A Tie That Melts In Your Mouth Not In Your Hands

I was in charge of coming up with a simple Father’s Day gift our church Primary (children ages 3-11) could make for their dads and this is what I came up with.
I found various forms of these on the internet and ultimately decided to add my own spin on them by adding the paper bow tie behind the M&Ms. This way the kids could personalize their ties with stripes, polka dots or whatever else they chose. For some their only goal was to try and convince me to just let them eat the candy. I held strong but I’m sorry to the dads who may or may not have received an empty wrapper attached to some string and a paper tie.

To make your own Father’s Day bow ties you will need fun size M&Ms, pipe cleaners, and string. If you want to add the paper tie I found the template here. The poem I used was found at Sugardoodle.

Once your tie is colored place the pack of M&Ms in the center, pushing the candy to either side to give it more of a bow tie look. Place the string behind the candy and bow tie horizontally.

Take the pipe cleaner and place it behind the string and other items vertically and start to wrap it around the center of your bow tie.

Leave a little bit of pipe cleaner up so you can string the poem onto your bow tie and then finish wrapping the pipe cleaner around.

And that’s all there is to it. I realize Father’s Day was over two weeks ago but I’m sure there are plenty of other occasions where an M&M bow tie might be useful. Birthdays. Grandparents Day. Weddings. Or just wait until next Father’s Day.

When Jury Duty Happens To Good People

Since the whole country is reeling from the recent not guilty verdict handed down in the Caylee Anthony murder trial it got me reflecting on my own experience as a member of a jury. Like many of you, I received my notice for jury duty convinced that it would amount to nothing. And even if on the rare instance I was actually required to report for jury duty, I wouldn’t be chosen or the case would be dismissed. I planned on being back to work by lunchtime. The exact opposite happened. I was required to report, chosen and soon found myself as Juror #2 in a rape case that would last the duration of the week.

Initially I was not pleased. I didn’t want to miss a week of work, I wouldn’t be able to talk about the case with anyone, and I would have to dress up every day. There is no casual Friday in jury duty. But as I saw the Justice System at work and was able to take part I found the experience to be quite rewarding. I also really enjoyed having a room full of people stand up for me every time I entered or exited the room.

My personal opinion is that Casey Anthony is guilty, but I can see how a jury would come back with a non guilty verdict. Without compelling evidence and if there is even a shred of doubt, a jury has no choice but to let a defendant go free. This was how I approached my own experience. I listened to both sides and did my best to show no emotion, even though there were times I wanted to. Especially when the victim had to recount her experience. It was all I could do not to run up to the witness stand and give her a hug. But when it came time to deliberate I had to push my emotions aside and look at the facts only. Unfortunately for the defendant my fellow jurors and I found him guilty.

When it was all over we were able to spend a couple of hours talking to the judge and getting a history of the case. We were also able to talk to the lawyers and find out even more. The most rewarding part was being able to meet with the victim afterwards and see the relief on her face. I also was able to give her the hug I so desperately wanted to in the court room.

My Fourth Of July Baby

As much as I love wearing my own red, white and blue ensembles during the month of July, it’s even more fun having a baby to dress up.

Hope you are enjoying your own holiday.  Mr. S and I have already enjoyed the Murray Symphony this weekend and tonight it is all about the BBQ and fireworks. Happy 4th of July!

It’s Never Too Late To Announce Good News

Little Harley is getting very close to her 2 month birthday. How time flies! But before I write a post about how traumatized I am from watching her get poked multiple times for the dreaded 2 month shots I am finally getting her birth announcements finished. And thanks to Shutterfly it was quite easy. I’m not sure why it took me so long. Looking forward to using them a lot more in the future.

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

One Line A Day

I have never been great at writing in a journal. I’ve started numerous journals for various reasons and kept them up for various lengths of time. Sadly my most successful attempts usually involved an English teacher telling me I had to do it to pass their class. Though once Oprah convinced me to do it. And although having a blog documents the goings on of my life it isn’t exactly something that can be passed down to future generations. Who knows what form the internet will take in 20, 30, or 50 years and if this post and all others will survive. And let’s be honest, I haven’t done too great with my blogging efforts either.

I am also a believer in the written word actually being put down on paper. Something about holding it in my hand and knowing where it’s been and feeling something about the person from which it came. You don’t get that with a computer. This is the same argument I give as to why I don’t want an e-book reader.

I found this journal months ago on someone’s blog (and if I could remember where I would give them credit) and always thought it was something even I could handle. I finally took the plunge and bought it as a Mother’s Day gift to myself. It can be started at any time and each entry is given just enough space to write a line or two. Clearly the makers of this book know my limitations. And it’s compact enough that I can take it with me anywhere. So there will be no excuses now.

Nine Months Is Too Long To Be Away But Enough Time To Make A Person

In an alternate universe the other me keeps up with her blogging ambitions on a daily basis. In fact the other me has a whole list of things she wants to accomplish and actually does. And to make me resent the other me even more, she tackles that list to perfection. I hate other me.

So once again I find myself (the real me, not other me) recommitting to my blogging efforts. This should make time #72 that I have had to do this but this time I am not just coming back to blogging, I am coming back as a mom. This doesn’t mean that every post will be a brag fest about my new arrival. Though there is already so much to tell you. For instance yesterday Harley did the cutest thing…OMG, you are going to die when you hear this…wait…I’m doing it already. Okay, okay, okay…she will be a part of this blog. How could she not be? But I did make a promise with myself (and other me) that stories of poopy diapers and my role as a mom wouldn’t completely monopolize the blog. Though I am sure motherhood will influence my blogging ideas and afford many opportunities and much fodder for future posts. Besides Mr. S has already purchased Harley’s own domain where I can brag all I want and display an exhausting amount of photos proving to all of you that I have the cutest baby. Ever.

So without further ado I am happy to introduce what I’ve been up to for the past 9 months – Harley Rose Storms.

Born April 30, 2011 – 6 lbs, 13 oz – 19 inches long

Though 5 weeks later she already looks like this:

Told you she is SUPER cute!

Times Are Tough, Even Spell Check Is Out Of The Budget

My office overlooks a spectacular view of the State Prison. So when my coworkers and I found out that a cafe at the prison was open to the public we couldn’t resist trying it. After all, they named it the Hard Times Cafe. It’s true. I can’t make this stuff up. Of course this then elicited a sing-along of  “It’s a Hard Knock Life” as a group of us were counting down to our special lunch. Which only made seeing her at the cash register taking our orders all the more fun. Hello, Annie!And if that wasn’t enough I discovered a new dish – the chicken casa dia. It may have been $2.49 on the menu but seeing that was priceless. Word around the prison (that’s right, I know people) is they have since fixed the error of their ways but it will always be a chicken house day to me. I didn’t end up ordering it because I really wanted a bacon cheeseburger but if you ever find yourself at the Hard Times Cafe, the prices are low, the food delicious, and if you’re lucky you may have your order taken by a celebrity.