Daybook -- February 2, 2015

Outside my window...It is bucketing down with rain. Such a gloomy day. Post-Superbowl depression?

I am thinking...that I forgot to write our cottage sponsorship letter for January. Oops! Guess I should get that done ASAP! I have a reputation to uphold for staying on top of those.

I am thankful for...a good group of cottage girls. They make life cheerful and satisfying. I know it won't stay this way for long, but I'm enjoying it while we have it.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...Baby Z is changing every day. His language skills are growing exponentially. And his interactions with toys and people are great. He is so much more focused on exploring and analyzing "things" than his sister ever was. He will sit and play with a toy for a long time, enjoying what he can make with them and do. I love it.

From the kitchen...Came quite a lot of yummy food yesterday. We had chicken wings and french fries (sweet potato fries for those of us attempting more paleoesque eating....we won't mention the batch of GF brownies that I couldn't resist making) and cheese dip and chips and veggie trays. In addition to brownies and cookies and other yumminess. How to convert girls to the Superbowl? Feed them well.

I am wearing...Sweats and a shirt because in order to get some writing time in and some exercise time in, I have to do both first thing in the morning before my smallest are allowed out and about. Because once they're out, I'm done for!

I am creating...Valentine's day and birthday plans. A 2 year old party (just cake and presents this year) and of course V-day fun for all my kids.

I am going...tonight, to take one of the girls to her second ballet class at a proper studio. As a Christmas present from one of the groups, they kindly gave her a semester of ballet classes. While I'm grateful that she is getting this experience, the ballet snob in me is cringing a little bit because the studio itself, just from initial feel, is not one I would have chosen. Highly competition focused and not very professional feeling. Interestingly enough, I was talking to a friend the other day, and she said that someone else had just had that same vibe from that studio, so it made me feel a little less snobby and instead feel like I can chalk it up to sheer experience (ha ha).

In my mailbox today.. .should hopefully be some presents that I've ordered for the above mentioned events. More wooden train tracks for Baby Z's trains to run on. We are train obsessed currently. And I'm good with it.

I am reading.. .a series of books called The Blue Doors. This is actually a very old young adult series that I only ever read the first one of growing up, and I finally got my hands on all five of the books (quite short), and have been enjoying reading the rest of the series. The first book, The Swish of the Curtain (Pamela Brown being the, at the time, 14 year old author!) was one of my favorites, and I can't begin to count how many times I read it. It's a very theatrical series, and quite a good read....just like getting closure!

I am hoping...to stick well with this paleo eating thing for awhile as I really am enjoying how it is making me feel (minus a few exceptions like some chocolate and the occasional GF brownie). I'm finding my limits and learning how to best utilize them.

I am hearing...the sounds of the cottage girls getting ready for their day (giggles and vacuums and the occasional question coming my way). And wind howling around the side of the house. Really, it's best described as wuthering.

Around the house...I am officially unpacked and have most of our new decor from Thailand hung up/placed as desired. Happiness is pictures of elephants and floating markets.

One of my favorite things...watching my daughter interact with different groups of people. She has grown up around older kids her whole life, and I don't know if it's that or just her personality, but she has quite a level of maturity to her in her interactions with all kids (both her age and older). I'm curious to see how this works out in her life as she grows up.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
- ballet classes x3 (one cottage girl, one Blueberry, and I need to start back up with the campus girls)
- one birthday party to plan for and have
- Prayer session (we're doing a ten week class on campus)
- staff meeting
- weekend plans, TBD. Girls want to go shopping. I guess we'll see.

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

This hands-behind-the-back thing is very new and extremely cute.

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Daybook January 7, 2015

Outside my window...it is a cold and blustery day. No, really. It is. It's also very dark out there as it is only 6:30am. Why am I writing at 6:30am? Because I'm trying something new. I have laid out a blog schedule for every day (not for each blog that I have, just a rotation of them), and as I have to be up at 5:30am every week morning, I'm trying to write in the wee hours to stay up on my blogs and, more importantly, my writing. We'll see how it works out. I normally come out, get the elementary girls up (of which I only have two currently), and do my devotions as they run through their school-morning routine on auto-pilot (they leave so early in the morning, they eat breakfast at school, and they are well-trained in what they need to do in the morning to the point where even our Relief Houseparents comment that they just get through their mornings with minimal input--goal achieved!). Normally when I'm done devotioning, I start working on some of the paperwork etc I need to do. But I'm determined to use this time for writing instead. It keeps me center in the cottage so I'm there to keep an eye on things and help as needed, but still use my peaceful morning to the best of my abilities.

I am thinking...of my countdown to Thailand currently going on--five more days!!! Yes, I'm excited. Getting giddy in fact. But with lots to do in the meantime, which is good because it makes the time go fast.

I am thankful for...a job that allows me to be able to travel like this. Not all the time, of course, but I do love our schedule here.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...we've been focusing on (what else!) Thailand the last week. Teaching Blue how to say Saw-wat-di-ka and kop-kun-ka (Hello/Goodbye and thank you). Reading The Little blue Tuk Tuk, and some other books on Thailand we have. Prepping her for some probable poking and prodding as the inevitable of being a cute, blond, little girl over there.

From the kitchen...

I am wearing...nothing exciting. Just jeans and a shirt. Oh, and my lovely new treble clef earrings that were my Christmas present from my husband.

I am creating...my New Year's resolutions. I know, I know. New Year's is over now, but I have found that I like to spend the first month of the year contemplating how I want to tackle the rest of the year and then starting in on those plans in February. Otherwise, in the hustle and bustle of December, I never really feel like I get much contemplation time in regarding these things. What can I say? I'm a planner.

I am going...to hopefully get some new dishes for the cottage today. We're currently working with two very miss-matched sets that don't have enough of either set to form a full table (granted, we require lots of dishes for our meals, but still!). It'd be nice to just have one or even two sets that blend nicely.

In my mailbox today.. .I don't know! However, I do need to finish my Christmas thank you cards and get those sent out. And then perhaps someday I'll actually send out a Christmas New Years greeting of some sort. Sigh.

I am reading.. .Ann Voskamp's 1000 Gift. A book I've been wanting to read for awhile, and also a Christmas gift from my husband-dear.

I am hoping...to go back to a more paleo-esque diet when we return from Thailand. Tried it out in November/first part of December and actually really liked it (took me about a year to work up the courage to try it, lol!). Lost 5 pounds in 5 weeks with no effort, and had more energy. December was rough and I finally just gave up in disgust, knowing something had to give somewhere and doing the cooking that was necessary to make the paleo work was it. However, now that I have tried it and know what I'm looking at and what will need to be done to eat that way, I'm actually looking forward to making that a regular part of my life this next year (with exceptions along the way). We'll see how I feel after several months.

I am hearing...the heat blowing through the vents. The chatter of the twins as they get ready for the day. And the vague sound of someone's radio playing worship music. Good start to the morning.

Around the house...my Christmas decorations are almost entirely down. I started yesterday, planning on just putting a few things away. Well, I managed to get everything packed and ready to be stored. What is left is the outdoor lights (only one string this year), and the tree itself, and the boxes. All of which are lucky husband's job to do. I was originally thinking it would have to wait until we got back from Thailand, so yes, I'm patting myself on the back over this one!

One of my favorite things...watching my children play together. Blueberry is a great big sister, determined to teach Baby Z well, and Baby Z absolutely adores her and generally likes to follow her lead (although he is decidedly opinionated still on what he wants to do).

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• finish the last bits of packing (mostly ready to go, just the final things to toss in)
• go out to dinner with the cottage! We were blessed with a very kind donation to let us go out to dinner and a movie as a cottage. A rare treat in our lives. Haven't told the girls yet, but they will be super excited when we do.
• get thank you cards written and squared away
• get the cottage in shape to pass down to our relief's while we are gone
• get my house clean and tidy before we go so I can come back to peace and not chaos

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

I love this picture of my Blueberry. This was her first Christmas performance-type-thing she's ever done. I was worried she wasn't going to participate, but in the end she did and had a blast.

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Daybook September 23, 2014

Outside my window...fall has come. At least I'm hoping that's what this cooler weather and crispy feeling in the air means. I confess to loving fall. It's a season I didn't have much of growing up, but there's something about this time that I adore. The colors, the cooler air without the bitterness of winter, fall activities, boots! What's not to love?

I am thinking...about babies. No, no. This is not a surreptitious announcement of any sort. But just saw an amazing video on the development of a baby, and have one friend who has had her baby recently, and waiting for an aunt to have hers, and you know...babies. And how precious every life is.

I am thankful for...baby kisses and "Lub you" statements combined with strangling hugs

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...Baby Z is picking up new words every day.

From the kitchen...came chili today. I couldn't help myself. The fall spoke to me.

I am wearing...pajamas and fuzzy socks. Love fuzzy socks. Another plus for fall.

I am creating...preschool plans. This week we're reading Goodnight Moon. An oldie but still a fun one to read. We had a "bowl full of mush" this morning and Blueberry is now learning how to write M.

I am going...walking or running almost every morning. I hate running. But I needed to do something, and at least we have a convenient park across the street to go to. Maybe I'll grow to like it. But for now, it is what it is. 

In my mailbox today.. .was Blueberry's new pedipeds. Her feet suddenly grew a whole size, seemingly overnight. So we had to get some new shoes in a hurry. I'm normally extremely careful about shopping the sales for her shoes because I am picky about the quality, but with that comes a larger price tag. I did my best this time, but shopping in a hurry is never good. Cute shoes though :)

I am reading.. .Gilded by Christina Farley. One of the main things I immediately loved about this book was that it was obviously written by someone who has spent time as a TCK or at least an Expat and has worked or been a student in (worked as it turned out) an international school. She spoke my world. And that was happy.

I am hearing...violin music. There is a fabulous all-classical music station around here, and I keep it playing in the kids room at night as it seems to help them sleep. Everywhere else I've lived, the classical stations only played classical music for some of the time. This one, the only other programming I've heard on it is an Episcopalian church service on Sunday mornings that they play. Good speaker too.

Around the house...I'm pretty pleased with how I've managed to keep up with our personal house this shift (another four weeker). Sometimes things get so busy, keeping our personal apartment clean becomes impossible.Which I hate.

One of my favorite things...did I mention I love fall? Crunchy leaves. The smell of woodburning stoves. Hot chocolate.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
- decorate the cottage for fall
- take my babies for shots (ugh)
- go to some kind of Fall activity this weekend (apple picking; corn maze; fall festival--still deciding)
- Skype my parents before they die from lack of contact with their grandbabies 

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...





 

My newest hobby: learning to do my twin's hair well. Tired of not being able to help. This was my first attempt. Have conquered the cornrow. Well, started on it, any ways. Been fun if challenging. It just takes soooooo long.

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Daybook 07.15.14 - Tuesday

Outside my window...the sunshine is shining beautifully without being to miserably hot. Just the we like it best.....Since I wrote the above, we clouded over, the heavens opened up, and now it's bucketing down with rain. But I see sunshine in the horizon, so we should be dry soon.

I am thinking...about how quickly this summer is going. We still have a month before school starts, but realistically, time is slipping away quickly and it's going to be over before we now it!

I am thankful for...moments of down time...sweet, blissful silence during the day.


From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...Baby Z is exploding his language. In the past week, he has begun to copy all sorts of things that he hears. "Ba-Be" is a current favorite phrase (baby), but he really has taken off. So much fun to see.

From the kitchen...Roast chicken satay. I've discovered that cooking a roast chicken with satay sauce is delicious; and makes all my children very happy.

I am wearing...sandals, a skirt, a nursing top.


I am going...to have the girls pick out new backpacks soon--Baby Z and Blueberry included. A generous couple who is a sponsor for our cottage just sent us instructions regarding ordering beautiful new bags for all the girls for school. They're all excited.

In my mailbox today.. .a letter for Blueberry from her Nana and Papa. Always full of interesting objects.

I am reading.. .Kes, by Robin McKinley. I've been not reading blogs lately, but I had to catch up on her weekly serial on her blog. So good!!


I am hearing...a very kind teenager weed-whacking around our house. Blessings on groups who come and help out at the home. Such small acts add up into freedom for us to focus on the key portion of our job--the children--rather than the house maintenance that can take up so much time.

Around the house...change has come again. We came back on duty last week. One child we thought was returning did not. And so we were down to six. And then we added another child yesterday, bringing us back up to seven. The crew we have right now is fantastic and has been so much fun the last few weeks.

One of my favorite things...Cow Appreciation Day at Chic-fil-A. So much fun! And as it fell on 7/11 this year, we all went and got icees from the nearby 7/11. Free food day. What's there to not love?

A few plans for the rest of the week: 

• going to the Lake
• going to a park with splash park and mini golf and animals and hunting for gems
• board games 
• movies
• laughter
• pizza

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

Ballerina Blueberry

Cow Appreciation Day

How to Feed a Family of Ten for Free--Dress them like cows!

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Daybook - July 9, 2014

Outside my window...the sun is glaring down and the humidity is rising. Looks like we're due for our weekly cooldown storm--or at least it seems to go this way--build up of heat and then a storm to cool it down nicely for a day or two. I hope this pattern continues.

I am thinking...about what to do with my wedding dress which is currently residing in a box under my bed. I'm about 90% determined to donate it to Angel Gowns. I feel like it gives my dress some purpose and also honors my own angel. Now just to decide when.

I am thankful for...my life as it is. My crazy, busy, challenging, silly, purpose-filled life.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...

• Baby Z has distinctly mastered the word, definition, and all nuances thereof: "No!"  Also, a very clear statement of "All done."

• Blueberry is taking her first non-Mommy taught ballet class this week. I will admit. I teared up a little.

From the kitchen...I just tried a new chicken recipe (thanks mom-in-law!): Sweet Garlic Chicken. Very tasty. Olive oil, garlic, and brown sugar over baked chicken. Yum. Thumbs up from the girls.

I am wearing...a green skirt, tan shirt, with my favorite airplane necklace--a gift from my wanderlusting baby sis.

I am creating...cow costumes. Because it's that special time of year--get a free meal from Chic-fil-a if you dress like a cow. Love it! Nothing like forcing tweens out of their comfort zones by the lure of free food. And I don't have to cook. Even better.

I am going...back and forth a lot lately. The studio is about 10 minutes drive from our house, and as we're working this week, Blueberry doing a class every morning has required some finagling. But it is well worth it.

In my mailbox today.. .a paperbackswap book. Love that program. According to their records I've saved over $211 in books over the last few years. And I'll believe it. I've compared prices with trading books in book stores, but generally this is a better deal.

I am reading.. . all my blogs I enjoy. I've been behind for awhile--slowly catching up again. Found this link via Simple Mom. Fascinating insight into travel; a perspective I've never really ever considered before.



I am hoping...to buy plane tickets soon. Important plane tickets. Plane tickets that allow me to go home for the first time in depressingly too long. Just looking for the right price! Thailand--here we come!

I am hearing...Doctor Who playing. Turning our girls into nerds, one step a time, lol.


One of my favorite things...my new kindle! My old one was beginning to give me fits, so my Christmas present has come early this year (along with a substantial amount of my allowance the next few months lol). The updates they've done are substantial compared to the original kindle I have. Loving my  new toy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: 

• roller skating
• free summer movie
• farmer's market on Saturday
• Dress like a cow day at Chic-fil-A
• church
• possible library trip this week--we'll see how the books are coming
• and the usual playing in sprinklers, video games, art projects, reading, writing, teasing, laughing, cooking, board games, devotions, and living

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

 What happens when daddy goes shopping with the kidlets.

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Daybook - March 29, 2014

Outside my window...rain just started bucketing down. It's been raining off and on all day, but this still took me a little bit by surprise. I've found rain tends to be very fierce around here at times.

I am thinking...all my girls (and my one little boy) tucked in their beds and saying a prayer for each of them tonight.

I am thankful for...a compliment we received a few days ago from a mom of one of our cottage girls. She was commenting about how much she wants her daughter to be here because of the marked changes she has seen in her in just two months. That was encouragement I needed after a rough few weeks.

I am also thankful for how generously my children are included in all the activities of this campus. That is not always the case at children's homes, and the staff children sometimes get ignored and left out. Not here--not by a long shot. I cannot begin to express how much that means to me.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...for Blueberry, she just continues to constantly grow in her vocabulary and understanding of things. We had to get on to some of the older girls the other day for talking in front of her about her like she wouldn't understand!

For Baby Q, he's added please to his repertoire of sign language and the work "ook" (look) is his favorite one to use...all day long. "Ook" at the tree. "Ook" at the birds. "Ook" at my big sister. "Ook at the rice you're cooking and not yet feeding me (followed by a tantrum to get some rice.).

From the kitchen...came a blessedly easy day for me. Cereal for breakfast. Lunch provided by a group who came to tour and hang out with the kids. Dinner for most of the girls provided by one of their mom's. Whenever they come to visit, they tend to bring huge dishes of African food that we freeze and eat up slowly (well, the girls who like it eat it up). Which simplifies cooking for me as that's about half the cottage taken care of for at least one or two meals when we do those!

I am wearing...pajamas--because it's that time of night folks.

I am creating...plans on sleeping some day for a whole six or seven hours in a row. Perhaps just wishful thinking. We were doing good until Baby Q got sick and then he decided to add to his already copious amounts of teeth for a 13 month old (seriously, the kid has 10 or 11 teeth already and he's working on another 3 or 4--he's only 13 months old. What possessed him to think he needs that many teeth!!!?).

I am going...to church tomorrow. At least I hope I am (praying against any sickness falling on anyone else despite some warning signs--see my "I am hearing" post).

In my mailbox today.. .nothing I'm assuming, as the mailman doesn't deliver to us on Saturdays. However, I did receive a much wanted package the other day full of leggings for Blueberry to put under her skirts and dresses. Very happy with these. Not the long leggings that will make her hot in the summer, but not the short skimpy shorts either. These come just above her knees and will make this whole learning-to-tumble-playing-outside-with-boys business a lot better.

I am reading.. .Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card. Book three in the Bean saga which follows Ender's Game. Such good writing.

I am hearing...coughing from various people including me. Praying it doesn't worsen for anyone else. Blueberry had a fever last weekend (and severe cough) followed by Baby Q followed by me. Not fun.

Around the house...I've done pretty well with keeping up with our personal apartment these last few weeks, but it's definitely needing a good clean/tidy. And I have to get the bills and TAXES done. Yuck. Things to look forward to on my week off--not.

One of my favorite things...watching my daughter blossom socially. Today she made friends with a five year old and I had to laugh as they carefully sat and painted each other's nails. Too cute for words.

A few plans for the rest of the week: survive. We are heading into our last week of a four week shift. I'm tired. Lots of events have happened. Lots of people taking trips. Lots of changes. And the state inspector is coming week after next so we're all double checking that we have everything in order for that--which of course is a lot of extra work.

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

Squirrel whom we discovered eating a nut while sitting directly outside the kitchen window. Completely ignoring the fact that 11 people were all fascinatedly staring at him eat his dinner. Baby Q was mesmerized. Such cute!

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Daybook February 12, 2014

Outside my window...is a blanket of snow. As this is our first real snow-fall of the season, it's lovely to see. But I really don't mind that we haven't suffered through the snow the rest of the country has dealt with this winter.

I am thinking...of loss. Friends of our have lost a mentor and a friend. It's hard to not be able to help in times like these, other than the prayers that can hopefully be felt, if not be tangibly held.

I am thankful for...being off work this week. North Carolina is way worse than Springfield in regards to handling weather. Two weeks ago we had our first "snow." And by "snow," I refer to a vague dusting that was melted the next day. However, it cost us an early release from school on the Tuesday, two missed days, and then a late start on the Friday, it made for a very long week. As we're repeating that pattern this week (at least it seems to be a little more legitimate though!), I'm glad to be off.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...Baby Q is walking with greater confidence. Which is a little frightening as he's also climbing. Which means he's climbing and walking and getting into everything. Blueberry, on the other hand, is taking on the world of imagination with a vengeance. She's very good at luring other kids into her play worlds as well, which is fun.

I am wearing...pajamas. Because it's my pajama day while off.

I am creating...plans for exploring Charlotte and surrounding areas. Also, need to find some easy hiking for my dad when he visits. Not that he needs easy hiking, but it would be nice to go together.

I am going...nowhere. Unless it's to go back out and play in the snow tomorrow.

In my mailbox today.. .nothing because I didn't check it! However, we have received several birthday cards and gifts for Baby Q lately. Always exciting.

I am reading.. .My mother-in-law's book series: The Alliance, and enjoying it greatly. Buy it. It's worth it.

I am hoping...to pay another good chunk against Chris' student loan this month. We'll find out tomorrow.

I am hearing...the distant echo of the TV next door. Other than that, some blissful silence. I was enjoy the other-worldly peace of the snow falling earlier.

Around the house...things are looking up. They were rather messy the last few days; progress (and therefore tidiness) has returned.

One of my favorite things...roses from my husband. An early Valentine's day gift, so we could enjoy them all week.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• do the budget
• go shopping for Valentine's day for the children
• relax
• Scrapbook
• make a few phone calls
• Skype my parents (ahem)
• read to and play with my children
• hang with my hubby
• eat Thai food
• get physicals for the kids

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

My children: apparently anti-snow. Must take after their Papa.


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Daybook January 22, 2014

Outside my window...has been the usual variety of weather. 65 on Monday, and much colder yesterday and today. It's hard to know how to dress around here; you just never know what you're going to be dealing with.

I am thinking...that it is time to buy a new rice cooker. My old one is leaving one gross, soggy wet patch of half-cooked rice every time I use it. However, as we've had the same rice cooker for 12 years of marriage, I think we got our money's worth out of it!

I am thankful for...lessons in properly managing all my Liberian girls' hair. We have had a lovely lady volunteer to come help with all their hair and teach me some much needed information about proper hair management for African hair. I've gained bits and pieces the last few years, but I feel like I've had a full heavy-duty crash-course that is great. And hearing my words about healthy hair come out of her mouth....love it!

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...It's official. Baby Q's first non-Mama-Dada related word....is Thai: Jat Ai! (peek a boo!). Complete with actions.

From the kitchen...came Rogan Josh made with the leftover lamb roast I made the other day. Yum. Yum. And more yum. And super easy.



I am wearing...the usual nursing top and jeans with my uber comfy black boots. Have I mentioned my boots? I saved up money for several months and bought myself two pairs of boots this winter. Not cheap, but incredibly comfortable. You'd be amazed at how difficult it is to find really comfortable, well-padded, cute boots. I don't tend to go through shoes very quickly (i.e. I wear them until they're dead...very dead...and then sometimes past the point of deadness because I just hate to go shoe shopping), so I knew this would be a good investment for my money. Haven't regretted it a bit. One or other of those pairs of boots have been my constant companions this winter.

I am creating...lots of scrapbook pages. Yay! Will start posting one of these days.

In my mailbox today.. .came two boxes. One contains Baby Q's birthday presents (only three more weeks and my baby turns 1) and the other was a beautiful quilt, hand-made for Blueberry by her great-grandmother. Lovely.

I am reading.. .Jane of Lantern Hill. I've been on a Montgomery kick again, and enjoying some happy stories.

I am hoping...for something I'm not going to get. A shift without new kids to settle in. So far we've gained one new this shift, and we're only on day three! And supposedly having more changes yet to come. Sigh. I guess that's the tricky part of opening up a new cottage--it takes awhile to settle in not just physically but also with people.

I am hearing...blissful silence as the girls are all at church with Chris, and I stayed behind to put a very cranky Baby Q to bed. He's quit taking naps--gone cold turkey--driving me crazy!

One of my favorite things...the never-ending imagination of my Blueberry.

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Outside my window...a storm is raging. The last day of school has ended with a thunder-roll. Chris called me while I was waiting for him to get home with all the girls and told me to pack up as he was picking me and Blue and Baby Q up as we had to go to the storm shelter. Of course we sat there for 30 minutes and nothing happened, but hey, at least we were safe. Now I'm back home again and outside the rain is pouring, the thunder is rolling, and the lightning is crashing down and making several of my rather storm-phobic charges jump.

I am thinking...of some work issues. Some people need prayer. We've got changes occurring again as one of the sets of house parents have resigned and new people are going into that cottage. Lots of chaos for kids.

I am thankful for...a productive few days. As of tonight, we're into summer season. Which is a lot of fun around here, as it provides a lot of bonding time with the girls, but it's also a lot of extra work as they're here all the time. I feel like we learned a lot last summer of how to make it simultaneously fun but not so much work that we're collapsing by the end of the day; now to see if that's true or not as this summer plays out.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...from Baby Q--rolling over, giggles (not lots of them but becoming distinctive), and lots of babbling. "A-goo" is one of our favorites. From Blueberry, I can't keep up. Her language progression is fabulous. She's constantly taking on new challenges and wanting to try to new things. Her understanding of concepts is almost disturbing sometimes, and I'm catching myself wanting to talk less about work issues in front of her because I honestly don't know what all she'll understand any more!

From the kitchen...comes banana muffins. Which of course had 5 minutes more to cook when we had to leave for the storm. So I turned the oven off and prayed that just leaving them in there would not (a) burn them or (b) dry them out. But if I pulled them out, they were going to be ruined, so I went with my second option. I just ate one; not bad. A little darker than I normally let them get, but still tasty. Its the world's moistest banana muffin recipe any ways, so that helps a lot. I've also taken to replacing one of the bananas called for in the recipe with about 1/3 cup of peanut butter. Yum and extra protein!

A few days ago one of the girls was picking blackberries that grow around our cottage. She asked if she could make juice, and we finally comprised on blackberry popsicles. Turned out really good. We had enough mix left to make a second batch and then I poured the leftovers into some oatmeal this morning for our Junior Higher who was done with school as of this morning instead of having to go today like the rest of our girls. She said it was really good. Blueberry tried some and was a little iffy about it.

I am wearing...jeans and a purple-ish nursing shirt. Comfy and stylish. How lovely.

I am creating...lots of new scrapbook pages! So happy to be doing this again. Will start posting soon.

I am going...to see my lovely baby sister this weekend and, hopefully, her husband. Not for very long; more like a 24 hour drive by. But hey, I'll take her every minute I can get her.

In my mailbox today.. .was several packages from amazon including some new pack'n'play sheets. Yay! I'm very disappointed in my son. Here I got this fantastic hammock for him. And he refuses to sleep on his back. He will sleep like an angel on stomach; flip him to his back, and he's awake in 10 minutes. Problem--I can't put him in the hammock on his stomach. So I've wound up pulling out our pack'n'play and he's sleeping in the infant part of that. Needed more sheets though. The pack'n'play itself is pink and black (it was cheap when I bought it and we were having a girl--poor boy has to suffer now). I draw the line at the pink sheets though, so I ordered some new pairs!

I am reading.. . a variety of books including several books on minimalistic living/wardrobes, etc. Slowly getting rid of more and more stuff. I've decided I'm tired of stuff, and I want to downsize a lot. It'll be a slow process, but I'm okay with that. As long as I'm doing it.

Also been reading a lot of essays lately. I've had an onslaught of graduate students asking me to edit the last few weeks. Making a pretty chunk of change if eating up every spare moment I have. However, as I should make enough to cover the cost of my gorgeous new laptop that I'm typing on, without having to dip into anything else, I'm okay with it.

I am hoping...to successfully and fully wean myself back off dairy again. I've been having quite a bit lately, and while it doesn't make me feel as sick as gluten does, I can definitely tell when I've been consuming dairy and when I haven't. So my plan for the summer is to go completely DF again and then slowly allow myself the occasional bit here and there in the future but not to go back on it fully again.

I am hearing...some blissful silence (silence being a relative term here, meant to indicate that other than the soft tinkling of the water in the fish tank and the rumble of thunder and the blowing of the air conditioning--no other noises exist. Until my weather alert just went off on my cell phone. Obnoxious! Any ways, due to the sudden weather emergency, Baby Q missed his nap and was tired and cranky, so my ever wonderful husband took the girls to dinner while I put Baby Q down for a nap, and I get a few moments of blissful peace and quiet.

Around the house...I feel like I've accomplished a lot this past shift. Lots of summer prep things--including a list of "I'm bored" items for the girls to do when we're not out doing something specific (we try to hit a happy medium of planned activities and outings and free time; hard to manage sometimes, but we do our best).

One of my favorite things...is the look of sheer delight that comes across my son's face when he sees me after a nap or first thing in the morning. Nothing more gratifying than that!

A few plans for the rest of the week: we're having a school-end celebration tonight complete with awards like "most adventurous room" and "most dedicated memorizer". Combine with marshmallows to make s'mores, and we're good to go. Friday not a lot planned as we go off duty that night. Only for two days, which is tough because this is the second 7 day shift after only 2 days off that I'll have had in the last few weeks. Just makes for a tiring time. Next week, however, should be rather easy as of our five "cottage" girls, two will be at youth camp, one is going to a journalism/science camp at school, one is doing a basketball camp for half the day, and so we'll really only have one at home during the day all week! Of course she's one of our most challenging children, but hey, I'll take a small break when I can get it!

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

Baby Q's favorite pose currently: hands stuffed in the mouth!

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Saturday, May 7, 2013

Outside my window...is glorious sunshine. All over town yellow, pink, purple, and red flowers are blooming. Trees in seemingly every shade of green are gracing the sides of the road, distracting one from the purpose of driving! Its beautiful spring!

I am thinking...about how much I want to go disc golfing now--even though I know I'm going to be awful because its been so long since I played. We went out exploring yesterday, and discovered a new park area that has a fun tree house, assorted trails, a rock climbing rock, and a fabulous disc golf course that will push both my walking and my throwing skills to the limit! Very excited.

I am thankful for...friendship. Due to the nature of our job, I find myself often feeling like I live in a very small bubble. Being able to call on friends far away as well as developing new friendships here is life saving sometimes.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...Baby Q has discovered his hands and is finding that he can move things (like Daddy's thumb) into his mouth with his own hands. Little Miss Blueberry just continues to grow in words and ideas and play at a rapid and sometimes overwhelming pace. A few days ago it was a big discussion about going to Little Rock--or as she was calling it, Big Rock. Every rock along the way was "Look! It's big rock!" Full sentences, complete with subjects and verbs and the occasional preposition are flowing out of her mouth. And, oh my, there is much to discuss and share and talk about. All day long. From the minute she gets up until the minute she goes to bed. 

From the kitchen...comes GF chocolate chip cookies--which I haven't made in FOREVER. So tasty.

I am wearing...a brown skirt and a green, short-sleeve nursing top.

I am creating...castles in the air. We did some number crunching a few days ago, calculating our debt and how quickly we're getting it all paid off. We're on track to get the next part paid in full by August and after that we're getting down to the end (relatively speaking). Very exciting. I cannot wait to owe no penny to no man or company or government.

I am going...to go try out a cupcake place this afternoon that supposedly makes some gluten free cupcakes! Fingers crossed that (a) this rumor is true and (b) the cupcakes taste good. Not that I need gluten free cupcakes, but it would make me happy nonetheless.

In my mailbox recently.. .came several new nursing tops (I was getting desperate for some new ones). My favorite is this one:

 

I am reading.. .The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy again. Its been many years since I've read these books, primarily because the LOR movies irritated me so much with their destruction of several of my favorite parts and characters. However, we recently watched part I of the Hobbit that came out. I was pretty pleased with it, and inspired to read that book again. Of course, I can't just stop with The Hobbit, so here I am deep in the lore of the elves and hobbits and the green valleys of Rivendell. 

I am hoping...to return some phone calls today! We'll see how that turns out :)

I am hearing...Baby Q beginning to squeak as he wakes up from his nap. Blueberry is running back and forth between the couch and fridge with cries of, "Look at me! Look at me!" I run fast!" Which makes the process of typing this take forever as I'm stopping and starting regularly.

Around the house...is a large pile of laundry that I've been struggling to get put away. Well, admittedly, not really struggling. More like avoiding. I really do need to get it taken care of though, preferably today as I despise going back to work with my house messy.

One of my favorite things...is being asked for cuddles from my 2 and a half year old. She randomly came up to me today holding doggy, blanket, and asks in a very quiet, almost sad voice, "I need cuddle." So we cuddled and read some stories and life was sweet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Well, we are back "on duty" starting tonight. Got a bunch of meetings and appointments to run the next few days. This weekend I hope to go out to a park or something with our girls. Apparently we're going to be down to just three, so that will be fun for some quality time with them.

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Outside my window...is another wet and cold day. Monday was gorgeous. Low 70's, lots of sunshine. And then my parents left and we went back to cold and wet. I'm ready for Spring.

I am thinking...that you know you're a mom with a newborn when you can't find the baby monitor and finally decide to look in the fridge because, at this point in time, that's a completely logical place to look for something you have misplaced.

*For the record, it was not actually in the fridge. Still haven't found it, incidentally.

I am thankful for...wonderful parents. They arrived, we enjoyed our time, and now they are gone. And I am sad. But it was a great visit, and I'm glad they finally got a chance to see where/how we live now. Now to figure out when we get to see them again...

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...Baby Q is smiling and kicking and trying to roll over and holding his head up like a champ. Blueberry is two and a half. Need I say more?! Seriously though, her imagination has taken off and is a beautiful thing to see. Boots serving as ice-cream cones, doggy participating in all sorts of games and randomness. It's great. And frequently gets interrupted by a large dose of the two's.

From the kitchen...came another GF/DF chocolate pie for Easter. For some reason I had too much filling for the pie, so I ate the leftover filling today as pudding. Yum. We also had lamb and Yorkshire pudding (GF of course) for Easter--yum. With Lamb Curry the next day to use up the leftovers. Doubly yum.

I am wearing...my pre-pregnancy jeans (yay!), and a blue nursing top that I really like and am sad because it somehow got some bleaching agent on it and has a weird streak in places. Very irritating.

I am creating...I don't know. I feel like I have a lot of ideas at my finger-tips right now but very little that I'm actually doing. In the midst of doing a whole lot. Hmmm...must consider this question in greater depth.

I am going...to get Baby announcements and thank you cards out. I am! This week! I Am! I Am!

In my mailbox today.. .not a whole lot. A bill. Very boring.

I am reading.. .nothing. That's a scary statement. I really have no book right now that I'm reading. Wow. That's got to be a first in several years.

I am hoping...to someday feel organized again. Oh, and to finish my taxes! I started them several weeks ago and never finished. Aaah!

I am hearing...the wail of my two-year old who just woke up from her nap. Sigh. Sleep my child and peace attend thee....I'm not ready to get thee.

Around the house...I feel off-kilter and disorganized. Honestly a lot of that (besides the whole having a newborn) is having had visitors for several weeks on top of crazy busyness when we've been on duty--lots of meetings and unplanned turns of events. Makes it difficult to tackle other things when I find myself with limited non-busy time that normally I end up using for a bit of break instead of dealing with the various and assorted projects that need handling.

One of my favorite things...when my Baby Q is happily nursing away, staring at me out of his big blue eyes, pulls off, grins, and promptly goes back to eating. So cute!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I'm skipping this one. My brain doesn't want to process this right now!

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

I love how doggy always has to be a part of every experience in Blueberry's life. I also love the fact that she's gone from wailing in fear at the Chik-fil-a cow a few months ago to fully embracing the Easter bunny now!

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Outside my window...it is dark and chilly outside. We keep getting tantalizing glimpses of spring, and then it slips back into chilly days that I don't appreciate. However, the glimpses grow longer with each passing time, so hope is still there.

I am thinking...that I had a fun day today, but am so ready to go to bed. Took all of our girls (and my parents who are visiting) to the zoo today. Sadly little Blueberry was not feeling well, so she didn't enjoy herself as much as she usually does. However, I think the rest had a good time.

I am thankful for...a baby boy who sleeps like an angel and really is a very calm, young man. He gets mad when he's wet or dirty or hungry, and occasionally when he's feeling abandoned and needs mommy to hold him. Otherwise, he sleeps beautifully and is just very calm and happy--despite his grumpy, old-man faces he likes to make!

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...comes songs and songs and more songs from little Miss Blueberry. Today it was the alphabet song. I didn't even realize she knew all the letters and words to the alphabet song. Apparently she does.

From Baby Q it is smiles. Not all the time yet, but when he's feeling particularly relaxed and happy, out pops the most adorable little grin ever. Have not yet succeeded in capturing it on camera yet--hope to do so soon.

From the kitchen...came a turkey on Sunday that has translated into soup and sandwiches so far. Looking at some other recipes to turn the leftovers into.

I am wearing...jeans and a nursing top. However, the jeans are my pre-pregnancy jeans, so that's good.

I am creating...letters, more journals really, via Blogger for my son and daughter.

I am going...to bed. Very soon! We'll see if I actually manage to finish this blog tonight...

In my mailbox today.. .was a skirt that I ordered a few weeks ago. Need to try it on and double-check it fits. We've had all sorts of fun and exciting packages lately. The joys of new babies...they bring lots of mail!

I am reading.. .The Cherry Ames books. Well, some of them any ways. They had a great sale the other day on Amazon Kindle for a lot of books, and I got the first eight books for a total of $5.98. I decided it was well worth the price, especially as I hope Blueberry will enjoy them some day. And in the meantime, I've enjoyed the dive back into these classics.

I am hoping...to get some good sleep tonight. We'll see. Can we pull a four hour stretch? Maybe? That would be bliss.

I am hearing.. Chris playing a video game. And blissful silence otherwise. All children asleep and well.

Around the house...I have various and assorted projects that need seeing to and various and assorted things that need to be put away. Piling up. Dislike this. Must take care of items.

One of my favorite things...watching my parents with their grandchildren. Very satisfying.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Go off duty tomorrow night. Continue to hang out and enjoy my precious time with my parents.

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

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Outside my window...the sun is brilliantly shining. Looks like a lovely day out there. Just perfect for some housework :)

I am thinking...that we go off duty tomorrow and what all I need to get done before we do so.


I am thankful for...little voices and big girls voices in my life. And for days off where I get to spend time with just one little voice.


     The dynamics of the cottage with little Butterfly are quite interesting. Normally our apartments are  off limits to the big girls (with occasional exceptions, but those are specifically designated by us). However, Butterfly--at the age of two--doesn't fall under those rules (our choice). She and Blueberry play so much together, and she is with me so much that it would be impossible to keep the separation there. It's good for Blueberry as she's learning how to play and share with someone else--even if she might disagree with that statement. Although the delighted way she and Butterfly greeted each other this morning was encouraging to hear. While we do "pass down" Butterfly to the relief house parents when we go off duty, it's always a little weird just because of how much 1 on 1 interaction I do normally have with her. She finally does seem to be making true bonds with both Christopher and I which is nice, but is definitely going to be hard if the day comes for her to leave. Although that is true of most of our girls.


From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...words continue to explode. It's almost impossible to keep up now. Lots of two word sentences: "I want" "Lale pancakes". But mostly still one word statements--just a lot of them. Her fear of flies is rather hysterical if somewhat frustrating. She woke up from a dead sleep yesterday afternoon because a fly was buzzing around and I had to go rescue her to frantic wails of "Fly! Fly! Fly!" We've tried to make bugs in general a nonchalant or interesting thing, and it's worked with some things, but she is definitely my daughter with a deep-seated, instinctual fear of spiders or pieces of lint that might be spiders (or flies). Fly's I don't fear, they just annoy me.

From the kitchen...comes Saturday morning pancakes. Since the big girls are all still asleep, I went ahead and made GF version for Blueberry, Butterfly, and myself. I'll work on round two of breakfast in a little while.

I am wearing...pjs as of yet. Need to go get dressed but enjoying a few minutes of quiet expression. Skirt and top most likely.

I am creating...ideas for gardens. The cottage as a whole needs some serious gardening work/look--it's just not very pretty on the outside. And our little backyard area definitely needs something. Thoughts are wandering through my brain, now to put them into action.


I am going...to be working very hard today! Saturday's always are hard days around here. Not bad, just so busy for us--even if we have a lazier day for the cottage as a whole. I always crash hard at night.

In my mailbox this week.. .not a whole lot. Been rather a pathetic week for mail. However, I did get an email from my dad saying he ordered Blueberry a book about the Lake District which should be coming soon--so I'll just look forward to that instead!


I am reading.. .The Secret Holocaust Diaries which are the diaries of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister--a Russian woman who lived through the Holocaust. It's interesting because she is NOT Jewish but rather was conscripted into the work camps of Germany as a Russian child. The perspective and stories are at times just as brutal but at other times show a life of joy and a glimpse at the pre-war world of Russia that is absolutely fascinating.

I am hoping...to get a makeup trip to Austin scheduled soon. Have a phone call to make and arrangements to work out with our reliefs.


I am hearing...two little forks banging on the table as Blueberry and Butterfly eat their breakfast and make fine music. Other than that, the house is quiet. The big girls had a "sleep over" in the living room last night--birthday party celebration--and are all still sacked out on the floor. Peace.... 


OK, since I wrote the above, the two littles have now gotten up and are playing baby doll and tossing balls at each other. Not quite so peaceful any more, but happy. So that works for me.


Around the house...I need to tidy up and do some dishes. Also have a sack of clothes for Blueberry from the consignment sale I went to this week. Got some really cute items including a new bathing suit (complete with adorable coverup) and a raincoat that I'm praying she will fit into by our England trip in the fall. Any ways....digression of coats aside, i need to go through all the items, unsafety pin them all, and wash and store/hang up. In the cottage we have a busy day lined up as the girls are doing a grand clean-up/move rooms partially because they want to and partially because we're getting child number 9 on Wednesday of next week!


One of my favorite things...spending time with best friends on vacations! Last weekend we had a little get away to Eureka Springs with one of my best friends, her husband (also a good friend!) and their baby. Delightful. Lots of walking, game playing, cooking, sharing, and hot tubing.


A few plans for the rest of the week: get through today so I can go off duty tomorrow? :)

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

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Dabyook - March 30, 2012

Outside my window...the air smells of freshly mowed grass thanks to Chris. A bit muggy out. Can't imagine what it's going to be like in a few more months!

I am thinking...that I have only one more day before I'm off.

I am thankful for...small blessings. Like having three of the girls gone this weekend. Even though it only affects us tonight and tomorrow, cutting the numbers down by half may be my saving grace till we're off! I love them all, but there are moments I need my sanity back. Another blessing is that one of the high school girls from another cottage (who is fantastic with kids) needed some responsibility in exchange for some rewards. After discussion it was decided to put her with us most days for a few hours (especially during the week, evening hours) to be a "mother's helper". She's sweet and helpful and really is very trustworthy with the toddlers, so that has helped a lot.

From the learning rooms...[or in our case--the learning brain]...oh my goodness. I barely know where to start with Blueberry. The language explosion just continues. She's mastering concepts and phrases that I barely even realized we've taught her. She laps it all up and then wants more. Of course she's been an absolute little beast the last week with being so ill (can't blame her--just exhausted from it!), but in between fussing times she is a joy and a darling. We're discovering her definite introversion slant though. A lot of times when she's being really fussy or cranky at us, if we put her in her crib for a "time out" she's actually happy for quite awhile. I think she needs the break but doesn't necessary have the courage to just run off by herself? I could be projecting. Language explosion aside, she's not very good at explaining her own feelings yet...but she'll sit in there and read a book. Look around. Talk to the stuffed animals. And when you ask her if she wants out and she's not ready, she will emphatically tell you "no!"

From the kitchen...is a whole lot of minimalistic cooking. Well...minimalistic in terms of feeding 10-11 people daily.

I am wearing...pajama bottoms and a lounge-around top. Bare feet. Need to redo my toes. Heather gave me a pretty blue polish for my birthday. Must use! Maybe we'll have a pedicure day tomorrow with the girls.

I am creating...a present for some people. I think they will like it. Must get it done soon.

I am going...to be staying home next week. We were going to Texas, but the past 12 days have changed that. It has been absolutely insane. First Blueberry getting croup, then it turning into pneumonia. She's getting better except for this awful cough and runny nose. Chris and I have both caught the head-cold/sore-throat part of her sickness. We're exhausted from having worked 12 days. We got two new girls in this week. Butterfly (the 2 year old) is sweet but two. Not really problems there. The 13 year old, who I think I'm going to call Snail has her own special set of chaos and challenges she brings to the cottage. So that's been interesting. We've also had all meals in the cottage the last two weeks. Only had to cook all of them this week, but it's always exhausting. Oh and Mama Bear went and badly sprained her ankle Monday which meant a very late ER visit (I went to bed at 2am for various reasons) and extra doctor visit (because we hadn't been to see the doctor enough this shift), and now extra care. It never rains but it pours, right? Anyhoo...the upshot of it all is that as we are both wiped out and while seeing the family in Austin would be a delight and joy, we feel like we'd be sleeping half the time and not really getting a whole out of the trip, not to mention being tired for the next shift on and our following mini-trip to Eureka Springs. We will reschedule for May or so because we desperately want to go! But on the whole, I think this is the more sensible course of action. Not to mention the added bonus of not sharing our germs with more people.

In my mailbox today.. .was a package with some of Blueberry's Easter basket stuff. I was shocked the other day when I started looking for a paint with water book--those things are hard to find!

I am reading.. .The Chalet School series. Well some of them. There are something like 60 books total. It's an old young-adult, girlie series that I read some of growing up. Very British. Any ways, was looking up something the other day and ran across the name of it. Decided to have a look on paperbackswap, and sure enough they had some! So I ordered them and have really been enjoying them. They are excellently written, easy reading without some of trash and lack of intellect I find in so many young-adult (and adult for that matter) literature these days. Will definitely work on adding some more to that series (probably not all 60!) as those are books I would encourage Blue to read when she's old enough.

Also am in the middle of Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Frazier. Love her as an author. Fascinating historical reads but not dry. She somehow has a way of writing history that enlivens the facts and telling of it all. Have one on Mary Queen of Scots when I'm done with Marie Antoinette. Same author. Hope it's as good.

I am hoping...to get better quickly so these six days off will be truly rejuvenating. We're hoping to go to the zoo again with Blueberry if we can all get better. And I'm crossing my fingers that I might get further on a few of these lingering household projects that I haven't done!

I am hearing...X-Men 3 playing in the cottage living room (the girls are having a movie night). We tend to not cater to their more violent sides, but they've done well with this series. And given the choice between some of the garbage they want to watch (and apparently have been allowed to watch in the past), we're very, very controlling!

Around the house...things feel out of sorts. Not in the main cottage but in our home. Don't like it. Been so tired, gave up trying to keep up and just let some things slide.

One of my favorite things...fuzzy pajama pants that are slightly to big on me. Such comfort!

A few plans for the rest of the week: sleep. get better. pay the bills. read. sleep. take blue on walks. cuddle. pet the dog. watch a movie. sleep. hang up pictures. sleep.

Here is picture (or more) for thought I am sharing...

Spring has come! (the background building is the favored hotel of mob boss Al Capone :)


Playing in the "hot springs" of Hot Springs.




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