photos by Michelle Halemeier
Sometimes we just want to get away from it all, don't we? Wouldn't you just love to jump into this photo?
It was taken in Tanzania by a friend of my kids. She's working as a missionary in Malawi Africa, and went to Zanzibar to visit, and sent back several photos. Isn't it beautiful?
Anyway, back to getting away from it all. Some of you might remember that back in February I posted about the IRS auditing us, asking us to prove that our kids were indeed our kids. We'd finally received the "all clear" that they did agree with us, they were our kids......for the year 2007.
Well, the joke was on me. A couple of weeks ago, they sent us another notice, and this time it's for the year 2008. Yes, they are examining us again, for our "exemptions". That's IRS talk for children. I explained that we'd just received an all clear from them, dated January 22, of this year. They told me that it was for 2007, and this one is for 2008.
Seriously.
After which, I burst into tears (yes, I really did), and told them I would call them back when I could compose myself. I'm such a girl when I'm frustrated :-) The people that I've dealt with at the IRS have been very nice, and I mean that. However, I found out that they don't have access to my records...the ones I sent them last Fall. They don't have access to their records either. That file is closed, so I'm now in the process of sending them copies of the letters they sent me on my last audit. That would be the letters that say we owe nothing, that they agree with us, they are our kids, etc., etc. Yes, THEIR letters to me.
I'm so glad I kept everything.
As I said, the people are very nice, but I'm a little concerned about the IRS being responsible for this National Insurance thing congress has passed. I mean, if they can't access their own info from 4 months ago...well, I'm not holding my breath that they'll do any better with medical insurance.
That's just my 2 cents though, and if by chance someone who works for the IRS is reading this, please don't hold it against me. I really don't want another audit.
I did say you were nice :-)
Anyway, some days it would really be nice to get away. On those days when things don't go quite our way, it's nice to know Who's really in control. I have to remember to keep my focus on God and not on my silly circumstances. And who knows, maybe He just wants me to show kindness to some IRS worker along the way. I hope I can do that. It's alot better than bursting into tears :-) I have much to be thankful for...and I truly am a Blessedmom!
They really are my kids :-)
Blessings,
Marcia