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!}

Productive Sock Saturday

This past weekend I was in Rosemary for a craft weekend and I'm happy to say it was productive! I started out making these sock monsters as gifts, but when I ended up having to hand-stitch the green one and it kept looking more and more adorable, I decided that I must keep him! We've named him Desmond. He'll be one of Otto's Christmas presents.











I love how ridiculously small the wings are on the huge yellow one.


















I'm thinking of making more to sell at a show in Lethbridge, where my sister-in-law will be selling tag quilts.

And another!

I'm on a roll! I'm so excited to be scrapbooking again!

This one is not really my usual style - it's a bit busy. The journalling reads:
"You don't cry like most babies do, Otto. Nope. Whenever you fuss you make these cute little squawks which sound like a baby pterodactyl."

Back in the Swing of things

After being sick for so so so long (I thought I would never be better, and indeed, I'm still hacking up my lungs every few minutes or so, but I'm hoping that will end soon too) I was excited to get scrapbooking again.

Otto had so many different expressions, as babies do, but this "o" one was one of my favorites, and I just had to scrapbook it.

I wanted to share this one too - I did it just before I got sick. The journaling is about how great Grandpa Lilburn is and how Otto and he will be great friends.

Two Minis

I recently made two mini albums. The first is Otto's Birth Day album, the second is the Thank you album I made for the midwives. This album is bound, with pockets and a personal note of thanks to each midwife. Each pocket has an insert which the midwives can keep for their own. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Starting Early

I think Andy is trying to get Otto started early in enjoying the great discoveries and workings of cars and machines. Andy drove Paul's Monster Beetle home for lunch and we took a few pictures of Otto with it.