*Christmas Pictures*

At this time of year I'm always reminded of Christmas Pictures. If there is one thing I've let slide in life the past few years it's photos....I was a photo MANIAC. Georgia was at the photographer every single MONTH to capture her growth for her entire first year of life. Along with that we had Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, 4th of July, Family Pictures, etc. you name it, we did it. Professionally. Come over some time- I've got folders on top of folders of glossy 5x7's and 8x10's of this child's life. For the 1st few years at least...

When she was 2 1/2 I finally asked for a really good camera for Christmas with the stay at home mom dream of snapping brilliant shots of my girl and expanding into photographing my family and then starting up my own little photog business!!!! Isn't that what every girl who receives her first Canon Rebel dreams of?!? Ha! Well....Let's just say I have enjoyed the photo's I've snapped of Georgia. The Rebel was stolen a few years back when my apartment was broken into to (you remember-http://www.thebedrefamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/youre-mean-onemr-grinch.html) and I, of course, took the chance for an upgrade- why not?! Thanks robbers for the D60 I guess...

So here's the thing- Georgia and I have not had pics taken professionally in a LONG time. The one time professional photo addict has disappeared. Say it isn't so! She has dance pics, Santa pics, School pics... No big photo shoots. I've talked to a good photographer friends about scheduling a shoot and it IS in the works.

What got me thinking about all of this was the cover photo on this blog of G and I. That picture and that photo shoot is one of my favorites of all time. The thing is- it was AWFUL. Georgia was sick- Like miserable- hacking cough. It was hot, I was sweaty. Arguments ensued. Y'all- it was anything but picturesque. Meltdowns in the vineyard- and not just from the 18 month old....I walked away from that photo shoot thinking to myself "There is NO WAY I will have any pictures that will come out from this"

Isn't that life? In the midst of complete chaos you think everything is scrapped. Then you look back and and right in the middle of all that "chaos" there were these precious moments that were captured and now are held dear for a lifetime.

Life isn't always "picture perfect" but I sure hope I always remember and smile at the stories behind them. The stories are what make the pictures real. ;)