Jury Duty

I just spent the last couple of days at the Washington County courthouse on jury duty. I was actually selected as a juror which statistcally didn't seem that likely. It was a very interesting procedure. Often long and cumbersome but also very enlightening. The case delt with a 16 year old boy charged with 2 felony counts. It was daunting to realize the part I played and actually quite heartbreaking to realize that because of his rash decisions his life would be altered forever. A quick synopsis. He was playing a pick up game of basketball- it got out of hand as those things often do- a fight ensued. He was punched in the eye and left the court and walked 200-300 yards to a drinking fountain. On his way back he picked up a metal pipe used to stake a tree at the park. He proceed to go back over to where the other boys were and swung it and hit one of the boys on his forearm. The victim had is arm up above his head because he thought the defendant was trying to hit him in the head and he was trying to block it. Luckily it did not break his arm but left a welt and was pretty painful for several weeks. It was obvious that he committed the crime and it was not a case of self defense. The sad part though is that because of a new law in Oregon this young man is tried as an adult and will face a minimum of three years in prison. Although I agree he committed the crime, the punishment seemed harsh. It's a testament that making good choices is so important and the things you do today have the ability to alter your tomorrows.

Soccer

We have had a GREAT soccer season. We only had one rainy day of soccer and let me tell you that is AMAZING for the northwest. Jocy and Nate both played this year. And I use the term, play loosely for Jocy. This is Nate's second year playing and he is, in my modest opinion, quite good. He usually scored a couple goals each game and is getting much better at being aware of his teammates and where they are on the field. Jocy on the other hand is a different story. I don't want to judge too early but I kinda think soccer's not her thing. She is totally capable and athletically coordinated- she was just bored. Her best friend was on her team and at first the coach would put them out on the field together. She learned quickly that that was not a good idea because Jocy and Madi could usually be found running down the field playing soccer WHILE HOLDING HANDS. Not an effective strategy. But they didn't care. At least they had fun right??

The first of many

Nate finally lost his first tooth. I say finally because he is already 6 1/2 and most of his friends (and even some younger) have already lost their first. What can I say? He got that from his mom. I was a teenager before I had lost all my baby teeth. Eventually the dentist just had to pull them because he feared I'd be 20 before they decided to come out on their own. Anyways, Nate was thrilled!!!! The tooth had been wiggly for quite a few days until Reed insisted on yanking it out. Nate was a bit squeamish about the ordeal but did yell too loudly. :)

What a difference a year makes

Jocy started preschool this week. She is going to the same place she went last year and was so excited to see her teachers again. When I took her the first day, she walked in the door and never even looked back. I had to stop and get her attention just to say goodbye. It was a little ironic since last year for approximately the entire month of September I would leave preschool with Jocelyn crying and pleading in the background to please not leave her. This year is the complete polar opposite. I'm not complaining, though. :) I'm delighted she loves it this year.

Our little ladybug turns one!

I can't believe a year has gone by. Part of me feels like it was another lifetime- I can't imagine our family and I can't imagine my life without Elayna in it. The other part of me can't quite get my head around the fact that my BABY is a year?! Where did the time go by?!
Our life is filled with so much joy because of Laynie. She is our little miracle baby. We don't know why we were so blessed to have her join our family but we are so very thankful she did.

Back To School

Nate was SO EXCITED for school to start. I'm not sure I can stress how excited he was. I am loving this stage. The excitment and thrill of learning and being at school. Believe me, he wasn't the only one excited. I have to be honest, the last couple of weeks at home have been crazy. Nate is bored and done with summer activities, Jocy and him were constantly teasing each other, and I was ready to be able to run to the store without it being a huge production.

Even so, I had to control the emotions when I said goodbye to him at his desk and whispered,"Remember who you are." The part about letting him go, letting him experience things without me there to buffer, letting him be exposed to situations and things that scare the daylights out of me! He's such a good boy though- I shouldn't worry. We love you Nate- you make us so proud.

Small Window of Opportunity

I love dressing Elayna and Jocelyn in the exact same outfit. I know it's cheesy and it's a huge blessing that I don't have twins because I so would have traumatized them by insisting they dress alike. (not all the time but come on, it's SOOOO cute). Unfortunately because of the age difference between Laynie and Jocy there is a very small window of opportunity for dressing the same. Most clothing lines have items the same from 6months until 5T. So for the last few months we have been enjoying this. Jocelyn is quickly leaving the 5T sizes so I fear my fun is coming to a quick end. So I couldn't resist getting these pjs for them. Hopefully it's not the last time I ever see them in a "twin" outfit.

For the record, Jocelyn LOVE LOVE LOVES dressing the same as Laynie and Laynie's too young to care what she is wearing. So I probably haven't traumatized them too badly right? At least over that. :)