My "No Holds Barred" Take on Casey Anthony.

I wasn't planning on it, but something told me to write anyways...

Via Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pin/56919950/

This feels personal!
Scratch that. This feels utterly disgusting! And maybe I wouldn't be so riled up if we haven't just come off a Holiday weekend celebrating our country' freedom. Because, quite honestly, our American Justice system has let me down, big time. Say what you want about the evidence or lack there of, say what you want about reasonable doubt and yeah the family was dysfunctional and yeah there was no “clear” understanding of how this poor child died... And everyone is going to have an opinion about everything and that is just the way things are....
But don't tell me "Not Guilty."
Because there is no doubt in my mind that she anything- BUT guilty! She was her MOTHER people. The one woman Caylee could trust, depend on and knew would keep her safe. And if she didn't end Caylee's life on purpose if it was an accident of some kind she is still GUILTY. Because she partied and she smiled and she danced and she made out with guys and drank cocktails.  She went shopping and she lied and lied and lied again. And oh yeah the Tattoo the freaking TATTOO "Beautiful Life" it reads.....  "MONSTER" it should read.
She never, ever grieved!
She only cried in court when it was about "her" and not her daughter.
She is mean she is cut throat and she is-
Free... To do what she wants. To have another baby to get away with something so horrific and she will be able to probably write a book about it... Reality TV shows because that is how it rolls.... The more awful you are, the more attention you will get.
It is disgusting!
And what about the child abuse charges?? She is not guilty of that as well? Really?!? Your child is missing for 31 one days and you don't report it? If that is not abuse I don't know what is.
I don't know much about much. But I know that when you become a mother it is no longer about you it is about them. It will forever be about them. I have to confess here….  I actually  have more respect for Cindy Anthony for still calling Casey "Sweetheart" on the jail cell phone during their talk’s right after Casey was arrested.  Because, honestly, that is what mother's do. Cindy's daughter was in jail no one knew what happened yet, Casey kept lying and spinning more webs of pain and Cindy still said "I love you sweetheart." Because to Cindy it was about Casey. Her daughter was in jail and scared and Monster or not, unconditional love is what it is. And that I get. I get that families are screwed up and upside down and no one is perfect and bad things happen.... But your child is your child and will always be "sweetheart" to your mother.
Unless you have no heart, then you are nothing and nothing will eventually catch up with you. Even if 12 men and women handed you nothing but the ability to go free, and therefore nothing has changed. The dust will settle, injustice will forever linger and a three year old little girl will never laugh or sing or swim or dance or even become old enough to and enjoy her own beautiful life.
I don't get it.
And I never will. That is why this is personal. My pack, my people, my fellows Mothers there is one amongst us who broke every rule in the book. Who failed their child and danced anyway.
Land of the free? Clearly!!!! 
This just feels wrong.
And wrong wasn’t supposed to be how Caylee’s life ended. 
She deserved better, she deserved our help... Her justice was due.
I just don't get it.... 
Do you?

Beach Feet

"As I walked out the door on our first day of vacation and felt my feet sink in the warm white sand I knew I was home...."

Home in the sense that I have always known my feet, along with the rest of me, belong here.... I don't know much about much, about I do know that the feel of sand in my toes makes everything seem well with the world.


It is just the way it goes with me.  I was born at the beach, vacationed every year at the beach.  Went to college at the beach, did homework on the beach, complained about heart aches, young love and jobs gone south to the beach.  Read books, sang songs, chased sand crabs, rode the waves, blissfully got married on the beach and even sadly, said goodbye to my PopPop as his ashes were spread among the ocean waves.
And while I grew up in Connecticut and have lived in Charlotte for over 16 years now.
My heart and soul belong where the water is blue and the sand is soft.

And when I am not on the beach, it whispers to me, in a soft spoken whistle which can bring me right back to where my feet want to dance all day long.
And I try and hang on to that.  Those long winter months when it is cold and grey and routine has grabbed hold of my feet and planted them in hard case cement.  Those days when it seems impossible to move to feel good to be motivated even happy at times.
I try to remember the sound of the surf, the thought of a bright sandy goodness where sounds of two little boys playing on the same beach I did when I was there age....

Reminders of my soul mate, the love of my life who loves the beach as much as I do.  How funny that the universe lined up our souls to enjoy a place where we can let all of our cares in the world float away with the sea breeze. 

And I find myself feeling so grateful that a place like this exists.  A place to draw hearts, smiles, and memories that will last me a lifetime of keeping my feet happy in a place where they will always belong.

For more of my beach pictures and tid bits on the Outer banks check out here

Anyone?

Sorry that I have been a bit MIA this week.  However, I have good reason... Both my boys have reached a minor milestone in their young lives.... 

Ryan, my sweet, silly and free spirited little (okay fine BIG) five year old “graduated” pre-school last week.  And yesterday Evan, my hard working, super smart, super competitive yet tenderly sweet six year old had his end of the year Kindergarten celebration.  As he sang a song about entering first grade to the theme of “The Adams Family” I sat there and went Huh?

The time went Where?
I have a first grader….And a Kindergartner?
Really?!?!
Insert big fat WTF here..

Might I indulge you with some photos..... 

Here is Ryan... "My BABY".  Correction,  "My BORN 7 weeks early BABY..."  His last day of pre-school involved a little something I like to call "Operation Gut Wrenching Cry Fest."  It was super fun to be sniffling and holding back the "Where did my baby go" chants while cursing and arguing with my Camera, attempting to get it set right for a dim lit room full of moving and shaking kiddo's.  

I took about 200..  These were a few of the good ones...(observe, most of them are not of a dim lit room full of moving and shaking kiddo's)

Carrying flowers to his teachers.

Hugs for Ms. Suzanne

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One last pose with "the guys"

On stage, performance time.

Bye Bye Pre-school.

I really will miss the pre-school era...  For four years both of my boys attend the same place, had the same teachers, I sat in the same car pool line and met and got to know so many wonderful Moms and their children.  The sweet little things both boys would bring home, the holiday performances and the fairy tale type atmosphere the kids got to experience before heading off to "real" school.  What a blessing that both Evan and Ryan were able to take part in this precious time of their live that they probably won't remember but I will....

So now I move on to  Big brother' s turn... A.K.A. "MY OTHER BABY IS GRADUATING FROM KINDERGARTEN" and the realization that I have official become "that" Mom I use to make fun of. 

It is just Kindergarten Right?.. 
"Wait till he goes off to college!" My sometimes overly obnoxious mother will remind me with her sweet yet evil Grandmother's grin. 
Sigh....
Oh this is ridiculous right?
Aren't I am allowed to have these milestones to reflect, to cry and basically make a giant fool of myself at my own will and leisure.??  
Right??
Fine, more pics.  I need a @#$% tissue anyways!!

Evan peers out of his classroom door before his program.

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He played the "N" he was a perfect "N"

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First Grade here I come.

Ah, the famous "Tottie Ta" song was performed live.  Sheer cuteness and hilarity

Big thumbs up from Granddaddy.

So that has been my week.
So who else has babies that are growing up and leaving them? 
Anyone?

Monday Chatter (and a lil bit Chris Daughtry)

Well here we are officially entering the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  The weekend that screams summer is here.  School is almost out and our service men and women are beyond awesome!!

So here is what is happening around the Chatter this week:

But First.........

I am still recovering from my celebrity sighting this weekend....  For those of you who know me I am a huge Chris Daughtry fan.  I mean HUGE.  So when I got a glimpse of him at the All Star Race this past weekend I was a bit "excited" (okay I went into full dork mode and my beloved husband who was with me threatened to leave me if I didn't knock off the giddiness).   Here is a picture....

Yup, he waved at me....  We are BFF'S now.... Hehehehehehehe....  Of course full blog post coming soon. 

For now, Back to Business!

Check out "Gals Who Rule The Chatter  If you haven't met these lovelies just yet please wander over and read about their amazing hearts, awesome business's, blogs and organizations.

My first recommendation of the Summer....

If you have little ones who love nothing more than and old fashion water balloon fight than look no further. 

3 and 1 Ballon Pumper by Discovery Kids.

Basically you can use for water balloons or to blow up regular balloons.  My boys love this.  Not just to throw at each other, but also on the yard, our driveway and their bikes (they needed cleaning Mommy, see.)

Great Fun for a hot afternoon.  We found ours at Bed Bath and Beyond for $9.99. 

Did ya see my Blog Club?  Have a blog you would like to recommend for Le Club.  Send me the link and I will add as long as it is suitable  (a.k.a nothing dirty people) 
Here is a new one added today Called Vol25 and was seen in Artful Blogger one of my new favorite mags...
Make sure you read her blog Vol 25   and visit her Etsy Shop.   She does amazing work.
I love how creative she is. I am already a huge fan and think you will be too.  Here is one of her pieces.  It is practically Lakeside Chatters motto so I had to share....
Thanks to Jessica with Vol 25.  You rock!!!

Provided by Vol25 http://www.etsy.com/shop/vol25

Organization Tips brought to you by Carolina Neat Freak: 

Kitchen Organizer

Group like items together--
store all bake ware in the same cupboard, all wooden spoons in the same ceramic crock, all spices in the same drawer.




Garden Tool Container

A sand filled trough will keep small garden tool from vanishing--and keep them in good working order.





Make sure to visit my sponsors as well.  Just click on their icons under "Chatter Sponsors" and pay their websites or blog a visit.  They would love to hear form you. 

That is it my peeps.  I am off to go download more Chris Daughtry pictures....  I only took like 20 or so...  I mean someone had to stalk him, it may as well of been me.  And if my hubby (also named Chris) is reading this I love you more than you know and when all is said and done this picture by far is my favorite from the race day..... 

My true love (and true BFF) in his element. Now THAT is worth all the chatter in the world.

With Love,
Mary

Blog Along with Me

Sometimes, I come across some pretty amazing blogs.  They are blogs that I am not even searching for.  They are blogs that just appear sometimes from out of no where.  Showing me an image telling me a story, offering me a much needed dose of hope, laughter or simply just a quote or saying....

How I love these blogs and how they can sometimes turn my day from sad to happy.  Down to up and when I least expect it, teach me something new about myself, the way I handle my life, my relationships my faith and my heart....

Sometimes these blogs will talk to me.

When I am down.... and feeling overwhelmed, when my heart is heavy for whatever reason, I feel a sense of kinship with someone out there who at that moment is blogging about something similar...
It as if a stronger heart and soul has decided to pick me up, dust me off and say "Today, you are going to be Okay."

And while some of these blogs are deeper than others, witty, silly and at times emotional most of them show a glimpse of life, love and happiness that can be seen and felt in ways they were intended for....

To make us smile!

Make us laugh or cry!

To weave and spin us in a new direction!

And To Make us feel beautiful!

By just being the person we are, seasoned with experience, with grace, beautiful moments that hold joy beyond words.... 

 It is then I see the amazing effects of lagunage and images of art carved from love to be shared amongst friends in a world where we all Belong!

.

See the sections below and click on whatever you are in the mood for. 


PHOTO BLOGS:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/
http://yepimawriter365.blogspot.com/

FUNNY BLOGS:
http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/
http://www.alifeintranslation.com/
http://www.complicatedmama.com/
http://thebloggess.com/
INSPIRING BLOGS:
http://www.wonderwomanwannabe.com/
http://greenawaltfamilylife.blogspot.com/

SWEET AND SASSY:
http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/

SPIRITUAL:
http://www.chasingseagulls.com/

A BIT OF EVERYTHING:
http://stephen-babyvladimirandmythoughts.blogspot.com/

BLOGS ABOUT BLOGS:
Coming Soon..

UTTERLY GOFFY
Coming Soon...

SUNDAY MORNING
Coming Soon...

Reflections, (and I miss my Boobs!)

Well, I stared off this Mother's Day post to write about my love and joy about being a Mom.
And Then I started to look through some old pictures to accompany said post.
And then I got a burst of creativity and started a video "slide show" with all of my pictures since becoming a Mom.
This however was taking forever and decided instead to make a snack (sesame crackers and garlic humus, my latest food addiction).

Then I decided to get back to my blog... and pick up where I left off, but in classic “Me” like fashion I had switched gears. I felt the need to focus on the entire Mom's in my life, how lucky I am to know so many wonderful women....

And then I thought that was also going to take too long and be border line "sappy", and thought well how about a "quote" or a poem about Mom's....
Of course with more pictures to go along....

And then I stumbled upon this picture:

And then this one...

And the next thing I knew this post turned into thoughts and reflections on my two Pregnancies.... Relatively fitting for Mother's Day I think..
It goes something like this...

Reasons why I don't miss being Pregnant:

1)      The Backache and Sciatica combo. Nope, I don't miss that one bit. Both showed up in both of my pregnancies. While my lower back ached constantly, I was also having painful leg spasms that shot down from my butt to my foot I was only allowed Tylenol and an ice pack. Totally bogus!!

2)      Couldn't Poop. This one speaks for itself honestly and no need to elaborate but man, what a cruel thing for your body to hold out on you like that when you are eating for two and carrying around a watermelon. I still hold a grudge towards my "slowed" digestion system for that one.

3)      Nausea followed by starving for anything, followed by more nausea, followed by could eat a Big Mac and a Plate of General Tao’s Chicken, followed by more nausea and wicked awful heartburn.

4)      No alcohol.

 I truly did miss this sadly, in fact in this picture of me, and my Ultra Sexy Gingham Maternity bathing suit, you will see I am holding a beer. But alas, it was a super crappy nonalcoholic version of beer called O'Doul's (BAH). I just had to participate somehow since my whole family can't seem to stay on the beach without an ice cold beer in hand. I grew up this way. Have beach? Have Beer (or Bloody Mary's)! And since I married a man who loves this philosophy as much as I did I was truly having withdraws on this trip. Some might mention I was a bit "cranky" and I am sure I was... But I was fat and achy couldn't enjoy my usual Bud Light and I was tired people! Which brings me to number 5...

5) Fatigue... Oh lord. The first trimester and the 3rd trimester all I wanted to do was sleep... And most of the time I couldn't. If it wasn’t the heartburn it was my child playing hockey within my uterus. His favorite scoring shot? My ribs or (for extra fun) my "Who Who." Also called the "Pelvic Floor" as my OB described to me one in a matter of fact type way. He was male. I sometimes hated him.

6) Swelling and Gas. I think it is safe to say that the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy I was easily mistaken for a Hot Air Blimp. Puffy, swollen, stretched to the max and full of hot air. This was also the phase where my husband (for some reason) decided to point out the fact that my nose had "shifted"
I sometimes hated him too.

7) Insecurities and a bit of the "crazies".. On the days when I didn’t hate my husband I was convinced he was going to leave me. In fact so convinced was I one day that I actually followed him to the local Starbucks and waited for him to flirt with the barista who was much slimmer, cuter and Non-pregnant than me. He of course never left me, and only reassured me of his love for me when I would fling my swollen butt into his arms and plea with him if I was pretty and hoped he still found me attractive while me and my "shifting" nose turned red and runny from all the crying.

Reasons on Why I miss being Pregnant.....

1) My BOOBS!!!

Back when I was still pumping and had clevage

 I didn't have any before pregnancy (I am barely a 34 B and when I say barely I mean BARELY...) After the kiddo's and rounds of nursing and pumping I not only lost my sassy girls I also suffered from a case of "Invert-a-titus". Not sure what that is??  I will explain. Take your boob, turn it inside out and flatten. Leave only the nipple. There you go.

2)       The ability to eat what I wanted when I wanted and how much I wanted. I was lucky. Both pregnancies were normal and healthy. Sure I gained 40 lbs each pregnancy but that wasn’t my fault.  I had decided to breed with a man who comes from a long line of heavy pounders. . His own mother birthed him at over 10 lbs. She still hasn't forgiven him. I can’t say I blame her...

3)      The butterflies.... Sigh I really do miss this part. That first flutter  the first tickle coming within. I loved and savored just about every minute of that. And as the baby got bigger I was able to provide my husband with nonstop entertainment of watching my huge belly jump up and down, slide from side to side and when we were feeling extra crazy would lay the TV remote on top of me and watch it get kicked off. Good times!!!!

4)       The Ultrasounds process. Okay how wicked cool are ultra sounds now? Even in my day (only 6 years ago thank you very much) they weren't as cool with all the 3-D and movie like effects... But I remember being so excited for each and every ultra sounds we had. To see, to hear to watch, was truly a wonderful moment for me and my husband who was just as memorized as I.

5)       Pampering. From getting out of having to take any part of when we packed up and moved from our old house to our current one, to also being able to park much closer to stores thanks to the “Reserved for Expectant" mothers parking spots. I got offered seats all the time, was given extra special glances (usually from the sweet little old ladies) and on occasion my husband would suffer through an obligatory foot rub and then reward himself afterwards with a glass of scotch. The extra TLC was great and of course always appreciated.

Of course what I will miss the most, the real story here is that exact moment when you become a Mom weather it is your first second or fifth, that very breath you take the minute you see him or her…  Well that is something every Mom could never ever get tired of nor could ever get enough of.  I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't thought about or reflected on that since first glance at both of my boys.

My first Eye Contact with Evan in the recovery room

And Ryan who was a NICU baby.

And all the swollen, nose shifting, backaching, heartburning lose the bobbies moments I sure am glad that My world is fully of Mommy hupla.  The good the bad, the scary and downright entertaining that has left me with six wonderful years to reflect on and be greatful for.
So here to all the Mommies out there, and all the past, present and future moments all to be taken with the camera of our own hearts, to be treasured for a lifetime of  reflections

With love,
Mary

P.S.  I still found a Quote.

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

• Unknown

Ready Set Go!

So here you are.  The moment you have been waiting for as long as you can remember.  Today is the day.  You are going to start your own business!  You have done your homework, all of your research and you have done the planning the painstaking task of getting organized.  Your vision “your baby” is ready to be implemented.
You are ready. You are Set… It is Go time.  
So now what?  After all of that prep and anticipation, somehow, you can’t seem to find “Go.”  The most important part of this process is hiding on you. 
And you have no idea where to look.

A Soccer Mom's Confession - And A New Sheriff in Town.

Confession Tuesday: 

I Have judged you in the past... I didn't mean too...  every Mom has their "Ahh haa.." moment from time to time.  This was one of mine...  I would love to hear one of your's.

First, let me clear the air, for most of my late teens and early adult life I judged the so called "Soccer Mom." I admit it... I did. The mini vans, the line up of bobbing little heads visible through the back window. The sluggish way the Mommy drove and the bumper stickers,(or recently the magnet decals). Oh the magnet decals!  Yes I judged! I am very guilty of the evil, evil judgment of these poor innocent Moms.
So here goes, I sincerely apologize to all the Moms I gave dirty looks too, cussed at and judged so wrongly. If you ever thought there would be a payback day for me that moment has now arrived (stop your snickering). I officially became a soccer mom when we signed up Evan and Ryan for a youth soccer league. But I officially "officially" became a soccer Mom when I went to their first game.
I can sum up the experience in a few simple sentences:
1) There is never and will never be enough memory space in the camera and getting the perfect shot is more stressful and challenging than watching either child score a goal.
2) Both boys are without a doubt the most talented kids on the team. Sure, every Mom thinks the same thing about their kids but it is MY precious babies who are perfect. Well that is until Evan does score (but for the other team) and Ryan manages to get his cleats tangled in the soccer net.  This however does not matter since I got a great shot of both!
3) There is a well communicated and fair  rotation of Mom’s who are in charge of bringing the snacks and when one Mom in particular forgets (accidently) to bring that snack you will suffer fierce silent treatment even after you whole heartily attempt to hand out sticks of gum to make up for the blunder. 
5) All soccer shorts, no matter how well they fit, cause wedgies!  And there will be a contest as to whose child can mess with their wedgies the most (not an ideal photo moment).

So there you have it, my official look into to this new world. But now it is here where I need to introduce the husband in this story. Yes, my husband Chris does get left out from time to time in my ventures with the boys. Mainly because to date just about any and all of my extra circular activities have been with me, myself and I. Kindermusick, Gymboree, Art lessons, Play dates, Park dates, Swim dates, oh the list is endless. But here, here the husband enters the picture because a) it's sports related b) other Dads are involved and c) it is sports related.

Since the boys have been babies Chris has always been hands on Dad. He has jumped in when I needed, he has provided for us so I can stay home with them and he never ever judges me when I go for that second glass of wine to help me unwind from a stressful day. But for the most part it has been me as the front runner when it involves activities with the kids that take place outside the house. So we enter new territory here. Daddy is the "go to" guy. Daddy teaches, Daddy shows and Daddy gets them a cool soccer net and super cool new soccer shoes. Daddy pumps them up when they fall during practice and Daddy knows exactly when and where to insert tough love. I for the first time in awhile find myself no long their expert. When another little boy (we will call him Satan Jr.) knocks over Evan or Ryan and the result is tears, I respond by running towards said crying child with arms wide open and my "Mommy is here" speech. However, new rules new coach, new tactic, new sheriff in town. My husband is in charge now so I let him respond (well actually I don't really have a choice since Chris has tied and gagged me to my lawn chair), But there he goes, making his way to the child and within minutes child is up, smiling, wiping grass off of his knee and is back in the game. Chris walks back with a cool and calm swagger and I find myself fascinated... How did he do that? How did he stay so calm? Who is this person, and why is he all the sudden in charge?
Furthermore why doesn't this bother me?
Because when all is said and done he is the right man for the job. Just like I am the right one (and most qualified most of the time) for mine. I take care of boo boo's, bad dreams, crafts that involve endless use of a glue stick and a case of the sniffles. I cook, chaperon, event plan, organize and chauffeur. I love them in a soul wrenching way, love from the inside out, which means that just about anything and everything in my life revolves round them.
Until I realize that not everything has too.
It's actually really, really helpful to realize this and to also realize that Daddy is every bit the soccer Mom that I am.
Because we may differ on our sideline techniques but we agree on one thing:
Satan Jr. must go down...soon....very, very soon...
And I will get a picture!

Hubby with the boys (who are so over mommy and her camera) pose with their trophies after their last game.

The Cookie Fairy

So, I haven't been feeling that great, allergies and a sinus infection combined is not the way to start a week.  My energy is zapped, and I am behind in so many things that I can't remember if I am coming or going.  I am still adjusting to the sadness from the passing of my friend Bo, and have a good ole fashion case of  "da Blues"
Yet life goes on.
And this fairy knows exactly how hard sometimes that can be.
It takes a certain kind of fairy to know that chocolate chip cookies are the soothe all, the make everything better that the pure sweetness of a chocolate chip melting in your mouth can chase the blues away.  Yes, this fairy is indeed special, she is inspiring; She puts the "ookie" in cookie and does so without even trying.
She rocks and she has no idea what sweet kindness and pure generosity she oozes.  She amazes me every day by her ability to think of others.
What a better world we would have if we thought more of others instead being so focused on ourselves. 
It sometimes takes a fairy to remind me of this.  That there are is so much beauty so much good in the world. 
Even when we are being tested.
Even when we are running behind, when we are zapped and lagging on motivation.
Even when life hurts.
The world will spin, the sun will shine and the good will show, the smiles will linger and the cookies will bake.
And thank God for that and for the fairies who know exactly where to fly and spread their love, one crumb at a time.
Thank you....

Hodge-Podge...My Musings for a Bittersweet Friday!

Well it is Friday!

And what a relief because this has been a long one....

And a sad one...

A reflective one...

A Hodge Podge if you will of emotions.

And now apparently a sick one (5 year old just threw up...Oh goodie....Happy Friday to me...Happy Friday to me) 
But I am pressing on.  Five year old on sofa with ginger ale and trashcan nearby.  Everything within reach has been disinfected.  Prayers... Oh so many prayers that it was something he ate and not the stomach virus. 
Because he has a 6 year old brother.
And you all know what that means.
But enough of that.
Back to it being Friday.  Which make's tomorrow Saturday (I am so smart).  Tomorrow is going to be bittersweet.  The Spring Fling is upon us and I am so thrilled an excited to offer my first giveaway.  I told you all I would let you know what the giveaway was and I will. I PROMISE. 
I just had a bit of a setback.
An unexpected "What?"
That led to me on the front porch crying in the early morning hours.  A friend, a dear one at that, a unique person in my life who was a part of a family I am involved with at church.  Someone I sang with, laughed with, worshipped with, drank homemade beer with and strummed the guitar with. That wonderful person named Gene, known to most as "Bo" or if you were really feeling creative "BoGene" which oddly suited him and he didn't mind.
That friend is gone.  Bo, passed away from complications of pneumonia.  He is now "Jammin with the Lord" as those who knew him well say.  His guitar and his voice that hit high notes better than anyone I know.
How lucky they are to have him.
So we celebrate that and will do so tomorrow at his memorial service.
But what a huge hurtful hole in our hearts we here on earth are left to deal with.
Like I said hodge-podge.....bodge smodge hodge modge... 
Not much more I can say here so how about a photo?

Vocal Team acting mature durning a recording last year.



Isn't that Great?

That is Bo in the front row with the black T-Shirt on sticking his tongue out and attempting to do rabbit ears behind my head.

That was So BO!

And I will miss him more than words can say.  I am still trying to get my arms around the fact he is gone.  That I won't see him again...  That he won't be behind me on the rafter's in church as we sang as he poked me in the back trying to make me laugh, and how he always asked about the boys and stayed on me with my guitar practice.  How he was at every one of his kid's soccer games, how he loved his wife Barb so much... His sense of humor of original and geuine quality to make you smile and want to be around him more...

That was So BO...

And so much more....

But in the words of Forest Gump....  "That is all I have to say about that..."

Maybe more Photo....

" Whom the gods love die young” Latin Proverb.

More later Chatter family,  I love you all.

Mary I.

Listen up Momtographers

If you follow me on Facebook you have probably figured out that I LOVE to take pictures. My husband calls me the "Paparazzi" when ever we go anywhere with the kids and my dear cousin Lori, most recently refered to me as "Nana" meaning I am following in the footsteps of the one lady who took more pictures of me and my sister growing up than my own parents. I still remember Nana's old wind em up rectangle shaped camera, and I still remember her thumb prints in just about every shot. I so love these sort of memories because it makes me think about my childhood, how far I have come and how much I love being able to capture a special moment.
So I take pictures....And pictures....And okay fine MORE pictures. I make no apologies people. I love me some photo taking.
So recently I made a little tiny purchase for myself. A Canon Rebel XT along with a 50 mm lens. I call it my post Christmas/ post Valentines/ pre- St. Patricks Day/ pre birthday/ purchase to myself. I NEVER buy stuff for me (who) so I was trilled when I found a great used Cannon and a great local photo store for my lens.
I AM IN LOVE.
And to add to the LOVE I recently took a course geared towards Mom's who are looking to learn more about their DSLR as well as tips on how to take better photos of our kids.
THE CLASS WAS AWESOME.
And so was the teacher, and fabulous Momtographer Erin Jackson withMadison Lane Photography. So good news for all you Momtog's... She will be holding another class on Sunday, May 1st from 1-4:00.
This will be the last class she is offering before she goes out on maternity leave! You can Email her at madisonlanephotography@gmail.com for more info.

Here area few pictures I have teken recently after I took her class. 

All the neat tricks in these photos, you too can learn.



My six year old Evan and his big smile.





My five year old Ryan and his amazing sweet face.




Two boys who own my heart.

 

The bribery I used for them to cooperate.





Day of class, practing shots on flowers and got another classmate in the photo by accident. 
Yet I love the way it came out. 





The neckline on my wedding dress I wore 8 years ago.  It was what drew me to the beautiful dress in the first place.



Teddy Bear in Bushes. It never would of occurred to me to take this picture before.  Now it is one of my favorites.

Seriously I feel like a pro now.  Well, okay not quite a pro. But it is so nice to have more knowledge now and to offer up to my future chatter peeps the ability to take professional grade photographs on their products or services. 
So make sure to check out Madison Lane Photography for more on Erin and her services and if you can't get to her class this time around you can read about some great photographing tips she offered up as a guest writer back during the holidays, http://lakeside-chatter.blogspot.com/2010/12/picture-perfect.html