Debt and Taxes

So there was a news story on the way to school this morning about President Obama's speech last night regarding his proposed health care plan and how much it would cost over 10 years. Of course, it was a grotesquely large number, but as adults we have unfortunately become so immune to such large numbers with regards to our government's spending habits that I didn't really think much about it. Then, from the back seat, the following conversation begins (summary)...

Alli: Mom, does Barack Obama make a lot of money?
Sharla: Well, he makes more money than most people, but not a whole lot for the responsibilities he has. Why?
Alli: Well, how does he have enough money to pay for what they were talking about?
Sharla: Well, he doesn't, and that's the problem. He will either have to borrow it or charge more for taxes.
Alli: What's taxes?
Sharla: Well, when Mommy and Daddy go to work, we don't actually get to keep all of the money we earn. The government keeps part of it to use to pay for things like this.
Alli: Well, what about people that don't work or make money?
Sharla: Basically, they don't pay taxes.
Alli: WHAT? That's not fair!

She was pretty perterbed and rambling about the whole taxes thing at this point, and I was trying to explain that it's necessary for people to contribute in order for things like roads and schools that we use everyday, but some people have to contribute a larger percentage than others and some don't contribute at all. Unfortunately, the conversation had to be cut short because we had arrived at school so we will have to finish later this evening. It could be interesting to see what she has to say after she has had time to simmer on the issue all day. I sent her teacher an email warning her that Alli may want to discuss the topic but didn't have all the information as of yet. Anyway, I just found it very interesting that she was 1) actually paying attention to what was being said 2) insightful enough to realize that they were talking about A LOT of money and wondering who was going to pay for it 3) got to see a real life application of the fact that life isn't always fair. Too bad not all adults can think on the level of a 1st grader I suppose.

Alli's Kindergarten Graduation

On June 3 Alli graduated from kindergarten at South Bosque Elementary School. We were thrilled to have survived the year! Part of the program for the graduation ceremony included the kids performing some songs and poems that Ms. Flowers, their music teacher, had taught them. Alli's favorite was a song to the tune of "New York, New York." It went something along the lines of "Start spreading the news...We're leaving today. We want to be a part of it...1st grade, 1st grade." We videotaped it so I may try to upload a clip of that song if possible. After the kids performed and walked across the stage to receive their "diploma"/certificate, they had a reception with cookies, cupcakes, and punch in the gym for everyone to take final pictures, etc. We went ahead and warned Alli's teacher that she only had 4years to get ready for Madi's arrival, and then we proceeded to Mazzio's (Alli's favorite) to have a pizza lunch with Nana and Billy and Theresa.

Waiting in line to receive the diploma...



Alli and her friend Ella



South Bosque Kindergarten Class of 2009...



At the reception with Mommy & Daddy & Nana

Slip n Slide Fun

We bought a Slip n Slide early in Summer for the girls to play on at home. Nearly every time we set it up, we attract quite a few kids from the neighborhood. James has even gotten in on the act to show the kids how it's done a couple of times...hmmm, could that have contributed to his back problems? Anyway, on this particular night, it was just Alli and Madi, and we were able to take a few pictures of them playing in the water after sliding for awhile.

Just Clowning Around

Alli decided to try out an activity she saw on a TV show and decorate a box in order to use it for imaginary purposes. We gave her a box and some crayons and markers, and she was having a great time...until Madi wanted in on the action. We didn't have any more boxes so we had to improvise. We used a laundry basket and gave her some paper inside and washable crayons. Some of the crayon marks were on the basket instead of the paper, but it wiped clean pretty easily, and everyone was happy.

Updates Coming...I Promise

Well, I got the blog somewhat caught up and then I let it get behind again. I've got lots of updates on Alli's kindergarten graduation, a wedding, and a trip to the beach in addition to some other items, and I hope to get those loaded sometime this week...maybe :)