Merry Christmas!...card!

Merry Christmas everyone! I love this season! I'd love to share our Christmas cards with you; keep me in mind for next Christmas! We got a tri-fold (which means it opens right flap and left flap...kinda complicated); I wanted to try it out before I made it available to my clients. Anyway, here it is! Oh...and the picture above--she gave me this look in the studio...she knows I think she's gorgeous. Who wouldn't with that face? :)

Also, I've had several requests for gift certificates, and I want to let you know they are available in two very convenient ways: through email (jpeg) file you can print out, or you can pick up a nicer printed certificate on photo paper from your nearest Walmart Photo Center in an hour (provided they are open, of course)! I can customize your certificate for any amount (free photo session is $125), and I can add your names, their names, etc. in the To:/From: Have a color preference? I can do that too! Contact me at jholub@capturingcreations.com for requests or details! Thanks!

Merry Christmas!!

Family Photo madness!

I've been just loving the family photo sessions I've been doing lately! It's been one of the most exciting (and busiest) times of the year for me; shopping and pictures! Yay! Here are a couple from my brother-in-law's beautiful family--gorgeous!




So the shopping...I was definitely out on Friday after Thanksgiving (although not as early as I wanted to be...so tired! ;) But when do you know when to stop? I mean, I'm not done with all the Christmas shopping, but seriously, I really think I have a problem I need to fix. Furiously rifling through the mail for coupons; would you say I'm addicted to shopping? Maybe! My husband definitely thinks so... :D He and I had a great time together; we let my daughter stay with her grandparents for the weekend and it left us with so much freedom--more than I had imagined. Don't get me wrong, I definitely missed her, but my goodness, I felt so free. It felt like we were dating again...you remember, when your husband would actually enjoy the mall with you. I found him dragging me to more and more stores; I had a hard time keeping up! Of course, I am 6 1/2 months pregnant and my back was sore, but still...he had that glitter in his eye. We get so excited when we shop for our daughter it's crazy (but fun!). We also went to watch the movie Australia, which was excellent. Long, but excellent. I really liked Moulin Rouge when I saw it, and both movies are made by the same director with a lot of the same actors. A lot of people think it's about Australia, but really, it just ends up being the location. Based on real events in Australia, but the story is great. Had me dreaming that night and still asking questions the next day. That's how I gauge a good movie! Definitely left an impression. Anyway, go check it out if you get out during the holidays! Merry Christmas!

Life and Mentors

Have you ever had a mentor? I recommend you get one if you haven't already had one. These are people that are wiser than you, have "been there, done that", and that you trust will lead you in the right direction. I've had the pleasure recently of photographing a couple and their family who have served as mentors for me and my husband for a long time. They are so amazing! So giving! I know there are people like this out there, but when you come across stellar personalities like this, you feel so blessed. That's how I feel now. My husband and I are so blessed to claim this couple as past and future mentors. I love them dearly! Thank God for these creations!

His Face

I am not the expert on anything. I know this for a fact. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I know this...God lives. My husband said it this past weekend...that we have seen the face of God. I knew exactly what he meant. He has poured His grace and love on us and has blessed us so much recently. It was incredible to hear him say that, and it seems almost too surreal to believe. In case you have ever wondered, and I am speaking to myself here too, God does exist! Wish I could expound more, but wow, I'm just in awe!

This is her face...a newborn shoot I had recently. Such a sweet and beautiful baby girl!

LOVE the fall!...and some GREAT news!

I love, love, love the fall! Family pictures, Christmas around the corner...it all just comes together. Can't you just think clearer on those beautiful, cool, crisp, days? Doesn't it all make sense? :)

I have to share the news! I'm expecting! I'm 20 weeks now, due March 5th, and it's a boy! Yippee! We're so excited. Now for some baby boy names...hmmm. That is the hard part. I remember having a hard time thinking up boy names when I was pregnant the first time; and she was a surprise. Yes, we waited. Horrible mistake--the doctor forgot we didn't know! Aaargh! Then we had to ask the "clean everything" guy, and he's like, "oh, what is it? ummm....it's a boy." We breathed a sigh of relief. "No, it's a girl." Aaaargh!! Make up your mind! Anyway, we found out this time.

Here's some pictures of my "baby" girl now...seems like only yesterday she was a baby. She's getting so big! Slow down, girl! Hopefully she'll start liking the camera...it's been tough when she runs the other way!

Hurricane Eek!

Yes, we got through it okay, but my goodness, this hurricane sure caused a whole lot more devastation than I think anyone ever imagined! Power lines, trees, the whole gammut. We rode out the storm here at home, and it was a crazy night! On the evening before the hurricane, school was cancelled for the next day and there were Hurricane parties all over the neighborhood--definitely something you wouldn't expect! My daughter was excited to go outside in the wind that evening (no rain yet...) so, of course, I took advantage of the situation and took some photos. Here's a couple of my favorites, hope you like them too! :)

I am glad we escaped with minor damages, just an uprooted tree, but there were so many people who were not as fortunate. Please pray for the families along the coast and even inland who were affected so much more harshly than we were, and many still without power. Thanks so much!

So busy!!

My goodness, I have been so incredibly busy, and summer's already over! Ahhh! I feel horrible I haven't posted all summer, but I have been overwhelmed, or shall I say blessed ;) with work. School has started again and I am going to hit another stride of busyness, I feel it already! 2nd day of school was great, just as good as the first day! If you're waiting on your gallery, I apologize it is taking me a while, but I promise it'll be online as soon as possible, thanks for your patience! Have a great first week of school!

Summer Bride

It's finally here! And crazy busy already! I've been trying to catch up, and have almost been successful! I had a great time at a wedding and I'm excited to be posting more pictures soon! Here's a preview of the bridal portraits! Beautiful, isn't she? :)

Amazing

"Indescribable, uncontainable, you are Amazing God!" I love that song...listening to it now, and while I do my work gives what I do the meaning I want it to have...the amazing wonders of God. "Awestruck, we fall to our knees we humbly proclaim, 'You are amazing, God!...You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same...You are amazing, God..". How often do we fall to our knees and humbly proclaim that? Not often enough for me! I want to do it daily!!

So then, I have been inspired by this couple. I have enjoyed the incredible opportunity to take maternity portraits for them and it just so happens they have no idea how much I admire them. They are an amazing couple, leaders in my church, and they make me want to be amazing, just as they are. I once spoke of the 2nd Mile Lifestyle, the series our church is doing (http://www.bammel.org/). He has preached on it, they exemplify it, and God speaks through him. Those words come into my heart and inspire me; they make me want to love more and do more for His kingdom! I'm so shy sometimes, though, I wonder if I would look silly! How's that for a struggle? Silly me...I should just conquer that, huh? Ok.

So here they are; an amazing couple with a work of art created by Him on the way. We're within days now! Too exciting!

Summer's almost here!

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! Summer's coming! So many great things to explore and do...I'm really excited because I've signed up for more classes, and the potential is gy-normous! Is that a word? Oh well! Too excited to think about it. Oh, did I forget it's wedding season? How could I?! Brand new pages coming soon with wedding information!

Here's some great images from a recent family session...these are too cute!

Lifesong!

Awesome session the other week with this little angel...loved every minute! Isn't she a vision?

Recently been focused on music. Don't know if you've heard of it, but KSBJ is an awesome Christian radio station...keeps me uplifted every day! Listen here--http://www.ksbj.org/. Take the 30 day challenge...listen to it for 30 days and see if it doesn't change your life! It changed mine! A couple of my favorite songs: Casting Crowns...Lifesong. Get it! Awesome song, describes me perfectly, and Chris Tomlin, Indescribable. Get it also! So many more, it's too many to list...but start listening!

Sacrifices

It's funny how as soon as you make some sacrifices, and die to yourself a little, God blesses you. I have been blessed with more love from God, and more ideas and am excited about the potential He has in store for me! It's also funny how once Satan knows you're committing, he wants you to stumble. Well, Satan, I will stand my ground!

The 2nd Mile

Matthew 5:41--If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

I have always wanted a "2nd mile" lifestyle, I just didn't know what to call it. A 2nd mile lifestyle--the kind of life that although not perfect, yearns for, aches for, and seeks the heart of the living God. Going the 2nd mile in our lives, our families, our communities. My church (http://www.bammel.org/) has recently introduced this series--titled the "2nd Mile Lifestyle", and the messages have convicted me to stretch myself and my faith to achieve it. What is it about this life that makes it so complicated? So many things...why do I allow those things to get in the way of my faithfulness? Perhaps because I'm afraid of the sacrifice faithfulness involves. So many things I have...gifts, love, passion...I need to give it away! I need to put them to good use! I feel limited at times. How am I limited? By myself! By the faith I have in my own abilities, not by God or His abilities! He can bless me with more and more knowledge; more and more passion for what I do; yet still I hold back, even when the things He could do are endless. If only I would hear Him... and REALLY LISTEN to HIM...I would be moved. I want to be moved! Lord, move me. I know it is up to me. I know it is my decision to hear You. I will make the decision to hear You.

Faith like a child. Lord, to have the faith I had as a child...I remember it so well. No wonders, no doubt. There is God. His son, Jesus. Jesus died so I could be saved. Jesus listens and God has angels that watch over me. I used to envision them before I went to bed in the corner of the ceiling, watching me. Lord, I want that faith again.

My Sweet Spot. The Gift that God has given me--on purpose. For a purpose. I have one. Photography? People? Church? Relationships? I love them all and many other things. Lord, help me find my Sweet Spot.

The 2nd mile lifestyle...I want it. Following Jesus Christ in my daily life. Do people look at me and see Jesus Christ? Not enough right now, honestly. I need to realize I will not find fullfillment on the 1st mile. What if I went past the 1st mile in my faithfulness, my loyalty, my love, my joy, my service, and went a 2nd mile--will people see Jesus then? I am called to go there. I've got to go there. There is where I will find a fulfilled life; Jesus promises it! Why do I do photography? Why do I call it Capturing Creations? Because I love God. I love His Creations, and I want to show the world His wonders. The 2nd mile in my photography is this--I promise, Lord, I will praise You with all my heart, and do my very best to tell of all Your wonders. To any customer, new or old, a free 11x14 print with any scripture you'd like printed on it...to display the word of God and His creation on your walls.

I love you, Lord. Thank you for my gifts. I will honor You with them, always.

Fun in Schulenburg, TX

I had a great time this past weekend with some family in Schulenburg, Texas! Met my little cousin for the first time, Kelsey, and she is such a joy! Here's one from our session, I had a little fun with the picture too!

See ya! Hope you like it, Christine!

Julizza

Happy Easter!

The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. I am glad to know God, and I am glad to know Christ as my Savior. Happy Easter to you!

How does the time pass?

My goodness, how does the time pass? As a teacher, I'm just thinking..."Come on, Spring Break!", as a parent, I'm thinking, "Wait! Slow down!", and as a photographer...well, haven't figured out that one yet...

But something has struck me recently. I am looking for ways to stay focused on what I started this business for...Capturing Creations. My goal, my mission statement...to capture His Creations on camera and somehow present a fraction of His beauty to the world. If He has given me this talent, why not use it to His glory? I knew what the name of my business would be first, and I looked to the bible to see what scripture justified what I felt my role is here. I came upon Psalm 9:1 “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonders.” That is exactly how I felt starting this business. I want to tell of all his Wonders! What are His Wonders? Everything and everyone and their relationships; all that is simple, and all that is complicated. Love and what it produces. Nature. O Lord, I do want to praise You, and I do want to tell of all your Wonders--I want to show the faces of those you have created and present them as Your wondrous works of art! Use me, O Lord!

Love, Julizza

Hello there!

Hello there! Brand new spot, can't wait to get it going! So many exciting things happening, don't know where to start! New website, great opportunities, and new photo toys, of course! The new site now has a shopping cart feature so ordering will be a breeze...cool or what?! I'm so excited!

On another note, my late father's birthday today, and tomorrow--the anniversary of his death. So in memory of him...love you and miss you daddy. All I hope is that I am and will become everything you wanted for me. Here you are holding my daughter in your loving Grandpa arms. She knows who you are--and has asked to see you from time to time. I wish I could keep her memories of you in her head forever, for you were great and your love for her was amazing. You were a rock and your loss shook my existence. Your teachings stay strong in me, however, and I have not dwindled to nothing--no, I did what you taught me--I pursued and became triumphant, just as you were. I never knew the strength of the thread you weaved through me and our family until you were gone. We miss you, and are convicted to be as one for your sake. I will see you again one day beyond the azure blue, and now I see your laughing face as I walk past you in the living room of the home you built...thank you.

These roses are for you... I love you.