The Leaves That Change

I value so much the stories that come through my time here on earth. I have found that storytelling through photography is my favorite thing in this life to do besides worship. I love worship so much that storytelling has become one of the countless ways I do.

I've had requests for photography like this come through several times during my time in this profession and it is such a comforting and holy thing to be able to do this. On October 2nd of this year, Kristy wrote the following message: 

I live in xx and I have a 4 month old little girl. I'm 28 and my brother recently died in a car accident. 2 weeks later, my fiance died in an atv accident. I would like to get some pictures of my little girl and me but I don't know how to make it special. I saw on pinterest a shoot you did with another young widow and I liked that a lot. I wonder if you travel and what the cost would be for something like that for us? Thanks
kristy

How would you respond? With a total? A solid amount? Let me see...$$...

I struggled because it was just so unbelievable. She lost who? When? What's the timeline?

I sent a text to my friend, Terri, whose grandchild was the subject in the shoot Kristy had seen. She is Corey's mother and a beacon of light in the darkness of losing a child before their time. I wanted her to know that her son's story was still connecting with people in this life. I wanted her to pray for Kristy. It went like this:
Me: "I got this message this morning. What a heartbreak! Will you pray for her? That story is still connecting with people!" (message above attached)
Terri: "Oh my God!! I will go with u! Of course I'll pray."

Terri did not hesitate to reach out to Kristy and it taught me so much about her heart. She boosted my own heart and her inner "joy" in the deepest sense of what joy means helped me understand the sacredness of Kristy's message.

I understand that these things are "unpriceable". They are priceless to the receiver, priceless opportunities for the photographer. An opportunity to bless in an immeasurable manner. How could I possibly better utilize my God-blessed talent? How on this earth could I not dedicate this work to the glory of Him who is the ultimate Comforter? I lost my father in 2007 and I have felt the pain of losing someone close to me...but not two within 2 weeks of each other. Not my brother and my fiancee-the father of my one month old daughter. Neither Terri nor I could imagine it. So I dedicated this work to the Spirit within us. It's the only way. At least that's the way I see it. It came to me, to my lap, because of a special work I had done before. I was blessed. Of course I would volunteer the work, the time, the gas, the prayer involved in it.

We planned the shoot and met to shoot this past month. Please enjoy the images as well as a smattering of her own-they are all a testament and dedication to the love of Christ.

Kristy and Jason were excited to be expecting their first child, a girl they named Zoey. They had a photo shoot with Laura McCarthy Photography before Zoey's birth. They couldn't wait to meet sweet Zoey. They celebrated with friends and got prepared for their new little family.

 Zoey was born in June of 2013. She had a grand entrance into the world. She brought joy and laughter and love to Kristy, Jason, her uncle Daniel, and soon-expected aunt Ashley, as well as to her grandparents. Everything was great! They had fun together.

Kristy and Zoey:

 Uncle Daniel and Zoey:

Then the next month came. July of 2013. A month that would become a time in the life of her mother that would test her deepest sense of life and of self. Zoey's uncle Daniel Lee, Kristy's younger brother, died in a fatal car crash at the age of 24. He loved so deeply! He was an amazing person. He was engaged to be married to his soul mate, Ashley.

 

He was studying economics and business and worked as a pest control tech. He was a positive personality and funny guy with tons of friends who he loved.  He enjoyed everyday of his life and was kind to others. He was always helping a stranger or friend and always had a joke to tell and a loud, distinct laugh you could hear from another room. He was planning to propose to Ashley after getting his diploma. They would get married on the farm where they spent most of their free time hunting. four-wheeling, and sitting around bonfire...perhaps would live there one day with their children.

Daniel is loved by so many and will never be forgotten. 

In the hearts of his family, the shock was still strong when the next tragedy hit only two weeks later. This time it was Jason, Zoey's father. He had an accident on an ATV and it was fatal. Devastation rolled into the heart of Kristy and countless loved ones as they tried to make sense of the event.

Jason Taylor was 27 years old. He loved outdoor activities, especially target shooting. He collected guns and enjoyed playing video games and being with friends. He had recently graduated from an A/C program and had done air conditioning installation and repair since he was young. He was already working at a company when he graduated the program. He loved spending time with his family-especially Kristy and Zoey-more than anything.  He was a family man and great father to Zoey.

 

 He was a thoughtful and loving person who would often, on his own accord, go to church and sit with his soon to be mother-in-law when Kristy wasn't feeling well during her pregnancy.  He brought Kristy real flowers constantly. Every time the flowers died, he would replace them. Kristy had always loved floral design and he would spend his last dime to surprise her with them for no special reason other than love her. He had a an amazing heart. They spent almost all of their time together; they were inseparable. He proposed on Valentine's Day with a gorgeous ring that he had asked Kristy's mom to help him pick it out. Kristy and Jason were planning a beach destination wedding at Atlantis in the Bahamas in November of this year.

A father's love never dies; it resides in the hearts of those he loved.

Days after Jason's funeral, Kristy, Ashley, and Zoey walked the Sam Houston University stage in Daniel's place to receive his diploma. Kristy had made a Sam Houston tutu as a special surprise for her brother that he never got to see. Friends and family were in attendance to watch this special moment.

In October, Kristy messaged me. In November, we took pictures. This December, Zoey was dedicated to God.

Five months have passed since the tragedies occurred-not nearly enough time for it all to sink in. Shock value is still high and the women in this story have just begun their journeys of healing. But time will pass and healing will take place. Zoey has a bright future ahead of her despite the darkness that clouded her first months of life. Yet, she will have these moments locked in memory forever. This time is locked safe. It is in the eye of the storm. It is locked so she can remember that God was there. He indeed was there.

He was there in the leaves.

He sat under the trees.

He filled up their hearts.

He drove the breeze across Daniel's boots and hat.

He was there in the whisper of Jason's picture.

He was there in me.

As we finished up our shoot and started to say goodbye on a beautiful day at the park, I asked Kristy, Ashley, and Kristy's mom, Deborah, if I could pray for them. We stood in a group, held hands, and prayed.


 I couldn't imagine a more perfect ending to our time together. That is, until they asked us to lunch. Terri and I slowed down for an afternoon, talked with them, heard their hearts, their grief, their pain, their questions...and just loved. Terri was a star. So loving, so understanding. The depth of the connectivity they share is impossible to beat. What they have in common cannot be fabricated or replicated by anything in this world. They really were meant to meet. I'm so glad I listened to the Spirit that first said, "Do this work", then "Tell Terri", then, "Dedicate this", then "Commit yourself to prayer", then, "Pray with them-do not fear", then, "Spend time". A Spirit-led encounter is infinitely better than any other encounter you'll ever have. For me, it's infinitely better than a soap opera on TV, a movie, or even enjoying this world and it's things.

Kristy has a unique story-one filled to the brim with heartache. The heartache gives birth to hope, hope births promise, promise births faith, faith births trust, trust births joy. The joy will come. Zoey will see the leaves change colors in her mother's face and spring will come again. As she grows and learns, she will be proud that Kristy is her mom. It's no wonder that this Christmas is hard on their family. I invite you to pray for Kristy, Ashley, Zoey, and Deborah for as many days as you can. I see a strength in Kristy. Her eyes hide a joy behind them. If I can see that, then Jesus can see so much more. He has the reassurance for her to know that she will rise from these ashes. She will come out of this journey having been changed for the better and be much, much wiser. She will hear His voice better, know His comfort more, and rest in his grace easier. She will have so much to teach Zoey from this hard time in her life-she'll have an infinite amount of wisdom and a new love for life she will never take for granted as before. Jason and Daniel are not gone-no, not at all. Far from it. They watch from the heavens and guard their ladies because that's the kind of men they were. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to document this storm for them and to give them images that one day will bring reassurance that God was there.

I'd like to share some song lyrics that I was reminded of while composing this blog. It was written by a man who lost his five year old daughter in an accident-you may know him ;) Lord bless Steven Curtis Chapman for writing this song of worship in the midst of his grief. 

"It was the day the world went wrong
I screamed til my voice was gone
And watched through the tears as everything
came crashing down
Slowly panic turns to pain
As we awake to what remains
and sift through the ashes that are left
behind
But buried deep beneath
All our broken dreams
we have this hope:

Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
We will see Him with our own eyes
Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
For we know, joy is coming in the morning...
in the morning, beauty will rise

So take another breath for now,
and let the tears come washing down,
and if you can't believe I will believe
for you.

Cuz I have seen
the signs of spring!
Just watch and see:

I can hear it in the distance
and it's not too far away.
It's the music and the laughter
of a wedding and a feast.
I can almost feel the hand of God
reaching for my face
to wipe the tears away, and say,
"It's time to make everything new."
~Beauty Will Rise, Steven Curtis Chapman
Read Steven's own story here.

God bless! ~Julizza

A Letter to My Future Clients-from Macy

I just have to share a bit of Christmas joy come my way by my client and friend, Macy. Please read on! I asked Macy to write about her past experiences with me and what they mean to her for my new website. I can't wait until my new site is all together and launches in 2014! Thank you for this heartfelt letter that made me cry, Macy!

"Raise your hand if you been to a photographer and had your pictures taken? I know, I can’t see if you raised your hand or not, but I do know that we have all attempted to have the perfect family picture. We used a friend to take the picture or we were referred to someone, etc. Now, think about your picture, all the beautiful people in it, how long you planned for it, shopped for the perfect outfit, made sure the kids napped at just the right time and had a little snack to keep them happy.

Now it’s picture day. You have been preparing for it, so excited about the outcome and the gift you will have at the end of the day. As a mother or a father who values the memories in a photograph, you take it to heart. It becomes a part of that place in your heart where you will cherish that day forever. You will look back fondly on the pictures of your engagement, your wedding, being pregnant, that first week the baby is home, when he or she turns one, when they are graduating from kindergarten, then high school, then God willing, you will get to see them married with their own children. Believe it or not, all of these things form pictures in our minds that we wish to hold on to.

All of these characteristics are what I know to be true values of Julizza Holub. When we plan for these moments in our family’s life, she plans them with us. When things go wrong on picture day, she picks up the pieces and makes it into something spectacular. When we are celebrating our children’s 1st everything (baby home, baptism, being pregnant, falling in love with my husband all over again)….she captures it with all the love she has behind that camera. You see folks, what is important to you IS important to her. She shares in your joy, your sadness, your ups and your downs. She shares in your stories, she prays for your happiness, and uses her God-given gift of photography to capture that joy for eternity.

You get them in the mail and you realize that what she gave you was not just a photo or a session. What she does, you cannot put a price on.

We love Julizza as part of our family, and we can only hope that she will continue to bless us with beautiful memories with our children, their accomplishments, their weddings and eventually our very own grandchildren. God bless her."

Love,
The McDaniels
(Colby, Macy, Cullen & Fiona’)

 

www.capturingcreations.com 

Miller Family {Adoption Story}

I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful family with the hopes of sharing their adoption story. I can't imagine life without people like them to fill this world. Both Doug and Cassie Miller have worked to help families that are thinking about fostering to adopt. They have recently begun fostering and Bennett stole their heart.

I get overcome with emotion when I think about people that have the heart to love children other than their own. It's not very rare in my life-I have been blessed to know so many through growing up in my church that have chosen to care for me and my siblings as if we were their very own. My life is better because of them. I'm not quite sure if they know the degree to which I am thankful, but if they ever read this or anything else I write, I would say, "THANK YOU". Thank you for being a mom, dad, sister, or brother. You weren't asked to, you weren't begged to, you weren't paid to-you just were. Maybe it was a word you said, some advice you gave, or a ride home. I depended on your giving heart so often to get me where I needed to be in life-physically, spiritually, and mentally. I still have spiritual parents today that take care of me and my growing family as if I really were birthed in their home and well...I am simply blessed. I want to honor all of you who do this beautiful thing called "family" beyond your bloodlines. That Spirit inside of you is from above; it is not made of your own comfort or will, and it cannot be fabricated. Thank you.

Here is my guest blogger, Cassie, with her adoption story of sweet Bennett:

For as long as I can remember, I've known that I would adopt a child. On one of the first dates with my future husband, we talked about it. His mom had been adopted from Italy and he too wanted to adopt. It took many years and two biological children before we decided we were really ready. For years we had been preparing to adopt, such as getting a larger house and car, but there were always reasons to wait. Our oldest child was four at the time and had been going through a "I hate God" stage, despite that he didn't know what hate was. One night as I was putting him down to bed, that disappeared. He looked me in the eyes and said, "God said you're going to have another baby." I know that I physically couldn't so I asked what he meant. He said, "God said you're missing a baby. There's me, there's Hallie, and there's another baby". My husband and I had been privately discussing when it would be the right time to become foster parents and his revelation gave us the push we needed. We talked to our children, who were two and four, and explained in the simplest way possible. There are Mommies and Daddies that make bad choices and God needs other Mommies and Daddies to take care of their kids until they get better. Our oldest said that it was just like babysitting for a long time and that was fine with him. I think people often worry that their kids are too young to be foster siblings, but the compassion and understanding that my kids displayed was so much more than I could have expected. Young children have the unique ability to love anyone, no matter what. 

When our foster parent licensing process was complete, we were desperately wanting to take in a child. We had an overwhelming desire to fill that void in a child's life. I often wondered what "my child" was doing. Was someone hurting them or neglecting them? It was so hard and I didn't know how long we would have to wait or how long the child would suffer. I just knew that God had a plan. We have a very wise friend who explained that we would want to say yes to any child they called us about but that we needed to put that aside and stop to pray. We received two calls that we did this with and neither child was placed with us.

Shortly before my husband left for an overseas mission trip, he told me that we were probably going to get a baby while he was gone and it was ok. If the baby was going to cry for months from withdrawals, he wouldn't blame me for my choice. A few days before he was to return I received a call from a placing agent saying that they had three, two day olds and wanted to know which one I wanted. That is certainly a moment that took my breath away. How do you choose? The first little girl had a serious medical need that I knew I couldn't take on. It was between a Hispanic girl and an African American boy. I literally had no idea how to choose as I had no preference on race or gender. I asked the agent to call back with more details on the cases. I discussed it with a friend who happened to be at my house and was leaning towards taking the girl. You see, the agent said that the little boy had drugs in his system and the girl did not. I thought it would be easier and was afraid to take a chance. My husband was far away in a village with no cell service so it was between me and God to make a decision. I went back into my office to wait for the call and prayed. I prayed so hard for God to just tell me who to choose. "God how can I choose one baby over the other? Who do I choose? Please just tell me who to choose. " In that moment the phone rang and the very first thing the agent said to me was, "I think you should choose the boy. I don't know why, I just think you should take the boy." I immediately knew that it was God who guided her words. Another remarkable moment came when they brought him to my house. There had been a mistake and he wasn't the baby with the drugs in his system. It had been the girl.

The moment I met our sweet little boy I knew I was in love and my children were smitten. Taking him to the airport to meet my husband is a moment I'll never forget. From the beginning we were told that his birth mother was planning to fight for him and we wouldn't have him long. I had asked God to help me to know what would happen . Either way I was going to love this boy with everything in me. Weeks went by without any contact from his mother and finally at a few months old I received a call from his social worker. His mother wanted a visitation the following day and it was my choice. I could wait to have a judge order it but I couldn't imagine keeping him from her. What a blessed day that was! She held him for two hours and it was easy to see she loved him. She gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek and thanked me for being his other mother and for taking such good care of him. I asked if I could take their picture together and bring it back to her the next time. God gave me a feeling and I knew that it could be my only opportunity. After that meeting, the social workers never heard from her again.

The foster to adopt process is set to where it gives ample opportunity for the birth parents to step up and take responsibility. Because I had asked God to tell me what would happen, I had no doubt that he was our son. Even the social workers called him ours. At eighteen months old, surrounded by friends and family, he legally became our son. It was one of the happiest moments of my life! It's hard to remember life before three children but I couldn't imagine it any other way. He will never look like us but he will always know he is forever ours and that we love him more than could ever be expressed. We are so proud to call him our son. Please take a moment to pray for a child who needs a family. They may not even be born yet, but they could already be yours. Even if fostering or adopting isn't in your future, your prayers could greatly benefit children who are desperately in need of a loving family. God will bless you immeasurably, you just have to let him. May God fill your heart with the kind of joy he has so richly blessed our family with.

Veteran's Day THANK YOU

Thank you to every Veteran that may be reading this. Thank you for your service and for choosing to do it despite knowing the sacrifices you could be called to make. Thank you for every Christmas, birthday, holiday, birth, death, tragedy, and celebration you've missed. Your presence was needed in various places yet you had a duty to your country that you honored. You filled the role as protector of the homeland as well as the innocent people of the region you were in. I love you for that. As we experienced our freedoms at home, you were slave to the regulations, prohibitions, circumstances, and limitations of the duty you were assigned to. You went without our landscape, freedoms, beds, sights, luxuries, and relationships. Thank you for your amazing giving heart.
To every wife, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, family member, friend, and child of a US Veteran: Thank You for your sacrifice to go through life alongside them in their duty. Your sacrifices-every minute you miss them, love them, wish they were home, write them, and call them; every tear you have shed is a blessing to our country and God has each one in a jar. I am praying that you feel an overwhelming THANK YOU from the day's events and know that many of us do not forget you the rest of the year. You are all amazing people. I appreciate and am in prayer for you!

Colby & Macy

It's "Married Couples Week" at JHCC. LOL! Well, it certainly feels that way with some of my favorite images lately. Some people wonder how they are blessed with the most amazing clients. I know how I am. God sends them to me! I pray for them! Colby and Macy (as well as many others) are an answer to prayer for the most amazing people to fall in love with while I shoot. I may not share this enough, but I really fall in love with people through my camera. Although it seems very random how each client comes to me, they read my bio or they see what I'm about and they come. God sends them. Everyone has a story and I find that documenting their faces is the best way for me to get to it. I love finding out their stories most and their images make me well up with prayer for them inside. The camera is, in countless ways, how I love humanity best. This couple right here have not only let me into their story, but they have poured into me dramatically with fun gallery views, investing in my business, investing in my person, feeding me dinner, having pep talks with loads of positivity, and investing in my family by inviting us to their get-togethers and birthday parties. My adopted 15 year old niece even gleaned from Macy's words of wisdom for a night while my kids played with Colby and their kids...just because Lathan needed to drop off a light saber gift at their house for Cullen. Colby fed us until we burst... Things I can never forget. I didn't know them before I started this business and my life is better now that I do. Who gets to say that about your clients?? I DO!! I love you, Colby and Macy!

 

God Is In Control {Stout Family}

Hi everyone! I'm going to give you a little peak at my goal this past summer that I only revealed to my VIP clients. I appreciate every one of them and I love to return their gift of investment in this art I create by providing opportunities for them to pass on this gift. On Monday, May 20th, I sent the following email to my VIPs:

Hello, VIP Members! I am so excited to give your friends and family an opportunity to glean from your incredible photographer!

This summer, I have decided to run, not walk, towards God's purpose for my business and to continue to give Him the glory in all that all I do. I have thought about how blessed I am to have clients like you-clients that not only enjoy good portraiture as I do, but have truly invested in me and therefore in my ministry.

I wish you could see everything your investments have yielded. I truly am amazed at it all when I step back and take inventory-the people, pictures, stories, and glory have all been nothing short of inspiring.

In my focus, I am in search for stories. And that begins with you. I am giving every family a chance (or two-one for you and one for your husband or wife) to give someone you are inspired by the gift of forever photography and a chronicle of their story using me. I would like for you to think of someone whose story inspires you and give them this VIP gift certificate. Whether they've overcome odds, are still in turmoil, or need to see a light-it doesn't matter. I want you to take this to them and tell them your photographer wants to meet them. I do. I want to know what has happened. You are my vessel to finding these tremendous people! I don't care what they can pay for, what they look like, or what has happened in their life-I want to meet these heroes. With your help, I would even consider travel. I will allow God to take care of the financial toll this might bring; I'm making an investment in a world beyond this one in this effort. Please help me in this search and THANK YOU for the investment you have already made in me.

Here is a link to the certificate on this email if you'd like to print it out (and you can also forward this email). I will ask anyone who responds who sent it to them and verify it with you! :)

You have 2 WEEKS. GO!!

I was prepared to go monetarily unpaid all vacation long. That is so true. If you knew me or my heart, you would know it was true. I know it's hard to believe, but God has provided for me throughout this venture and I wasn't going to stop believing He would continue to do so. I was prepared for my payment to be in Spirit, and I was excited. God saw what I was prepared to do, and He responded with this amazing story and others I met on my own. Some of the VIP families didn't respond or understand, didn't get back with me or didn't book, but that's ok. It won't stop me from trying and widening my search for more. VIP client Macy McDaniel introduced me to this wonderful family, the Stout's. Thank you, Macy, for pointing me to them. Thank you, Stout family, for being an inspiration to Macy and countless others. My prayer was that I could chronicle your faith story for others to draw hope from and so I could be revived in Spirit as well. I know this is part of my calling! Thank you for being willing to do this! I know this is a long overdue post, but I pray it will give you strength as you go back to work ;)

Here's a guest blog from Shelley, the mother in this beautiful family. I hope her story and this testimony of wanting to see God's fingerprints in families everywhere will inspire you in amazing ways.

Shelley:
After what a person would call a “normal” pregnancy, our pediatrician informed my husband and I that our son, Logan, might have Down syndrome. She said I would not know for sure until the test results came back, which could take up to 6 weeks. I was pretty devastated, not really knowing much about DS at the time. Just feeling like I had done something wrong to cause my beautiful baby boy to not be “typical.” But all my husband kept saying was, “It does not change how we feel about him.”

One week after Logan was born, the pediatrician called us and told us the results had come back and showed us that Logan has Trisomy 21. I, once again, felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest and someone was stomping on it.

After reading a lot of information that first week after Logan’s birth, we were told he needed to get several tests run and go and see a cardiologist. Around 5-6 weeks we had our first appointment.  Our baby looked very healthy to us, eating (what I thought was normal), sleeping a decent amount, etc. At the cardiologist office the doctor did an echocardiogram (which took forever and he never said a word) and then said, “Let me find a room we can talk in.”

He then proceeded to tell us about Logan’s heart condition, a common one among children with Down syndrome, called Complete AV Canal. In layman’s terms, Logan was missing the wall that separates the chambers of the heart. He couldn’t breathe as well as he should have; he does not eat as much, and (normally children with this condition) sleep all the time.

He told us that Logan would have to have open-heart surgery. What!?!?!? Open-heart surgery is scary on the healthiest of middle-aged men, but on my baby. I was scared to death.

The surgery was scheduled for April 30^th, which was about a week before he turned 6 months old. The weeks leading up to the surgery were scary for me. I was back at school teaching and I had days when I just couldn’t pull myself together. I would cry on the way to school, I would cry on the home from school.

About two weeks before the surgery, I was listening to KSBJ. There was a song that came on that made me realize that this was all in God’s control. Why was I worrying so much. I finally was able to be at peace with the fact that God would have his angels surrounding my little Logan in that hospital room. Of course this doesn’t mean I stopped crying (I am a big cry baby.) But I was just comforted in knowing that God is in control, He tells us not to worry about anything, the testing of our faith develops perseverance-this is what I learned.

The day of the surgery approached and I had not really slept much that night. I felt nauseous on the way to the hospital. We were able to wait in a room with Logan for about an hour. When the doctors came to get him, it was so hard to hand over my baby boy. Our family surrounded my husband and me that whole day.

We let Logan go with the doctors at 7:30 that morning and he was in ICU ready for us to see him at 3:30 in the afternoon. I knew in my mind what to expect in the NICU, but seeing your baby with so many chords, tubes, and monitors is never something you can be prepared for. I had such a hard time seeing him at first. The staff was extremely patient with me (and my tears).

Logan did really well after surgery. He was out of ICU in two days and into the step down unit. I was able to hold him about 48 hours after the surgery. Day by day we saw his reactions to us, then his smile, and then finally his laugh was back. Logan was eating crazy amounts of formula, compared to before the surgery.

It has been 5 weeks since the surgery and Logan is a new baby. He has gained almost 3 pounds in those 5 weeks, which is amazing for a 7-month-old baby. He brings us so much joy. Now that the surgery is behind us we look forward to each milestone in his life; all the ups and downs with a typical child, but also the joy that a child with Down syndrome can bring to any person’s life. He has changed the way I view other people and those with disabilities or special needs. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this little boy. We are so grateful that God chose us to be Logan’s parents.

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The Great Fan Giveaway!

Yay! I've hit 1500 fans and I appreciate every single one of them! Thank you for sticking with me so far and I am so excited for the future of this ministry and service. As my photography grows, my clientele and outlook grows and I see so much potential in using the business to bless more and more people. It's been 8 years, the next 8 will be incredible!

As a part of my appreciation, please enter yourself in a drawing to win some fabulous prizes from some amazing businesses in the Spring and Tomball area of Houston. If you are linked to this area, we want your business! We are willing to showcase our product and give away a freebie to one very lucky winner. We serve Spring, Tomball, Cypress, Champions, Klein, Willowbrook, The Woodlands, Conroe, and Magnolia areas, so if you are from around here, please enter!

The Northwest Houston area winner will have "Liked" each business Facebook page and commented below that they've done so as well as shared the link to their own profiles (public setting). A random winner will be drawn from the names in the comments listed below or on my Facebook page (*new* since some have expressed having problems posting a comment on this blog-I've tried fixing it, but I'm not sure if it's computer/phone settings!). Just post that you're entering the giveaway :)

Participants can earn an extra entry by signing up for my JHCC email newsletter here:

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The winner will be asked to pay shipping on certain items if necessary, but the stores would really just like for you to stop by their locations to pick up your goods. That's why it's local! Please show each of the businesses some love and let them know JHCC sent you!

1. JH Capturing Creations Photography - FB Page - Website


2. Doorbdazzled Deco Mesh Designs - FB Page - Etsy Store


3. Naturally Nancy's - FB Page - Website


4. Gymboree Play and Music (Willowbrook Plaza location only) - FB Page - Website


5. Dickey's BBQ (Louetta/I-45 location only) - FB Page - Website


6. Delightfully Delish - FB Page - Website


7. Funky Pony Boutique - FB Page


8. Me and My Porch Designs - FB Page - Website


9. Sweet B's Homemade Sweets - FB Page - Website


10. MJ Bailey Properties - FB Page - Website


11. Bailey's Cleaning Service - FB Page


I cannot wait to see who the winner will be! Total value for these prizes is $750!! WOW. WOW. WOW!! Good luck!!

Giveaway will run from Monday, July 15th - Monday, July 29th. Deadline to enter is 10pm on Monday, July 29th with the winner announced on this blog on Tuesday, July 30th. Tell everyone you can and enter as soon as you can. Don't hesitate to subscribe to my email list for an extra entry!

---------------------------UPDATE JULY 30TH, 2013--------------------------------------------------

CONGRATULATIONS to JODY CLIPPINGER!! She is the winner of the Great Fan Giveaway!

A Dream Come True

 “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Our family was blessed to have an opportunity to visit beautiful Florida during vacation time this year. My husband and I were excited to share our newfound love for Pensacola that started last summer with our kids. Last year, my husband and I ventured out to Pensacola alone and we decided back then that we would definitely be returning to the Florida beaches with the kids the following year. Soon after returning home and picking up the kids from their grandparents, I was driving with Rio somewhere and telling her about the fun we had. We hadn't mentioned to her that we were vacationing in Florida before we left because we didn't want her to think we were visiting her favorite dolphin, Winter, without her. Ever since she saw the movie Dolphin Tale, she has been a huge Winter fan, visiting the website to watch the webcam online that showed Winter's activities 24/7. Winter is an amazing dolphin whose story of surpassing incredible odds to survive inspired the movie. At only 3 months old, she was found trapped in a crab trap line and as a result lost her entire tail. No other dolphin in the world has survived such an amputation, but her story is different due to a one-of-a-kind prosthetic tail created and used to help her heal. The sacrifices made for this sea animal is nothing less than amazing. You can read the rest of her story here or watch the movie sometime. Armed with knowledge that Winter lived in Florida, I knew she would assume that if we were going to Florida, we would have naturally have visited her beloved dolphin that was in the same state. When I shared that we were in Florida, her first question was exactly what I had thought, "Did you see Winter??!!"

"No," I replied. "Winter is actually a lot further away from the place in Florida where we visited. Florida is a large state. Next year, though, Dad and I want to take the family to Florida for vacation. We know you'll love it!"

"Wow!", she replied. Then as I expected, she jumped through to her next dying question, "Can we visit Winter since we're in Florida, Mom? Pleaaasssse??"

I knew that was coming. I was already shaking my head. "No, I'm sorry. We can't, honey. Winter is much farther than where Mommy and Daddy were. It's an extra 8 hours of drive time to where Winter lives and where we were was far enough. We would be driving 16 whole hours, which I don't think you and your brother can tolerate." I looked back and watched her countenance shift from beautiful and beloved expectation and hope to one of creeping disappointment and sadness. Winter would be closer, but not close enough. Tears welled up and I tried to soothe her. "Rio, it's going to be ok! We're going to have plenty of fun-you'll see..."

Her bottom lip started peeking out and the frown was now spread from cheek to cheek. "I wish I could just see her. It would be my dream come true. I just love her so much." The tears had come loose. Her heart was breaking.

I looked away and stared at the road. I did that thing I often do when it comes to my kids and their "wants". Is this a total no? Should I be considering this? What if she really means that? What's the cost to me really? I knew it would cost more monetarily, but somehow as I searched my own past and couldn't come up with any instance of a sacrificial event that satisfied my own childhood dreams out of financial constraints, part of the cost of being part of a 12 children family, the financial concern began to wane.

"Why are you being so hard? Why can't we take her? Is it just the drive time? We can deal with it if that's all. If it's the money, we can make a plan and save..." I was talking to myself. I glanced back at her, tears still streaming, and broke the news. "Ok. Don't cry. We can go see Winter next year."

Her face turned to look at me in the mirror and her eyes focused. "What? Really? We can see her?"

"Yes, honey, we can."

"YES!!! WOO HOO!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, THIS IS MY DREAM COME TRUE!! THANK YOU, MOMMA!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Oh I can't wait till next summer!!"

And that was it. The plan was set.

It's been a whole year since that car ride and I don't know of many people that she's close to that didn't know of our travel plans for this summer. She shared that her dream would be coming true with everyone she could. She imagined Winter couldn't wait to see her either.

The day of our visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida was a hot and humid day all the way until about 3:32. The Aquarium is a non-profit organization whose mission is preserving the marine life and environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and release. We got to see the animals and sat in on many talks about the rescued animals that live there in the early afternoon. Lathan had an appointment for a dolphin picture and was able to do his around 1pm that afternoon. We purchased a "dolphin encounter" for Rio since it was her dream to be up and close to her favorite animal. The books she borrows from the library up until now have been scores and scores of dolphin and marine animal-related books. She has so much knowledge already and the dolphin encounter would just bring all of that knowledge up close and personal. I was excited for her. 3:30 hit and we had already been waiting at our assigned area for about 20 minutes to make sure she was present when they needed her. She was so excited. Everything was great until the skies clouded and the rain and lightning started at 3:32. They needed an "all-clear" from the lightning to allow anyone near the platform that stood on the water of the pool. The ensuing storm looked like it meant business, however, and I became worried. We still had a site to visit about the making of the movie, but they closed at 6pm and we were quickly running out of time. After about an hour of waiting on clear skies, the other two girls signed up for the encounter got their refunds and headed home. We had decided we would stay all day if we needed to. Rio had the patience of a saint, and although she was worried, you couldn't tell. She took it all in stride and just waited patiently for her turn. She got to speak to the dolphin expert who did about 30 minutes of dolphin knowledge with her and the group. As the hours passed, despite prayers for a clear sky, the manager came out to let us know the all-clear would not be occurring that day. We didn't expect to stay another day in Clearwater, but when asked if we would like a rain check for the next morning, I didn't hesitate. We got a time at 9am the next day and I prayed all night for a clear morning. Upon waking up, we got what we prayed for. Clear and beautiful skies and a second chance at a dream encounter for my little girl. I couldn't be more excited for her!

Winter is pictured first. You can tell her apart from the rest because of her missing tail. Rio's dolphin encounter was with Hope, another rescued Dolphin at the Aquarium. Rio was excited to be able to see Winter and play and interact with Hope. Her encounter included working with the trainer to give Hope hand signals for tricks and playing fetch with water toys. Here she is-a girl in her dream come true.

Lathan's interests naturally follow his big sister's. As an avid Dolphin Tale fan himself, he kept exclaiming things like, "Wow! That's just like the movie!!" His huge, beautiful smile burst into a thousand joys. He was ecstatic. His photo opportunity came and he felt like a big kid getting to go out on the platform without Mommy or Daddy. Here he is. The dolphin pictured in the second image is Panama-she's got a great smile! I mentioned the rain on the first afternoon and had an opportunity to capture a green-clad Lathan with a matching umbrella. His look melts me!


The next day was a drive to Pensacola and the surf on the beach was very dangerous. We ended up playing along the shore and looking for shells. The next day would produce more rain, so this was the opportunity we had for the beach at this location. That was ok because one opportunity is all I need to grab some fabulous pictures of the kids playing.
Rio got preoccupied with shells and lost interest in the camera pretty quickly while we were out there, but I still had Lathan to play with. I convinced him he needed to give me his best "surfer guy" pose-a pose he was looking to do since our friend Melanie had mentioned he'd make a cool one the week before. He was ready to pose!
And finally, a couple of great fatherly images for my husband to treasure. I don't mention enough what a wonderful, supportive, and patient father he is. Here he is, existing in "the moment" with our kids. I adore it!


What a wonderful trip and time we were blessed with! My 15 year old niece also came along with us, but she's too shy to have her picture posted. I am still relishing in the bond that occurred between the cousins and between us all through this trip. Relationships are still building and bonds are being strengthened through her time with us still. I'm extremely joyous to see so many dreams come true!! -

Coco {Senior 2013}

"That's exactly how it should be."

It should be the reaction you always get with every Senior session out there. "That's exactly how it should be." That's exactly how that session should have gone. Showing what that Senior was passionate about and doing what it takes to bring out who he or she really is.

And so was the case of Coco Stewart. This is exactly how it should be. It's never happened before that I have had the opportunity to shoot such a special person whose evidence of the way she loves actually overflowed onto her shooting scene. Shrills of laughter and smiling children of varying ages invaded our space. And she couldn't be any happier-I know this for certain.

Coco's family and ours are members of the same body at Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. She has been a blessing to everyone she meets and I truly haven't met anyone quite like her. Loving and caring for children is in the deepest part of her heart. It just comes so easy to her! I know she can't imagine her life without kids. Are they family? Not by blood. But they are family. They're her spirit family and she is their spirit sister and mother. What an amazing bond!

When Coco's mom asked her about Senior pictures, Coco was reluctant. A beautiful but humble girl, she just wasn't looking forward to having herself as a spotlight. Mom cried, and she agreed. LOL. So I came over to her home and we did her planning session. As I asked her about her vision for her photos, she said, "I'm just doing this for my mom. Really, I don't care where we go or what I wear..." She wasn't excited. She was about to be a tough client. That's ok! I get it. I understand. It's my job to see what defines people. I wouldn't be a good photographer if I just stopped there and let her pick anything and just go anywhere. Avoiding this "whatever" session is why I go over and meet them. I already knew Coco, though, and I kept having this creeping thought of how to integrate what she means to the kids she loves into these pictures. Her spirit needed to be the spotlight. She would be leaving a gaping hole in our children's ministry at my church soon. How can I capture what she means to our church body?

We went up to her room and began rummaging through her closet. As we casually talked about outfits, she jokingly said, "Well, you can bring Rio and Lathan." My kids. She invited my kids to her shoot. That was it. THAT'S what I needed. A vision was born for Coco's shoot. "Ok," I said. "Or you can invite all of the kids you babysit. We can take you to a field and get a picture of you with all of them. Then you'll have something to take with you to college." The sparkle in her eye wasn't just a sparkle. I touched something. Her whole self lit up. "Really?" she said. "That would be soooooo cool! I would love that!" And it was done. Yes, really. Yes, let's do it. Yes, yes, yes, let's put you in your element for your Senior pictures because...that's the way it should be. In my opinion, I would be doing you a disservice by not taking this picture. I am all in-whatever it takes. Whatever craziness I have to endure. Toss aside the extra work, editing, and physical toil-it is all worth it. This is now an inspired session. Yes. That's what I want to do. Capture your spirit...and they are a huge part of it.

We did some solo shots for mom first. Here is Coco! Along with sooo many other awards, she was Valedictorian of her class. She will be attending Lipscomb University in the fall and *surprise*, she's a potter. I got her to pose with one of her favorite pieces she's made.



Here she is with her heart, her kids. "Coco's Kids." Her mom posted an invitation on Facebook and about 20 kids (some not pictured until later) showed up, representing between 8 and 10 families. A small piece of the real legacy Coco is creating. One family drove up from Austin just for this event! I can't say how many families said, "I wouldn't miss this for the world." She is deeply appreciated and loved!!
 

And that's exactly the way this session should have been. Coco with her kids.



Sometimes a person plays such an important role in your life that you actually remember the first day you met them. I never knew on June 1st, 2008, that I would be capturing this little girl as a Senior and she would be capturing my children's hearts in the meanwhile. On June 1, 2008, I went to a summer playday at a park that my church was hosting. It was one of the first events I attended with Rio, who was turning 3 years old that month. I took Rio to the bathroom and there was Coco. She asked if she could take her to the bathroom for me while I juggled our things. "Wow," I remember thinking. "What a help..." "That would be great, thanks!" She took Rio in and helped her drink some water outside the park bathroom in the summer heat when she was done. I said thank you and asked her her name. "Coco," she responded with a smile. About 3 or so kids came up to her right then and she left to take them to the playground. "Interesting name," I thought. I was still learning people's names. We went over to the playground and I noticed her with the kids but didn't think much of it. She acted like a babysitter. I watched Rio integrate herself with the other children and Coco as I talked with the other moms. Then Coco took over. She took them as a group here and there and led them around with games. I took this picture that day. I didn't know it then. I didn't know what I was witnessing then. Now it seems just so familiar...



Everyone's so young!!! Ack! Tears. Over the years, she would be our babysitter. My kids and a host of others would love on her and run up to her and hug her neck while she would sit on the center stage steps and hold the basket for the children to come up and bring their offering on Sunday mornings. They would all know her name or learn it quickly. They would all want to sit next to her on her pew. They would come to her house. They would love Coco. Always. And she would love them back. In true Coco style, the kids were invited to her graduation party at her house. Pool time, water games, a bounce house and cotton candy-it looked like a child's birthday party. A really big birthday party. But no, it's Coco's graduation! Congratulations! Here she is posing with one of her spirit families. So many of us would call her our own..

And we come to the end...or rather, the beginning. Leaving a legacy at such a young age, this spiritual giant is an example and an inspiration for countless people-young and old. I adore her legacy already and I know her parents are proud of her. I asked her to let me get a dramatic picture and because she's so sweet, she let me get this one...


...even though she thinks she looks like Mother Teresa. Not really on the outside, Coco. but you are certainly of the same Spirit on the inside. Love you!! Thank you for letting God use you. I know your story will be even more amazing in the years to come. I can't wait to see what God does! Congratulations, Graduate!

Love, the Holub family

P.S. A HUGE "Thank You" to the families that were able to make it to this photo session for Coco. She is so grateful to have your children's faces on such an image that defines her passion. She will be keeping you close to her heart. I don't believe you will ever fully understand what you've done. I know you did it because you care. Imagine what it will be like for her 40 and 50 years from now and she's looking at your kids faces in this picture. It's unimaginable. THANK YOU. If you were involved with these pictures and would like to order for your own memories, please visit the webpage on your flash-enabled computer and enter "coco" for the username and password in the client galleries. Enjoy and Thank you!

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