One of the worst afflictions of this stage of pregnancy, I've decided is trying to combat a complete self-absorption as you feel like a ticking timebomb that you need to notice all the signals for!
Anyway, I woke up remember everything the REST of my family's done the last while, and couldn't leave it all out!
First, the children all had their parent-teacher conferences (called SEP out here-student evaluation plan...I'm guessing?) last week, and they're all doing marvelously. Krispy Kreme gives out a free half-dozen donuts for your report card, so w/ 4 in school now, it makes for a great FHE treat every term (we do tax 2 donuts/child to feed pre-schoolers and parents). It's rewarding as a Mom, after sending your little ones out like that, to hear someone else's report that they are surviving, and to hear a fresh perspective on their strengths and abilities. It is a HUGE blessing to have them all take to school so well. Maddie could improve on organizational skills (esp. as Jr High looms nearer), and sweet Spencer in his eversolaidback attitude should focus a little more attention on his sight words and reading (as I think, but he's SO adorable, and his easy going nature is part of what keeps him eversoHAPPY and fun to be around...at least he loves math and people, and the reading is coming, just at its own Spencer-pace!); Emily has done better at not having to have perfect handwriting on every sample of work, and Brent could always transfer some of his apparently perfect performance skills to home and his sibling treatment, but even with things to work on, I am well aware that we're spoiled not to have more serious issues at this point. There are a lot of crazy moments, but every once in a while, like sitting at Tyler Olsen's Eagle Court of Honor this weekend, as Anne's cuddled on my lap, and Spencer sidled up under my arm, and all the rest sitting quietly for something I know they're barely understanding, my little heart just swells up like I have all the riches of the world in good children surrounding me--and it really does enlarge the soul!
Brian also had a big week, with his FIRST JURY CRIMINAL DEFENSE trial!--ever!! I had no idea--he's been in court a lot less since leaving prosecution, but I never realized he hadn't tried a jury case for so long--he often appears before judges, but the full-blown trials are more rare. And before you feel awful about him not being on the side of what everyone thinks of as real justice, putting criminals in jail, his client was a woman w/ epilepsy, who suffered a seizure while driving, but was being charged w/ a DUI. Brian's good to understand the need for both sides of the justice system for ALL clients, but to have a case be so squeaky clean does help. To add to the stress, it turns out this woman is the mother of a sister I visit teach, and was good friends w/ his partner Miles on his mission (they are England locals, originally). He had two days of trial, after a LOT of prep time, but she was found "not guilty" on all charges! She was taking only her Dr.'s approved dose; she exhibited classic signs for having gone through a seizure (causing the accident she was arrested for), but the prosecution, being more used to drug abuse than medical conditions, wouldn't back down that she had somehow OD'ed. She was fairly emotional by the end, and Brian said there wasn't much better than sharing her relief and utter gratitude at the end. She won't drive anymore, and had just recently begun driving again anyway (after working to regulate the right levels of medication), but it was pretty sad how much trauma she had to go through in an already rough situation (she ran into a semi-truck, and then a telephone pole, and MIRACULOUSLY, no one was hurt seriously!!). Of course, we're even more sympathetic to seizures after our little Anne too, but Brian was just really glad to have things go well, esp. after such a long break from trying a case. His partners, who both saw him, were also duly impressed w/ his closing arguments and organization, etc. He's SUCH a great strategist--it's so hard as a spouse to see his best strengths not being better utilized all the time, but so nice when he can do what he enjoys. It was pretty stressful too though--he barely ate those 2 days, and sleeping, of course, was touchy. It was Spencer's turn for a date this past Friday though, and as we shared a hotdog at Sam's, we called Brian's his "Matlock meal" after such a good outcome!
We also had a high priest social Brian's Temple and Family History committee was in charge of. I could barely control my giggles as we got to the church and saw 8 round tables w/ 8 square white plastic tablecloths (actually, 4 rectangles, cut in half) that didn't even cover the circles, topped w/ white plasticware, and the most color coming from the pepper in the pepper shakers. I was so proud for Brian putting everything together so well, even making a dessert to take over, and throwing together a little matching game of what everyone's last names meant. His committee all helped the turkey & potatoes meal, and setting up, and naturally, he wasn't too stressed over it (like I would've been). Still, as we walked in though, I thought, "Oh, wives ARE allowed to help, and I probably should've offered more!" but instead, I said, "Well, it looks very nice and celestial in here--perfect for the Temple committee!" and, of course, it was a lot of fun, regardless of what it looked like, and the food plus potluck sides was delicious!
So, we are all doing well--not JUST me. It's good nothing more happened last night after all--not only did I not miss the last installment of BBC's newest version of Emma, but Brian had a rough tummy last night, which wouldn't have made for a nice hospital trip! Brian also got the games Blockus and Carcassone for his birthday/Christmas recently, and we've all had fun playing those lately! So again, have a good week, and I'll try not to be so self-obsessed! Love, Charlotte
No comments:
Post a Comment