Leah Profancik

spring

2010-03-09T11:47:00.001-05:00

spring, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

the first spring photo of the year.

Jacket was a steal from Target. Crewcuts look for a fraction of the price. ;)

Headband from DolceVitaMia

We have a new blog!

2008-05-05T13:19:00.002-04:00

Yay! I'm so happy to say we have a new blog for you all to visit. Please update your bookmarks and links. And I'd love to hear what you think about the new blog, so leave us a comment when you get there!

http://www.leahprofancik.com/blog/

Last minute session opening!

2008-04-17T09:48:00.003-04:00

red lollipop

2008-04-07T23:29:00.001-04:00

When you're 2, happiness is a red lollipop. This is the first portrait taken in my studio! I'm in love with the light there.

New Presets and all MiaBella products on sale

2008-04-03T23:14:00.003-04:00

All actions, papers and presets are on sale now through April 7th. Please use the code 3170255ac4 to receive 15% off any purchase-including the already discounted combination packages. Happy Spring!

Spring

2008-03-31T07:31:00.003-04:00

It's really just around the corner! We're already booking portrait sessions into June so keep that in mind when scheduling your spring/summer portraits. We do still have April and May dates available, but the weekends are filling up quickly. Sure, it's pretty rainy and foggy out, but as we all know, this is Indiana and the weather changes at the drop of a hat. ;-)

my baby girl

2008-03-24T22:13:00.003-04:00

is slowly but surely growing up. :( She's not wearing diapers or pull-ups anymore and says she's a big girl now (where 3 weeks ago she insisted she was still a baby girl). She talks to me all day and her little expressions and the big words she tries to use-it just floors me. Seems like just yesterday she was a teeny-tiny, barely 5 and half pound baby and now look at her!

Don't even get me started on the boys! Garrett reminds me quite regularly that he will be driving in 7.5 years and that he'll be a teenager in 4.5, lol. My little boy's feet are getting big enough that I can steal his socks! Geez.

My little baby (I still reserve the right to call her my baby) standing "like a princess".

never enough time in a day

2008-03-21T13:48:00.003-04:00

I'm afraid I'm seriously neglecting this blog-oops! I have to laugh at myself because last summer and fall I kept telling myself when things slow down over winter I'll post more. haha. Now winter has come and gone and I'm telling myself I'll try to post more once I get things organized and settled in the new studio. I can predict what will come next...I'll post more once the spring rush is over. Sigh...that's life I suppose! I have to admit I like it most of the time. I like a little down time as much as the next person, but too much and I go stir crazy, lol. No worries about being bored right now-just a few short weeks until we plan to open our new studio! I am so excited and can't wait to let you all see it! Watch for grand opening specials and news coming soon.

Here's a photo of Garrett in the alley just outside the studio. Love that alley!

my alley

2008-03-11T10:33:00.004-04:00

I was in town yesterday with Garrett and we stopped by my favorite alley for some photos. He's such a little model...haha. Oh and he said the funniest thing the other night, lol. I made a big pot of Gumbo for dinner and we were sitting down with some friends to eat. I mentioned that I loved the okra in it and I couldn't wait to try a bite of it. Well, Garrett gets this shocked look on his face and says "You're going to eat OPRAH?!!!" Haha!! We were all laughing so hard! Little goof.

2008-03-07T18:27:00.001-05:00

brothers

2008-02-27T14:10:00.002-05:00

Not much time for a long post now, but I had to share this image of my little guys from the fall. It's sooo hard to get a one of them together...10 seconds after this was shot they were tackling each other in the leaves, lol.

we had to go outside yesterday

2008-02-18T08:48:00.002-05:00

in spite of Bella and I still working on getting over a not so fun cold/flu thing, there was no way I was staying cooped up in the house when the weather was this warm! Sure it was cloudy and windy, but we had temps near 60 yesterday. So out we went to find some puddles to tromp through (until she fell in one and said it was too "nasty").

I'll post more when I get them edited...for now here's one of my little girly girl getting as close to dirty as you'll ever find her.

jo

2008-02-16T22:13:00.008-05:00

My beautiful sister, Joanna (Jojo). She's seriously one of the coolest people I know (course I think all of my sisters rock). She wears funky outfits and doesn't give a rat's hiney what people think. Her socks often don't match...but somehow they still look great on her. She's SUPER smart and cute. And she wants to go to school to study astronomy. I see her working for NASA in a few years. She knows what she believes in and sticks to her guns. See...she's a pretty cool sister! Love ya, girl!

*The sale on my actions and papers will end tomorrow night! Use the code e326166292 for a 15% discount.

love, love!

2008-02-15T16:50:00.007-05:00

I'm in love with this spring line from Catimini! We bought several outfits from it and the colors are sooo pretty! I thought I'd share some images here as I had several people email me asking what brand this was when I posted on Flickr. ;-)

One of my fave stores to buy Catimini...Dragonflies and LadyBugs

miss bella's silly pose

Soft Spring Vintage Papers

2008-02-13T23:20:00.008-05:00

I'm so happy to finally have these done and ready to go! They're so me, lol!

Discount code that can be used at checkout for ANY of my actions or papers for 15% off (sets included) e326166292 . You can visit my actions site here. Also...anyone who purchases the new papers by February 17th will receive a free copy of my vintage photo frame. You will be emailed a code that you can use to download the frame free of charge.

foggy february

2008-02-06T16:37:00.000-05:00

Want to see it bigger?
Bigger

my own little model

2008-01-31T11:01:00.000-05:00

Ok...so not only am I lucky to have gorgeous clients, I'm so blessed to have the cutest kids around, lol. Could also be that I'm their mom and totally biased, but hey, that's fine. ;-)

Garrett is by far the easiest of my kids to photograph. The kid wants to be a model. His main reasoning for this is that he wants to get paid. More money = more DS games and a mini dirt bike...which I told him he could buy now, but he isn't riding it until he's 16. I know I'm a mean mom. Haha...so anyways, I'm not sold on the modeling idea, so in the meantime he models for me. Gotta love it!

how is it that I get to photograph the cutest kids?!

2008-01-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

I mean seriously...look how cute little L is-and those curls. She is such a sweet little girl too. I must say, I love my job!

And stunning eyes to boot! :-)

so she might be spoiled....

2008-01-28T23:35:00.001-05:00

Sometimes people tell us we give our little Bella too much attention...that she's going to get spoiled. It's true, we do dote on this little girl, all of us...Damian, myself, the boys. She is more then special to us.
So we all stop and watch her when she dances and then dance with her. So we all jump to give her kisses and "minky" (her word for candy) when she gets hurt. So we all fight over who gets to sit by her when we go out to eat. So she has her daddy wrapped tight around her little finger. I admit to all of this.

What people either don't know or forget is that Bella is a special blessing from God that brought incredible joy to our family after a tragic time in our lives. See...she isn't the first little girl born into this family. No...just over 4 years ago our first daughter and our boys first little sister, Emma, went to heaven. She died just before her due date leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. God is a big God and with his strength we made it through the worst of the pain. We grew together as a family and learned that God gives joy where most people can't imagine it.
We found out that we were going to be blessed with another little girl. And when Bella Grace was born she was our little princess girl. There is no way Bella replaces Emma, but we felt so lucky to have Bella safe and sound with us. Another chance to raise a little girl. So...yes, we do give Bella a lot of love and attention. She is a special blessing that reminds me daily of God's grace.

So...perhaps you can see why we might give our baby girl so much love. We know first hand that life is so fragile. Hang on tight to the ones you love. :-)

chris and his itchy hat

2008-01-16T08:44:00.000-05:00

He looks so stinkin' cute in it, but he won't wear it for more then 5 minutes because according to him the fur "itches his ears", lol. At least I got him to keep it on long enough for a quick photo.

things are calming down a bit...

2008-01-15T12:41:00.001-05:00

We're busy, busy, busy, here! Our remodel project is almost finished and I can't tell you how ready I am for that. Although I'm already planning which room to attack next, hehe. Then in just a few weeks we have huge things happening with my business...I'm so excited!

I'll try to get back in the swing of things on the blog now that the holiday madness has slowed. Here are a couple of Garrett for now.

we are blessed

2008-01-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

This was a humbling reminder of how much I have and how much I can do to help others.

Actions are on the way

2008-01-03T08:56:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to give you all an update on the actions. If you ordered after Friday (the 28th) at noon you are probably still waiting on your actions. Due to the weekend and the New Year Holidays (and the Christmas Holiday) we are still trying to get caught up on getting all of the actions out. I also want to thank you all for the incredible response to the action sale. :-) If you ordered your actions on the 27th or earlier and have not received them, please email me as those should have all been sent out.

Thanks again for your patience! We expect to be caught up by this time tomorrow. Have a blessed day.

thank you, thank you!!!

2007-12-19T21:55:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Bec!!! She was the winner of the complete action set that I gave away! I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who commented...I had fun reading through all of them. You are all so sweet!

I had mentioned in my newsletter the 24 hour sale on the actions...but what the heck. I'm going to leave the special pricing up until December 31st!

sharing the joy

2007-12-12T21:26:00.000-05:00

Time for another giveaway. This time I'll be giving away the whole sha-bang!! All 4 actions sets and the paper pack. Whether you're a pro or just starting out, feel free to jump in. To qualify all you need to do is sign up for the MiaBella Actions newsletter (link to the right) and then post a comment letting me know you signed up. I'll draw a name for the winner.

Best of luck everyone!

*Edited to add that the giveaway will end tonight (Monday) at 9:00pm EST. Be sure to enter by that time to be included.

snow angel

2007-12-06T22:15:00.001-05:00

We have snow here in Indiana!

2007-12-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

You see things; and you say Why? But I dream things that never were; and I say Why not?

- George Bernard Shaw

new actions...

2007-11-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

So....my texture actions are finally ready! Took me long enough, I know. I just wanted them to be perfect, haha. Visit the action site to see samples.

miss s

2007-11-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

Girl...you were so much fun to photograph! Seriously I could post dozens of images that are my faves, but I have to save some for the gallery. ;-) You are beautiful!

another one of miss B

2007-11-19T23:09:00.000-05:00

and her little green jumper. I love her silly little grin here...she was watching her daddy make ridiculous faces at her.

we have a winner!

2007-11-18T22:36:00.000-05:00

The Bella has spoken...or should I say pointed...haha. Well, pointed to the list of names and said "dat one". "Dat one" is Rik (are you my rik)!!!

Congrats!!! Send me an email letting me know which set you would like and I'll get it out to you.

Everyone else, Bella and I thank you for the sweet comments. And keep checking the blog because I'll be giving another set of actions away before Christmas...heck, maybe even 2 sets!

Thanks again everyone and have a blessed night!

This photo isn't my usual style, but I've been a black and white mood. Must be the cold weather coming on.

new action site and limited time special on actions

2007-11-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

I finally completed my new actions site...yay! You can check it out here MiaBella Actions. And I finished my new action set. To top it off I'm running a special on all of my actions through Monday. This will be my last special/public group buy of the year so don't miss out. :-)

I'm so excited about the new xActions and Haze Actions...I've been working on these for months! You've probably seen a photo or 2 edited with them on my blog and now you can have them too. Check out the site for examples.

AND...to celebrate the new site and actions...I'm going to give one set away on Sunday night! The winner can choose which set they would like. Just comment on this post and I'll have Bella choose the winner. Good luck everyone!

my beautiful little niece

2007-11-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

sigh...she makes me want another baby sooo bad. Look at her adorable little baby rolls!

my funny little son

2007-11-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

This photo so captures who my little Christian is. His quiet, mischievous smile with big dimples and blue eyes. He's quiet enough to make you think he's the sweetest little guy on the planet, but if you look closer you can see him plotting some prank, lol. Acting silly...he loves being goofy, tricking his daddy into chasing him, always climbing, wiggling. And smart! Gosh...he's caught me so many times trying to pull the wool over his eyes...haha. Doesn't work. And what an imagination! The stories this boy comes up with are mind boggling and he tells them so sincerely that you start to wonder if they're actually true.
He's cuddly. Always coming up to me and giving me a hug and plopping down on my lap while we watch a movie. He's soooo sweet and gentle with his little sister. I love the way he stoops down to her level and talks to her. And he can translate what she says when no one else understands. Those 2 have a special bond. And one of my favorite things he does...when he falls asleep he giggles. Really, about 10 minutes after he falls asleep he just giggles one time...like he's having a funny little dream. I love this little guy so much and don't want to ever forget his fun, spunky little personality at this age.

Yesterday we went for a walk before it got dark and I got some photos that really show who he is. These photos mean so much to me.

little miss bella

2007-11-06T11:51:00.000-05:00

congrats!!!

2007-11-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

To little miss M and her family! They were the winners of my poll and will receive a 140.00 print credit to use on their next purchase. Congratulations!!!

a year

2007-11-04T08:08:00.000-05:00

See how much he's changed in a year?!! Wahhh!!! My boy is just getting too big...I can't believe how old he's looking and acting these days. :-(

One Last Chance!

2007-10-25T23:04:00.000-04:00

I've received so many requests for another Mini Session date that I've decided to open one more Saturday up for mini sessions. First come first serve!!! These will go fast.

Sessions will last 30-45 minutes and you will receive a minimum of 15 proofs. Cost is 150 at the time of booking and 150 at the session and includes a 200 print credit. All deposits are non-refundable if you need to cancel. If sessions are rained out you will be given the option to reschedule. Call or email and have your payment info ready in order to hold you time slot!

All sessions will take place on Saturday November 3rd at the Indianapolis Museum of Art gardens. No time slots will be held until deposit payment is received.

2007-10-22T20:25:00.000-04:00

Just a photo I took of Bella this morning. The light coming in our new window this morning was beautiful and I couldn't resist. :-)

2007 Photo Contest!!

2007-10-17T08:47:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy to run our first photo contest! I've gathered 7 photos from sessions over the past 6 months and now it's your turn to choose which one you like the most. The winner will receive a print credit of 140.00 USD!!! Contest will end October 31st 2007 so be sure to let your friends, family and co-workers know they need to cast their vote by that date.

Good luck everyone!

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

24 hour special!

2007-10-12T08:24:00.000-04:00

Until 10:30am EST tomorrow I'll be running a special on my action set! If you've been waiting to buy them...this is your chance to get them at a discounted price of 34.00! To receive your discounted price simply check out from my actions page. Discount is automatic!

2007-10-11T09:57:00.001-04:00

watching summer fly away

2007-10-06T12:45:00.001-04:00

blue

2007-10-04T23:04:00.000-04:00

Christian's eyes always blow me away. All of my children's eyes are a shade of blue, but Christian's are the most intense. Like his daddy's. :-)

"nomi"

2007-10-03T14:41:00.000-04:00

Hey girl...here are a few of your photos. I hope you love them! I had so much fun taking these. :-)

the cutest little twins I ever did meet

2007-10-02T11:20:00.001-04:00

They were so fun! Seriously...their imaginations were wonderful, they had the cutest grins and they got along sooo well! K and E, your girls are wonderful and I had so much fun with them.

My absolute fave photo from the session right here.

And more faves...

Bella

2007-09-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

We got some new outfits yesterday and of course I had to take some pictures.

Sarah

2007-09-19T12:33:00.000-04:00

This is one of my beautiful sisters. :-)

wordless wednesday...my little pixie bella

2007-09-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

chris

2007-09-10T22:13:00.001-04:00

Limited Edition Holiday Sessions are open!

2007-09-05T22:07:00.001-04:00

It's nearly that time, believe it or not! Can you believe Christmas is only 110 days away?! It's true.

Limited Edition Holiday Sessions
I'm now booking for my Limited Edition Holiday Sessions. These fill quickly so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

Open dates are 10/13, 10/20. Only 10 session available!

300 session fee
150 is due at booking, remaining 150 due at session.
200 print credit included in session fee
Sessions will last 45 minutes.

Exclusive Christmas Tree Sessions
I'm also thrilled to announce an exciting new session this year-Exclusive Christmas Tree Sessions!
I am booking 6 exclusive sessions this season. These sessions will take place at the Lost Forty Christmas Tree Farm in Greenfield, Indiana. While you and your family hunt for and cut your own Christmas tree, I’ll capture the special moments that you will treasure forever.

You will be presented with twenty-eight 5x7 photos in a beautiful Holiday album. You will also have the option to add a Holiday Memories Slideshow. Email me for a link to an example slideshow.

Only 6 of these sessions will be offered this year so be sure to reserve your spot!
Exclusive Sessions are 500.00 and include a Holiday Album showcasing your photos.

I am also booking Halloween Mini Sessions as well! Contact me for dates and availability.

Email me at info@leahprofancik.com for more info or to book your session today.

2007-09-02T15:03:00.001-04:00

Bella came with me when did a session for my friend's daughter last week and got a little jealous that she wasn't in the photos. She posed herself here and said "take picture of Bella, mommy." LOL! Of course I couldn't resist. ;-)

Just a note that I'll be traveling on these dates in Septmeber. If you are near these locations and are interested in booking a session drop me an email!

September 5-6th, Columbus Ohio
September 8th, Bedford, Indiana
September 15-16th, New Harmony, Indiana (near Evansville)
September 21-23, Chicago

Stay tuned for info about Holiday Limited Edition Sessions!

my sweet 'lil chickadee

2007-08-31T11:28:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend planned! We're being blessed with absolutely incredible weather over the next few days and it couldn't be better timing! Tonight we're heading out to my sisters for a cookout on their new grill and to celebrate her hubby's birthday. Then tomorrow we plan on visiting a Luxury Home tour that we go to each year. Sunday brings another cookout with friends and Monday a relaxing day with family.

As you can see we aren't going to be home much this weekend. So if you email me about a session or my actions I'll get back to you just as soon as possible, but it may take a little longer then the usual hour or 2. :-)

she loves time outs

2007-08-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I think I have the funniest little girl ever! A couple weeks ago she was getting a little cranky-just whining and getting close to a throwing a tantrum. So...I asked her if she needed a time out so she could adjust her attitude, not really expecting to get an answer other then some more whining. Well, she told me yes! I wasn't sure I heard her right so I asked again and she said yes, she needed a time out. LOL! So she sat on the chair for minute and when she got up she was happy as a lark.

Well, yesterday we repeated this, except this time when I asked her she said yes and ran smiling to the time out chair! Silly little goose. My daughter loves time outs, lol! She sits there for a minute, just talking about her babies or singing or just sucking her thumb. It cracks me up! And you would think the time outs wouldn't work since she likes them so much, but nope. She gets up off that chair with a smile and goes about her business with the happiest little attitude. Am I lucky or what?!

I've been tagged!

2007-08-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've just been tagged by Brenda and Melissa to list 8 interesting things about myself and tag 4 others to do the same, so lets see what I can come up with!

1. I have 7 brothers and sisters and I'm the oldest. People always ask me if I like having that many siblings and the answer is most definitely yes! I had so much fun as a kid...there was never a dull moment and we always had someone to play with.

2. I have a fabric addiction and the only things I've sewn are curtains, a pillow and changing table cover. Well, when I little I made doll clothes and purses, but that was a LONG time ago, lol.

3. I'm half Italian and my grandmother (Nonnie) lives in Italy. We're hoping to go visit her next year.

4. I love gardening, and I especially love growing vegetables. The last 2 summers my veggie garden has been smaller (something about 3 busy kids that makes it hard to keep up), but I've grown peas, carrots, beans, squash, corn, tomatoes, eggplants, kale, lettuce, all kinds of herbs, watermelon, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatillos. Ummm...I think that's it, lol!

5. I had horses while I was growing up and I hope to someday own a couple again. And I want to raise chickens too! Can you tell I grew up in the country and was a tomboy?

6. Snakes, lizards, bugs and most other little critters don't really scare me. I used catch them when I was little and scare my mom half to death. :-)

7. I owned a GORGEOUS 65 Thunderbird when I was 17 and I LOVED that car so much. I will have another one someday.

8. Our house used to be my grandma's, which means my children are the 4th generation of our family to live here.

My 65 Thunderbird

I tag Lulu, Ellen, Amy, and Tiffany

superman and his trusty sidekick

2007-08-21T22:36:00.000-04:00

fall is just around the corner

2007-08-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

I took Bella into the small town near us for a session to photograph some clothes for a designer.
We wandered around the historical part of town and found an incredible old abandoned Victorian house...that I dreamed of buying and restoring-it's a sickness, I know! It was so pretty to photograph, I have to go back again. We also took some outside of the wedding chapel next door too.

window ledge at the chapel

and they're back!

2007-08-13T12:35:00.001-04:00

to school that is. I can't believe how different (read-easy!) life is now. Ok...so I love my boys to death and they are sooo fun! I guess I just didn't realize how busy they keep me during the day. This is the first year that they have both been in school all day and the difference around here is amazing! I can actually sweep the kitchen without having my pile spread all over by 2 little boys accidentally running through it. I can take a shower without having the boys knocking on the door 25 times while I'm in there! Bella still takes naps so I have time for JUST me!!! I can think again, lol.

I do miss watching the boys play their crazy games outside. I actually miss the million questions that Christian asks me about EVERYTHING. I miss watching Garrett make his artwork. I miss hearing them laugh all day.

But it's all good. And wow...can I get a lot done now! I just can't get over that.

Here's a quick snap of them from yesterday just before they headed off to school.

florida

2007-08-08T22:30:00.000-04:00

I have so many photos that I haven't edited that I want to post. Oh well, I bet I won't get to them all until this winter...that's ok...I love coming back to summertime photos in the middle of winter.
Anyway...here are a few from our trip to Florida way back in May/June.

he's been hit!

hot, tired and slightly grumpy Bella.

watching the seagulls while a storm rolled in

my little Chris, always exploring and searching for some little creature.

parting the red (orange) sea. He was just standing there like this and I asked him what he was doing and he said he was "making the ocean part 'cause it was red".

:-)

will work for cookies

2007-08-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

With school just around the corner I took Garrett out for some photos that we'll use instead of the usual cheesy "school" photos. He insisted that he get some really cool ones to share with his friends-he said we also have to do more with his dirt bike (his bike that looks like a dirt bike, nor real engine). We just walked around discovering cool spots and talking about all kinds of things. I love spending one on one time with my kids.
And all he asked for in return was a "big cookie"from Starbucks and to share a Frappuccino with me. He did say that next time I have to take him to the park to play afterwards. :-)

my fave

lol, this one just makes me laugh. Mr tough guy.

and the payment

I need decorating inspiration

2007-08-03T15:02:00.001-04:00

We have an older home, well over 100 years old. When we bough the house it had been mostly remodeled, but not the way we wanted it to be. Well, after living here a while, it's time to start our own remodel! And let me tell you, it's going to be a BIG job. Some rooms only need new flooring and a fresh coat of paint, but it's not all going to be that easy. There are a couple of rooms that need the old plaster torn down, new wiring installed, new walls, floors, trim-the whole deal!

So...to get prepared for all of this work, I need home decorating inspiration! We'll be going to the local home show in a couple of weeks, but I need some immediate gratification, lol. So, if you don't mind sharing your favorite online decorating websites to visit, I'd love ya forever!

BTW, this will be my going in my bathroom!

how cute is she?!! plus more Matilda Jane Clothing!

2007-08-01T19:15:00.000-04:00

I just loved little M! She was such a cutie and in spite of having to get up early for our session, she was so sweet. And she's wearing one of my favorite outfits. ;-)

Also, I've had several people ask me where they can buy Matilda Jane Clothing and I have the answer, lol! Just contact Sarah Woodworth at 317.577.2846 or email her at mjctrunks1@yahoo.com and she'll get you all set up. Don't forget to ask her about the new fall line, it's TDF!

micah + christine

2007-07-30T08:16:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun with these guys last week! We met at the canal downtown for their engagement session. Micah and Christine came here on one of their very first dates so it was a great place for us do their session. We had a blast getting these shots and I can't wait to photograph their wedding!

funny poses

I love Christine's ring!

her hero!

We saw this sprite truck pull up just as we were leaving a location and I had to grab this shot.

I love the bird "on her head" here, lol!

summertime quiet

2007-07-20T08:13:00.001-04:00

naptime in the sun, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Life has been really wild lately. We have so much going on that there hasn't really been any down time lately. We've been working long hours and running around trying to keep up with everything we need to do. So, here's a quiet moment courtesy of my little daughter. Just a reminder to take a minute and enjoy the summer. Love ya all!

being a boy

2007-07-07T08:50:00.000-04:00

Just my little (not so little) boy enjoying a summer evening.

fly

2007-07-06T08:21:00.001-04:00

Garrett and his beloved "dirt bike" flying down the hill outside our home. He loves dragging this bike up that hill, then just flying down as fast and as far as he can go.

Last night, after a looonng day of shopping I really missed my kiddos. Bella was already asleep, D was working late and so the boys and I went outside and had fun for a couple of hours. Little boys are so fun. I don't know where on earth they get the limitless energy. Seriously-they must have run up and down that hill 25 times! And then insisted that they weren't tired when it was time to go in, lol. After which, Garrett fell asleep watching the Discovery channel while waiting for Chris to get done brushing his teeth. ;-)

blue skies, bella and matilda jane

2007-07-04T12:07:00.001-04:00

blue skies, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

This is my new favorite brand for Bella...Matilda Jane. I'm always on the lookout for unique clothing for my kids and this brand certainly fits the bill. I love all the colors and patterns she uses! They're inbetween seasons right now, but if you go to Denise's blog you'll a link to see the fall season preview. And moms-she sells super stylish clothing for us too!
Check out Matilda Jane, you won't be disappointed!

Happy Independence Day

2007-07-04T07:03:00.001-04:00

bella in the wheat, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday celebrating our country! I'm enjoying a peaceful morning (someone remind me to get up at dawn more often!), the kids and D are still sleeping and I'm enjoying a quiet breakfast and coffee while browsing my favorite blogs and photographers.
I love living where I live.

summer sun

2007-07-03T08:10:00.001-04:00

summer sun, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I just love when the wheat is ready for harvest. It just seems to make everything glow with this gorgeous golden light at sunset. This is my favorite wheat field and we alway pass it on the way home from my parent's house.

Happy Birthday Bella!

2007-06-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

From this little baby one year ago....

to this little girl who amazes us everyday.

We love you baby girl! Happy Birthday!

2007-06-27T13:04:00.002-04:00

Saw this on Amelia's blog and I had to try it!

dream

2007-06-19T12:13:00.001-04:00

dream, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I can't believe she'll be 2 in in just over a week. Time has just flown by since our little Bella was born....I wish I could somehow slow things down and let her be little just a bit longer.

sherbet

2007-06-17T18:38:00.001-04:00

When I dressed her in this outfit it just reminded me so much of the colors of sherbet that it inspired a mini session, lol. This was one time that she didn't mind me pulling out the camera, nothing like a big bowl of sherbet to make her happy!

sherbet, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

We have new ART!!!!

2007-06-14T17:02:00.001-04:00

You have to check this out! A couple of months ago I stumbled upon Erika Jones' artwork on Flickr and was immediately in love. Her work is bright, whimsical, happy and just simply amazing!

Well, after talking with her about commissioning paintings for my children, we have the first beautiful piece of art. She came up with the creative idea of painting one of Christian's imaginative stories and it turned better then I could have dreamed!
I cannot wait to hang this in his room-it's just soooo him. He loved it when he saw it and said "that's my story!", lol. And she even painted his story around the edge of the canvas so he can remember it!

Thank you so much, Erika, you are blessed with a wonderful gift.

You can see more of her wonderful work here. Erika Jones

bella and her best friend

2007-05-22T10:04:00.000-04:00

I loved this one!

little cutie

2007-05-08T10:08:00.001-04:00

little cutie, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I had to post one of this sweet little guy. He just turned one and is such a happy little guy.

christian

2007-04-29T23:56:00.001-04:00

christian, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

garrett

2007-04-27T12:15:00.001-04:00

garrett, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I feel so blessed to have such incredible children. The things they say and do...they just fill my heart so much. I seriously think these are the best years of my life and everyday I wish it would go a little slower. Sure...there are hectic, crazy moments in there too, but really, I couldn't be happier doing anything else. I love watching my kids grow, teaching them things and even learning from them.

Garrett is so tenderhearted and sensitive. The other day after a very busy couple days of yard work, Damian came home late and I was just worn out. I fed the kids a quick dinner and hadn't done any housework all day-you know, one of those crazy days!

We had just got all the kids bathed and ready for bed when Garrett said he had to do something, went into our room and told us to stay out for a few minutes.
About 10 minutes later he lets us go in. He had made our bed for us, brought in 2 glasses of water and brought us a big container of leftover fettuccine alfredo for our dinner. He said he wanted us to have a nice dinner relaxing.

Oh my gosh...talk about melting his mommy's heart! I seriously feel like the luckiest mom on earth.

she didn't want me to take her photo

2007-04-27T08:43:00.001-04:00

she didn't want me to take her photo, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Little Bella is developing an attitude, lol!

ugli fruit

2007-04-25T19:12:00.000-04:00

It's really quite yummy.

chris

2007-04-20T12:34:00.001-04:00

chris, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Another with the parasol

2007-04-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

bella

2007-04-18T07:50:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to get a good photo of Bella looking anywhere near the camera. She sees that camera coming and goes into ignore-mommy mode. So,when I got this one of her while she was looking at an airplane yesterday, I was thrilled! I can see her beautiful eyes!

the cutest mug shot ever

2007-04-16T22:22:00.001-04:00

the cutest mug shot ever, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

The boys were pretending to take each other's photos in front of this fleece when Belle decided to join the fun. Of course I had to get one of her.

garrett and a storm

2007-04-13T20:02:00.000-04:00

green today

2007-04-12T13:57:00.001-04:00

G, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

He has chameleon eyes. They change from blue to green depending on what he's wearing or what around him.

Christian

2007-04-11T08:50:00.000-04:00

, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

and his big blue eyes. You'll never believe what mischief this boy was heading up the other day. I guess one of his aunts had told him about this and he decided to try it out.

I had to get some work done so I turned on a movie for all three of them to watch (I know, not the greatest thing to do). So I'm cooking dinner and I hear giggling coming from the bathroom. Quiet giggles from them are NOT a good sign. So I run into the bathroom to see what's going on. And I find Chris and Bella standing there smearing Vaseline all over the toilet seat! Garrett's just standing behind them laughing because he knows better then to get too involved, lol! Christian said it was a joke so that when the next person sat down they would slip right off! OMG, I had to laugh even though I tried really hard not to. And to the aunt who told him to do this, I know who you are, lol!

little GQ

2007-04-10T21:41:00.001-04:00

Cooler tones, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Settings are ss 1/200, f2.5, ISO 640

my hubby

2007-04-09T22:21:00.001-04:00

my hubby, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

You all actually get to see a decent picture of him! Gasp!

Isn't he hot? I sure think so! :-) Luv ya D!

Settings for this one are ss 1/200, f/2 and ISO 1000

Easter

2007-04-08T21:37:00.000-04:00

The weather this Easter was crazy! We had flurries, gray skies and frigid temps on Easter Sunday so there were no great Easter pictures. I guess I can dress them all up again when the weather warms up, lol. And Bella was in a MOOD the entire day. The poor baby is getting 5 teeth and has a bad cold so she was just unhappy. Though seeing her Easter basket did cheer her up! Nothing like "minky" (her word for candy) to get her excited.

I did manage to get a cute shot of my handsome little men together. They were so good all day and didn't seem to mind that the weather was rotten. As long as they got to hunt for eggs (indoors), they were happy!

garrett in the field

2007-04-05T21:10:00.000-04:00

You'll have to click on this one to see it at the right size.

I didn't pick up my camera today, so this is from earlier this week. I had a busy day of shopping, Drs appointments, house cleaning and playing with the kiddos. ;-)

Tomorrow we're off the the Children's Museum and then back home for dinner at our house with my siblings.
Have a wonderful night everyone!

the sweet light

2007-04-04T18:28:00.000-04:00

sweet light, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I love him in green! Mom, Sarah, Bekah if you're reading...if you see any COOL green shirts for G I need them, lol.

caught!

2007-04-03T21:55:00.001-04:00

caught!, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

I sent them out to the backyard to play and when I went out to check on them this is what I found giggling out there. Two very soaked and mud covered little boys. We live in a rural area so they decided to run into the cornfield next to our yard and have a good old time jumping in a monstrous puddle out there. Boys.
And of course being the good photographer mom that I am, I ran inside to grab my camera and snap a picture of them. :-)

i wanna big one like that!

2007-04-03T15:34:00.001-04:00

i wanna big one like that!, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Oh dear, what are we in for. She loves motorbikes!

my week in pictures

2007-04-02T22:18:00.001-04:00

Nothing too exciting yet, but I snapped a few.

A storm that rolled through.

My weeping cherry tree is in bloom!

A cocoon that the boys found and are hoping to watch hatch. They check on it every day, lol.

Yesterday at my mother-in-laws house for an early Easter celebration. Everybody's just doing their own thing.

peek-a-boo, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

She's so hard to get a good picture of right now so I'm constantly having to invent games that get her to look at me. Playing peek-a-boo from behind the couch worked well today!

bella

2007-04-01T22:49:00.001-04:00

bella, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Eating a cracker in Daddy's arms (even though you can't see him here).
Nothing exciting, just had to make sure I posted one before the day was over!

garrett

2007-03-31T21:43:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Isn't he cute here? We were sitting on the front porch after his bath and I took this one.

best friends

2007-03-31T20:08:00.001-04:00

best friends, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

Bella and Christian have such a special bond and they have since she was an itty bitty newborn. This is just so them.
She adores him and he is sooo patient with her. He'll just sit and explain everything to her in a sweet voice and she actually listens to him.
Gosh, it just makes my heart melt to see them like this.

king of the mountain

2007-03-30T16:02:00.001-04:00

king of the mountain, originally uploaded by ~LeahP~.

or shall we say hill?

my little soccer player

2007-03-29T21:39:00.000-04:00

Christian had his first soccer practice today and I was so proud of him. He listened and played so well! And of course he was a little go getter as usual. Not a hint of nervousness, he just jumped right in with a big grin on his face talking to his teammates like he'd known them forever. And he was pretty good if I do say so myself. I think he's got a little bit of his Uncle Joseph in him. ;-)