Happy Birthday, Jesus! Happy New Year! ..and it's already Valentine's Out!

Well, it has been another full year and a of course, everyone has made their resolutions...except me! I think I forgot...Lol! In my mind, my resolution was the same as last year: get closer to God, dive in the Word, and in general, learn to love more. So then, I think that's pretty good! I think that if I accomplish that, my choices this year will be affected for the good, so that's a very good thing! ;)

Our family had a BLAST this past holiday season. I don't know where rules are created, but I surely always seem to miss the memo...haha! Don't get me wrong, I love rules that are there to serve, but sometimes unspoken rules can get in the way. Last year I saw a very cool Christmas tree--one that I'll never forget. It had such a profound effect on me that I decided when I saw it that our family will forever change the way we celebrate Christmas. The Christmas tree was themed "Happy Birthday, Jesus!". It was decorated with party hats and streamers, ribbons and gifts...beautiful pinks, purples, and greens. It was full of festivity, it was an amazing sight, and I loved it! It was so nicely done (you could tell someone had REALLY worked hard on this tree), and for me, it obviously caught the essence of what Christmas was always meant to be--a celebration of the birth of
Christ. I loved it so much that I decided that I wanted our family to celebrate Christmas with a birthday party for Jesus, and we did. It was our first year, and it was a lot of fun, and I'm sure every year will get even better. My daughter really, really understood why we were celebrating and when asked about what Christmas is, she always responded, "Jesus's birthday!", which really is our goal as parents. We do talk about Santa (for those that are wondering), and we had a great time with the Santa gifts, but our joy came from the celebration of a wonderful day, which made it so much more special than we have ever experienced before.
I did decorate the house with streamer and even made a "Happy Birthday Jesus" wreath. I bought a helium balloon kit so we could have fresh balloons on Christmas morning. It was so fun to plan! I've been very fond of the pink and purple ornaments and always wondered to myself, "Who buys those? Who has a tree like that? They must have 2 or 3 trees..." I was very surprised to find a lot of great birthday gift themed ornaments at Hobby Lobby and they even carried "Happy Birthday, Jesus" napkins and a table centerpiece. I did have the most trouble finding dishes (I ended up using paper plates--oh well, it's a birthday party!) and a tablecloth--everything was red or green or white.

Here some pictures of the tree when it first went up, before all of the rest of the decorations, and of course, the token "kids in front of the tree" shot. At least my son is pointing fun at me. I love this picture--totally shows their personalities.



Here's one on Christmas morning--you can see her a little blurry by the tree...she just woke up and this is in the "magic" of the reveal! Such a sweet time!



If I blog more often, I won't have sooo much to talk about each time (or be behind for that matter)! I am doing more on Flickr, so make sure to visit my photostream and definitely have always been active on my Facebook page, so make sure to "Like" it! I am now booking springtime photos and am excited to announce some vintage custom photo shoots. Please email me with more info at jholub@capturingcreations.com or visit my website to send me a message.

Valentines Heart for Charity mini-sessions will also be coming up--please stay tuned here and on my Facebook page for sure! Valentine vintage processing and outdoor fun is in store for this year! Proceeds will go towards providing money for water wells in third world countries. Dates soon to be announced; I'm looking forward to it! Start your own charity at mycharitywater.org. See you soon!

Transformation Essay Winner!

Announcing our winner for the Transformation Essay!
April from Magnolia writes:

The most important transformation in my life occurred on December 9, 2004 when I realized that I was pregnant with my first child at the age of 31. My husband and I had been married for 8 years and I was perfectly happy with my life. I am a very giving person, I think my friends and family would agree with that, but when it came to the decision of having a child, I very selfishly decided that I did not want to be a mom. I was happy with sleeping in on the weekends, not having to worry about a little person who would demand all of my time or deal with the financial burden. I liked my designer handbags and being able to go shopping when I wanted. My husband kept telling me that we needed to pray about it but I did not want to pray about it. I had it all figured out. I was going to do things my way and on my terms. Deep down, I wrestled with the guilt that came with that decision. I would hear stories of other women that so desperately wanted a child and here I was, just brushing motherhood so easily aside. I would just bury my guilt and carry on, happy with my decision. I justified my decision usually by convincing myself that I would not make a good mother anyway.

On December 9, 2004 I took a pregnancy test and I have never been so terrified in my entire life as I was when that tiny little screen flashed the word "Pregnant". My husband, bless his heart, he called every person we knew. I have never seen him happier. His happiness eased some of my fears and my panic but I did not know how I was going to deal with the pressures of motherhood. I have to admit that I was a little annoyed at God. Wasn't it MY decision not to have children?

On July 15, 2005 at 5:03 p.m., I was blessed with the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes. CW came into our lives almost exactly 5 months after my mother lost her younger brother and my grandmother lost her youngest son in a motorcycle accident. CW not only blessed my husband and I but he blessed our entire family. He not only transformed me as a person and as a woman but he transformed our entire family. I know that when my grandmother held CW, it helped to ease some of the pain she felt for her loss and gave her hope. CW was a blessing from God in so many ways. The only way that I can describe the love that a mother feels for her child is that I don't think I ever truly knew the meaning of the word L-O-V-E until I had CW.

I now buy my handbags at Target after my old one is falling apart. I love buying CW a new outfit and could care less about going shopping for myself. God blessed me with the ultimate gift and I thank Him every day for showing me humility and teaching me that He is in control and that I should always rely on His grace and His love.

Thank you for allowing me to share my personal and spiritual story of transformation.

Such a great story of love and how God shows He truly is in control. I appreciate the honesty in being "a little annoyed at God". After all, so many of us feel that way when things don't go OUR way (in the way that we think they should). What I have learned is to trust God, and in Him, I always have hope. I believe April experienced Romans 12:2:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Great job, April! You will receive a free session and package, CONGRATULATIONS!


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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!