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?

Store Score - Crazy 8

I have to share with you my new favorite store for kids clothing.  Some of you may have heard of it, but if not you must check it out and do so NOW.
Crazy 8
It is a little bit "Old Navy", "Life is Good" and "Gap" all wrapped up into one.  I later found out it is affiliated with "Gymboree", but much more reasonable.

What I love about this store.....

First the sales.  They run more sales then I have ever seen and all of the stuff on sale is not just overlooked over picked mis matched outfits.  We are talking sales on great quality, great outfits and best part in season.  In fact the above boys outfit is currently on sale online and at the store.  Combined price is under $25.00 (the T- Shirt alone is only $3.00)  I mean HELLO!?!?!?!  

Second, Quality Quality.  Here is where I insert my "Life is Good" comparison.  I love that brand because it is soft and holds up really really well.  But I can't always afford their stuff.  Crazy 8 reminds me a lot of Life is Good.  I just love the feel of the boys clothes...

Two shirts I got for the boys for our beach week.

Third, They have a T.V in the store.  In the back along with a comfortable bench and room to spread out on the floor, the boys can sit and watch a cartoon while I can browse freely.

Finally, everytime I go in there are new outfits, new sales and honestly the most expensive item in the store is still under $25.00.  Just about every item I have purchased has been $12.00 or under.  Great deal in my book. 

I also learned that after July 5th school uniform outfits will be coming in.  I am sure right along with it will be more sales and more great items to look through.  I am in love and this is definitely my go to store for the kiddo's.

More info...
Outfits boys girls and sized 0-14.
Located - Carolina Place mall, upper level next to Build a Bear
Current Special "Crazy Cash"  Spend $40.00 or more and receive $20.00 in crazy cash towards your next purchase.

via http://pinterest.com/pin/4354867/

So check it out and when you do feel free to share with me your thoughts.  I just love when I find great stores and so happy I can pass this on to you all.
With Love,
Mary

Reality returns, but summer is still here.

Well almost a week now back from a restful and fun vacation and slowly but surely routine surrounds me with its big muscular  arms squeezing vacation vibe out of me, and reality right back in.

But I must admit, I am LOVING summer break!!
Not having to worry about popping up at of bed in a frantic" oh my Lord I am running behind again" fury and getting the boys off to school has been a welcome change from 10 months of just that.  The boys who have been playing great (so far knocking on wood and then some) are also playing hard.  Pools, parks, bikes, basketball, baseball, running around like crazy inside and outside, most notably in the backyard looking for worms and having melt downs if one finds a bigger one than the other.   Of course all of this means they stay up just a tiny bit later and then they SLEEP IN.  I know I know…  I am way too lucky to have a 5 and 6 year old sleep past 8:30 most morning's but I am reveling in the slow down.  My husband pointed this out yesterday morning as I still lingered in bed with a cup of coffee and the Today show on in the background.
“How do you like your summer hours so far?”  (If there was a hint of sarcasm I didn’t hear it but I know all too well there must have been a tiny drip of one…)

“It has been great.”  I say and then felt the need to defend myself  10 months Mister! Ten months of non-stop  schedules, car pools, homework, class projects, school volunteering,  mommy volunteering, sports practices, game times, making lunches, making out checks to the PTO, finding ways to squeeze in doctors appts, dentist appts, eye doctor appt’s and if I am lucky finding time to run laundry the vacuum cleaner work on my blog,  and still get to the bus stop by 3:45 p.m.
I sigh and realize deep down he probably knows the lazy break is deserved and welcome.   And if not, I do.  Because this past week the slowdown has also brought me closer to the boys.  I sit with them more.  That is right, just sitting and we have a new favorite show "The Electric Company" which comes on at 3:30 every day on PBS.  I used to watch this show when I was a kid and they LOVE these kids with their word help and spelling help and a cheesy little story thrown in there as well.  

There is no doubt the boys are growing up on me.  Evan’s legs seem longer his face more defined and dare I say it a speck of more independence every day.  Ryan is not far behind him.  Almost as tall as his brother and while he still loves to cuddle and be close to me, I see his cool cat vibe coming out more and more as well and I know that cool cats aren’t so cool when they are in Mommy’s lap.  So I savor and I sit and I let them sleep late and enjoy every ounce of their crazy wide awake selves.  Because in two months it will all be over, both boys will be in school full time.  My time as a Stay at Home Mom will take a turn in a new direction.   It will be a challenging one as I figure out what how to reorganize my life that has been on hold for the past 6 years.  It scares me a little, excites me a little, and okay fine FREAKS ME OUT a little….

But for now it is Summer Break.  And who am I to argue that for a few months out of a crazy year, it is okay to sleep in sit still and let everything else take care of itself, because in the end hectic schedules or lazy summer days, I have two boys who are growing up and for now (Thank God) still need and want to be with me. 

So speaking of Schedules, I hope you all have had an opportunity to check out Kristin with Carolina Neat Freak and learn about how she can help you get better organized with your life.  She offers a great service and don’t forget if you mention Lakeside Chatter you will receive 10% off your first organization session.

It is SUMMER SALE time at Sugar Creek Garden Center.  Check out all the latest and great flowers, trees, plants and great gifts as well at this fabulous nursery just down the road.  Summer classes are also in full swing, make sure you check out their schedule for great opportunities sto learn more about summer plants and lawn care for this time of year.



Nonstop creativity and Summer Cuteness continues to ooze from Sew What Mommy. Perfect appliques for summer time and more.

Check them out and you won’t be disappointed with these outfits that you can help customize or let them pick there perfect design for you. 

A new entry in my Blog Club.  Okay this one is just fall down funny and pure genius at the same time.  Along with my idol P!nk, I may have to add her to my list of Cool chic’s I want to be when I grow up.  Meet The Bloggess

Please also check out my other wonderful Chatter friends who help me help you all support each other in this awesome Momprenuer adventure and journey.   
Thoughtful Creations - Gift Baskets!
The Cupcake Girl - Homemade cupcakes in all kinds of varieties, flavors and ingredients
Plumfield Shop - Home decor, personal style, party favors, gifts and more.
Madison Lane Photography
Steele Creek Outreach - Volunteer Opportunities for local homeless.

Lastly, there is still room on the sign up sheet for "Operation - Feed Squad B"  For more info click here

COMING NEXT WEEK!

June giveaway ( a bit late I know…. Sorry like I said it is summer)

Happy Weekend my awesome readers, followers and friends. 
With Love,
Mary

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