Not very good mail.

Josh brought in the mail on Saturday. I was thrilled when I saw the package from eBay had finally arrived (replacement perfume after Kaitlyn tossed and shattered my original bottle on the bathroom tile) and as I opened the bubble wrap, my eyes scanned the pile of letters on my lap.

One caught my eye and I had an immediate sinking feeling. It had a official Kentucky stamp on the return address and for one fleeting moment, I hoped it was a reminder about our property taxes that weren't due until November, but I knew even then. I saw the name Fayette Circuit Courts on the title and all hope was erased. I tore open the envelope. My fears were confirmed, I had just been summoned for Jury Duty! Let me preface this my saying I am so grateful to be an American, but really, ME NOW? I think the song by The Byrds sums it up.

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

And this is NOT my time to be on Jury Duty. I am freaking out a bit. I just really, honestly, no doubt, without question cannot do this right now and just HAVE to get out of it. Maybe if I had a husband with a regular schedule and not gone for days at a time, maybe if I had just one family member living in the state of Kentucky to help, maybe if I had actually paid a babysitter in the last 15 months and the kids were comfortable with someone else, maybe if I didn't have 18 month old twins, or 5 kids 7 years old and under or 3 boys that need to be picked up from school at 2:30 PM, then maybe, but right now it's a definite NO.

My jury service would be for over 30 days. From October 28, 2007 to November 30, 2007. I would have to check a web site each morning to determine if I would have to go downtown. (Not very condusive to carpooling and nap time.)

I told Rich he needed to find a doctor to write me note that says this would create undue stress and mental anguish on my children and myself to complete this service. This may sound whimpy but it's true. Brynn hardly even smiles at our own mothers!

I need to write a letter and call the court and tell them my situation. If they make me appear in October, I am bringing the girls along in the double stroller, hey it's just a glimpse into my reality. If that doesn't work, during selection, I'll tell them I believe that anyone who breaks a crime should be punished by death. Maybe that would do the trick.

Anyway, I had to vent because I just really, really, really, really can't do this right now. Oh, and God Bless America!