Jury Duty

So, Tuesday I went to jury duty for the first time in my life. I've always had babies at home and so could claim the exemption. Out of 250 people, only 80 were going to be called so I figured I'd be heading home soon. Well, I did head home soon with an assignment to report back on Thursday at 9:00 at Judge Bridges court. Out of 20, only 6 would be kept for a misdemeanor trial. We were seated randomly and I was number 3 juror. So my chances of getting chosen were higher. We were told it was a DWI case. My thoughts went immediately to my brother, Michael. For those of you who don't know, he was his by a drunk driver 7 years ago and suffered a trumatic brain injury. He will be handicapped all of his life. So, eventually I had to share that with the Assistant District Attorney and then was questioned directly by the Defendant's attorney. It was very uncomfortable being asked if I could be impartial and how I felt about serving on this jury, given my experience. After both attorneys questioned all of us potential jurors, I was called back in alone to be questioned some more by the judge and the lawyers. It was SO intimidating!!! How do you say you can be impartial when you have had ANY type of experience with DWIs??? Of course, feelings are going to come up if the case is similar. So, long story shorter, the defense attorney struck me out. Each side gets to strike 3 jurors and I am CERTAIN I was at the top of his list! I think the state would have loved to have me on the jury. It was an interesting and educational experience, if an uncomfortable one. I learned a lot about our justice system and I am so grateful for it. I hope that the defendant gets a fair trial and that justice will be served. Most of all, I hope he makes the changes in his life so that his life or someone else's may be saved. It was a day to really think about the way I feel about things I haven't contemplated in a while. It is heartbreaking that my brother has had to go through the things that he has gone through. I am grateful for the strength my parents have had and continue to have as they still try to care for his needs. I do not and I believe have not ever had negative feelings toward those responsible. The choices they made were wrong and horrible consequences resulted, but I believe the Lord will make all things right in the end and we do not need to worry.

So, all in all, a very interesting day in jury duty. You never know what you're gonna get...

Oops!

Okay, so I guess my baby widget had you all trying to figure your out your own due date!
Sorry about that. I've changed and hopefully this one works. Wow!!! Thanks for letting me know, Manda! :)

Funny Stuff

So, I put up this widget with my countdown (see right side of blog)...seen others do the same and always thought that was fun. But now I'm a little depressed. I hadn't counted myself--197 days to go!!!! They might as well say you will deliver in FOREVER! I'm sure it will go by fast, that's just a big number! :)

A funny thing...last week Genevieve asked if I ate the whole bag of grapes, would the baby get here faster?

Also, Abby wanted to know if I knew if the baby would come day or night and exactly what day! And she prays for our baby "boy" in family prayer. She's convinced. And we don't find out boy or girl till birth day so "Sorry" for those who can't stand that! We love it!!!

SURPRISE!!!

Baby #6 is due to arrive at the Rogers early November! We were very surprised but are very excited! The kids are WAY excited and I can't believe Abby and Genevieve have kept our secret for the past 4 weeks! I didn't think they had it in them. I've been feeling good, except tired, but that is really nothing new. We're going to have to upgrade to a Suburban so if you see a good deal...

Can you believe I'm doing this all over again!!! WOW!!!