Memories by Me Photography

New Blog!

2011-06-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

After a few years of loving Blogger and loving my blog, it is time to move on. I have been having issues uploading images to Blogger for quite some time now. It has become unreliable and some days it works....some days it doesn't. With my busy life, I need things to run smoothly or I'm done. I have started a new blog - http://mbmphotography.wordpress.com/ and I hope you'll come visit me over there. I love this blog and because of that I am going to leave it as it is, however all new work will now be posted at my new Wordpress blog.

Thanks so much for following me. I hope you continue to follow me over at Wordpress!

Happy Summer

Engaged!

2011-05-24T10:05:00.000-05:00

I had this amazing session last Wednesday. Kristen & Joshua were a beautiful couple, so very much in love. Unfortunately this is all you'll see of this session as they have chosen to keep their session private. Congratulations Kristen & Joshua - good luck with your upcoming nuptials in Nebraska this August!

Spring Time!

2011-05-18T15:14:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures I took back in April that I wanted to share.

Treasure Hunt!

2011-05-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

About a month ago Dylan, Jack and I ventured out on a "Treasure Hunt". There is an old abandoned yard by our place that we like to explore through. It's quite an amazing place, there are still lots of "treasures" in and around the yard and the kids and I love to just go look and see what we can find. We always seem to find something cool. I love going there and just try and imagine who lived there and what it was like long ago. Here are a few of the "treasures" we discovered.

Mother's Day

2011-05-17T20:18:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day is a bit of a blur to me. On Friday I had a session with twins, Friday night was a wedding rehearsal, Saturday was an all-day wedding and Sunday was a family session. By the time Mother's Day rolled around I was beat. I was so glad to just be able to spend a quiet day, at home (which I appreciate so much now) with my boys. All I ever want for Mom's day is nice pictures of me with my kids, and I'm happy to say Kris captured some for me this year. I look exhausted, but that was my reality this Mom's Day! I hope all of you had a wonderful mother's day as well.

Flood of 2011

2011-05-17T16:32:00.005-05:00

I have been photographing the flood preparation for 2011 as we live right beside the Assiniboine River. We were told to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Since April we have been cleaning out our basement, and trying to prepare our home and our family for a potential flood. As many of you know from the news coverage, things got pretty scary in our area, and still remain pretty tense. As I blog about this flood I am still evacuated from my home. We are not in the line of the controlled breach, rather we live along the weakest portion of the Assiniboine dike so we were manditorily evacuated because they felt it was no longer safe for us to be in our home in case of an accidental breach. We are so grateful for all of the support we've received from friends and family. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude. Here are some of the many, many images I have for the Flood of 2011.

Here we are, monitoring the Assiniboine. Still smiling.....

The river is higher and wider than we have ever seen it.

The overflow along the river filled up in a matter of one day. Scary.

We have never, ever seen water in this area by our home.

The overflow, the dike.....our home.

We get snow - not what any of us needed.

The boys have handled this whole flood situation so well.

My beautiful trees along the dike were removed in order to build up our dike. Kids thought it was cool - I did not.

Water everywhere.

The Military showed up by our home....I got very concerned.

My kids thought this looked like the "Toy STory" Movie. I thought it looked surreal.

News media, military.....our home went from a peaceful, quiet, private place to chaos.

Mother's Day - flood scare continues.

The road to our home, water was just about to the top of the road.

The sandbagging efforts renewed my faith in humanity. It was quite a sight to see. This community is amazing.

Main Street in Oakville - my boys snadbagged and were happy to do so.

The scene around our home has been helicopters flying sandbags over to our dike. It is the weakest point along the Assiniboine so the military have been re-enforcing the dike for two weeks now. At one point there were tanks, nine helicopters and well over a 100 military working just a mile down from our home. Surreal.

The Assiniboine.

The Portage Diversion.

Friday the 13th. We were presented with our Mandatory Evacuation Notice. It was a bit unexpected, but we managed to get out with the help of some amazing friends. We are now staying at Kris's cousin's in Oakville and awaiting the news of when we can return home.

My brother drove down from Grandview and helped sandbag for a couple days. Thanks Lance. This is our "surprised" look when we were evacuated. Not funny I know - but it is how we cope.....making jokes!

My amazing friend Lori Miller, just showed up without being asked to help. What would we do without these people in our lives? So grateful.

Kris doesn't find my humour near as funny as me. ;)

I drove out to our home and the military presence is still there, and they continue to re-enforce our dike around our home. Hopefuilly we can go home soon.

Sandbagging efforts continue in Oakville on Sunday.

One bonus to this evacuation - the boys get to ride on pavement!! If you're a farm kid - you will totally get how fun that can be!

That's it - I have had enough of this flood! LOL. My Mom didn't find the picture below funny!

Noland & Shannon {Engaged & Expecting!}

2011-05-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

Meet Shannon & Noland. They are a fun, happy and "in love" couple who are planning a summer wedding in Grandview this year. Not only are they planning a wedding, but they are excitedly preparing for a new baby! When they originally asked me to photograph their wedding this July, they were not expecting news of a baby, but shortly after we met to do Shannon's family pictures with her parents and her brother, I got the news that they were happily expecting their first child. So, when we planned their engagement session, we joked that it would be an e-session and a maternity session all rolled into one. What I love about this session is that these images were captured at Shannon's grandparents yardsite. The white barn was actually built by her Grandpa. I love it when location means something. Here is a sneak peak of this very happy couples session. Thanks Noland & Shannon - so much to look forward to. Congrats!!

The Elliott Clan

2011-05-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

Meet the Elliott's ~ they are a family near and dear to my heart. When Keri emailed me a few months back to see if I could do some family photographs for them in honour of her Mom's milestone birthday I was willing to do whatever it took to get home to do this. This family are close family friends of our's, and when we're together it feels like family. I've known all these people my entire life....travelled to the Black Hills, Disney World and pretty much spent every Kinsmen function, Grey Cup, etc. with them for the first 18 years of my life! We took all these pictures at the Elliott Farm, and each location has a personal signfigance to all of them. Jana is from BC, Jacquie is from Killlarney and Keri is from Dauphin so it's not often they're all in one place for very long....but Easter weekend worked and I made it work for me. Here are a few sneak peaks from this fun, memorable session. Thanks Elliott Clan - so fun to all be together again!

Tamara!

2011-05-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about my job is that I get to meet some pretty great people. Tamara is one of those great people. We met a few weeks ago on a Tuesday afternoon at my favourite location and hit it off immediately. I could tell she was a bit uncomfortable about getting her portrait taken, but within minutes we were laughing and talking and she settled right in - the result is some gorgeous pictures of her. I love these "just for me" sessions - everyone should book one! And by the way, check out the ROCK on Tamara's left hand - she had just gotten engaged over the weekend and she showed up sporting the most beautiful diamond I have ever seen. Congratulations again Tamara - so happy for you. Here is just a sneak peak of the many images we captured.

PS - I am sooooooo excited to photograph her wedding!

Aylah!

2011-05-17T15:55:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of photographing little Miss. Aylah again. I met her and her Mom & Dad a few months ago when I photographed her for her three month pictures. I was anxious to see how much she had changed! She still looked pretty much the same....cute as a button, and just a little bit bigger! As usual, her Mom looked beautiful so I took a few pictures of her too! Couldn't resist it.....here is a sneak peak of the many cute images we captured! Thanks Kristi & Aylah! So great to see you again.

Isaac & Oliver {Sweet Boys}

2011-05-17T15:48:00.001-05:00

Here is Isaac & Oliver - two adorable little twin boys I was lucky enough to see this month at their home in Winnipeg. As you may recall I captured Bev's maternity pictures for her last summer, and then was thrilled when she called me to come to her home this past November and photograph the boys when they were born. Here we are six months later and these little guys are thriving! They are simply adorable. Here are a few sneak peaks from our session! More to come in a couple days.....Thanks Bev - so great to see you and the boys again!

Joanne, Ken & Skylar {Family}

2011-05-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

I met Ken, Joanne & beautiful little Skylar last Saturday. We had postponed this session once due to my kids being sick, and we were a bit concerned about having to cancel again due to the flood. However, it turned out to be a perfect Sunday morning for this session. We captured some beautiful family pictures as well as some great one-year portraits of Miss. Skylar. Thanks Ken, Joanne & Skylar. So great to meet all of you. THank you so much for your patience through this whole flood situation! Your pictures are enroute to you today!

Glori-Ann & Phil {I Do}

2011-05-17T15:31:00.001-05:00

On Saturday afternoon I travelled to Elm Creek to photograph Phil & Glori-Ann's ...wedding. Despite the gusty winds, we still managed to travel around the great little town of Elm Creek and find some fun (and sheltered) places to take pictures. These two, along with their wedding party were so fun to photograph. They were all so easy going and relaxed. It was great to capture a part of your special day - congratulations on your wedding Phil & Glori-Ann. Here is a sneak peak of some of the many images we captured on Saturday.

Brandee & Justin - I Do!

2011-05-17T00:59:00.001-05:00

Meet Brandee & Justin ~ they were married last weekend in a beautiful ceremony at the Greenwood Inn in Winnipeg. Despite some nasty wind and a downpour of rain, we managed to capture some beautiful images from their special day. It was so great to meet you and your lovely families. I wish you both nothing but love & laughter ~ and happily ever after. Here is a sneak peak of your special day. Many, many more images coming your way.

Flood of 2011

2011-05-16T09:06:00.001-05:00

Well, so much has been happening in the last month. I apologize for not being able to update my blog, but Blogger was not allowing any picture uploads. It appears that I am now able to update so I will be working on that this morning. For those of you who follow my blog and don't follow my Facebook MBM Page, you will not know that my family and I were served our mandatory evacuation notice on Friday. We live right along the Assiniboine River and they feel that due to the weakness of the dike surrounding us, it is in our best interest to get out of our home. We don't know for how long, but for now we are "homeless". We are very grateful to family and friends for all their support. We are especially grateful to Kris's cousin Andrew who has allowed us to stay in his home in Oakville. We don't know how we'll repay all the support we have received. I will sign off for now. I hope to update my blog now that Blogger seems to have worked out it's kinks!
To all of you affected by the flood waters - you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Blog Issues...again

2011-05-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

So, once again, blogger is letting me down and not letting me "upload" any of my recent images. I am getting a bit frustrated with the unreliability of this system. Please bear with me. Thanks for following my work.
Jodi

Expecting - Candace & Zach

2011-04-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

Meet Candace and Zach - a beautiful young couple expecting their first child in June. We met in Grandview while I was home for Easter and toured around my brother's yard, an old yard-site and the Museum. Candace is a beautiful girl, with the most brilliant blue eyes and Zach is an easy-going guy who pretty much let me and Candace's sisters boss him around for over an hour. What a great sport he was. Here are just a few of the many beautiful images we captured of this gorgeous Mama-to-be. Congratulations Candace & Zach - cannot wait to hear your exciting news of boy or girl in June!

My Boys

2011-04-21T09:07:00.001-05:00

So, last night the two older boys were out playing on the trampoline. I was looking out the window and noticed how pretty the light was. I wandered out with my camera and Dylan was actually quite happy to let me take his picture. I ran back in and got my sunglasses and hat (I had to be quick - we were losing light!) and started snapping some fun, spontanious pictures. As you can tell, Dylan is my "entertainer"....he was posing up a storm. Danny noticed how happy it was making me so he said it would be OK if I took his picture too - YAY!!! He isn't like Dylan - he doesn't "ham it up" like his younger brother. These pictures of the two of them totally capture their personalities.

Low and behold, Jack noticed from the window what was going on and quickly came marching out saying it was "his turn" (like he's not photographed enough already). But I happily obliged - this is my dream evening - MY kids asking me to take their picture!! Are you kidding me - this is a rarity. Jack's mini session lasted about three minutes, until he found a pack of stickers in his pocket that he didn't realize he had.....so off he went.

I love nights like this. The pictures turned out exactly as I wanted them to. Nobody was "forced" or "bribed" to have their picture taken and we had FUN doing it. All sessions should be like this.

We're heading to Grandview for Easter weekend to celebrate my Grandpa Maxwel's 89th birthday, and then to celebrate Easter with my family. I also have three sessions scheduled as well back "home", so I will have to squeeze those in as well. It's going to be a busy, but fun weeend! Unfortunately my husband can't come as someone has to stay on "flood watch".

Have a wonderful weekend everyone - enjoy time with those you love the most.

My Boy Jack!

2011-04-19T23:46:00.002-05:00

I was cleaning up my little studio today after my whirlwind weekend of one-year old sessions. Jack came in and was trying on my "fedoras" and I snapped a few pictures. He looked to cute not to!

Coven is ONE!

2011-04-19T23:29:00.002-05:00

Brittany, Danny & Coven came out to my place to get some pictures of Mr. Coven for his first birthday. I first met this family when they came to me for Coven's newborn pictures, then some Verwey Family pics at Danny's parent's farm, then Christmas Pictures for Mr. Coven and now for his first birthday! Needless to say, I have gotten to know this little sweet heart quite well in the past year. He is adorable and his parents are super people. Here is a sneak peak of the many images we captured on Sunday afternoon. Thanks guys!

Flood Watch

2011-04-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

Back in February we were told by the Province to prepare for a possible flood this Spring. We have been working hard cleaning out our basement and getting prepared. Through the month of March we watched many workers diligently building up the dyke around our home. Now we sit and wait and watch the water rise. We have never had to worry about a flood - in fact, the area we live in hasn't flooded since the 1950's, but this year it is different. Each evening we take a walk up to the dyke to check on the water level and I have to admit this past week has made us all a bit nervous. I am very confident in what the Province is doing to prepare - they even send out "watchmen" that have spent the nights in their vehicles watching the rising Assiniboine.

The other night we wandered out with Dylan to take a look. It was getting quite dark, so these photos have a lot of "noise" in them because I didn't use any flash, but I love them just the same.

April - Really?

2011-04-19T11:56:00.000-05:00

On Friday it started snowing....and it didn't stop until the next day. It was April 15th - seriously? More snow? We live right along the Assiniboine River and are on flood watch right now so the snow was certainly a sight we did NOT want to see. Here are a few images of this not-so-welcome weather!

Signs of Spring!

2011-04-19T11:48:00.000-05:00

So, this hasn't been the most "ideal" spring. We had snow for far too long, the weather has been cold and my husband and I have been preparing for a possible flood of our home for six weeks. Having said all that, we were blessed with a couple beautiful days last week where it actually felt like Spring, and even looked like spring. Unfortunately, a couple days after this, it snowed (that post is coming). Here are a few "spring" images to keep us all sane!

I love tulips - pretty sure it is my absolute favourite flower.

Boys and Puddles - they can't resist!

I was literally drawn to photographing these beautiful flowers.....

Cookie-Palooza

2011-04-19T11:33:00.000-05:00

So, last week my laptop went in for repairs. I was completely lost without it, but needless to say I accomplished so much aroud here. Lesson learned - time to shut off the computer once in a while. My house was completely organized by the end of the week and the kids were thrilled with all the baking I did. I went on a bit of a cookie-paloozathon while my laptop was away. I have had a few requests for the recipes so here goes.....

(recipe is found below each picture)

Dad's Cookies

1 c Sugar
1/2 c Brown Sugar
1 c Butter, softened
1 Egg
3/4 c Coconut
1.5 c Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 1/4 c Oatmeal
1.5 tsp Vanilla
1 c Chocolate Chips (optional - I add them because the kids love them)

Mix and drop onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 12 minutes.

Oatmeal Smartie Cookies

2 c Butter
4 c Flour
1.5 c Brown Sugar
2 tsp Baking Soda
2 c White Sugar
1 tsp Salt
4 Eggs
4 c Quick Oats
4 tsp Vanilla
3 Boxes of Smarties

Mix together in order listed. Bake at 350 F for 12 Minutes!

Home-Made Oreo Cookies

2 (18 ounce) boxes devil's food cake mix
4 eggs, beaten well
2/3 cup oil
1/2 cup margarine

Mix cake mix, eggs and oil together well. Shape into marble size balls. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. They are done when the tops looked cracked. Cool cookies on countertop.

Icing:
2 c Icing Sugar
1/2 c Butter
Dab of Milk
1/2 tsp Vanilla
Blend to proper consistency of icing.

Ice a cookie, put another on top! Delicious!! You can use any favourite icing recipe for the centre.

Sweet Little Paige

2011-04-19T10:47:00.001-05:00

Meet the adorable little Paige! She came to my house on Sunday afternoon to have some one-year old portraits taken. She was soooooo cute and sooooo smiley. What a happy little girl! She turns one this Friday ~ Happy Birthday Paige! Thanks Doug and Carmen for driving out on my mucky roads to have these pictures taken! Great to meet all three of you.

Look at that adorable smile!

Loved this little blue dress on her.

One of my favourites.

Super Sweet!

Dylan came into the room at this point and she just stared at him!

I know ~ here I go again with baby feet!

Super sweet - she was such a happy little girl.

Little Miss. Blue Eyes.

She was watching my husband work outside - loved this.

Paige & her pretty Mom. Dad said I could take his picture "next time" haha!

One of my favourites of the day!