Amy's Day in Court...

In June, I was called for jury duty during the months of July to September. In August, I received a letter to appear for jury selection for a one day trial, which was cancelled due to the parties settling out of court. Well, imagine my surprise when, a few days before my duty was to end, I received another letter. It began "Greetings from the Court" (like we are old friends) and included a summons to appear for a 5 day trial (oh, like a get-together party) and ended with "If you fail to appear at the appointed time, a warrant will be issued." (like what?)

So early Monday morning, I found myself in line with 75 other prospective jurors (standing outside in the cold wind) waiting to enter the court building via security guards and metal detectors. I crammed into the elevator with a group of strangers and followed them off onto the wrong floor. After our tour of the 2nd floor (the juvenile courts) we crammed back into the elevator and continued onto the 3rd floor. As I entered the court room, the Court Deputy asked for my name, checked it off a list (which hopefully means I won't receive a warrant), assigned me a juror number and gave me a form to fill out.

There were blue pieces of papers on every chair with a juror number on it. In order to accommodate the unusual large number of jurors, there were extra chairs placed in front of the jury box and between the judge and lawyers. The juror numbers started in the jury box (1-14) and in front of the jury box, judge, lawyers (15-29) and in the spectators seats in the back (30-75). I was Juror #15 and sat directly in front of the jury box and right next to the defendant, who at one point handed me a box of tissues from his table (I had a horrible head cold.) This is where I sat for 5 hours, the time it took to select 9 from 75.

The first hour was spent filling out our forms, handing in our forms, watching a video presentation on jury duty, and then filling out another form because the first time half the people got the wrong form (even mistakes are made by the court.) At this point, we all stood up as the Judge entered the room and things got underway. The Judge had us stand up, one at a time, and state our juror number, name, city of residence, occupation, marital status (good place to meet lots of single people), spouse's name and spouse's occupation. It felt like being introduced in an AAA meeting (which of course I have never done).

After everyone was introduced, (including the lawyers, a list of their entire staff and a list of witnesses) the Judge gave us a little background about the case and read the charges. The defendant was essentially being charged with misuse of public funds while holding the office of Mayor in Eagle Mountain (Yes, the city with 9 Mayors in 10 years.) Click HERE to see the KSL news article about the case. Then the Judge asked questions, to which you would stand, state your juror number and answer the question. I must say that during this process you really got to know people and their opinions. Here are just a few of the questions and some answers that I could remember...

• Do you know any other jurors in this room? (Brother so and so over there is my home teacher - Mr. so and so taught my kids in school - I work with so and so's wife, etc.)


• Do you know any of the lawyers, judges, defendant, or witnesses in this case?


• Do you know or are related to any police officers? (tons of people stood)


• Have you ever had a bad experience with the court systems? (two people stood)


• Do you have difficulty with speaking and understanding English? (one Hispanic man stood)


• Have you ever worked for a law office?


• Have you ever been a witness in a trial?


• Have you ever been a juror in a trial? (nobody stood - we were all first timers)


• Do you believe that police officers never make mistakes? (nobody stood but everyone laughed)


• Have you ever worked with the city of Eagle Mountain? (lots of school district employees and contractors stood)


• Do you live or have ever lived in Eagle Mountain? (about 15 people)


• Have you heard about this case, whether on tv or in the newspapers? (lots of people stood)


• Would knowing about the case before hand make it hard for you to be unbiased?


• Have you ever campaigned for office for you or anyone else?


• Are you related to or know anyone who holds a political office? (lots of people again)


• Is there any legal reason you should not be on this jury? (one lady had a felony)

It was very fascinating to watch this process. It was sort of like a "Who Knows Who" type of competition. These types of questions went on for about two hours. I never stood up once (I guess I know all the RIGHT people or didn't understand the questions.)

After the group questions ended we stood up as the Judge, lawyers and defendant retired to the Judge's Chambers and started interviewing individual jurors (not every one, just those the lawyers wanted to question further.) It took 1 hour for them to call my number (#15). I was extremely nervous upon entering the Judge's Chambers and as I sat down in the chair facing the Judge, the defendant and the lawyers, I leaned back a little too far and almost tipped it over. After wobbling side to side and finally gaining control of my chair, the Judge asked if I was alright while the lawyers snickered (I swear they used that chair on purpose).

The last question on the application I had filled out earlier asked if there was any hardship that would interfere with being a juror on this trial. Although I had answered NO, I had added that I was the mother of four children but could work it out if needed. The lawyers were concerned that while being a juror on this trial, I could totally focus on it and not the absence of my children? I thought about it for a moment and then said, "Actually, it would be sort of like a vacation?" This made everyone laugh. (It was pretty funny in such a tense situation.) When I returned to my seat in the courtroom, I thought about my answer and realized that they probably misunderstood and took it to mean I would treat the trial like a vacation. So much for making a good first impression.

After another hour they reached juror #29. It was now 1 pm and everyone was hungry and hoping we would be served lunch soon. Suddenly, we were all called back into the court room and the Judge began by announcing that the lawyers were ready to select the final 9 jury members. (There were lots of murmurs of surprise throughout the room.) He also explained that typically they will call 30 jurors for the selection pool but due of the high profile of this case, they called 40 extra jurors, ensuring an optimal selection choice. For the next 20 minutes we watched as the lawyers passed a piece of paper (containing the names of jurors 1-29) back and forth, crossing off names until they agreed on 9 jurors. I was sitting close enough to the defense lawyers to see the list and counted down to my number. I was relieved to see it crossed off (big sigh). The list was then given to the Judge. He thanked us for our time and then read the numbers & names of the final jury selection. From what I can remember they were 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 14, 18, 22 & 27. In a strange way, it felt like winning the lottery or in my case losing.

Those 9 lucky people were to began their jury duties immediately following lunch, which was served to them in an adjacent room. There was a general consensus of relief (because the trial was scheduled for 5 days) and rejection (because, although I didn't want to be on the jury for various reasons, I would have like to have said "NO" for myself) as the rest of us quickly filed out of the court room, past the media cameras and down the stairs (there was only one small elevator and 60 people).

And so, with personal interest in this trial, I have been watching the news every day. On the fourth day of the trial, after deliberating for 3 hours, the jury returned with a verdict of NOT GUILTY. You can read about the trial HERE. This experience (jury selection and the justice system) has made me think deeply about the responsibilities and duties we all have in maintaining the freedom and accountability of individuals and our country as a whole. May we all live and serve to the best of our abilities in preserving the rights that have been fought and won by so many citizens of our great country!!

Sunday Picnic at the Park...

On Sunday we had our monthly Atkinson Family Dinner. Our hosts for the month were Brett & Sheri. They planned a fun picnic dinner at a park near their home.



We had yummy Frito Taco Salads and a delicious chocolate birthday cake, decorated with Littlest Pet Shop to celebrated Sydnee's 10th birthday.





These little cousins are all the best of friends and love being together. When it came time to go home they had quietly made arrangements for sleepovers amongst themselves (unfortunately they forgot that the next day was a school day.) The just didn't want the fun day to end.

Here are more pictures of the fun we had together. We missed being with Mark, Brad, Jeff & their families AND of course we miss our Missionaries!!! We love you all.

BALLET, an Extreme Sport...

Emilee started BALLET this week. She has been busy practicing her "dancing" moves (which look more like karate kicks and chops or an epileptic seizure) and getting use to wearing her leotard and dance shoes (which she has been wearing for days.) When we got to the Rec Center, we rode up the "alligator" (elevator) and met "Ms. Zebra" (Veba), the dance teacher, who is the bravest woman I know. She shuts herself into a dance room with 20 noisy, rowdy four year old girls and patiently teaches them grace and poise. The parents, with faces pressed up against glass windows surrounding the room, watch her work magic.

On her very FIRST day (we always knew she was a fast learner), Emilee proved that Ballet can be an extreme sport. The first part of the lesson was spent on learning the ballet positions. Emilee followed Ms. Zebra's movements and bent herself into positions that made her look like a contortionist. Next they learned how to make graceful movements, like sashaying, galloping and skipping. Ms. Zebra would lead the way, showing the girls what to do and then they would dance across the floor following her example. Emilee understood this to be a game of "following the leader." She concentrated hard on following the teacher with the correct dance moves but when she realized that other girls where getting ahead of her, she put on the speed and made it to the other side in record time. Once, while skipping across the room, another dancer made it to the other side first. After having a few words with her and receiving a push, Emilee hit her (using her previously practiced dance (karate) moves.)

After a group discussion on correct dancing etiquette (which does not include hitting or fighting) the rest of the lesson ran smoothly. At the end, Ms. Zebra had the girls stand in a circle, curtsy and say, "Thank you, Ms. Veba." It was very sweet.

The Ballet Buddies

The LIST is out AGAIN...

and although Ryan's NAME is not on it this time,

and there are SOME feelings of disappointment,

we are looking back and remembering..

...the incredible journey this experience has been for him and for those of us who have cheered him on. The success and acknowledgement he has received has had such a great impact on him in so many ways, and all of them positive. As the years go by and new experiences and challenges are faced, this will become one of many fond memories, a favorite story for Ryan to tell his kids and grandkids, one they will love and know by heart.

Here are the awards he received after being named a semi-finalist.

We LOVE you Ryan!! You have a cute sense of humor, great compassion, a charming smile and an infectious laugh. You are an outstanding student, a good example to younger siblings and a loyal friend to all. We are so proud of the great young man you are quickly becoming. You AMAZE us!!

The Sheep are Sheared...

A few members of our FLOCK have grown rather "woolly" over the summer, not necessarily on purpose but due to a rather insanely busy schedule. So today, "Baaa"rock and "Raaaa"yan had an appointment with a shearer at the shearing shed. With the help of my experienced sheep dog Rosco, we were able to corral them into the Tahoe for transportation. Once we got moving, they became resigned to the fact and (I like to think) even looked forward to the whole process. During the ride, there was some concern about the fit of a football helmet after the shearing, to which I replied, "We can wrap your head in toilet paper, like a mummy, to replace the woolly mop you are losing." They just have no appreciation for true humor.

THE AFTER PHOTO

So after the incredible transformation from woolly sheep to handsome human, Brock wanted to know what I was going to call him, since I could no longer call him "Baaa"rock. I looked him straight in the eyes (which I could now see) and simply said, "Hello, Elder!"

Emilee & The Tower Of Terror...

All fellow "Disneylanders" are familiar with The Tower of Terror in California Adventures. When we visited this magical park last April, Emilee was only 3 years old and ALMOST tall enough to ride all the BIG rides. We found that if she stretched her neck really long, it closed the microscopic gap between the top of her head and the required minimum height measurement.

Emilee absolutely loved ALL the fast and bumpy rides, but one of her favorites was the Tower of Terror. She would laugh and scream as we shot up and down very fast in the "alligator" (elevator). After the ride ended she would say, "That was so fun!" but when we asked her if she wanted to go on it again she would say a loud and definite, "NO!" Yet the next time we asked WHO wanted to ride the Tower of Terror, she was always first in line. I am totally terrified of this ride, but thanks to efforts of a little, brave Emilee, we rode it five times.

So the other day, we were driving around when Emilee suddenly yelled, "The Tower of Terror! Look Mom, The Tower of Terror!" I pulled over to see where she was pointing. I was SO amazed and shocked that I had to take a picture. She may need a session with the therapist.

Emilee's Tower of Terror

A New Outlook on Life...

Two weeks ago Kelsie had her annual eye exam. We have known for several years that she inherited her parents "bad eyesight genes" and have been ever watchful for signs of their arrival. Since Kelsie has been waiting and wanting glasses for years, finally failing the eye test made her day. Some of her favorite friends have glasses (hopefully the peer pressure impact will be under control before body piercing age.)

After her appointment we headed to Costco to pick out her new glasses and celebrate with lunch. On the way there Kelsie asked from the backseat, "Mom, are my PIMPLES getting smaller?" It took me a second to realize that she was talking about her PUPILS, and yes, they were getting smaller. Kelsie picked out two cute pairs of glasses, pink and purple, so she could accessorize them with her outfits. We were told it would take an entire week for the glasses to be ready. During that time Kelsie didn't miss a day calling home from school during lunch to remind Mom to call Costco and see if her glasses were IN! Kelsie (and her teacher) where SO excited when they were finally delivered. She looks so darling and very smart.

After wearing her glasses for several hours I heard her say quietly to herself, "Oh (sigh), I can see really gooder!" Now that her vision is corrected, we can focus on her English.

Amy's Confession...

They say confession is GOOD for the soul, of course THEY didn't say whose SOUL it's good for. So, for the benefit and good of BOTH our souls, I am making a FULL confession. "I, (deep breath) have been seeing a therapist." I know, I know. You are probably wondering why a GIRL like me (who is so amazingly ORGANIZED, incredibly well put together and TOTALLY on top of things) NEEDS a therapist. My answer... "well, DUH! The therapy must be working."

If I am going to be completely HONEST in my confession, I will tell you that I HAVE been using a therapist for several YEARS. But it wasn't until this PAST April that I saw my therapist in a whole NEW light. Although he is a little ROUGH around the edges and not much to LOOK at, I absolutely ADORE him. (Now, before you get too WORRIED, I should tell you that my hubby KNOWS about the therapist, however, I doubt he REALIZES I have started really SEEING him.)

Our WEEKLY therapy sessions are usually scheduled for Tuesdays (hubby at YM), but because of the UNEXPECTED change in the weather, it was postponed... UNTIL I scheduled an emergency session THURSDAY night. The session BEGAN kind of slow, they always do. I have a NICE, cushioned "couch" from which I perch (too uncomfortable to recline) and during OUR hour and a half session released ALL thoughts, problems and burdens FROM the previous week. My therapist listens with GREAT patience and never interrupts, except to HUM in thought and encouragement. After about 15 minutes of INTENSE therapy, we have to stop so I can EMPTY my "baggage" into the GARBAGE can (therapy activity.) I can literally feel the WEIGHT being lifted off my shoulders every time I DO this. It's like THROWING my stress away!!

That night, the session STARTED with this question, "Is it indicative (therapy word) of a BAD day when you BATHE your daughter with a wet wipe, BEFORE sending her to preschool?" After asking that it was all DOWN hill from there. He listened patiently as I began my epilogue of the day's EVENTS -- from the three hours worth of ERRANDS, to the three hours of school carnival STUFF, to the three hours of chauffeuring KIDS -- from the lack of housework, vanishing emotionally stability and absence of dinner (what did my kids eat anyway?)

I won't go into DETAIL (I'm not sure you could handle it and I can't be responsible for putting you into therapy) but the CLIMAX of my bad day happened while I was HAND writing reminders to over 100 school carnival volunteers. Although it took MORE time, I thought it a good idea to attach a treat to EACH reminder, so that the school children would be sure to SHOW the reminder to their parents with hopes that they get the TREAT (a little trick I learned from therapy.) The treat was a piece of GUM, you know the kind that is only good for a MINUTE. Without thinking (I do that alot, hence the therapy) I popped ONE into my mouth and proceeded to chew. After an HOUR I suddenly felt something hard in my gum and KNEW instantly that something was dreadfully wrong. Upon investigation I DISCOVERED that the "something hard" was part of my TOOTH. My bottom left molar, to be exact, was now sporting a nice hole. I was absolutely HORRIFIED and immediately called my dentist and scheduled an appointment for the NEXT morning. Needless to say, I had a SLEEPLESS night filled with nightmares of immense PAIN, root canals and tooth extractions.

First thing the next MORNING, I asked this question, "Is it indicative of a BAD day if you have an EMERGENCY dental appointment FIRST thing in the morning?" Although the answer to this was a definite YES, (I spent the rest of the morning in a freeway traffic jam, talked all day with a funny lisp and by late afternoon had bitten a chunk out of my numb lip - shortened version) I am a HALF glass FULL type of girl. So looking on the BRIGHT side of things... my talented dentist not only CALMED my fears and ensured the LACK of pain, he repaired my tooth to its PERFECT previous state. I think I have found ANOTHER therapist.

So on Thursday NIGHT, after talking about the past few DAYS with my therapist and "dumping" all my stress AND worries... I felt revived, COMPLETE and truly wonderful. Another successful THERAPY session. Before the session ended, I took a picture of my AMAZING therapist when he wasn't looking. Click HERE to see him. Isn't he such a HUNK! I know you are dying to SCHEDULE a therapy session. I don't mind sharing HIM with close family and friends, when he has an OPEN session available. Of course he only makes LOCAL house calls (very convenient) and his PRICE is very reasonable (about the same as the going rate of 2 gallons of premium gasoline.) I highly RECOMMEND his type of therapy. We are currently SEARCHING for modification options that will allow him to help PLOW through trials and stress ALL winter long. We'll keep you POSTED.

As part of my RECOVERY from the stress of this past week, I have scheduled the following for NEXT week... a pedicure, luncheon dates with FRIENDS (still have more dates available), a visit to the day SPA (for a much needed eyebrow wax), a hair cut and a shopping SPREE (of course it's only for the weekly groceries but this time I am going WITHOUT a list). Of course, I will be spending hours blogging WITH all of you, the BEST therapy possible. It's going to be a FUN week!

The LIST is out...

and RYAN's NAME is on it!!!

The LIST in question is none other than the SSP (Society for Science & the Public) Middle School Program Semifinalist List. We have been waiting ALL summer for this list, ever since the FIRST week of June when Ryan registered for the National Science Fair. In SIMPLE English this means that... Ryan has been CHOSEN as ONE of the TOP 300 Semifinalists in the National Science Fair Competition. There were 7,500 State Finalist nominated through out the NATION, with only 1,943 who actually registered. Today, the top 300 Semifinalists were announced. CLICK to see Ryan's name for yourself.

It all started last December, when Ryan had an ASSIGNMENT in Science, otherwise known as the "Dreaded Science Fair Project." He kept the teachers GUESSING if he even had a project because, although he completed the step by step project at HOME, he would continually forget to turn it in at SCHOOL. Nevertheless, on the due date HE showed up with an AWESOME project on Smoke Detection, that must have really IMPRESSED the teachers because they awarded him 4th place out of the entire 7th grade. Little did we KNOW that this was only the beginning of our surprise and AMAZEMENT as Ryan began traveling this unknown road "To the Science Fair", which has actually turned out to be a FUN, fast roller coaster ride.

On December 15, 2007, Ryan competed on the School District Level and was NAMED one of the top 20 finalist (out of about 120 projects.) In February 2008, Ryan competed on the Central UTAH State Level at BYU with 7th/8th grade students (junior level) from 5 school districts. The projects were JUDGED in 12 different categories. Ryan's project WAS in the Chemistry & Biochemistry category, which was the LARGEST having over 40 projects in two rooms. The competition took MOST of the DAY, which was fine with RYAN because his project was placed in a CORNER, surrounded by cute, giggly GIRLS. Later that night, we were so HAPPY and surprised when Ryan received 2nd place in his category. In our EXCITEMENT, we left the awards ceremony early to celebrate with ICE CREAM (to our credit the awards ceremony had already run for OVER an hour and the senior division hadn't even started.) We had no IDEA that there were MORE junior awards to come, "The Grand Awards", and that Ryan would WIN them all.

Here is a list of the AWARDS Ryan has collected...

1. 7TH GRADE SCHOOL: 4th place all around (certificate)
2. DISTRICT LEVEL: Top 20 finalist (medal & certificate)
3. STATE LEVEL:

• 2nd Place in Chemistry/Biochemistry (trophy & certificate)
• Top 20 finalist overall - Nominated for Nationals (certificate)
• Grand Champion - Top 6 Finalist ($80 & trophy & $50 for his teacher)
• 1 yr Scholarship to College of Eastern Utah (CEU)

NATIONAL LEVEL: Top 300 Semifinalist

The competion is FAR from over. Ryan is currently COMPETING with the top 300 students (5th-8th grade) from all over the United States. On September 17th, another LIST will announce the top 30 finalists, who will RECEIVE an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a four day EVENT to be held in October 2008. These finalists will compete for OVER $40,000 in scholarships.

We are so PROUD of Ryan and the hard WORK and dedication it has taken to achieve this SUCCESS. As parents, it has been rewarding to see him GROW and learn and to watch his confidence SOAR. This experience has taught him that it's OK to want more than an "A" on an assignment.

So, in the END, Ryan agrees that (besides the cash) the BEST award by far is the 1 year SCHOLARSHIP to CEU. Three local universities came to the STATE competition and awarded scholarships. Both BYU and UVU awarded 1 scholarship each, but ONLY to a High School Senior. CEU awarded 6 scholarships, 1 for EACH grade level 7th-12th. Ryan was CHOSEN to receive the only scholarship FOR the 7th graders. This is absolutely AMAZING since there were over 150 7th graders. Winning THIS scholarship has GIVEN Ryan a goal, a PLAN, a direction. Now, WHEN he graduates from high school, he has a COLLEGE who will PAY for him to attend THEIR school. WOW, I mean really... How many 7th graders do you know that already have a College Scholarship?

Well... NOW you know ONE!!

"You're Hurting My Babies..."

During the past few months, Emilee's hair has started growing CURLY. The short hairs underneath are CUTE little ringlets while the hair on top is still FAIRLY straight with curly ends. It is a CHALLENGE, doing her hair every day, trying to get the bottom to COOPERATE with the top. Here is what happens... In the morning she ROLLS out of bed with her HAIR standing on end and in every which way, like a WILD bushman who hasn't seen a COMB in his life. Then she begins to CRAZY dance, wild bushman style, because her hair "ISN"T WORKING." So we dance into the bathroom and, ARMED only with a comb and spray bottle, the BATTLE begins. Before long she becomes impatient with the slow, CAREFUL progress and starts to complain. I have to REMIND her that it took ALL night to create this work of ART. The worst part, which we always SAVE for last, is trying to UNTANGLE the tiny ringlets lying next to her neck. She lets me KNOW when I'm not being GENTLE enough because she starts to CRY, "You're hurting my BABIES." She TELLS me she has "Kelly hair", HER way of saying "curly," which is TRUE since she inherited her curly hair from her Dad. Her older brother, "Ryran", has also RECENTLY been affected by curly hair (due to the onset of puberty) which could also be the PROBABLE cause of Emilee's CURLY hair too, since they are two PEAS in a pod.

After all, FOUR is the new TEEN age.