Silent night, holy night.

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin - Mother and Child.

Holy Infant, so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night.

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar.

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Savior is born.

Christ, the Savior is born!

---

Away in a manger,

no crib for His bed -

the little Lord Jesus

laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright sky

looked down where He lay -

the little Lord Jesus

asleep on the hay.

---

And with this Christmas wish is missed

the point I could convey.

If only I could find the words to say

to let You know how much You've touched my life.

Because - here is where You're finding me,

in the exact same place as New Year's Eve.

And from a lack of my persistency,

we're less than half as close as I want to be.

And the first time
that You opened Your eyes,
did You realize that You would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left Your lips,
did You know that it would change this world forever?

And the first time
that You opened Your eyes,
did You realize that You would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left Your lips,
did You know that it would change this world forever?

And so this Christmas I'll compare

the things I felt in prior years.

To what this midnight made so clear -

that You have come to meet me here.

To look back, and think that

this baby would one day save me.

In the hope that what You did -

that you were born so that I might really live.

To look back, and think that

this baby would one day save me.

And the first time
that You opened Your eyes,
did You realize that You would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left Your lips,
did You know that it would change this world forever?

And the first time
that You opened Your eyes,
did You realize that You would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left Your lips,
did You know that it would change this world forever?

And I, I celebrate the day

that You were born to die -

so I could one day pray for You to save my life.

Pray for You to save my life.

Pray for You to save my life.

--------

We - the Thomases Three - wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. We hope that you can keep the spirit of Christmas in your hearts and homes this holiday season - as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May you remember the reasons for his birth, life and resurrection all the year through.

* Lyrics: I Celebrate The Day; Relient k

We - the Thomases Three - want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Ours wasn't exactly ideal; however, we are thankful nonetheless.

We hope that you and yours have much to be grateful for this year. And - more importantly - that you are able to realize all that we should be grateful for - this season and always.

finally

New Moon. Edward. Alright... and Jacob, too. Whatever your colors - and even if you don't care - hope you had a happy weekend.

I sure have l.o.v.e.d mine.

tamra + chris | ‘day after’ shoot

Tamra, Chris and I decided at their reception to meet again for another photo session after their honeymoon. I was so glad! And so very grateful that they would ask me to photograph them again. What a blessing.

This experience more than made up for the undesirable qualities of the last one. It was such a beautiful day! Gorgeous weather. Heavenly light. A glowing couple. A photographer couldn’t ask for anything better.

I love the shots that I got that day. Love them with every fiber of my being! True – the stars and planets were aligned just right and everything went perfectly. What joy it has brought me to document these moments for these special people.

Here are some favorites. Enjoy.

tamra + chris | the wedding

Oh, what a day this was. I am determined not to rattle on about this, but I will say that it wasn’t the rip-roaring good time that I had hoped it to be.

My job, at least, was very difficult. On top of shooting the wedding – and all the pressure that that entails – dear Mother Earth did not smile on me. As soon as we went outside to begin our session of individual and couple shots, it began to rain. And by ‘rain’, I mean a good old-fashioned Southern thunderstorm.

Things changed several times after that – though very quickly – sending my mind into a frenzy. My previous plans proved obsolete. Everything was forced inside – where less than desirable lighting and space reigned. The day proved to be hard, and the editing process proved to be even harder.

I continually beat myself down for the quality and caliber of my shots – which were so far below my ‘normal’ work. I began to realize that it wasn't just the weather. I began to really pick apart each photograph. I slowly, but surely, sifted through frame after frame – trying to find a ‘good’ batch to work on so that I could stomach longer than a 5-minute work session.

After time, I began to notice some changes. I first and foremost thank my cousin, Jessica – again – for helping me with some editing and for helping me get out of several figurative pits. But, apart from this, I began to have a change of heart. Another one of those ‘lessons on the true meaning of photography’ that I always seem to be mentioning. I began to notice truly beautiful photographs – lovely even with the flaws. I began to remember the feelings and emotions of that day – the ones that I could not dwell on at that time. The joyous happiness – despite the rain and all the changes.

To quote Jessica: They were so happy! So happy to be together. So overjoyed to be married at last. Nothing else mattered at that point. I was able to capture that happiness, despite many, many uncontrollable factors. And so – only now – I feel that I succeeded.

I view this as a wonderful experience. All of it. I learned many lessons about m.a.n.y things. How I loved being able to be close to my dear friend. If only for that, it was worth the effort. For all these things – I am grateful.

Thank you, Chris and Tamra – Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher now – for letting me play such an integral role in your special day. Love you both. Congratulations. Treasure every minute of your life together.

Here are some favorites. Enjoy.

How I loved working with Tamra’s family again! Such fun people. It was difficult to get ‘normal’ shots. But then again… this is normal for them.

This is my favorite family shot. I love it despite the bad lighting and cramped location. Despite the chairs littering the background. Talk about happy people. Not ideal – but it’s moments like these that make my heart sing.

And my favorite shot of the day. Look at those smiles. Smiles that shout love from the rooftops. So happy. So in love. So perfect.

goodbye, dear friend

The time has come to bid adieu to yet another Thomas family belonging – this time, a very dear friend. How I will miss him.

Yes. This post is about a camera. The story of an old, faithful camera. One that has been by my side for the larger part of this families’ existence. One that has captured so very many beautiful things. True – this camera holds memories for me. Treasured memories. It is all a little bittersweet.

To sit and think about all that he has preserved – all that has been seen through his lens – warms my heart. The miles he has travelled could take him to the moon and back. His battle scars are clearly evident. And the time we’ve spent together – him an extension of me. Ah, the things we’ve faced together! You would have to see to believe. All the country days. All the holidays. The trips and the landmarks of life. All the things that we look back on with fond recollections – all the things that make us roll with riotous laughter.

He witnessed the birth of Ammon, right along with Brian and me. He captured 98% of the photographs that have ever appeared on this blog. He has done mini photo shoots or taken individual shots for many of you, my readers.

Yes. He truly is a member of our family. But, lately I’ve noticed that this dear friend of mine is getting tired. Worn out. Still doing what he does best – preserving the remembrances of his family – but needing a rest.

So – a new page has been turned. It is the dawn of a new day. The investment was finally made. I have a new camera with all the bells and whistles that I have been dreaming about… and then some. I am loving her, too.

I do not believe that you have to have a nice, expensive camera in order to take good pictures. We’ve talked about this before. I will say that it is nice to have a comrade now that can grow with me and my hobby. My talent. Something that I can work for some time to conquer the boundaries of. However, I stand firmly and resolutely by my previous notions: That, with practice, beautiful photographs can be taken with any camera and by anyone.

I’ve had several conversations over the last several months with many different people – many people with different levels of wisdom when it comes to photography. People who think that a ‘professional’ photographer has some unattainable right that no one else has. That professional studios will capture better results. People who think that a top-rate camera will take a perfect photograph e.v.e.r.y time. And so forth. But, all of these allegations simply are not true. I really wish that more people truly understood the true nature of photography. It is such a very magnificent thing when you look at it with the right eyes and the right frame of mind.

“Too often we assume that professional photographers possess some magic that’s not available to the rest of us. We see photos in magazines that tug at our hearts and we think, “I’d love a photo like that of my baby, but I’m not a real photographer.” Well, you may not be a professional food critic either, but you know what good food tastes like. The same goes for being a photographer – much of photography is knowing what you like and setting out to create it. There’s no photographic magic, no perfect camera. . . .

“Change your attitude about photography. Think beyond snapshots. Think about creating images that are timeless, images that won’t be taken down from the wall since they’re works of art. The main difference between professional photographers and the rest of us is that professionals focus on ‘making’ photographs while we’re running around ‘taking’ pictures.

“What’s the difference? Taking photos is just that – taking whatever you can get from wherever you are. Not a lot of thought and little or no planning. This is okay if you’re only looking to document what Uncle Charlie looked like at last year’s family reunion, but if you need an image that captures who Uncle Charlie is, his dry wit or leathered hands, you’ll need to look beyond the obvious. Push yourself a little.” [Allison Myers]

All this being said, my old camera won’t be going the way of the Dodo. It’s not really a goodbye, because he won’t really be going anywhere. Just this minute, I can think of several situations where he would be more advantageous – and I know that that thought probably confuses some of you. I l.o.v.e my new camera, don’t get me wrong. I am so very grateful for it. But I am able to value both of these cameras and what they have to offer. What they both bring to my life.

Thank you, dear friend. Hello, lovely. Boy – do I have big plans for you.

awarded... and it feels nice

So --- I was nominated for my first-ever blog award by my pal, Lyndsey.

I feel honored that she nominated my blog for this award. I would have never expected anyone to do that for me. Seriously. I feel that my blog is for me personally – that no one else would ever really care about what I have to say, or relate to it in any way. I’ve found in recent months that it hasn’t been the outlet that I wanted it to be – often-times making me very frustrated, sucking the will to blog right out of me. But, for whatever reason, this recognition has shown me that someone may care just a bit. And, I’ve found that people do worry and wonder when I don’t post. So --- here’s to a new beginning. A fresh start. A new resolve to do better at trying harder.

But – as with most of these do-dads – there are strings attached:

1) Thank the person who nominated you.

2) Copy the logo and put it on your blog.

3) Link to the person who nominated you.

4) Name 7 things about yourself people may not know.

5) Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6) Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7) Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they’ve been nominated.

***

Here are 7 things that may be unknown to some of you. I had a hard time coming up with these, so don’t knock 'em. I actually copied most of them from a tag that I did on Facebook. Who would have known that it would be so dang hard to talk about yourself?

1. I will admit that I am afraid of the dark. I litterally agonize about going back downstairs after going to bed – for whatever reason. It’s dark down there and I hate to do it! I do not like being alone by myself at night – but I have gotten used to it thanks to my husband’s school schedule. I must have the television on at all times when I am home by myself or only with Ammon, or downstairs by myself. I don’t actually watch it. I don’t even need it for the ‘noise’ – but something about the buzz of the electricity makes me feel like I’m not alone.

2. I will not touch raw meat with my hands. I will handle it with utensils and other whatnots that I have rigged together… but never (N.E.V.E.R) with my hands. I have actually – finally – invested in some disposable plastic gloves so I don’t break out into a sweat when trying to figure out how to avoid this nasty chore.

3. I can eat my weight in tomatoes – and probably have a hundred times over.

4. I have a huge background in film. And music, theatre and television, for that matter. I have what could be considered a photographic memory when it comes to these mediums. My favorite films are usually classic black-and-whites and/or musicals; however, it is very rare for me to see a movie and not find at least one thing that I admire whether it be the whole thing, or just a set design, costume technique, etc.. I tend to translate styles and color schemes that I view into my own design work. I was raised on Indiana Jones, James Bond, Star Wars and Star Trek also... so needless to say, I have a wide range of favorites. I love classic television, as well. I have been an I Love Lucy fan as long as I can remember – that would be around age 4 or 5. I have been blessed throughout my entire life to be exposed to all types of film, music and theatre. I am grateful for it - and hope to pass that same love on to my children. So far, so good.

5. I have always had a very vivid imagination. I toss this up to being an only child. I have whole worlds that coexist in the recesses of my mind. When I go to sleep, I sift through my files of ‘interesting stuff’ and choose a ‘world’ to dream about. I’ll have a dream about day-to-day life, nothing really. I’ll wake up, go throughout my day, and pick up where I left off the next time I go to bed – just like a miniseries on tv.

6. I love to write; however, I always tend to have too much to say (take this post, for instance…). I have been told that I should write a book about my daily happenstances (i.e.: what I blog about). I don’t seem to have enough time at present, however, to really sit and write something correctly – with all the right grammar and sentence structure that I know all about and would love to be able to use. And yet, I have a child climbing up me about 95% of the day, so it all just spills out without much thought and correction. I have actually written and illustrated several short children’s books that remain in my portfolio. I doubt that I would ever pursue publication; however, I do tell these stories to Ammon often. In this same vein, I have a deep love for children’s books – Richard Scarry, Dr. Suess and James Marshall being my favorite authors/illustrators and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle being my favorite series.

7. I’m a very tactile person. I love to feel textures. I have been know to pull over to touch freshly-paved roads. Please don’t laugh at me.

***

Coming up with people to nominate was difficult for me also. Some of the ones I wanted to nominate were also recognized by Lyndsey. After much agonizing, I said, “You know what… just because they were nominated by somebody else, doesn’t mean that I don’t think they rock, too.” And then, when I sat down to do this, I found that I had a hard time narrowing it down to just 7. There are just so many people that I admire, so many people that have inspired me. So --- if I didn't nominate you, don't feel bad. Please. So, without further ado, I nominate:

1. Jessica – because you are just so awesome. And so crafty. And have talked me off of many a ledge over the last few months – probably without even knowing it. So glad I can claim you as family.

2. Kim – because, like Jessica, you rock. You are beautiful inside and out. You – along with Jessica and (the blog-less... hint, hint) Amy – are like the sisters I never had. Love you.

3. Kristy - because, you let me just talk sometimes. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am for that. I do know that you tire of my endless ramblings about the trials and drama that fills up on my doorstep every day. I value your opinions - nearly as much as I value your friendship. I admire your ability to mother. I admire your patience. Easily said: I just admire you.

4. Hila – because I love you! And I miss you. Your posts always make me smile. And even though it has been said: “Stop talking about your life, you’re making me sad!”, I love reading about your life. About your experiences. Like so many others, I am in a.w.e of your strength – your courage. And… anybody who would drive all the way to Forks, Washington for some wet dirt is pretty awesome in my book.

5. Laci – because you do everyday what I could never do. You have sent your sweetheart to Afghanistan twice (not counting all your other separations) – this time with a sweet little girl at home. Your faith and courage are admirable to me. And though you may feel otherwise at times – I think you are incredibly brave. Love you, Jade and Jacob, too. God bless our troops.

6. Amber – because I could go on for days about you! You are beautiful, witty, fun and righteous. I’ve always looked up to you – from that first day you came to church. Your constant and unwavering faith is an inspiration to me. If I could be half the person that you are – I would consider myself lucky.

7. Tiffane – because now you have to post. Just kidding. Really – because you have been my best friend for nearly 20 years of my life. Because you have meant more to me than any other friend – not that all my other friends are trivial ones. I’m so very glad we have found each other again… and I have no doubt, if we meet again, that we could still finish each other’s sentences… and maybe even pull the same swimsuits out of our suitcases. Don't you think?

Honarable 8. Lyndsey – though you’ve already done it, I know. I have to mention you here, because I value you. I’m grateful to you for reaching out to me at a time when I needed it – something that was probably difficult for you to do when you consider our past together. Your unfailing honesty on your blog strengthens my resolve. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for – and for so many reasons, I think you are pretty incredible.

***

There, I did it. Thanks again, Lyndsey. You sure made my day smile with happy.

decided

So --- should Stacy host a New Moon DVD release party? Here are the final scores:

92% said: "Uh... duh."

23% said: "Only if Hila comes."

38% said: "If Stacy makes treats again."

Apparently the general public has decided that I should. Whenever the DVD comes out, that is. Alot could change before then. We'll see...

Sorry, Brian. You lost this one.

But after that Ghost Hunters fiasco, you had it coming.

happy halloween...

... from Woodburn Drive to you. We hope that your day was filled with lots of tricks and treats.

... and for those of you who can't guess: we are not robbers or John Lennon. We are ZZ Top. Don't we look awesome?

worth the effort

Today has been so hectic – leaving me so scatterbrained – that I have simply been doing the mandatory things today. Simply doing the unavoidable things – like meals and diaper changes – and p.r.a.y.i.n.g all the while that Ammon keeps his meltdowns and fits to a minimum.

Tonight when he and I sat down to eat our dinner, I was so absentminded that I just started eating – ignoring our usual routine. I looked up, and saw Ammon sitting quietly – looking anxiously at me – with his arms folded. Waiting for the prayer to bless our food – the one that I had forgotten.

What a needed reminder that was for me today. First of all – to not forget to do those ‘little’ things just because I am busy. But also – to show that all of the invested time and aggravation will one day be rewarded. That the problems we are now having with Ammon will one day come to an end – and, most importantly, that he is learning. Yes, well worth the effort.

My, how I needed these reminders this week.