Pining

Did we skip right from summer to winter? I miss warmer days.

I Got You, You Got Me

It would seem that we have a budding rock star in the family. Check out my 5 year old niece, Kaiomhe. Singing and playing her own composition. Awesome. I think my favorite part is the very extended ending, with a few extra strums thrown in for good measure. Now that's talent!

Monster Beetle Baby

Maybe it's a cop-out, but sometimes I love using large photos on a LO! It definitely makes a statement, and it can help keep embellishments simple.

Summertime Fun

Hence, the lack of blog posting. We are too busy trying to enjoy the nice weather amidst continuing to keep on top of our everyday existence.

Fun things about Otto right now (at 14 months):

>he can't just walk anywhere, he needs to run.
>he spends a lot of time in the front entryway, circling around his shoes, laying them in different positions in order to try to get them on his feet. then he gets out Mama's shoes and tries to get those on too.
>he still has a great love for books and will sit for great lengths of time flipping through books by himself, or being read to
>he started associating a picture of a lion in one of his books with growling. So now we ask him what a lion says and he does this cute little growl in his throat. Sometimes I hear him in the living room, growling away and I know that he's got that book out.
>when asked where his noes is, he exhales loudly out of his nose. pretty cute.
>will do the actions to "Rain is falling down" song we sing.... if you're lucky. Only a few people have actually witnessed this. Apparently he does not perform for an audience.
>loves to help Mama, especially if it is getting produce from the garden.
>absolutely LOVES the spray park. This kid has no fear going head-first into the biggest sprays. Won't stop for anything (I practically have to tie him down to stop for a snack/bottle!)

I hope you are all having a fun summer, even if it means that you are away from your computer for long bouts of time! Enjoy what is out there!

Foray into Digi

It's a long story. Here's the short of it: Andy bought me Photoshop Elements for Christmas (completely a surprise, but something I've been wanting for a long time). However, it was the newest version, which my Mac does not support. So we took that back and I searched online for the last version for Mac. PSE 6. Brand new, great. Tried to install it. Did not work. Looked online for help, finally called Adobe support. The guy I got was completely useless. They did not do phone support for older versions of PSE. So I went back online. Did everything to my computer that I was told to do in the support forums. Tried to install. Didn't work, didn't work, didn't work! I was so frustrated! Finally, a month or so later, I called support again and spoke to a nice gentleman who totally helped me out! Hallelujah. Now it is installed and I've already done two lessons of my Jessica Sprague class and two complete layouts! This is so much more user friendly than my dinosaur version of Photoshop CS!

I'm so excited for all the layouts and tweaking of photos to come!

Catch Up: Part 1: The Many Crafts

I've been missing from the blogging world for 2 months now! I don't know where the time went or what I've really been doing. Well, doing a lot of things but that isn't really an excuse. So here's a bit of catch up.

Crafts: many.


Sock Monsters
Originally the plan was to make a bunch and sell them at a Mom-to-Mom sale in Lethbridge. So I got busy making them on a scrapbook weekend at the church with the ladies. However, I ended up not making one sock monster to sell at the sale! Instead, every sock monster I made that weekend was promptly snatched up, and one in particular was an extra long (in actual length!) custom order for one of the ladies present. I even left the weekend with an order for one not made yet! So, really a success all around. It turns out that the sale in Lethbridge fell through for us, so if anyone is interested, the two small ones on the end are available now!

Scrapbooking
This is actually the only layout I've done in the past three months, but it's a favorite already. I saved several shots I had of Otto sleeping in his first 3 months and compiled them on one layout.

Silversmithing
Andy and I took a silversmithing course and I came out of the weekend with these two pendants. I actually made one other pendant, but it didn't exactly turn out the way I invisioned, and I'm still a bit embarrassed by it. (It's sitting upside down on my dresser so I won't have to look at it, but it is there anyway to remind me that I actually need to finish it.) Anyway, the course was really fun. Andy made me a ring with a stone setting and he began to make a copper LEGO man replica. I told him he needed to make something for himself in this class, and his mind immediately turned to LEGO. Anyway, it all turned out awesome.

Stitching
I'd had fabric yo-yo's in the back of my mind for forever! Then one night, I just decided that they would look cool on a necklace. I'd seen similar looking neck pieces in different places online, but made out of different materials. So, I got out my cool green fabrics and whipped this up. I plan on making a multi-colored one as a bright summer piece. It really dresses up a plain old T-Shirt, and often people think it's actually attached to the shirt. This way, I can wear it with any shirt!

Happy Easter

It's been a busy weekend! But I think we've all had a happy Easter.

It all started on Friday with the Easter Egg Hunt! Martha did such a great job organizing it all- thanks Martha! There were so many kids there, and I even got to see some of my old Kids Are Special kids! It was a special kick to see the twins who always saved me seats for snack and games. So cute!

We were invited to camp out with some friends on their land Friday night, but we're [read: I'm] not that adventurous when it's still so cold out, so we just went to hang out until late. Otto had a great time, all bundled up in his weird blue ruffled Russian snowsuit. Andy and Paul took turns rocking him to sleep in his car seat.

Saturday we listened to 4 hours of conference while going around the house getting things done, preparing food for Sunday, and playing with Otto. Andy always sets it up so we can hear it all throughout the house; it's awesome. I find that when I'm busy doing things (in the kitchen, folding laundry, etc) I listen a whole lot better than when I'm just sitting there. Andy went to the church for 2 more hours in the evening.

Sunday we listened to 4 more hours of conference, then had my Uncle Tim and Gramma over for Easter dinner.

Monday I drove Tim to the airport and did a few errands in the city only to rush back to get Easter supper ready again, this time for my parents and sister. (We had so many leftovers from last night!)

1 Easter egg hunt, 10 hours of conference, and 2 Easter dinners= fun, but tiring weekend!

p.s. See if you can spot the awesome piece of jewelry I made! I'll post a better picture soon.

Getting my art on

Early last year and the end of 2008 I took two Art Journaling classes online here from Dina Wakley (on my sidebar). I didn't get very far at the time. I was hindered by a number of things. First, I am a perfectionist and I was very intimidated by the talent of my teacher (though she was lovely and kind and very accomodating). The way she would just put a dab of paint on the page with such abandon, I admired that and wished I could do the same. I was also extremely intimidated by the whole journaling thing: what could I possibly have to say, my life was so boring! Then, I was pregnant, and I got busy getting ready for baby. Lastly, I was in too much pain (the good ol' kidneys) to sit for too long at a time. All okay excuses. So thoughts of art journaling sat on a shelf in my brain, percolating, until my friend Birdie re-inspired me by giving me a wonderful hand-bound (by her) art book for my birthday.

I think having a child has calmed some of my perfectionist tendancies (out of necessity) and some recent events have allowed my pen to creatively blossom in so many ways I never expected. I have really enjoyed this creative process and haven't cared so much about what the end result would be. (Dina was always telling us that - that you couldn't think too much ahead all the time - just be in the moment and put something on paper!) So I put something on paper.

So thanks Birdie, thanks Dina, and thanks to some others who shall remain nameless. And finally, thanks Otto, for being such a source of complete joy in my life!

Hidden Gem

I've been going through all my childhood memorabilia and I happened upon this little gem. My uncle, Tim Lilburn, is an award winning poet both provincially and nationally. I found this poem he wrote for me back in 1987:
Kitchener, June 17, 1987
Dear Kaly,

My neice asks for a poem
so I will praise her corn-coloured,
goat-eye yellow hair, her eyes'
hot June blue and the beginning-
of-the-world bright
of her face, as I speak
highly of stones, pumpkins and horses'
musical pasture turns
for she is beloved and glad to me
as mornings
and the towering sky
and wheat
and prairie's forever,
her rising bread joy
great to me;
speaks of her intelligence
as poets do of roses
opening,
happily if she will
accept these mutterings
from an eccentric uncle
as downpayment for verse she will,
quick as a whisper,
send to me.
Love, Uncle Tim


Now, how warm and lovely is that to come upon?

And he's Off!

I thought it would never happen. So many months of trying and crying and rocking and ... well, more crying. But he's finally done it, and now he just can't be stopped! I can't believe how fast it happened! Last week, he began taking a few crawling "steps", and by the end of the week, not only was he crawling like a pro, but he was also going from laying to sitting like nothin' and more often these days, we go to get him after a nap (or when he wakes up early in the morning) and he's standing up in his crib, just waiting for us, with a beaming smile and many happy sounds.

It's incredible how much they change in the first year. And from here, there's only more to go! Wait til he starts walking (and he wants to so bad), then I'll be chasing after him even more! So much fun!

I caught this adorable little smile when we went to visit Great-Grandma by sled. He didn't quite know what to make of it all, but by the end, he was making his happy little noises and having a grand ol' time.

Current Virtues

Before Christmas, I purchased a set of virtue cards from here. I have browsed through them (there are 100) from time to time, getting to know them a bit. Several weeks ago, I chose three to focus on right now. I keep them out to refresh my mind and motivate me to remember what my goals are. These are the current ones:

NOBILITY: Nobility is keeping faith with our true value as spiritual beings. It is living up to the virtues, the Divine trust within us. We treat ourselves and others with dignity and respect. We speak and act graciously. We choose the moral high road regardless of the cost. If others try to bring us down, we remain steadfast, remembering our true worth. Our sense of decency is our touchstone. The world's temptations cannot divert us from our purpose. We don't follow the path of least resistance. We lead principled lives. We live the good life.
I know that I am a child of God, and thus, am heir to His kingdom. I know I won't make it back to Him unless I follow His example and plan. Therefore, I must become more like Him, that I may draw nearer to Him.

PRAYERFULNESS: Prayerfulness is a relationship with a power greater than ourselves. One that loves us and knows us intimately. We live in the presence of our Creator, mindful that every act, decision and thought is meaningful. Prayer is quiet reflection that cleanses the mirror of the soul. It is a sacred conversation that opens us to forgiveness, hope and renewed intentions. We listen and receive spiritual guidance. We ask for help, heighten our awareness and watch for it to come. Praying our gratitude keeps us in the flow of Grace.
To me, prayerfulness goes hand in hand with nobility. I need to keep the lines of communication open that I may draw nearer to my God. I know I cannot do all things on my own and need the direction only my Heavenly Father can give.

ORDERLINESS: Orderliness is living in a way that creates harmony around us and within us. We have a place for the things we use, and keep them where they belong. Order and beauty in our homes and work spaces brings a sense of peace and freedom. Our thoughts and ideas flow more freely. We do not hold onto clutter. We clear the way for genuine abundance. Orderliness is being focused and purposeful, planning taks step by step instead of going in circles. As we trust Divine order unfolding in our lives, we find a still point of order in our souls.
I love this one because it is so tangible. Most of you know that I am an organized person to begin with. However, I seem to always have "organized clutter" all around my house. I think because I have so many interests and hobbies, things just pile up. Scrapbooking, sewing, art, cooking/baking, reading, food storage. There are some things I can't control, like food storage, which we must have. But I am currently trying to organize my scrapbook clutter. And it all begins with a new vision. I regularly visit scrapbook blogs and some of them have giveaways weekly. I leave a comment among the other thousands, never dreaming that I would be one of the chosen. Well, a few weeks ago, I actually won! Stacy Julian is a very inspiring woman, and I won a seat in her online class, Library of Memories, and her book, Photo Freedom. I got her book in the mail yesterday and read it cover to cover. Her process is revolutionary and so freeing. The way she organizes, then scrapbooks her photos is so liberating! I am excited to begin the process and allow the orderliness to inspire me. If you are a scrapbooker and you are constantly overwhelmed with being "caught up", check out the links above. I gaurantee your outlook will change for the better!

So, my goals for now are:
1. To be a better person, more like my Savior and Heavenly Father.
2. To pray more meaningfully. To thank more often, and to seek guidance and direction.
3. To have order in my life that I may have a sense of peace and freedom in my life and in my mind.

What are your current goals?

Not a Funny Girl.

I admire my friends Becky and Erin for just putting it all out there, so here I go.

I am not the funny girl. You won't find me the center of attention at a party. I am not rude or overly sarcastic. I am not clever or witty, though I wish I was and admire it in others. My tongue just doesn't work that fast. My brother-in-law is the champion of witty remarks. I don't know how he thinks them up so fast. He's also extremely sarcastic, so maybe that has something to do with it.

I am quiet. I enjoy meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the personal humanity of those involved. I care deeply for my friends and family. I care about others and hope I am empathetic towards all. I am genuine and sincere. I am loving and hope that I am kind always. I am musical, creative, and spiritual. I am loyal and consistent. I am strong. These values rule my life and I ever aspire to be better at them than I currently am. I know I shouldn't care about what others think of me; I should just live my life how I know I should. I don't need anyone's negative interference to sway my beliefs, goals, or nature of who I am. I know I must plow forward, doing those things I know will bring myself and those closest to me happiness.

Erin said exactly what I've been feeling lately, and I just don't feel that I can make a better spin on it, so I will end with her words:

"I remembered once again that God's perspective is the only one that matters. It really doesn't matter if anyone notices me, if anyone thinks I'm valuable or important, or reads my blog. ;) It doesn't matter if people take me for granted, are rude to me or ignore me. My legacy has to be one that mirrors the one whom I am living for. If I'm living for myself then I will chase that ego trip. But if I'm living for Jesus then His example has to be my lead. Jesus didn't seek attention, or significance. He came with a mission to save us from ourselves and He lived His 30 years on earth to that means. No ego trips just truth and hard hitting messages. Time to let go of ourselves and the desire to have amazing biographies written about us when we die. Time to deny ourselves and walk with Christ, as challenging as that path can be." {Thanks Erin.}

Happy and Holidays

{Otto, so happy on Christmas Eve}
While I love the holidays and everything that goes along with that - the family, the food, the games - I am somewhat glad it is all over and we are all getting back to normal.

That said, we had a really great holiday. Games were played, Wii was experienced, food was eaten{oh yes it was}, Otto was loved by all, and we saw everyone in the family but Niki's family, whom we all missed terribly, especially since she had her baby girl on December 10th. We can't wait to see her in February! Welcome, welcome, little Cedar Rose!


{Otto and cousin Paisley hangin' out all cute-like on Christmas morning}













{Otto saw his first Santa Claus Parade. He was mesmerized with the lights and sounds. As you can see here, he was still trying to look out into the street.}



















{Otto, so happy in his new Christmas hat - thanks Metcalfe family!}