Day 45

"Every child is an artist. The Problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

-Pable Picaso

I have to say, I sure was happy to see the sun shining this morning. It's amazing how a bright, sunny day can lift your spirits. Still not feeling 100%, but am on the mend. Whew! I sure don't want to be sick for the Easter Weekend.

My son Jack and I are spending another day at home. I just don't seem to have the energy to venture out. Jack has been very busy this morning painting, colouring and drawing. This is a daily activity for Jack - it's all he really wants to do. He's not into playing with toys as much, seems to be more interested in art (he must take after his Uncle Lance). His bright paintings and colourful drawings matched the day today. As you can see, I'm very grateful for "washable markers" as Jack uses his tummy as his canvas quite often - already twice today! LOL!!

Here is Day 45.....pictures of what Jack loves best!

Day 44

"Bike-Riding"

It's been a rough day. My heart is still aching for the families back home who've been impacted by a terrible accident that took the life of a wonderful boy who was only 13 years old. As well, I am battling the flue, and I am just not feeling well at all. I spent most of my day just laying around with Jack (as he doesn't seem to be feeling well either). After a long and dreary day, I thought I should get outside and try and get some fresh air. Dylan was zipping around on his bike so I grabbed my camera and snapped a couple of him enjoying the weather and being a typical little boy.

I had plenty of him ripping through mud and was going to use one of those and name this day "Mud on the Tires", but I liked the look on his face in this one the best. He told me afterwards he thought he was going to run into me crouched on the road taking this. I had to laugh when I looked the look on his face. Is it glee that he's going to hit his Mom or fear? Hmmmmmm - LOL!!!

I read a quote today:

"Little Boys Leaves Smudges on your Heart."

....I'm grateful for all the smudges on mine.

Here is Day 44...

Day 43

"Hug Them Tight"

I don't even know what to write really. The town of Grandview (my home) is reeling from the news of a tragic accident that took the life of a 13-year old boy yesterday. I didn't know Brock very well, but I know his family and they are wonderful and caring people and they do not deserve to be suffering this tragic loss. I just ran into Tannis & Brock a couple weeks ago when I was home. We talked about my trip to Cancun with my family and how they wanted to plan a trip for their family as well. I commented on how Brock had grown so tall. She has three boys like me and I always kind of compared myself to her as I was a few years behind her in the Mommy-Department. My sympathies and prayers go out to the Wilson & Pulock Families and to all of Brock's young friends who will be trying to come to terms with this loss.

I caught Jackson in the kitchen digging into the peanut butter this morning. Normally I would tell him he shouldn't have his fingers in the peanut butter, nor be licking a butter knife and making a mess.....but today I just hugged him. I just hugged him and held him and told him I loved him. Hug your children tight everyone......

:(

Here is Day 43.

Day 42

"The End of the Season"

Well, we had a very busy day today. I was up at 6:45 a.m. and on the road with Danny to their first game of the day. They won, so they went onto play in the Final's for the Lion's Trophy at the Portage Atom Tournament later that day. I came home, edited some pictures and then returned to cheer on Danny's team. I'm pleased to report they won their game and took home the trophy. Today marks the end of the hockey season for Danny. As much as I complain sometimes about how much we run to and from the rink; it's also sad it's over. We have met some great people in Oakville and it's because of hockey. We are very fortunate that Danny plays with a great group of kids - they are all very supportive of one another and also have a great time being teammates.

So, in honour of "the end of the season", my picture of the day is of the Oakville Seals Atom Team celebrating their win in the change room afterwards. It was a bit chaotic to say the least as they were bouncing off the walls.....but I managed to have them sit still for a nano-second!!

Here is Day 42.....Congratulations Oakville Atom's - you played awesome!

Day 41

"One Word - SWEET"

I had a great afternoon taking pictues of two-year old Chloe. She is so, so, so sweet! This is a tough age to photograph as they don't sit still for long and they certainly can't be "talked into" posing. Chloe was so cute and so sweet, and also very busy. She chatted away with me, moving from place to place within my studio. We had to laugh....she never sat still for long so I just went with the flow and took her pictures while she was on the move. She started out with a cute little outfit on, then we tried to bribe her with a sucker to wear her beautiful pink dress, but once she got the sucker....that was it - no more clothes. She decided to just run around with her clothes off. It was utterly hilarious. I still managed to capture some beautiful shots of this sweet little wonder, but how hard is that when she looks this beautiful!

I also spent part of the afternoon taking pictures of Chloe's beautifu Mom Jennifer. She expecting her second child in June so we took some "baby bump" shots. I am just in the process of editing them tonight and I love how they are turning out.

Thank you Jenn & Chloe - what a fun afternoon!

Here is Day 41, featuring the beautiful Chloe!

Mother's Day Special - Extended to Two Days!

Wow. I woke up to a bunch of emails and inquiries about my Mother's Day Special. All I can say is thank you! I'm so excited that all these Moms will have a beautiful pictue of themselves with their children. Because there is no way I can fit everyone into one single day, and I can't say no.....I'm extending the special to April 17 & 18. I am still trying to work out the location, but I have some great ideas....I just need to finalize location and I will be in touch with everyone.

Thanks again - I'm humbled and grateful at the amount of people who follow my work.

Day 40

What a day! I basically woke up this morning, sent the boys to school, got Jackson ready and headed out the door to the Atom Hockey Tournament in Portage. Two hockey games and an opening ceremonies later I decided I didn't want to make supper seeing as I wasn't home ALL DAY! So we headed to a restaurant and just as we walked in Jackson says "my tummy hurts". Of couse I figured he was hungry so we all went ahead and ordered. Just as the waiter puts the order in, Jackson gets sick. We rush him out of the restaurant and he gets sick in the car! I drive home and my little guy is throwing up all the way home......needless to say....it's been an incredibly LONG day.

I didn't have a lot of time to capture any photos today but I did manage to snap this picture of Danny and Jackson walking into the arena. Of course, they wouldn't slow down or stop because Danny was worried they'd be late for the game, but it still turned out cute. Jackson ADORES his brother Danny so when he asked him if he wanted to carry his stick into the rink....he just lit right up. He carried that stick all the way into the dressing room (taking out a few people along the way - I kid you not!!). You should have seen him marching through that arena proud as can be that he was helping his big brother!

So, here is Day 40! I'm amazed after the day I've had (and am still having), that I can post anything. Hope all your homes stay healthy! ;)

Mother's Day Special!

As you all know, my favourite picture is that of a Mother and her children. In celebration of Mother's Day, I'm offering a Mother's Day Special on April 18th, 2010. I am going to be doing Mini-Sessions featuring a Mother & her Children for a cost of $50.00. These Mini-Sessions will last thirty minutes (you'd be surprised how many pictures you can capture in 30 minutes). With this you will get my time taking & editing the images, approximately 20-25 high-resolution images on CD as well as a 5x7 portrait of you and your children. You will have your CD back to you in plenty of time before Mother's Day on May 9th.

*sessions are limited to 30 minutes.

*Mother & Children only.

*Location - to be determined closer to the date.

For more information, email me at jodilee@memoriesbyme.ca

Day 39

"Just a Good Kid"

Today was a pretty basic day for me. Got the kids off to school, worked on some photography work, cleaned the house, etc. etc. Kris took the car, so Jack and I went cruising in the Dodge (I still hear the banjo's playing when I drive that thing)! I attended the School Assembly and was very pleased (and proud) to see Danny get recognized for his "work ethic" in his class. Of course I took a picture of it, but I really detest gym lighting (and rink lighting!!) so I'm not going to post that picture for Day 39.

I brought the boys home in the Dodge (yep, Dylan ducked and hid for fear his friends see him in the old rust bucket), but Danny didn't care. He just waived at all his friends, oblivious to the fact that his younger brother was telling him to duck as well! What? Does he think his friends don't know who his Mom is!!??

Anyhow, we got home and I asked Danny if I could take a couple pictures of him quickly....and of course....he said yes. No fighting with me, no complaining....he just happily did these for about five minutes and we were done. Raising Danny has always been pretty easy....he's just always been a good kid. He's my reliable, honest, trustworthy son who I always know I can count on. He received an award today....and didn't come home boasting about it (unlike someone else would have in this household)....he was just humble and shrugged it off. Way to go Dan.....so happy for you....and proud!

Here is Day 39!

Day 38

"I Shop....Therefore I Am"

So, first off - I must apologize for this truly pathetic picture. Honestly, it's pathetic. I dropped my little guy off at Nursery School and headed into meet my sister in law Buffy in the City to shop and go out for dinner. I had fully intended to take a fun picture of the two of us out for an evening in the city....however, in the hurry of getting out the door....I realized I forgot my camera at home. I never forget my camera at home!!! Oh well....

Regardless, I had a wonderful day shopping, going out for dinner and hanging out with her at the hotel. She's in the City on course for her work so it was a great opportunity for her and I to get together - without our boys for a change! I ended up visiting with her until midnight and literally just got home, snapped a picture of my loot (all of which are my favourite stores) and quickly threw this together for Day 38. I realize I cheated as I took this after midnight, but it's as good as it's going to get. Can't think of anything creative at this hour and after day of shopping and dining out I'm ready to hit the hay.

Thanks Buffy for the great day....it was just what I needed!

PS - and thanks Andrea for helping me with the kids so I could actually go somewhere kidless for a change! ;)

Day 37

"Can You Hear the Banjos!"

So, my van died the other day, literally died. Luckily, the hubby was driving it when that occured. I actually have been having issues with it for months so I have been driving the hubby's Camry (as I'm usually the one with the children). So, now we're in the process of looking at purchasing a new vehicle for me (yay!). Kris is a financial advisor so we don't just go ut and purchase a new vehicle, we research it to death (insert sarcasm here). So, while we wait, we try to make do with one vehicle, which is not working.

In order to keep me sane, the husband brought out the Ol' Faithful Dodge that we have around the yard for puttering. The deal is that if I need to go somewhere, I keep the car at home....and the hubby is forced to drive the Dodge. However, considering the fact I work from home, I am often left with the Dodge. I don't mind driving it.....kind of reminds me of when I was a kid and used to drive around my grandparents farm in my Grandpa's old truck.....but I really am not a fan of driving it out in public. Yes, I know - that's vain, but I admit it. I feel like I need to have a banjo player playing in the back as I cruise through town. LOL!

So, in good fun....Jack and I took some cute pictures with our "new wheels" in celebration of our hillbilly ride!

Here is Day 37

PS - still so brown and blah around here so I edited this a bit.....looking forward to green leaves!

Day 36

"Jack is Back"

Jack is back featured in Project 365. I couldn't resist....we went out to play this morning and he looked so darn cute pulling that red wagon all over the yard that I had to have it be part of Day 36. What a beautiful day out today...very little wind and warm enough for a hoody. Jackson "schooled" me on Star Wars today. I should have had my tri-pod set up to show the Light Sabre fight we had using broken sticks....now that would have been a funny picture. However, as usual, I'm more comfortable behind the lens and captured these adorable shots of my little four year old.

Happy Spring Everyone!

Here is Day 36.....

Sights of the Past

I have always been interested in anything old....whether it be buildings, barns or even an old worn out fence. These landmarks are becoming a thing of the past with more and more of them either falling down or being torn down. When I photograph them I always think of the memories that must lie inside the walls of these structures. At one time, they would have been full of people, families and love. I often think about my parent's house - my "home". I think into the future and wonder if it will ever be some old, abandoned structure that someone will photograph in fifty years? Will they realize the memories that lie within those walls? I guess I hope so!

Here are a few "structures" I stopped to take pictures of on the way to my Mom's last weekend.

Day 35

"Skiing With Grandma"

The boys spent Sunday skiing the day away. Kris & Danny went out early
Sunday morning while the rest of us slept in. Grandma arrived after lunch
and she and the two boys spent the afternoon skiing. I'm sure they did at
least twenty runs. It's so great that the boys have a sport they can do
with their Grandparents. Grandpa didn't make it up to the cabin this
weekend, but the boys had lots of fun with Grandma.

Another fun-filled weekend came to an end and we headed back to Oakville.
We hope to be back one more time before the ski hill closes. So far, the
conditions look great and they are telling us the ski hill will be open
until April 7th! We'll see....keeping our fingers crossed.

Thanks Mom for spending some great quality time again with the boys.

Here is Day 35.

Day 34

"Fun In The Sun"

Having a great time up at the cabin.....skiing, tubing, enjoying a visit with my mom and most of all just spending time as a family. Here are some images I captured while the five of us were tubing. I even made it into this 365 courtesy of Dylan.

Here is Day 34....

Day 33

"Baby on the Go"

I spent my morning taking pictures of adorable Kyla! She is six months old and she can move. She was so sweet and so fun to take pictures of. Thanks to Jackson & Dylan for giving me a hand this morning. Her Mom, aunt & cousin were all there whistling and calling her, but she seemed more interested in the kids so they helped me get her to look at the camera and smile. Lots of fun.....I love babies!

Here is Day 33.....

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Day 32

"Morning Bus"

My three favourite times of the year are Christmas Break, Spring Break & Summer. The reason this is my favourite time of the year is because I get all three of my boys at home with me. There is no hockey practice, baseball practice, early mornings, school, etc. We just get to be together and hang out. Yeah sure, I'll admit....there are days I do a little happy dance when Danny & Dylan head off to school, but those days are rare. In a perfect world, I would have my children with me 24/7, 365 days a year. Unfortunately, that is not a reality in this world.

This morning I took a picture of them walking out to the bus (yes, Danny told me to stay back so his friends didn't see!) and I just liked the way these looked. Nothing fancy, nothing very artistic....just a simple morning in my life. Spring is just around the corner, and soon it will be summer and it will be my three boys and me living at our cabin at Asessippi and I will enjoy every single second of it.

Here is Day 32.

Day 31

Well, this is a pretty predictable St. Patty's Day picture. I had intended to get some pictures at y son's hockey game in St. Eustache, but the lighting was poor and I just didn't capture anything I liked. I had taken these pictures of the boys earlier in the day, so I used them instead - not overly thrilled about them as I had a grand total of fifteen seconds, but oh well.

I had bought these photo props thinking I'd do something cute with Jackson on St. Patrick's Day. Danny & Dylan decided they'd wear these props to school today (it was Wear Green for a Dream Day) and on the way out the door I heard Danny say to Dylan "this way Jackson won't be Picture of the day AGAIN". I honestly hadn't noticed they'd notice -but apparently they've been checking the blog and aren't pleased their little brother is stealing the limelight!

So, Daniel & Dylan (my Irish-named boys - Grandpa Mulligan would be so proud)....here you two are as Picture of the Day on Day 31!

Happy St. Patrick's Day one and all!

J

More Cancun

I am still continuing to edit pictures from our trip to Cancun. I promised each family a CD containing all the images from our trip, but I keep playing around with the photos as they are so fun to edit. Here is a couple edits of my sister's beautiful family.

Day 30

"Spring Smiles"

I had to run a few errands today, but as soon as we got home Jack and I stayed outside and played. It dawned on me after an hour that I should be taking pictures on this beautiful day. By the time I got my camera, Jack had enough and wanted to go inside. I had to take this picture rather quickly! I changed the tones in the pictures as things are still pretty dull & brown around my yard.

Here is Day 30.

J

Parade Pictures

A few more images from the Jon Montgomery celebration.....

Day 29

"Bathtime"

Well, today was one of those blah days. I did not want to come back from the cabin, but did so anyway. I love it there but could do without the three hour drive. I came home to a mountain of laundry from our trip, more from the cabin and a house that looks like a bomb went off in it at some point. Dylan wasn't feeling well, I was tired and Jack was being overly demanding.

While I was in the midst of getting things organized Jackson announced he "needed" to have a bath. This kid is part fish I'm sure as he would live in the tub if I'd let him. Being in no mood to argue, I poured him a bath. As I was organizing the towel cupboard I looked back to see him smiling over the tub. There as Day 29!

Thanks Jack for making me stop, at least for a moment, to see what is really important - YOU!

Now, it's my turn to go have a relaxing bath in the middle of the afternoon! To heck with the housework.... :)

Here is Day 29.....

A Hero's Parade

Here are just a few random pictures from today's festivities in Russell.

Day 28

"Small Town Hero"

So, today was Jon Montgomery Day in Russell, Manitoba. In case you've been living under a rock this past month, Jon Montgomery won Gold at the Olympics in the Skeleton. He hails from Russell, Manitoba so when he came "home" the town of Russell threw him a homecoming like you've never seen before! Our cabin is fifteen minutes from Russell so we decided to take in the festivities. It was a great day and the boys were thrilled to see this Olympic Hero in person.

It was a cold afternoon so we headed back to the cabin and didn't bother to fight the crowds to get an autograph from Jon. As the day progressed, my son Dylan started feeling crappy. I made the decision to stay at the cabin one more night so he could get a good rest. Jackson, Dylan and I drove into Russell at about 7:00 p.m. as I needed cough syrup for him. As I was driving past the community centre I saw that Jon Montgomery was still there, signing the last of thousands of autographs. I hear he had sat outside for over three hours signing things for people. I parked the car and took Jack & Dyl up to meet him. To say Dylan was thrilled is an understatement. He shrieked "this is the best day of my life"! He hadn't been feeling well all day, so I was happy to see that toothless grin on his face.

So, for my Day 28....it is not an artistic picture, it's not even a perfect shot, but it is a picture of a small town hero who managed to light up my little seven-year old's little face....and to me, that makes it a GREAT picture.

Thanks JON MONTGOMERY....for being a real Canadian Olympic Hero.

Day 27

"Jack Goes Skiing"

A wonderful day all around at the ski hill and it was hard to choose what picture to use for my Project 365 as I captured a lot of stuff today at Asessippi. However, I had to choose my favourite "moment" and that would be Jack out skiing with Kris. He hasn't been overly keen on skiing - he's like his Mom - quite content to sit at the cabin and relax! However, today he decided it would be fun so he and his Dad spent a few hours on the bunny hill learning the tricks of the trade.

Here is Day 27.....

Roblin/Russell

I will be living at the cabin at Asessippi for the summer months and plan to do a few limited sessions while I am here. If you're interested in setting up an appointment, please email me at jodilee@memoriesbyme.ca and I will check my availability. There are beautiful areas around here to do family and children's portraits.

Family in Cancun

So, as you know I spent a week with all my favourite people in Cancun. We had a fabulous time and none of us wanted to come home. It was so much fun and a great chance to celebrate my parent's 40th wedding anniversary. This certainly was a trip of a lifetime and there is no one else I'd rather be with for a week in paradise other than my family. So...thanks Mom, Dad, Lance, Buffy, Kael, Dawson, Brett, Jolene, Leslie, Clark, Maddox, Reese, Kris, Danny, Dylan & Jack - it was amazing. Let's go back soon! ;)

Day 26

"Memories with Grandpa"

So, my Dad showed up to take my boys skiing (no, I do not ski...yes, I have a cabin on the ski hill - but I enjoy sipping coffee and watching the kids ski from the comfort of my cozy cabin). If you know my Dad, he is a very humble, kind man who thinks me taking his picture everytime I turn around is ridiculous. However, after quickly grabbing a moment I captured these shots. Trust me, I had 20 seconds and they were GONE!

I'm very lucky that I have parents who take such an active role in my boys' lives. They are there for every big moment and small ones too. The boys are very close with them and for that, I am so very grateful.

Thanks Dad....for taking the kids skiing today....and for everything else too. Now, I will await his phone call telling me not to be so "darn mushy on the internet". ;)

Here is Day 26.....