The "Transformation" Essay Contest

JH Capturing Creations Photography is devoted to telling and honoring God's works (Psalm 9:1). We want to know your story and would like to share it with others!

Please reflect on one of the following questions:
What is the most important, inspiring transformation in your life and how has it impacted you?
or
What is the most inspiring transformation you have seen in someone you know and how has it impacted you?

We would like to give away a family session and photo package or book to you or someone you know through this opportunity. You may write for yourself or for someone else. Email submissions to jholub@capturingcreations.com by December 25th to enter. A winner will be announced on January 1st! Entries will be judged on uniqueness, the impact of the transformation, along with the quality of writing. Finalist and winning entries will be posted on the JH Capturing Creations blog (by first name and location only).

Thank you and happy writing! ;)
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Angel Feathers

This little newborn was pretty amazing. Despite the outdoors and the clothing changes, she slept like an angel! It was an amazing day with great overcast skies and the perfect temperature. Mom couldn't have picked a better one for her little gal. Here she is!

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Kaitlin

Had a great photo shoot with a pre-teen recently! She was awesome! She actually stayed still...new experience for me! ;)

Well, here she is! Enjoy!






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Happy...non-scary Halloween!

We had a great time for Halloween this year; lots of smiles, fun, and candy! We had a full weekend--Pumpkin Patch with church on Saturday and trick-or-treating on Sunday. Of course, with the way I am, I booked my Saturday completely. Soccer game in the morning, season-ending lunch after, hair appointment for my little angel, photo shoot with her, dressing up the kids, Pumpkin Patch, taking pictures at Pumpkin Patch, then...home. Finally. To get dressed right back up again and do it the next day. Whew! I was worn out; in fact I think I came down with something--exhaustion!
Rio was an angel to match Lathan's costume--Jesus. Yes, Jesus. Lathan has this great hair...

...so then, with his long, curly hair and blue eyes, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to dress him as Jesus. I actually made his costume myself; which was a treat--I learned I need to own a sewing machine. Having Jesus with us was so great, and the jokes abounded for two days!

While trick-or-treating, Jesus made his first appearance at a doorstep after he took the time to walk on water by the curb..

Jesus is knocking at your door...will you answer? LOL

...and a friend joked on Facebook about this picture that Jesus went out to the wilderness by himself.. (hilarious, Sara!)

Although Lathan (I mean, Jesus), didn't understand the concept of getting candy, then walking away, and even putting the candy in the bag instead of trying to eat it all on the spot, we still had tons of fun trick-or-treating with our friends. Rio had a great time playing an angel too, and she sure does love Jesus!

So then, what of our little angel? Didn't she get all dolled up for a photo shoot with mommy? Absolutely! She was shimmery and glittery, dolled up and sweet--everything she wanted to be for Halloween. We had some time together and I had been looking forward to this time with her for awhile! I love her seasonal photo shoots; they keep me going!

God is sooooo good! 

She is a wonderful little girl and I am so blessed to have her in my life! She teaches me more and more every day about unconditional, sweet love. She is so close to Jesus, it's amazing to witness! I love her smile and every cute thing she says and does including, "oops, sorry to mention.." Haha, hilarious!

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3. Yes, Lord!


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To My Dear Husband: Happy Birthday

This day has been on my mind for quite awhile now, and so I dedicate my blog post to my dear husband, Harvey. Harvey is turning the big 4-0 today, and I am glad to call him mine.

Honey, you are a true blessing in my life. My God has been so faithful in sending you to me. I write this and think back to the times we have had together--both wonderful and terrible. We have seen so much already in our young lives; I'm anxious and afraid in part to see what is next. The biggest difference I feel for the future, however, is our strength in the Lord has grown by leaps and bounds. He has been opening doors that we are choosing to walk through together daily. In that, I find rest, peace, comfort, and joy. My Savior tells me not to be afraid; to delight in our future together.

You, along with my Savior, are what make me want to be better, and you are a constant reminder of Christ's love. You love me as Christ loves the church...I'm not sure how many lucky wives can say that. I have so many faults...and yet you love me still. I am so blessed to have you. Thank you for being who you are and for being an amazing husband and father. Your heart of gold, the sacrifices you make, the rock you are for me and for our kids, are like no other. I have run from this before, but I now stand in awe of God's blessing in you. You forgive without restraint and you love without conditions. You are an endless fountain of caring. Thank you for all that you do--thank you for loving me.

I am excited about your birthday and all it means for you. Your future in our Lord is bright and shines like the sun! I pray for happiness and love over you and sincerely hope to give you the same gifts you have given me. It's your birthday--you are only one year older--but we are both so much wiser. I love you so!

Here is my dear Harvey with our kids--they are in love with their daddy!





And here is my husband during our vacation to Fredericksburg. What an amazing man of God!
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, HONEY!
MAY GOD POOR BLESSINGS ON YOU ALWAYS!

Cute Little Babies!

I have known this great little family for a year now, and they are just awesome! They had a new little baby girl and I was fortunate enough to take them out and get pictures of her. They have a cute little spitfire who was a ball of energy, but was actually really good when it was time to snap a few!

Ok, so confession? I took these in the summer! Oh my goodness, it has been a crazy life lately. I don't even know when it started; I think it just keeps going... ;)

So we went out to this cute little Old Town spot and I was hoping to get some cute spots and sky in the background. It was a rainy day and the sky was rockin' pinks, purples, oranges, deep blues, and puffy storm clouds. I had visions of a baby in a basket, incredible painted sky in the background, then some cute nook shots. Well, don't go around buildings for sky, lesson number 1. Lesson number 2: rain makes the sky darker faster. So, although my summer day was long just the day before, the next day looked like it was dark already.. Then baby girl was really not liking being set down and mommy was trying to come up with innovative ways to make her sleep. I think I have begun a reputation for wide awake newborn shots! Oh yeah, Lesson number 3: Houston is sooooooo humid! My eyes were stinging from the sweat and the lenses were foggy. Wow. Talk about overcoming obstacles!

Speaking of overcoming, the shoot was an immense success! As far as the little angel goes, she makes every picture perfect. He is the cutest little boy that loves his little sister like no other. Aaaand they both have perfectly pouty lips (is that a word? pout-ty? they pout. there...) Haha! Enjoy these little angels; you'll want to give them a great big hug!

See? I told you! Luscious kisses! Mwah!


Big brother is cuuute!






His modeling pose. What? Were you calling me? I'm sorry, I'm just modeling this cute outfit right now..


As his mother would say, "Sah-weet!"


Her little toes make an appearance!


I'm awake!


Fine, you keep doing that, I'm going to suck my thumb now.


A cute black and white and a smile to round it out. Yay!


Loved the session! Make sure to check out my Facebook page for more, and I've done some rearranging and updating on my web page. Have fun!

"Pretty Boy" Lathan's Hair

To answer your question...NO, I'm not cutting it! Haha! I've had that question posed so many times, its been funny. I do believe that for security's sake, we should keep it long so everyone can recognize him from a mile away. ;)

So he got some great features--dark, curly locks of hair, blue eyes, long lashes, pink lips, and olive skin...he is a "pretty" boy. We were over at a friend's house yesterday and the host kept saying "come on over here pretty...uhh...boy", and one time he said "good girl" after Lathan gave him a hi-five. HAHA! He couldn't help it! Lathan is just...well...pretty!

This child is going to be a handful with the girls. He is a real flirt! I mean when he gets a hold of a grown woman's gaze, he won't let her go! He'll smile, then shyly look away, make her smile, then look back and do it all over again. Not to mention his smooth hands. Ahem. Just a few funny stories on that regard, thank goodness. He is all about the ladies and when you give him a smile, there's no telling how long you'll be staring at this baby. He definitely has mommy wrapped around his little finger, and he doesn't have to work hard to get his caretakers wrapped either!

Don't let his pretty boy looks fool you--he's all boy with a great left arm! He rotates his shoulder when he throws and practices his "form" when the ball isn't in his hands. He's a great catch and loves nothing more than to play ball or yell "OH!", like "just missed it!". He also thing everything goes, "RAWR!"...it could be a picture of a bunny rabbit, it still goes "RAWR!". Funniest thing I've ever heard!

He is a musical genius. Nothing can calm him like music or singing. He's a singer and praiser in the car and loves to tap on his legs to the beat of the music. He keeps music time really well and many times will keep tapping through most of the song! I am thoroughly impressed. It's amazing how God puts people together--God fashioned little Lathan just for me--he's beautiful. I've not said that often about a boy!

So how long am I going to let his hair grow? I don't know. I'm hoping to find a great barber that can keep his length but take away enough from the bottom so that he doesn't look like a girl... ;)

Here he is, at dinner. What's a little spaghetti on your lips? Perfectly normal...


Stop looking at me like that; I can't stop staring!


You're so awesome! I love your smile! Of course, one of my favorite pictures...the focus landed on his hair..boo! Oh well, his personality shines through!

Summer Smile

I haven't blogged about my little girl in a long while--perhaps because she's always dodging the camera now! It's feels so long that she's hardly even a little girl anymore; she's a very happy and sweet little lady who plans to marry Jesus...or her little brother (obviously too small to understand so what do you do?). She's mentioned both... Haha!

We had an awesome getaway to Sea World this summer and visited family in Austin. On the way, we had to stop at a lake as we passed through Bastrop. We needed a break after the kids woke up from their nap and were getting restless. So what does mommy do? Hmmm...there's a sign for a lake right there, let's go! Seriously, it was only a few miles from the beaten path, so we stopped to let the kids play. Of course, I had recently been getting motivated about taking pictures of her again since every time I get within 50 miles of Austin, the nature juices start flowing. I wish I could just always have that nature, water, and hill country at my disposal! I know, I know, just move. That's a great idea, except I haven't felt the need from the Big Man upstairs yet. So, we'll just have to go with what we have for now.

There was a neat pier and Rio took to it right away! Here she is being a great sport for mommy and letting me take these.









I got so many great images, it was hard to choose! I simply love taking pictures of her! My favorite one is this one since it captures her personality; it seems I'm looking at this face all the time. The focus was off, but I still like to keep them since it depicts her so much!



Add a little water play for Rio!


Daddy and Lathan were being great sports as mommy and Rio played.


He likes to take daddy's hat off and attempt to put it on...except it ends up landing in the water. Oops!

Beautiful Bride

I had so much fun at a wedding I shot recently and am finally getting around to posting a couple of favorite images! I'm definitely engulfed in this project, but here's a sneak peak! She's gorgeous and the lighting was incredible!

Some Mornings

Since being off for the summer, it has been a blessing to spend time with my babies in the mornings. I've really had fun getting to know them again. Since my son is so young, it feels like I'm getting to know my little one for the first time. His personality is shining through and I've noticed a few things I've not noticed before. I wish I had written them all down--of course I keep telling myself I will--but then when I get around some paper and a pen a few days later, it's all gone! Boo. It gets mixed up in all that he is.
He definitely has a little attitude and fighting has been a "battle" to say the least. They had to get used to one another as well since during the days this past year, they were not seeing each other. Sad situation for a family! She is such a little mother and I noticed he will call her Mama almost as quickly as he calls me Mama. I looove the way he says "ball"; it's his favorite word and favorite toy for sure. He loves oatmeal in the morning and she...well...she doens't like breakfast food that much. The other day her uncle was perplexed by her decision to have a pb&j and some carrots for breakfast. I don't question anymore, as long as its healthy.
Learning to share has been the test of the summer for him. Learning to be a loving big sister without being overwhelmingly in his face has been her challenge. I often hear her say things like,"Here, come over and I'll brush your hair. Ok, you're all done. Ok. Stand right there. Ok, come over here and sit down with me. You're so cute! I love you so much. Let me touch your hair (it's soft). Please, come here and let me touch your hair!" Haha. He's only one and trying to figure out what this big sister's function is. Seems all she does sometimes is hug me and get me in trouble...

Here he is in the morning at breakfast. The second shot's focus landed on his hair, but I love his expression. :)

My Mother

I have had a very busy end-of-the-school year time! I'm sure everyone is feeling the same with the onset of summer on the wake. Since I didn't get to blog in May, I wanted to still make a tribute to my mom. She is the bravest, most self-sacrificing person I know--someone who would do anything for her children. She is so wonderful!

My mom, Dolores, had to endure a countless number of things in her lifetime growing up in Mexico. Her name means "sorrowful". She also goes by "Lola" and her uncles and aunts use to call her "Lolita". Many of the stories she tells of her childhood deal with seemingly insurmountable despair. She grew up quickly.

Motherhood has been her role for the majority of her life. First and foremost, she naturally bore 12 children. Yes, 12! She had 6 boys and 6 girls, and I am number 11 in the lineup. I have one younger brother. As you can imagine, the diapers alone were an amazing amount of daily work and keeping everyone fed was a gigantic stress. She did it all: washing, ironing, cooking, and cleaning while babies everywhere needed her. I cannot imagine, even having two, how she coped. They say my son has my temperament as a child--God bless my mother! I am so thankful to her for her sacrifices. She sacrificed of herself and her comfort daily for the comfort of her children--she was called to.

Dolores is a truly amazing woman. If the tireless nights and work alone were not enough, she also had to keep strong in her faith that one day things would get better and her children would always be protected by God. She was a rock in her faith that the Lord was always near. She constantly prayed safety over us and willed blessings into our lives. To this day, she is continuously praying over and thinking about all of her children. I truly believe God has heard and answered her prayers. I respect her because despite so much negativity around her, she never cursed or turned to the world for answers. Her answers always came from God. I appreciate her example so much and of course, she contributed to my own faith.

Dolores is a woman deep with faith and love. She is a servant and stronghold. I love her immensely! I can never repay you for your sacrifices, Mamá, but I can honor you the only ways I know how. Te amo con todo mi corazón!

Here's my mom with my son when he was firstborn in February, 2009.

Gorgeous Senior

I had the honor of photographing this beautiful girl recently--gorgeous perfect smile and awesome bod! It was a wonderful day, but the sun was relentless! We found a great shady spot with some huge trees and all she had to do was smile. She made my job seem easy...my favorites are hard to choose! The lighting was tricky on these, but in the end, I am pleased with the fabulous results! Here she is...watch out! :)

29 Days Left!!

I have 29 days left to raise money for Charity: Water. Please visit the site, read about the good things going on with Charity: Water, and donate if you can! 100% of the funds go towards building a water well for a village in a 3rd world country. Thanks so much to the supporters thus far!

myCharity: Water Fundraiser

It Only Takes a Spark

They say it only takes a spark to get a fire going. Well, that spark was you. Today I want to write to my late father, Homero Gomez Cerna.

Today is your birthday. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Tomorrow is the anniversary of your death. Still a celebration, but one that I must admit, is harder for me to bear.

Thank you for your spark, Daddy. You once told me that I can do anything I wanted to...and I believed you. I believe you still. Why me? The words of a parent are so strong. I learned that from you. Your wisdom and lessons still follow me. For a while I resented your leaving, for the time I didn't get to spend with you. I choose now to focus on the time I did.

I miss your greetings. I miss the way when I entered into the house, you immediately announced my arrival to the world. I miss how you loved my daughter and you called her Beautiful, and you told her to her face that she was. She didn't understand you then, but I remind her of how you spoke to her. I miss your big, contagious laugh and the jokes you told. You were not done with me.

I dream of you seeing my son one day. You would say he has your mother's eyes, and that he's "puro Gomez".

Rest in peace, dear Daddy. Where you left off, our God has picked up. He has held me and brought the Comforter to me in the midst of your absence. He has sung songs over me as you used to. The morning is our friend.

Although I still remember you vividly and will never let you go, I know I have to trust in God to bring people to me to show me the way. I know I will see you again one day. Our God knows I want to.

Rio was crying for you yesterday. She said she didn't want to go to heaven because it takes too long to come home. She misses you. I told her heaven was home, and that you would be waiting along with our Father, God. I remember being scared of heaven, clinging to this life with all of my heart, but I don't anymore. I long for heaven!

Here's my family celebrating you today. I love to capture their love for you.









I love and miss you so much!

In loving memory.
Homer Gomez Cerna
February 28, 1936-March 1, 2007
Loving Husband, Amazing Father of 12



Here's a song I dedicate to you; can't wait to see you!
Finally Home by MercyMe

I’m gonna wrap my arms around my daddy’s neck
And tell him that I’ve missed him.
And tell him all about the man that I became
And hope that it pleased him

There’s so much I want to say
There’s so much I want you to know

Chorus
When I finally make it home
When I finally make it home

Then I’ll gaze upon the throne of the King
Frozen in my steps
And all the questions that I swore I would ask
Words just won’t come yet

So amazed at what I’ve seen
So much more than this old mind can hold

Chorus

Bridge
And the sweetest sound my ears have yet to hear
Voices of the angels

Chorus

Edited to add (February 28th, 2011):
It's been yet another year, and still you flow from my heart. I've heard more stories about you and am even learning more about you as our family shares their memories of you with me. Your brother, Abel, misses you, and so does everyone else.

You have a big heart! There's no doubt in my mind that God will be using you to help in his kingdom in heaven--you have such a giving spirit! I am proud of your legacy of helping others. I knew I enjoyed doing it, but now I realize it's because I had you as an example. I didn't realize that until now. You created a family with a big heart for servicing others and I am going to continue with your legacy.

Thank you for being a good daddy. I will see you again one day! Rio mentioned how she can't wait to see you--she's not afraid of heaven anymore. Now she dreams of it--as do I. Can't wait to see you and praise our Lord together! May your soul be blessed for eternity. May the Lord our God hold your spirit in the palm of his hand and shine through you so that you may feel power and love for you. I will always love you. Happy Birthday.