Camilla

I will begin with you, Camilla, because I most certainly have the most amounts of things to say to you.
Well first off I was reading your blog and marveling at your amazing talents, once again, trying to contain all of my awe into simple comments on your photos. Then I read Aida's blog, specifically her post about you, and realized that I most definitely cannot do that. So call me copycat, but I decided to make one for myself.
Let me just say first of all that unequivocally, hands down, you are the single person on the planet who has made me feel truly and honestly better about myself, my life, my hobbies and my goals than any other person.
I'll start with that part of it, even if it's only a fraction, because it really has meant the world to me. You somehow have a way, with your offhand compliments and also your long discussion forms of compliments, of making me believe that you mean what you say. There are only so many, "Cute hair. Cute earrings. Cute belts," that you can take before it starts to sound like a broken, albeit very kind, record.
You, on the other hand, know me so well, and not just me, but everyone you know, that you can take the things they struggle with and you make them sound inconsequential. Then you find my strengths (and when I say my, I'm still referring to everyone around you as well) and you force me to acknowledge them. Ever since, oh I dunno, seventh grade or so, my strengths, without people like you, would not exist to my own mind. My self worth, and self respect has risen because of you in leaps and bounds.
I cannot even express how much it has meant to me to be able to share my successes with you and have you return with such extreme excitement, whether because I did well on my math test, I got a job, or a boy likes me. With seven siblings, all who amaze me with their various talents and extraordinary contributions/abilities/attractive characteristics, you have made me feel like I could actually stand out.
Not only have you given so much emotionally, but when I think the word generosity, you are the epitome of it. From a holagraphic Charizard to a KINDLE!!, and from taking time to make an incredible assortment of flyers, to taking the time to give all of yourself for the good of someone else, I have never seen someone give more. Your gifts, of time, money, patience, emotional support, love, talent and all of the other things are always personal and always exactly what whoever it is wants or needs. I remember a talk one time where someone said that true generosity isn't knowing someone needs help cleaning their house, so you make them a loaf of bread. But you not only know when people (metaphorically) need housecleaning before even they do, but you then come and clean the whole (once again, metaphorical) dang house for them AND make them a loaf of beautiful, talented, too-good-to-be-homemade bread.
Ironically enough, you are one of the people who has talent and beauty to levels that I can't even comprehend, yet you always underrate yourself. Thinking back on my childhood, I can give you a list of hobbies that you have showed interest in, perfected, then blessed EVERYONE ELSE with. Ever since I was tiny. So here is my assuredly incomplete list.
DOGS
I have so many dog figurines that you drew, as well as a wealth of information that I periodically use and reflect on about the magnificent specimen. You also picked a great one in Darwin, who I still am proud to call related to me when my friends ask who the adorable addition is.
BAKING
Speaks for itself. WOW!!
JEWELRY MAKING
90% of the items complimented still today are those you made for me :)
SEWING
Poptarts, owls, comforters, golden snitches - need I say more?
CROCHETING
Cutest scarf and most awesomly colorful afghan? Yes, I think so.
NAIL POLISHING
People asked for weeks who did my homecoming nails. Your ability with nail polish is ridiculous. I can't even paint one solid color without having to use nail polish remover on my whole hand afterwards :P
PHOTOGRAPHY
I don't think I ever liked a single picture of myself before you insisted on those photo shoots. I didn't think I ever would either, no joke. Thank you for all the time taken to make me feel comfortable in front of a lense :)
DECORATING
Wherever you live, it's freaking cute. Nothing makes me quite as excited to decorate my own house.
CLOTHES, ACCESSORIES, ETC. TASTE
My cutest clothes are hand-me-downs. From you.
WIT
I don't know how much of it I picked up, but there is seriously no one who can make me laugh like you do.
MOVIE QUOTES
"I want that...."
Ok, so I could keep going all day and night, and I never realized that summing up not only my gratitude for you, but my awe of the amazing skills you possess is a hugely daunting task that I don't think I really could ever truly sum up. So just thank you for being my sister. I could not have been blessed with a better one.