tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89580762270002897972024-02-07T18:19:11.485-06:00Sarah Thomas DesignSarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-50405704591800647492011-07-02T16:55:00.002-05:002011-07-02T17:06:05.871-05:00pictures past due!<div style="text-align: center;">I loooove my family. and summer. and traveling every week. and weddings. and art that needs created for wedding gifts. and sisters moving into town. and a garden and house that always needs some sort of attention. cooking. cleaning... and especially this teething baby girl! All reasons that I have not blogged about these loves for months! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somehow, in the middle of it all, we did manage to get Willow's 6 month pictures taken... at 6 1/2 months! you can see them here: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://willowpictures.shutterfly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://willowpictures.shutterfly.com/</span></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all pics done by lauren laplante!</div><br />
</div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-72332731362280110192011-04-26T13:02:00.000-05:002011-04-26T13:02:36.462-05:00starting to sell!<div style="text-align: center;">Motherhood has given me a purpose beyond any I have ever known. It just seems to make sense! Obviously, it is the highest calling and I LOVE it! There are so many BEST things about it, but one little thing that is a super fun one for me, personally, is that I finally feel freedom to be myself, in my own creative way, at my own pace. Those of you who know me well, know that I constantly struggle with a "production" mindset... I always have to "see" something at the end of my efforts, which leads me to working on things that I don't enjoy, just so I feel worthwhile with a finished product. For (literally) years, my sisters and my artist friends (thank you Laura and Erin!) have been encouraging me to step away from my need to make or make $, and follow my passion to just say "I am an illustrator." I haven't felt freedom to do that until after Willow was born and I found that my purpose is much more than being a designer. Now I can do my art for my own joy, be a mother, and feel fulfilled! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a bunch of products ready to sell for Mother's Day! I finally started an etsy shop and will be putting a bunch of work up over the next week! I will also be selling things at Village Fest in West Lafayette this weekend at Silverthrush's booth! Stop by both places and have a peek! Maybe buy a few goodies! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my etsy shop- only a couple of things up so far, but keep checking! </div><div style="text-align: center;">There is a lot more to be added soon! <a href="http://sarahthomasdesign.etsy.com/">sarahthomasdesign.etsy.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">some work to be posted soon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2Jhs_G4cF0Ws8cIH5wcw2YI98T2hL1daB6kfenMKu14ygY0N5ddZUrU7vDVCGEHeW5gJuFvl09n4-A2XSgEFTa3g50bcr2SqA0waPUSUTV4CuvDBhiSmq6BxL7Wg9AJHxDEzuIEnopEc/s1600/Illustration+for+Village+Fest+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2Jhs_G4cF0Ws8cIH5wcw2YI98T2hL1daB6kfenMKu14ygY0N5ddZUrU7vDVCGEHeW5gJuFvl09n4-A2XSgEFTa3g50bcr2SqA0waPUSUTV4CuvDBhiSmq6BxL7Wg9AJHxDEzuIEnopEc/s320/Illustration+for+Village+Fest+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2krHP9fkogLz5jqqJtD5YGtnb_3lDBsBNyhG-tSB8RQvg2m1wy0bfDdy4ZGdJQYlQsMREof_Hbcv8W-IuGcH09XZFOMPAt6_X5IzMxSQ2m2XbE0oWYxaFoSDlxhEEapwnUot28u-cYodg/s1600/Illustration+for+Village+Fest+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2krHP9fkogLz5jqqJtD5YGtnb_3lDBsBNyhG-tSB8RQvg2m1wy0bfDdy4ZGdJQYlQsMREof_Hbcv8W-IuGcH09XZFOMPAt6_X5IzMxSQ2m2XbE0oWYxaFoSDlxhEEapwnUot28u-cYodg/s320/Illustration+for+Village+Fest+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPcTYu9PZ9_vrLhEU5RaBvFyWVUjjgvCjAezH9yht4xyOzlC1odYGW58d-A-gw_Bq4xplkmC4QkuDj5rPTqVnGip2jx1L8qJKAlyjPjSkN6LNjzbYr9BXM1xjs772FFFShliT2zVw8EnO/s1600/Illustration+for+Village+Fest+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPcTYu9PZ9_vrLhEU5RaBvFyWVUjjgvCjAezH9yht4xyOzlC1odYGW58d-A-gw_Bq4xplkmC4QkuDj5rPTqVnGip2jx1L8qJKAlyjPjSkN6LNjzbYr9BXM1xjs772FFFShliT2zVw8EnO/s320/Illustration+for+Village+Fest+047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-34302097120753274842011-04-12T10:45:00.000-05:002011-04-12T10:45:53.528-05:00New through new eyes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have really been enjoying spring with Willow! So far, her little earthy name fits her! She LOVES being outside, trying to walk through the grass with her little bare feet, grabbing at flower petals, crunching leaves in her hands, and even snuggling on a blanket in the woods with mama and daddy as she "snacks." I feel like I am discovering the world fresh... not just as the joyful welcoming of spring after a long winter, but like I am seeing this beauty for the very first time through her eyes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV8UXSPpa4UWMU53ALUQDBNUauXoQFLA70LZ25HwWl5sCaE3wEccB2uQy6fl7euynjRWpxfTdPSjDZnwIyOVxKzWhADpj0HQuyi2jxo3w4JofSgcQ6vx1-0D2NERx_VAs8wlw5SyI-lsI/s1600/IMG_8562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV8UXSPpa4UWMU53ALUQDBNUauXoQFLA70LZ25HwWl5sCaE3wEccB2uQy6fl7euynjRWpxfTdPSjDZnwIyOVxKzWhADpj0HQuyi2jxo3w4JofSgcQ6vx1-0D2NERx_VAs8wlw5SyI-lsI/s320/IMG_8562.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We aren't trying to be "braggy" parents, just sharing a bit of Willow growing up with all of you family and close friends who love her and miss her! Enjoy some videos we have taken of her "exploration."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/Ns8kZY2glEY">http://youtu.be/Ns8kZY2glEY</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/XGsS_jV2ASo">http://youtu.be/XGsS_jV2ASo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/R7QV6oU-QZk">http://youtu.be/R7QV6oU-QZk</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/ZPb9tTWF_vQ">http://youtu.be/ZPb9tTWF_vQ</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/w3aH_j-MqVM">http://youtu.be/w3aH_j-MqVM</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And just a few of us hanging out at home...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/HWJ1XkSKzII">http://youtu.be/HWJ1XkSKzII</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/M-nnhLXfOyM">http://youtu.be/M-nnhLXfOyM</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/uZhTIVr2ocQ">http://youtu.be/uZhTIVr2ocQ</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-90478853130892192262011-04-05T10:36:00.001-05:002011-04-05T10:45:56.809-05:00Welcome Violet Shower!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How perfect for a spring baby shower... awaiting a baby named Violet! I was happy to host a party in honor of the coming bundle of joy this past weekend! It was a beautiful, sunny day, and so fun to have a houseful of ladies celebrating babies and spring and little purple flowers! Preparing for this lovely day has taken up a bit of my creative time lately. Here are a few pictures before the event:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp1zZj4yD62kzEAqwpAiWppFMGHCBn7sPTE9gMzwiX2uM6T0yKuG8uFTlb_dbRdiygsFyoqnLK5yEZA7dYQc9Y672jpaa536yOl3C0IbX5NXqKgN-yMKzkzDdt6FaXBup-061oKPODDrf/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp1zZj4yD62kzEAqwpAiWppFMGHCBn7sPTE9gMzwiX2uM6T0yKuG8uFTlb_dbRdiygsFyoqnLK5yEZA7dYQc9Y672jpaa536yOl3C0IbX5NXqKgN-yMKzkzDdt6FaXBup-061oKPODDrf/s400/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhSLtNB2gVyYmsdh1qwInFUs0Wx9SGUaTWhUeufOxr3yqu2kwRqbkT7kAzc48j16zle3DVXPSrt4xyQShd8L9dSZgAHEIT5y1NBTldgvo3chPczq3N1omD5SMj1LUdIHCKad2Pd87luQu/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhSLtNB2gVyYmsdh1qwInFUs0Wx9SGUaTWhUeufOxr3yqu2kwRqbkT7kAzc48j16zle3DVXPSrt4xyQShd8L9dSZgAHEIT5y1NBTldgvo3chPczq3N1omD5SMj1LUdIHCKad2Pd87luQu/s400/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+042.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQiYdCo2Xh5assH5hUVRwy2bAqR5QtUjePSVsNk96NhPjRuM0Q0TCJ6oXnNxouPOucBmj1tmhg64ZNpisRkkH6OagfC44_mbO_-QKLuCoCECTPYjF9rVrWAZJagv4RwxwbgxfF3F3J9MA/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQiYdCo2Xh5assH5hUVRwy2bAqR5QtUjePSVsNk96NhPjRuM0Q0TCJ6oXnNxouPOucBmj1tmhg64ZNpisRkkH6OagfC44_mbO_-QKLuCoCECTPYjF9rVrWAZJagv4RwxwbgxfF3F3J9MA/s400/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+044.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV0sZ8Hvc32wuhQm2TNo37z4lu8S5w1fuGXf5jo06I7TrzvVKL-V1yMQ1jc3gF6MsyGEzWHxZtgR2rWJyYC764yYg2dhqN_RuLLyduTdl9HOnJXSUPoZOJKLqDezOSGiK2c0us_Ax0gNJ/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV0sZ8Hvc32wuhQm2TNo37z4lu8S5w1fuGXf5jo06I7TrzvVKL-V1yMQ1jc3gF6MsyGEzWHxZtgR2rWJyYC764yYg2dhqN_RuLLyduTdl9HOnJXSUPoZOJKLqDezOSGiK2c0us_Ax0gNJ/s400/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26fLY-b7LzVrAy-X1zeWoDFbCwTIK17Emx9D87oVzf4FvSw57tg4KFe3rqQgnsJk7tFxjb1P6pDYzKB2bPBw_7BAUbLFq412y3bi5kaj436_URowj-uU3BtQA2PfudTM20ij3MomWSAqh/s320/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+013.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a few of Willow dressed in my 30 year old lavender dress that my mother made for me when I was just a little one! I thought it was the perfect way to dress her for the occasion- and welcome her future playmate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV0sZ8Hvc32wuhQm2TNo37z4lu8S5w1fuGXf5jo06I7TrzvVKL-V1yMQ1jc3gF6MsyGEzWHxZtgR2rWJyYC764yYg2dhqN_RuLLyduTdl9HOnJXSUPoZOJKLqDezOSGiK2c0us_Ax0gNJ/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN2AKXdGoaOU5VWee2I06kOkZ1McC9f9A7Dl7OMTWPG9mfBZsZ0yEwztGPzCUfQUd4Fz5giOgE-Xtze9oosiHoSfTdpwKuIrqsHPlH3Rxtw9a0ZLhZmMc_gvZJBQl36GzBwDsBnPlvMju/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN2AKXdGoaOU5VWee2I06kOkZ1McC9f9A7Dl7OMTWPG9mfBZsZ0yEwztGPzCUfQUd4Fz5giOgE-Xtze9oosiHoSfTdpwKuIrqsHPlH3Rxtw9a0ZLhZmMc_gvZJBQl36GzBwDsBnPlvMju/s200/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+041.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sn0gH1LrErUX6biWuG1odTYTId_7gbT2DrMpLdmzPJzlYvnlqJGp1zfLTN6_tztVkRt3tA8xFznqgMnq3WRXBpOiYi6WcrvvHx2ETyOKmlLOapUd7X5Qto8hVO4iXX0iIXQUnnu1UX-r/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sn0gH1LrErUX6biWuG1odTYTId_7gbT2DrMpLdmzPJzlYvnlqJGp1zfLTN6_tztVkRt3tA8xFznqgMnq3WRXBpOiYi6WcrvvHx2ETyOKmlLOapUd7X5Qto8hVO4iXX0iIXQUnnu1UX-r/s200/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+060.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpZKWPo4Q88-5VKHRvFJ4tWVVFUfbm2SxeYWaWgBQ9RuPU6MKyzQ4xBdMoGHc-QTZPQjHeb85SloGwQcThhULTmHGyY5jpZChMT-UmSNOpwrjonS1Z7ZH0T1NGdzM-X8xtERrne1-f7bd/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpZKWPo4Q88-5VKHRvFJ4tWVVFUfbm2SxeYWaWgBQ9RuPU6MKyzQ4xBdMoGHc-QTZPQjHeb85SloGwQcThhULTmHGyY5jpZChMT-UmSNOpwrjonS1Z7ZH0T1NGdzM-X8xtERrne1-f7bd/s200/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+065.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Everything Violets! (actually pansies and silks... but still in the same family of flowers!)</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWZEUogFc-iqP9ig1MR3naCIVV1r-9hrSAiy-VUFGe7DxpD3ySwu1VS5IWbzePW9xweiuTlgi1eGt92OJksto0O2UmzRi5LBX4AqjXyx0oo4lH5QQc87EkjreuFydI_4C4HThGnFAdY2C/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWZEUogFc-iqP9ig1MR3naCIVV1r-9hrSAiy-VUFGe7DxpD3ySwu1VS5IWbzePW9xweiuTlgi1eGt92OJksto0O2UmzRi5LBX4AqjXyx0oo4lH5QQc87EkjreuFydI_4C4HThGnFAdY2C/s200/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+028.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"cute as can bee" print... My own original illustration for Violet<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYFmrGmxybIe53-6OWrsemt7GAT_YA5z7H1KRh-tesl5lNguwQN1Z2MPuzLV8Qu3CyooaTpMWzcGvOi-RP4wBZTPgf98d9ZD0r1fJdBWR2DuQl-WpQOdDluVx22Bb2JdwzOL02XMp3_XE/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYFmrGmxybIe53-6OWrsemt7GAT_YA5z7H1KRh-tesl5lNguwQN1Z2MPuzLV8Qu3CyooaTpMWzcGvOi-RP4wBZTPgf98d9ZD0r1fJdBWR2DuQl-WpQOdDluVx22Bb2JdwzOL02XMp3_XE/s200/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+029.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mama with a cupcake... Vi will get to enjoy that sweet today too! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc9QmfJadyX4NTz-T_8RmDBRe2z3J0h8JEgENgG2em-HqhM-FTbJLS7timcjbsuaMXFlsBOoDK4kH3wGESs-r6YUDzT4tz3yLNQskYi5Dy7QT_SvKTv2Bfq_U6RsuNrxe1OzuloYikkpk/s1600/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc9QmfJadyX4NTz-T_8RmDBRe2z3J0h8JEgENgG2em-HqhM-FTbJLS7timcjbsuaMXFlsBOoDK4kH3wGESs-r6YUDzT4tz3yLNQskYi5Dy7QT_SvKTv2Bfq_U6RsuNrxe1OzuloYikkpk/s200/April+weekend+and+Erin%2527s+shower+034.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bird mobile I created for Vi's room... made with fabrics that her mommy plans to use as decor in the nursery.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The day was a hit, and I think Erin (Vi's mommy) enjoyed a day full of friends and gifts. Here is a big THANKS to my lil' sis, the amazing Aunt Lala! Saving the day with all of her help as we juggled restless baby, baking, and decorating! Thank Thank Thank you, Laura!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-81912043167298302212011-03-31T11:04:00.000-05:002011-03-31T11:04:10.465-05:00Baby love!<div style="text-align: center;">I love that she loves me so much! I am trying to cherish every moment of her loving me! I know I will blink and she will be getting married! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egm7Fs0RTqk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egm7Fs0RTqk</a></div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-55205035479521877992011-03-31T10:56:00.000-05:002011-03-31T10:56:08.631-05:00Friends and Blessings<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lord, thank you.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for this beautiful child you have loaned me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for the indescribable way she occupies my mind and my heart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am grateful for the joys and for the struggles we share.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know they all go with the demands of parenthood.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remind me to cherish every moment, for they will soon seem so few and far between. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This child of God is such a precious gift; teach me to appreciate her. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lord, I know that this beautiful, wonderful creation is straight from your heart; help me to share her delight with others and to handle her with care.</span></div><br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amen.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span>My friend, Ann, shared this beautiful prayer with me. It came from a lovely prayer book called "Bless this Child" and I just love it. Very often, I cannot find the words to say for all of the emotions I have about mothering, or my love for my daughter... some of the prayers in this book help me to give God thanks and glory for the blessings He has given to us! Willow and I love our friend, Ann and her baby girl, Scout! Along with our husbands, Ann and I were in the same birth classes while we were expecting our girls! It has been so fun, getting to know their super family, and we are so happy that the girls can be playmates! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This video is so much darling. They are enamored with each other's hands! Love it! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-XOERImVvM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-XOERImVvM</a> enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-18056617858488401592011-02-26T11:43:00.000-06:002011-02-26T11:43:33.366-06:00Three months already!<div style="text-align: center;">We can't believe that our sweet little tree frog is already 3 months old! How time flies! Her photo-shoot with Lauren LaPlante (check her out at <a href="http://www.wix.com/laurenlaplante/photo">http://www.wix.com/laurenlaplante/photo</a>) was on Wednesday, and her pictures turned out so beautifully! Feel free to check out our shutterfly share site and order anything you like! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2kOdFeVb9XJcw9ek0H5TsBncNbAUqzvXEZ7yWXoVH7z-GJwtOIQbiNIPdvsVRtPO0tq421oILThc2-ip9gzookBCaq1RNVmGCs24349HnU_9CFYGx6fHWx9TtSlh_vHEQN5uUa2lxWJg/s1600/IMG_0843+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2kOdFeVb9XJcw9ek0H5TsBncNbAUqzvXEZ7yWXoVH7z-GJwtOIQbiNIPdvsVRtPO0tq421oILThc2-ip9gzookBCaq1RNVmGCs24349HnU_9CFYGx6fHWx9TtSlh_vHEQN5uUa2lxWJg/s320/IMG_0843+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mama love!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsYX5FU_QbFDDRSZA26YTSC0pJ-wFHbNFrMweF752-PHI9j8Jbkny8svFpYLdgBCrQ3yCBIg4kZ-NfgTnMYwoT-Pd2xzkFoNmXN2Iih3eIbneTB9DOs46F6w9m2s6SXScSZyiDke3E_mN/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsYX5FU_QbFDDRSZA26YTSC0pJ-wFHbNFrMweF752-PHI9j8Jbkny8svFpYLdgBCrQ3yCBIg4kZ-NfgTnMYwoT-Pd2xzkFoNmXN2Iih3eIbneTB9DOs46F6w9m2s6SXScSZyiDke3E_mN/s320/IMG_0521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">antique baby clothes!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfrEp8m47QeEblTx2eyN1He6pD2wdrwr5NgwxxsjbSiAD1NGSU9v7yLnibD9sLcy9Vdj7x_fRLhDW4ZsYywzanPqrmZ5pQTFT24GkldMA0FWEI9tStDYiJl3KF1808C-7UC4sjwP8QpIQ/s1600/IMG_0554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfrEp8m47QeEblTx2eyN1He6pD2wdrwr5NgwxxsjbSiAD1NGSU9v7yLnibD9sLcy9Vdj7x_fRLhDW4ZsYywzanPqrmZ5pQTFT24GkldMA0FWEI9tStDYiJl3KF1808C-7UC4sjwP8QpIQ/s320/IMG_0554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ahfqperhQD7tT5fqBi7jqPxWP4mFJyqoP_gi87SJmKLhdo8XNYa3E4bKOShugzbMBO0Gc34OLASMPlAnVcGf5XNlJlLx60MB2th6unJjox1olwXrKZOeEGmJX_Df7pQVmgBHYhuMLi9C/s1600/IMG_0583+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ahfqperhQD7tT5fqBi7jqPxWP4mFJyqoP_gi87SJmKLhdo8XNYa3E4bKOShugzbMBO0Gc34OLASMPlAnVcGf5XNlJlLx60MB2th6unJjox1olwXrKZOeEGmJX_Df7pQVmgBHYhuMLi9C/s320/IMG_0583+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn-kDoN7WUatvXbWkhjZNMITH3G7JjARG3r5vEMDT95ZcL5CgK5BAVFA9_EiGIvBv1X6z4fmjyvbE8RGjTOGqTrWlBmWPol6aNXepiDPnUu9-fzyu_efnobzlJpW8dgeVRWXt1Z__rnSj/s1600/IMG_0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn-kDoN7WUatvXbWkhjZNMITH3G7JjARG3r5vEMDT95ZcL5CgK5BAVFA9_EiGIvBv1X6z4fmjyvbE8RGjTOGqTrWlBmWPol6aNXepiDPnUu9-fzyu_efnobzlJpW8dgeVRWXt1Z__rnSj/s320/IMG_0663.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">nae-nake a picnic basket!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD6FVffS6MH7sYZWEoUB-m1v5avuhVGjnSJmGqHmrGuI-gdVJglOOgchTjIrnCgCh2acCTSZPy2Ov7-cplA6zUUT8PTroH6F1KUw2Izr_ybrxfL30OthZUKlc-LGPzHSouBdl2OmFxTu7/s1600/IMG_0690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD6FVffS6MH7sYZWEoUB-m1v5avuhVGjnSJmGqHmrGuI-gdVJglOOgchTjIrnCgCh2acCTSZPy2Ov7-cplA6zUUT8PTroH6F1KUw2Izr_ybrxfL30OthZUKlc-LGPzHSouBdl2OmFxTu7/s320/IMG_0690.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGZbgUX3HklhbPd17Yc_i5xCQxtD8xfK_HgBARimHpzTv-T30eZ_D4YYAjulD16Cew5EuqA7TuG6YRyJN_8bv_kchS-kwhTBJG0x1I8Rexoy5DmPljf5N-UemLO128pZpa3esYY8EoTUm/s1600/IMG_0710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGZbgUX3HklhbPd17Yc_i5xCQxtD8xfK_HgBARimHpzTv-T30eZ_D4YYAjulD16Cew5EuqA7TuG6YRyJN_8bv_kchS-kwhTBJG0x1I8Rexoy5DmPljf5N-UemLO128pZpa3esYY8EoTUm/s320/IMG_0710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIhXL5TNWw2R-y4z5VFTWd5udXmWh-kLHF4Sy_euTAK43sd_EjjhjbmUDte9k0ifvIZY_x7TyIaTImDKG3x7O7sANVE8teQgjClF03f_n6S5RJN66ZZyxBD-c1EW8ZiGcHVBds0AMzMMl/s1600/IMG_0725+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIhXL5TNWw2R-y4z5VFTWd5udXmWh-kLHF4Sy_euTAK43sd_EjjhjbmUDte9k0ifvIZY_x7TyIaTImDKG3x7O7sANVE8teQgjClF03f_n6S5RJN66ZZyxBD-c1EW8ZiGcHVBds0AMzMMl/s320/IMG_0725+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lil' ballerina!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2bCdXmxNQSTWUQM_8H9NqW0-XrXXEBMyoKbuJszaMgdLO7oUoWn5GVMlbPRYiFOQ9dZu7VuVhgmDJ_TMx5VXxmc4cCWBkD6bPHOdh1golRWXB6gUzI83nQ5yFXHHM2eI5poMX4Da-lNp/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2bCdXmxNQSTWUQM_8H9NqW0-XrXXEBMyoKbuJszaMgdLO7oUoWn5GVMlbPRYiFOQ9dZu7VuVhgmDJ_TMx5VXxmc4cCWBkD6bPHOdh1golRWXB6gUzI83nQ5yFXHHM2eI5poMX4Da-lNp/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To see more, go here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://willowpictures.shutterfly.com/">http://willowpictures.shutterfly.com/</a></div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-77274588622018162772011-01-25T22:29:00.002-06:002011-01-25T22:49:35.898-06:00hardback<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D1IbNGjJy4ZK4s%26uid%3D002080920446%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1296016051000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D1IbNGjJy4ZK4s%26uid%3D002080920446%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1296016051000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1IbNGjJy4ZOJg&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><img border="0" height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" width="1" /></div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;">I finally had time to make a photobook of all of the beautiful pictures that have been taken since the birth of our daughter, Willow Michelle. She was born on November 19th, at 9:40 a.m. and was 7lbs 3oz, 19" </div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;">We are in love!</div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-88543016436274041982010-10-14T16:00:00.000-05:002010-10-14T16:00:53.574-05:00"Listen as I Rustle"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTdUJg8B6yLTQv06N5AZYMvxTsuTAKi1O6BOsc7z1gduU0ftFLgEsbwsgSLWqpSxJf8vyW3kvxiG0_HRkoTFykbKG4mlifRgjVPrFN8BBOm3gDXR-wt8fq3Lh30njJq3f4EWDQg6yCf_C/s1600/bird+and+fairy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTdUJg8B6yLTQv06N5AZYMvxTsuTAKi1O6BOsc7z1gduU0ftFLgEsbwsgSLWqpSxJf8vyW3kvxiG0_HRkoTFykbKG4mlifRgjVPrFN8BBOm3gDXR-wt8fq3Lh30njJq3f4EWDQg6yCf_C/s400/bird+and+fairy+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Today is the perfect day to indulge in childhood wonder! My front yard is covered in burnt umber, ochers, sienna... all twisting and tossed up in a swirling autumn mess! My husband and I have been sleeping with the windows open for the last few weeks, trying to store up gobs of this short season while we sleep. He wakes up singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year," because for us, it is! I have been inspired by these thoughts and colors in the past, apparently! The watercolor above is a testament to the thrill and freedom that a crisp fall day exudes! </div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-57274127316828570372010-10-13T14:53:00.000-05:002010-10-13T14:53:33.176-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6zyX05Yg6-Yc7-qOwa-iQt5G6svTBID1maecGqm307jnbWorcqI8FmxTIUi8Q_Kv3Q6voDC-9Wq-kb5FU6T39boWeAWMhsnXlSHwcApaNpobZlyAU1Ng9Gge5m1-r3H2hx4YMax39G8H/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6zyX05Yg6-Yc7-qOwa-iQt5G6svTBID1maecGqm307jnbWorcqI8FmxTIUi8Q_Kv3Q6voDC-9Wq-kb5FU6T39boWeAWMhsnXlSHwcApaNpobZlyAU1Ng9Gge5m1-r3H2hx4YMax39G8H/s320/IMG_0408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am becoming more and more amazed that there is a little child thriving inside of me... and that I am counted "able" enough to bring her into this world and take care of her for years to come! I feel so much gratefulness and thankfulness each day... so blessed and loved that our God finds Matthew and I worthy of caring for one of his own! I am already beginning to understand why children are such blessings. They take our minds away from our own selfish thoughts and "needs" and into a place of giving and appreciating each moment. It's pretty beautiful that a person can try, try, try to become a peaceful, present thriving person for so many years, and never succeed by her own will, until one day she is just given circumstance (like a baby) that instantly does for her what she has tried to do for yourself for a very long time! It makes me realize how important it is to relax and hand over "control" more often... apparently I learn better when I let go! Hopefully, having this mindset will help my little girl learn to live in carefree joy as well!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These beautiful pictures were taken by my lil' sister, Laura Aberle of <span id="goog_1968499819"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"> Daily Muse<span id="goog_1968499820"></span></a> when I was 30 weeks. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She took a bunch of gorgeous pictures of us with the pregnant belly. I may put up in a slide show soon! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBoTGmoYyTpHnwK1wwY6mYpXglECDC3wTIR7b1tzSmASzTyU_ECkE8iO9n6HFJvvYAA7leWquA1x_VMOC2UagRl7MIFDL3Sh-J0PRpIdN0tINl8BbtmBSrIaSwvWexbyvM6vWTVZ4fQvd/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBoTGmoYyTpHnwK1wwY6mYpXglECDC3wTIR7b1tzSmASzTyU_ECkE8iO9n6HFJvvYAA7leWquA1x_VMOC2UagRl7MIFDL3Sh-J0PRpIdN0tINl8BbtmBSrIaSwvWexbyvM6vWTVZ4fQvd/s320/IMG_0455.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW6EM9R2zzNMrA1QABXQHB3BDp9okl5_ztExj4KdMlOSNEa6rpWwmaczmeMg-CEq-S5OdHYSJkfAa7tFBwQLV0EEN76C04I-pEiUVUaLMELyz7rcgLiaqte74pFjVHLuu4Kb17OhZA75w/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW6EM9R2zzNMrA1QABXQHB3BDp9okl5_ztExj4KdMlOSNEa6rpWwmaczmeMg-CEq-S5OdHYSJkfAa7tFBwQLV0EEN76C04I-pEiUVUaLMELyz7rcgLiaqte74pFjVHLuu4Kb17OhZA75w/s320/IMG_0501.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-58374669851580397452010-10-08T13:25:00.002-05:002010-10-08T13:27:46.602-05:00a steward of balance...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44P32FINNOTckdA3LIbkLg69d7-_uvLe5EY5VJI1C25bDBnhApz3gPoVL87uNw3zqKyRpZ4ghZWDJVTPXfORoX8C5ULivUUYZq5I-wewX_4BhlF_7gYjaUKntgJVhJnTKUa-9wZi8ToVA/s1600/stewardship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44P32FINNOTckdA3LIbkLg69d7-_uvLe5EY5VJI1C25bDBnhApz3gPoVL87uNw3zqKyRpZ4ghZWDJVTPXfORoX8C5ULivUUYZq5I-wewX_4BhlF_7gYjaUKntgJVhJnTKUa-9wZi8ToVA/s200/stewardship.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have always felt a deep motivation to be a steward of the earth, in a way that pleases our creator. This goes beyond just a general preservation mindset, but also toward a belief that we all have a bit of creator image inside of us, and are somewhat wired toward progression and enhancement of the surroundings in which we reside. Much of the reason that I studied landscape architecture is based in this deep conviction/ passion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">BUT, I am starting to see a gaping hole in much of my daily stewardship decisions. I tend to be a big picture person, somewhat impatient and driven, looking for the quickest way to get something accomplished while still pulling it together with beauty. Living this way doesn't always allow me to fulfill God's BEST for my life. Recently, I have become more aware of things I can do that will better my family's health, my home, and the earth... although it will take more time, effort, and money to make some changes. A new friend introduced me to the book "Healthy Child, Healthy World" by Christopher Gavigan. <a href="http://healthychild.org/">http://healthychild.org</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although I have already followed many of the recommendations in the book for years, there are many more that I was completely unaware of and I began to freak out a little bit about all the damaging things I have thrived on for years. Have I poisoned my sweet little baby girl before she is even here? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have decided to respond in moderation and trust. I do have to live in this world and the world will touch me and my child with all of its physical and spiritual imperfections. I can try to live in the freedom of knowing that no matter how much we try to make it perfect, it never will be, but we have perfection to look forward to! In the meantime, we can try to be satisfied with living responsibly and healthfully, appreciating and preserving all of the "good stuff" of earth and life! Maybe as I slowly take baby steps, I will also learn about patience and peace through the process ... who knows? So, I am off to celebrate that freedom as I re-vamp my cleaning supplies and replace them with the "natural" and wash my first load of cloth diapers with green detergent! :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</a></div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-19335404658556443282010-10-07T20:30:00.000-05:002010-10-07T20:30:01.838-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc_5l3P2GCLGLOSjCD4Wl-odArCGYjpLy5NENHnizm3hMEl5p7hHBqFPZjuXNmOA45U-dbT5V_N6PtF7k04ArNcnQvC5_I1aSxegy0GLNH9js3UNI9YZF-VwXlZF6MeiRnPnuX5UI1g1_/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc_5l3P2GCLGLOSjCD4Wl-odArCGYjpLy5NENHnizm3hMEl5p7hHBqFPZjuXNmOA45U-dbT5V_N6PtF7k04ArNcnQvC5_I1aSxegy0GLNH9js3UNI9YZF-VwXlZF6MeiRnPnuX5UI1g1_/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I fret, just a bit, about how my kitties will interact with baby. Dasha loves the baby's room, and rolled around in delight as I displayed the sleep sack, coming home outfit, and sling that I have constructed. I hope she responds the same to the lil' one! Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-74178206859147637772010-10-07T11:55:00.000-05:002010-10-07T11:55:55.102-05:00I finally allowed myself to stop working (for other people :) and start preparing for baby! It is taking some discipline to relax and enjoy life that is happening instead of making life happen each day. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ma_l_B1EWNMpf40Iw0PoiCQMieZxF6sCr6vPcJSX7_oSdcaYJnfKWTm7g260fHFghmzQ329WAc7zoKosycOzOY0kbdVMA_LTuz6WsDmAAeJLOREDspBdywA3ovvD5Uk00Sq_ULQ8ndnO/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ma_l_B1EWNMpf40Iw0PoiCQMieZxF6sCr6vPcJSX7_oSdcaYJnfKWTm7g260fHFghmzQ329WAc7zoKosycOzOY0kbdVMA_LTuz6WsDmAAeJLOREDspBdywA3ovvD5Uk00Sq_ULQ8ndnO/s320/IMG_1741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My husband, Matthew, made the beautiful shelf that hangs in the baby's room, and I have collected a variety of illustrations and pieces with woodland animal themes to decorate it! I also included some of my own framed watercolor illustrations... two of which are posted below. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReV1lpcEtolV-zK0LzMeuvgRrScTPDdvDTen-ib892maz9bYljoSyLm3kXVHke8JWklAjiYUcGQlO6V6OhaeCHJ3rggNtU_slxn10Y5F1ucIsdchPHCyIaCEAKJ6S7TR6pLlfZd8omEy6/s1600/squirrel+ill+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReV1lpcEtolV-zK0LzMeuvgRrScTPDdvDTen-ib892maz9bYljoSyLm3kXVHke8JWklAjiYUcGQlO6V6OhaeCHJ3rggNtU_slxn10Y5F1ucIsdchPHCyIaCEAKJ6S7TR6pLlfZd8omEy6/s320/squirrel+ill+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I just love the illustrations I found in an old book at an antique show in Northern Indiana. Some of the pages and the cover were missing, so I can't give credit to the illustrator (whose name seems to be lost with the cover), but if anyone recognizes the artist, please let me know!Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8958076227000289797.post-36143179414054113582010-10-06T22:45:00.000-05:002010-10-06T22:45:53.886-05:00Beginnings<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w8FyyLb_yIpX72le4325EfntqlssBxupoVnaEE61ubBBIXemd_4YHzVja-kgoqVe9ZeQANkdsdFrdfgrgLQM5XpTOaiGecrxaFIAYLsBeekKfA2iRxN7_iby-EyO2-8-Mhn71_6TxG5l/s1600/59346_1435365921893_1165290044_983378_4191263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w8FyyLb_yIpX72le4325EfntqlssBxupoVnaEE61ubBBIXemd_4YHzVja-kgoqVe9ZeQANkdsdFrdfgrgLQM5XpTOaiGecrxaFIAYLsBeekKfA2iRxN7_iby-EyO2-8-Mhn71_6TxG5l/s400/59346_1435365921893_1165290044_983378_4191263_n.jpg" width="300" /></a> This is a new era in my life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">After trying to thrive for five years as a freelance designer of landscapes/graphics and a campus minister's wife, I am finally ready to claim a new and thrilling identity. I am going to be a mommy in 7 weeks! I hope my new role will continue to reveal creativity, intelligence, trust, and the kind of love that I am loved with!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> So many new changes. I need a place to respond and show thankfulness to what life is going to give! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't wait to start sharing!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Sarah Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239863538963397816noreply@blogger.com1