Wednesday, April 14, 2010

counting blessings

We just got some shocking news concerning taxes this year. I can't get my head around how it ended up that we are writing a check that will wipe out every penny of our savings. I'm scared and sick and worried.

I'm going to take some time out from all this worrying to count my blessings. My sweet Alfredo, our little miracle, is at the very top. I thank God for planting him in our life.

I think I'll go play a round of Hi-Ho Cherry-o with him and try to imagine life really is as easy as that. If your bucket is emptied out, it's really not that bad.

35 comments:

melissadc76 said...

Amy,
I'm sorry you're going through that. It sounds like you have the right attitude and will make it through just fine. Sometimes you can't change the situation, just how you think about it.
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Amy,
Awww, I know how you feel. We also had to write a check to the IRS that wiped out our savings. I am trying to remain grateful that at least we had the savings to begin with, otherwise we would be making monthly payments.
Give Alfredo an extra bunch of hugs and kisses because that is better than money in the bank.
Love, Another Amy

Piper said...

Oh YUCK! The good thing about counting blessings, is that you them more easily.. watch how fast they add up!

Jamie said...

...and if life's real bucket is emptied out, it's a vessel for the Lord to fill. Hang in there.

Diane Jaquay said...

I am so very very sorry this has happened to you. I would feel the same way, sick with worry. But it's so smart of you to focus on what's really important in this life, our sweet families!! They are priceless!
Cyber hugs coming your way.

Evelyn said...

Money worries are stressful - sending you a hug. Been at the bottom of an empty bucket more times than I care to remember - somehow a ladder always shows up. Will keep you in my prayers.

Lisa said...

That happened to me a couple years ago just after my divorce and it was scary. I'm sorry for you.
But you are right - enjoy that little Alfredo! He is so cute!

Linda Jo said...

I'm so sorry you have this to go through, too. And I know what a blessing Alfredo is....you have the right perspective. God will continue to bless you and your bucket will overflow soon.

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

I can totally relate . . that happened to us about six years ago. It's a shock . . but, ALFREDO is the big blessing and a blessing with a purpose . . you make a wonderful Mom to him and the rewards will be endless when he grows up with such wonderful memories. Hugs to you today.

Waterfall said...

Oh no! I want to tell you to make sure your tax preparer didn't make a math mistake, but I'm sure you've already done that. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. :( Sending a big Beulah hug your way to make you smile ...

Amy M. said...

That happened to us too. Not we not only have NO savings but we have nothing left over every month after we pay our bills in order to replenish those savings. But you are right. I have a beautiful child and that fills up my bucket.

-Amy
Crafting by Candlelight

Kateyed said...

Amy.
I am sooo sorry. And I am so happy that you have the blessing of dear Alfredo!

I also devoured "The Help." I was beginning to think I had forgotten how to read...a great book.

I will be thinking of you...

Love,
Suz

Cori Lynn Berg said...

Oh that does sound like a big lump in the gut moment! Just know.. you're not the only one.. and providence is possible. Keep faith...

Lorelei said...

Soooo sorry to hear that you're going through such a trial. But it's the times and events such as this that make us stronger, make us better planners, make us soul sisters....

Brenda said...

Lifting you up in prayer.

Signs and Salvage said...

God Bless you guys!!

Take Care,

Kristin

bigdaddy said...

Thank God you had the money, think of us who don't have enough to pay any taxes lol

Beck said...

Ugh I'm sorry. I wish we could say it was going to something good...but I doubt that it does.

natalea said...

aw AMy! sorry to hear it- but if it makes it any better- I never had a bucket in the first place to empty and had to pay taxes this year! I soooo tried to just let that whole thing pass right over my mind, and move on! It's all you can do! count the blessings!
xox natalea

Whosyergurl said...

Financial shocks are some of the worst. You'll pull through!
Hoosier hugs, (one from Alfredo for you!)
Cheryl

Katie {My Paisley Apron} said...

Oh no, how stressful!!

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

Arent you glad that the Lord has bigger plans for you than the IRS? Bless your heart and your finances. Much love, Cherie

Shell said...

You keep on counting your blessings. I know you'll be able recover and your savings will be double than what it originally was.

Traineeship said...

Have faith. Everything will turn out fine in god's blessings.

Jeanne said...

Amy ~
Tax day is such a bummer. I wish there was a way we could know during the year that we are going to have to write a big check on April 15th. It is always such a shock!! Have fun with your little Alfredo. He's such a cutie - what a great way to get your mind off of the tax man!
xo
jeanne

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh (((BIG HUGS))) us and everyone we know are having financial stress it is awful to be so unsure and feel like the sky is falling - Your not alone and there are a whole lot of us in this boat !

marie said...

Hi Amy,
I read your blog every time you update and enjoy my visits ~ it's such a bright cheerful place ~ even when you talking about the IRS! : )

I just wanted to mention that my daughter and son-in-law did their taxes and thought they owed a huge chunk of money on the Federal return but they forgot to do something called Schedule M. It's something new this year and it changed their refund dramatically.
Maybe this is old news ~ but I really felt led to mention it to you. If it's new to you I sure hope it helps you.

P.S. I was sorry to read about your shopping cart experience ~ too many people act without thinking a bit first. I hope today is a joy-filled day for you and your family.

April@MySacredSojourn said...

Amy, just this morning I read a post on another blog that I think might be encouraging to you. I hope you'll check it out. She's one of my favorites and her wisdom is refreshing.

http://flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/security.html

God Bless!
~April

Aidel Knaidel said...

Oh, Another Amy had a good point up there. We also had to make a super big payment to Uncle Sam. I feel discouraged because it seems like we pay such high taxes already without this additional amount! Somehow I feel a little better knowing I am not the only one, though. :)

Chris Worthy said...

Like others who have posted, we have been there and since then I have literally made myself sick at tax time -- though no other year has been as bad as "the" year, thankfully. This year, I was determined not to do that. We came out $12 ahead.

Brooke said...

The IRS makes payment plans...my husband before we got married some years ago had to do that. I'd make payments and keep the money in the bank for emergencies..no savings is not good.

Momma B said...

Amy, the good news is you had the money to pay and that's all it is is money! I have three children whom I stayed home with full time and we had just enough to get by. But as I often told my children its not things that matter. Its about love, making memories, having traditions and just plain ole being there for each other. From what I read on your blog that is how you live your life with your son and husband so kudos to you! Forget the taxes, move on and know that God has a watchful eye and will always be there. As for the cart incident, it speaks volumes about who the MAN was, not you!
xo
MommaB.

Anastasia said...

oh no Amy - i feel for you guys...what a difficult situation to be in!
My parents are going through the same thing losing quite a lot of money from investments during the recent economic crisis...ive never seen them so lost and sad, its heartbreaking - all those hard years of saving and working hard...life goes on though - they'll make new dreams and move forward!!

Unknown said...

Oh Amy I'm so sorry that you are going through this! I am glad you have the right attitude about it though! Let me know if there is any way I can help! You have always been so generous towards me!

Sandy xoxox

Maija said...

Me, too! I wanted to be sick.