Feeling Stressed...

As we approach the new year, I am:  happily thinking about how I get to plan a 7th birthday party for the best little boy in the world; thankful that Kevin and I both have jobs to go back to on January 3; and getting excited about my beautiful Hannah playing softball in the spring.  But I am also feeling uber stressed about money with the change in my insurance that's coming.

Now let me start by making a disclaimer.  Trust me.  I know that this is a bit of a "first world" complaint.  I know that there are people all over the world without a roof over their heads, with no food to eat.  I absolutely get the whole "let's put things in perspective" thing, and I thank God everyday...multiple times a day.  But that being said...I'm going to gripe and stress and whine here, and I don't want to hear any of that thrown back at me.  Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I just need to vent a little bit.

So here it is.  In an effort to save money, our school district decided to switch insurance providers.  Before they did this, though, they sent us information to look over so that we could voice our opinions.  So I looked it over, and I voiced my negative oppinions...which is not something I normally do (so that should be your first big clue as to how bad this change was going to be for my family).  I got a response back that very kindly said something to the effect of, "Oh, I'm very sorry to hear of your circumstances...thank you very much for your feedback...it will be used to help us make our decision." 

Here's another disclaimer for you:  I'm sure that this change in insurance has probably saved the district quite a bit of money.  Which means it has probably helped to save some jobs.  I get it, and I am so happy for those people that get to keep their jobs.  HOWEVER...

There were 4 plans for us to choose from.  So I pretty much just had to pick the one that would suck the least.  I don't want to get into all of the nitty-gritty details, but suffice it so say that it all comes back to me and my pesky leukemia.  It's just screwing everything up.  I didn't like any of these plans, so I tried to get coverage for the kids elsewhere.  But this country's new health care plan screwed that up for me too.  "No child can be denied coverage."  Sounds great, right?  And it truly is:  if a parent has coverage, then his/her children are automatically covered...regardless of how sick a child might be.  That's awesome.  Really.  But that means that insurance providers don't need to offer children only plans anymore.  Well that sucks.  Since no one else will cover me with my leukemia, the only way to get my kids covered is through my work.  So there I was, back to square one...picking the plan that sucked the least.

Well, I did that.  And not only is it going to be about $175 more per month, but my meds are going to be $65-$165 more.  The coverage of some things is not as good either.  Add in higher (albeit slightly) office visit and general prescription copays, and there we are....screwed over.  It's not like we're getting raises to help off-set some of the cost.  Things are going to be tight around the Prickett household, that's for sure.  (and I thought things already were...)  And I know that all of the other district employees I've talked to about this are going to feel the pinch, too.  But I think that those with serious/chronic illnesses are getting the worst of it.

Allright.  I guess that's enough self-centered whining for one day.  I'm glad I got that out.  Now I'll go back to focusing on all of my blessings and reminding myself that things could be worse (and are for a lot of people). 

• Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

• Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

• Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

The Day Before Christmas...

'Twas the day before Christmas, when all through the place
All the prep work was done, and even the test-tastes.

All the stockings were hung, and had been for quite a while.
With arguing children hoping Santa was in denial.

The children were drving their parents a bit crazy.
Their uncle took them to the park so as not to be lazy.

With Grandma in her church clothes, and the rest of us too,
To Christmas Eve mass is where we all flew.

When what to my wandering eye should appear,
But kids dressed as Mary and Joseph drawing near.

With a little old donkey they went to a manger
To bring into the world its glorious savior.

More rapid than eagles, His praises were sang.
Prayers were said and bells were rang.

Now Mason and Hannah, now Logan and Taylor.
On to the family Christmas Eve dinner.

As I cleaned up the dishes and we passed presents around
In through the door, Kevin came in with a bound.

He was dressed all in clothes warm enough for the cold
We were glad to see him...both yound and old.

Now that all were here (except those in Georgia out of sight)
We could truly say, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night"!

:)

It's a Wonderful Movie...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  It is the time of the year for family, friends, shopping, baking, church-going, anticipating, giving, celebrating, singing, and....movie watching.

There are so many Christmas movies out there, but these are my favorites.  I know, I know.  Some of these aren't actually Christmas movies, so much as they are movies set during Christmas, but whatever.  They're awesome, nonetheless.

In no particular order, here we go:

Hillarious.  Classic.

Touching and quotable.  :)

Best soundtrack.

Simply magical!

Fan. Tastic.

The kids love it, too.

Never actually seen the whole thing, but the parts I have are superb.

Gets me every time.

Love, love, love.

I mean, come on!

Cheesy, but I still like it.

A relatively wordless blog for me today, but now it's your turn.  What are your favorite Christmas movies?