Duty Calls

I'm going to go ahead and admit this: I've always wanted to serve on a jury. I've been summoned dozens of times since I've lived in Amarillo, but I either had a work trip or I called the automated message the night before to find I no longer had to report for duty. While others felt relief, I felt disappointment! Not because I wanted to get out of work or skip the gym that day - but because I've always been curious about the process and whether or not the movies depict it correctly.

Low and behold, I was summoned again for Monday, March 16. And it didn't get canceled! And, after a long, long wait in the jury room, I was picked to be one of the 12 members on the jury of a civil case. And I didn't even try to do anything tricky to get picked. It just happened. Actually, I know why I was picked. I'm the most indecisive person on the face of the Earth. I'm probably the best person in the world to serve on a jury. If it was a full-time job, I'd be the executive vice president of jury duty participation. But, I don't know how the lawyers knew that, other than the fact that I never raised my hand to declare a strong predisposition to one thing or another that they asked about during the selection process.

The trial lasted two days. My fellow jurors were awesome. We probably had more fun locked away in that tiny jury room than most panels. The lead attorneys on both sides were brand-spankin new, so it was fun to watch newbies in action. There were some major A-ha! moments, just like the movies; the judge scolded the lawyers from time to time; the court reporter sat brazen-faced; the defendants gave us droopy dog looks hoping we'd feel sorry for them; the guards escorted us to the parking lot; the plaintiff threw a temper on the stand; one guy was illiterate and the opposition kept trying to make him read a piece of evidence. It was exciting, it was a great experience, and I feel great pride for having performed my civic duty and allowed justice to prevail. The jury voted unanimously, which was a really cool feeling.

I can only hope I'll get picked again some day. Too bad I can't even give it another shot for six months. Rules are rules.

Julie's Closed

Kids are so savvy.

I think all parents have used the old "Sorry, honey, it's closed" trick when we're too tired or just don't have time to take the kids to the park, the zoo, the toy store, etc., etc.

In fact, I used it just the other morning when the kids wanted to go to church instead of school. "Sorry, kids, church is closed!"

Their comeback left me speechless.

"No, we're going to church. Julie's closed."

Julie is their teacher. How clever.

Where Did You Come From, Young Adult?

The last several weeks have been a trip. Nate and I have slowly been introduced to the realities of complete-sentence speaking because of Ella, the twins' adorable older cousin. Just the other day, Ella rode with me in the car, and I swear I was talking to a 20-year-old friend. So grown up and FUNNY!

Even though Ella has conditioned us quite well, we're still shocked when our twins communicate in full, correct sentences. We're talking nouns, verbs, compound adjectives - the whole works!

My favorite memory from the weekend was sitting at the table eating a late breakfast while the kids were playing in the living room. I heard footsteps behind me and heard Owen say, "What are you doing, Mommy? Eating cereal?" So clear, so grown up. Melted my heart. No more Reynolds babies!

And Nate and I can't remember the last time we changed a poopy diaper for Owen. Halelujah! Evan still has the occasional accident. But that's a small price to pay. At least he tells us about it. In complete sentences!

Free Stuff? Yes, please!

Found a new great site, Free Birthday Treats. Too bad my family just had all their birthdays. Definitely something to look forward to!