcome a baby girl into our family. I am counting the days until she gets here!

Mom and Dad made a coozie for the baby so she wouldn't feel left out on game day. This was Shane's favorite Father's Day gift.

Shane and Jennifer with the UK baby gifts.

Today, we went to a family reunion for Robby's family. We ate so much food. I actually gained 3 pounds in 1 day. How is that possible?

Robby and his grandmother Irene

Randy, Irene, Brenda, and Robby

We then went to celebrate Father's Day with my Papa Leon. He is one of the greatest men on this planet. I feel so blessed just to know him and witness how wealthy one truly becomes when he lives for the Lord.

Papa Leon and my Daddy (another great man)

Mom & my aunt Mara Lynn

Lastly, we traveled to the site of Mom & Dad's soon-to-be home. It is wonderful to see some progress. My Mom and Dad have traveled a long, difficult road since our home was destroyed by fire in December.

It is going to be beautiful. I am very excited for them to be back HOME.

There are so many days in my life when I focus on the negatives and complain about all the insignificant nonsense which may occur from one day to the next. I often forget how blessed I truly am. I have a wonderful father who is still married to my mother. I have a fantastic grandfather who still loves my grandmother, even though she passed away almost ten years ago. I have a loving father-in-law who knows how lucky he is to still be married to the mother of my husband. I am immensely grateful for the life God has given to me. I pray for comfort for all those who are without their fathers today. Holidays can be difficult for so many.....