Dave Barry explains the Economic Stimulus Payment

Be sure to mail your return in a timely manner, because this year, filing taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?

A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?

A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?

A. Only a smidgen.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?

A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?

A. Shut up.

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Surprise, surprise, surprise

Gomer Pyle, here. I hated that show, but that phrase has been in my head all week! I'm late, but my sweet, precious and VERY sneaky friends planned a surprise party for me (and my equally April friend Ronda) last Saturday night. I was truly surprised, and we had a blast.

THANK YOU to everyone who came, and for those who couldn't, we MISSED you!!!

Thank you too, to my little elf friend, who ran herself ragged all week, just for little old me (and little old Ronda). I love you to the moon...I love all my friends. I'm the luckiest and most blessed girl I know!

For more pictures, check out Ronda's blog. This picture shows the theme for the night. "We laughed till we cried..." (And Allen said, "I can hear that laugh..."!)

Springtime in Alabama

Since January 1st, I think we have had a storm every week but one or two. That's great news for the drought, and great news for me. I'm one of the few people in the world who LOVE rainy days. I mean I get so excited when I see clouds. Very strange indeed. Anyway, we've had a couple of scary days, and this day, we actually piled into the bathroom. It's hard to stay calm and reassuring when my heart is pounding. As you can tell, Zane wasn't worried at all, and insisted on sitting OUTSIDE the bathroom. On his potty. In the hall. Close enough, I guess.



I've been in a couple of tornadoes, and while I'm not necessarily scared of them, I do respect their destructive forces. But you'd think I'd be used to it by now. It's the norm for us here, this time of year. And another reason I love winter! ;)

Jenn said to...

"INFJs, making up an estimated 1% of all people, are the most rare type (males even more so). They are introspective, caring, sensitive, gentle and complex people that strive for peace and derive satisfaction from helping others. INFJs are highly intuitive, empathetic and dedicated listeners. These traits tend to act as a "tell me what's wrong" sign on their forehead, hence the nicknames Confidant, Counselor or Empath. INFJs are intensely private and deeply committed to their beliefs."

"INFJs have a strong love of learning, and they tend to do well academically. Through persistence, diligence, and conscientiousness, they complete their assignments on time. They are likely to enjoy research and will go great lengths to find answers."

"INFJs orient themselves toward their goals using a personal, values-based framework. They do not 'advertise' their values and priorities because they believe in harmony and positive relationships. However, one would do well not to underestimate the amount of perseverance, energy, and time INFJs give to their priorities. What they do, they do with an almost religious intensity." (Shut up, Jennifer and Ronda...)

You can read more about me here (because I know you want to!) : http://www.geocities.com/lifexplore/infj.htm

INFJ Career Matches

INFJs are often happy with the following jobs which tend to match well with the Confidant/Visionary personality.

Actor Alternative Medicine Artist Child Care Worker Child Development Chiropractor Church Worker Clergy Computer Programmer Computer Specialist Consultant

Dentist Designer Doctor Educational Consultant Entrepreneur Human Resources Lawyer/Attorney Librarian Marketer Missionary Musician

Photographer Psychiatrist Psychologist/Counselor Sales Representative Scientist Social Worker Systems Analyst Teacher/Professor Trainer Writer

Um, yeah. I've considered at least 10 of the above careers.

So, were they right????;) I'm rare, you know..... lol...

Sandi's Invitation

These are the invitations for Sandi's shower. She is doing the nursery in several children's books, and that was the inspiration for the invitations. The characters here are some that will be in the nursery!

Whew

We have been in a whirlwind these past few weeks, er, months. I'm ready for things to slow down. I love nothing more than staying at home, day after day, doing school and puttering around the house. I need for life to slow down so we can slow down too.

So here I am, reminding myself of some things, before they slip from my memory forever.

Zane is super into Elmo right now. It's so funny that each of mine did this at this age. Actually Laney loved Elmo much earlier and for much longer, but Zane and Jude did this at the same time. Hayes made this blanket for Laney, and it's been loved by each child. She even made us two blankets, for when one was in the wash. They are definitely going to have to go in the keepsake box.

We had some work done on the house, to get some siding and rotted wood replaced. They found the precious treasure of termites in our house. Live ones. It was a crazy week. I'll spare the details, but here are some of the pictures!

Mario is scrapping up the termites to put into a bag with the other live termites to show to the district manager of our termite company. Lovely, huh? Mario's not scared of anything!! lol...

This is what your house looks like after termites have been snacking on it...

Guess what Jude is into these days.




Is that not hilarious? I love that picture!

(I said, "Zane, show me your new Cars Crocs!!!)

Zane thinks he's a big kid. In so many ways, but he loves to wear big kid shoes. After watching him clomp around in Jude and even Laney's Crocs, I decided to splurge and get him some. We went to the store, and I kept trying them on him, and we finally got to the right size.





They just happened to be the same size that JUDE wears!! Jenn R. says Zane has Barney Rubble feet, and she's right! Luckily they had some Cars Crocs on clearance, and I got him a pair that he can wear for a little while. Then he and Jude will be wearing the same size. I may have to move Jude up so they won't wear the same size! lol...





I got this shirt today with a gift certificate from a friend! (*wink*) I love it! I know it's a little Paris Hilton, but anything to get the message out, you know?



They have these bags, at WalMart, too. I know some people have said that the WalMart cashiers don't want to fool with the canvas bags, but these are $1 each and hold a whole lot of stuff. If you buy one or two of them, and then have some of your own, they should be happy to load up your bags. We have found one sweet lady at the Alabaster one who is fine with our bags, and we always find her! She even told me today about a really cool handmade bag a lady had that she really liked! Hope that helps!!!


Jude got a bag of toys at the thrift store today, and in it was a little happy surprise for me!!! Lol!

That's a nice note to end on!!!

Thank you!!!!

I had the best birthday! It started off the night before my birthday with a little surprise party from my Bible study girls. Jennifer even made my favorite buffalo chicken dip, Rebecca brought cupcakes and Sandi brought lemon squares. We ate and laughed and talked about how to be submissive and respectful wives. That was fun!!!

The next morning, Allen and the kids had me a cake from Savage's bakery. My favorite! Allen got me a cross necklace and a gift certificate to get my Bible commentary. Laney had painted a beautiful painting with Aunt Emily's help. It's pretty big and just wonderful. She was so proud of it! We had birthday cake after breakfast, so Allen could celebrate with us. Then the kids and I went to the Thrift Store and the library. Our two favorite places to go!

I had phone calls all day, beautiful cards and presents from my sweet friends, and family too. From my very oldest friends (My favorite memory of Lee was his introducing me to Madonna in 7th grade...) to my old friends (who I've known for 10 years and more) to my new (5 years old about) sweet friends who put up with me on a daily basis!

THANK YOU to everyone who called and/or sent a card and/or a gift. I felt so loved and treasured on my birthday! I am blessed with the most wonderful, thoughtful and preicous people in my life. I am truly humbled to be a part of your lives! *smack*