MURPHY MAC IMAGES

Shaylinn's First Haircut 5/13/09

2009-05-15T01:03:00.011-05:00

So After Shaylinn got up from her nap the other day, & saw the pictures of Cian from his photoshoot, she wanted in on the action.

After taking pictures of her, I realized, that I had to give up on NOT cutting her hair....EVER!!!

She wakes up with her hair soaking wet, she sweats so much, that she looks more like she got out of the shower then from a nice sound sleep.

Not to mention, she has the fine fly away hair that I have disliked most of my life.

She asks every single time she sees me cutting anyones hair to cut hers for her too.

Well after seeing yet another picture of her looking all crazy....

My "HOT MESS"

It was finally time for Shaylinn to get her FIRST haircut.

It was so long...

She was so excited!!!

She even let me blow dry it!!!

She is so beautiful!!!

Then, we headed outside for her own little photoshoot...

Believe it or not, I actually took off almost 3 inches...

The many faces of Shaylinn....

Can you tell she is a thumb sucker???

She even let me play with it...THAT doesn't happen often!!!

Then, someone mentioned Jaina, & she said she wanted her "hair cut just like Jaina."

(Jaina is the other little Princess in the first picture of the "Puddle Fun" post)

I figured, I better go ahead, & cut it shorter now, cause God knows, I am hoping she will want it long again!!!

I can't help it....

I just love her hair pigtails!!!!

She is her own person, so, a bobb it is....

It is so nice to know that I still got it....hahaha

My BEAUTIFUL little girl...Thank you for sitting so good to get your first & second hair cut!!!!

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

I am so PROUD OF YOU!!!

I LOVE your smiling face!!!

You are so much FUN!!!

I LOVE YOU SOO SOOO SOOOO MUCH!!!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Mommy!!

XOXOXO

Cian's Photoshoot

2009-05-13T22:18:00.017-05:00

I needed "a" picture of Cian for a school project, so we headed outside, after we were done doing homework. Much to my surprise, he didn't give me a hard time!!!

He is so HANDSOME!!!!

The many faces of Cian....

My HANDSOME little boy...Thank you Buddy for being such a good sport!!!

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

I am so PROUD OF YOU!!!

I LOVE your smiling face!!!

You are so much FUN!!!

I LOVE YOU SOO SOOO SOOOO MUCH!!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Mommy!!

XOXOXO

Pictures

2009-05-11T20:05:00.005-05:00

I needed to get a current picture of Cian so we went outside under the wonderful cloudy sky & had some fun.

This is one of the silly shots I got of Cian....

Then Shaylinn got up from her nap & wanted her picture taken too.

This is my crazy hot mess!!!

I wish I could express how much I love them!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Shannon

Happy Mothers Day!!!

2009-05-10T22:03:00.012-05:00

On Mothers Day, as we all do, I think of my Mom...

She is an AMAZING woman!!!

I Love & miss her so much!!!

She is so beautiful in so many ways, countless ways really.

I can only hope & pray that my children admire & love me half as much as I do her!!!

I LOVE & MISS YOU MOM!!!!

XOXOXO

THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU ARE & ALL YOU DO!!!

I am so LUCKY, PRIVILEGED & HONORED to call you MOM!!!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!

XOXOXO

My FABULOUS Mom & me...Isn't she gorgeous?!?!?!

I also think of the "other Mom's" who have touched my life...

There are a lot of those, Grandma's, Great Aunts, Aunts, "In-Laws,""Sisters" & Friends, of all kinds...

I wish I could write about them all, but that would have to be a book!!!

To them I say Thank you for being you!!!

Thank you for being an inspiration, teacher, friend, confidante, comic relief, encouragement, etc, etc!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you, you know who you are!!!!

I love & miss YOU ALL!!!

My Mother In Law is one of them too, of course.

Although I don't have any pictures of her & I together, I do have one to share of her with her boys...

This was taken in February when Chris & Tony went home to harass her, I mean help her out post surgery. She has been battling Thyroid Cancer, & had to have more removed, so please keep her in your prayers.

She was actually laughing so hard she has tears in her eyes in this picture.

God only knows what they were doing to her, or saying to her....

I feel very lucky that I have a MIL that I love, & like ;)

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

Thank you for all you do!!!

I love & miss you, too!!!

XOXOXO

PS. Its my blog, & I'll post a picture of you if I want to....hahaha

Now about my kids, & my life as a Mom.

I am so lucky to be one!!!

I am so in love with these two....

The two people that have given me the title of "MOM"

They have given me so much, but the love & the laughter is what I cherish most!!!

There is so much that I cherish really, but the smiles they put on my face, & the love that they give every single day is PRICELESS!!!

They are so different, yet they both put countless smiles on my face EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!

A few things that stand out, at this very moment, about each one...in no particular order...

Cian,

He is my reserved, cautious one. He is the one that observes before taking a leap...see puddle fun post...below this one

He is very caring, loving, funny & FUN.

He likes to be silly, & make people laugh, but he hates the spotlight!!!

He is smart, considerate, & strong.

Oh, & one of my FAVORITES....he is SO TICKLISH!!!!

God I LOVE THAT LITTLE BOY!!!!

Shaylinn,

She is my crazy one...the one that stands next to a sidewalk to hand out flowers to strangers as they walk by...

Yes, she makes me very nervous...

She is my little SASSAFRASS!!! But, I wouldn't have it any other way.

She is very dramatic, funny & strong.

She is outgoing, LOVING, caring & fun.

SHE is my spotlight girl!!!! She doesn't even think about who is around her, or watching her when she breaks out a crazy dance or belts out a tune. Yes, she will get embarrassed when she realizes that all eyes are on her, but she loves it!!!

She too is smart, & VERY TICKLISH.

GOD I LOVE THAT LITTLE GIRL!!!!

Thank God I have ticklish kids, because my favorite sound in the world, is the laughter of my children!!!!

Those two little people have touched my life, & my heart in more ways then I ever imagined could be touched!!!

I am so EXTREMELY BLESSED!!!!

I love watching & hearing them interact with one another.

I love to hear them laughing with one another from the other room as they play.

I love that they are always looking out for each other!!!

To hear Shaylinn yell "THAT'S MY BROTHER" to defend him, just cracks me up...its hasn't been over anything big, they are only 6 and 3, but still to hear her have his back that way, is AWESOME!!!

(Then there is Cian..."Shaylinn, I can handle this")

LOL!!!

If one of them gets hurt, the other is always right there, doing whatever they think is necessary to make them feel better...

running to get a bandaid or icepack

running to get their favorite toy to make it all better

making silly faces or flopping around like a fish to make the other laugh...

they are there FOR EACH OTHER!!!

I hope & pray it will always be that way!!!

Trust me, they have their battles too, but when push comes to shove, they have each others back...THANK GOD!!!!

I LOVE THAT!!!

Its because of them that I have this job, this job that I LOVE!!!

I would sacrifice anything necessary to keep this job!!!

I have honestly loved every single minute of it!!!

People often say being a mother is a thankless job, but I disagree.

I started asking them what their favorite part of their day was just before saying prayers each night, & then I ask them to tell me 3 things they are grateful for...

The things that they tell me are the sweetest things ever!!!

It makes me realize that they are truly grateful for the things that they have, & the things that I do for them.

It is a difficult job, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!

I hope & pray I do a good job at it, & raise good people!!!

I truly am blessed to have the people, & the things in my life that I do!!!

For all of you Moms out there, I hope you all feel the same!!!

To the Moms that I know, Thank you for touching my life, & teaching me so much!!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Shannon

Puddle FUN!!!

2009-05-02T23:22:00.015-05:00

Our day started off at a "Princess" Birthday Party for Jaina....

They were so beautiful, & had so much fun dancing around in their princess dresses.

Then we came home & took naps in the middle of a rain storm, & when we woke up, this is what we saw....

It started as this.....

Then my daring Shaylinn changed its motion....

with this....

Then Cian came outside, & they decided to check out the side of the house....

Off & running....

Then the real fun begins....

written ALL OVER their faces!!!!

Yes, she is in her Princess night gown....LOL

I dared Cian to slide....at first he thought I was crazy....

He had a few "trial runs"

Then this....

LOL...

He didn't expect it to be a little chilly...

....or to get a mouth full of water....hahaha

Then to have the cold shirt stick to him....

....THEN....he realized I wasn't lying to him when I told him it would be FUN!!!!

;)

Shaylinn was having her own fun, her own way....

Jumping as high as she could.....

...& kicking her feet out from under her....

Landing on her bottom in a splash....

....or dancing around...

They both had so much fun!!!!

I asked them to jump "together" & this is what I got....

lol...they were a little off...hahaha

Cian was trying to convince her to run & slide

"Shaylinn you know, slide like a penguin...."

"like this.....it doesn't hurt"

...Nope...she was having her fun ....her way...

I love that about her!!!!

They were soaking wet, & they had SOOO MUCH FUN!!!!

I hope you all had as much fun as we did today!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Shannon

Sloss Furnace TTD shoot

2009-03-22T13:14:00.007-05:00

I was truly HONORED on Friday to join a few photographers from the area, some near, some far at a "Trash The Dress" shoot at Sloss Furnace in Birmingham.

I had a GREAT time!!!

These are a few of my favorites

(all untouched, straight out of the camera)

I look forward to the next time we can all get together!!!

Thank you again for including me!!!

;) Shannon

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T14:30:00.007-05:00

OH MY GOODNESS....I LOVE MY LITTLE LEPRECHAUNS SOOO MUCH!!!!

I had about 5 min to take pictures before Cian had to go to baseball camp, & this is what I got....GOD I LOVE THEM!!!!

Cian started this....a really big "CHEEEEESE" face....LOL

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!

....this one too!!!

Here's to health, peace and prosperity.

May the flower of love never be nipped by the frost of disappointment,

nor shadow of grief fall among your family and friends.

May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings,

slow to make enemies and quick to make friends.

And may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load.

May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road...

And may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed!

May your heart be light and happy,

May your smile be big and wide,

And may your pockets always have a coin or two inside!

May your mornings bring joy

and your evenings bring peace...

May your troubles grow less

as your blessings increase!!

May you have warm words on a cold evening,

a full moon on a dark night,

and a smooth road all the way to your door!!!

May the luck of the Irish

Lead to happiest heights

And the highway you travel

Be lined with green lights....

May you have all the happiness

and luck that life can hold...

and at the end of all your rainbows

may you find a pot of gold!!!

May neighbors respect you

Trouble neglect you,

The angels protect you,

And heaven accept you!

Always remember to forget

The troubles that passed away.

But never forget to remember

The blessings that come each day!!!

Wherever you go and whatever you do,

May the luck of the Irish be there with you!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs!!!

;) Shannon

Catching up....PART 2

2009-03-10T23:56:00.036-05:00

YAY YAY YAY!!!

I am all caught up!!!

WOO HOO!!!

Just like the previous post, I tried to make this post appear as if it was posted by the date, so the most recent events are on top.

Dang...that took FOREVER!!!! I AM SOO HAPPY ITS DONE!!!

The first set is from this past weekend...

YIPPEE....I am finally current again...LOL

We have been LOVING the weather around here.

Of course that means we are about to face some much cooler weather :(

I think we are having a 20 degree change in temperature today :(

Shaylinn was so tired, she could barely smile, yet she was determined to have fun driving around with her big brother.

This is the smile I get when he wants something...

This time he wanted to stay outside longer....

;)

Shaylinn is just sassy....

...but cute about it...

I am in so much TROUBLE!!!!

After our first baseball practice, we had a day of FUN....

OUTSIDE!!!!

YAY FOR NICE WARM WEATHER!!!!

Shaylinn looks like she hasn't been bathed in days....

...Thanks to sunscreen in her hair....LOL

She thinks she is so cool in her Dora glasses ;)

Tyler was trying to steal the swords out of an abandoned car...

CAUGHT...RED HANDED BUDDY!!!

;)

Dylan ready for action...LOL

I really like this picture of Shaylinn

...but this one is even better....hahahaha

Cian started Baseball again....

I am so excited that they will be the YANKEES this year!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

Chris is NOT of course...

...He is a Cleveland Indians fan...

apparently I interrupted him....LOL

Our first Alabama snow....

We were all so excited...

because we KNEW it wouldn't last long!!!!!

Our snow angels!!!

Cian thinks he is funny trying to get me with a snowball.....

...so does Shaylinn...hahaha

Shaylinn..."I COLD MOMMY"

"Then go inside Honey"

"NOOOO (spoken in the high pitched whine of a little girl).....HHMMMPPPHHH"

With the attitude of a teenager...

...and off she went...

Apparently that wasn't the answer that she wanted to hear....LOL

....I let her go for a little bit, she was having SO MUCH FUN!!!

She actually outlasted Cian... :)

Cian trying to catch a snow flake....

but it was no longer snowing...hahaha

Chris's snowman...

Chris trying to put a "red nose" on his snowman...

...it didn't work...

Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus came to town...

It was t he first time at the Circus for Chris, Cian & Shaylinn....

....they ALL had so much fun!!!

Before we even went, Shaylinn was telling Grandma all about it...

"Grandma I going to swing on the bars, & Mommy & Daddy & Cian are going to watch"

..."OH, & Daddy is going to juggle"

LOL....Where do they come up with this stuff?????

This was the opening act...Audience members losing their seats ;)

Shaylinn thought the elephants were really cool!!!

These guys were pretty impressive

I love the clowns...Chris likes to juggle too....hahahaha

Chris thought this was pretty impressive too...

The human cannonballs....

...SAFE!!!!

Cian LOVED the magic!!! There was a human in there before they put the curtain down...

...then "ZING ZAM ZOOM"....

A TIGER

How do they do that?!?!?!?!

The tigers seemed a little cranky!!! LOL

It really is the "Greatest show on Earth"!!!!

Princess Shaylinn

...Her Majesty with her "friends" I mean her kingdom...hahaha

Play Doh FUN!!!

Cian loves to play with Play Doh!!!

His alien creation....

Valentines Day breakfast...

Heart shaped french toast...

with syrup & sprinkles of course...;)

Cian wanted a grill cheese instead...he doesn't like french toast...

of course that was heart shaped too...

Right after Shaylinn got sick, well, like 3 days later, the school called me to pick Cian up, because he got sick in school.

The poor thing didn't even want to change his clothes when he got home. He just passed out on his nap mat on his Spiderman couch in the hallway.

Poor Guy!!!

OUT COLD!!!!!

Then he woke up because he thought he was going to get sick again....& passed out on the bathroom floor....I hope I never see him like this again!!! Especially when he gets older!

;)

I woke him up by accident...he heard my camera.

He wasn't too happy with me...LOL

Sorry Buddy!!!

The beginning of February, Shaylinn got sick...out of the blue.

She had a fever come on so fast, I don't think she knew what hit her.

One minute she was running around playing, the next, she was OUT!

She never falls asleep on the couch, this time, she PASSED OUT!!!

My beautiful sick....Shaylinn

She barely had a cough before her fever came on....I felt so bad for her!!!

Chris & Cian taking down the Christmas lights.

Cian LOVES to help Chris!!!

This is how Shaylinn felt about no being able to help...LOL

Family game night...Cootie is one of our favorites...

SO FUN!!!

This was Shaylinn's....she won even though it is missing a leg...

Cian's...although he did it for Shaylinn...;)

mine...

Chris's...he didn't like his much LOL!!!

Cian started Basketball, & Chris is coaching of course...they both LOVE it!!!

They LOVE these things!!!

Thank goodness they share well!!!

We had to replace Shaylinn's jeep, & when we went to do it, she decided she wanted the Mustang instead....SPOILED ROTTEN!!!! ;)

We roasted marshmellows one night, to make s'mores...of course!!!

I think Shaylinn roasted these two marshmellows for about 15 min...no lie, & they were as white as they were when they came out of the bag....at least that's what Chris told her....LOL

She LOVES marshmellows!!!

Cian on the other hand, he didn't like them AT ALL!!!

New Years Eve Chris & I celebrated our 7 year anniversary.

I can't believe how much we have survived....LOL

I LOVE YOU HONEY!!!

First look Christmas morning.....

...we have a slumber party in Mommy & Daddy's room on Christmas Eve so we don't miss these!!!!

We hid these in our neighbors garage...

...she had a hard time steering, in a straight line...

...but she still LOVED IT!!!!

Cian got the hang of it really quick!!!

Christmas Eve...standing still was a challenge for them....LOL

Catch up....PART 1

2009-03-09T22:56:00.052-05:00

So here is the deal....I have been putting this off for way too long, so I am going to wrap it all in one, or two posts.....

I put it together as if they were posted in order, or when they should have been posted, so the most recent is on top.

I am still working on catching up, but for some reason, I keep getting an "Autosave failed" error message, so I am nervous that I will lose everything...so the next one will start with Christmas.

So, without further ado....

HERE WE/YOU GO....

Shaylinn turns 3!!!

SO FULL OF MISCHIEF!!!

...AND ATTITUDE!!!!

;)

GOD....I LOVE HER!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!!!!

WE LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!

XOXOXO

After I took pictures of our neighbors, they took pictures of us.

Thanks Leslie for taking these wonderful images for us!!!

XOXOXO

I love these last two "dreamy" looking images....

My heart skips a beat when I see images like this....

no coaching involved!!!!

I had the pleasure of shooting our neighbors kids for their family Christmas cards.

We love the Hyatt family!!!

I love these last two...hahahaha

We took Cian & Shaylinn to see Santa at the mall....

He was a GREAT Santa!!!

Surprisingly, they were both so excited!!!

When we were in DC, I was able to take some time to myself & spend a little time at the Pentagon Memorial...needless to say, it was quite emotional.

The experience of finding my cousins bench was more overwhelming then I thought it would be!!!

I Love & Miss her so much!!!

....I WILL NEVER FORGET!!!!

When I first found Chin Sun's bench, I just stood there & cried, oblivious to the world around me, & feeling all alone, or wishing I was I guess, when out of the blue, this wonderful woman tapped me on the shoulder & asked me, well, told me that she felt compelled to hug me...I let her, & cried even harder...she held me for a long time it seemed, & told me that it was OK...I wish I knew her name...Thank you ma'am, I really needed that!!!

So BEAUTIFUL!!!!

SO PEACEFUL!!!!

Ironically it really is very peaceful. Not that I expected anything different, I guess I just didn't expect it to be as powerful as it was. It is so strange to be there & feel such peace when it seems like just yesterday the feeling was SO different!!!!

It was a welcoming change, FOR SURE!!!!

Its crazy to me to think about how different life is for so many, since that day!!!

My heart goes out to all the families & friends who lost someone they love!!!

...OK...

...NEXT...

Cian & Shaylinn are still dressing up in their Halloween costumes....

IN DECEMBER....

My little superheros!!!

Cian is such a good big brother!!!

There is something that I just LOVE about this image, I just don't know what....

My Mom came down the beginning of December to stay with the kids while Chris & I went up to DC for his company Christmas Party....

THANKS MOM....I LOVE & MISS YOU SOOO MUCH!!!

XOXOXO

Extra squeezes... ;)

We went up to Ohio for Thanksgiving....

Shaylinn saw snow for the first time in her almost 3 year old life....

She got the hang of it real fast.... Cian did too... Shaylinn tried to knock the snowman down....

with no luck....hahaha Then Mimi was under attack!!! They slept like this every night.... Chris even got to meet his cousins alter ego....Irene....LOL We decorated our tree...

;)

We LOVE Halloween...I think Chris has more fun scaring the neighborhood kids then Shaylinn does getting double the candy....AT EVERY SINGLE HOUSE!!!!

It is now March, & she is still talking about going to houses to get candy!!!!

...."I knock on the door & say twick or tweet & I get candy"....

..."Shaylinn Honey...Halloween is far away, we have all kinds of holidays & fun to look forward to before Halloween".....

..."HHMMMMPPHH"...

LOL

Trick or Treating Alabama style....;)

This wagon was pulled around by a golf cart.

The kids LOVE it!!!

Instead of a Halloween party, Cian had a "Harvest Party" at school.

They had (well could ONLY) dress up in "FARMER" attire basically, so here are my little Harvest Kids!!!!

The Tate Farms field trip...

Tate Farms "Cotton Pickin Pumpkins...

oh, so much FUN!!!

ALL kinds of things to do, with some great photo op spots....

Hay rides out to the pumpkin field

The Hay maze...

no one cried....WOO HOO!!!

...and they all made it out in one piece....

...and in good time...

they got to pet the animals

They jumped from the barn....

and landed in hay...

Played on the John Deer Play sets

played in The "Corn Crib"

....they went home EXHAUSTED!!!

In October, I had the privilege of photographing these two amazing boys.

Boy did I learn A TON during this session!!!

After three outfit changes, a sick child, & a bee sting, these are some of my favorites!!!

PS: Allison, I am so looking forward to the next time for even better images!!!

;)

Madison Street Fair

Cian's 1st Bus Ride

2008-09-29T15:29:00.007-05:00

Although he doesn't look it here, he really was excited to ride the bus...

I promise he was...

;)

Its amazing how small he looks....My Little Man, God how I love him!!!

This is Mr Ed...

His backpack almost pulled him back down...LOL

Shaylinn insisted on leaving her "Dora Jammies" on.

He was so proud of himself!!!

He LOVES riding the bus, & now goes straight towards the back...of course...LOL!!!

If he plays too much in the morning, & misses the bus, he gets really upset!!!

He is doing so good in school, & LOVING IT!!!!

Cian, I am so so so PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of laughs,

;) Mommy/Shannon

Cian's 1st day of School

2008-09-23T18:19:00.018-05:00

This one has been a long time running too.

Cian's first day of school.

It was WAY harder for me then it was for him!!!!

He did a great job....not one single tear...THANK GOD!!!

I prayed he wouldn't cry, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep from crying myself if he started.

He was very excited to start this new adventure, & was quite ready for it.

We had gone to the school to meet his teacher the night before, so he at least had an idea of what he was in for, or at least who he was in for.

His teacher is Mrs. King. She has

been a teacher for 8 years, & a very sweet, patient person.

The IDEAL Kindergarten teacher!!!

I think this year will be a really good one for him.

This is one of the murals painted on the wall by the office.

The first day begins...

He actually woke up with a smile on his face, & wandered into the bathroom to start getting ready with Daddy. I could tell he was feeling like a big boy...SO CUTE!!!

I kept telling myself NOT to cry!!! Watching him get ready for his first day of school, really made me realize how big he is, & how fast time really does go by!!!

People say it all the time, but no matter how hard you try to enjoy every single moment you possibly can, it still FLIES BY!!! When faced with the reality of just how fast it goes, really can bring you down.

I remember giving birth to him, like it was yesterday, & here we are, over 5 years later!!!

The best part was watching the excitement build for him.

That slap happy excitement...yes, he was that excited!!!

So willing to learn the new routine, & SO ready to go!!!

Again...before I knew it, he was all ready to go & it was time to bring him to school!!!

Off for his very first day of school...He is so dang CUTE!!!

The pep talk from Dad.

The squeezes from Mom.

I had to put both of these up...I love that they are both so concerned about each other, unless of course they are too busy making each other mad about something...LOL

Cian eyeballing Shaylinn...

Shaylinn eyeballing Cian....LOL

Then it was Moms turn....see, he was totally fine!!!

YES, my eyes are just a little puffy...LOL

His first day of school off to a good start!!!

Getting a little anxious for the day to begin.

OK...very anxious!!!

Learning where everything goes....

Backpacks & Nap mats

His seat.

I could tell that he was starting to get a little nervous by this point, so I knew it was time to go. Although I admit....I DID NOT WANT TO!!!!

One last hug from Shaylinn...

When I picked him up from school, I could tell that although overwhelming, he had a really good day. I really think this is going to be a really good year.

Although exhausted, he still had a smile on his face, & was quite proud of his "King" hat.

He had a GREAT first day of school.

I am SO PROUD of you Cian!!!!

I LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!

XOXOXO

Trying to get any information from him about what he did throughout the day, was like trying to find a needle in a haystack....it was driving me crazy, you know the one word answers, no matter how hard I tried, he did NOT want share anything about his day.

That is until he had changed out of his school clothes, & was going to the bathroom that he offered anything....LOL

First he told me that he "didn't" FART (yes that is what he told me) in school. LOL...I told him I was happy for him, & that it was probably a good thing with the way he smells....LOL

Then he told me that he did, "a few little ones...Mommy....but they didn't stink"

LMAO...UMMM...Is this a boy thing...who thinks about when they fart throughout the day???

Of course I asked him if anyone heard him, or smelled him...LOL...he assured me that no one had..."No Mommy, I told you, IT DIDN'T STINK!!!!!"

Then I got nervous that he had tried to hold them in...but he told me that he hadn't.

Of all the things that went on during his first day of school, that is THE ONLY thing that he offered to tell me about....

OH THE MEMORIES....LOL!!!!!

These are a few from the first few days of school....

His favorites...

Of course I was trying to embarrassing him....trying to.

Yelling out the window that "I love you Buddy"....He is such a trooper!!!

He thinks I'm crazy...LOL

Like I said....he is really enjoying school!!!

LOL...

LOL....Just not my camera....

Apparently, he had ENOUGH....LOL

...I gave up after that shot...hehehe

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Shannon

XOXOXO

The "other" Macs....

2008-09-10T08:36:00.019-05:00

When Cian, Shaylinn & I got home from our roadtrip, we had one day before "The Other Macs" stopped by for a quick visit. They too were on their way home from a family roadtrip, & luckily, we are right in the middle. They were on their way home to Florida from Ohio.

These are "The Other Macs."

It started as just Chris & Tony...they really are more then just brothers!!!

Then Tony met Mary...

Then they had AJ...

Then Alexis...

They had so much fun in the short time they were here. They got here on Thursday night, & left Saturday morning. Hopefully next time they will be able to stay longer!!!

Our neighbors got out their slide, & the kids played ALL day long.....

They even took turns helping Shaylinn.

Alexis had to be much more patient then AJ had to be, but it paid off!!!

Before they hit the road, Cian wanted me...literally asked me....to take pictures with them so he can have the pictures in his room...

First he wanted a picture of AJ & Alexis...

Then he wanted all of them to get in one with him...

Then he wanted everyone to be in it. He has such a big heart!!!

Thank you guys so much for stopping by. It was truly a pleasure to have you guys here!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of laughs!!!

;) Shannon

One of my other BFF's....Heather & her girls

2008-09-08T21:13:00.013-05:00

Heather, & her girls, Dylanie & Shelbie are just beautiful!!!

We all had such a good time with them when we went home.

We went to the park, we swam, & we went to the Danbury Fair, here are some of my favorite pictures from our time together.

This is Dylanie :)

This is Shelbie :)

They played so well together.

...and stuck together well...

Dylanie LOVES to have her picture taken!!!

....so does Shelbie...LOL

Dylanie & Shaylinn played with a bubble machine for the longest time....

I LOVE this picture of Dylanie!!!

lol...For every bubble that Shaylinn popped, she would say "POP!" & pinch her fingers together to pop the bubble...she had a BLAST!!!

Cian thought it was hilarious that he could still fit in one of these swings....LOL

Shaylinn was apparently full electricity....LOL

They ALL had a BLAST at the Danbury Fair!!!

Heather brought Allegra, one of her babysitters along, she was such a big help!!!

Thank you Allegra for all your help!!!

She even took the kids on rides, over & over again....

I love this picture of them on the tilt-a-whirl....Cian LOVED that ride!!!

Allegra had a really good time too....she had someone to go on just about every ride with.

LMAO!!!! This slide was so stinkin fast!!!! LOL, I tried to warn them before they came down, but it didn't matter...they FLEW down this slide....LOL

LOL...so did I

However, this one takes the prize for the BEST captured expression...LMAO!!!!

Thanks Heather for taking such good care of Shaylinn as you busted your butt....literally....LOL!!!

These next couple really capture what a "Fair" is all about....

The view from the top of the Ferris Wheel.

This is what the camera saw of us...

Cian & Shaylinn had so much fun up there. I was surprised neither one of them freaked!!!

Then it was time for the fireworks...

Shaylinn didn't like them AT ALL at first, & Shelbie apparently wasn't liking Cian's hug...LOL

Thank you so much for sharing so much of your time with us!!! We Love & Miss you ALL!!!

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of laughs!!!

;) Shannon

My Mom

2008-08-26T22:47:00.004-05:00

Of course when I went "home" for Jacki & Jack's wedding, we (Cian, Shaylinn & I) stayed with my Mom so I thought I would post an entry about my Mom.

When I think of my Mom, so many things come to mind....She is so many things to me, she always has been.

She is my Mom first, & not afraid to tell me when she thinks I am doing something wrong or not quite right (yes, even still LOL). She is one of my best friends (I am so blessed to have many), my hero, my mentor, my biggest fan. She is someone I can count on for anything, she is ALWAYS there for me, no matter what!!! Oh, I could go on & on.....She is simply AWESOME!!!

I hate that we are so far apart, but even though we don't live down the road from one another, she is ALWAYS just a phone call away!!!

Thank you for being such a good role model Mom, you do such a great job!!!

This is me with my BEAUTIFUL Mom!!!!

I LOVE & MISS YOU SO MUCH MOM!!!

XOXOXO

Thank you Jacki for taking these pictures for us!!!

We all Love & Miss her so much!!!

We can't wait to see her again!!!

I hope you too have a great relationship with your Mom!!!

Til next time....

Much Love, Many Blessings, & TONS of Laughs,

;) Shannon

Jack & Jacki

2008-08-24T22:55:00.018-05:00

I was so excited to make a trip home for one of my best friends weddings. Jack & Jacki got married June 28th, & I had the honor of being her Matron of Honor. Their wedding was truly a reflection of who they are. Jacki is extremely crafty & creative, & took care of just about every detail on her own, & she did a fabulous job. They got married in their back yard, surrounded by close family & friends who mean the most to them.

Thank you both again for allowing me to be such an important part of your special day.

Of course I took pictures too!!!

The first few pictures are just some of the incredible details that Jacki created. She is so talented!!!

They had a beautiful & delicious cake, that their sister-in-law made. I LOVED their cake topper!!!

An Irish Blessing.

The beautiful bride...

The Gorgeous couple...

I wish you guys a lifetime of happiness beyond your wildest dreams!!!

Much Love & Many Blessings,

;) Shannon

Rick & Niki...SO FAR BEHIND...

2008-07-31T12:15:00.041-05:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted here....& I have so much to post about. So, I'll do my best to catch up....First, I'll start with Rick & Niki's Engagement/Wedding that I was able to shoot AT...The "REAL" photographers were AMAZING!!!! Bob Davis & Corey McNabb shot the engagement shots, & George Burns & Rich Hein shot the Wedding. HOLY MOLY....I was so nervous, I could hardly think, but felt so privileged to be able t

o shoot along side these AMAZING & TALENTED photographers. It truly was an HONOR!!!! I am not kidding when I say that I couldn't even think when I was shooting along side Bob & Corey, I felt like a child staring at a couple SuperStars...LOL. Thank goodness I only had a day to recover before the Wedding, because I was able to calm myself down just enough to be able to think for myself, not that George or Rich were any less intimidating, I just had time to build my confidence back up, not to mention, I had vowed to myself that if I made a fool of myself, I told myself that I would blame it on my hair being too tight, & heels on my feet....LOL...hey, I had to tell myself something...hahaha

Bob & George are partners of la Storia foto Bob & his wife Dawn are incredible people, & extremely giving of their time & talent. Just check out their blog & you'll see what I mean. I contacted Dawn about two years ago through the blog, & am blown away repeatedly by how genuine & sincere she is. Since Bob & Dawn are from Chicago, & Rick & Niki were getting married there, I contacted them to check their availability, &/or to see if they could recommend a photographer in the area since both Rick & Niki were still deployed in Iraq. Long story short, to my COMPLETE ASTONISHMENT, they offered to shoot

their wedding....I was stuck between wanting to scream & cry, & it wasn't even "for" me, it was for friends who completely & totally deserved it!!! Like I said...AMAZING, INCREDIBLE people!!!!

George, the other partner of la Storia foto is Oprah Winfrey's personal photographer, again, I was completely blown away!!! Since we had so much more time to talk throughout the day, George helped me out...A TON!!! THANKS AGAIN GEORGE!!!

Corey McNabb is the man behind The McWorkshops , The Rockstar Roadtrip, that he does with Amber Holritz of Holritz Photography, a husband & wife team, of

incredibly talented photographers, Nathan (the other half of Holritz Photography) has recently introduced Photographers Solutions, a great way to cut down on workflow, or to simply let someone else take care of the editing & other responsibilities that can be sourced out to give you back your life. Back to Corey for a moment, he is also an incredibly talented Wedding Photographer, who by the way, has a wonderful wife (Jill) who makes fabulous martinis...according to Amber, I hope I get the privilege of tasting one someday. I didn't get the chance to talk with Bob or Corey that much, because we were so limited on time, but I have had the opportunity to have lunch with Amber, & I have to tell you she is quite fun!!! I will make it to one of those workshops...sooner or later...LOL!!!

Rich Hein, again, such a nice, genuine person. He is another talented & giving photographer for the Chicago Sun Times. I was blown away by the generosity of everyone involved, & pray that I will be able to give back in some way. George, Rich & I had fun shooting the wedding, both of them helped me out throughout the day, & I can't thank them enough for all they did for me!!!! (PS...Thanks to George & Rich, for educating Chris on what I really "needed," I was able to get the 580EX II flash & Gary Fongs Lightsphere...not that I have any idea what to do with it, but I have it...hahahaha!!!) I wasn't "working" with them, but I have to say, I would JUMP at the opportunity to shoot with ANY of them if given the chance!!!

Thank you again, all of you, for allowing me to live a dream for a couple days!!! I am truly indebted to you all for what you have done for me!!! If ever there is anything I can do to help you out in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.

Now for some pictures...

This is Bob Davis

This is Corey McNabbThis is George Burns & Rich Hein...I told you we had a good time shooting the wedding...

Here are some of my favorite engagement shots...

Here are a few from their wedding day...

Spring...I LOVE IT!!!!

2008-05-02T12:38:00.012-05:00

There are so many things to love about Spring...besides the warmer weather, the return of green grass, full trees, & for the flower lovers....the blooming flowers....those are the obvious things to love about Spring.

This year, there is something brand new for me, & my family...

Children's SPORTS!!!

Cian is playing both...T-Ball & Flag Football!!!

I have to say....I LOVE IT!!!

As busy & crazy as it can be at times....yes, even for 5 year old kids, I LOVE IT!!!

They have so much fun out there, & to watch them grow from game to game is a BLAST!!!

Here are a few recent pictures of Cian & Shaylinn...

The Playground DIVA....LOL

She thinks she is all that & a bag of chips...LOL

Little Miss Hollywood...

This is the only decent shot I have of Cian in his Football uniform....I'll obviously have to work on that!!!

His T-Ball Uniform...I lost the battle for them to be Yankees...obviously

(Sorry Buddy)

His first couple practices were quite chilly...

Shaylinn was COMPLETELY bundled up...LOL

...or so I thought..."I COLD MOMMY"

...it really was quite chilly...LOL

A couple game shots of Cian...

"That's what I'm talkin' about....right there"

LOL

He thinks he's slick...

I am such a proud Mom!!!

(Even if he is wearing a Cleveland Indians uniform)

Dad is quite proud also...

We have been crazy busy with all this going on, but like I said...

IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!!

More soon...

;) Shannon

HAPPY EASTER!!!

2008-03-24T00:08:00.008-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

We had a fun filled day!!!

Cian woke up early, of course, he was SO excited!!! He got a peek at his basket, & had to bring us about 3 different things to show us that the Easter Bunny brought him, within about 5 minutes, before we gave in & got out of bed. Of course he also got the advantage of scoping out the "hidden" eggs before his sister got up

Shaylinn is not an early riser AT ALL!! Matter of fact, more often then not, she will tell me "GO MOMMY!!! I SEEPING..." as she points to the door, then covers herself back up & pretends to sleep, snore sounds and all....LOL

We knew it was going to be a challenge getting her out of bed before 9am....LOL...not to mention I was fearful that she was going to let us know all morning that she wasn't happy about getting up so early, regardless of what the reason was....

She didn't let us down...she was NOT happy that her room was being invaded with wild excitement, before her eyes were meant to open. She couldn't even think fast enough to tell us to "GO" LOL...she just gave us her "mean mug" as the sleep film faded from her eyes & the hair on the back of her neck went back to normal...LOL Sadly, I didn't have my camera to capture it, Cian just couldn't contain himself any longer....DANG IT!!! LOL

We did have a fun morning hunting for all the eggs, & playing with the inside toys the Easter Bunny left for us, of course Cian & Shaylinn had the breakfast of CHAMPIONS.....Mini M&M's. I think it helped Shaylinn wake up a little....hahaha...& they made Cian slow down enough to eat them, so he wouldn't spill any....lol....it worked HAHAHA

It was a little chilly for us here, well, since Friday & Saturday were such Beautiful Spring days with LOWS in the upper 60's & highs in the mid 70's. Not so for Easter....the morning was in the mid 30's, however, the afternoon did warm up to the mid 50's so we were able to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt outside. They each got kites & bubbles from the Easter Bunny, & I can't wait to get them out to play!!!

Here are a few pictures from our "HUNT"

A little slide time never hurt...of course scoping things out on the way down...LOL

LOL....I LOVE how she was looking for her next find...& missing the egg with her hand!!! LOL.....DETERMINATION!!!

A sweet little kiss....Cian was so happy for her that she got the LAST egg!!!

I LOVE that they are so affectionate with one another & they get SO EXCITED for each other!!! Well MOST of the time....LOL

I AM TRULY BLESSED!!!

LOVE THEM!!!

Here is a little detail shot that I love to get every year.

This one, just happens to have the contents of their baskets behind it...LOL

I love Easter!!!

Much Love & Many Blessings,

;) Shannon

My little Man turns 5!!!

2008-03-23T23:12:00.004-05:00

I CANNOT believe Cian is 5....HOLY COW!!!

His birthday was Saturday, & we had a few friends over to have a little extra special fun for the Birthday BOY!!!

He is quite shy to say the least. Whenever its time to meet someone new, he would rather crawl in a hole then talk to someone he doesn't really know!!! I guess that's a good thing....on some levels anyway....Except....he could miss out on some fun...That's what bothers me!

Like....when its a day that is ALL ABOUT HIM...

He had to find his own comfort level, I had to be patient.....

It didn't take him too long to come out of his shell....THANK GOD!!! I don't think I know a boy who doesn't like to be OUTSIDE!!! It's sure to bring JOY!!!

Before long, he was all about having FUN...and being CENTER STAGE!!!

That is of course until HE didn't have to command it....LOL

He REALLY wanted to disappear when it was time for cake!!! It's a good thing I was able to find his FAVORITE "Carvel Ice Cream Cake"

LOL...I'm surprised he didn't try to hide...LOL

He did good though...I AM SO PROUD OF HIM!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!!! I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!!!!

;) Mommy

I FEEL HORRIBLE!!!

2008-03-23T01:47:00.002-05:00

OK...so here is the thing....Since my son was born I have made sure I had the humiliating pictures with Santa & the Easter Bunny taken EVERY YEAR....NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!! You know the ones that you look back on oneday, & profess, that you "didn't have a choice" your "Mother MADE you do it!" Yes, I have done that to my children EVERY SINGLE YEAR of their lives......Santa...every single year...Check....DONE!!!! The Easter Bunny....every single year.....except this year...NOT done...I COMPLETELY FORGOT UNTIL JUST NOW!!!!! I have no idea what happen to this whole week, its ALL just a blur!!! UUUGGGHHH!!!!

ANYWAY.....HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!

Much Love & Many Blessings,

;) Shannon

Its been awhile....

2008-03-20T00:17:00.010-05:00

I figured its about time I posted a few pictures up. On Monday, we headed outside to capture a few moments to honor St. Patricks Day. Its been a tradition since Shaylinn was born.

The temperature was perfect, but it was a bright cloudy day....here is what I got....I just LOVE my kids SOOO MUCH!!!!!

LOL....They got caught by the sun in this shot, but I love it anyway....LOL

The looks on both of their faces....LOL....really is a phony....CHEESE!!! ;)

Just having FUN!!!! Cian is always looking out for his sister, even if its to torment her....LOL She will get her revenge....I am SURE of it...lol

Cian was having so much fun with this hat....my little GQ...HAHAHA...I LOVE HIM!!!

I am not even sure what to say about this one...she was trying to give me a hard time, but started to smile instead....hahaha. I LOVE HER!!!!

I love this moment....he didn't think it was going to be as fun as it was. This is his I'm nervous, but LOVING IT smile!!!

The hair says it all....Shaylinn....well, she is just a WILD CHILD!!!!

I LOVE THEM SOOO MUCH!!!!!!! They bring SOO MUCH JOY to my life!!!!!

;) Shannon

Episode 2 of Diary of a Washed Up Rock Star Wedding Photographer

2008-02-26T11:23:00.013-06:00

This is a follow up to the previous video post. These guys are hilarious, & now they have added Gary Fong to the mix....OH MY!!!

As I stated before Joe Photo is an INCREDIBLY TALTENTED "Rock Star" Wedding Photographer out of Southern California.

Once again, Ron Dawson of Cinematic Studios did a great job with the video!!! Don't forget, you can check out his Photographer interviews at FStop Beyond.

Of course, there is also Fast Track Photographer creator "Keep it simple" Dane Sanders.

WOW!!! Such talent individually, & together.

I cannot wait to meet these guys!!!

ENJOY!!!

Episode 2

Dear Diary

2008-02-26T11:21:00.001-06:00

You guys have got to see this!!!

2008-02-06T14:43:00.001-06:00

You guys have got to see this!!!! Joe Photo IS a "ROCK STAR" Wedding Photographer!!!! His work is AMAZING!!! He is definitely one of my biggest inspirations, & I cannot wait to meet him someday!!!!

You HAVE to check out his work on his blog here: http://www.cupofjoephoto.com/

You won't be disappointed!!!!

But first, check out "The Diary of a Washed Up Rock Star Wedding Photographer" video below....LOL!!

Episode 2 coming soon....

PS...BIG THANKS goes out to Ron Dawson for helping me get this video posted!!!!

Ron is the video GURU (Owner/Creative Director to be technical...but he is a GURU for sure) for "Cinematic Studios," & you can find that blog here:

www.cinematicstudios.com/blog

Ron is ALSO the Man behind "FStop Beyond," which is a weekly podcast featuring the nations top photographers. Ron does an outstanding job of getting those top photographers to open up!!! Wait until you see the names of the TALENT that he has interviewed, & shared with the rest of us!!! You can find that blog here:

http://www.fstopbeyond.com/

You won't be disappointed there either!!!

ENJOY :)

Much Love & Many Blessings,

;) Shannon

The Diary of a Washed Up Rock Star Wedding Photographer

2008-02-06T14:40:00.001-06:00

I got TAGGED

2008-02-01T11:10:00.002-06:00

Here you go Aimee....

10 Years ago....

Oh boy....I was a single, Master Stylist at one of the leading salons in the country!!!! I LOVED IT!!! I MISS IT TONS TOO!!!! Free of 90% of the responsibilities I have now....Holy Moly....times have CHANGED!!! LOL....I wouldn't change a THING

Snacks I enjoy:

My new FAVORITE Ice Cream of ALL TIME....Edy's TAKE THE CAKE.....YYUUUMMMMMM.....YYYYUUUMMMMMMMM!!!!!!! Chocolate of course; plain chips, carrot & celery sticks with Green Onion dip; Rice cakes; Chex Mix....I think that pretty much covers it.

5 things on my to do list:

Organize the Garage; Laundry; phone calls; set up an office; order prints.

Things I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:

Pay off ALL debts; Order everything on my wish list especially from B&H, Apple, & Adobe; Buy a couple houses & furnish them, a Suburban, & a Motor Home; Travel to places where I could photograph people who never thought they would have beautiful family portraits & print them for free; & of course put lots away for each of my kids college, weddings, & future.

3 of my bad habits:

Stay up way too late!!! I leave pads of "lists" everywhere & I pile things....yes, it is even annoying to me!!!!

5 Places where I have lived:

Let me just name the states since in the past 5 1/2 years we have moved 9 times....New York, DC, Texas, Arizona, & Alabama.

Jobs I have had:

A Mom; Stylist; Server; Medical Receptionist; I worked in a Glass shop cutting glass & making stained glass windows (my first job); Live in Nanny....in Boston though only for the summer.

Things people don't know about me:

This one is hard, I am quite the open book...my favorite sound is laughter, & my favorite site is a smile...especially from my children; My first "true love" was Gymnastics...I know those are kind of lame if you're trying to get the dirt, but sorry, I don't have any.....LOL

Thanks Me Ra

2007-12-19T21:43:00.001-06:00

I forgot to add the "Never Ending!!!!!" List of questions toddlers ask.....Me Ra Koh (http://www.merakohblog.com/) reminded me on her blog today....."Is Santa coming today???" "Does he come tomorrow" "How will Santa come into our house??" "How does Santa fly???" Speaking of "lists"....When will the "OH....Mommy....I need to add "this" to my list for Santa" END?!?!?!?!?! You know the drill.....Here's to PARENTS EVERYWHERE......Before you know it, as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow.....They will have ALL the answers soon enough............LOL

Tis the SEASON!!!!!

2007-12-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

OK...Bare with me..this really is a MUST READ.....it is SURE to make you smile, AT LEAST ONCE....I PROMISE!!!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season. However, from a few of the blogs that I read on a regular basis, it doesn't sound like many of us do TRULY enjoy the "season," like we are supposed to. Crazy I know, but it seems to be the season of STRESS!!!! Your kids get CABIN FEVER....your stressed to the max, & on your toes CONSTANTLY, hoping that your kids will all still believe in Santa, even if only for one more year.....your hoping that your kids wont find your hiding spot, & trying to make sure that they keep those curious little fingers off your most prized & cherished ornaments &/or decorations. The lists of "to dos" goes ON & ON, & because it is supposed to be the "Season of GIVING" we ALL find it hard to say "NO" to ANYTHING!!!!!!

So, here is were it begins.....The frustration has built, but we know we have to get DONE, so we paste that "I have EVERYTHING under control, & I am ON TOP of EVERYTHING" smile on our face as we head out the door in good spirits, because you are going to get everything done TODAY....NO MATTER WHAT....You know the feeling, those last minute little things that have gotten put off long enough, you are going to get those things DONE.....TODAY!!!!! So here you go, just as you get ready to battle in the trenches of that wonderful "retail world".....you have made it through all the crazy traffic, & survived all those "NON DRIVING.....FOOLS" you found a parking spot, you take a deep breath, & you put that smile back on your face, & go for it. Your browsing through the aisles, & suddenly, out of NOWHERE, you spot IT, that perfect gift, it has your name written ALL over it, you know it is meant to be yours, because it had a light shining down on it, JUST FOR YOU TO SEE....you know the one that is totally out of place.....you head towards it at the end of the aisle, & out of nowhere, some crazy person thinks they need what you have your eye on more then you, & snatch it right out from under your nose.........THEN IT HAPPENS.......You are READY to take all the aggravation & stress that you have built up inside you; out on the INSANE person that just interrupted the happy dance that is tickling your toes, your thoughts of the special person you were just thinking of........your eyes turn dark & evil, your face turns beat RED, your hands start to tremble, & the veins start to pop out of your neck & temples....all this before you even lay eyes on the monster, the RUDE, SELFISH, INDIVIDUAL that you are going to STAB with the daggers that are coming out of your eyes, CHOKE with your trembling hands, & MURDER with your words....OH YES, YES, YES.....You know EXACTLY what I am talking about....YOU ARE READY....you turn the corner in your rage to face the PERSON, the THING that is going to feel your wrath, YOU are going to UNLEASH......only to find that its an employee trying to straighten up the display that you are looking at....LOL....Oh sure....you still want to MURDER them with your words, & CHOKE them with your trembling hands, because they just made feel like that, but now it doesn't quite have the same meaning......you simply take a deep breath, & POLITELY ask if you may have "IT" with that same smile on your face that you had when you walked out your door....OH SURE.....you know the moment....you walk away thinking to yourself "have I lost my mind? Have I completely forgotten what this season is about????" Yup, you know the feeling!!!!! Well, let me assure you, you are NOT alone...........Welcome to the HOLIDAY SEASON....LOL

SO, in all the insane deadlines & obligations that we all must attend as adults, take a step back, & try to remember what the holidays meant to you as a child......yes, the time when you had NO RESPONSIBILITIES!!!!! WOO HOO!!!! (OH, right, its just a memory) When you still believed in SANTA.....Yes between that innocent time, & the time in your life when your only responsibility was to make sure the presents were either put back in the bag EXACTLY as they came out, or were re-wrapped with NO evidence of tampering......LOL....go ahead & admit it...trying to find the hiding spots, & the feeling you got when you found them....oh yes, that was just as fun & exciting as getting the one that you didn't find, & were surprised with on Christmas morning....The Christmas stories that your Grandparents or Aunts & Uncles would read to you....or those hilarious stories that you heard of your parents or Grandparents crazy outings...Some of you may even have the stories of your drunk relatives taking you out to sing Christmas Carols through your neighborhood on Christmas Eve while they were drinking from their flasks......HOW EMBARRASSING...at the time anyway, now I'm sure its Hilarious to you......The french toast that Mom made for breakfast....oh yeah, the butter, the cinnamon & sugar, & syrup....YUM.....the bacon all smothered in syrup too...MMMMMM...Christmas morning with your Grandparents, because they wanted to see your excitement too.....The cookies & punch that Granny made, the turkey or ham that Grandma made, the Roast Beef that your other Grandmother made; the decorations that still make you smile, the ones that made you smile with pride as a child, when your Mom opened it for the first time & cried.....the ones that NOW make you smile with some sort of embarrassment, & wonder, "How did this make it through SO MANY Christmases, I remember when I made this in elementary school...with Ms "so & SOO???"....yea, you know the ones. The traditions that you LOVED as a child, but didn't really know it, HATED as a teen, because your family was just way to embarrassing, & LONG for as an adult, because they mean SO MUCH......Oh, to be a kid again......AAAHHHH.........WHAT FOND MEMORIES!!!!!!!!! LOL.....FUN HUH?!?!?!?!

NOW, give your Mom a call, & thank her for all she did for you, that you took for granted, but not because you were, or are selfish, but simply because she is so incredibly giving, & wanted everything to be JUST PERFECT FOR YOU!!!!! She just did it all, & you never really knew or understood what the fuss was all about, but you weren't supposed to, because you were JUST A KID......its never too late to say THANK YOU MOM.....I GET IT NOW!!!!!!

OH, Then, go tickle your kids, or do whatever you must do to make them laugh.....your most FAVORITE sound in the world, & remember who & what you are doing this all for.............Above all, ENJOY THE SEASON...........It only comes ONCE a year!!!!!

I hope this little bit of reality has helped.....hahaha Much Love, Many Blessings & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! ;) Shannon

Finally...an update

2007-12-14T13:36:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone, I know its been awhile since I posted here...SORRY!!!! So, here is the scoop.....I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, & you are all enjoying a great Holiday Season!!!! We went down to Tampa Florida for Thanksgiving, to spend it with Family. Chris's brother Tony & his Family (Wife Mary, Son AJ & Daughter Alexis) live just North of Tampa, & my Dad lives just Southwest of Tampa, so we all got together for some Thanksgiving GRUB. The food was delicious, & the company was even better. No pictures were taken of the day, sadly, because I was in the kitchen most of the day, or hanging with my Dad. Then, Chris & Tony headed out, after the Christmas tree was decorated, for their week of "togetherness" or was I supposed to say "Hunting" (?) in PA. Cian, Shaylinn & I stayed in Florida to hang with the family....a big Thank You to Mary for her wonderful hospitality.....I am so lucky to have such WONDERFUL Sister-in-laws......I love them both so much!!!!! Jami is from "my" side of the family, & I miss her so much.....she is in Phoenix Arizona. I can only look forward to the day that we can all get together again!!!! Anyway, I will post a few pics from our "Christmas card shootS".....what a joy that was....A 4+ year old, who HATES to have his picture taken, unless he is striking a "Power Ranger" pose, or "mean mugging" the camera, & an ALMOST 2 year old, who is little Miss INDEPENDENT, & DON'T TOUCH ME...screamer....you can only imagine, patients run so thin!!!! LOL I did manage to get a couple usable shots, Thank GOODNESS!!!!

Here are a few from our First try......God, I LOVE THEM SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!

Cian is such a good big brother.....

You'll never guess what Shaylinn is saying here.............LOL

She is such a CHEESE BALL!!!!!

Cian thinks its HILARIOUS.....

Round TWO......

GOOFY GOOBERS....

Shaylinn & her half smile

OH....SO SWEET!!!!!

FINALLY.....ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!!! ;)

Until next time....Much Love & Many Blessings.....

;) Shannon

Halloween at the Macs

2007-11-01T23:15:00.001-05:00

We all had a WONDERFUL Halloween, & we hope you did too!!!!!! ;)

First I have to say, they were not happy AT ALL about taking pictures...they wanted to GO...lol

I had so much fun making Shaylinns' costume this year!!!!

"ET GO!!!!!!"

Cian was the "Scariest Skeleton EVER!!!!"

He was pretty excited about his bag too......lol

Chris had a really good time this year too!!!! Shaylinn however, yeah, she didn't want any part of them.......

Lastly.....our Pumpkins......

Until next time.....;)

YEAH ME!!!

2007-10-09T22:41:00.003-05:00

I am so EXCITED!!!!! I entered a contest that Jessica Claire had for a Bludomain website & one of her very own Shootsacs. Although I didn't win the website, I did win a Shootsac!!!! WOOHOO!!!!! Thank You SOO MUCH JESSICA!!!! I also need to thank my husband for putting up with my crazy ideas, & for being such a good sport!!!! I LOVE YOU HONEY!!!!!! ;)

This was my entry.....LOL.....I have to say........THAT'S LOVE RIGHT THERE!!!!! LOL

Thanks Babe.....I love you!!!!! xoxoxo

Meet my family....

2007-10-01T17:14:00.002-05:00

US....;)

This is all of US...We have such a shortage of family photos :(

I can't imagine life without them!!!!! I love them SOOO MUCH!!!!

I am so blessed!!!!!

One of my all time FAVORITES of Chris & Cian!!!! One of my all time FAVORITES of Chris & Shaylinn!!!! Summertime FUN!!!! Cian LOVES Ice Pops!!!! Can you tell?!?!?!

Playground FUN!!!!

Having a BLAST!!!!!

Shaylinn....that look says it ALL!!!!

Summer Fun...."CHEESE" face & all.....

Sensory overload....at a new playground

I see you.....

The begining

2007-10-01T17:08:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone.....Welcome to my blog. I'm adding a handful of images from the past few months, so you can get to know us a little. I hope you enjoy it.