2 Little Pumpkins

Tav and I went to Carrowinds Saturday with the youth group. It was such a fun trip. We were able to get to know a lot of the kids better and build relationships. I think the bus rides there and back were more fun than the actual day at the park.

Anyway, while we did that, princess Averi stayed with Judy (Tav's mom). Judy and Jessica took the babies to a pumpkin patch in their little pumpkin outfits and got some cute pics. They said Averi actually sat still which I absolutely cannot believe, but am glad, so they could at least get a couple of pictures. They said she straddled the pumpkin forever without moving. If you know Averi at all, you know that is a very rare occurrence for her to sit still for longer than 5 seconds :) She's such an angel. These two babies are too much! I can't wait to see them grow up together and share many more memories.

Earmarks in the Bailout -- words don't discribe my frustration sometimes.

Definition of an EARMARK: to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient. Politicians put earmarks into all of their bills to make their special interest groups happy and buy political votes to pass the bills. Here are a few I found while reading through the new Bailout Bill ... thought the rum, motorsports, film production provisions, and child's wooden arrow earmarks were particularly entertaining ...

INCREASE IN LIMIT ON COVER OVER OF RUM EXCISE TAX TO PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.
EXTENSION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CREDIT FOR AMERICAN SAMOA.
EXTENSION OF ELECTION TO EXPENSE ADVANCED MINE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
DEDUCTION ALLOWABLE WITH RESPECT TO INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO DOMESTIC PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES IN PUERTO RICO.
QUALIFIED ZONE ACADEMY BONDS.
INDIAN EMPLOYMENT CREDIT.
ACCELERATED DEPRECIATION FOR BUSINESS PROPERTY ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
RAILROAD TRACK MAINTENANCE.
SEVEN-YEAR COST RECOVERY PERIOD FOR MOTORSPORTS RACING TRACK FACILITY.
EXPENSING OF ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS.
EXTENSION OF WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT FOR HURRICANE KATRINA EMPLOYEES.
EXTENSION OF INCREASED REHABILITATION CREDIT FOR STRUCTURES IN THE GULF OPPORTUNITY ZONE.
ENHANCED DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED COMPUTER CONTRIBUTIONS.
TAX INCENTIVES FOR INVESTMENT IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
ENHANCED CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF FOOD INVENTORY.
EXTENSION OF ENHANCED CHARITABLE DEDUCTION FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF BOOK INVENTORY.
EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF DUTY SUSPENSION ON WOOL PRODUCTS; WOOL RESEARCH FUND; WOOL DUTY REFUNDS.
PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS.
PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION RELATING TO TERRORIST ACTIVITIES.
PROVISIONS RELATED TO FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS.
EXEMPTION FROM EXCISE TAX FOR CERTAIN WOODEN ARROWS DESIGNED FOR USE BY CHILDREN.
INCOME AVERAGING FOR AMOUNTS RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXXON VALDEZ LITIGATION.
CERTAIN FARMING BUSINESS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TREATED AS 5-YEAR PROPERTY.