This one's a keeper

It's no secret I love taking pictures. LOVE IT! But I'm by no means a skilled photographer. I'm just a mom who is crazy about her family, loves taking pictures and has a passion for scrapbooking. And in my book, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect combination than that.

I have taken thousands of pictures with all 6 cameras I have owned since the day Isabella was born. Trust me, I am not exaggerating here. During their adorable lives so far, I have officially burnt out both of my kids to the point of whining, running away and hiding from me when they see me coming with a camera. I have done pretty much everything from sweet talking to bribing to begging to (ahem!) threatening,... all for the sake of a few shots.

I take LOTS of pictures, mostly because it takes LOTS of pictures for me to get a few really good ones. Remember my earlier disclaimer: I'm no skilled photographer! I have taken some really pretty pictures, but I have plenty of out of focus pictures and blurry pictures and pictures that are too dark. Yep, I've got 'em all!

So I can't tell you how excited I get when I upload my pictures on the computer only to find a picture that takes my breath away. Even if it's just one.

One that speaks volumes about the true personality of my child/spouse/ friend/pet.

Or one that makes me stop in my tracks and think about that specific person/event/moment.

Or one that instantly brings a smile to my face because it makes me so happy.

Or one that swells my heart with an array of emotions, sometimes happy and sometimes sad.

And this photo of Isabella does just that:

When I look at this picture I can't believe how big my baby girl has gotten. So quickly.

I can't believe she will soon graduate from preschool and start Kindergarten.

I can't believe how unbelievably beautiful she is. Stunning, really. And smart. And funny. And loving. And caring.

I can't believe God entrusted me and gave me the amazing privilege of being her mama. And that sometimes scares me,... I mean, what if I mess something up?

I can't wait to see what kind of person she will turn out to be as she continues to grow. (Well, actually I'm lying. I can wait and would do pretty much anything to slow down time.)

So there you have it ~ just one look at this picture is enough for me to "talk" your ear off about all the emotions it brings to the surface. So in all honesty, as long as I keep getting jewels like this, I think I'll just keep on clickin'.

Sorry, kids!

PS Don't let the post title fool you,... I keep most of my pictures, good and bad!