post-Christmas

Am I the only one who feels the emotional "letdown" after Christmas? There's so much build up to the holiday that once it's over, I'm almost in a state of depression. It comes & goes so quickly-even when I start shopping in October! I just can't grasp it like I could growing up. Of course, grown up schedules get in the way, but sometimes I wish I could feel that magical feeling of TRULY enjoying Christmas without stress, worries or not having to be anywhere! Ah...to be a kid again. I especially think the week of Christmas and the week following should be declared national holidays (yes, the entire weeks). It's only right that we take AT LEAST two weeks out of the year and spend it with the ones we love :)

To sum it up, I leave you with photos that describe the "post-Christmas letdown" best. These were taken the morning after Christmas:





He is so rotten. I swear the dog has no idea he's a dog. Gotta love him:)

Blessings,
Abby

The Night Before Christmas

Empty manger, Perfect stranger
About to be born
Into darkness, sadness, desperate madness, creation so torn
We were so lost on earth, no peace, no worth, no way to escape
In fear, no faith, no hope, no grace & no light
But, that was the night before Christmas.
Warm hay, cold sweat
A mother, not yet, praying Godspeed the dawn
She looks to her man, holding her hand, they wonder how long
And the shepherds, wise men, come to find them and bow to a king
One star above, shining on love
So bright it lit up the night before Christmas.
And the world didn’t know mercy was meek & so mild
And the world didn’t know truth was as pure as a child
The night before Christmas…
The night before Christmas.
And the world didn’t know redemption was sweet and so strong
And the world didn’t know salvation was writing a song
The night before Christmas…
The night before Christmas.
Empty manger,
Perfect stranger
About to be born….
-"The Night Before Christmas" by Brandon Heath

I know I'm a day late in writing this, but I heard this song two days ago and it brought me to tears. Each year when reflecting on the meaning of Christmas I always think of the scene in Bethlehem and the details of that night. The older I get, the more I think of the emotions Mary & Joseph must have had that night. Were they scared? Were they cold? Were they comfortable? What was running through their minds? What did Jesus look like?
I'm not a mother yet but I can only imagine the mix of emotions Mary must have felt-a young girl, historically somewhere between the age of 12 & 15, about to give birth to a baby that would bring salvation to a world that had absolutely no idea. How can one even begin to comprehend such a thing? I think of our world today and wonder what it would be like had Jesus been born during this era. People would not believe it (obviously there were doubters even then). But how humbling it is to think that a pure little baby was born in a lowly place for the purpose of bringing humanity the knowledge of SALVATION and REDEMPTION. Did they fully understand the magnitude of this child's birth? It must've been hard for Mary to know that the child she cared for, nurtured, loved on, played with & disciplined would grow to be hated by so many unbelievers. She was to love this child, watch him grow to be an adult and then witness his sacrifice for all mankind-even the very ones who put him on the cross his final day. She was to give up her son. Her baby. It's a mind-blowing thought when I try to put it in perspective.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Anyway, as I've reflected on the meaning of Christmas, I am full of hope and reminded of the greatness & love of the Lord--to give to us His one & only Son to show this hurting world that there is something beyond our momentary troubles. To bring HOPE and GRACE. To show us the way.

What a beautiful scene it must have been that night in Bethlehem. And the world didn't know...
I wish I could've been there.

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas! I pray it was blessed and you were reminded of the reason for the season!

Blessings,
Abby

The McCollough's

I'd driven by this old house on County Line quite a few times since I moved. I always thought it'd be a great location for photos but I was just waiting for the right time to come along to use it. Well, the perfect time came and we used the location one warm night in November to shoot the McCollough's holiday photos! I'm so happy we used this spot when we did...the city tore it down less than a week after the shoot! I hope you all enjoy these as much as I did shooting and editing them. The McCollough's are one gorgeous family. I'm in love with little Nate and I'm pretty sure you will be too after you see these pics. He's just too much! I'm thrilled for baby #2 (little Haleigh) to arrive this month! Congrats Michael & Jessica! Thank you so much for asking me to shoot your photos once again. It was too fun!:)

Sigmund the Great

There's a reason they're called "man's best friend"...




Siggy brings a lot of happiness to my life. There will never be a greater dog in my eyes. He is the very best.

:)
-Abby

Beckham

Introducing...baby Beckham!
I adore newborns. This little cutie is just perfect! Although newborn shoots tend to be the longest, I always enjoy the time I get to spend with the parents. Beckham's sweet mom allowed me to use all sorts of furniture in their brightly colored home. There were so many great pieces I wanted to use! Just a note to parents- brightly colored props (ie-furniture, blankets) are great backdrops for newborn sessions since most take place indoors. The colors are a great contrast and add a little "pop" to the photos. Of course, Beckham was the best prop of all;)
Enjoy!












-Abby

I love being an aunt.

Have I mentioned how crazy I am about my niece and nephew? :) They are the best. I am absolutely, head over heels, in love with these two. They can make anything, any day better. They're so fun, so smart and so adventurous! I love watching them grow but sometimes I wish time would stand still so I could hold onto their huggable little bodies as long as possible! I am so thankful God blessed my family with Ellie & Owen. Life is too sweet when they're around. With the holidays around the corner, I can't help but get excited about all the fun Christmas festivities I will get to experience with them! Nothing beats watching them open gifts from Santa Claus:) Well, except watching their adorable expressions when we put "The Polar Express" in the dvd player! (Owens fave) Anyway, since Thanksgiving is next week I wanted to blog something personal that I am thankful for and naturally these two are at the top of my list. Of course, the rest of my family ain't half bad either!;) Surely, God has been too good to us.

A little fun, fall photoshoot...









My mom made this dress for me when I was little. It's so fall appropriate! Couldn't have picked a better model for it!




Blessings,
-Abby

Scamehorn Family Session

Feliz was referred to me through my friend Dana whom I shot photos for last year. This shoot was unfortunately put off for a few weeks due to both Feliz's family and myself catching the flu. But lucky for us, we shot this session in the prime of fall. We captured these images in the Myriad Gardens one beautiful day in OKC. The kids were awesome! I've found that if you just let kids be themselves, you tend to get the shots that bring out their little personalities! A big thank you to the Scamehorn's for asking me to take their holiday photos! Your family is beautiful!













Isabella sells jewelry so Feliz asked if I'd add a design to one of her photos. Here it is..."Cross My Heart" jewelry by Isabella!


Happy Holidays!
-Abby

The Ash Family

The best part about the holiday season in the photography world is returning clients! Heck, it's the best part about any season:) And not to mention, it's quite the honor. I've known the Ash family for some time now. We shot their family photos last year before baby Elliott entered this world. Lindsay is the sister of my friend Hayley, whom I met at OBU, so I've gotten to know her throughout the last 5 years. We shot their family photos at Hafer Park in Edmond when the fall colors were in full bloom. The images speak for themselves! The colors and the Ash family make for a gorgeous session. Ethan and Elliot are two of the cutest kids. Ethan is one week younger than my nephew so it's always fun to see him and listen to all the cute things he has to say. I don't think I'd ever had a shoot where a child told me they'd missed me & loved me until this one! I was floating by the end of it all!

Besides saying "thank you", I'd also like to congratulate Dustin & Lindsay on their job transfer to Delaware! As long as you return next year for family photos, I guess I don't mind the move too much;) Y'all are awesome. Thanks for a great shoot!
















-Abby