While we were in Tennessee for Christmas and New Years, my kids kept asking me what time it was “Tennessee time”. Explaining a time difference, even if it is only one hour, isn’t something that a five year can quite grasp.

If there was a family that ever needed a vacation it was mine. 2009 was a crazy and challenging year for us. I will say that we came out of it an even stronger family though. On our way to the cabin we were able to stay over with some family outside of Atlanta.  They were so welcoming and kind, it was really nice to spend time with them. Thank you to the Bradleys. What a blessing to not have to drive 10 hours straight to our destination with three kids.

Now my wonderful husband had been to the cabin several times, I’d seen the pics and heard the stories but little did I know what we were in for. He had explained what a small town it was in, I grew up in a small town so I thought I was okay with it. BUT, we’re talking  a post office, a filling station (where a 70 year old man still pumps your gas), a restaurant that offers “catfish and ribs” and a general store. You blink and you’ve missed it.  Now some of you might laugh, some might cringe ( I did at first) but I soon found out something very special about “Tennessee time”…

Something amazing happens when there isn’t all the busyness of the “daily grind”.   When you’re able to not be in a hurry, when by choice you have absolutely nothing on the agenda, life becomes so much more simple.  Christmas Eve we made ornaments to go on the tree, the kids loved it. Christmas Day, we took a drive through Standing Stone National Park and marveled over God’s amazing creations. That night we ate a delicious meal that no one had stressed and fussed over.  Life was good…

We made lots of good memories while we were there and I can guarantee you there will be many more over the years when we visit our little mountain cabin. 2010 is in full swing already but I’ve made a promise to myself that whenever I start to get caught up in our “fast paced” life, I’m going to remind myself of “Tennessee time”. Each moment we have really is a gift,  personally I plan on treasuring and using each one wisely.

So where are the photos? This is supposed to be a photography blog right?  I must admit while in Tennessee my camera didn’t see much action, here are a couple that I did capture. One of this gorgeous barn and the other of Dale Hollow Lake (can’t wait to go back in the summer).

So for those of you who do follow my blog (hi Miss Donna), the blog is going to be changing a little. I’ll be sharing more of the daily stuff that goes on in our lives and not just the photo stuff.   Look out!

Hugs, Shannon

Wow,  what a ride… Keeping up with three busy kids, the holidays and photo sessions this blog has a way of getting away from me.  First of all I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving.  Ours was filled with family and a ton of yummy food.

For one brief moment the night before Thanksgiving  I was left speechless. My recently turned five year old comes into the bathroom where I’m painting, yes painting (much cheaper than therapy and it makes me happy). Her  little face full of hope and adoration says to me, ” happy Easter tomorrow Mommy” and runs back to bed.  So either I’m really bad about explaining holidays or she’s hoping the Easter bunny is visiting rather than Tom the turkey. One way or the other I got many laughs off of that one little comment. 

Now let’s rewind to a few days earlier when I had the pleasure of photographing Erica and Sam’s wedding.  What a day… I woke up Sunday morning to the sound of raindrops, nothing out of the ordinary for Florida but on this day there was supposed to be a wedding and an outdoor wedding at that.  I couldn’t even bring myself to call the bride or her Mother who is one of my dearest friends.  God has a way of working things out, despite the rainy morning noontime brought the sunshine.  30 minutes before the ceremony was set to begin everything was set up again, this time outside. Sam and Erica were able to have their lakeside nuptials.

These are a little preview for the newlyweds. 

~Hugs, Shannon

So two of my girls are in Girl Scouts and this weekend we all went camping (Dad included), it was a really fun trip. Believe it or not, I purposefully left my camera at home. We panned for sharks teeth, hiked, caught tadpoles, had a talent show and of course ate s’mores. Saturday was a beautiful day here in Florida and the evening was even more beautiful. One of the other parents had brought along a telescope and the views were spectacular.  Leave it to Florida weather because it was rainy and cold Sunday morning.  Thank goodness it will be spring before we know it.

Also have to mention today was special for another reason, “Happy Birthday to my Momma”. I love you!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and is looking forward to March. I’ve got quite a few photo shoots on my schedule: babies, families and even some animals. March is definitely going to be eventful.

Please keep checking the Blog, there’s a contest coming up very soon that will include PRIZES…

So I’m just about done, tomorrow photos.