tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18361985391583581992024-03-18T21:49:26.874-06:00light-in-leavesMarilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.comBlogger2082125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-64636679922100575282024-03-12T07:30:00.001-06:002024-03-12T07:55:47.150-06:00Shown their eternal possibilities<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Priesthood Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10?lang=eng">October 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV1Haffbr5u3lcIq6bqQ0qR052FTHS_2dYJIk2Qgno5rIdJAbUq39IXjy6fQjUXjln0JxJMlASZoHpaJpnxeAkZft3iIRz1JGuBIzKlnJPjWWxKQDu8oOSQtgHWO_IXQvQnpQblC3Mdwi7WIPE00VJkFADib2R2dxj4snuZmmhvGY5Mkm1FbXaB9enIo/s4032/IMG_6875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV1Haffbr5u3lcIq6bqQ0qR052FTHS_2dYJIk2Qgno5rIdJAbUq39IXjy6fQjUXjln0JxJMlASZoHpaJpnxeAkZft3iIRz1JGuBIzKlnJPjWWxKQDu8oOSQtgHWO_IXQvQnpQblC3Mdwi7WIPE00VJkFADib2R2dxj4snuZmmhvGY5Mkm1FbXaB9enIo/w640-h480/IMG_6875.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I noticed a theme in this session about seeing the best in people. <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/the-key-of-the-knowledge-of-god?lang=eng">President Faust said</a>, talking about some young men in a ward he knew of:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><blockquote>Previous to this time I had been with four of these priests in a different situation. … They drove away every seminary teacher after two or three months. They spread havoc over the countryside on Scouting trips. But when they were needed—when they were trusted with a vital mission—they were among those who shone the most brilliantly in priesthood service.</blockquote></div><div><blockquote>The secret was that the bishop called upon his Aaronic Priesthood to rise to the stature of men to whom angels might well appear; and they rose to that stature, administering relief to those who might be in want and strengthening those who needed strengthening.</blockquote></div><div>And <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/anxiously-engaged?lang=eng">President Monson said</a>:</div><div><div></div></div><blockquote><div><div>[One] fundamental reason that largely accounts for great changes of attitudes, of habits, of actions [is that] men have been shown their eternal possibilities and have made the decision to achieve them. They cannot really long rest content with mediocrity once excellence is within their reach.…</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives. As He said to the dead Lazarus, so He says to you and to me, “Come forth.” I add: Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life.</div></blockquote><div>Theoretically I have always believed in thinking and expecting the best of people, especially my own children. But I think in practice it's sometimes so hard for me to believe that ordinary people really can rise to God's high expectations. I think about "the youth" even in the church and see how many things they are (in my view) failing at…the challenges they aren't rising to…the standards they are rejecting…and I feel like there's nothing anyone can do to help them! But that shows such a lack of faith. I'm sure Jesus Christ <i>can</i> help and change them, just as he can change all of us! And I need to remember to keep my own vision clear to see that possibility, so I can help my children see and believe in that great potential in themselves as well.</div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-49564328163006557312024-03-07T18:32:00.002-07:002024-03-07T18:32:45.383-07:00The Provo Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tDpIWlD0wrM3HMJ5On79CCQev_ZhZ9JokJmYv_gcjTUy3OAhEXn-rKebTHikXUB96U48Nd3xFaF0E54y4gKioQN7o3Ox1VbEwmFhI1cVCwuTZtTS3FBiZIXVh2_U37IbU2hxqcRHDeuZsLnBYRUujw4W6mHEHXCTU51QAta3rLutAOcucJSDGotIbf0/s2305/2024-02-25%2017.05.00-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2305" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tDpIWlD0wrM3HMJ5On79CCQev_ZhZ9JokJmYv_gcjTUy3OAhEXn-rKebTHikXUB96U48Nd3xFaF0E54y4gKioQN7o3Ox1VbEwmFhI1cVCwuTZtTS3FBiZIXVh2_U37IbU2hxqcRHDeuZsLnBYRUujw4W6mHEHXCTU51QAta3rLutAOcucJSDGotIbf0/w444-h640/2024-02-25%2017.05.00-1.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Provo Temple has closed and started its renovation process—<i>renovation</i> being a gentle word for it, because what it really is is total destruction…followed by a sort of rebirth, but in a completely different style. It's not the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus">Ship of Theseus</a>, even, where you can debate whether or not it's the same ship after each separate part has been replaced. No, it's wholesale eradication. The Provo Temple will cease to exist.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to see it one last time the day after it closed, to take a few pictures of our family there. The gates were shut, but there were crowds of people milling around, taking pictures and sitting on blankets on the grass. It was an unseasonably warm February Sunday afternoon and the crowds felt almost festive, except it seemed sad too, all of us just looking in from afar, unable to enter this place we had loved.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay, of course. There will eventually be <i>a</i> Provo Temple again, surely a lovely place that will look…much like every other temple in the area. And it's God's house, so I suppose He gets to say what He wants done with it. For all I know, this is a metaphor for the wholesale rebuilding of <i>all of us</i>, as C.S. Lewis imagines it—you know the quote: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>…He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”</blockquote></div><div>So I don't wish to complain. Blessing enough that God Himself invites me into His house, without me thinking He should also consult me on the design and disposal of it. However…allow me a few random reminiscences about this temple that was, for so long, <i>my</i> temple, and a place where I came to know God.</div><div><br /></div><div>• I used to run around the temple every single morning at 5 a.m. All through high school, through much of college and some of junior high, every morning I did that 3.3 mile loop—past the church (which became the "old church" at some point when we switched chapels)…through the parking lot…up the Wymount Terrace Hill…then around the temple property clockwise in the dark while sleepily thinking about the "pillar of fire by night." </div><div><br /></div><div>• I got hit by a bird there once, startling me perhaps more than I've ever been startled in my life—one minute running along freely, the next minute feeling the tiny poof of soft wings and delicate bones, like a ball of dough collapsing against my chest. I staggered and stopped, and so did the bird, pausing mid-flight somehow as we looked each other over—and then off it went, wobbly and disgruntled, and me off in the other direction wondering about chance encounters and if they mean anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>• In cross-country we would occasionally head up to the temple for the dreaded "Temple Hills" workout…10 or 12 repeat hill sprints up the north side trying to catch Coach Olsen, then back down past Coach Low with his white pickup truck and orange water cooler, trying to stretch out those last few downhill meters as long as possible before we had to turn and tackle the hill again.</div><div><br /></div><div>• My young women's classes visited the temple often—not as often, perhaps, as youth are able to do now, because we still used group recommends and didn't have our own—but it felt comfortable to me there, if maybe not as exciting as I'd hoped before I knew what it was like. My friends and I stifled giggles in the chapel and shared hairdryers in the dressing room, and shyly smiled at the boys across the elevated oxen-borne font. I got up the courage one day to ask to wear my glasses into the water, so I could look into the "mirrors of eternity" and actually see my reflection stretching back forever and forward forever, rather than seeing the blurry pool of darkness and light my poor eyesight usually showed to me after I handed my glasses to someone else to hold. When I got contact lenses, one of the things I most looked forward to was swimming, and doing temple baptisms, with clear vision.</div><div><br /></div><div>• Sam and I used to walk around the temple while we were dating, planning out our life together bit by bit and piece by piece. It felt distant, and then it felt possible, and then terrifying, and then exciting—all those walks, all those talks giving us time to haltingly fit the pieces of ourselves together as maybe—someday—we would do it for real.</div><div><br /></div><div>• My first time visiting the temple for my own endowment was on a warm April evening. The ladies helping me with the ordinances were comforting and familiar—I really did know some of them from stake girls camp and other encounters, but they <i>all</i> felt like grandmothers or aunts. I felt so loved as I went from place to place, never going more than a minute without a smile or a gentle touch on the hand to show me where to go. I watched the endowment ceremony unfold with a sense of mingled wonder and unreality—pausing to briefly exchange pleased glances with my mom when the temple film showed a bunny—and to steal looks at Sam sitting between my dad and his dad on the other side of the room. I wondered if I'd feel transformed when I left the temple that night. I didn't. But I felt like I'd had the tiniest, briefest glimpse of a vision that might someday be realized.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_1dmsFni7kbXffIFQHHdhLdyjAnY4T2ckHDZLISzydAkLj515sw8L_oRvZSp1zQct2Iv3fvqvcPdtlpJj62Ho5-9egJw5JvnXgPyLEw9VYxMApYCIHkatsuKlD3KTfIgSwVectlN7UyVhZmb6gDE0CHzxbsKOC4oZcHneGND6DzgrW925XFuojQdu04/s3355/IMG_7148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3355" data-original-width="2745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_1dmsFni7kbXffIFQHHdhLdyjAnY4T2ckHDZLISzydAkLj515sw8L_oRvZSp1zQct2Iv3fvqvcPdtlpJj62Ho5-9egJw5JvnXgPyLEw9VYxMApYCIHkatsuKlD3KTfIgSwVectlN7UyVhZmb6gDE0CHzxbsKOC4oZcHneGND6DzgrW925XFuojQdu04/w524-h640/IMG_7148.JPG" width="524" /></a></div><div>• I wasn't at the temple when I got the answer to my prayer about marrying Sam—that came on a golden Fall day running the Squaw Peak road—but I got subsequent reassurances there, and when the wedding day finally came, the Provo Temple is where we chose to be sealed, feeling like royalty the way we were celebrated and fussed over by the temple workers, who told us sadly, "Most of the brides these days want to go somewhere more photogenic." We walked by "our" sealing room every time we went back there after that—squeezing hands as we remembered how it had felt to sit there on the couch together, holding hands, with all our lives before us.</div><div><br /></div><div>• In the Provo Temple, my beloved nursery leader—the one who loved me and held me on his lap every Sunday when I was two years old and crying at being left by my mom—my gentle neighbor and kind friend, Richard Ellsworth— sealed Sam and me for time and eternity, and told us the beautiful roots of the words I have always remembered—<i>husband</i>, hus-bondi, the one who is bound to the house, and though he has to go away to fight battles and provide for his family, he always comes back, because he is bound there with the bonds of his own love and theirs. And <i>wife</i>, the <i>viv</i>, the life of the home—the one who animates, illuminates, creates, enlivens. When I think of who I have tried to be in our marriage, I think of that sealing room and those words.</div><div><br /></div><div>• At some point the powers that be decided to repaint or redo the Provo Temple spire, to add Moroni and make it white. I didn't mind it. I missed the "pillar of fire," but I liked seeing Moroni up there too, waiting patiently for the Savior as I myself was trying to. I liked the new fountains they added on the grounds, and hoped they would entice more people to come for weddings, so those dear old ladies could be as excited for them as they had been for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>• There was a year I couldn't attend the temple, but my bishop instructed me to go there often, to the grounds, and feel its spirit. I went every week. Alone in the car or on foot, I sat and thought about what the temple was, what it meant to the world—what it meant to me, and what it might yet mean to me. The day I went back, Sam and I were asked to be the witness couple in an endowment session, and I felt—as strong as anything I've ever felt— God's love and acceptance and forgiveness, welcoming me back to His house. He knew and understood. He rejoiced to have me there. It was the first of many miracles that led me back from thinking miracles, at least for me, were "done away."</div><div><br /></div><div>• Under a pine tree in the Provo Temple grounds, Sam asked me for the second time to marry him, and for the second time I told him yes—this time knowing what it had cost, what it might still cost, and embracing that joy and that cost as one joy.</div><div><br /></div><div>• We walked that familiar around-the-temple route a few times with our children, but life got busier, and by the time Malachi was a few months old, we had moved away, and a new temple near our new house became "my" temple. I have had sacred experiences there too—too many to count. For me, going inside <i>any</i> temple is going home. I hope my children will feel it too, wherever they go.</div><div><br /></div><div>• My last time visiting the Provo Temple was almost exactly a year ago, when my brothers were in town for a niece's wedding. We got to go to an Endowment Session, my mom and all four of us children and our spouses, and it was familiar and unfamiliar all at once. We walked into our sealing room, knowing it would probably be the last time. I sat in the celestial room and cried, not for the loss of the temple, but for the loss of so many other things. God spoke to me then as he had twenty years ago—He knew my losses, and kept them in His heart. He gave me peace.</div><div><br /></div><div>• Plenty of people used to say the Provo Temple looked like a spaceship—like a wedding cake—too 70's, too old-fashioned—but to me it was one of the most beautiful places in the world. "The place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer." I love the Provo Temple—how beautiful it is to my eyes. I will miss it greatly. I wish it didn't have to change; I wish those places which are sacred to me and so many others could be preserved somehow. But they will be preserved here, and in my memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViyQQbnfY_2bRDkRc7VlBgv54a13vKh6mKKeAmlffj4pQpDexrLl6tQVlId8hUJwn0OSyz0qQstlpVTZu1tFSZRukCvb5-u0dEMQv6Cfjs-NgE2aS6338cRKo_a2DWx4VWucykFsQsuAHnLK0f2Wu-SJaODQoRKZ36dZ29uQfn8t73yIW_gyo252U_FM/s2108/2024-02-25%2016.59.21-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2108" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViyQQbnfY_2bRDkRc7VlBgv54a13vKh6mKKeAmlffj4pQpDexrLl6tQVlId8hUJwn0OSyz0qQstlpVTZu1tFSZRukCvb5-u0dEMQv6Cfjs-NgE2aS6338cRKo_a2DWx4VWucykFsQsuAHnLK0f2Wu-SJaODQoRKZ36dZ29uQfn8t73yIW_gyo252U_FM/w486-h640/2024-02-25%2016.59.21-1.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7DuP9fzSmR4sFIRv05arQeymtDyEItO8Uw4BceJaPXus0CpBGUGtWgJeIfTS4-Eaj26z-Oku7BP-ZC-pDfKZ7AayY1Jsb2kOBFn6H17tSrmZHLr-XBm1PYX_4cIZDvF8ruSiTwkP0KrVTqZSDWQODAL7BCQtnqt8OUJ3We19jzFsk0ihlBtqKkXeqMk/s1600/2024-02-25%2017.07.03a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1600" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7DuP9fzSmR4sFIRv05arQeymtDyEItO8Uw4BceJaPXus0CpBGUGtWgJeIfTS4-Eaj26z-Oku7BP-ZC-pDfKZ7AayY1Jsb2kOBFn6H17tSrmZHLr-XBm1PYX_4cIZDvF8ruSiTwkP0KrVTqZSDWQODAL7BCQtnqt8OUJ3We19jzFsk0ihlBtqKkXeqMk/w640-h474/2024-02-25%2017.07.03a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_gbt0hQ2hqXmPuTVL7aAYqsZ3ZTS7zwV10_pB_km62eX8O0x0OT5HYIlAkZNXloEI8S3F9f8LeqFZCISIv9auuNtySePNkCN9xoSTw8ni3YwoxRw9QqMgZV_r2XuKP14oDji_mCZbUGKRclM3xqIkItuoUxGSVvnupf3A6pJBjlJ9ZsHDaa3KG1N-Xs/s2240/2024-02-25%2017.29.50-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_gbt0hQ2hqXmPuTVL7aAYqsZ3ZTS7zwV10_pB_km62eX8O0x0OT5HYIlAkZNXloEI8S3F9f8LeqFZCISIv9auuNtySePNkCN9xoSTw8ni3YwoxRw9QqMgZV_r2XuKP14oDji_mCZbUGKRclM3xqIkItuoUxGSVvnupf3A6pJBjlJ9ZsHDaa3KG1N-Xs/w458-h640/2024-02-25%2017.29.50-2.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR38fPDBp7hr6mr-5JikxbwCohicTpv5naFKT-StcjNLPFuFzy3pbgyazzX8DJT9BrlyqFC6ovroC48G9qKV7Rd2_e_lDo4KWIoyiP0PUC-j5Ai9YQrmOujapWOvnJxE1SQH2BKCnaA9crT3YFAolMtgx1bDuF3nIAT-di54gyBfbWVU2_66GqgA8Yho/s1600/2024-02-25%2017.24.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR38fPDBp7hr6mr-5JikxbwCohicTpv5naFKT-StcjNLPFuFzy3pbgyazzX8DJT9BrlyqFC6ovroC48G9qKV7Rd2_e_lDo4KWIoyiP0PUC-j5Ai9YQrmOujapWOvnJxE1SQH2BKCnaA9crT3YFAolMtgx1bDuF3nIAT-di54gyBfbWVU2_66GqgA8Yho/w640-h426/2024-02-25%2017.24.20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-39148660896545463382024-03-05T07:30:00.015-07:002024-03-05T09:31:43.007-07:00A special brotherhood and sisterhood<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Saturday Afternoon Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10?lang=eng">October 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5cwEJ-v3DfYhlinNjyCEFBk1oM36tOgUx6ZkrfoG2Ean9FOXkCWJ7PGYBp6__HiZdvAtVs8mNXAGfmpR-1sS2X4HoN453Ry3zz01p3gDY9W0HkPZgzaEpg01_6aK2yI9P0V4EVL-EY9nLHgQvGO-fjBXNPVAVQi4V7Sm9mKtW-7PGaMjBO2jrjb89e0/s3712/SEB_1269%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="3665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5cwEJ-v3DfYhlinNjyCEFBk1oM36tOgUx6ZkrfoG2Ean9FOXkCWJ7PGYBp6__HiZdvAtVs8mNXAGfmpR-1sS2X4HoN453Ry3zz01p3gDY9W0HkPZgzaEpg01_6aK2yI9P0V4EVL-EY9nLHgQvGO-fjBXNPVAVQi4V7Sm9mKtW-7PGaMjBO2jrjb89e0/w632-h640/SEB_1269%20copy.jpg" width="632" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This week I was struck by two descriptions of what Priesthood Quorums and Relief Societies are supposed to be. About Priesthood Quorums, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/what-is-a-quorum?lang=eng">Elder L. Tom Perry said</a>,</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">I wish the feeling and respect we have for our Council [of the Twelve Apostles] could be transported to every quorum in the Church…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In our Quorum, we have a special brotherhood. We are there to lift, inspire, and bless each other with the spirit of our calling. When one is burdened, there are 11 others anxious to help lift and share that burden. At times we rejoice together in feelings of accomplishment. We weep together in times of sorrow. We never feel as if we are facing a problem alone! There is always the counsel, support, help, and encouragement of our Quorum members.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">It sounds amazing to be part of that quorum. But I think it's so hard for most men to <i>ever</i> find this kind of friendship and support! At least it has been for Sam. So many men have golf buddies or sports buddies or whatever, but this deep, true brotherhood seems really rare. I wish we could achieve it more often in the church!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Women, maybe, have an easier time finding sisterhood. I've definitely felt love and friendship in Relief Society, in several different wards. But President Hinckley (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/how-has-relief-society-blessed-your-life?lang=eng">quoted by Sister Parkin</a>) had a higher vision there too:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Relief Society has blessed my family and the family of my dear wife for some seven generations. Since the earliest days of the Church, our mothers and daughters have been taught of their obligations to those in distress. They have been schooled in the finer points of homemaking, encouraged in their spiritual development, and guided in the realization of their full potential as women. Much of this has taken place in Relief Society and has then been brought home to bless the life of each member of my family.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love that ideal for my daughters—not only to find friendship (which is wonderful) but to truly learn gospel service, and to love homemaking, and to feel what godly womanhood really is. I would love to feel like we were learning in Relief Society <i>how</i> to create the kind of home our Heavenly Mother made for us! And I love the idea of men and women working together rather than subtly competing with each other. I hadn't ever heard this story before, but I loved it:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>The year 1842 was extremely difficult for the Prophet Joseph Smith. Former friends had turned on him. Other enemies wanted to abduct him from Nauvoo and blunt the growth of the Church. That same year he organized the Relief Society to care for the poor and needy and “to save souls.” President J. Reuben Clark Jr. observed that amidst these trials, Joseph Smith “turned to the sisters for the consolation, for the uplift of which he stood in such sad need at that time.” This is a moving and humbling thought: a prophet of God seeking the solace of his sisters—women to whom he had given the charge “charity never faileth.” To me this has echoes of those women who mourned with the Savior on Golgotha.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">I realize that there's a lot more I could do to contribute to an "ideal Relief Society" in my own ward. It's hard to feel as connected when I'm serving in Primary, but I think that's partly my own fault. And getting to know other sisters through ministering is something I can always do better at. I'm sure the same is true for Sam in his Priesthood Quorum. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, it's nice to see this vision and to think that these ideals really are possible—Jesus Christ <i>wants</i> us to achieve them, and has set up the church so we <i>can</i> achieve them! In some places, maybe this Zion-like society is already beginning. I know I've seen glimpses of it here and there. I hope it can grow in my own life too!</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-41443713518912692502024-02-29T09:33:00.003-07:002024-02-29T09:35:41.835-07:00A little of everything<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJ0AycH02QP0FENcUmtaM34vt4aAj0cYVqLOE5T0-ZxT4hvpKybkJyVUQAlaBY6jKY2NqnASu3TX27hFVVzXba2KUyKrG644HmKF9xeRSbZfXsT07xrnqSJpbYiXCfv1LpiOmsrpMbZmpJFeKy3SlRBToIMuLRhAMSVwjKOgRga0ZDIOTOyK3n9rZ3oY/s1600/gus_chairs_church1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJ0AycH02QP0FENcUmtaM34vt4aAj0cYVqLOE5T0-ZxT4hvpKybkJyVUQAlaBY6jKY2NqnASu3TX27hFVVzXba2KUyKrG644HmKF9xeRSbZfXsT07xrnqSJpbYiXCfv1LpiOmsrpMbZmpJFeKy3SlRBToIMuLRhAMSVwjKOgRga0ZDIOTOyK3n9rZ3oY/w480-h640/gus_chairs_church1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">February, along with August, is Birthday Season! My birthday was on a Sunday this year and the best part of the day was watching how happy Gus was to ride on the chair cart after church. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84_PUyHhV_8xcOde_7kN6Z-GEiGwdverlzzGUOsc_7IG7_F2FaooKnEcB2-iPyP7hhy1uZwuuh8jK8xnZxhint1BVw5kKKHhCqgpfdEBMH-Vm0PRPgZ1g0yPEVONmRvKYuPBzc0pqBx86IXaz2AceLN5ZBdTTgli71_8Y7BaX_Y0wY9MBKr6e8ZrXdXY/s1543/my_birthday_bunny_dresses4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84_PUyHhV_8xcOde_7kN6Z-GEiGwdverlzzGUOsc_7IG7_F2FaooKnEcB2-iPyP7hhy1uZwuuh8jK8xnZxhint1BVw5kKKHhCqgpfdEBMH-Vm0PRPgZ1g0yPEVONmRvKYuPBzc0pqBx86IXaz2AceLN5ZBdTTgli71_8Y7BaX_Y0wY9MBKr6e8ZrXdXY/w498-h640/my_birthday_bunny_dresses4.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clementine and I both wore bunny dresses, of course!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL09aiERrrGxUOK5mQjvKkapV-oLbrbeH3Oo0tgWu0SGRu4_TgWq7Y88suN0-je4VzkQPVw1h3khXb-rAIivb84BlcTK8k-Y0TWilzOR0_RZQaopSLEDXSEPwFQlrmjIOCOocEofdXmBsELNUidr3DLsoBuAjLK3Tyw-ummlfQdqKz6gqJb9ut2FyK9Qc/s1600/my_birthday_bunny_dresses5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL09aiERrrGxUOK5mQjvKkapV-oLbrbeH3Oo0tgWu0SGRu4_TgWq7Y88suN0-je4VzkQPVw1h3khXb-rAIivb84BlcTK8k-Y0TWilzOR0_RZQaopSLEDXSEPwFQlrmjIOCOocEofdXmBsELNUidr3DLsoBuAjLK3Tyw-ummlfQdqKz6gqJb9ut2FyK9Qc/w480-h640/my_birthday_bunny_dresses5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvtYbxl45G1QtLgexziVTOxMtHFdynIUBFJaTTsee51LD0KvSCfIfmNZZxGfgfRgwXkT3msCHYdRDcnrg9QKu31wujawvbSBVY368s5ultY9H34lQ7lgFSdJuoPb9N404Ia-JZDBcWYlI7iNBUPzJt84EJfocsf5iyjO3FyE2EYhuARYRW419nnZySqM/s1200/teddy_birthday_nine2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvtYbxl45G1QtLgexziVTOxMtHFdynIUBFJaTTsee51LD0KvSCfIfmNZZxGfgfRgwXkT3msCHYdRDcnrg9QKu31wujawvbSBVY368s5ultY9H34lQ7lgFSdJuoPb9N404Ia-JZDBcWYlI7iNBUPzJt84EJfocsf5iyjO3FyE2EYhuARYRW419nnZySqM/w640-h640/teddy_birthday_nine2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Teddy's birthday present from Daisy was to make a little movie with her. He was the handsome Mr. Darcy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc3qUchjzJDn3e7XXcA9-CUfqLtv4PNkf0D8tKnZVpyJ2ZYH7WHzN5fUPsI9mB-7sRSiRwJ2w31HUOfzYEaFuIv9oSSQ0MkshpqbKFRg9eP8aQcL9hw0W8FcTqyG-TFz3cTx1ljrraa9GojcSaM80qZx65ErwD5tts4xT2WllvS9BeNClcLkyPyyzs5E/s1600/teddy_birthday_nine8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc3qUchjzJDn3e7XXcA9-CUfqLtv4PNkf0D8tKnZVpyJ2ZYH7WHzN5fUPsI9mB-7sRSiRwJ2w31HUOfzYEaFuIv9oSSQ0MkshpqbKFRg9eP8aQcL9hw0W8FcTqyG-TFz3cTx1ljrraa9GojcSaM80qZx65ErwD5tts4xT2WllvS9BeNClcLkyPyyzs5E/w640-h450/teddy_birthday_nine8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Bunny cakes!<br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl8k5FCoMgemaD4Y-oBwMpavFTMyC_gyvlFfrIn84_EZCEzl-MCMMb_mHXJFZkr2uMuh9GbzFL6PeGV3bJ6cuZ85X5cYETScvHsVPM1og2jXLVlCyzpyN0ieSlT695NYM14r5eso8RvPMhhCPiO-4YqynNEFWY0PU5nbZGjTLU3c993UsMND7QMt4CXY/s1600/teddy_birthday_nine12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl8k5FCoMgemaD4Y-oBwMpavFTMyC_gyvlFfrIn84_EZCEzl-MCMMb_mHXJFZkr2uMuh9GbzFL6PeGV3bJ6cuZ85X5cYETScvHsVPM1og2jXLVlCyzpyN0ieSlT695NYM14r5eso8RvPMhhCPiO-4YqynNEFWY0PU5nbZGjTLU3c993UsMND7QMt4CXY/w640-h480/teddy_birthday_nine12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clementine loves birthdays no matter whose they are!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkw9OzVkeSRBtl-7UmLH2YeNX7EwVOiyo3rndWn3cUk-NNrzT3q3TMxIzFlP3yJ6YmvlgDz5l6QganJNInLz4Nl6gNLMNmPeqb3oxXuMU0558eHqWaI1zjuc3GOEQPlQV2e7uINVR-l5gVYGdqmROzLOJvGEoF0ZK3yOFwedxdj07qGF2CF4PiJJpXAo/s1600/IMG_6414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkw9OzVkeSRBtl-7UmLH2YeNX7EwVOiyo3rndWn3cUk-NNrzT3q3TMxIzFlP3yJ6YmvlgDz5l6QganJNInLz4Nl6gNLMNmPeqb3oxXuMU0558eHqWaI1zjuc3GOEQPlQV2e7uINVR-l5gVYGdqmROzLOJvGEoF0ZK3yOFwedxdj07qGF2CF4PiJJpXAo/w640-h480/IMG_6414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last birthday was Sam's, and it was the same day Abe came home from his mission! What a happy day it was. Two years ago when Abe entered the Missionary Training Center on Sam's birthday, we were all somewhat sad and droopy during the subsequent birthday festivities, so it seemed only fair that we get to make up for that this year! It was so good to have the stake president and his wife, both of whom we love, in our home for Abe's release, and to soak in the special Spirit of God that attends such occasions—even when the occasions go on a little too long for wiggly little monkeys. We ate a late birthday dinner, celebrated Ky's first sub-5:00 mile in a track meet, and hugged Abe every time he got within arm's reach!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RDbOKIbeNBErr5KsNZ7OYs2Pu85aBgn2ixrieLnRBIfUpIj-NP_xFZLh6AeUlUirCIA8Qvo5IyVAA6AZFiubCYTgfaGeeH1Cs3nXuf4FhwZf1KDwJIRNexkaLYhQ0IVtE3cw-K937besiFb6GU5sBGRw3REAwDKf_K5061gQPzuq2RlKbVBZTjLJvmc/s1600/cake_seb_made1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RDbOKIbeNBErr5KsNZ7OYs2Pu85aBgn2ixrieLnRBIfUpIj-NP_xFZLh6AeUlUirCIA8Qvo5IyVAA6AZFiubCYTgfaGeeH1Cs3nXuf4FhwZf1KDwJIRNexkaLYhQ0IVtE3cw-K937besiFb6GU5sBGRw3REAwDKf_K5061gQPzuq2RlKbVBZTjLJvmc/w480-h640/cake_seb_made1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One day (not a birthday, oddly) Seb took it into his head to make a peanut butter cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEQUcK_ygLJAiT7tioCSGTU70A5mNu89KTuh1qS02bK7td4gV9HSdojSIm0lsUH1wiiyQbrwR8yp8L86v81tnYI33ESMHyRj2Qw192jlRHCdoQ2XyYxavDdSh12VcqJL31HKiDzDQ2IJk1TZ0khzswFGwxqU4UycYIHryx-66bqAeRzBraa-jsQkZKDQ/s1600/cake_seb_made4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEQUcK_ygLJAiT7tioCSGTU70A5mNu89KTuh1qS02bK7td4gV9HSdojSIm0lsUH1wiiyQbrwR8yp8L86v81tnYI33ESMHyRj2Qw192jlRHCdoQ2XyYxavDdSh12VcqJL31HKiDzDQ2IJk1TZ0khzswFGwxqU4UycYIHryx-66bqAeRzBraa-jsQkZKDQ/w640-h450/cake_seb_made4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUi_FV7XlaohS2QC7KldiupYEY6othgqDUSq-xEoWJbWKiIvdxZkYTC1wX0J9CnCYW_dgQ0OAphPVvx-yNwKFDsj-fCiDb7tepJWWcla-4DX9jj6Mr2W4jw50EMCcHNB3xtjN8GWs_Gii1Iqf16YgTkuePPJwexB9jbhU3WG-2WdbVkgIydHMmc-uxBM/s1600/cake_seb_made10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUi_FV7XlaohS2QC7KldiupYEY6othgqDUSq-xEoWJbWKiIvdxZkYTC1wX0J9CnCYW_dgQ0OAphPVvx-yNwKFDsj-fCiDb7tepJWWcla-4DX9jj6Mr2W4jw50EMCcHNB3xtjN8GWs_Gii1Iqf16YgTkuePPJwexB9jbhU3WG-2WdbVkgIydHMmc-uxBM/w480-h640/cake_seb_made10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine helped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4TwqNSUoNYeKKiDAH1V7MC4orvawGEu1KoEMTJIjqRK0pMNwc6E77CEUp4qb_czAelQgWY1uGILg1ak_NR7eFUKfa2zGAEbTKTQ2wU0DwJw4Rmxe77E-RYXG0eBZv3bDr-UrOMaAPLFdlQKdBRTjFBHxlc6NmbSRjiyQmuB8Kr1Wk-ivV5o0bJIZ4zs/s1569/cake_seb_made12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4TwqNSUoNYeKKiDAH1V7MC4orvawGEu1KoEMTJIjqRK0pMNwc6E77CEUp4qb_czAelQgWY1uGILg1ak_NR7eFUKfa2zGAEbTKTQ2wU0DwJw4Rmxe77E-RYXG0eBZv3bDr-UrOMaAPLFdlQKdBRTjFBHxlc6NmbSRjiyQmuB8Kr1Wk-ivV5o0bJIZ4zs/w490-h640/cake_seb_made12.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Typical Seb: when we didn't have any peanut butter cups to decorate the top of the cake, he looked a recipe and made his own. They were really good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VoYJao_mYq_vaR1ALYJlvGF40O1SoM2ElDQGlXRF_wOxeNbUoPGuq46InSfyzjVkvldbO6IRjZRNRqpwFvk1Uxy4yPU2WKGAlOrtMYZD4K7Jk1TD8QRg5QdfjAxBN9ZpkhK42vn_Qjv55a7f_wU0lxpcbnMOXKz-Smiz4zzRA1R6Mksw4lJRBSUP5jA/s1600/zig_seb_ice_cream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VoYJao_mYq_vaR1ALYJlvGF40O1SoM2ElDQGlXRF_wOxeNbUoPGuq46InSfyzjVkvldbO6IRjZRNRqpwFvk1Uxy4yPU2WKGAlOrtMYZD4K7Jk1TD8QRg5QdfjAxBN9ZpkhK42vn_Qjv55a7f_wU0lxpcbnMOXKz-Smiz4zzRA1R6Mksw4lJRBSUP5jA/w480-h640/zig_seb_ice_cream.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seb and Ziggy getting ice cream together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_6A1yCTPDCfH-KqG1aD3o7OYmRRQi3OABiL5MGtGErPl_wsJItdAbNmpCUa24mzV8Q-nW7CjU7DtAce1fFwTPi7OZ_GAwk2hqnDo9OFVzA1BfkYnlcDPMyNjf0BqgVtDPQKmToW4WQBQu3uB19BTK6EYRUa6B1tJPJFGXZR2SglUqaK3LHsL0PmN96E/s1600/daisy_clem_waffle_makers2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_6A1yCTPDCfH-KqG1aD3o7OYmRRQi3OABiL5MGtGErPl_wsJItdAbNmpCUa24mzV8Q-nW7CjU7DtAce1fFwTPi7OZ_GAwk2hqnDo9OFVzA1BfkYnlcDPMyNjf0BqgVtDPQKmToW4WQBQu3uB19BTK6EYRUa6B1tJPJFGXZR2SglUqaK3LHsL0PmN96E/w640-h480/daisy_clem_waffle_makers2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Clementine (and Evie) helping Daisy make waffles</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9W9uV5TM_DB5RVkp_Mwu6Ta6UMzR3oVeOYZWxfe8xSrl67YT0sDZN-DJ0OIT0h5pWqbs3lEOt8PJiFBM684xd5qyA5HhMPco1gZXp_Nbo_hFq28kSD3IFBNpBKU5WdOoQ6LLVeESjFKc2IDFWi5XfJ3qZYFnxKp_5R9ffU0MdaWDgaQblMh7RwpFBD8/s1590/clem_and_hatmonkey2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9W9uV5TM_DB5RVkp_Mwu6Ta6UMzR3oVeOYZWxfe8xSrl67YT0sDZN-DJ0OIT0h5pWqbs3lEOt8PJiFBM684xd5qyA5HhMPco1gZXp_Nbo_hFq28kSD3IFBNpBKU5WdOoQ6LLVeESjFKc2IDFWi5XfJ3qZYFnxKp_5R9ffU0MdaWDgaQblMh7RwpFBD8/w485-h640/clem_and_hatmonkey2.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine with Hat Monkey (missing his hat)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-V8mNjB6nibsFUNhu2lQrGPOLmudF0h46_K5X6qhKbe4WC_wgpHAXo2QeExKLeqQPg5PH4IGSp773zGoe7JBsKV1rVLJBik8MGnVbNSFlcqrCzjEG-PRcPKuF2lL7ZdqhkImZXQVPPEtZgqLjKWngUQ6ZLQpm0XxO44iEq2NjlYV84Vmt6yNaYMxMc4/s1617/clem_and_hatmonkey4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-V8mNjB6nibsFUNhu2lQrGPOLmudF0h46_K5X6qhKbe4WC_wgpHAXo2QeExKLeqQPg5PH4IGSp773zGoe7JBsKV1rVLJBik8MGnVbNSFlcqrCzjEG-PRcPKuF2lL7ZdqhkImZXQVPPEtZgqLjKWngUQ6ZLQpm0XxO44iEq2NjlYV84Vmt6yNaYMxMc4/w474-h640/clem_and_hatmonkey4.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIBvqmAdpyupkiyKY4cco2-44-TpHNkE1pftju_qMkdNqk9tT3y4osAHe1HtjtOB3i_GYmebtVGixD5vAymZKwLxxFi8wFwg0w-k4UGF8rOFdZ6oxxC1Ius8naGHNQ6aVyTpSOJ31ydfCm8HvjFiOy2UhlyKm7XoyKKwbG0X0mXoelaFZ5Ir75B53IXI/s1532/clem_and_hatmonkey3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIBvqmAdpyupkiyKY4cco2-44-TpHNkE1pftju_qMkdNqk9tT3y4osAHe1HtjtOB3i_GYmebtVGixD5vAymZKwLxxFi8wFwg0w-k4UGF8rOFdZ6oxxC1Ius8naGHNQ6aVyTpSOJ31ydfCm8HvjFiOy2UhlyKm7XoyKKwbG0X0mXoelaFZ5Ir75B53IXI/w502-h640/clem_and_hatmonkey3.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-ojic7_Uxq0gUxWaqv8Mx7UKiepkjn1_nuydNleLtbf59Mke6LlQOuozTF1a5FSt9aOPw3tTW7Lbd1HuqF4iyfuvr6C6MkTZbThkxS7q_ofyCQn5m_xO3kxnkGuTzEhhyphenhyphen48kOlffcWe_MmvRLnMUtOQumMgZlPxM9BIFh5-7fr404AgfHWzta8wUi1c/s1804/2023-12-13%2010.27.09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-ojic7_Uxq0gUxWaqv8Mx7UKiepkjn1_nuydNleLtbf59Mke6LlQOuozTF1a5FSt9aOPw3tTW7Lbd1HuqF4iyfuvr6C6MkTZbThkxS7q_ofyCQn5m_xO3kxnkGuTzEhhyphenhyphen48kOlffcWe_MmvRLnMUtOQumMgZlPxM9BIFh5-7fr404AgfHWzta8wUi1c/w426-h640/2023-12-13%2010.27.09.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clementine wearing foxy tights</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wi13ab7tCWoOgQZ3pjRRz1X2YvI5iN-9NYJdBXiP7ubHUZEvFkan0-rqMeCCpKFhjd-gmnyTUIsdReMstJDbO58CuHDVsGetOFV12bDe30fwZzWLP4c7jFUCM9RgpeJlD8e30nPf6zvdFYSHSCAoGD9Bl9VYaRsJk8N6FKpzNlMNwM7_k7VQgmViunQ/s1804/2023-12-13%2010.26.49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wi13ab7tCWoOgQZ3pjRRz1X2YvI5iN-9NYJdBXiP7ubHUZEvFkan0-rqMeCCpKFhjd-gmnyTUIsdReMstJDbO58CuHDVsGetOFV12bDe30fwZzWLP4c7jFUCM9RgpeJlD8e30nPf6zvdFYSHSCAoGD9Bl9VYaRsJk8N6FKpzNlMNwM7_k7VQgmViunQ/w426-h640/2023-12-13%2010.26.49.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoOoPNFXiZ9YRhKJR3CA6aP1lWPZ_lZO5WMrQ7U0O8Zs6xZaRwVVf_Jx-cSEObPQ3dgZUs__gy9qKV-b-Vh-KgQ4jenWeAgiCnOzCvdvgzt22glhdUFUDlpl2SN8WaItmAuevgFlOpWJLuz76xvsXE1OWHbYqS7W8Hy01YLMpCJl1DoeOBRfmx_mux5Y/s1600/clem_drew_gnome3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoOoPNFXiZ9YRhKJR3CA6aP1lWPZ_lZO5WMrQ7U0O8Zs6xZaRwVVf_Jx-cSEObPQ3dgZUs__gy9qKV-b-Vh-KgQ4jenWeAgiCnOzCvdvgzt22glhdUFUDlpl2SN8WaItmAuevgFlOpWJLuz76xvsXE1OWHbYqS7W8Hy01YLMpCJl1DoeOBRfmx_mux5Y/w480-h640/clem_drew_gnome3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine, much to her own surprise and delight, drew a gnome</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdKI0okvEcrcb96YBbNnlzkGeUaNBWvo8OoeHIkBDU9kaw2VWFu-zeCdBmiakSplrll3oJIq_d6GfWC4GqL-q3LSpmOZQL6qdc3c9sYvOp1RZLAM1e3NXsBdBeXCMkK3zKcGg5vwPYrU7yI02h2jW5k0ewARY40Q5EaWmzagqg1UfvTVijSlUdR7_Jfs/s1496/clem_matches_evie_nightgown1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdKI0okvEcrcb96YBbNnlzkGeUaNBWvo8OoeHIkBDU9kaw2VWFu-zeCdBmiakSplrll3oJIq_d6GfWC4GqL-q3LSpmOZQL6qdc3c9sYvOp1RZLAM1e3NXsBdBeXCMkK3zKcGg5vwPYrU7yI02h2jW5k0ewARY40Q5EaWmzagqg1UfvTVijSlUdR7_Jfs/w514-h640/clem_matches_evie_nightgown1.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She insists on matching Evie whenever possible, even if it means wearing a nightgown that does not yet fit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2B-7C8znknOuo8j2E9b5kactyMXgqwwmT1k8gC68wYUB2s8L5ku0j1vs648zR-cL2oilbjf9YCB71UVNK-19uzcbsV2OrMUR01nt9K2m90ln7RYi_ynriIrby8YvGa8bdS1hOMTUFQv865GksYFB28e4c5q8w6aSRYGaPxq2UFIkF686cGZnPQ0dlwo/s1600/clem_matches_evie_nightgown4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2B-7C8znknOuo8j2E9b5kactyMXgqwwmT1k8gC68wYUB2s8L5ku0j1vs648zR-cL2oilbjf9YCB71UVNK-19uzcbsV2OrMUR01nt9K2m90ln7RYi_ynriIrby8YvGa8bdS1hOMTUFQv865GksYFB28e4c5q8w6aSRYGaPxq2UFIkF686cGZnPQ0dlwo/w480-h640/clem_matches_evie_nightgown4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXtzp6KhX39KeDbbF_6K54S7f7EYwhca4blcsFAGpAncaxb5WXBR-fJfSEmqLha-JN93l8cp5sNWHRcIbd9cwhj9zquA3y2aoLM2RK5tJD8mQhIgyOvB_8IBUTMZr2EsQortIEUtLBBA1BRexaSkckaxk4bI84-lj9uX875Rg-DEq0TsupJnfuOCKTV0/s1630/funnies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXtzp6KhX39KeDbbF_6K54S7f7EYwhca4blcsFAGpAncaxb5WXBR-fJfSEmqLha-JN93l8cp5sNWHRcIbd9cwhj9zquA3y2aoLM2RK5tJD8mQhIgyOvB_8IBUTMZr2EsQortIEUtLBBA1BRexaSkckaxk4bI84-lj9uX875Rg-DEq0TsupJnfuOCKTV0/w472-h640/funnies.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine and Gus "being blue guys"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEjkHtvPRiz3h74rzQejymts182skNU8SJy8t2S3UXoznLTinGEeSyC69kDSMUwuBnmpckQbnEtSE3u-Zi-2xAQv-SrVKTBU1oXA10lLmlburTeycQugHyYPIoWvj90SV5PxukSHBOZ-1BB4XHjfQ9Op5RsScqDsXpZwSIZQpO6MQkXuLEekN5FYgin7NVA/s1600/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHtvPRiz3h74rzQejymts182skNU8SJy8t2S3UXoznLTinGEeSyC69kDSMUwuBnmpckQbnEtSE3u-Zi-2xAQv-SrVKTBU1oXA10lLmlburTeycQugHyYPIoWvj90SV5PxukSHBOZ-1BB4XHjfQ9Op5RsScqDsXpZwSIZQpO6MQkXuLEekN5FYgin7NVA/w640-h480/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting ready for <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2024/02/abes-homecoming.html">Abe coming home</a>—Daisy was very proud of her organized bookshelves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3jW8whMNmRaUJyvyr1etZwgLFairAiskoyjvu861vZzbk74QfCw-jw6JL0q70UlHu7trludLuQLu74ZnhPDXjg_rwRwnuXjRA81Lgc0zvGcoUPJ6TwhCAUcw-mzOffazA2TNRINSv3uY76NG4-QxJnDjs3L2Zuh8xjLZSD7Wfexla-lPnO3sJ6iY1Ek/s1600/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3jW8whMNmRaUJyvyr1etZwgLFairAiskoyjvu861vZzbk74QfCw-jw6JL0q70UlHu7trludLuQLu74ZnhPDXjg_rwRwnuXjRA81Lgc0zvGcoUPJ6TwhCAUcw-mzOffazA2TNRINSv3uY76NG4-QxJnDjs3L2Zuh8xjLZSD7Wfexla-lPnO3sJ6iY1Ek/w640-h480/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRTFPa4GcI64ERc1yqgPjfLdE_uaWI0qxEpAwpJ-EBeCc6Ezrf4prUev87cckdyPXpoHtqk2nm3jEqbBkhlubBMfNo9esiPUlPJQOLj59SbCJPDbjEQAidGnBL3_JnNRxcJ5C3zWpWA8K5Ow-BRJXA660rwElFjR-NdFgteAjYf5Fr4cyoERmXFaYeco/s1600/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRTFPa4GcI64ERc1yqgPjfLdE_uaWI0qxEpAwpJ-EBeCc6Ezrf4prUev87cckdyPXpoHtqk2nm3jEqbBkhlubBMfNo9esiPUlPJQOLj59SbCJPDbjEQAidGnBL3_JnNRxcJ5C3zWpWA8K5Ow-BRJXA660rwElFjR-NdFgteAjYf5Fr4cyoERmXFaYeco/w640-h480/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making posters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U2mj1kodlGelR_2QD_HQu3gNi4ymLHWEUaM7mT5DsQyyYGHEH0yue2s4HW6ooxqZ4X-_Sw_wyuFoW_Rd9B1x0L2hZrvAv3MwYiXaRBkC98LAYJlpp3wU0_w8vDGsCHmeh3h9WwX0_2EeBoFqckjJMCkmoSgNHdV5pzbmZUV4Tt7RDcIiCdTrCK7Qs5Y/s1626/gus_made_bacon_for_abe1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1626" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U2mj1kodlGelR_2QD_HQu3gNi4ymLHWEUaM7mT5DsQyyYGHEH0yue2s4HW6ooxqZ4X-_Sw_wyuFoW_Rd9B1x0L2hZrvAv3MwYiXaRBkC98LAYJlpp3wU0_w8vDGsCHmeh3h9WwX0_2EeBoFqckjJMCkmoSgNHdV5pzbmZUV4Tt7RDcIiCdTrCK7Qs5Y/w472-h640/gus_made_bacon_for_abe1.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“Mommy, is this a perfect bacon for Abey?”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“Umm…what? A what?”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“Is this a perfect bacon for Abey?”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“I…guess so!”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“Okay. Look, I wrote Abey on it. See? N-O-I-S. That’s how I write Abey.”</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVCxZLaDyTJY3IFAyZUAeOYIpvIvJK3PebNbH3OKHD_ouZLRp-gQY3X5PwX-yedN5TZobUEEitVqFAYZZ20jju1Bz9VMiWiTnkPEptqZRI92k97wfe1DniiQcCSgWN5dfSCyNSz1jpKtmRKIObKbqROglV62uYAug0cqZ-LD5QNf40NexGva4dkL-O-U/s1600/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVCxZLaDyTJY3IFAyZUAeOYIpvIvJK3PebNbH3OKHD_ouZLRp-gQY3X5PwX-yedN5TZobUEEitVqFAYZZ20jju1Bz9VMiWiTnkPEptqZRI92k97wfe1DniiQcCSgWN5dfSCyNSz1jpKtmRKIObKbqROglV62uYAug0cqZ-LD5QNf40NexGva4dkL-O-U/w480-h640/getting_ready_to_pick_up_abe5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the excitement made her fall asleep before we even left for the airport! :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxXw7pJRlyN3eY4MaEtONjVxKqqxbXNgY1spryA9Dd74XnHt0BLu2VCmFUKQG6gBoTsLPGu47rxqvd6JqaYui4kMuEZ2PmWmiKT-O2Ph2enG8R2iMs_OH1K7QHErSr21iCxPr1mhmYI2OBw78kDjgn2rGpmrISADIvnLMW1zR5wAglwFl7-LjKIbkg5w/s1600/abe_branch_president.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxXw7pJRlyN3eY4MaEtONjVxKqqxbXNgY1spryA9Dd74XnHt0BLu2VCmFUKQG6gBoTsLPGu47rxqvd6JqaYui4kMuEZ2PmWmiKT-O2Ph2enG8R2iMs_OH1K7QHErSr21iCxPr1mhmYI2OBw78kDjgn2rGpmrISADIvnLMW1zR5wAglwFl7-LjKIbkg5w/w640-h622/abe_branch_president.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The second-to-last Sunday Abe was on his mission, he got released as Branch President. A lady from his stake who was visiting the branch sent me a screenshot from LDS tools and a zoom link to their meeting, saying "I thought you might like to see your son conducting." She was right. I did. Really a cool experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEgYj0YO1pvWMxu9ZmDHxMg3rmTUHsgqVCJvnSe5ogsal9H3SmN7D7hV3EDRUSlFNYbRqHd304lgiF9wAwulDV5SgXHr939wVnEA2qzBtFAIlWgqLxl8lrfxRI2eGmdabpJqHcrOMBXVNTROf2uhiXZlhYq2ifAvxbNgp88fkx1vyMIrJid70ptXVqlA/s1614/abe_by_piano1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEgYj0YO1pvWMxu9ZmDHxMg3rmTUHsgqVCJvnSe5ogsal9H3SmN7D7hV3EDRUSlFNYbRqHd304lgiF9wAwulDV5SgXHr939wVnEA2qzBtFAIlWgqLxl8lrfxRI2eGmdabpJqHcrOMBXVNTROf2uhiXZlhYq2ifAvxbNgp88fkx1vyMIrJid70ptXVqlA/w476-h640/abe_by_piano1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>And here he is home! I can still hardly believe it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZfIGrKIYiEIFf2z68nrr6qRu3Snbi169w1NLnSvo7idJMlt1V-KHbnZp_IhZcPNxOLaoqzSm-JIZLS5I65K_2SpFoedJRSSmX_6mK49z_zvzJSLrDODXOcY8kIcPev83JFytj96V6XtuhGcyBtFl5iRSs9_wXwfhD9Ll6J7chckz7-y6CuFhnSpivus/s1600/abe_parker_hunter_nate2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZfIGrKIYiEIFf2z68nrr6qRu3Snbi169w1NLnSvo7idJMlt1V-KHbnZp_IhZcPNxOLaoqzSm-JIZLS5I65K_2SpFoedJRSSmX_6mK49z_zvzJSLrDODXOcY8kIcPev83JFytj96V6XtuhGcyBtFl5iRSs9_wXwfhD9Ll6J7chckz7-y6CuFhnSpivus/w480-h640/abe_parker_hunter_nate2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Old friends reunited after nearly four years!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvaWFEgnT_zw6Sr7hI4ZliPpWdOHaa1tnA613oYnXU2YGK85VnWgttHJf2vbIkXP6nFiSU5_KvT27V48D1HVX-YBpUZ1pGsXsXyrlXMwgN47L-RQYsOTlJkLIGRARd5Qvk1u99XDBxCQwkFgr5KArr0euxRPspdUWhQdPCsH8-1JjIQKZXCOiF_NCclw/s2000/abe2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvaWFEgnT_zw6Sr7hI4ZliPpWdOHaa1tnA613oYnXU2YGK85VnWgttHJf2vbIkXP6nFiSU5_KvT27V48D1HVX-YBpUZ1pGsXsXyrlXMwgN47L-RQYsOTlJkLIGRARd5Qvk1u99XDBxCQwkFgr5KArr0euxRPspdUWhQdPCsH8-1JjIQKZXCOiF_NCclw/w640-h480/abe2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Abe wanted new profile pictures for his various accounts, so I took some of him on the hill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfMDCpFewLAVunOvZVToScJ1L3_LbWA-C33f3bsOgsZ_dkp28VE5pRvfU7hYyew79zlPz9e8AXAVE6CeXGhNyo8-LfegbLqvoKwFw9YT1nyS5deHLBKkCvf5ONsjyCu59gjKgMLkJTCXnKiDYbBwYYSQMF9BKcfXTXOlq1Baj7lPxGqCBsGuIuh3jeEI/s2000/abe3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="2000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfMDCpFewLAVunOvZVToScJ1L3_LbWA-C33f3bsOgsZ_dkp28VE5pRvfU7hYyew79zlPz9e8AXAVE6CeXGhNyo8-LfegbLqvoKwFw9YT1nyS5deHLBKkCvf5ONsjyCu59gjKgMLkJTCXnKiDYbBwYYSQMF9BKcfXTXOlq1Baj7lPxGqCBsGuIuh3jeEI/w640-h422/abe3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOldDmfO3Iwc3UzcNkmhWRcWKaLEmdCnr94RN8A_U_qqr7f_W1qQySWbaNfNfNKANQu2EeYaSy4lrOAmGjcML7hDAnwkli1P9tfOMxUK2o4OknLJ4SrPYTlcIj5lOBaQ0oxR19pv0Th49JCfO3QLrE3fvMwTURqSXJWSBytKhS4qV00G3OdlVEMimQp7Q/s2000/abe4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="2000" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOldDmfO3Iwc3UzcNkmhWRcWKaLEmdCnr94RN8A_U_qqr7f_W1qQySWbaNfNfNKANQu2EeYaSy4lrOAmGjcML7hDAnwkli1P9tfOMxUK2o4OknLJ4SrPYTlcIj5lOBaQ0oxR19pv0Th49JCfO3QLrE3fvMwTURqSXJWSBytKhS4qV00G3OdlVEMimQp7Q/w640-h472/abe4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB2Tfd6_cZGATrW2f3OwASyP-7st-kgfC2zMrCfJ1QiQ2AOi-jNkJ-BOkjSJhMCCckjsFN6o28OcdePXRk8C5MIXIVBT00NYmnL3ZdVU34LCxJSfHCIVoSmdjePf5leqjjaqem7CgMwu_iAlAV66mJXqvqYK3oa2xdJBVxUp-dClDs9TljGQtTefA3_k/s1600/abe_hill1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB2Tfd6_cZGATrW2f3OwASyP-7st-kgfC2zMrCfJ1QiQ2AOi-jNkJ-BOkjSJhMCCckjsFN6o28OcdePXRk8C5MIXIVBT00NYmnL3ZdVU34LCxJSfHCIVoSmdjePf5leqjjaqem7CgMwu_iAlAV66mJXqvqYK3oa2xdJBVxUp-dClDs9TljGQtTefA3_k/w640-h480/abe_hill1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQHrCdFPAq0fzN6dxV-Rrx1Ndw8wzx00URW3lllEIuR0iidN8fPc05iodQ6zJUodNj7JlHnJWMMnSlo_ZkknkhcYdRs6Malj4YLMqlP9EhzZwdTWWqyUmoeMnelS_RQqtUSGZiHMx3jp-GFrXbU8dUw15iGUlPahM6-6MMcn8hVC1Y6wcamSZqgYczFA/s2000/abe5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQHrCdFPAq0fzN6dxV-Rrx1Ndw8wzx00URW3lllEIuR0iidN8fPc05iodQ6zJUodNj7JlHnJWMMnSlo_ZkknkhcYdRs6Malj4YLMqlP9EhzZwdTWWqyUmoeMnelS_RQqtUSGZiHMx3jp-GFrXbU8dUw15iGUlPahM6-6MMcn8hVC1Y6wcamSZqgYczFA/w640-h480/abe5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDOO_Z9eQOVACZSQh6PtHHesFPMBYt4s5IR_RaL4UCaHm_M_BFxcetSJoTBZCpsYdplJpy1U8A_j9FnVyweFjcjnkiLTgztNa8mTRG8sU1nBKcXEXJ5uCJFODfjMTXAZ3QDKVSU3qwmmjiocazPLbkYYb_SksRT8icrZgZR3p-K5nAIhJ0e3CLHrb86A/s1600/IMG_6511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDOO_Z9eQOVACZSQh6PtHHesFPMBYt4s5IR_RaL4UCaHm_M_BFxcetSJoTBZCpsYdplJpy1U8A_j9FnVyweFjcjnkiLTgztNa8mTRG8sU1nBKcXEXJ5uCJFODfjMTXAZ3QDKVSU3qwmmjiocazPLbkYYb_SksRT8icrZgZR3p-K5nAIhJ0e3CLHrb86A/w640-h478/IMG_6511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Because of Abe's hard work (and unique circumstances) before his mission, he was able to save enough money to pay for his own mission as well as have quite a bit of savings left over. So just a few days after he got home, he was car shopping! He and Sam had a good time discussing the merits and drawbacks of various types of cars, and shopping around all over the valley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkNqVdG-XwQrozGqTe2uHi16hTthr0_notsV0GJR-4K9lDW_3aG36YaiPGSBn8xK_WKlYvdYKSjSm3dEjJgJVvNh_1_snxKpOl8wdWQ7rWIgRPO5Gubm3RosjNs4C483pRjPVu-iBddOjaE7wpXqMl7qdUf-dhdWXVQK7oT0gKfjEreLwul9VWrcmGS8/s1600/abes_new_car.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkNqVdG-XwQrozGqTe2uHi16hTthr0_notsV0GJR-4K9lDW_3aG36YaiPGSBn8xK_WKlYvdYKSjSm3dEjJgJVvNh_1_snxKpOl8wdWQ7rWIgRPO5Gubm3RosjNs4C483pRjPVu-iBddOjaE7wpXqMl7qdUf-dhdWXVQK7oT0gKfjEreLwul9VWrcmGS8/w640-h456/abes_new_car.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He ended up with this cute Mazda 3!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSia6KwSHp3pLdG247O-MJMAyrit4ZEZOoUsIhIrW-1UaDoradSpnHZD5O5uf5g6QLpV6xPKMQEJa7JvaK4sYCJohgViYHwNauofO-qvh-GaAOgaXxV_Y3gb6eRHibg3kGbgABrXVwVCPMuJaqoeSiVe_MgG7AR9TU2qLpflIzp7HA2G0qvYD2bN_nbS4/s1600/ky_chess_clem1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSia6KwSHp3pLdG247O-MJMAyrit4ZEZOoUsIhIrW-1UaDoradSpnHZD5O5uf5g6QLpV6xPKMQEJa7JvaK4sYCJohgViYHwNauofO-qvh-GaAOgaXxV_Y3gb6eRHibg3kGbgABrXVwVCPMuJaqoeSiVe_MgG7AR9TU2qLpflIzp7HA2G0qvYD2bN_nbS4/w640-h458/ky_chess_clem1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine and Malachi in a chess stare-down</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgRjWLw9cAzz2cT-bDIBHkjn9kBGF4vMn9BNMKgLwmRLA7FTWc0upAEindBxaBRvmLKKD62DlEQGNHmWyK727tUnHjg3E91AaUGNcBajCZ1baH7KynFC0kaPI27iPuFyrtNDCEcxz0FIGmkg1KsWeFA3dSR14KDwuqkjm1mquTmyy0nQZ2pzNizB1LTQ/s1600/ky_chess_clem3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgRjWLw9cAzz2cT-bDIBHkjn9kBGF4vMn9BNMKgLwmRLA7FTWc0upAEindBxaBRvmLKKD62DlEQGNHmWyK727tUnHjg3E91AaUGNcBajCZ1baH7KynFC0kaPI27iPuFyrtNDCEcxz0FIGmkg1KsWeFA3dSR14KDwuqkjm1mquTmyy0nQZ2pzNizB1LTQ/w640-h492/ky_chess_clem3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHK2-dqdZWRFTqfDwRGn4cp7_0tbWasCS__AXryRzZ_hN1-wP3aF7HBqKxo_X2c9G9EpQG5cc4zXK5nqpCS2saqaazaPm6_eljL1QO8IWkcJcoTVP3H0-RnRr8TmIQov7RVFNpkeprV-x3aFI3Iap_F0DKChix-ZEVMkMqoeLKrXvGlCl9mMtflzwHOmI/s1600/sleepy_clem1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHK2-dqdZWRFTqfDwRGn4cp7_0tbWasCS__AXryRzZ_hN1-wP3aF7HBqKxo_X2c9G9EpQG5cc4zXK5nqpCS2saqaazaPm6_eljL1QO8IWkcJcoTVP3H0-RnRr8TmIQov7RVFNpkeprV-x3aFI3Iap_F0DKChix-ZEVMkMqoeLKrXvGlCl9mMtflzwHOmI/w640-h418/sleepy_clem1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a bout of sickness sweep through the family. It didn't get all of us, but Clementine was tired and sick for several days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCIX46zrSA1xEfU6nOnOKk6L53gM9ZAZfhdMa_XOjPlwMPEHk63hyVrUvAWP5cVAVnx1DsAz3L6ujWa9jI3xDv2u701QXPrpKJuOUuLmj4bjgoNPkQd0acLAhOKjPHRxjd7OOOm6YE6vzALM7hl8FLNrftf_07W7O-GMk5__4dITioGiS_MZK5yPLKAw/s1600/sleepy_clem2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCIX46zrSA1xEfU6nOnOKk6L53gM9ZAZfhdMa_XOjPlwMPEHk63hyVrUvAWP5cVAVnx1DsAz3L6ujWa9jI3xDv2u701QXPrpKJuOUuLmj4bjgoNPkQd0acLAhOKjPHRxjd7OOOm6YE6vzALM7hl8FLNrftf_07W7O-GMk5__4dITioGiS_MZK5yPLKAw/w640-h480/sleepy_clem2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS_EsR25maKTrSIYxwQ6fCdF9Ia79jcYcYsI8O90tqKDDbvXTy2C6vEzsSGWsGC0PnjOg2ekVECUJvIlAdP3OpIivniOjo0sik_QFCBombuG7T3TrPbm2b-EV45DcNt3OevtqEmOFqSnn6N_PHgDNCGxHaknlu6WnnFmMkNC5oLQWG_RzCrlkZxSMhUI/s1600/little_sick_people1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS_EsR25maKTrSIYxwQ6fCdF9Ia79jcYcYsI8O90tqKDDbvXTy2C6vEzsSGWsGC0PnjOg2ekVECUJvIlAdP3OpIivniOjo0sik_QFCBombuG7T3TrPbm2b-EV45DcNt3OevtqEmOFqSnn6N_PHgDNCGxHaknlu6WnnFmMkNC5oLQWG_RzCrlkZxSMhUI/w480-h640/little_sick_people1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95zbWs2quUeAESQMWafeY1H0Ck-ScKAqzNmX5qGDPk6XyOyR1YYyEL9QvDx-265ZjEULd-RtWJiO6Trz5UVFFm46rqyt5JNIsCRz7AH5bARwJbwGWgdk5AQLUVqgFZlGhv-cXi30gAO-dNgIi25en887FexHtSNn3miQFjGwJFZBmlX1XGzJzrAcimgE/s1851/little_sick_people2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95zbWs2quUeAESQMWafeY1H0Ck-ScKAqzNmX5qGDPk6XyOyR1YYyEL9QvDx-265ZjEULd-RtWJiO6Trz5UVFFm46rqyt5JNIsCRz7AH5bARwJbwGWgdk5AQLUVqgFZlGhv-cXi30gAO-dNgIi25en887FexHtSNn3miQFjGwJFZBmlX1XGzJzrAcimgE/w554-h640/little_sick_people2.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I confess that I loved it. Clementine and Gus both wanted to snuggle with me nonstop, and whenever I tried to slip away after they finally fell asleep, they would stir and reach out for me fretfully, whimpering until I lay back down with them. I will miss these times when they are gone, as they already are for most of the children.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eFYwh7_ssSwo1sd5_5LqFF6H4sUNwwG0J4wu9uuFa7QhaAQeQE3Z1OnP8-bADtX6Vp1g5c_Rq52zQqu9OoEWZmeEHhkQxXH6Hj5MLk-iE-uYn9-lfaB13GcTlBswfqv75yfKyjt9CCTdaPD5qwVb3-b8m2EKE-1lPHoW-ZDzfbwVBf6Us9eBFM53xnQ/s1488/little_sick_people9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eFYwh7_ssSwo1sd5_5LqFF6H4sUNwwG0J4wu9uuFa7QhaAQeQE3Z1OnP8-bADtX6Vp1g5c_Rq52zQqu9OoEWZmeEHhkQxXH6Hj5MLk-iE-uYn9-lfaB13GcTlBswfqv75yfKyjt9CCTdaPD5qwVb3-b8m2EKE-1lPHoW-ZDzfbwVBf6Us9eBFM53xnQ/w516-h640/little_sick_people9.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gus, having rallied enough to sip some Sprite. He still looks pale in this picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznmFcyB1X1hRsilcj1E6L7tgwusShbQU5JUwc_JxK-LNT1S1HqNor7XUikNuqOGRsr7mgjwaej74RVFnlolNJjSzi1AGniLNCfrH-GPPltjSoxOpE_MxQIagMr1Z6TE1k4lQt5jSbw7HBV9gCatFXgU5fbp5i9B0KR8wc9aUksAaJ0LlCvXMJtNuKoAE/s1600/little_sick_people10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznmFcyB1X1hRsilcj1E6L7tgwusShbQU5JUwc_JxK-LNT1S1HqNor7XUikNuqOGRsr7mgjwaej74RVFnlolNJjSzi1AGniLNCfrH-GPPltjSoxOpE_MxQIagMr1Z6TE1k4lQt5jSbw7HBV9gCatFXgU5fbp5i9B0KR8wc9aUksAaJ0LlCvXMJtNuKoAE/w640-h480/little_sick_people10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sick person's dormitory</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxRc3ZH8_UOH5OHCFtmYWDWEYIJKuRQIGvttxjab9GrPNfcOUNWnv5oucLOBD_OOS9HU8pZ_kgHY7rKZ43X0S1XJwoTstLdQ6TJubl6AnQkkyHk1ozIhiSkQXe8ck0cOOOLmWNKIs_sH_zMrF7fbWEm9DHe9WvO8CSWHSmACzDYcRoCJ1s9PNOVrMEd4/s1600/hotel_girls_made1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxRc3ZH8_UOH5OHCFtmYWDWEYIJKuRQIGvttxjab9GrPNfcOUNWnv5oucLOBD_OOS9HU8pZ_kgHY7rKZ43X0S1XJwoTstLdQ6TJubl6AnQkkyHk1ozIhiSkQXe8ck0cOOOLmWNKIs_sH_zMrF7fbWEm9DHe9WvO8CSWHSmACzDYcRoCJ1s9PNOVrMEd4/w640-h498/hotel_girls_made1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One night Sam and I came home from our date to find our room made into a fancy hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXskWZ8T_8KOszrIv_VEOmQqb6_HKtK9Zxq3lQ38sMxmMe_ZmhiAZuLnJYTsYAK-Yt9T4G2xU4dEucR7L6TmJbP36TU38cxkOrhVKeJLfTdDdiXR3M8HRcg8KCF7ZPrLolN_T5D5ybDZkErYMqLVNWydYUDj4LIuu1CTA0j_2BVryvdPB6gSuZ2MIb5jg/s1600/hotel_girls_made2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXskWZ8T_8KOszrIv_VEOmQqb6_HKtK9Zxq3lQ38sMxmMe_ZmhiAZuLnJYTsYAK-Yt9T4G2xU4dEucR7L6TmJbP36TU38cxkOrhVKeJLfTdDdiXR3M8HRcg8KCF7ZPrLolN_T5D5ybDZkErYMqLVNWydYUDj4LIuu1CTA0j_2BVryvdPB6gSuZ2MIb5jg/w640-h480/hotel_girls_made2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpS8tJqbq6eEWeiGLtOxsqFHCAl-Nt-HZENnDd5np6wKwvURQEP32njAOhHbtXauzgmIKnEL17Lym3LWa6CBsc2Xl_aTojhRo59ZnGhoaAYtq7MUY5OW8mvhpzehXQsTodX3v1Pv27q6LXoOexhm1mVU44Ls4Y7NsITDFGVUclNLvVaKNijocylPyivc/s1600/hotel_girls_made3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpS8tJqbq6eEWeiGLtOxsqFHCAl-Nt-HZENnDd5np6wKwvURQEP32njAOhHbtXauzgmIKnEL17Lym3LWa6CBsc2Xl_aTojhRo59ZnGhoaAYtq7MUY5OW8mvhpzehXQsTodX3v1Pv27q6LXoOexhm1mVU44Ls4Y7NsITDFGVUclNLvVaKNijocylPyivc/w640-h428/hotel_girls_made3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone had helped, even Gus. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTwxeAHhSEuyBa4M5RTCfSQfRoflSlZFji5qNfCrXKCcm1qmZwP9NfQfwsvnMMF8_xrjHnkN7T2uawmscoEfzMLajvgAFalRMDGAW7OJ9iN8EamZuRnZJgxS3USOu3dNWG5ayBolCAHnY8KK2hWTCaDADHHQ1qnN8gHW19zCvVcdCIK43tMt4-7yflW4/s1600/hotel_girls_made4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTwxeAHhSEuyBa4M5RTCfSQfRoflSlZFji5qNfCrXKCcm1qmZwP9NfQfwsvnMMF8_xrjHnkN7T2uawmscoEfzMLajvgAFalRMDGAW7OJ9iN8EamZuRnZJgxS3USOu3dNWG5ayBolCAHnY8KK2hWTCaDADHHQ1qnN8gHW19zCvVcdCIK43tMt4-7yflW4/w640-h480/hotel_girls_made4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ooh, so clean and elegant!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwUCuRH9GS4lPMB4Gtvu4IdkygZ2EXunBMxeS_tQtOOKr-m9pJAetHytOk6yVZGh4OkwVQbvUZytnzrE5pMVci3KIj7C7wA5pHMo5EU2sc_p2yWSh1ERpvFoolyNY6frdUUQvxxwcsxOYxfU0wWk3v5GeZ0KzMrBs62S3kq_xIqs7tnHtHeiaXE4Ht9Q/s1600/IMG_6717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwUCuRH9GS4lPMB4Gtvu4IdkygZ2EXunBMxeS_tQtOOKr-m9pJAetHytOk6yVZGh4OkwVQbvUZytnzrE5pMVci3KIj7C7wA5pHMo5EU2sc_p2yWSh1ERpvFoolyNY6frdUUQvxxwcsxOYxfU0wWk3v5GeZ0KzMrBs62S3kq_xIqs7tnHtHeiaXE4Ht9Q/w480-h640/IMG_6717.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This pillow has something fishy about it, though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwDJx2Wo3kgMmWOnd1qUxHHQWoHEi-S_U0XYL5jsknKovExO5FoqslSukzn8eH6IdHXc_dqLFfwJ24L2Uj6-_UgLIxWCYlgH-A9l7XWOp3IPlwRCChNjF2QXmat8wm0QtJyP43fZSW1PU1341g_c3r57OrAbjOCqXeZCou5jGadiKAkk-TbrRwPL9wVo/s1761/daisy_and_ben.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1761" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwDJx2Wo3kgMmWOnd1qUxHHQWoHEi-S_U0XYL5jsknKovExO5FoqslSukzn8eH6IdHXc_dqLFfwJ24L2Uj6-_UgLIxWCYlgH-A9l7XWOp3IPlwRCChNjF2QXmat8wm0QtJyP43fZSW1PU1341g_c3r57OrAbjOCqXeZCou5jGadiKAkk-TbrRwPL9wVo/w436-h640/daisy_and_ben.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yearly picture of Daisy and her cousin Ben</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JXP7FUaXHsT0liDck6ahaaMXHGVI7gDmjrwEEQc2IinuCYm_8I4Qdvrwln2Qaq2ho80vqQ6xJ2rJvCK8zIUrfcMbYbmHIbr6XnAPfQD5w1ta9s4cL-1lKmLZvAEANMVFAr57GpAc3xgLjCC3Jnw6UbhZLGR9G-47kKdKjc_ATKlIGfiM3T3W37a69-w/s1600/shawl_daisy_crocheted1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JXP7FUaXHsT0liDck6ahaaMXHGVI7gDmjrwEEQc2IinuCYm_8I4Qdvrwln2Qaq2ho80vqQ6xJ2rJvCK8zIUrfcMbYbmHIbr6XnAPfQD5w1ta9s4cL-1lKmLZvAEANMVFAr57GpAc3xgLjCC3Jnw6UbhZLGR9G-47kKdKjc_ATKlIGfiM3T3W37a69-w/w640-h480/shawl_daisy_crocheted1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daisy crocheted this lacy shawl from a pattern book she got for Christmas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrr_zD6luNtF2-QBZsqQGONoDetaGdOkM9HaP2ZbSYRtow4jVLddKCPG1tzTS8rXDOX5cggRUq8CjDEKkCnVriKQ6_BTKOg-oVs6KojLEH0XKKmsd2j-JVXURY6GrPyW4_qtqfL8doyDOJBlXUp6170QAH4o70KumfH7DdbcbS0Z1Wi_sEeleGmIwiks/s1600/shawl_daisy_crocheted2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrr_zD6luNtF2-QBZsqQGONoDetaGdOkM9HaP2ZbSYRtow4jVLddKCPG1tzTS8rXDOX5cggRUq8CjDEKkCnVriKQ6_BTKOg-oVs6KojLEH0XKKmsd2j-JVXURY6GrPyW4_qtqfL8doyDOJBlXUp6170QAH4o70KumfH7DdbcbS0Z1Wi_sEeleGmIwiks/w480-h640/shawl_daisy_crocheted2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgdTecXI_pZyeKhCsoahKApDBg1ApaaJZR9X283ajKp2SY0PGjpjEVbhLECzc8O4fBg2vcgACjKgTW4IGTA0W_ZGrwyjbueulU44kNlGz8RcUKm_xdvu1pz3zPUXRKoeTbO-jJAq_0Xq1rmR8iTuTD79H4qNC9Y4yjE57ZRstUmN97nuivfnOzMYImcQ/s1600/toddler_ballet_class1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgdTecXI_pZyeKhCsoahKApDBg1ApaaJZR9X283ajKp2SY0PGjpjEVbhLECzc8O4fBg2vcgACjKgTW4IGTA0W_ZGrwyjbueulU44kNlGz8RcUKm_xdvu1pz3zPUXRKoeTbO-jJAq_0Xq1rmR8iTuTD79H4qNC9Y4yjE57ZRstUmN97nuivfnOzMYImcQ/w640-h468/toddler_ballet_class1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To earn money for pointe shoes, Daisy and Junie have started teaching a little ballet class on Tuesday mornings for 3- and 4-year-olds in the neighborhood. It is the cutest thing ever! I love watching them. They started with an 8-week session and they have four little students, but lots of other families have expressed interest, so they may do another session after this! <span style="text-align: center;">It works pretty well to just roll the living room rug back and move the couches, although they wish they had a barre.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgFX40AEpMX-Qa_hUzUZpcLTMzltN-7QHP7GeNPZhV0S-bbWoC61okhxnbDxnWfqe-YhUxf_faMk42pyE6gV0dyUbrBMci46ulCSkOQZFTd4SCnpchhhYds8j0WFjg9FVhbygYi1xFy0IRjxGt3iU28q51XyHDrmwABJH-PkIRhhk5Lo64lRdluU_gq8/s1600/toddler_ballet_class5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgFX40AEpMX-Qa_hUzUZpcLTMzltN-7QHP7GeNPZhV0S-bbWoC61okhxnbDxnWfqe-YhUxf_faMk42pyE6gV0dyUbrBMci46ulCSkOQZFTd4SCnpchhhYds8j0WFjg9FVhbygYi1xFy0IRjxGt3iU28q51XyHDrmwABJH-PkIRhhk5Lo64lRdluU_gq8/w640-h492/toddler_ballet_class5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jqfqjvw_In4aWqnTYbYz0K1YVLdwi7imYMxREUOWzmV8EfGtTiiEE3Zyjwtt4uRpDMI4IShaqdqsAnVx54WkGJZbzaUbahUC9agcEM8UKgCC3gIGyscK8L8C7Oj8o07TYnCtBZTxC1jqgyYiVv85fW0PhY2aebN0-a3HmfFjRpKK27r6Qkoc8NcoLz4/s1600/toddler_ballet_class8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jqfqjvw_In4aWqnTYbYz0K1YVLdwi7imYMxREUOWzmV8EfGtTiiEE3Zyjwtt4uRpDMI4IShaqdqsAnVx54WkGJZbzaUbahUC9agcEM8UKgCC3gIGyscK8L8C7Oj8o07TYnCtBZTxC1jqgyYiVv85fW0PhY2aebN0-a3HmfFjRpKK27r6Qkoc8NcoLz4/w640-h458/toddler_ballet_class8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CaL-efOmKIqVXQYTptXDSXgryVwUZ2ufUDy68g6LMNxbNY45Ct42TePp3aRFfSjeSSXs9RLD8pTmrFSVNjhZcBjAsFqE6zLORh7GIc6dAL-BhyphenhyphenIKYHIjhIC4E_VWa-VRwjt8GZDoGCvhS06KkpLsfx0Mhyz4zYL-0qS3iwKDduXVgKrScdm2Sx4aOZw/s1600/toddler_ballet_class9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CaL-efOmKIqVXQYTptXDSXgryVwUZ2ufUDy68g6LMNxbNY45Ct42TePp3aRFfSjeSSXs9RLD8pTmrFSVNjhZcBjAsFqE6zLORh7GIc6dAL-BhyphenhyphenIKYHIjhIC4E_VWa-VRwjt8GZDoGCvhS06KkpLsfx0Mhyz4zYL-0qS3iwKDduXVgKrScdm2Sx4aOZw/w640-h444/toddler_ballet_class9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopping like bunnies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgS4YSMgOSUKioTfXi49INR30Uta8yoBz-f7Sa_KDQ5VzPv9skvKp2oekvclqb9H4l9wdDJ6a_oLhK_KHYl2fmjph9iDXJIhtWYwHaWivCjxqySn-gi0roz3994W9lh_plnSNmpE-eQ4mDIglmMOdlytOoTzM93bSawWD5EGEH6RouHoA-zdNzLi6n_w/s1600/toddler_ballet_class10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgS4YSMgOSUKioTfXi49INR30Uta8yoBz-f7Sa_KDQ5VzPv9skvKp2oekvclqb9H4l9wdDJ6a_oLhK_KHYl2fmjph9iDXJIhtWYwHaWivCjxqySn-gi0roz3994W9lh_plnSNmpE-eQ4mDIglmMOdlytOoTzM93bSawWD5EGEH6RouHoA-zdNzLi6n_w/w640-h472/toddler_ballet_class10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivesvbBUOdBoE-cFpymfFB3cZt3giPh3JtBfr0laxYbF3CT3kRdlTVpnwzyhQrDfSDo_-rnfWGwjsE1b8s5Ap8cn82fhSdfaRHkkwHl1kEAoHi6yg9fUZNOVr4qKws2IfjzsHnCJuoTYve_xJFADUFp34qU2fPYrdOmPkXaUqcFRC_a8jwRBTkBMYA5Go/s1600/toddler_ballet_class14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivesvbBUOdBoE-cFpymfFB3cZt3giPh3JtBfr0laxYbF3CT3kRdlTVpnwzyhQrDfSDo_-rnfWGwjsE1b8s5Ap8cn82fhSdfaRHkkwHl1kEAoHi6yg9fUZNOVr4qKws2IfjzsHnCJuoTYve_xJFADUFp34qU2fPYrdOmPkXaUqcFRC_a8jwRBTkBMYA5Go/w640-h510/toddler_ballet_class14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dancing with the scarves is everyone's favorite!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxD2Ariv2y21CaU415ARVhOcjgAaXwdL192xkmF1-JyOta5N2RbHBJyvr7D12hBKH-5IdvSG1WD0VnKmf2ZpUpwSVmds_0vVQuKLsVe8kIXRW_0PCCLtCOv9Pydu6E13Immt8kCN7gwDu2HnFqjN1RZSyGj6H_2ii8C92Y1sX7bb_0upV6KnrSRy0-n4/s1600/another_toddler_ballet_class1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxD2Ariv2y21CaU415ARVhOcjgAaXwdL192xkmF1-JyOta5N2RbHBJyvr7D12hBKH-5IdvSG1WD0VnKmf2ZpUpwSVmds_0vVQuKLsVe8kIXRW_0PCCLtCOv9Pydu6E13Immt8kCN7gwDu2HnFqjN1RZSyGj6H_2ii8C92Y1sX7bb_0upV6KnrSRy0-n4/w640-h470/another_toddler_ballet_class1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxd5ch4e68VGBZODgvoauzzg13C4KmtePMfK9zJXIOC2ZlzbO20wOuJ0CEqFz7_l-9zsXOOclecVI6uwAIQzGpvmDNo3xCOnPuO3EDnKM0ifXEmR1qE-g4AR_URpmASAgqxD7iVvg22oeWE5uDBv5UXuKOU1-SmuQT4zTWY71qST_6oO7mg2ebh-Em4s/s1685/another_toddler_ballet_class2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1685" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxd5ch4e68VGBZODgvoauzzg13C4KmtePMfK9zJXIOC2ZlzbO20wOuJ0CEqFz7_l-9zsXOOclecVI6uwAIQzGpvmDNo3xCOnPuO3EDnKM0ifXEmR1qE-g4AR_URpmASAgqxD7iVvg22oeWE5uDBv5UXuKOU1-SmuQT4zTWY71qST_6oO7mg2ebh-Em4s/w456-h640/another_toddler_ballet_class2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes Clementine can't be kept away, so she comes and joins in. She's so cute! I suppose I should just get her a leotard and let her join for real. All week long, she'll say to me matter-of-factly, "I'm going to ballet," and then head right out the front door! (Which makes no sense, really, since ballet is at our house.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVqRAoXqG1gLojvWyAhwwO8wD3X4bEkkG4Mqp2Q5L5NWJ5lvHMW-JthTmpLrYwY-CQx1mh50U7uiv5bNSVtwoHyiOeSnBC4ZUl4yGp9k5gQpkkXlinO-9tOeIl8OKmrvtZKTGmcVBTPrQeG3TUHFuSMFeQ3OkjXATQzdbi8aLVZ0mtcjkZTdwEdJPlYQ/s1540/another_toddler_ballet_class3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVqRAoXqG1gLojvWyAhwwO8wD3X4bEkkG4Mqp2Q5L5NWJ5lvHMW-JthTmpLrYwY-CQx1mh50U7uiv5bNSVtwoHyiOeSnBC4ZUl4yGp9k5gQpkkXlinO-9tOeIl8OKmrvtZKTGmcVBTPrQeG3TUHFuSMFeQ3OkjXATQzdbi8aLVZ0mtcjkZTdwEdJPlYQ/w498-h640/another_toddler_ballet_class3.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwr2CTRRZAWp0qSk4wV86wWElxU6aWr6Ka4p7Scvj5Z9vMr2yRRiAtsIsRSA7Ladm3296q9aeLeSQv4DSNNPW37AF7lBZeYPiMHxOpBGiG5W3fpHxi9M__ZNeORfV6qC4toWa1ay67_MQAN1vjDAPoyoXyt5t1M3b5zyCPRMErAds7vhRASzWst71qHQ/s1600/another_toddler_ballet_class6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwr2CTRRZAWp0qSk4wV86wWElxU6aWr6Ka4p7Scvj5Z9vMr2yRRiAtsIsRSA7Ladm3296q9aeLeSQv4DSNNPW37AF7lBZeYPiMHxOpBGiG5W3fpHxi9M__ZNeORfV6qC4toWa1ay67_MQAN1vjDAPoyoXyt5t1M3b5zyCPRMErAds7vhRASzWst71qHQ/w640-h446/another_toddler_ballet_class6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92v2SNW1XKC3iJ26hpW9_d_P2T_jrSkk06v4RGY5L7lGi2_0Yq7Ln7-aYfwNjQ5gg3JMrywRtOiERMqWcY1q9P95_Nqy-EmFqbRTL7pkGfMdqyNS6DkYf7fUIXnnTCqPm3uEJlO5kjdpTgUPN9EZ4g8Y2mysoyc3dgRa83x_8fPBhEGNVs_PEN2-_mEI/s1632/IMG_6641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92v2SNW1XKC3iJ26hpW9_d_P2T_jrSkk06v4RGY5L7lGi2_0Yq7Ln7-aYfwNjQ5gg3JMrywRtOiERMqWcY1q9P95_Nqy-EmFqbRTL7pkGfMdqyNS6DkYf7fUIXnnTCqPm3uEJlO5kjdpTgUPN9EZ4g8Y2mysoyc3dgRa83x_8fPBhEGNVs_PEN2-_mEI/w628-h640/IMG_6641.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGxRFe0ihPPsp61ajJrAsL7rIgC2lygSWoJb2jtNit3NRaAwS9tOyxDgJaUZStSzVFlaa2O62aAqPzXXut0dHtqW-5RVYzwAjyvQuEucRmhouX1hrNJN9YbVW_5hT64_3Dmd_GSaMnBQsxdNMmNKTLV3Bo5grF5ixYOk87i0N3pJGieeThypAoH_lMOA/s1600/another_toddler_ballet_class8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGxRFe0ihPPsp61ajJrAsL7rIgC2lygSWoJb2jtNit3NRaAwS9tOyxDgJaUZStSzVFlaa2O62aAqPzXXut0dHtqW-5RVYzwAjyvQuEucRmhouX1hrNJN9YbVW_5hT64_3Dmd_GSaMnBQsxdNMmNKTLV3Bo5grF5ixYOk87i0N3pJGieeThypAoH_lMOA/w640-h504/another_toddler_ballet_class8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8A2pM3eHgPbn3GTgtFXGFi-o3hi7k5fhibYqZOxcSK1FwzSjL957E14khPEzROmeiEftVLYlmAX1Obd6zImOgUEXHLmWw7KUKTy576VhLR6nW1So-_aWl3wv1TU9rDtd5W8byflXR_onZNyQYmE0SkPe8QMWjyEIKvBomUeFTZW4mwTihFsbqGAD0T4/s1600/another_toddler_ballet_class10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8A2pM3eHgPbn3GTgtFXGFi-o3hi7k5fhibYqZOxcSK1FwzSjL957E14khPEzROmeiEftVLYlmAX1Obd6zImOgUEXHLmWw7KUKTy576VhLR6nW1So-_aWl3wv1TU9rDtd5W8byflXR_onZNyQYmE0SkPe8QMWjyEIKvBomUeFTZW4mwTihFsbqGAD0T4/w640-h476/another_toddler_ballet_class10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa70xGM_H1GMa-zw8FpUFuL-HUMy5xruP28zwnVR8ZEv7ul08hy-HbVcBz86xX3i553tEfJeq0ZROEzKHDrgiwxQorb9K2qXV9zAHV8NPpHpX0HfkMDepcZznxcaLnY2SpP7-xunD9on2mhZtArECt2sbMeCJ4LgVZTvS_unSQKbTu3PtlyrRxumdZCU/s1600/another_toddler_ballet_class15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa70xGM_H1GMa-zw8FpUFuL-HUMy5xruP28zwnVR8ZEv7ul08hy-HbVcBz86xX3i553tEfJeq0ZROEzKHDrgiwxQorb9K2qXV9zAHV8NPpHpX0HfkMDepcZznxcaLnY2SpP7-xunD9on2mhZtArECt2sbMeCJ4LgVZTvS_unSQKbTu3PtlyrRxumdZCU/w640-h544/another_toddler_ballet_class15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cute, cute, cute little dancers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlH82yhoeKc8Dg3TBtPdCjbkPpYmlX58v7iaa7dhKtHuyOe1beyCeZVidl-hkk3isOB4yq6iAdc1BPYEAJKDB73p1ufbG2zfO4Jgo_q3m3VM0PPg-7vRkSZOT_zDGRAHF6VhfsVK6UFR62u9r911CbP1F029k5EWTGQnayDinDx35ljWMmfXSZ_AsNFw/s4032/goldie_in_towels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlH82yhoeKc8Dg3TBtPdCjbkPpYmlX58v7iaa7dhKtHuyOe1beyCeZVidl-hkk3isOB4yq6iAdc1BPYEAJKDB73p1ufbG2zfO4Jgo_q3m3VM0PPg-7vRkSZOT_zDGRAHF6VhfsVK6UFR62u9r911CbP1F029k5EWTGQnayDinDx35ljWMmfXSZ_AsNFw/w480-h640/goldie_in_towels.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie buried in warm towels. I used to love this when I was little, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT56yA50K4AIhR5ctTeb-L2Erd6PG_7GDCM_GZ4nzX14cKPjTPbJPqr9hUZWB0VfKArtKsHeVh6CWeRtVTddp70vk1LQ1wdAAHPnUQAhoYSKNk2W8DRz4jHoQEyC8gGOZMppe-QifUvg2vjn6Ty_iGxS3x8RM0RWNRkxnPcXYe2CW4SOJ0YAcTU5XF2M/s1600/IMG_6675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT56yA50K4AIhR5ctTeb-L2Erd6PG_7GDCM_GZ4nzX14cKPjTPbJPqr9hUZWB0VfKArtKsHeVh6CWeRtVTddp70vk1LQ1wdAAHPnUQAhoYSKNk2W8DRz4jHoQEyC8gGOZMppe-QifUvg2vjn6Ty_iGxS3x8RM0RWNRkxnPcXYe2CW4SOJ0YAcTU5XF2M/w480-h640/IMG_6675.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie going out to do some good works in the parish</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEjDeNuxcJq2kecuXxMYDDTfDiBN5hHJQbiMV1WWa04VAv87J9wMcFiXRDkzim_D1mUQsmm4-qNiCXD443S-vjTJwKEzGDFV2oWR65qflaXiAwcx9c1VjYbQrriPyN6TGTqT1TzZpxxzPmCKb9FftffPlWGd8unNzVPtTSjNEZeRfoBYC0RenUZl2eTU-h0/s1600/zig_no_book1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeNuxcJq2kecuXxMYDDTfDiBN5hHJQbiMV1WWa04VAv87J9wMcFiXRDkzim_D1mUQsmm4-qNiCXD443S-vjTJwKEzGDFV2oWR65qflaXiAwcx9c1VjYbQrriPyN6TGTqT1TzZpxxzPmCKb9FftffPlWGd8unNzVPtTSjNEZeRfoBYC0RenUZl2eTU-h0/w480-h640/zig_no_book1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now we make a jarring turn to this screed I found written in a little notebook. Clearly Ziggy was not happy with Gus for some reason! Poor Gus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9KWKIJCTKLutyTbpyeau_yb_nVctOX28JfjY47_HflwtvszHMJ5vRAcMaUKq196aA9DHWyPj634FWs8BR1FIBueEEw2a0eOoY4aN4c7VFzf4a35t6xqR0KZvYw_xicMEVzWYI6oGIC0PUwtRzjJIJ0EGqvAbNNtRQNF4nQyrF3jf11BGvLGI4UqP5mk/s1600/IMG_6712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9KWKIJCTKLutyTbpyeau_yb_nVctOX28JfjY47_HflwtvszHMJ5vRAcMaUKq196aA9DHWyPj634FWs8BR1FIBueEEw2a0eOoY4aN4c7VFzf4a35t6xqR0KZvYw_xicMEVzWYI6oGIC0PUwtRzjJIJ0EGqvAbNNtRQNF4nQyrF3jf11BGvLGI4UqP5mk/w640-h480/IMG_6712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Usually they are such good little friends, though! And Clementine too…see her there off on the hill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApjqPhyphenhyphen-KcjglFASC0Vr454YiFckgyQ3gYqIQLTf8vY3qqsAvhv4jyS_o0whKe_cji2xuOj9hXr8OPWUzWBuW7bhKMQZKxCN88-qYM2KlXNZYwDweu6wz2aOSznuehsVZdKH-E2PwM8wPSDKmNCSp-iqbiQyTLvk-tUb15EkmGWsArNwl45UTU_6P23U/s1200/Snapseed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApjqPhyphenhyphen-KcjglFASC0Vr454YiFckgyQ3gYqIQLTf8vY3qqsAvhv4jyS_o0whKe_cji2xuOj9hXr8OPWUzWBuW7bhKMQZKxCN88-qYM2KlXNZYwDweu6wz2aOSznuehsVZdKH-E2PwM8wPSDKmNCSp-iqbiQyTLvk-tUb15EkmGWsArNwl45UTU_6P23U/w640-h640/Snapseed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We used to be able to keep Clementine inside by locking the doors, but now she can unlock them and she is always <i>determined</i> to go join her brothers if they're outside! It's not good! We are often having to run out and retrieve her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgB0OfF1O80WpoDAJoiTOspU_rePYb8JjeIsG8fud2ynTizl6S9xWspjuAEjHU2TpaEbocZaAyWE8C0HAbb8rIEZ3ixnP2tbE0_tA3W6STzkskq1gP1pXMwMW8Lj2D_6QdJl-uYvOu4f1ZYp5l7tDci1EWOSF5-ox-4k-ZG-KSogpryitz6q34nm9j8A/s1646/IMG_6700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgB0OfF1O80WpoDAJoiTOspU_rePYb8JjeIsG8fud2ynTizl6S9xWspjuAEjHU2TpaEbocZaAyWE8C0HAbb8rIEZ3ixnP2tbE0_tA3W6STzkskq1gP1pXMwMW8Lj2D_6QdJl-uYvOu4f1ZYp5l7tDci1EWOSF5-ox-4k-ZG-KSogpryitz6q34nm9j8A/w466-h640/IMG_6700.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I came out to bring her in on this day, she explained, "I just nuggling."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54NqIQXOVZx07gdRE5IePSoFGGLbFV-Lpq6Cw2Sxgxiss88gn8idWInDAsFFA_oB1XwkFwynV4LIy2sWlk2pcMUI-kxPb-5P2SEViizx4D9c0Nu_ObP30PNh9k5J-YUm0QD3zKhlOilqnOEh5m-sTh7pae32gqCFEqWn_yIbBtghRKZRh58rAZq593E4/s1600/IMG_6704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54NqIQXOVZx07gdRE5IePSoFGGLbFV-Lpq6Cw2Sxgxiss88gn8idWInDAsFFA_oB1XwkFwynV4LIy2sWlk2pcMUI-kxPb-5P2SEViizx4D9c0Nu_ObP30PNh9k5J-YUm0QD3zKhlOilqnOEh5m-sTh7pae32gqCFEqWn_yIbBtghRKZRh58rAZq593E4/w640-h480/IMG_6704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Zig drew this rather menacing march of gnomes for Clementine</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Jz3C3OfR0q7_MzsmcSL1dHp6ZsetD001LIJYVSoNjVYlapkcq6nbiWQsM_DfeHu_9oWuo7jn_xwpiG_k_C-ycQ2kyKdGjbJ1TjgnZ_AHtD50tYB5GYiu06I5yHop2Lp9laZ5CKc0p4hFnnA9mG-wRbdwiROhFd5-3_BHjfoNRbUckVVsHBnJICHC9E/s1600/in_a_box_boys2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Jz3C3OfR0q7_MzsmcSL1dHp6ZsetD001LIJYVSoNjVYlapkcq6nbiWQsM_DfeHu_9oWuo7jn_xwpiG_k_C-ycQ2kyKdGjbJ1TjgnZ_AHtD50tYB5GYiu06I5yHop2Lp9laZ5CKc0p4hFnnA9mG-wRbdwiROhFd5-3_BHjfoNRbUckVVsHBnJICHC9E/w480-h640/in_a_box_boys2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Boys in a box</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0eP-T9nseByDwMp7Pbo_2C02-fSP4LYkT3T5gmkvnSFiyX0qTSO7nT3v0jQ9faaJw-J9eZBXTzA2OyIiOzjZ42Z5JWMQMV7FJ4BaWYF3Ml_CLo1wVY8ptpu5R_96RyOhRWFgenXUQrtzBRAdnHpNfi2GxbdE8rrG3zETykNQD_fSb9S3FB4cNtlriy8/s1548/police_station_tour3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0eP-T9nseByDwMp7Pbo_2C02-fSP4LYkT3T5gmkvnSFiyX0qTSO7nT3v0jQ9faaJw-J9eZBXTzA2OyIiOzjZ42Z5JWMQMV7FJ4BaWYF3Ml_CLo1wVY8ptpu5R_96RyOhRWFgenXUQrtzBRAdnHpNfi2GxbdE8rrG3zETykNQD_fSb9S3FB4cNtlriy8/w496-h640/police_station_tour3.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had such a great police station tour to go with our Emergency Workers Unit. I was so glad the policeman was kind and sweet to little hero-worshiping Ziggy. I looked up mid-tour and Ziggy had just trustingly taken Officer Hansen's hand! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0IlrcCBL3ypgksHcf1KiFakpGuPMvOeHP890tX2UVEnretkk5lsQPOrKUw6SFay3skWnOEf-qloeEXWspwNU1-KQVIbEDqnZ-8_HevJ-D0gTyrDmjmnckQZW4GCUw_zHzKZ3AVNkEgCHQriQ3xqWQ-45xJo-GpDhjZsnx3S-_cxA0gPeTEk85TID7v4/s1600/police_station_tour11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0IlrcCBL3ypgksHcf1KiFakpGuPMvOeHP890tX2UVEnretkk5lsQPOrKUw6SFay3skWnOEf-qloeEXWspwNU1-KQVIbEDqnZ-8_HevJ-D0gTyrDmjmnckQZW4GCUw_zHzKZ3AVNkEgCHQriQ3xqWQ-45xJo-GpDhjZsnx3S-_cxA0gPeTEk85TID7v4/w480-h640/police_station_tour11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Ziggy's face after the policeman told him to push a button on the console, and he realized he had turned on the flashing lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrnOJahh86AKMYYLz9TlYFtcsmmgD4__2WHsCiqQZzhEr15nnZ9kqgEc-EeAn1heDrZ9RrFmWGYt9h0LGySzjUUQ0OY_kKHdVrF5p04cy_ZXkOD-v-jI87VI4F-0T-H3RotHB8ldbdx7s4iK3oui5IyQrPr48WSBQcShaA3_mQWlZrP5xA2bWzRuIm7I/s2674/police_station_tour13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="2673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrnOJahh86AKMYYLz9TlYFtcsmmgD4__2WHsCiqQZzhEr15nnZ9kqgEc-EeAn1heDrZ9RrFmWGYt9h0LGySzjUUQ0OY_kKHdVrF5p04cy_ZXkOD-v-jI87VI4F-0T-H3RotHB8ldbdx7s4iK3oui5IyQrPr48WSBQcShaA3_mQWlZrP5xA2bWzRuIm7I/w640-h640/police_station_tour13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh it was a happy day for him. And interesting for the rest of us, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCXOLpTqgYyTPMJ1vunVE5d_g_GhtAZkr7lQvIpYKzeTd_5Z_7R-xpA6vEt-BiRQ62wdfZK5uvS6-9gqGFUmED6boQfXf5ZOYa0-LeTG6dm_BDPDwHLHFAYq8Hzqhnhr5Yuq_czdIfzrOGyCEU8dtlsiIae7KPAi4f2l-P-ZOnuEc-NmsUmObNv53CGM/s940/428644463_718391653763121_1494174868034587015_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCXOLpTqgYyTPMJ1vunVE5d_g_GhtAZkr7lQvIpYKzeTd_5Z_7R-xpA6vEt-BiRQ62wdfZK5uvS6-9gqGFUmED6boQfXf5ZOYa0-LeTG6dm_BDPDwHLHFAYq8Hzqhnhr5Yuq_czdIfzrOGyCEU8dtlsiIae7KPAi4f2l-P-ZOnuEc-NmsUmObNv53CGM/w640-h536/428644463_718391653763121_1494174868034587015_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEjoO4XUeGyYdcuy8zuWuYQX5BrrGAMB73q5RMJtnNGTiszat737Ka9Y_NnC_hK0JrWrXgxxIUARJPwNnDNRzW3Y1kz2RCR5V6VnXfHL9RPFBW5y4EOC3oRyGCJzvb-5c4U4FUeoI8IiyNHIJAMiN_AZzMJv-sRWQ4fbF0dQyEFKxvAuXjKZRm8_qB-M_Hw/s1457/IMG_6666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO4XUeGyYdcuy8zuWuYQX5BrrGAMB73q5RMJtnNGTiszat737Ka9Y_NnC_hK0JrWrXgxxIUARJPwNnDNRzW3Y1kz2RCR5V6VnXfHL9RPFBW5y4EOC3oRyGCJzvb-5c4U4FUeoI8IiyNHIJAMiN_AZzMJv-sRWQ4fbF0dQyEFKxvAuXjKZRm8_qB-M_Hw/w528-h640/IMG_6666.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sam brought home flowers for me one day and we reflected on some events of this past year. Devastating, joyful, and everything in between. We are learning to trust the Lord and rely on His daily bread, to hold onto hope in His promises. We are continually blessed.</div></div></div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-7326006041535303552024-02-26T07:30:00.004-07:002024-02-27T15:43:14.137-07:00To reconnect here with the love we felt there<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Saturday Morning Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10?lang=eng">October 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NEsfzYnzCWnI5in42PKqTqlLH45PqdeF_fusXRzS-pjJcKtEZ9amgIQtOSOvI-nJ92JWE8v_FGJ1gOYelYrzuvi2aTrr9FCksCM2PUYueo68rDzJI3UfcpSObf_4XNqFzyRuRQ-L8xD-eNp6mrX2sFsaOkn8vOR82k0PsXR-RGfm3VgVE2YYv7GA0Us/s2337/IMG_9269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="2337" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NEsfzYnzCWnI5in42PKqTqlLH45PqdeF_fusXRzS-pjJcKtEZ9amgIQtOSOvI-nJ92JWE8v_FGJ1gOYelYrzuvi2aTrr9FCksCM2PUYueo68rDzJI3UfcpSObf_4XNqFzyRuRQ-L8xD-eNp6mrX2sFsaOkn8vOR82k0PsXR-RGfm3VgVE2YYv7GA0Us/w640-h558/IMG_9269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've always loved hearing Elder John H. Groberg's mission stories, but <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/the-power-of-gods-love?lang=eng">his talk in this session</a> had so many good doctrinal insights too! I have been thinking this week about how much I wish I could teach my children the concept of <i>real love</i> and how to feel it. Elder Groberg says:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Every person who comes to earth is a spirit son or daughter of God. Since all love emanates from God, we are born with the capacity and the desire to love and to be loved. One of the strongest connections we have with our premortal life is how much our Father and Jesus loved us and how much we loved Them. Even though a veil was drawn over our memory, whenever we sense true love, it awakens a longing that cannot be denied.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>Responding to true love is part of our very being. We innately desire to reconnect here with the love we felt there. Only as we feel God’s love and fill our hearts with His love can we be truly happy.</div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div>I know my children feel this longing for love. The little ones just reach out for it and drink it in. It's so easy to help them feel loved! But the older kids seem to feel the longing as a deep loneliness and sadness that surfaces sometimes. They want connection. They think they'll find it with friends or by having people admire them. I want so much to help them understand this principle:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Trying to find lasting love without obeying God is like trying to quench thirst by drinking from an empty cup—you can go through the motions, but the thirst remains. Similarly, trying to find love without helping and sacrificing for others is like trying to live without eating—it is against the laws of nature and cannot succeed. We cannot fake love. It must become part of us.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">Elder Groberg also talks about the cyclical nature of love <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2024/01/restoring-charitys-circular-love.html">I wrote about</a> a few weeks ago:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>The more we obey God, the more we desire to help others. The more we help others, the more we love God and on and on. Conversely, the more we disobey God and the more selfish we are, the less love we feel.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess maybe to really understand this (and I'm sure I don't even "really understand" it as much as I could myself) you just have to have repeated personal experience with it in your life. I don't think as a college student I could have grasped how much my own happiness would depend, not on what happened to me or what other people thought of me or if I was "successful" in my goals…but on how much I tried to align my will with God's, and how much I tried to serve others. At that time, I knew I "should" obey God (and I tried to!) but I didn't realize that doing so would give me <i>all the other things</i> I was craving…peace, acceptance, meaning, love! I didn't realize that focusing so intensely on myself (what I was feeling, if people liked me, if I was "happy enough,") was the very thing making me <i>unhappy! </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That makes it sound as if I've mastered it now, but of course I haven't. I still have to tell myself "Forget yourself and go to work!" about five times a day! But I have at least seen <i>glimpses</i> of the way serving God and others fills my own heart with peace and comfort. And this is just so beautiful:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>When filled with God’s love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us.</blockquote></div><p style="text-align: left;">I loved this reminder that for all of my worries and troubles and times of confusion, God's love is the universal cure. "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/58nelson?lang=eng">The answer is always Jesus Christ!</a>"</p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-40406805219238429382024-02-20T07:30:00.006-07:002024-02-20T07:30:00.143-07:00Not only afar off, but here and now<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Young Women's Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng">April 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEYMIUtaOZIdz8LIuGpjCNchddAbboyzjZGTpl2H03-XnPthzbbSQtHFjQykof_W_UE15AI1y9Z66TauPlY-d9_X3P1CkrrQsWA-k2KL_He9xIOHQE7usJcFrzkFeRlDCFNkDD842muVhkisIGzvFlPLjTmA2Mdc98nh4vpS-tTtSXKODy8npQylOi7s/s1600/IMG_6414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEYMIUtaOZIdz8LIuGpjCNchddAbboyzjZGTpl2H03-XnPthzbbSQtHFjQykof_W_UE15AI1y9Z66TauPlY-d9_X3P1CkrrQsWA-k2KL_He9xIOHQE7usJcFrzkFeRlDCFNkDD842muVhkisIGzvFlPLjTmA2Mdc98nh4vpS-tTtSXKODy8npQylOi7s/w640-h480/IMG_6414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite talk from this session was by Susan W. Tanner, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/all-things-shall-work-together-for-your-good?lang=eng">All Things Shall Work Together for Your Good</a>. The title is one of my favorite scripture quotes (which apparently is not from just one scripture but many!) so I knew I was going to like it right away.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She starts out like this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div>I love to read. But I can hardly stand it if a novel gets too intense—if the hero’s life is too dangerous or sad or complicated. So I have to read ahead to the end just to make sure that everything will turn out all right for the main character.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a sense all of us are in the middle of our own novels, our own life stories. Sometimes our stories feel very intense, and we would like to read ahead to know our own end, to make sure that everything is going to turn out all right. While we don’t know the particular details of our life’s experiences, fortunately we do know something about our futures, if we live worthily.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">I'm just like Sister Tanner in that I sometimes feel like I can't <i>stand</i> not knowing how things will all turn out! And I wish I could read ahead too! not just myself but for all of those I love. But what if the end was BAD? I sometimes wonder how Nephi endured knowing how things would turn out for his brothers in the end. It seems too sad.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />(This is getting off-topic from the talk, but I wonder if Nephi <i>didn't</i> actually see Laman and Lemuel's ends specifically. Maybe he only saw further into the future, down to their great-great-great grandchildren. Maybe it would be too painful, and not helpful, to see anything sooner than that. Because who knows but what Laman and Lemuel, after having taught their children to hate the Nephites, saw and realized the pain and sorrow it caused? Maybe as 80-year-old men, they were sad and sorry, and tried to stop their children from being so angry and resentful, but it was too late. And they went to their graves repentant and sorry, ready to trust God's promises of repentance, and to renew their hope for even their badly-taught children after many generations passed away. I like to think so, anyway.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Anyway, I guess it's not completely off-topic, because that hope is what Sister Tanner says is <i>the whole reason</i> God tells us "all things shall work together for our good":</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>This promise comes from a tender, caring Father who desires to bless us and give us reason to hope through our earthly journey. Knowing that eventually all things will work together for our good will help us endure affliction like the faithful people from the scriptures who knew of His promises and trusted in them, “having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them.” We too can embrace this promise.</blockquote></div><div>I like thinking that God specifically intends to "give us a reason to hope." I like imagining Him giving us promises purposefully so we can stop worrying so much, so we can relax and just <i>learn</i> from our experiences instead of being so intensely fearful that we'll mess them up. (Too bad I am so bad at doing this!) And I like the idea that the promise "all things shall work together for our good" can bring us hope even in the <i>interim, </i>while we are waiting for other promises to be fulfilled:</div><div><div></div><blockquote><div>While it may be true in some instances that our promised blessings will be fulfilled only in the eternities, it is also true that as we search, pray, and believe, we will often recognize things working together for our good in this life.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I read the stories of Jesus’ Apostles after His death, I see that they were frequently and brutally persecuted, stoned, and imprisoned. But they lived with courage and faith. They knew that ultimately all things would work together for their good. They also knew that <b>through interim blessings and miracles, things were working out. They were sustained, tutored, and protected. They embraced the promises not only afar off but here and now as well</b>.</div></blockquote><div></div>I've <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2016/08/grace-to-grace.html">written about this idea before</a>, but I've been thinking about it again because of something my friend said about grumpy teenagers—which is that even the worst and hardest parts are not <i>ceaselessly</i> hard. She reminded me, "It won’t actually be consistent YEARS. It will be a few hours here. A weekend there. And then many times of the teen grumps being cast aside because they just can’t help but be their normal and bright selves sometimes! Often!" She is right, and I should know that! I've experienced that principle amid the hardest things in my life—there are still happy moments, tender mercies, hours of peace. And I can choose to believe in those "interim blessings and miracles" just as I believe in the ultimate ones!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sister Tanner ends by talking about how we ourselves can actually participate in the fulfillment of "all things shall work together for our good" in other people's lives. I love that too. Being able to see "the tenderness with which Heavenly Father reaches out to bless those around me in their individual needs" is one of the gifts mentioned in my patriarchal blessing, and it is truly a magnificent gift. I love to hear about the miracles and mercies and blessings that God provides to make all things work together for the good of those I love most, and it makes me feel <i>nearly</i> as cared for and loved as seeing Him do all those things for ME!</div><div><blockquote>I testify that Heavenly Father is a tender, loving parent who desires to bless us with all that He has. As we search, pray, and believe, we will recognize miracles in our lives and become miracle workers in the lives of others. We will be persuaded of His promise that all things shall work together for our good.</blockquote></div><p style="text-align: left;">Amen!</p><p></p><div></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-17959239033448229912024-02-14T10:00:00.007-07:002024-02-14T10:00:00.142-07:00Abe's Homecoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF6IdbVWv-oLrTk6KX5HTUbVwKSKou0CtAFdRBlqTs_R7PMmo-sNADKMP7G9S-83GuXsSNrxWTH0v3ZQsl0LX4rQ-Sc1jPjBB1kUgXzTSZnfyjPcO_51D9UVcOhUb7L7IgfbltQSUTOxRLqpV-MrjNJSLfHJfpoUSYNL3RJWN1fgoFg4cL40uQkAPvbw/s1730/SEB_1207-2%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF6IdbVWv-oLrTk6KX5HTUbVwKSKou0CtAFdRBlqTs_R7PMmo-sNADKMP7G9S-83GuXsSNrxWTH0v3ZQsl0LX4rQ-Sc1jPjBB1kUgXzTSZnfyjPcO_51D9UVcOhUb7L7IgfbltQSUTOxRLqpV-MrjNJSLfHJfpoUSYNL3RJWN1fgoFg4cL40uQkAPvbw/w444-h640/SEB_1207-2%20copy.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's home, he's home! He came home on Sam's birthday. We were all excited, of course, but I was apprehensive too—not sure how Abe would be feeling, not sure what the mood would be. I know returned missionaries sometimes have trouble finding their place after their missions, and I know they have mixed emotions upon leaving the friends and purpose they've gained in the past two years. I was afraid he'd be too sad to be happy to see us! So, knowing all this, I wondered if I would feel mixed emotions too? But it turned out, when the time came, I didn't! It didn't matter if <i>Abe</i> was filled with pure joy or not (though of course I hope he was!)—<i>my</i> joy was deeper and bigger than almost anything I've felt before! It surprised me a little! But I was <i>so</i> happy to see him, <i>so</i> happy to hug him, <i>so</i> happy to finally feel the hole—a hole I didn't even realize was still inside me!—filled back up by having our whole family together again!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qKZ7Uj0fzb7AVITZNN8rdhstIucU7z4Q4q8hpluQ4gypOaK2SADFBv2p63_bxOcEYOlDs2NfrE1s-aDIv5fZPw8at3o_CiKniKCHK74tC5Bf3bhUgKsYObMP40DDpuPnG9VbkYP0N55WO5Fk06cBKscZ3fYF4U8zQ9PZbVhq5F3tVORcTfwQuW05Ip4/s1600/SEB_1208%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qKZ7Uj0fzb7AVITZNN8rdhstIucU7z4Q4q8hpluQ4gypOaK2SADFBv2p63_bxOcEYOlDs2NfrE1s-aDIv5fZPw8at3o_CiKniKCHK74tC5Bf3bhUgKsYObMP40DDpuPnG9VbkYP0N55WO5Fk06cBKscZ3fYF4U8zQ9PZbVhq5F3tVORcTfwQuW05Ip4/w640-h484/SEB_1208%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0rOu_BPS4nnRnOowfNwm5nVSjB5qRYtfZqjDcZFDfLvAKpHS0x5vClfE-Mx1i78FvB9n4WqW5S-z5QhyphenhyphenkKk-Uuh8AI-dSaD5qNiW8EiaP_oTzfy9_tisX2hMCFsBOVFQ_vfKoj40bFtXKQLhUvK9pgskxxzeAuaQcZ6SZ42DxHjo95Xaa4dhPfbpWms/s5130/SEB_1210%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="5130" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0rOu_BPS4nnRnOowfNwm5nVSjB5qRYtfZqjDcZFDfLvAKpHS0x5vClfE-Mx1i78FvB9n4WqW5S-z5QhyphenhyphenkKk-Uuh8AI-dSaD5qNiW8EiaP_oTzfy9_tisX2hMCFsBOVFQ_vfKoj40bFtXKQLhUvK9pgskxxzeAuaQcZ6SZ42DxHjo95Xaa4dhPfbpWms/w640-h450/SEB_1210%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlN66r0UNM9tveEK3EzGFr594Y-9opnlwg47F37UGZE_MiB-i52i7Ecn76PxIwaMlkrSkS5Fzy_4-lwnTZjF_SohfMrS-tgGLGW989Ihmb5SfEBafc6ctKaMtOYJNWFpCFvswiLEgT04wOJkTfeFZAKHFP_cGsiHaiw7obvKQuaeZvFmhqQLrEcqRy14/s2000/SEB_1211%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2000" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlN66r0UNM9tveEK3EzGFr594Y-9opnlwg47F37UGZE_MiB-i52i7Ecn76PxIwaMlkrSkS5Fzy_4-lwnTZjF_SohfMrS-tgGLGW989Ihmb5SfEBafc6ctKaMtOYJNWFpCFvswiLEgT04wOJkTfeFZAKHFP_cGsiHaiw7obvKQuaeZvFmhqQLrEcqRy14/w640-h458/SEB_1211%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know we don't <i>really</i> have him back again, not for good. Several people have pointed that out to me this week—that this is really just the beginning of the separation where children go away and don't ever come back as children again. It's the way things are supposed to be and I'm (theoretically) okay with it. Of course I want Abe to grow more independent, to start his own family, to build his own life! He and Seb already have imminent plans. But come on, can't I just enjoy this time for a minute? All of us under one roof, the dinner table full, barely enough seats in the car? It is joyful even when it's chaotic and exhausting—joyful because now I'm starting to know what it means.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I_5952M2B5SfLqumS2VHly4uTB3ZypUdQJEoFCdh9dwKVii3iRjiBxk4Z70V6RKg_uD7eQ3P-SWyNX1BC6NGO50_nBOdDh6gheHK_f9OxP-kyls1jOF82Ct9xIWEA-vJP_DAMlHqJnA7H65egKa0w4-EqofchkZ3-OnqRGZuarpZJPkKQAKm4Nkcup4/s1600/SEB_1237%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I_5952M2B5SfLqumS2VHly4uTB3ZypUdQJEoFCdh9dwKVii3iRjiBxk4Z70V6RKg_uD7eQ3P-SWyNX1BC6NGO50_nBOdDh6gheHK_f9OxP-kyls1jOF82Ct9xIWEA-vJP_DAMlHqJnA7H65egKa0w4-EqofchkZ3-OnqRGZuarpZJPkKQAKm4Nkcup4/w640-h426/SEB_1237%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifwCVuvDjmsbiSq8W0ITWoJobTn7yhRCGdLPyIvhSt32sDYbmveGwv9tZjuRBGX1qafJKitutECYh8acVH7TBYdUNeExP0lBxZcuwDBO35VVLsDDaf5sPfxolWw8KcZP78OnZP6tClAjcVPPy4lADQrGBjI1s7DV0L_g7sOQbsT1O1H669inMf9cHbGY/s1775/SEB_1240%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifwCVuvDjmsbiSq8W0ITWoJobTn7yhRCGdLPyIvhSt32sDYbmveGwv9tZjuRBGX1qafJKitutECYh8acVH7TBYdUNeExP0lBxZcuwDBO35VVLsDDaf5sPfxolWw8KcZP78OnZP6tClAjcVPPy4lADQrGBjI1s7DV0L_g7sOQbsT1O1H669inMf9cHbGY/w432-h640/SEB_1240%20copy.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3VBdqb_YIUuUESQdKCx6gYX1OyrGWO-T9wBBqdZvH9CQ2u1WkurvF-4X1g04r-Eq9bYi7vyUsIPlo9uOfP9ySqSsjq9r-z_mdAdKgm_OVG83qm81u6hp5Tr_fqvFEGvb_JYZCYfYkdbiD9EY-r-YL-n8G8fFEMxsB-yZ4CmLHn-dRVOjFe1yC3caqV8/s1643/SEB_1238%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1643" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3VBdqb_YIUuUESQdKCx6gYX1OyrGWO-T9wBBqdZvH9CQ2u1WkurvF-4X1g04r-Eq9bYi7vyUsIPlo9uOfP9ySqSsjq9r-z_mdAdKgm_OVG83qm81u6hp5Tr_fqvFEGvb_JYZCYfYkdbiD9EY-r-YL-n8G8fFEMxsB-yZ4CmLHn-dRVOjFe1yC3caqV8/w468-h640/SEB_1238%20copy.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_DQMdnh8R1wVL0HWMNmu3mQyT4dxXRjQ5sB1IynAOFj27Ljv4IAuO-LOYTCd8RlJUWIAmvdBNCZDW0y73u4AyDTs26PlOBRZLeL9MwclKSw4UxAa-nfKXUB3RNqbpgvxplHD1tcOP96VmIV1ls5J_-hJdm2EiT5SDnoQvX3qfuAO1JYmT617iCxWph8/s1600/SEB_1250%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_DQMdnh8R1wVL0HWMNmu3mQyT4dxXRjQ5sB1IynAOFj27Ljv4IAuO-LOYTCd8RlJUWIAmvdBNCZDW0y73u4AyDTs26PlOBRZLeL9MwclKSw4UxAa-nfKXUB3RNqbpgvxplHD1tcOP96VmIV1ls5J_-hJdm2EiT5SDnoQvX3qfuAO1JYmT617iCxWph8/w640-h432/SEB_1250%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBzF3Q01Jj-FP24H_bq-6chfNhya_YFU5LpVX_UJ4gpDFbpt_AKvH_HTPnlqqh2j1zWjhyphenhyphenjoQpxhFZRksfQjnnCzAzklAduFwUQTJGUDEPpKubEwAtqdTBvep8PlIQr1APZe5QLkG3eTnbUh6i5D4Quang6u0yLYyBTR-fspJkiwcvDBvco18s30Hlo0/s1600/SEB_1253%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBzF3Q01Jj-FP24H_bq-6chfNhya_YFU5LpVX_UJ4gpDFbpt_AKvH_HTPnlqqh2j1zWjhyphenhyphenjoQpxhFZRksfQjnnCzAzklAduFwUQTJGUDEPpKubEwAtqdTBvep8PlIQr1APZe5QLkG3eTnbUh6i5D4Quang6u0yLYyBTR-fspJkiwcvDBvco18s30Hlo0/w640-h450/SEB_1253%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnI-r9irY1ge2FvUI5SS4DPBX5v3I1O0K7ngGqWkwioqNzCw_tP2HgIJKJ_tM344MsT9otaYBD4R-b0TvajcOr7GY-I3_bj6-Q0surNmIy3lck6eAs-o7dnntSNrb7lSlDEOYCFgBOnnWSfDrUySlqaWW110TMG7T-ejAJLIKk9z9TmZsiy37fmfLV1g/s1600/SEB_1255%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnI-r9irY1ge2FvUI5SS4DPBX5v3I1O0K7ngGqWkwioqNzCw_tP2HgIJKJ_tM344MsT9otaYBD4R-b0TvajcOr7GY-I3_bj6-Q0surNmIy3lck6eAs-o7dnntSNrb7lSlDEOYCFgBOnnWSfDrUySlqaWW110TMG7T-ejAJLIKk9z9TmZsiy37fmfLV1g/w640-h432/SEB_1255%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sebastian took most of the airport photos. I was so grateful because I knew I wouldn't have any attention to spare for pictures, but I <i>wanted</i> pictures!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-TdNeK8i3_8AXj_yVDxrOh2e7rS6-VXmhCeWaJ2OoSuE3q7FZgSZn7VzgdCz6fWOZtk0NC_MJojytoPvJeie-ww69jvzV-zES6ueNIWthss4fjC5E-94HSinwLwPRadORG2G95oDXIiq-22tkdfeHCLgrf-qdxhAd-eUgyEBdBTVwm_Q_BxBKVCWdog/s1600/SEB_1257%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-TdNeK8i3_8AXj_yVDxrOh2e7rS6-VXmhCeWaJ2OoSuE3q7FZgSZn7VzgdCz6fWOZtk0NC_MJojytoPvJeie-ww69jvzV-zES6ueNIWthss4fjC5E-94HSinwLwPRadORG2G95oDXIiq-22tkdfeHCLgrf-qdxhAd-eUgyEBdBTVwm_Q_BxBKVCWdog/w640-h436/SEB_1257%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PIC7RhEqWQ1DzUJEt3WeeMaQNzdQDrga37T9C_U433Ql5gNBHI7CzxekwUE5ictdTgvHQdfIMnOtD3pmXCFxb9ffg9nClbX0iFPVbwXFHbANPS0_34g5idVe8OMrMjVQoTpxvvJqgd_yZbsAPOX-6Cl4f-0LaDGLEnAzUa5nZ5aF5dYNUMrkzDT7fdo/s1600/SEB_1259%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PIC7RhEqWQ1DzUJEt3WeeMaQNzdQDrga37T9C_U433Ql5gNBHI7CzxekwUE5ictdTgvHQdfIMnOtD3pmXCFxb9ffg9nClbX0iFPVbwXFHbANPS0_34g5idVe8OMrMjVQoTpxvvJqgd_yZbsAPOX-6Cl4f-0LaDGLEnAzUa5nZ5aF5dYNUMrkzDT7fdo/w640-h426/SEB_1259%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iwRWKVXJGqlo1Ez4dXNYygq1cq2FSC4e7G4OXpIfYdahur3v24jFIPoQblC2zLjntTJk-eARx1L6C92PqZfIuAkvIulNFtLowxWS6LZTFMQiipJZc-9DL6bLMWeW2xiDPFqGZkC_GJs0DUnRyynXteQ_orsIp5G5pHX7jrYIq9O8Xb8eFJ_Fag2fMvo/s1615/IMG_6386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iwRWKVXJGqlo1Ez4dXNYygq1cq2FSC4e7G4OXpIfYdahur3v24jFIPoQblC2zLjntTJk-eARx1L6C92PqZfIuAkvIulNFtLowxWS6LZTFMQiipJZc-9DL6bLMWeW2xiDPFqGZkC_GJs0DUnRyynXteQ_orsIp5G5pHX7jrYIq9O8Xb8eFJ_Fag2fMvo/w476-h640/IMG_6386.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wcWmidlYJmlXDWUHAhxhITHRjIjD4u53vlRBzJhplVzT7624WcsV7EbiwK38TXNV70ciUNjuulTytalZdQzVLIrq-zkMRiQ9CkR-jkqY-pJk8C9UWBRj0PQ4XHeeW8EVF9i2bYaNEi_kJhqVZOouqi6kYU2hTaSKaFTqsDB2LTn8CzqnaJ_KEl6sbPE/s1524/IMG_6388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wcWmidlYJmlXDWUHAhxhITHRjIjD4u53vlRBzJhplVzT7624WcsV7EbiwK38TXNV70ciUNjuulTytalZdQzVLIrq-zkMRiQ9CkR-jkqY-pJk8C9UWBRj0PQ4XHeeW8EVF9i2bYaNEi_kJhqVZOouqi6kYU2hTaSKaFTqsDB2LTn8CzqnaJ_KEl6sbPE/w504-h640/IMG_6388.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yPRyuLfzmRwxakZmYH_WGYk5cdRP1kNuOdCkmk1s3h76cFaqngvG-vcxtUD_MqTuXHV0hUGHfHwejgkZ5R2AN8FYUcQ78xR8iXpynGaENZauifFSIvBKOsEPAo74GmseVjMdziBlV7Mh8g99k3oa0fG8Vfy1uZf1MzIJewb0D0sqTe4di0M6aLv_rlA/s1600/IMG_6384.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yPRyuLfzmRwxakZmYH_WGYk5cdRP1kNuOdCkmk1s3h76cFaqngvG-vcxtUD_MqTuXHV0hUGHfHwejgkZ5R2AN8FYUcQ78xR8iXpynGaENZauifFSIvBKOsEPAo74GmseVjMdziBlV7Mh8g99k3oa0fG8Vfy1uZf1MzIJewb0D0sqTe4di0M6aLv_rlA/w640-h488/IMG_6384.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejrg0A094wKhTykLBrnRSdlWXLnqhytr1liEfyZXugWpFMQiDIUCASPxw-Q3YLeHF-FMYKdUqDKviSTAaQ3UirwB2uNqrSllxBR9dyX0zuA9HzbtO4At-qB0kPciOvsthQeLeD1vayBFZJAigDca0eFr23VKPNkFerv7aI1PoFcHPknidwtMmD9vwvT0/s1600/IMG_6393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejrg0A094wKhTykLBrnRSdlWXLnqhytr1liEfyZXugWpFMQiDIUCASPxw-Q3YLeHF-FMYKdUqDKviSTAaQ3UirwB2uNqrSllxBR9dyX0zuA9HzbtO4At-qB0kPciOvsthQeLeD1vayBFZJAigDca0eFr23VKPNkFerv7aI1PoFcHPknidwtMmD9vwvT0/w640-h480/IMG_6393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3E6Fa7zQ2VebN4ZAN3Cy0ig5yfeLt5rIUqWstWdrUH006gXD_laMVtKyg8cIpYXZgykKHOD2CJRGDQSZfV4lU6iqvrC8Phv0g2pzde9ydTwjsx59xrpGC4AApxL3FEvjxwrVO7QdatrU6p8YDhzCPk1dIjSePXGxKvN-lSEBtwQiu1Ry4TlKGlGjnU/s1600/IMG_6396.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3E6Fa7zQ2VebN4ZAN3Cy0ig5yfeLt5rIUqWstWdrUH006gXD_laMVtKyg8cIpYXZgykKHOD2CJRGDQSZfV4lU6iqvrC8Phv0g2pzde9ydTwjsx59xrpGC4AApxL3FEvjxwrVO7QdatrU6p8YDhzCPk1dIjSePXGxKvN-lSEBtwQiu1Ry4TlKGlGjnU/w640-h480/IMG_6396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Seb just got a job at the airport, so even amid the excitement of Abe's arrival, everyone had extra interest in seeing how the taxiways were laid out and how the baggage carts work, etc. The little boys have never seen airplanes up close before and were delighted with how BIG they are!)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCEMExI2liylrE56skl3OrcmGHXfYwAIWjFJ0NJ-Xnl4_9oxJhCG2gl_iLicXEzLpKfqXxiXsEFivLxcQ-uG21SfRR2tSh06SwNd7DIz20rU5Zqxhl6CjWGncxkv76Z80R-PQBobuwikPRrby0BJgEtHheof07QOQx8fDPanT-fcEnx4c6kw8-qzTE9s/s1753/SEB_1264%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCEMExI2liylrE56skl3OrcmGHXfYwAIWjFJ0NJ-Xnl4_9oxJhCG2gl_iLicXEzLpKfqXxiXsEFivLxcQ-uG21SfRR2tSh06SwNd7DIz20rU5Zqxhl6CjWGncxkv76Z80R-PQBobuwikPRrby0BJgEtHheof07QOQx8fDPanT-fcEnx4c6kw8-qzTE9s/w438-h640/SEB_1264%20copy.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnJu1vEL283KvpHCdKabv71AofQMoqTYVuMHr0zbhNh4B0VX2sBjdaJI7yCsn9jfIS7_RPKiD3XSPPLgJPK4lMCkIzFaPxe5mgE1wxqGnXnbYPrIOZv1eINrh5ej4Vt4vfzS6mZ6IaSZfGNYAEIpt5IjLBw_SSgMDGvIanvUg_QaAglULFbdVJyOPdds/s1621/SEB_1269%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnJu1vEL283KvpHCdKabv71AofQMoqTYVuMHr0zbhNh4B0VX2sBjdaJI7yCsn9jfIS7_RPKiD3XSPPLgJPK4lMCkIzFaPxe5mgE1wxqGnXnbYPrIOZv1eINrh5ej4Vt4vfzS6mZ6IaSZfGNYAEIpt5IjLBw_SSgMDGvIanvUg_QaAglULFbdVJyOPdds/w632-h640/SEB_1269%20copy.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ky wasn't able to come to airport with us, blast him, but was happy to greet Abe (with panda bears) when we got back home!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwqZYC2jfzK0PXAT_FmEJdpXaJU2tNYGR-r1lRujgkKQKk5lNbu5I-r6NKKaEe21ev1KfIQnhOhOe1KuW8qcazwO5omlVK0HFhyphenhyphen5QA5CrtrlJPr6yTkTC3wygXiHqOH8-__rfFB28-3CFekWmk3Jp-603ZhhlavOxOMH0xfvDKFGxsmMMWfCmX5hK_mE/s2000/SEB_1270%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2000" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwqZYC2jfzK0PXAT_FmEJdpXaJU2tNYGR-r1lRujgkKQKk5lNbu5I-r6NKKaEe21ev1KfIQnhOhOe1KuW8qcazwO5omlVK0HFhyphenhyphen5QA5CrtrlJPr6yTkTC3wygXiHqOH8-__rfFB28-3CFekWmk3Jp-603ZhhlavOxOMH0xfvDKFGxsmMMWfCmX5hK_mE/w640-h502/SEB_1270%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjiI1rF9yidH2yTiY3T67h4OXcu2u4VpNufZWx2lW-CGgmwa1FOJpWBE1nYrTcokSOCYJXbXvVE_Hoz5znGBFbQDhR7HX4ViiJ4krpjtczXld1bMHEVVjKKo4wFTm9cDYbiBnnVwG-8T6ng1lCc9R5pDICXSeiFuWEP2h_tOXm9KPMalfqg7eLyZ-77o/s1600/IMG_6409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjiI1rF9yidH2yTiY3T67h4OXcu2u4VpNufZWx2lW-CGgmwa1FOJpWBE1nYrTcokSOCYJXbXvVE_Hoz5znGBFbQDhR7HX4ViiJ4krpjtczXld1bMHEVVjKKo4wFTm9cDYbiBnnVwG-8T6ng1lCc9R5pDICXSeiFuWEP2h_tOXm9KPMalfqg7eLyZ-77o/w640-h484/IMG_6409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Almost everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb-E4dzNGE5uf66HR-w-ha4aqzQPC5LVHLqe3ZbJ1okAMVrcpHgbcf1mzIWU8CuifA49XaFuuiWdxbuHdIpnABV1RLQs13CQIRAECnjnGNCYyfuSSPaJrq12VHKsjPPzV2DNzvvycwvUbRGEySRUWWuRco217U3NnbUBOrjz1Eg94exGrdHzVcgiTNok/s1613/IMG_6412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb-E4dzNGE5uf66HR-w-ha4aqzQPC5LVHLqe3ZbJ1okAMVrcpHgbcf1mzIWU8CuifA49XaFuuiWdxbuHdIpnABV1RLQs13CQIRAECnjnGNCYyfuSSPaJrq12VHKsjPPzV2DNzvvycwvUbRGEySRUWWuRco217U3NnbUBOrjz1Eg94exGrdHzVcgiTNok/w476-h640/IMG_6412.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clementine was seven months old when Abe left on his mission, so I thought she'd be more shy around him, but I guess talking to him on the phone has helped her get over that. She was happy to sit on his lap and ask him questions and explain seriously to anyone who would listen, "Abey HERE now."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wvNpf4EUuaxgt0XX-PcEbyKRRDNyN8E6UyZc9u4scG-lISiIjM52rVZPb3doJ9jKyORstXy8cWGUK7_leZkrgwO6_5ILKi27ym4aP0oCDBm1MJupaeHzG3NLIh635dZU5NyFYVsxaNCcb3HxLRZOHqvkWqpLzNRpRjmX4iMrRcXUTmwJea3FC5fe2Z0/s1600/IMG_6414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wvNpf4EUuaxgt0XX-PcEbyKRRDNyN8E6UyZc9u4scG-lISiIjM52rVZPb3doJ9jKyORstXy8cWGUK7_leZkrgwO6_5ILKi27ym4aP0oCDBm1MJupaeHzG3NLIh635dZU5NyFYVsxaNCcb3HxLRZOHqvkWqpLzNRpRjmX4iMrRcXUTmwJea3FC5fe2Z0/w640-h480/IMG_6414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A full dinner table!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad7nVwNOgNpaRxUqr4EXmcGpnWskOfjdZ3O3KQcvQs_AwL9LoFutcTL3FSoFiZvNZlj8eNBJF2dLG5-hmAowt1Kg_itfWkQCOQrJ1tAjC6Ttx5yo-JTkHHVLMo1sQp2b4fTRivOkWPyY4KucoWJ10GA2dTE2hyphenhyphengOggGSka6yucLbOudeY0n15_SzKAO0/s2000/abe2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad7nVwNOgNpaRxUqr4EXmcGpnWskOfjdZ3O3KQcvQs_AwL9LoFutcTL3FSoFiZvNZlj8eNBJF2dLG5-hmAowt1Kg_itfWkQCOQrJ1tAjC6Ttx5yo-JTkHHVLMo1sQp2b4fTRivOkWPyY4KucoWJ10GA2dTE2hyphenhyphengOggGSka6yucLbOudeY0n15_SzKAO0/w640-h480/abe2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Abe gave a wonderful homecoming talk in sacrament meeting, full of power and spirit, and I listened to him in amazement. (The Zoom link to the meeting didn't work for my out-of-state brothers, unfortunately, but my oldest brother Kenneth wrote to me, "We were sad not to be able to hear Abe’s homecoming talk, but the talk we <i>imagined</i> him giving was one of the greatest talks ever delivered anywhere, missionary homecoming or otherwise, and is still warming our hearts and lifting our spirits as we think back on it today." Ha!)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUh0n-Gurwt0AiUSg8kzbqJUnKeB99L3MS0kapb6vdSni7W26R9WnkVhkqmgFF03AYwMjEe0Vgc8cd_KiYYwb3um4Wn3eN1g2qfrd4i_GKhkTsN77gqzr8x-9MyimSo4nhXRHl_06-ovp743WgOjLH7PJUWwV4SLqM8BMWSpbldXV1lN3xySiTaeJyTU/s1600/IMG_6472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUh0n-Gurwt0AiUSg8kzbqJUnKeB99L3MS0kapb6vdSni7W26R9WnkVhkqmgFF03AYwMjEe0Vgc8cd_KiYYwb3um4Wn3eN1g2qfrd4i_GKhkTsN77gqzr8x-9MyimSo4nhXRHl_06-ovp743WgOjLH7PJUWwV4SLqM8BMWSpbldXV1lN3xySiTaeJyTU/w640-h480/IMG_6472.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Abe wanted Greek food for lunch with family and friends afterward, and once you eat homemade pita you can't go back, so we spent two hours before church just cranking out pita and cooking it on griddles and in the pizza oven. We had piles of it! About 140 pita, I think (though to be precise, a few dozen were actually naan). It <i>nearly</i> all got eaten, which did my heart good (I do love to feed people good food).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISzgJfMyQMquP4qrh96xtCwMgt5yB8HbUvCup37RQMneILGiryluhU9zZpfW5li0pgchukQJPXAB3r-klDqsGADVbV9duOM9F1G3JUMFoBo8WQOa9X0YfE19_R3_56GvFSPOqrbhCcHJBTaxfOcKkxLttIyOPs5nWvZA-Gd9gselHkZ5lRyiRD1Uf9DA/s1600/IMG_6473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISzgJfMyQMquP4qrh96xtCwMgt5yB8HbUvCup37RQMneILGiryluhU9zZpfW5li0pgchukQJPXAB3r-klDqsGADVbV9duOM9F1G3JUMFoBo8WQOa9X0YfE19_R3_56GvFSPOqrbhCcHJBTaxfOcKkxLttIyOPs5nWvZA-Gd9gselHkZ5lRyiRD1Uf9DA/w640-h470/IMG_6473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu9Kzh9ZYZ3VU6ukkXe-CAADWPRmszmBVOCOf0xfo0Ny7m4E9i5epDvsBcD4_yQp9NivRcLwnETvXZ5XCKqYXF_CYgP6OkvSkqfjuGGUT-dEI3HpadnAo88gL0Wdu8Va5wxIlBnWYlvdxT4_zWdbRd4B2TCTcvKXA71Mp8DZhwob9GiQ7-CElYxjQNZE/s1600/IMG_6474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu9Kzh9ZYZ3VU6ukkXe-CAADWPRmszmBVOCOf0xfo0Ny7m4E9i5epDvsBcD4_yQp9NivRcLwnETvXZ5XCKqYXF_CYgP6OkvSkqfjuGGUT-dEI3HpadnAo88gL0Wdu8Va5wxIlBnWYlvdxT4_zWdbRd4B2TCTcvKXA71Mp8DZhwob9GiQ7-CElYxjQNZE/w640-h480/IMG_6474.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy's pita factory</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBvG0ieB10ZhXg-PTyKp5FJxyuHPYR8SqWd8A9a0TgHYf1QhMM2PFWqLkw0PO2QxLDDyW6ZigGs50XpaKB-ZFbkrhFT1qjbOIbik_MD6_oopTJSo9H5uISajwDyTNYwkKrHp9xJar33yVEhgiUKMmHXRkIk9_rJUWHXATpBqXYCe4hMzgiKpL7Nlk5Xk/s1600/IMG_6475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBvG0ieB10ZhXg-PTyKp5FJxyuHPYR8SqWd8A9a0TgHYf1QhMM2PFWqLkw0PO2QxLDDyW6ZigGs50XpaKB-ZFbkrhFT1qjbOIbik_MD6_oopTJSo9H5uISajwDyTNYwkKrHp9xJar33yVEhgiUKMmHXRkIk9_rJUWHXATpBqXYCe4hMzgiKpL7Nlk5Xk/w480-h640/IMG_6475.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgbeYhPyOYEdjfCKI_Z4EY_3QFgZ50HsgPPnqjA-kfBeWajcyUGpb9nqzS3EnPsQZwwIcQQicUuwZ4mLGHABCdFf3cm62hScDZ8hqMunLThxzlYCoGqn4-eYjkdQaVnAhmbay7zAcScXRmC-iGw8K2c5STZovl16-7YWwazj3WZkMpJQ4l5BllsfHU40/s1600/IMG_6477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgbeYhPyOYEdjfCKI_Z4EY_3QFgZ50HsgPPnqjA-kfBeWajcyUGpb9nqzS3EnPsQZwwIcQQicUuwZ4mLGHABCdFf3cm62hScDZ8hqMunLThxzlYCoGqn4-eYjkdQaVnAhmbay7zAcScXRmC-iGw8K2c5STZovl16-7YWwazj3WZkMpJQ4l5BllsfHU40/w640-h436/IMG_6477.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbDu7CT2L38ULE7lxmxVndl2YGUeY_ixy0s7TBe_2LATrg_06IsI30y-VSim80hi0gz6hOB1n_zjaeE1hilwttZETYJeJcGiOxjY6Ew_A10cWAQZuHzM63SyRVe8jJnmGnCPcrEYbbCDKHcuS-c3aTiddKQJjev0Iih59zNxcTx-HGZ-viRuUwO2GIyU/s1600/IMG_6478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbDu7CT2L38ULE7lxmxVndl2YGUeY_ixy0s7TBe_2LATrg_06IsI30y-VSim80hi0gz6hOB1n_zjaeE1hilwttZETYJeJcGiOxjY6Ew_A10cWAQZuHzM63SyRVe8jJnmGnCPcrEYbbCDKHcuS-c3aTiddKQJjev0Iih59zNxcTx-HGZ-viRuUwO2GIyU/w640-h432/IMG_6478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrhdzAnnGJuRvK09KzYXgAhEhxL8_rLJqHoTLAhr07uQhzfawu0yZp-wi5h4HQZXr-2TX0b4Ycd5XS7_iUprzGeOTZdGKg59iUnVl7nOF6p2avt_jT4hbM2vTyKqfYXzUG4gtbIR4IZ3sA_nEJRBAVlvX_WUawqoDq2cR72xVSf2Fo52vjeP5hYVqLCU/s1600/IMG_6483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrhdzAnnGJuRvK09KzYXgAhEhxL8_rLJqHoTLAhr07uQhzfawu0yZp-wi5h4HQZXr-2TX0b4Ycd5XS7_iUprzGeOTZdGKg59iUnVl7nOF6p2avt_jT4hbM2vTyKqfYXzUG4gtbIR4IZ3sA_nEJRBAVlvX_WUawqoDq2cR72xVSf2Fo52vjeP5hYVqLCU/w640-h480/IMG_6483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The house was so happy and loud filled with all the people who love Abe!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKFn22g2eeT-RR0oBlXb8esBc_znzyVikVIAHIgS2lHM8u9uTErJhU6ApeLZA6vb0_8G9Y0eFfcgB932hK3b-QIallsR4dsqA53Ljc9gqi8ty2nWulDB5b8sSnGsP0McxpBhenjtfVeXFjhqoxxmWPFu6I5-NVAeXofrloXnO8sBWHRjd-IitDLiUVIY/s1600/IMG_3639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKFn22g2eeT-RR0oBlXb8esBc_znzyVikVIAHIgS2lHM8u9uTErJhU6ApeLZA6vb0_8G9Y0eFfcgB932hK3b-QIallsR4dsqA53Ljc9gqi8ty2nWulDB5b8sSnGsP0McxpBhenjtfVeXFjhqoxxmWPFu6I5-NVAeXofrloXnO8sBWHRjd-IitDLiUVIY/w640-h572/IMG_3639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pita, chicken, feta, hummus, red pepper hummus, tomatoes, olives, onions, cucumbers, feta sauce, tzatziki. Such a good spread!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfilC5ARMqtDZ7cOUsNSo_odOCrA2-6IH4YMtYJ59BWEC3T2TCV9YgD-71qxjz32fSuEeRbukRzsSWiWIjLOEfnS1ww7mvgiZvvZvSDF_Kdz_Cbt28CFpn06hPDdo28w31s9Pd-AH0swtzJ4k11jOTHUsZYWCF0Hzmf2XfbTI0mY3wh0ZjGQJT6uMvwOI/s1600/SEB_1216%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfilC5ARMqtDZ7cOUsNSo_odOCrA2-6IH4YMtYJ59BWEC3T2TCV9YgD-71qxjz32fSuEeRbukRzsSWiWIjLOEfnS1ww7mvgiZvvZvSDF_Kdz_Cbt28CFpn06hPDdo28w31s9Pd-AH0swtzJ4k11jOTHUsZYWCF0Hzmf2XfbTI0mY3wh0ZjGQJT6uMvwOI/w640-h470/SEB_1216%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTt80jcDqy4Xo1R49rjlsKPlf4fsqU4sdxA3Mwc7aEa8sobVmmKsut3D-GCCoiALh__-uV-VYX-YhL5oU_ogLdoTH0BujbymKoNUOcCjZ5UdCTu1XAG9lHyIxyK-nnNuY8vnpKY2aFL8rDWZMB6U_A9EkJaAvT0SmgCukuehvTRWNV4albo_6yBCHIfw/s1600/SEB_1235-2%20copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTt80jcDqy4Xo1R49rjlsKPlf4fsqU4sdxA3Mwc7aEa8sobVmmKsut3D-GCCoiALh__-uV-VYX-YhL5oU_ogLdoTH0BujbymKoNUOcCjZ5UdCTu1XAG9lHyIxyK-nnNuY8vnpKY2aFL8rDWZMB6U_A9EkJaAvT0SmgCukuehvTRWNV4albo_6yBCHIfw/w640-h426/SEB_1235-2%20copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/the-atonement-all-for-all?lang=eng">Elder Bruce Hafen said</a> that the whole purpose of the plan of happiness is "so we can return home and know what it means to be there." I'm not sure this homecoming is <i>fully</i> like that, for Abe—though I bet he knows more of what home means than he used to! But for <i>me</i>, his homecoming does have a little of that flavor—the glimpse of eternity behind the present. The purpose beneath sorrow. The deep joy beneath the mundane. It makes me look to future homecomings, earthly and heavenly, and anticipate experiencing them, too, in the context of "<a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/search/label/what%20a%20fulness%20means?&max-results=20">what a fulness means</a>."</div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-49782270422933081812024-02-13T07:30:00.001-07:002024-02-13T10:39:17.735-07:00Bringing the Lord to a fulness of joy<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Sunday Afternoon Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng">April 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWaTwhDVd7baR4bATIjh8opbn3ImkEOnTtfJ0AqlK52xuUQOTx0Glr0OS5JOIkWfKwn75sjGMJpkyHdDGj-qSMmIbPEojDQCcB718m5yGCOeK14GKlsKguVuBvbhO42lk4EZYwmRUekT7mTEeXQx-GILlyXaGfF3vD7wOA_OLZm0KgUcwfyMiBjRs46c/s2000/SEB_1211%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2000" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWaTwhDVd7baR4bATIjh8opbn3ImkEOnTtfJ0AqlK52xuUQOTx0Glr0OS5JOIkWfKwn75sjGMJpkyHdDGj-qSMmIbPEojDQCcB718m5yGCOeK14GKlsKguVuBvbhO42lk4EZYwmRUekT7mTEeXQx-GILlyXaGfF3vD7wOA_OLZm0KgUcwfyMiBjRs46c/w640-h458/SEB_1211%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This session had such beautiful talks on the atonement of Jesus Christ! <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/the-atonement-all-for-all?lang=eng">Elder Bruce Hafen</a> sounds like Elder Maxwell (I know they were friends) when he talks about the price of Christ's atonement. I love his insight that in this earth life we are "trying to master the lessons of 'the great plan of happiness' <b>so we can return home and know what it means to be there</b>." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/the-atonement-and-the-value-of-one-soul?lang=eng">Elder Ballard's talk</a> came after the recent death of his grandson, and was so heartfelt. How could I have ever thought he was boring to listen to? I feel like I know him better now, looking backwards. I loved these words from his talk:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>We are part of [Heavenly Father's] family. He is not a father in some allegorical or poetic sense. He is literally the Father of our spirits. He cares for each one of us.…In that unprecedented appearance of the Father and the Son in the Sacred Grove, the very first word spoken by the Father of us all was the personal name of Joseph. Such is our Father’s personal relationship with each of us. He knows our names and <b>yearns for us to become worthy to return to live with Him</b>.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">He continued this theme about how Heavenly Father "yearns for us" to come back to Him, and I really liked it. I've mostly only thought about the promise that for us, how great shall be our joy if we bring but one soul unto him. I haven't thought much about <i>my</i> ability to bring joy to <i>God</i>—it seems so insignificant in comparison to the joy <i>He</i> brings to <i>me—</i>but I love the thought that there's something I can do that will truly bring <i>Him</i> joy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div>It was Jesus who said, “If … you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!”. Not only that, but <b>great shall be the Lord’s joy</b> in the soul that repenteth! For precious unto Him is the one.…</div><div><br /></div><div>Each one of us is precious to the point of bringing the Lord God Almighty to a fulness of joy if we are faithful, or to tears if we are not.</div></blockquote></div><div>Maybe partly because of our Abe returning from home his mission this week, I find the image of God Himself "rejoicing over one soul" (and crying over one soul!) so powerful! Again, I already knew that <i>I</i> would love returning home to Heavenly Father and Mother, but to think that They, also, just as much, will love having me back? It's so amazing! It's powerful because it makes me want to bring that joy to Them myself. And it's powerful because it makes me see how much my love for others, helping my brothers and sisters return to Them, means to my Heavenly Parents as well.</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-25659765749704133522024-02-06T07:30:00.003-07:002024-02-06T10:00:35.378-07:00The common and ordinary things in their true meaning<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Sunday Morning Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng">April 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickfgoEkqEsdgmSHD7U-8gjYqQQieX1BXONOiXS871wgY1y2w6Y3SFlB-v6sNwjPtSOhCjvkwLogrGNM1Mwm7CLx1t4cVpyLm1FXvrsjPXjVpkTP4dNnpfMC0GiPRWoXch1O8HRv5OPbAr0yz0zecG3q0fzEQbv3vuEay3vV3W1C12HLDgX9tMsVayff4/s4032/IMG_6225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickfgoEkqEsdgmSHD7U-8gjYqQQieX1BXONOiXS871wgY1y2w6Y3SFlB-v6sNwjPtSOhCjvkwLogrGNM1Mwm7CLx1t4cVpyLm1FXvrsjPXjVpkTP4dNnpfMC0GiPRWoXch1O8HRv5OPbAr0yz0zecG3q0fzEQbv3vuEay3vV3W1C12HLDgX9tMsVayff4/w640-h480/IMG_6225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Such good talks this week! Many I have remembered for all these years. Julie B. Beck's "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/a-mother-heart?lang=eng">A Mother Heart</a>" is so good. Dennis E. Simmons' "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng">But if Not.</a>" President Packer's "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/do-not-fear?lang=eng">Do Not Fear.</a>" But the quote that stuck out to me this time was from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/did-you-get-the-right-message?lang=eng">President Faust's talk</a> about "messages from God." He talks about all the ways God might speak to us—through prophets, through our parents (interesting!), through revelation. And he talks about different ways of receiving revelation:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Some of us may need something startling like a burning bush experience to awaken our senses. In such an experience the essential nature of something—a person, a situation, an object—is suddenly perceived. We understand this to be inspiration. To be able to perceive by inspiration the common and ordinary things of life in their true meaning is a special gift. Many people fail to perceive inspiration because God’s “great power … looks small unto the understanding of men” or because they are “less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven.”</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something about the way he worded this caught my attention. I think it was the idea of "the essential nature of something" being what we are trying to discern. We can discern it in sudden flashes of inspiration (<a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/teacher-of-gods-truth?lang=eng">sudden strokes of ideas</a>, like Joseph Smith said) but we can also discern it slowly in "the common and ordinary things of life." And if we don't see it there, it's because we aren't opening our eyes to it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I interpret this to mean that "the essential nature" of the things we need to know will remain hidden to us unless we're willing to look for God <i>everywhere</i>—in the most common and the most ordinary places. As a mother, I'm intrigued by that. What do I learn about the "essential nature" of my children, or of families, or of <i>myself</i>, through doing laundry? Through planning and cooking and cleaning up meals three times a day? What do I learn about the essential nature of motherhood through cleaning up after a sick child? What do I learn about the essential nature of charity through heartache and disappointment? What do I learn about the essential nature of God through trying to get my children to obey? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It makes me wonder if I can learn about the "true meaning" of <i>all</i> of those types of "essential nature" through <i>any</i> of those "common and ordinary things of life"? It seems farfetched on the face of it, but I actually have already learned so many unexpected truths through just…the regular living of life—but only when I remember to reflect, to look for something more instead of just getting caught up in the drudgery of it all. This talk makes me want to look even harder.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Other posts in this series:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://plainandpreciousthing.blogspot.com/2024/02/do-not-fear.html">Do Not Fear</a>—by Rozy</i></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-71627997484713761642024-01-30T07:30:00.001-07:002024-01-30T07:30:00.135-07:00Willing to lift<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Priesthood Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng">April 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p8HNzU87N04ovYlFUgLaSwnPesOjTFqOmbg-zOzGuiO-Q0Ql2qJ-ZaHhMtDcFHNCLzMgLroJZJ9qK8-omhclc8-g_Y5mlyxyibygx1_U3DKB8hIRHHdm7TlDRy9a4dE8P2vC0kYgL12nWMy6i7jm_UFvk0pRUV2GKMe-U9YpU9890nlRH01B0r2OqWI/s1630/snowflake_ornament3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p8HNzU87N04ovYlFUgLaSwnPesOjTFqOmbg-zOzGuiO-Q0Ql2qJ-ZaHhMtDcFHNCLzMgLroJZJ9qK8-omhclc8-g_Y5mlyxyibygx1_U3DKB8hIRHHdm7TlDRy9a4dE8P2vC0kYgL12nWMy6i7jm_UFvk0pRUV2GKMe-U9YpU9890nlRH01B0r2OqWI/w472-h640/snowflake_ornament3.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This week I was noticing how simply these words from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/i-was-an-hungred-and-ye-gave-me-meat?lang=eng">President Hinckley</a> sum up the point of <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2024/01/to-be-fruit.html">my last post</a>:</div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">We shall go on in this work. There will always be a need. Hunger and want and catastrophes will ever be with us. And there will always be those whose hearts have been touched by the light of the gospel who will be willing to serve and work and lift the needy of the earth.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">President Hinckley is always so great at honing in on the essentials, and he does so here. What does the light of the gospel do for us? It touches our own hearts and then inspires us to lift others. It's the first and second commandment in action. I love the simplicity of that: eat the fruit, and then bear fruit by blessing others. I love God's plan!</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-7931933871269255952024-01-28T21:10:00.000-07:002024-01-28T21:10:34.212-07:00A rollicking band of pirates, we<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZpwvkqIE2e7SM4KF1-8PGPrSjtcFv_QHAGmNhXrSPLPQVs79SsI7XwOFZblNGkfB8kCLrQP1Kj9AOrkoqNL9vUeH2ttB-nY7WZlNKRxEu920h9xwR_mDhpn6ub28tjizn3fzC3jjspgy9ZGwl6SYGTrLrvMERaX0halB3NJ_w-Et4tamEaesFrdGOVc/s1600/many_size_gnomes3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZpwvkqIE2e7SM4KF1-8PGPrSjtcFv_QHAGmNhXrSPLPQVs79SsI7XwOFZblNGkfB8kCLrQP1Kj9AOrkoqNL9vUeH2ttB-nY7WZlNKRxEu920h9xwR_mDhpn6ub28tjizn3fzC3jjspgy9ZGwl6SYGTrLrvMERaX0halB3NJ_w-Et4tamEaesFrdGOVc/w480-h640/many_size_gnomes3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Christmas decorations are put away, and with them the Christmas gnomes, sadly—but never fear, Clementine still has HER gnomes. She has pink gnomey, Big Big Gnomey—and now, thanks to her sisters, two MORE gnomeys. Junie made a small gnome—at least he <i>seemed</i> like a small gnome until Daisy made Tiny Tiny Gnomey! They are all very cute, but now we have to endure Clementine saying sadly nearly every night, "Where's Tiny Tiny Gnomey??" after she—inevitably—loses him among her blankets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiKYhmbV7bslXc5N-KnsQndXZAS3TctJRiqpJaWZGKaJZehm0DYwoLilG5ZIS1LCTJ2sKnMfD7zeTFbI8ljjCb07okHq4LXmpY6O1Cv1p4JZYZNAZtZ538qLbYOe9dprM3k9lL1NflnWKHNr2dP2NCOvj5C-5WMJErs4leiQIeMaBSdf2VFuQzwXQEjQ/s1600/many_size_gnomes1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiKYhmbV7bslXc5N-KnsQndXZAS3TctJRiqpJaWZGKaJZehm0DYwoLilG5ZIS1LCTJ2sKnMfD7zeTFbI8ljjCb07okHq4LXmpY6O1Cv1p4JZYZNAZtZ538qLbYOe9dprM3k9lL1NflnWKHNr2dP2NCOvj5C-5WMJErs4leiQIeMaBSdf2VFuQzwXQEjQ/w480-h640/many_size_gnomes1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is the tiny gnome in Daisy's hands, for scale. (Daisy just can't help herself. She <i>has</i> to make bigs and tinies of things! It's like a sickness.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz1sC2BQUPagE8sW1txyZIt2jzdH6BnjzeyCeY-GE3lt4fQTYSbuR2i8b8jSwCgT_z9uWjLXwNHMLb17TIvevkFbtzuVj-qkFG2P8Ca6Wf1k-SzoUOxNrEdonOBYNvo-HRoIEwwX2arW1Fe68R19kSAeIaAii1TxRLhkGGE2w2tgMsYlwR6vULcecIo4/s1600/many_size_gnomes2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz1sC2BQUPagE8sW1txyZIt2jzdH6BnjzeyCeY-GE3lt4fQTYSbuR2i8b8jSwCgT_z9uWjLXwNHMLb17TIvevkFbtzuVj-qkFG2P8Ca6Wf1k-SzoUOxNrEdonOBYNvo-HRoIEwwX2arW1Fe68R19kSAeIaAii1TxRLhkGGE2w2tgMsYlwR6vULcecIo4/w480-h640/many_size_gnomes2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here is Tiny Gnomey sitting on Big Big Gnomey's nose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYnHvYGyfXNQfIs2K5QlM5BRh6KBZzsExvD-AfuImlssKtycAq-f2E7DneNB_-y14vcMaNv8xsisUDuVkuxOMUN2mpZZUazfbhYel9LIyDrdWPErCqk650Qi23AeazPb1MuEl6RH8deXcDeAvQYtdv4FcfxlfyBl8SbfP-0tij56xsw3BD6_-_GpkKOQ/s1515/new_years_feast2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYnHvYGyfXNQfIs2K5QlM5BRh6KBZzsExvD-AfuImlssKtycAq-f2E7DneNB_-y14vcMaNv8xsisUDuVkuxOMUN2mpZZUazfbhYel9LIyDrdWPErCqk650Qi23AeazPb1MuEl6RH8deXcDeAvQYtdv4FcfxlfyBl8SbfP-0tij56xsw3BD6_-_GpkKOQ/w506-h640/new_years_feast2.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Speaking of tiny, I made these tiny rolls for sliders on New Years. They were so cute! They were only the size of golf balls or so when I shaped them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnEkkk5MemQB-QDvmVZabSI3zQSCExcDGIg28zRFHMVYb0QmQRak2wPghiuC-AzrMn7VwZNI1zMmWvG3g3DDxFUvRJwS8cOvrUQbe5f7oLXNutTcSVgJ35ar8EIaagoUg2iPdl6s4jmrQH59Elzrm9WCRl_QGzFMfV09s_AINKSdqyeS5vlkhnMUilJY/s1600/new_years_feast4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnEkkk5MemQB-QDvmVZabSI3zQSCExcDGIg28zRFHMVYb0QmQRak2wPghiuC-AzrMn7VwZNI1zMmWvG3g3DDxFUvRJwS8cOvrUQbe5f7oLXNutTcSVgJ35ar8EIaagoUg2iPdl6s4jmrQH59Elzrm9WCRl_QGzFMfV09s_AINKSdqyeS5vlkhnMUilJY/w640-h396/new_years_feast4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New Year's Day Feast</div><div><br /></div><div>———</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLZJ5tykmI6thR1g0wdlRjhVS3f42m5FT8oY2WhbGhF92ErUGT-UzHJksvnpYkM2vfGqMHAgL6ezrPyfIgE6d4z8YQAtfCx23av_IgO7QN3fDqYJ0s2-QDct9E4CBgFSpaN-v2Ikf26yHlGQe2PXz4xFkCFUHWyPKWhiyU9qQKaN0Ez_fkX_U2SSpcTA/s1483/caw_picnic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLZJ5tykmI6thR1g0wdlRjhVS3f42m5FT8oY2WhbGhF92ErUGT-UzHJksvnpYkM2vfGqMHAgL6ezrPyfIgE6d4z8YQAtfCx23av_IgO7QN3fDqYJ0s2-QDct9E4CBgFSpaN-v2Ikf26yHlGQe2PXz4xFkCFUHWyPKWhiyU9qQKaN0Ez_fkX_U2SSpcTA/w518-h640/caw_picnic.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not sure what this is, but some kind of Caw Picnic, I believe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHb8__kT9EKu2q4fEnHg4PJZ0fOKV-7mwTwyB99o5rZJcVI5bvKr9I4D69ssarDHtwKYW-9Sdji1rdMs0RRjxwyffNqtmyPBTX1_i2ShX7qpGlK3VedtMu5xqZ8deqbAKs7kP9XPEUVSgEqszhj9mOhOyFgA-qB9wZ9krF0uqDUfWoKhZu_XW5xATLWc/s1505/clem_ponytail2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHb8__kT9EKu2q4fEnHg4PJZ0fOKV-7mwTwyB99o5rZJcVI5bvKr9I4D69ssarDHtwKYW-9Sdji1rdMs0RRjxwyffNqtmyPBTX1_i2ShX7qpGlK3VedtMu5xqZ8deqbAKs7kP9XPEUVSgEqszhj9mOhOyFgA-qB9wZ9krF0uqDUfWoKhZu_XW5xATLWc/w510-h640/clem_ponytail2.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwplewsWgT0z2Vt_BguzmYLtKNRjPclxhA_K4rZfWKHiaZevo8K00Thzj2uNlsotAtRL21Na9eycSsPKyXRIb_1IeknCbpt-wUjCO0MaknevL8PHuf5pddjloivlLHsNbWN_FF-5LghsvxZGxkdpF8kttkNU2Mvyn1SGCyNCyxoc2jw1IDZooviJgMjQ/s1561/clem_ponytail3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwplewsWgT0z2Vt_BguzmYLtKNRjPclxhA_K4rZfWKHiaZevo8K00Thzj2uNlsotAtRL21Na9eycSsPKyXRIb_1IeknCbpt-wUjCO0MaknevL8PHuf5pddjloivlLHsNbWN_FF-5LghsvxZGxkdpF8kttkNU2Mvyn1SGCyNCyxoc2jw1IDZooviJgMjQ/w492-h640/clem_ponytail3.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clementine with a ponytail ("my tail," she called it, proudly)</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDcaMQwZtugvzKjRkct8rBp5Qv2D60MPYt2xERzy7RCL50b0XHmxd-2iSqaMsgO8sf_IKo4N016VDQy7bumbnSAfPCzexVcyokdZhcz4QTF8SATrQpJ3TRyuIrCZihVKW7DvtI5ebOWec8rVt_4nTAHEfhxs8NQFdVJ9n6PxA6UO-l_ljYKUtmBpRpo8/s1600/clem_drummer1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDcaMQwZtugvzKjRkct8rBp5Qv2D60MPYt2xERzy7RCL50b0XHmxd-2iSqaMsgO8sf_IKo4N016VDQy7bumbnSAfPCzexVcyokdZhcz4QTF8SATrQpJ3TRyuIrCZihVKW7DvtI5ebOWec8rVt_4nTAHEfhxs8NQFdVJ9n6PxA6UO-l_ljYKUtmBpRpo8/w480-h640/clem_drummer1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seb brought his drums upstairs as he apparently feels compelled to do from time to time. It was actually really fun while he and the other kids were playing music together—he was making up parts to the kids' piano songs, and he and I even played some jazz together! Super fun. But, when he wasn't playing, everyone <i>else</i> was playing the drums, which—in the middle of the living room/kitchen—was <i>not</i> so fun. Too loud! Clementine is so cute when she plays, though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK08T2vrtjTA0WRkOOC04vD5OqJ8IgvVcOiiIK-MeZ_tGdI5k9bhpTplq4GPeezbNyb8Lpl4cfb6XkcwUAHUOJEB7tIoU-ITgq3h35xmTNKpDKa83boG3G9K0v3tkArACJRb4mKSHy2mM8n6ExC7UeU-hio2ZQO2Lgj90th1qdMO5J7pepFZC5cTeaK4/s1600/clem_drummer6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK08T2vrtjTA0WRkOOC04vD5OqJ8IgvVcOiiIK-MeZ_tGdI5k9bhpTplq4GPeezbNyb8Lpl4cfb6XkcwUAHUOJEB7tIoU-ITgq3h35xmTNKpDKa83boG3G9K0v3tkArACJRb4mKSHy2mM8n6ExC7UeU-hio2ZQO2Lgj90th1qdMO5J7pepFZC5cTeaK4/w640-h480/clem_drummer6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She'd head in to play them every time one of the other kids started practicing the piano</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbZzsV1a5rnu4X-xktqJCxZ_S4d0O1AQ1WNOEltl1I_7dJci6P6CL84tUCWC0r-XVffuq3aE9e8mlbhSOrTbl5Z97cp2HH7cuW6mYj4Xs58gRfv5I6n7f_nbthdsF10zOjQkM1YkJvJNNkOy3a_ctSSGBpjM2XqhyWcNIuh49b0xktxv4ffS1E1iHFaM/s1600/clem_drummer4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbZzsV1a5rnu4X-xktqJCxZ_S4d0O1AQ1WNOEltl1I_7dJci6P6CL84tUCWC0r-XVffuq3aE9e8mlbhSOrTbl5Z97cp2HH7cuW6mYj4Xs58gRfv5I6n7f_nbthdsF10zOjQkM1YkJvJNNkOy3a_ctSSGBpjM2XqhyWcNIuh49b0xktxv4ffS1E1iHFaM/w640-h480/clem_drummer4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here she is playing in the little drum room, back where such activities belong!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEgRrabH_9GYeyhKDqcieaR-0hEzIoZPET57PdCanCsTudHC44rxx4ayheMYPd84IkxLNvsZoD0cPdaK8S9YE46zu8aGrRk-HZElJmz9Rcw1jXi6INj8FZfQDoBxCD_eXlyrY37y9NjHd6R-w3P1PWXvl8yCAsYja3MehYp8QTFz6FRa68AvNn4nLUcxEgk/s1662/clem_match_evie2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrabH_9GYeyhKDqcieaR-0hEzIoZPET57PdCanCsTudHC44rxx4ayheMYPd84IkxLNvsZoD0cPdaK8S9YE46zu8aGrRk-HZElJmz9Rcw1jXi6INj8FZfQDoBxCD_eXlyrY37y9NjHd6R-w3P1PWXvl8yCAsYja3MehYp8QTFz6FRa68AvNn4nLUcxEgk/w462-h640/clem_match_evie2.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Goldie dressed Clementine up to match her doll. The doll has a cute name—Evie—so named because Marigold's beloved doll is named Ferny, and Fern is Clementine's middle name—so it seemed only right that <i>Clementine's</i> doll should have <i>Goldie's</i> middle name, Eve!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, Clementine loves Evie and carries her around everywhere. She was soooo delighted to match her! And the rest of us were equally delighted! Just wait until she grows into all the matching dolly-and-girl clothes the older girls had!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xjQeZCuUpOpK5OS5BavHxb76BOJCdZYYV94kI-TB-4O01_tyz0-lT0AAab47ed7wWOwG5ZPP0tYsvWWdQ-0bi1IstOLIh54rVnkXBT7SAddBPaZvKhwq8foiqOXreaU6jDt9UHDg1ogTUQu8dS5oFwekqNYZaygdSq9ckfNY07Sv0iTp0dV4Aykw1_g/s1600/clem_match_evie5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xjQeZCuUpOpK5OS5BavHxb76BOJCdZYYV94kI-TB-4O01_tyz0-lT0AAab47ed7wWOwG5ZPP0tYsvWWdQ-0bi1IstOLIh54rVnkXBT7SAddBPaZvKhwq8foiqOXreaU6jDt9UHDg1ogTUQu8dS5oFwekqNYZaygdSq9ckfNY07Sv0iTp0dV4Aykw1_g/w480-h640/clem_match_evie5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpJZNG0DnjVZo8fCrEo3wySmIDECfqXSypX4z8ZKuOYMFa5JSlXNRCnmQPquXlthse066OX3AWOuk8ZFRdiKNqwHQfOBUM81_wdYCtobBxnJxxukxnU_K_QJPy8GDIqwAQfEXqD0m1tfTlxpR7_X4VSYmtLDIHTo4H_2PiirQe2MOmgR9g5QHhRpCETM/s1600/clem_match_evie7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpJZNG0DnjVZo8fCrEo3wySmIDECfqXSypX4z8ZKuOYMFa5JSlXNRCnmQPquXlthse066OX3AWOuk8ZFRdiKNqwHQfOBUM81_wdYCtobBxnJxxukxnU_K_QJPy8GDIqwAQfEXqD0m1tfTlxpR7_X4VSYmtLDIHTo4H_2PiirQe2MOmgR9g5QHhRpCETM/w480-h640/clem_match_evie7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlvIDyrxo4GFDXh7QDYy7dXSVi23SQp6HSVD-nsvflnrVI4Tiq6blLw4CmsQkDuvspFbMzce8wUYER7Ir6sO_GQwbjHahICgQQweXkSyJen-D1OwnOt3lDO_iBGF6jz4H2mU2jpMAWl1dd7CkFZSMLdL4wCsGCsLOxjb7zyjQHOD6hl71sZOjOBnUiUc/s1726/clem_match_evie8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlvIDyrxo4GFDXh7QDYy7dXSVi23SQp6HSVD-nsvflnrVI4Tiq6blLw4CmsQkDuvspFbMzce8wUYER7Ir6sO_GQwbjHahICgQQweXkSyJen-D1OwnOt3lDO_iBGF6jz4H2mU2jpMAWl1dd7CkFZSMLdL4wCsGCsLOxjb7zyjQHOD6hl71sZOjOBnUiUc/w444-h640/clem_match_evie8.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-6WJhFuX80ZxFLXJpBruSxEdGj_ipPyd4YPPyw0aPqBeeBXcE4bCk35u4a1Zf9Hk8-qA7H63eodnxMZAl5eSDZ2h2F7HGDQN5lDO-ZfhWhiIlzn0XFwTezViNruu8JRcF2W8-VbJd6XvBadsRwcE5M7rSLVXsYWKu7cRfF4SxwsaPCq4rKf3p_f_8CI/s1600/clem_match_evie_coats4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-6WJhFuX80ZxFLXJpBruSxEdGj_ipPyd4YPPyw0aPqBeeBXcE4bCk35u4a1Zf9Hk8-qA7H63eodnxMZAl5eSDZ2h2F7HGDQN5lDO-ZfhWhiIlzn0XFwTezViNruu8JRcF2W8-VbJd6XvBadsRwcE5M7rSLVXsYWKu7cRfF4SxwsaPCq4rKf3p_f_8CI/w480-h640/clem_match_evie_coats4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the two of them ready for church on another day. The best thing was when Sam hung up Clementine's coat on the coat hooks at church, and then hung Evie's little coat up right next to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8uYv5iln_8TdW5a9pA3a9JJLfS3xZ0RsX-XmsggS8iqfkT4gnMSSxHvs-AsWs4WW2zPCDiK2saV_C_C1lw6iO9bIDRR8EPEYbyx8C1WkFja7OVzt2REJYhlJXlJoAMHo8Dh1RBNJMxCQVogwhovEXOEALipAOTMi6aZ8nS1SuZ25I6kfX27PG5QYUP0/s1600/sharp_sharp_knife1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8uYv5iln_8TdW5a9pA3a9JJLfS3xZ0RsX-XmsggS8iqfkT4gnMSSxHvs-AsWs4WW2zPCDiK2saV_C_C1lw6iO9bIDRR8EPEYbyx8C1WkFja7OVzt2REJYhlJXlJoAMHo8Dh1RBNJMxCQVogwhovEXOEALipAOTMi6aZ8nS1SuZ25I6kfX27PG5QYUP0/w640-h480/sharp_sharp_knife1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clementine has a strange, not to say unhealthy, fascination with knives, which she unvaryingly refers to as "sharp sharp knives" (which is hardly reassuring). She is always climbing up to the counter, getting knives (without permission, need I add), and then walking around brandishing them and saying "sharp sharp knife!" in a sober, lecturing, yet somehow gleeful tone. It is very alarming! It reminds me of when some child or other used to carry my phone around saying, "Oh dear, no, no, <i>don't</i> get Mommy's phone!" I think Clementine has done that too, come to think of it. Anyway, this series of pictures shows the general idea (although she only has a butter knife in these pictures, so as to spare your delicate sensibilities).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo_jAmOK3nd0W4flVkJSysOAK3JZvvBflIEOjb1tpPsDAzCSV65K0W51C0JdglTdrOqsCrYQZkQFoEEc8CP-L2RfDPid8PchBIHFHBF1k7QaD5wdQVk1c20jKH8toHmS9USwZyfnMb3_rA7JE6bcr9306jsG2Nrb7Q-Uvq-EMA7MK4K4xre117SDUvy4/s1516/sharp_sharp_knife2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo_jAmOK3nd0W4flVkJSysOAK3JZvvBflIEOjb1tpPsDAzCSV65K0W51C0JdglTdrOqsCrYQZkQFoEEc8CP-L2RfDPid8PchBIHFHBF1k7QaD5wdQVk1c20jKH8toHmS9USwZyfnMb3_rA7JE6bcr9306jsG2Nrb7Q-Uvq-EMA7MK4K4xre117SDUvy4/w506-h640/sharp_sharp_knife2.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here she comes to show it to me and tell me about it…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXOzP85UaWEDshINmdBbKAbOYHMTBe4dXjsjcYPuPnIJKEWP9_SCrjZ2bxSE5Ma9_95bGDk1WmiZH-VCdMhV-Ztsy3xkziVs3M9SgrDgy2jN_6bneZgLQiBRs1TLkvmVlrwZY9E5SAc9nnpkHygsnzUPb_wiyTXu_vZBDZyK1eRAAN2ifS4n4I_cc6ug/s1600/sharp_sharp_knife3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXOzP85UaWEDshINmdBbKAbOYHMTBe4dXjsjcYPuPnIJKEWP9_SCrjZ2bxSE5Ma9_95bGDk1WmiZH-VCdMhV-Ztsy3xkziVs3M9SgrDgy2jN_6bneZgLQiBRs1TLkvmVlrwZY9E5SAc9nnpkHygsnzUPb_wiyTXu_vZBDZyK1eRAAN2ifS4n4I_cc6ug/w480-h640/sharp_sharp_knife3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Sharp sharp knife, mommy!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">———</div></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/AVvXsEiQ-JFkSNY16oehjXFyO-x0AVOy5m8j4jQwCka2Hf5OWZsICx_p4sDMO6uas6UXFnQkweZTlcA9PW97B3ryKQfOMAk1bEqO4A_jxuaQUguroZ3leqDXn20x0Tcqcb8L-gitlm5oVRpsP4FdlPulCDsz8L7vo4iEqJj3wIEktULrBzE91UiP5rOhs4pDMes/s1600/falling_snow3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-JFkSNY16oehjXFyO-x0AVOy5m8j4jQwCka2Hf5OWZsICx_p4sDMO6uas6UXFnQkweZTlcA9PW97B3ryKQfOMAk1bEqO4A_jxuaQUguroZ3leqDXn20x0Tcqcb8L-gitlm5oVRpsP4FdlPulCDsz8L7vo4iEqJj3wIEktULrBzE91UiP5rOhs4pDMes/w640-h480/falling_snow3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some versions of the hill we have seen lately. I love all the different skies and moods!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsISd79_VvcVBIERAP5X09UPFSb5yZT0auC2dfKRotfa1XWUD46zQVGaniv-OSvW7Ui_FMcQ_SeCmnL4ZuriGYiM_jHQygcI2mGA-oWh03Q0e3d6c9rLuaV6tUeqGbJDZCbxTcDmFqVDCzAEYoSp40dVU5GGGnWxreOoBrEcfcLh5vfD2RnUzyCj84Yw/s1600/blue_sky_snow_hill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsISd79_VvcVBIERAP5X09UPFSb5yZT0auC2dfKRotfa1XWUD46zQVGaniv-OSvW7Ui_FMcQ_SeCmnL4ZuriGYiM_jHQygcI2mGA-oWh03Q0e3d6c9rLuaV6tUeqGbJDZCbxTcDmFqVDCzAEYoSp40dVU5GGGnWxreOoBrEcfcLh5vfD2RnUzyCj84Yw/w640-h480/blue_sky_snow_hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQbUL-nm67YvVgqu5q9Lk-743ULPQviSNQRVHCbIfUZl6uhmoAHup2NxW7G8I2lPTBzWPq77zze1LmXuuDk0vyFW6G4xHF6o-NLzrYQ8tBZCh6yW8NGh5ZDlSCsLDvTYS5SiiVq_x3IKQiD3E5VHblM2UGJ9zNCLar1w9W8Bnt30uBT4G70uteBIM2Qs/s1600/pinky_sky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQbUL-nm67YvVgqu5q9Lk-743ULPQviSNQRVHCbIfUZl6uhmoAHup2NxW7G8I2lPTBzWPq77zze1LmXuuDk0vyFW6G4xHF6o-NLzrYQ8tBZCh6yW8NGh5ZDlSCsLDvTYS5SiiVq_x3IKQiD3E5VHblM2UGJ9zNCLar1w9W8Bnt30uBT4G70uteBIM2Qs/w640-h480/pinky_sky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQKsQudenwF2gpiC7Jkep5sDN3AM00ISacG0M5gSIdRadXWVLAzdCKb0u-F4gM9ad6ivhB71kAAp_9Q2rRZz2PKde8KOUL9MRWicmXOAnvVhXvV0MO9KXpNmZuTNRXe6yRhVHYd2azBi8yros797bpTOamZHr3fHbDLieUPbCExUnUHLw_LfNCcwvqU8/s1600/snowy_white_hill1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQKsQudenwF2gpiC7Jkep5sDN3AM00ISacG0M5gSIdRadXWVLAzdCKb0u-F4gM9ad6ivhB71kAAp_9Q2rRZz2PKde8KOUL9MRWicmXOAnvVhXvV0MO9KXpNmZuTNRXe6yRhVHYd2azBi8yros797bpTOamZHr3fHbDLieUPbCExUnUHLw_LfNCcwvqU8/w640-h480/snowy_white_hill1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR5Lw_H4TKJcxX2BL0J2EOXYMw8jTDK37OFfwgnolB7LRZS4_UJ5X1-KdD70CNAimCIV2SFZ_pRnH8QnxxDZiEFBBFl5EYXeLIdeAwZKg-nc-NcFzBildzgV1Uz-2zQUepSQwtAjViWrGfwLQEHY6i0sRLskbmefDnARY3uI4Xn1WpjySmtKUjrMyQmE/s1600/mountain_clouds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR5Lw_H4TKJcxX2BL0J2EOXYMw8jTDK37OFfwgnolB7LRZS4_UJ5X1-KdD70CNAimCIV2SFZ_pRnH8QnxxDZiEFBBFl5EYXeLIdeAwZKg-nc-NcFzBildzgV1Uz-2zQUepSQwtAjViWrGfwLQEHY6i0sRLskbmefDnARY3uI4Xn1WpjySmtKUjrMyQmE/w640-h480/mountain_clouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a few low-lying clouds for good measure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMJm4guFkx9_WUACx2iBdESZYGBlC7Qzqt-nRQTWZMfiJGClwhpMOvOA-vaw6xe1JOvCPRaE74ZqYKQWuI1mcAYecKVjtXQFTwtwJLu54b_kRXz5HNXRtG-T1cBEiJDBcUMpIMaG2pDV2rqiwWMUSA366Yj45M1_1oTXefsVaecRkiD6l27QVb-4GpXE/s1600/goldies_thankyou_drawings1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMJm4guFkx9_WUACx2iBdESZYGBlC7Qzqt-nRQTWZMfiJGClwhpMOvOA-vaw6xe1JOvCPRaE74ZqYKQWuI1mcAYecKVjtXQFTwtwJLu54b_kRXz5HNXRtG-T1cBEiJDBcUMpIMaG2pDV2rqiwWMUSA366Yj45M1_1oTXefsVaecRkiD6l27QVb-4GpXE/w640-h488/goldies_thankyou_drawings1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Goldie drew the cutest pictures for the thank-you card she wrote to my mom after Christmas. It was like a little mini-book, showing Goldie and my mom as beautiful Jane-Austen-era ladies. Here they greet each other and set off with their basket for a picnic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq6M9M_gY1iYnz-xA8vjahjRIcNmCOrkEBUlggjl3_PYI8m3cg_qAHpdGHo2PpvLgl4813AuxI-FEcaw4jWBsAKuExLhLge3nt3_JsSfvGqpjAPln3hrg38LSgIqrLtMqt8-Lh_RI-qB9IJpV0H5PfN1_eJ0u3B2xwz4F-5GS96-DyZMh2X0g25AbyQk/s1600/goldies_thankyou_drawings2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq6M9M_gY1iYnz-xA8vjahjRIcNmCOrkEBUlggjl3_PYI8m3cg_qAHpdGHo2PpvLgl4813AuxI-FEcaw4jWBsAKuExLhLge3nt3_JsSfvGqpjAPln3hrg38LSgIqrLtMqt8-Lh_RI-qB9IJpV0H5PfN1_eJ0u3B2xwz4F-5GS96-DyZMh2X0g25AbyQk/w640-h466/goldies_thankyou_drawings2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They picnic under a tree, weaving flower crowns, and then do a little reading (with cake for refreshment) at an outdoor table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r834CUxP4Fot-MR6gn25J1RdGiyXbP0Pbe05RudU5MCoYKZqT79Ya8eSzLZNEgEkTolwEylvHxzNDlfTImSdSMosgzSxxO5doG8_vzhS-4ocFXnfWaPGYSvgOBp6y0eJBJIoh9XvgyOr6HPM-skCLUJSotXzA4sJLrIR_fniOiXH_mm0QkZTd3r8tJk/s1523/goldies_thankyou_drawings3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r834CUxP4Fot-MR6gn25J1RdGiyXbP0Pbe05RudU5MCoYKZqT79Ya8eSzLZNEgEkTolwEylvHxzNDlfTImSdSMosgzSxxO5doG8_vzhS-4ocFXnfWaPGYSvgOBp6y0eJBJIoh9XvgyOr6HPM-skCLUJSotXzA4sJLrIR_fniOiXH_mm0QkZTd3r8tJk/w504-h640/goldies_thankyou_drawings3.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They end their day sitting gracefully on swings, chatting to each other. I love it! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBgmUdIDx43_vDz1NdCo0AKa0CACREoJiC8c9bEUbjKrcnIhyPr-QbQDGqaGOpKh_9Ygvk3g2Ckk9dO4REeJMk_sbSfZuwuHPIVm4aSdVo0afHjxfZJ0SoRDIS2jWf_B9ViWQRiiMfKQlt8uFMwwNcRnRcM90zuyEOpkg3joNhQDospfQVAFqIIgE9FY/s1600/ky_driver_license4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBgmUdIDx43_vDz1NdCo0AKa0CACREoJiC8c9bEUbjKrcnIhyPr-QbQDGqaGOpKh_9Ygvk3g2Ckk9dO4REeJMk_sbSfZuwuHPIVm4aSdVo0afHjxfZJ0SoRDIS2jWf_B9ViWQRiiMfKQlt8uFMwwNcRnRcM90zuyEOpkg3joNhQDospfQVAFqIIgE9FY/w480-h640/ky_driver_license4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ky got his driver's license. Hooray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEh70OvDXNQHJPH8TT_VbRCYZd817HH9y2YnmFVMYmHaYYAdIrWfB2NFuxfkfeRFqtggLaqB8b5WDYILO7F28CYbMnrEKb_9rr3kPk8Qk5FA65nLjM3a8M2gfw1R_uKW7u_OEXLDZGpmgHCZPRQSTsX1D9hjzKieATx_Jy_YlI3UXtIq2MrEilzsDX0s0GM/s1624/seb_denim_vest1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1624" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70OvDXNQHJPH8TT_VbRCYZd817HH9y2YnmFVMYmHaYYAdIrWfB2NFuxfkfeRFqtggLaqB8b5WDYILO7F28CYbMnrEKb_9rr3kPk8Qk5FA65nLjM3a8M2gfw1R_uKW7u_OEXLDZGpmgHCZPRQSTsX1D9hjzKieATx_Jy_YlI3UXtIq2MrEilzsDX0s0GM/w472-h640/seb_denim_vest1.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sebastian started cutting up some old pairs of jeans a few weeks ago, telling me "I want to make a denim vest." I am sorry to say that while outwardly supportive ("Won't that be nice!") I was inwardly <b>very dubious. </b>I did tell him it was pretty hard to sew on denim, and he'd be working without a pattern, and I didn't know enough to help him, so he should prepare himself for a lot of frustration as he figured it out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was (mercifully) at a debate tournament with Ky and Daisy all day on the day Seb decided to sew the vest, so I didn't actually see how much frustration there was, but he persevered and by the end of the day he had this amazing creation! I was genuinely astonished when he showed it to me. He'd used another jacket as a pattern, and he'd pieced all the colors together, and added little pockets and embellishments, used some fancy embroidery stitches for detail, and even sewed the edges with an overlock stitch so they would fray just the right amount. I don't know why I keep being surprised by him, but I do! I don't think I could ever have made such a thing, even <i>with</i> a pattern and a whole week to do it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNTaKqK21hBhT0OB_V5LP5Htme8otrgWjVIDNa3-t1zrHeQhYp2Va32Ldyoy2pbKB3xavSjJpKS7YB_lcePgTv6cWAAKbwYk94Bzg9P0-Y2ocnJXnUdq9i2HJCFRxwNMI3QONal0dO5bqtfPzUma4A6Sf_lXt8n8JDQHAh30W_xXTrXXHBHjheGCUINA/s1594/seb_denim_vest2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNTaKqK21hBhT0OB_V5LP5Htme8otrgWjVIDNa3-t1zrHeQhYp2Va32Ldyoy2pbKB3xavSjJpKS7YB_lcePgTv6cWAAKbwYk94Bzg9P0-Y2ocnJXnUdq9i2HJCFRxwNMI3QONal0dO5bqtfPzUma4A6Sf_lXt8n8JDQHAh30W_xXTrXXHBHjheGCUINA/w482-h640/seb_denim_vest2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEj5STO446tuDd-wfthtDt2dZHlpaPilvAuHutMaISnnGcnWOowYWrd5x-NCVcjdZTfP4b-5bdJYvmWOdS_gzTePLl7JmcWEEvR1WQHJlAr8BtDlMOruOFa9nDCpOVM9iZHNZu5HyOZWHqYNQMImlbZ-cGiLM5ykNj1U1XlCbABjvR56zL8C4HwoF8bg9hY/s2500/zig_monkey_surprise1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="2500" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5STO446tuDd-wfthtDt2dZHlpaPilvAuHutMaISnnGcnWOowYWrd5x-NCVcjdZTfP4b-5bdJYvmWOdS_gzTePLl7JmcWEEvR1WQHJlAr8BtDlMOruOFa9nDCpOVM9iZHNZu5HyOZWHqYNQMImlbZ-cGiLM5ykNj1U1XlCbABjvR56zL8C4HwoF8bg9hY/w640-h478/zig_monkey_surprise1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ziggy was a long time working on this "surprise" he made for Sebastian one day. He put up these little signs all over the house, with "DO NOT GO DOWN THERE" signs so no one would go downstairs to mess up the surprise. Then he unveiled the surprise to Seb with great fanfare:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzPIIPOgT3dJitRcZf7uXbyX4slXqo8ZMHWT3JqbzzMdWHCLJffBHKAuCG0PjuPbKk_4Egyaj57blcpljodFh-5KErB0Yzs7r8goiWvsxZV45CAyyIsubLPplTorQrg6EVvaDRS7_KORqSJF-fqJXX1cAv-P_ZrApPf7Lln2tjsGzrLUpYQJ4wWtx05k/s1595/zig_monkey_surprise6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzPIIPOgT3dJitRcZf7uXbyX4slXqo8ZMHWT3JqbzzMdWHCLJffBHKAuCG0PjuPbKk_4Egyaj57blcpljodFh-5KErB0Yzs7r8goiWvsxZV45CAyyIsubLPplTorQrg6EVvaDRS7_KORqSJF-fqJXX1cAv-P_ZrApPf7Lln2tjsGzrLUpYQJ4wWtx05k/w482-h640/zig_monkey_surprise6.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was all of these monkeys sitting on the stairs, one to a stair. Just what Seb would like! :) So sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEjepFjLnR2GpIQXkvT6-15in3MQMcdYGf0Mh7Y3tZTzj_e3iRoo15ebRpb6HXKBi8be5sCQESKL_-hNTTCOSrNn4zOOaBdWl_veHUbK4MvVmQmwYeZASI-PQSZJ1uofqeBZYjOhly1PSmNEX4E86jtmx-8BDWtJ8shs3EQHHyn5fCWXGw0Yx5J8ViKVsIH2/s1600/pirate_celebration23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepFjLnR2GpIQXkvT6-15in3MQMcdYGf0Mh7Y3tZTzj_e3iRoo15ebRpb6HXKBi8be5sCQESKL_-hNTTCOSrNn4zOOaBdWl_veHUbK4MvVmQmwYeZASI-PQSZJ1uofqeBZYjOhly1PSmNEX4E86jtmx-8BDWtJ8shs3EQHHyn5fCWXGw0Yx5J8ViKVsIH2/w640-h480/pirate_celebration23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We finished our unit on Pirates for homeschool and had a Pirate Celebration, which turned out so fun. I had the kids plan and carry it all out (with help from me with cooking etc.) Each of them had a different assignment. I loved the costumes everyone came up with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqscxtuEDYdswNpV4SZwotr-gWU8wpGML0Lki62DOf5tybWfWOjLzC2iUMQad_vjXSMsYdKsX8k9TY9eQJv1dMUEQpRzdPToLIwdzRzcpi9AQnGFt4ADQlIhJZOiTtw8SLClWuM-gydtiN8Gvtjpjn0ICTE3t_p8MztInE01ZfoW8IxqBrhiCLJaAFKJM/s1600/pirate_celebration60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqscxtuEDYdswNpV4SZwotr-gWU8wpGML0Lki62DOf5tybWfWOjLzC2iUMQad_vjXSMsYdKsX8k9TY9eQJv1dMUEQpRzdPToLIwdzRzcpi9AQnGFt4ADQlIhJZOiTtw8SLClWuM-gydtiN8Gvtjpjn0ICTE3t_p8MztInE01ZfoW8IxqBrhiCLJaAFKJM/w480-h640/pirate_celebration60.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Dhkfa1Cvu-HQGCm-HUXofF4kuBclus608bVwqqdxH_maDLaQ65X_ELHYni1R1kOzvwCr6TJq4SaqeoAHcIjJ5LbJ04UbHRVC_jgoPjnhhVQCizHq-GkVjfk5A9gVn8P0Dntuart2wycn8sDdSz-51K3PtX1lAsHjaz3G1G1NWNUYoxkVfnp9thtleo/s1600/pirate_celebration3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Dhkfa1Cvu-HQGCm-HUXofF4kuBclus608bVwqqdxH_maDLaQ65X_ELHYni1R1kOzvwCr6TJq4SaqeoAHcIjJ5LbJ04UbHRVC_jgoPjnhhVQCizHq-GkVjfk5A9gVn8P0Dntuart2wycn8sDdSz-51K3PtX1lAsHjaz3G1G1NWNUYoxkVfnp9thtleo/w640-h638/pirate_celebration3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Daisy and Teddy set up an amazing treasure hunt with chocolate coins in a chest at the end.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAxONNMix92fK8jBMCFD7EbRz6rp4nEHlhk1YtExiLfXGhgfIKHj8evkV3ihxeRjeY8LiF8O_tcCp-bX84QUardEQ1jMr-RGqVoYFa62yyRX38hy9k4ow7ZHX7d1IIaEYiKH5nzseWU7wjO4wEWoCcYWk0iopfBuJSOMXLv-qVAosGE3dARXHYFwCSwg/s1611/pirate_celebration15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAxONNMix92fK8jBMCFD7EbRz6rp4nEHlhk1YtExiLfXGhgfIKHj8evkV3ihxeRjeY8LiF8O_tcCp-bX84QUardEQ1jMr-RGqVoYFa62yyRX38hy9k4ow7ZHX7d1IIaEYiKH5nzseWU7wjO4wEWoCcYWk0iopfBuJSOMXLv-qVAosGE3dARXHYFwCSwg/w476-h640/pirate_celebration15.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Junie planned a pirate ship craft where we made a pirate ship out of a big cardboard box.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY8HJ7tgi1W0uN94gudyzqwQGWiMkn9D_XAomdWlhNxOD8ckYiGrkM3nrqVpvIKKN0zOmxcVtkYbw1DqiOLfwnGdcXhk4n9KAuE0pbvISTAltgyxajprWuzMQJLHAb44hhk47TzTdNoDVpdQC6ZcmWd6E5Y_rlHdQpORkyebxOpsX2YAL1MFWCipM_H4/s1600/pirate_celebration18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY8HJ7tgi1W0uN94gudyzqwQGWiMkn9D_XAomdWlhNxOD8ckYiGrkM3nrqVpvIKKN0zOmxcVtkYbw1DqiOLfwnGdcXhk4n9KAuE0pbvISTAltgyxajprWuzMQJLHAb44hhk47TzTdNoDVpdQC6ZcmWd6E5Y_rlHdQpORkyebxOpsX2YAL1MFWCipM_H4/w640-h480/pirate_celebration18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6AGmMFplVr6yee2l_islW10QSwcmmte2CkNrMWaNM6033cS5srCaPxqwOkto9enBfY-Vs95KP70tnt3k612THiMD2Ob2g0HMCEAi3EbEUXAzeei9cmGdMoa5_-jOefHA1-YNHy1J3WSmHo-rAG9OazAsi_AjoeeEvv2iJgOAhwiNf-1WORdhtOUZM0Om/s1600/pirate_celebration26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6AGmMFplVr6yee2l_islW10QSwcmmte2CkNrMWaNM6033cS5srCaPxqwOkto9enBfY-Vs95KP70tnt3k612THiMD2Ob2g0HMCEAi3EbEUXAzeei9cmGdMoa5_-jOefHA1-YNHy1J3WSmHo-rAG9OazAsi_AjoeeEvv2iJgOAhwiNf-1WORdhtOUZM0Om/w640-h480/pirate_celebration26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJDi7j6yVlosbEpMCIchOcWIW5X-LeCVrAokiQwmdA5Gbo4J1Ivhq8AdL2qHMBi_KSDL5ZfSZHC77z2pyWR7LTU6_PI3rbY4BuqcabpsG4vFQFs1E6HFPDH1nRxvFgjXsuoPUU-JFIJYjyEKqLjt6E1uY3sVwCPIy9PTpXsDFZQEdFxpqthVTmFeVnfAX/s1600/pirate_celebration45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJDi7j6yVlosbEpMCIchOcWIW5X-LeCVrAokiQwmdA5Gbo4J1Ivhq8AdL2qHMBi_KSDL5ZfSZHC77z2pyWR7LTU6_PI3rbY4BuqcabpsG4vFQFs1E6HFPDH1nRxvFgjXsuoPUU-JFIJYjyEKqLjt6E1uY3sVwCPIy9PTpXsDFZQEdFxpqthVTmFeVnfAX/w640-h480/pirate_celebration45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goldie did the beautiful table setting and room decor, with help from Ziggy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff6DLi0qxL_EMES82OAFyoG08AwO4wGgKMGg4y3P-oDfpE7pY6nWf_fHK3s7LWTYwbo2W1EJoDvGTcRajKBou9ubsdPr_1yqG46iVlMR3gXy1YhP25z21H1lbB5d-ySbezg7otvoHdql-6vnqRmvc9K-TiJDHNA_YXmWo_wRmATjkrH2D1kmVcnyV5um2/s1600/pirate_celebration34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff6DLi0qxL_EMES82OAFyoG08AwO4wGgKMGg4y3P-oDfpE7pY6nWf_fHK3s7LWTYwbo2W1EJoDvGTcRajKBou9ubsdPr_1yqG46iVlMR3gXy1YhP25z21H1lbB5d-ySbezg7otvoHdql-6vnqRmvc9K-TiJDHNA_YXmWo_wRmATjkrH2D1kmVcnyV5um2/w480-h640/pirate_celebration34.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She also made labels for these little bottles we found lying around from some previous project. We made homemade root beer to put inside them, though I am sorry to say everyone took a great deal of pleasure in calling it "rum"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmkrrbB52_Hi_8Ybo8XHLklHZH0iHqcuMLG4v1WHG1B9SlH8fAMZ0snC5oCnu1SWfE2o-QIYFhs2NOEJ7p6dx4CfQfLnP0PUbE-tvQ1YRgbOM_We8csUTDa_EuATMw57TliNePZA0d9LrL_tRIZN9AY3qLP3Qh6148TCfHT3OGxa9nUdeUJKleRUGLalP/s1592/pirate_celebration48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmkrrbB52_Hi_8Ybo8XHLklHZH0iHqcuMLG4v1WHG1B9SlH8fAMZ0snC5oCnu1SWfE2o-QIYFhs2NOEJ7p6dx4CfQfLnP0PUbE-tvQ1YRgbOM_We8csUTDa_EuATMw57TliNePZA0d9LrL_tRIZN9AY3qLP3Qh6148TCfHT3OGxa9nUdeUJKleRUGLalP/w482-h640/pirate_celebration48.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wioegvbdU6qXd6x9BxAXfXqSXD3s8rMLOEE8ZEt_ckyQk6T76s9U09fou68buwdtaKkfk6jLQeyA5uB3cKcC0d3S_0Rji1WUYPc1_SG6uNJPisLD1UNjM1-V8FDMgm0q3HYs9nDxdhEFDqQft60IFEa9CchtbMDQpgLpl2bsRy8BmVaxfa35dqQE8lA/s1600/pirate_celebration5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wioegvbdU6qXd6x9BxAXfXqSXD3s8rMLOEE8ZEt_ckyQk6T76s9U09fou68buwdtaKkfk6jLQeyA5uB3cKcC0d3S_0Rji1WUYPc1_SG6uNJPisLD1UNjM1-V8FDMgm0q3HYs9nDxdhEFDqQft60IFEa9CchtbMDQpgLpl2bsRy8BmVaxfa35dqQE8lA/w640-h472/pirate_celebration5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhKeJ-oSjBSkaJe66gYaOA3zff22w7dgH79exdvZG5AHIdQtD7R5lFJk7q3Lp5jm1COg_0aiM9gnC0xV59Doruy622z-TApJRRU-mkBOL3VXcAlwpbFyrpxhi4duhfgb_UpQDyjCYLzYU8gCNsYMVesQ-9Zk8AZiTqBDXNcvVyCdU7V3ByaP7_IxJH3k/s1600/pirate_celebration25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhKeJ-oSjBSkaJe66gYaOA3zff22w7dgH79exdvZG5AHIdQtD7R5lFJk7q3Lp5jm1COg_0aiM9gnC0xV59Doruy622z-TApJRRU-mkBOL3VXcAlwpbFyrpxhi4duhfgb_UpQDyjCYLzYU8gCNsYMVesQ-9Zk8AZiTqBDXNcvVyCdU7V3ByaP7_IxJH3k/w640-h480/pirate_celebration25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a rollicking band of pirates!</div></div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-45472485208084431712024-01-27T18:52:00.000-07:002024-01-27T18:52:58.077-07:00To Be Fruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqf_D8w5Qa33TVT9bmn1SkxX-LqM_56aQTX9gl4YeXrRbmHkAsleQ20SPtdXophhZXu_qkvfEcuzJoeEeHD7ujRilfnSOVIifCQng4vW71cynj7f4mN5PZGdVLpKdTR-AJw7Gx1RrIBNVHrSNCXwITHDb2X2Rb03E4-tihN3Rzr9_ng5jSbHc38VRXtQ/s1600/picking_apples_red_barn15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqf_D8w5Qa33TVT9bmn1SkxX-LqM_56aQTX9gl4YeXrRbmHkAsleQ20SPtdXophhZXu_qkvfEcuzJoeEeHD7ujRilfnSOVIifCQng4vW71cynj7f4mN5PZGdVLpKdTR-AJw7Gx1RrIBNVHrSNCXwITHDb2X2Rb03E4-tihN3Rzr9_ng5jSbHc38VRXtQ/w640-h456/picking_apples_red_barn15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For various reasons, I've been thinking lately about the worth and importance of a soul. Of course I've known since I was young (and I'm so grateful that I have!) that every person has worth as a child of God. But my teenage self had a little bit of a problem with that, since, as it says in The Incredibles, "If everyone is special, no one is." So if <i>everyone</i> is a child of God…how was I, personally, still important? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a while I felt like I had special talents or maybe special thoughts that other people didn't have. Or maybe I was less susceptible to certain problems. But the older I got, the more those reasons went away. Turns out there were lots of people more talented than me at…everything. Turns out, I had plenty of problems of my own, even some of the same ones I'd felt superior to other people for not having! I remember one specific instance when I was a young mother, reading the scripture "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man" and thinking in some surprise "I really am just like everyone else. All the things I thought I wasn't going to struggle with, I <i>do</i> struggle with." With that realization, again teenage Marilyn's question resurfaced…what makes me special? If God has so many other children to love…why would he need me, specifically? <i>Does</i> he need me? I know I need Him but…what difference does it make if He has <i>me?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the twenty years since then, the importance of that question has faded for me. Honestly, I don't have much time to think about it anymore! And having children, raising children, has given me a lot more insight into possible answers. But recently as one of my children has been struggling with similar questions, it's made me revisit some of those old thoughts, and this time around I've been reading <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne?lang=eng">First Nephi</a> and thinking about fruit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If the Tree of Life is both Jesus Christ and the Love of God, the the fruit seems to be His love packaged in a form we can digest. What's the point of fruit? What's it <i>for?</i> I've had fruit trees. If the fruit isn't picked from the Tree of Life, it would eventually just fall off and rot! (I know, I know, God's love doesn't rot so the metaphor isn't perfect, but bear with me.) It seems to me that the whole point of fruit is <i>to be eaten.</i> That's certainly true of God's love. It is meant to bless people. It's meant to bring joy. It's meant to be shared. God's love, contained within <b>only Himself</b>, would (I imagine??) be useless. It only becomes fruitful in our lives, as we FEEL it, TASTE it, USE it—as it "sheds itself abroad" in our hearts. Jesus Christ's love for us <i>bore fruit</i> and became real, became operational in our lives, through His fruitful <i>acts</i> of love, especially His supreme act of love, His atonement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other (related) purpose of fruit, botanically speaking, is to make seeds. And God's love does that, too. It encourages love in <i>us</i>. It gives us something worth sharing. <i>"We love Him because He first loved us."</i> Because He loves us, we want to share His love with others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The insight that came to me this time around is that <b>this is what gives us worth</b>: when, like God, we <i>become fruit</i>. Fruit to be "eaten" (?? too weird? ha!) by those around us. We are worthy of love because we're God's children, yes. We are special because He loves us, yes. But we become <i>useful</i> to Him as we become fruits of His love, bringing joy and sweetness and nourishment to others. This is <i>why</i> He gives us talents, it's <i>why</i> He gives us spiritual gifts. It's so we can join Him in His work of <b>bearing love</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I was younger, I wanted to be really good at something—talented—noticed. I didn't want to be <i>famous</i>, necessarily, but I wanted people to see and admire me for my running, or my piano playing, or my writing, or because I was a Rhodes Scholar [to be clear, I wasn't—just wanted to be], or some other impressive thing. And I don't think all of that impulse was bad! It got me to work really hard and try to excel. I learned to find satisfaction in improving myself even when I wasn't <i>the best one</i>. But my perspective shifted when I chose full-time motherhood and left that chase for "impressiveness" behind me. This isn't news to any of you parents, but children aren't impressed by <i>anything!</i> They don't know or care what your accomplishments are. They just need you to love them (and that simple task will take everything you have).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So why (teenage Marilyn would ask) does God even <i>give</i> us talents? If not to impress people? And if not to make us feel good about ourselves? "To bless others" seemed like kind of a lame answer back then. But I see now that it's the <i>best</i> answer—the <i>only</i> satisfying answer! Impressing people doesn't bring any joy. And being "the best" doesn't bring joy either (partly because most people never <i>are</i>…but even if you win Olympic Gold or become a famous author or whatever you dreamed of…the thrill of accomplishment fades in time). But sharing God's love <i>does</i> bring joy, and the joy lasts! I've felt it so often as I've raised my children. Teaching them is joyful. Talking to them is joyful. Making them happy is joyful. Loving them is joyful! And seeing them love me back is the most joyful of all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That brings me back to my first question. What good am <i>I</i> to God? When might I actually bring joy to <i>Him</i> rather than just being one of the many beneficiaries of all He gives <i>us</i>? I think it's when I become fruit—when I become an embodiment of His love. I think he needs me because His love can take new shape through me. Through the combination of gifts, talents, and personality that God gave me, combined with what I choose to do to develop those gifts, I can bless others in ways no one else can. When His love bears fruit in me—and I then share that love with those <i>I</i> love—I am useful to Him! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure I'm explaining this very well. Of course I know God loves me even when I don't do anything, don't deserve anything—I'm His child and He loves me. And I guess, in some way, I'm "special" to Him like my children are all special to me just by existing and being who they are. But that answer didn't satisfy me when I was younger, and this one does. I have gifts so I can share them, and in the sharing of them they become true accomplishments—true contributions—not just ways to feed my ego or impress someone—but things that <i>truly</i> bring more light and love into the world. Not only does Heavenly Father "need me" to help do His work and share His love (not "need me" in the sense that He couldn't <i>do</i> it without me—but in the sense that there would be a real and perceptible loss if I <i>didn't</i> contribute my unique gifts)—but just as Jesus found his ultimate joy and purpose in His sacrifice and gifts for us, so <i>I</i> will find ultimate joy, meaning, and purpose in my sacrifices and gifts for others. It's not what the world would teach. But it's true. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few months ago I played the piano for a musical number at a funeral. I didn't know the lady who had died; she was a relative of the friend I was accompanying. She had been an accomplished pianist herself, and also a teacher and mother, and as I listened to the talks about her I found myself wanting to play my very best just to honor her and to comfort her family. I prayed all through the funeral that our music could somehow bring a spirit of comfort and peace and love. And then when it came time to play, it was one of those rare occasions where everything is right. It was transcendent—otherworldly—I don't have words to describe it, but the singing, the music, it all came together and the congregation felt it. My friend and I certainly felt it. Angelic visitors, maybe. People were crying as they talked to us after, thanking us for—whatever had happened. I felt shaky and weak afterwards. I went out and sat in the car and thought, "There are famous artists probably giving concerts today all around the world. Someone is playing with a symphony. Someone is playing in Carnegie Hall. But I'm positive that there was no performance on earth today as powerful as this one, at a little church in a suburb of Salt Lake City, at a funeral for a lady who most people have never heard of. And I got to be part of that. Why?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know why, but I <i>think</i> it's because that's what it's all about. That's what my gifts are for. That's what <i>I</i> am for. That's how I bear fruit, and that's why God needs me—to "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/11?lang=eng#p22">shed His love abroad in the hearts of the children of men</a>" in the ways only I can.</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-75634079297612706492024-01-23T07:30:00.005-07:002024-01-27T18:54:22.104-07:00Stay forever<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Saturday Afternoon Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng">April 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx03QRGzC_mLjW3dC80DHlkGDDt-91rU-dm8VavJe3F3bS4lLN4HcJrNHHCrQ6JM-z1B5-L10TUMXN5TXQEsICu1hdfoMIIDskdHXlP3BsfDqAsxYw4Yi8OnQC-DZO4cZ-uBQDeuSMgcjdcELd2jwaRw5F9wBjLlFLV3I2gLtKXj7aDH7Mj3Q06uKUu-A/s1600/picking_apples_red_barn23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx03QRGzC_mLjW3dC80DHlkGDDt-91rU-dm8VavJe3F3bS4lLN4HcJrNHHCrQ6JM-z1B5-L10TUMXN5TXQEsICu1hdfoMIIDskdHXlP3BsfDqAsxYw4Yi8OnQC-DZO4cZ-uBQDeuSMgcjdcELd2jwaRw5F9wBjLlFLV3I2gLtKXj7aDH7Mj3Q06uKUu-A/w640-h480/picking_apples_red_barn23.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have remembered this quote <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/abide-in-me?lang=eng">from Elder Holland</a> ever since I heard it in 2004:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote> “Abide in me” is an understandable and beautiful enough concept in the elegant English of the King James Bible, but “abide” is not a word we use much anymore. So I gained even more appreciation for this admonition from the Lord when I was introduced to the translation of this passage in another language. In Spanish that familiar phrase is rendered “<i>permaneced en mi</i>.” Like the English verb “abide,” <i>permanecer</i> means “to remain, to stay,” but even gringos like me can hear the root cognate there of “permanence.” The sense of this then is “stay—but stay forever.” That is the call of the gospel message to Chileans and everyone else in the world. Come, but come to remain. Come with conviction and endurance. Come permanently, for your sake and the sake of all the generations who must follow you, and we will help each other be strong to the very end.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the idea of being "permanently" attached to Jesus Christ. I was thinking this week about the Tree of Life and an article I read somewhere (?) about how trees were a female symbol in ancient cultures, and the "rod" in Lehi's dream could be seen as a sort of umbilical cord that can tie us back to the tree. I like the idea that when we are spiritually born of God, we can dwell within, be tied to, and be nourished by Jesus Christ as surely as an unborn baby dwells within, is tied to, and is nourished by its mother. Elder Holland uses a beautiful tree metaphor too:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">For the fruit of the gospel to blossom and bless our lives, we must be firmly attached to Him, the Savior of us all, and to this His Church, which bears His holy name.</div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><i>Other posts in this series:</i></p><p><i><a href="https://plainandpreciousthing.blogspot.com/2024/01/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts.html">"Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts"</a>—by Rozy </i></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-81731094083588542422024-01-16T07:30:00.001-07:002024-01-16T09:43:47.868-07:00'Still walking' is the fundamental requirement<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Saturday Morning Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng">April 2004 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0xjBZxdWcV3DytVTH_eaGEDLzu7NnGrL0UKY8E0OUNldxEz-ZIYPD5uZGfc3ONzTfLKGl3K2NdRHNlDPRqDwopzwSOdEqFtCcdjISPlnkUHLo1uCChR0GORSWpHVUVcLzt1y05BkTzQ9AUD5oDtQx8QGdL9m_ajFxRXv6un9BxN4RL7vFemAYWDtjgg/s1695/babies_in_stroller4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1695" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0xjBZxdWcV3DytVTH_eaGEDLzu7NnGrL0UKY8E0OUNldxEz-ZIYPD5uZGfc3ONzTfLKGl3K2NdRHNlDPRqDwopzwSOdEqFtCcdjISPlnkUHLo1uCChR0GORSWpHVUVcLzt1y05BkTzQ9AUD5oDtQx8QGdL9m_ajFxRXv6un9BxN4RL7vFemAYWDtjgg/w454-h640/babies_in_stroller4.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really liked two talks this session on enduring challenges. The first was Sister Gayle M. Clegg's "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/the-finished-story?lang=eng">The Finished Story</a>." She tells about a boy in her 6th-grade school class who completed an assignment years later and turned it in to her, and then compares his effort to "finish his story" with all of our efforts to keep going with the tests we face in life. I especially liked this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>With the Lord, nothing is impossible, but we each have to finish our own story. He sends His Spirit, we call out encouragement to each other, but we have to keep writing, keep walking, keep serving and accepting new challenges to the end of our own story. “Still walking” is the fundamental requirement in the journey of life. He wants us to finish well.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/in-the-strength-of-the-lord?lang=eng">Elder Eyring's talk</a> went right with that same theme. He has such a good a way of simplifying and clarifying concepts for me, and this time the concept he clarified was "enduring to the end":</div><div></div><blockquote><div>So many things beat upon us in a lifetime that simply enduring may seem almost beyond us. That’s what the words in the scripture “Ye must … endure to the end” seemed to mean to me when I first read them. It sounded grim, like sitting still and holding on to the arms of the chair while someone pulled out my tooth.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It can surely seem that way to a family depending on crops when there is no rain. They may wonder, “How long can we hold on?” It can seem that way to a youth faced with resisting the rising flood of filth and temptation. It can seem that way to a young man struggling to get the training he needs for a job to support a wife and family. It can seem that way to a person who can’t find a job or who has lost job after job as businesses close their doors. It can seem that way to a person faced with the erosion of health and physical strength which may come early or late in life for them or for those they love. </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">I was reading this and thinking about some of our family's own challenges, "Yes! Exactly! How long <i>can</i> we hold on?" Then he continues:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">But the test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty. It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we remembered Him and the commandments He gave us. And to endure well is to keep those commandments whatever the opposition, whatever the temptation, and whatever the tumult around us.…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We need strength beyond ourselves to keep the commandments in whatever circumstance life brings to us. For some it may be poverty, but for others it may be prosperity. It may be the ravages of age or the exuberance of youth. The combination of trials and their duration are as varied as are the children of our Heavenly Father. No two are alike. But what is being tested is the same, at all times in our lives and for every person: will we do whatsoever the Lord our God will command us?</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know why that seemed so surprising to me, but I think I've never quite considered that <b>the whole thing being tested</b> in this life is just "Will we keep the commandments and choose God?" It's so easy to get hung up on "did I handle this situation right?" or "was there something more I could have done?" or "why didn't I follow that prompting better" or any number of other things. And I guess those are all sort of variations on keeping the commandments…but the way Elder Eyring says it, it seems clear that just <i>trying</i> to follow the commandments, if done <i>persistently</i>, <b>is</b> following the commandments. In other words, continuing to keep trying = enduring to the end. It's not about, necessarily, the outcome of the trials and circumstances we face—whether they last a long time or whether they are painful for us or whether we reacted to them like we should. It's just about <i>whether we keep trying to follow God</i> as we experience them. I like that thought!</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-55464583555315198212024-01-10T16:17:00.003-07:002024-01-10T16:17:53.960-07:00Christmas Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvc2efSLpbhGUhTjMJ5zGkrbw99Zqm7E1zneDi5Af_66Ncoi3UgtxgRluhz15s218jPz483QH35eeEwpKjsA-xFUgDOM9VFqGO45Ei8x48KpjPDOLxcngwgJw7vKjtWFvF983SS-jWq2HMfQMwIM-sM8YLmtKkqUGvaW-Znk4pGSeYif_l_jdTQY4UhVM/s1600/christmas_day52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvc2efSLpbhGUhTjMJ5zGkrbw99Zqm7E1zneDi5Af_66Ncoi3UgtxgRluhz15s218jPz483QH35eeEwpKjsA-xFUgDOM9VFqGO45Ei8x48KpjPDOLxcngwgJw7vKjtWFvF983SS-jWq2HMfQMwIM-sM8YLmtKkqUGvaW-Znk4pGSeYif_l_jdTQY4UhVM/w640-h460/christmas_day52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We managed to stave off the early-risers till 9:00 a.m. this year! Surely a new record. They were up earlier, of course, and not pleased about waiting…but Sebastian had been out on his usual Christmas Run at 3 a.m. and we wanted to let him sleep as long as we could.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cX0UH4IZ8-ZSXllNcqAifEj0T875M0EzXjCrPpJCqPoZXLke8qGftsxjMNqN6ec4O1jRIq-JX9UQLncJ6VtgFqVjLCFxisSEROXQ8fjzfUi0rsWuTnAzXTgjmDlAK5zBUhS64BHFWbyTe8mkfVjrQ0YM6a8o5NuruHtWNRyuyL2o5MWH98ksOGANzvI/s1600/christmas_day48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cX0UH4IZ8-ZSXllNcqAifEj0T875M0EzXjCrPpJCqPoZXLke8qGftsxjMNqN6ec4O1jRIq-JX9UQLncJ6VtgFqVjLCFxisSEROXQ8fjzfUi0rsWuTnAzXTgjmDlAK5zBUhS64BHFWbyTe8mkfVjrQ0YM6a8o5NuruHtWNRyuyL2o5MWH98ksOGANzvI/w640-h458/christmas_day48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at the light streaming in the windows! (Seb, when he did get up, was <i>not pleased.</i> "Who opened the blinds! It doesn't even feel like Christmas!" He also managed to darkly imply that if we'd somehow been <i>better people </i>it would have snowed.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still, that Christmas Run is always impressive. It was fun for him to run with lots of old friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoMrmDi8nIiLs_xm_AKNgNKrjWGbqh19Nvkz3XePu8FM5Tobl0YSwFM1KYW-vAzjd333luRHerz1jzbMtI_xvbdB7bCTb6C-e4Sg-_8-7sxP7WrjWP_gvWlHOuOxQQDEM3W4GzVvnD7_TPVi_S-PvmKMDwIQsSJTv46u5vuxLqAabDxgukJDWqzZt25E/s1502/IMG_5908.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoMrmDi8nIiLs_xm_AKNgNKrjWGbqh19Nvkz3XePu8FM5Tobl0YSwFM1KYW-vAzjd333luRHerz1jzbMtI_xvbdB7bCTb6C-e4Sg-_8-7sxP7WrjWP_gvWlHOuOxQQDEM3W4GzVvnD7_TPVi_S-PvmKMDwIQsSJTv46u5vuxLqAabDxgukJDWqzZt25E/w498-h640/IMG_5908.png" width="498" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I couldn't sleep once I heard Seb go out, so I got up and went on a little walk myself. Inspired by Seb, I tried to make a Christmas star!😄 Then I got cold and went back to my warm bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCbG_czXSMRIdwVamA5foQ8mqbcbv9gkbH9HpZF0NmDqtjcDvE6c0nZfMYdRgXri5K2vBrZD8sIRdAi2ya6_mp0t7IiN3YEmDmSNugmd0YdhrTTXzSxWNRGIjjD1TzGE4E9TR1pBtza0FkqhtQfPS4Aj-mCmiUglgZhrt725vIHZc5Y_WBzn-kyOPzw0/s1171/star.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="807" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCbG_czXSMRIdwVamA5foQ8mqbcbv9gkbH9HpZF0NmDqtjcDvE6c0nZfMYdRgXri5K2vBrZD8sIRdAi2ya6_mp0t7IiN3YEmDmSNugmd0YdhrTTXzSxWNRGIjjD1TzGE4E9TR1pBtza0FkqhtQfPS4Aj-mCmiUglgZhrt725vIHZc5Y_WBzn-kyOPzw0/w276-h400/star.png" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfnT_ktYE4ND9BdgeqipAKAyKLwZLwkWdfKg_KRIe7heg0LZmFGGqb31eRqS5piWak_l4k-f3T-SQHya9v-Bk_PaDmspryI9HdENuaATQZERQ_3NEe7SDBUWFzwVnGu8DlGwHRhfEoV742fHpnUaRvwjSjoQbvzDiFi8HFmBhQHNuJs7pqBtm9vspC90/s4032/baked_french_toast_food.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfnT_ktYE4ND9BdgeqipAKAyKLwZLwkWdfKg_KRIe7heg0LZmFGGqb31eRqS5piWak_l4k-f3T-SQHya9v-Bk_PaDmspryI9HdENuaATQZERQ_3NEe7SDBUWFzwVnGu8DlGwHRhfEoV742fHpnUaRvwjSjoQbvzDiFi8HFmBhQHNuJs7pqBtm9vspC90/w640-h480/baked_french_toast_food.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So finally—after Baked French Toast and Bacon (had to be cooked sequentially rather than simultaneously as we're still down an oven)…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJta8Bt8JJFRoE-Wb1Ft7E0eekW2q6d-IQZFCaGN5NDB0ukbRx-GIsZ6NmHGu1Ex62_KLWWRGovfLyVF5Z87aerXyiusgH97tcwTgw_pTieaMs6ZlBFcfuyL19WpbuONSWxm6Psa9tPn3SWAooZuFIzz4_NIKTxPgUI8VEYYoyUotap5CpuYzMkqDaXg/s1670/christmas_day40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1670" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJta8Bt8JJFRoE-Wb1Ft7E0eekW2q6d-IQZFCaGN5NDB0ukbRx-GIsZ6NmHGu1Ex62_KLWWRGovfLyVF5Z87aerXyiusgH97tcwTgw_pTieaMs6ZlBFcfuyL19WpbuONSWxm6Psa9tPn3SWAooZuFIzz4_NIKTxPgUI8VEYYoyUotap5CpuYzMkqDaXg/w460-h640/christmas_day40.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">…on to the presents! This long long snake from Seb to Gus. Gus loved it so much and has named it…Chubby. ???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_DnU70qTFZ-t6DVol7UsWZZvDy9NaDihDoVlRqjDMtsa067Caf-D2AB5pDe9G77dthcstLz2NuRvLUW_b_pfbeJxM-sz9DIod5PBb1EImzRqmZF04tBisNQ9tRi6pZOAcumlt_ue6CazIZvctQUuCEK7Oa-ASYt-qaiS90Oft5VHANANH0mcRjBhIvM/s1587/christmas_day42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_DnU70qTFZ-t6DVol7UsWZZvDy9NaDihDoVlRqjDMtsa067Caf-D2AB5pDe9G77dthcstLz2NuRvLUW_b_pfbeJxM-sz9DIod5PBb1EImzRqmZF04tBisNQ9tRi6pZOAcumlt_ue6CazIZvctQUuCEK7Oa-ASYt-qaiS90Oft5VHANANH0mcRjBhIvM/w484-h640/christmas_day42.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfWZGPC66UvLmebeQ53fdH7ltIq9z3Ep7sNUgKHOOB86oSO_tD34w0RSJEO1EsMm7QLKQRCEUrGECjH5qiDbxctt160wEgeeIfJ9RCpFrE8FVEpoLC3LZHuPH42WKHY5f968uAW0_o7mpFFiRyy39upPnfeHCv5-tQAKGUQMsxvWTGDGvLorbzTlxIqg/s1600/christmas_day46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfWZGPC66UvLmebeQ53fdH7ltIq9z3Ep7sNUgKHOOB86oSO_tD34w0RSJEO1EsMm7QLKQRCEUrGECjH5qiDbxctt160wEgeeIfJ9RCpFrE8FVEpoLC3LZHuPH42WKHY5f968uAW0_o7mpFFiRyy39upPnfeHCv5-tQAKGUQMsxvWTGDGvLorbzTlxIqg/w480-h640/christmas_day46.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a7kNEx2fo_KweJ4IpnrtNEwRUTKGT8fXBPJdoIEhFbo65UFZN072ITSBxpjonmT-GQ0uaA8kwBjXJv0Tv5uw0-3OmC5-kViQL5vpz-hiL3k1dE7Jh7XR9gvT6so8eLGe7hj0_iN73uyFkQitJ6XCmnTaFp8JARHKud9EpRG6qQDuKiQfNQVwP0c8-ao/s1600/christmas_day36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a7kNEx2fo_KweJ4IpnrtNEwRUTKGT8fXBPJdoIEhFbo65UFZN072ITSBxpjonmT-GQ0uaA8kwBjXJv0Tv5uw0-3OmC5-kViQL5vpz-hiL3k1dE7Jh7XR9gvT6so8eLGe7hj0_iN73uyFkQitJ6XCmnTaFp8JARHKud9EpRG6qQDuKiQfNQVwP0c8-ao/w480-h640/christmas_day36.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seb decided, on a whim, to learn to crochet at the beginning of December. Daisy and Junie helped him, and then he made a hat for Clementine's monkey, a cropped short-sleeve sweater for a friend, an ear-warmer for Sam, and this amazing chunky scarf for me—this one was finger-crocheted. I don't even know how to do that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mentioned to Seb that someone we know was feeling a little discouraged and sad lately, and Seb immediately said, "Tell him to learn to crochet!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xRK1_sG8aeb3vFrAg8cRwvTvXd_OmLQArRdAyHlZirZdlMRcnVCB2cgJP08rGvliLNMwTi8xj-Ui_pgv1qLU8vCqLiG5m3MMoYm93w7YQkhQf6NyYN0qnq-ziZe5GyLl8bqLsfxnU2L-ZBnq0FrjWyb8Q_pn70WsNDO-CNUI1rqsNOAj9q_jDPVtAZA/s1449/christmas_day38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xRK1_sG8aeb3vFrAg8cRwvTvXd_OmLQArRdAyHlZirZdlMRcnVCB2cgJP08rGvliLNMwTi8xj-Ui_pgv1qLU8vCqLiG5m3MMoYm93w7YQkhQf6NyYN0qnq-ziZe5GyLl8bqLsfxnU2L-ZBnq0FrjWyb8Q_pn70WsNDO-CNUI1rqsNOAj9q_jDPVtAZA/w530-h640/christmas_day38.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fire Engine for Gus, from Junie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzR-mZ-GzrQArVkP0hNOAvPtGz0ez6KbLstNqesR51eGx59T2oXIJp4aUD03cXGMBS3FqnzYQJa6YaGpICVPFNDBm0oC-F8YYjrNODcfXT8wuvbD2X0rV1LIlTxvkT2w79wCGQIYm5VYFanLodpH7YJ2pNzjeKkAdQocD2ZKlGQwXaUlj9bsGXJ8o0PM/s1512/christmas_day35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzR-mZ-GzrQArVkP0hNOAvPtGz0ez6KbLstNqesR51eGx59T2oXIJp4aUD03cXGMBS3FqnzYQJa6YaGpICVPFNDBm0oC-F8YYjrNODcfXT8wuvbD2X0rV1LIlTxvkT2w79wCGQIYm5VYFanLodpH7YJ2pNzjeKkAdQocD2ZKlGQwXaUlj9bsGXJ8o0PM/w508-h640/christmas_day35.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5FqlKla_qTOMnu0_bAdmSjhQ72G1tT3roGDgmon5h7oVs23Wd5SxLqOyvIWCfbo2ZXfsDPX8wYaUsBfARVHgdbi9srtwFZ1Tq4zU4yhBECs2jv8_-8MMIo18gtM_XRfPxBCm_zMVN-owf55zBc4F0FGprx74gP8bi7pKg-7bqiRfX4Vv5wy4DCx68bk/s1600/christmas_day31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5FqlKla_qTOMnu0_bAdmSjhQ72G1tT3roGDgmon5h7oVs23Wd5SxLqOyvIWCfbo2ZXfsDPX8wYaUsBfARVHgdbi9srtwFZ1Tq4zU4yhBECs2jv8_-8MMIo18gtM_XRfPxBCm_zMVN-owf55zBc4F0FGprx74gP8bi7pKg-7bqiRfX4Vv5wy4DCx68bk/w480-h640/christmas_day31.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At first, Clementine was a little wary of this big gnome Daisy made her…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LsUY9_5n7APnkU2xmK6cFKRV8zjmcGsak8cusaCw0mzFCcSeIsczoHrVBzylwG7EksTDztkcw5HHv-5T2DnAfnrMlqt6_bxqFuyT2NSh7tc5p4qa7UJB1BKEwB1HCdmMqO5jfAABMC36PtXMWyL-CPebzkQRDDz9zXOlhOR3Q4Fw32HQO2xHRSdseVU/s1600/christmas_day34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LsUY9_5n7APnkU2xmK6cFKRV8zjmcGsak8cusaCw0mzFCcSeIsczoHrVBzylwG7EksTDztkcw5HHv-5T2DnAfnrMlqt6_bxqFuyT2NSh7tc5p4qa7UJB1BKEwB1HCdmMqO5jfAABMC36PtXMWyL-CPebzkQRDDz9zXOlhOR3Q4Fw32HQO2xHRSdseVU/w480-h640/christmas_day34.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">…but she soon warmed up to him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqkviCKwCl2EElg8ex90TMyDENNWI0oOdx_3HfLAQH0iyN69Cc7gTwTGBJ78wqUQmiuxKuAUIax-7HD2HxrpUEJymLAsQQwMKFdHJ2Dfq_jJEa9NDfH7ITGGddUi6EXKtBHKUppFrEkObdHcBYtjKIAQ0yzjF2VJq-96TfczGQPzE-fjMT1eoDmxkKAY/s1518/christmas_day28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqkviCKwCl2EElg8ex90TMyDENNWI0oOdx_3HfLAQH0iyN69Cc7gTwTGBJ78wqUQmiuxKuAUIax-7HD2HxrpUEJymLAsQQwMKFdHJ2Dfq_jJEa9NDfH7ITGGddUi6EXKtBHKUppFrEkObdHcBYtjKIAQ0yzjF2VJq-96TfczGQPzE-fjMT1eoDmxkKAY/w506-h640/christmas_day28.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cxOyECknPeNhnE1D3L8zOELPF2K8Uiyxzexk57LowM_IKkRiFaWTtWnWa6tImIhYnL8WeKMR6ywYUhNSx3m_OD90d70Rr9_KJ_bXx4X1BloFWtZBK7oGdmytBQUyVRM_DVIeU1YFgk4sXkDfur-GUK7vjXHGXXIvxMj8MhYXksmI1Xes9P_ZgV6XyrI/s1600/christmas_day25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cxOyECknPeNhnE1D3L8zOELPF2K8Uiyxzexk57LowM_IKkRiFaWTtWnWa6tImIhYnL8WeKMR6ywYUhNSx3m_OD90d70Rr9_KJ_bXx4X1BloFWtZBK7oGdmytBQUyVRM_DVIeU1YFgk4sXkDfur-GUK7vjXHGXXIvxMj8MhYXksmI1Xes9P_ZgV6XyrI/w480-h640/christmas_day25.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A butterfly sweatshirt given from Daisy to Junie, and a tiger from Seb</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZorupxfCq0KKDkvdyEDNEuxlftAhHposx8Ku_uyUrcsJDcVc30zNltYTpLOMXV8Ef8WvqIcETlFRLeZb2MNPIZs0zlX4XLPGjrJofcNr7zsM39avC2AgfHi22Q490-ZYN1FVjkQYbaLCklX7W50sitzgxdFDVvF6pan9I8yKtOKqKwlDbzaMX0sOAP4/s1600/IMG_5939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1600" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZorupxfCq0KKDkvdyEDNEuxlftAhHposx8Ku_uyUrcsJDcVc30zNltYTpLOMXV8Ef8WvqIcETlFRLeZb2MNPIZs0zlX4XLPGjrJofcNr7zsM39avC2AgfHi22Q490-ZYN1FVjkQYbaLCklX7W50sitzgxdFDVvF6pan9I8yKtOKqKwlDbzaMX0sOAP4/w640-h570/IMG_5939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Owl habitat Junie made for Ky<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MlpWn99dDUdAas2Gk1AoBtM7YQR16b0p0LtOjiJSqyURXv4_QrZ_nT8-K_MIwwtwCS9yd453FglU-i6ALDQaDGp6vTqtGJJK0ArCMZjxRHmigSSSHYORltblO0hGlIl2_pafcwIsLWHLLyLeGj3wrptVijDX1zNZfXXZAEsJF00qymhAZddRn1d0wxI/s1622/christmas_day27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MlpWn99dDUdAas2Gk1AoBtM7YQR16b0p0LtOjiJSqyURXv4_QrZ_nT8-K_MIwwtwCS9yd453FglU-i6ALDQaDGp6vTqtGJJK0ArCMZjxRHmigSSSHYORltblO0hGlIl2_pafcwIsLWHLLyLeGj3wrptVijDX1zNZfXXZAEsJF00qymhAZddRn1d0wxI/w474-h640/christmas_day27.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie with the bath towel Daisy made for her doll</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI00b_XQhWnLqJF8mZRftvP6EPljbZ6vPI3nIuwNce3MYyJ9V4y1jBhiCqnTiaslvsVTyYzRsCe7M_6CTdi5s1_6i3hHz4pV9t_zbOsuMYKPaozKHljAAqg4yyWxqoFgZOPAv2Z6WlnROqF9xqzkXlyOxv0GEqkwSCbk30qs6wqBTwSACNuomUK7V01gg/s1600/christmas_day19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI00b_XQhWnLqJF8mZRftvP6EPljbZ6vPI3nIuwNce3MYyJ9V4y1jBhiCqnTiaslvsVTyYzRsCe7M_6CTdi5s1_6i3hHz4pV9t_zbOsuMYKPaozKHljAAqg4yyWxqoFgZOPAv2Z6WlnROqF9xqzkXlyOxv0GEqkwSCbk30qs6wqBTwSACNuomUK7V01gg/w640-h480/christmas_day19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seb gave Teddy his old model train sets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZJdDu91IZ1mlW7_Ff9813-54v74_QvADSau73JuCmz2hI6BjMuNglIIOy8iS-8hrdUFUeK8h4lNPpHvEkYpRoaM_6Dm7aQfuXMmckRRpUW0ocv9LlVKNo9_Of-MEoqlODMZpjjXOQmN1aKG5XW9JWeDSLJcYbR3jI39Ghm7ixxvYeyySyc2blLIlIYo/s1600/christmas_day22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZJdDu91IZ1mlW7_Ff9813-54v74_QvADSau73JuCmz2hI6BjMuNglIIOy8iS-8hrdUFUeK8h4lNPpHvEkYpRoaM_6Dm7aQfuXMmckRRpUW0ocv9LlVKNo9_Of-MEoqlODMZpjjXOQmN1aKG5XW9JWeDSLJcYbR3jI39Ghm7ixxvYeyySyc2blLIlIYo/w640-h458/christmas_day22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And Daisy his old <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2016/02/gift-ideas-for-ages-2-13-years.html">BB-8 robot</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN25Vs8p_dbdQFEqfY4MU0bREnClSJlg-vEtGylajv_CedIVQnZOZqJj7LxeP8-eajZwFnlGmKVnz6JJhP0MrI4Z43c5m-FQwjKKtsOeXKAZBYzVcvjF-fCHfNyULh5Q8bJhXW5R31EUxMOjXuNr_Y925wrmSit2BWZP6fQfLYzTvHRyAJc_4EAccMkI/s1731/christmas_day16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN25Vs8p_dbdQFEqfY4MU0bREnClSJlg-vEtGylajv_CedIVQnZOZqJj7LxeP8-eajZwFnlGmKVnz6JJhP0MrI4Z43c5m-FQwjKKtsOeXKAZBYzVcvjF-fCHfNyULh5Q8bJhXW5R31EUxMOjXuNr_Y925wrmSit2BWZP6fQfLYzTvHRyAJc_4EAccMkI/w444-h640/christmas_day16.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Penguin slippers for Daisy, to match her pajamas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3Y8hm3oUVVwa5FqKUOxChRXz4Wu6QL5qvRgR2v0qBmDqgemn1aZMq33KVoxJch-xw4ysvi7gk-7pV0iprRKT-gt_a-X7ceTsA8nKh_l8k65nkSlT_VmFv_3PFDiFNf2om7wph2h5hkdiwDynFnazyqAjBpnJZ0CzlnFsMYzJlQjNlNNMs0yQ3JRmFnc/s1600/christmas_day17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="1600" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3Y8hm3oUVVwa5FqKUOxChRXz4Wu6QL5qvRgR2v0qBmDqgemn1aZMq33KVoxJch-xw4ysvi7gk-7pV0iprRKT-gt_a-X7ceTsA8nKh_l8k65nkSlT_VmFv_3PFDiFNf2om7wph2h5hkdiwDynFnazyqAjBpnJZ0CzlnFsMYzJlQjNlNNMs0yQ3JRmFnc/w640-h612/christmas_day17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie made Seb this amazing Bike Park diorama, with jumps and dirt mounds and a stream, and did some paintings of his bike for him too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9HJQTsIbGPaOztIyN6lfuIHm2sr93ynj41SMRYAsrB_YqcnlsX3F8RVyL5K02RYNyrW9HC9lOy9fwWp4XXzR3FHo72tYP3732VhKybusGQW0YTVfwvKDKeFtnIXPLHv2OrxDTDliD9oRz30I5_K_yUdEj0MClXr05_AuXBoeWPXExhPBRXkz4g6mI2s/s1600/christmas_day12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9HJQTsIbGPaOztIyN6lfuIHm2sr93ynj41SMRYAsrB_YqcnlsX3F8RVyL5K02RYNyrW9HC9lOy9fwWp4XXzR3FHo72tYP3732VhKybusGQW0YTVfwvKDKeFtnIXPLHv2OrxDTDliD9oRz30I5_K_yUdEj0MClXr05_AuXBoeWPXExhPBRXkz4g6mI2s/w480-h640/christmas_day12.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Zig got a furry husky costume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMjB-BMAkhWUUonftKacMCT9XG_AEXy0rpg5ZzABEDktmpYPDbd84NNIgqv3zQSemy4hljqmH5KO2pTSh89IFiRc1dV2q0jOop4N7sRkgRemCV-gGKcPArqyi8hkT_Djc6oy8sn3zsk8ksWUP9gi-Pgd5dGgT9WnKZSm16Juj44gDdo2lVJCAepLsMJ8/s1590/christmas_day15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMjB-BMAkhWUUonftKacMCT9XG_AEXy0rpg5ZzABEDktmpYPDbd84NNIgqv3zQSemy4hljqmH5KO2pTSh89IFiRc1dV2q0jOop4N7sRkgRemCV-gGKcPArqyi8hkT_Djc6oy8sn3zsk8ksWUP9gi-Pgd5dGgT9WnKZSm16Juj44gDdo2lVJCAepLsMJ8/w485-h640/christmas_day15.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gus got a big squishy Caw (and the flamingo shirt he is wearing was from Daisy).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I7jrgeNW15FjzZ2i9ZHVrMlOLHSqSflrJys9nNFUvWrzPk8cWeHPXpM-Y7dA6dqgHf9_Z-RUjTvZHRWHquAAJLhzWypXgqvZk2OyfWyqJqkepjz5Ltweja72_iDUhrnVFPHu56NvZpkpc61IZ5-KEl61s1hjXuuhjiIh7MRQXwc8FphqrVZbs81WBHg/s1600/christmas_day10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I7jrgeNW15FjzZ2i9ZHVrMlOLHSqSflrJys9nNFUvWrzPk8cWeHPXpM-Y7dA6dqgHf9_Z-RUjTvZHRWHquAAJLhzWypXgqvZk2OyfWyqJqkepjz5Ltweja72_iDUhrnVFPHu56NvZpkpc61IZ5-KEl61s1hjXuuhjiIh7MRQXwc8FphqrVZbs81WBHg/w480-h640/christmas_day10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie got this beautiful Emma-style dress, which she looks absolutely perfect in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2PzgyUg85bUwnKkAOUUKhJbJGNfoqFPJ1DHbdRHzBbNxTHkhL6_xIQ-avYhVXsqvD6u0PCQ80eDq6YRxrvTEXW68kBzxSPtHtUBdaDgXIo80ndcysF48nnm85Qx8mcI2mtTyPzsLTbthvZqhu9NA6qy76QfGw-9M0j0em2VkJe0qkcluyyuggqVoqq8/s1600/christmas_day5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2PzgyUg85bUwnKkAOUUKhJbJGNfoqFPJ1DHbdRHzBbNxTHkhL6_xIQ-avYhVXsqvD6u0PCQ80eDq6YRxrvTEXW68kBzxSPtHtUBdaDgXIo80ndcysF48nnm85Qx8mcI2mtTyPzsLTbthvZqhu9NA6qy76QfGw-9M0j0em2VkJe0qkcluyyuggqVoqq8/w640-h448/christmas_day5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a pretty drive to my mom's house for Christmas Dinner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-cisBrY-SW53v6mNiTZb2gFG6gHnGOO8xTkoWE0Ot4po_ZG_n3jLA6Odp_ENARlDUxGeMOu6AI4geUsmOaUZ2IgapoN-a_1i5glyjjdL2cUMXreGSCHwsyy2BijIbAGcXUeBNdlBCBu20H7ZZLSrBqxYO15T3MKx6O64pRJ_qgKvpGKn-qPnpeSryx4/s1635/christmas_day9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-cisBrY-SW53v6mNiTZb2gFG6gHnGOO8xTkoWE0Ot4po_ZG_n3jLA6Odp_ENARlDUxGeMOu6AI4geUsmOaUZ2IgapoN-a_1i5glyjjdL2cUMXreGSCHwsyy2BijIbAGcXUeBNdlBCBu20H7ZZLSrBqxYO15T3MKx6O64pRJ_qgKvpGKn-qPnpeSryx4/w470-h640/christmas_day9.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And do you see this big ugly outlet above the fireplace, and the holes in the wall all around it? There was a TV mounted there for the previous owners of our house, and we finally took down the TV mount itself, but it has been looking unsightly and bothering me for 3 years now. So Sam found some shelves at IKEA and gave them to me for Christmas, and they fit in that spot perfectly! He didn't even have to drill new holes! So now…</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFlG4FSN11rZxwNgklYEFFKdu87a3OECPwJ-TgU46N8j3gK_avJPaJa5hRPn7QFPMvsyULDUSKNThhPud4FhmlqZXIEpkgdhxUMbToTpjsUxrzNnWWuZD1LTOcx4TUvn9qKum0P19lp45TAwna2KQBBkz7w_KSf04kYjInvluU3kxCoy8TQNIxhGnGpo/s1600/christmas_day1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFlG4FSN11rZxwNgklYEFFKdu87a3OECPwJ-TgU46N8j3gK_avJPaJa5hRPn7QFPMvsyULDUSKNThhPud4FhmlqZXIEpkgdhxUMbToTpjsUxrzNnWWuZD1LTOcx4TUvn9qKum0P19lp45TAwna2KQBBkz7w_KSf04kYjInvluU3kxCoy8TQNIxhGnGpo/w480-h640/christmas_day1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">…we can put gnomes there! (At least for now!) Hooray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQm_x0iro_lSZBli4IzhlT3ulAljQNvVinoyUJog3NXadMlG63EXIRTNmZzxZFK4koTXuiUlqb9LZicz_PSPc7Jy33Xped-x4FLV1POvjYHeenSNc-xl99lapt1eDdZWE1q1e3jgzCDBJUC7Nv7JpZnDeTS_Q5fzdazBC5-Jpm044W3uLSJXBKI3rWJ0/s4032/IMG_5875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQm_x0iro_lSZBli4IzhlT3ulAljQNvVinoyUJog3NXadMlG63EXIRTNmZzxZFK4koTXuiUlqb9LZicz_PSPc7Jy33Xped-x4FLV1POvjYHeenSNc-xl99lapt1eDdZWE1q1e3jgzCDBJUC7Nv7JpZnDeTS_Q5fzdazBC5-Jpm044W3uLSJXBKI3rWJ0/w640-h480/IMG_5875.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I gave Sam a pizza oven for Christmas and we are still figuring it out. We made some really good naan in it, and the pizza we tried was quite good…but not perfect yet. We will have to keep experimenting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5fsfHzIGQjrIY5pDbP0fAHUo-yN2yjQf3omwadY3RySneWLJXNXDkqojsOyLTLcMkIwGsJqB_z_9K9BrK2-i6nGaLe0aK1D2-iNh63qj-NtjvvPqI69ATHJaWDpqId2dn3hhsWPTDCMeER9ASZyxLHSx_YSjJQU0d6GVQ6ZX2X2T7fiKx1g6iRvgL3A/s3253/IMG_5937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2307" data-original-width="3253" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5fsfHzIGQjrIY5pDbP0fAHUo-yN2yjQf3omwadY3RySneWLJXNXDkqojsOyLTLcMkIwGsJqB_z_9K9BrK2-i6nGaLe0aK1D2-iNh63qj-NtjvvPqI69ATHJaWDpqId2dn3hhsWPTDCMeER9ASZyxLHSx_YSjJQU0d6GVQ6ZX2X2T7fiKx1g6iRvgL3A/w640-h454/IMG_5937.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goldie crocheted me this "Forest Gnome" (I would definitely like to collect all 4!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLhmXGx_DNrw8u8wz5opSe7L2-xwSQSXHi52kLax6sMGEgrZYVns1nMWnQMjxBPj1NWZjeWEUFLpnnuZ5VwAFIruKvLJhNWCRPkGihZ9iqrzaZ70akQJqnSDyCS6aWesmiX6BOLZ7imQfhxW72G3byT460cJznUjTarhv2Vy2D1Hhnbja0k4a2tnzRtU/s3607/IMG_5938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3607" data-original-width="2438" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLhmXGx_DNrw8u8wz5opSe7L2-xwSQSXHi52kLax6sMGEgrZYVns1nMWnQMjxBPj1NWZjeWEUFLpnnuZ5VwAFIruKvLJhNWCRPkGihZ9iqrzaZ70akQJqnSDyCS6aWesmiX6BOLZ7imQfhxW72G3byT460cJznUjTarhv2Vy2D1Hhnbja0k4a2tnzRtU/w432-h640/IMG_5938.JPG" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Junie drew these great pictures of Sam and me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are more things not pictured…the darling coupons Daisy made for me and Sam, with all the things we most want from her (hugs! clean rooms! games together! carwashes!). The jeweled canvas Junie spent all her money on for Daisy, giving up the very thing she <i>wanted</i> to buy for herself! The tiny cars Clementine picked out for Gus and then immediately tried to take back and claim for herself. The limited-edition, can't-get-it-anywhere Yumi pin Malachi found and secretly bought for Daisy at the Dragonsteel Convention. The book of photos for Clementine that has pictures of all the things she loves (sharp sharp knives, gnomes, the temple, the Bishop…) and which she read 100 times that very first day. So many good things!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a great Christmas. It was especially fun to see the kids being so thoughtful for each other, carefully planning gifts, spending hours secretly working on projects. I love seeing them do kind things for each other!</div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-82960440070715492092024-01-09T13:32:00.003-07:002024-01-09T13:32:55.423-07:00The Birthdays<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEuZ6wiQWnAe26VE2vCxRPxlamlpyNgHbQb_ZlzfmyQviwoewuWF7zABQvdhOPi_V38wR0-Z93_GLRBBELoDwwpZCPMpQMJL6iXLgDIQ7b0YZgJAzSqQD9cyoWmDZfXEhkFcesGPVil63_Ux1-evQwGQ4a5G3JBzUY3Uo_395KUTJ4OiCX7J3P5lHKAY/s1600/ky_birthday2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEuZ6wiQWnAe26VE2vCxRPxlamlpyNgHbQb_ZlzfmyQviwoewuWF7zABQvdhOPi_V38wR0-Z93_GLRBBELoDwwpZCPMpQMJL6iXLgDIQ7b0YZgJAzSqQD9cyoWmDZfXEhkFcesGPVil63_Ux1-evQwGQ4a5G3JBzUY3Uo_395KUTJ4OiCX7J3P5lHKAY/w640-h480/ky_birthday2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Malachi, Malachi. How can anyone sum up Malachi? He is a force of nature—and a bastion of principle—whichever principle he has decided to throw his considerable powers of persuasion behind at the moment! When he asked if he could take a speech and debate class a few years ago, I thought "Hmm. The <i>last</i> thing the world needs is a more eloquently argumentative Malachi." But I prayed about it and learned I was wrong. The world did need such a thing!😄 And he's really not argumentative, not always. He's more of a two-edged sword, quick and powerful to the dividing asunder of weak thinking or irrational ideas. He's a clear thinker and a clear speaker. Confident to the point of recklessness, at times, but with a softening dose of self-deprecation. His confident, clever public persona is a little bit of an act, as I suppose it is for most of us. But the person underneath has all the same good qualities and a few more: friendliness, persistence, intelligence, thoughtfulness. The ability to soften conflict and de-escalate a tense situation. A talent for relating to others and noticing their needs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Malachi always has big plans and big goals, toward which he drives himself hard (too hard, sometimes), and I think <i>he</i> thinks accomplishing those goals will set him apart from "ordinary" someday and justify his self-confidence. But what he doesn't realize is that he's already extraordinary. <i>Seeking</i> those goals is extraordinary. <i>Working</i> at those goals is extraordinary. And those desires for improvement that seem to just be part of his character are going to make him a force for great good in the world—whether he does it on the world stage or in his own quiet sphere. We love him so much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQcJoCAUetuQAb9Eoi_IPFejtEYC0-1tVziM_Pm6JxfnJ3xq9lEXAIMSEtPjP8uhq9od3uMGfPweCoI3wB4AXhLdIdUkB8esKXpwL60ypaASQVH5cRhu5ILosbg7HRniL_NAyohZZrVW7-N4HA9JlC2-JGG9e-U_t1fYYKghcgiIymcthryODFUh-ugA/s1600/ky_birthday1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQcJoCAUetuQAb9Eoi_IPFejtEYC0-1tVziM_Pm6JxfnJ3xq9lEXAIMSEtPjP8uhq9od3uMGfPweCoI3wB4AXhLdIdUkB8esKXpwL60ypaASQVH5cRhu5ILosbg7HRniL_NAyohZZrVW7-N4HA9JlC2-JGG9e-U_t1fYYKghcgiIymcthryODFUh-ugA/w640-h480/ky_birthday1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He turned sixteen in December (having been saying to inquiries about his age since January 1st, "I'll be sixteen this year." It worked, and I thought of him as sixteen all year long, making his birthday a bit anticlimactic!) and, in true Malachi fashion, decided to embark upon "The Twelve Dates of Christmas" as his introduction to dating. I think he managed eight dates in all, which was pretty impressive considering how busy December always is! He planned and prepared and paid for the dates just as one ought to, and I think it was more exhausting than he expected but also a lot of fun. It made a bunch of girls happy too, I think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIzV8Wn2Jgflb3T3Or_gCSfuLpoWrX9afSMYj94Am5FX_NDNPjSKcMhL4z_UBTc7wvrfT3ASDsPo33hnKBn1btmqSl6KRgV_FSTafv6vcpb9mOOj5BoeIHDOK_M6CxXy6z8sOfvaSqXCKTUbp1T4iBkc0-oX1kLdnbBr0NdXEHip1qRCUFUyP4V7mTvs/s1600/ky_birthday3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIzV8Wn2Jgflb3T3Or_gCSfuLpoWrX9afSMYj94Am5FX_NDNPjSKcMhL4z_UBTc7wvrfT3ASDsPo33hnKBn1btmqSl6KRgV_FSTafv6vcpb9mOOj5BoeIHDOK_M6CxXy6z8sOfvaSqXCKTUbp1T4iBkc0-oX1kLdnbBr0NdXEHip1qRCUFUyP4V7mTvs/w640-h480/ky_birthday3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOJ6M1_Q2thsA6As0Zm2O1DEBq_5qL8agyYLcv0Nt4_AxprF4Mmf4_w9Th298QCZ_n0GUDr_BaM0IhEMgDYs8_VTwXqm-s8Au9yiPL_cgw0m8KMqpr2NhWQAAdcB1G9W43jAeSkoZWE7PHDNsPfunTuhfTF8DeH_XknKB_yaDNAlHkFvDpIbR1JLRvDg/s1600/ky_christmas_dance1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOJ6M1_Q2thsA6As0Zm2O1DEBq_5qL8agyYLcv0Nt4_AxprF4Mmf4_w9Th298QCZ_n0GUDr_BaM0IhEMgDYs8_VTwXqm-s8Au9yiPL_cgw0m8KMqpr2NhWQAAdcB1G9W43jAeSkoZWE7PHDNsPfunTuhfTF8DeH_XknKB_yaDNAlHkFvDpIbR1JLRvDg/w640-h450/ky_christmas_dance1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here he is on one of his dates, which made him have to miss his sisters' Nutcracker performance, unfortunately—but perhaps it's for the best, as all he does at the Nutcracker every year is complain about its poor character development and plot structure. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VVpi-TGaBPNO_SKkfvcYefZ3bcST-6t6Npa66YCKm9vLgQSxeAybOEynfSf6n1r0YtBUN09LhcyeKbp9gOwbzgPXiaH2b16POQ-PsRVdEOaYnIYo-gHt1DLJN0pSn2hfLT0VtxGvWWfewidPCszyAOuZz_bXyNVJhsGubkFBVhyphenhyphene3yEusapny_WnA-c/s1680/ky_christmas_dance2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VVpi-TGaBPNO_SKkfvcYefZ3bcST-6t6Npa66YCKm9vLgQSxeAybOEynfSf6n1r0YtBUN09LhcyeKbp9gOwbzgPXiaH2b16POQ-PsRVdEOaYnIYo-gHt1DLJN0pSn2hfLT0VtxGvWWfewidPCszyAOuZz_bXyNVJhsGubkFBVhyphenhyphene3yEusapny_WnA-c/w458-h640/ky_christmas_dance2.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Note Ky's tie tied in the Eldridge Knot—his signature knot, you might say. He usually sports it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V_UVNjoUBHXa1n1bcPp8gSQyzSaMy6up-4G3tgn4fpsvNSLNPvArob3ilgr0qrYjY5491PZLYDzns6PKlGFZidzc0-TmNXS6kl3KVeqsRZJK-wYh3O3xw9937LYV-viziMT_wY_gnnI8hL2fQN2UOE8VAdnZrjHnCAPjTN82DubvXiQlWJG9PU694S0/s1800/ky_christmas_dance8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V_UVNjoUBHXa1n1bcPp8gSQyzSaMy6up-4G3tgn4fpsvNSLNPvArob3ilgr0qrYjY5491PZLYDzns6PKlGFZidzc0-TmNXS6kl3KVeqsRZJK-wYh3O3xw9937LYV-viziMT_wY_gnnI8hL2fQN2UOE8VAdnZrjHnCAPjTN82DubvXiQlWJG9PU694S0/w426-h640/ky_christmas_dance8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2ebLXdEgiAts3jVpayn7v3st7bRbqVstKcWuHpXUMAQ_VHU6L6E6KH1BeemngnfJCDAJIBByPLzKQWOxuRxHKX5Cw6vNe7LozY0RnE11MSHAbWzYTXRIHLEGdz-G-PPc3hlMDngn2653fY9OUgMJeTCrcFCNA9dwA369c8s0sbH0WTwupYu-bT6_iJc/s1600/ky_christmas_dance10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2ebLXdEgiAts3jVpayn7v3st7bRbqVstKcWuHpXUMAQ_VHU6L6E6KH1BeemngnfJCDAJIBByPLzKQWOxuRxHKX5Cw6vNe7LozY0RnE11MSHAbWzYTXRIHLEGdz-G-PPc3hlMDngn2653fY9OUgMJeTCrcFCNA9dwA369c8s0sbH0WTwupYu-bT6_iJc/w640-h426/ky_christmas_dance10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2em2_NQzpP0n-BWSNJmDS4KKD2MjjpMJH8K6SM68IWgnipy0MkGGOM40TFiFQ5bNCMXXnIYI6q3YJJOlPq0xci_RKTsh7fEgmKLwkxLNOpuNfbBL0SqFGWRir5kcunnYgS_ibmwNOly2hjRqN6l2aKj5Or_cFORInXNkxVkE-vkuHsCv9ZQA1DaduZg/s1600/ky_christmas_dance13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2em2_NQzpP0n-BWSNJmDS4KKD2MjjpMJH8K6SM68IWgnipy0MkGGOM40TFiFQ5bNCMXXnIYI6q3YJJOlPq0xci_RKTsh7fEgmKLwkxLNOpuNfbBL0SqFGWRir5kcunnYgS_ibmwNOly2hjRqN6l2aKj5Or_cFORInXNkxVkE-vkuHsCv9ZQA1DaduZg/w640-h512/ky_christmas_dance13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW4o4FPdRCj9Id6mJSeFe2GU9S1rJBo93r45KWTzR7mMM6v-X92HJGMabHdLNHoYNeeIEVHnOtoqVht8ccCHPDh24vZiVlQgJlmMv6GTLBXaK5DGIihAwsQ1WJOTgv5OYTo8CdEcnZI6zhbk33PNrzby4RlzdXIThdxym8A9MPGPHZxJWCOtk3RXG7BY/s1600/ky_christmas_dance15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW4o4FPdRCj9Id6mJSeFe2GU9S1rJBo93r45KWTzR7mMM6v-X92HJGMabHdLNHoYNeeIEVHnOtoqVht8ccCHPDh24vZiVlQgJlmMv6GTLBXaK5DGIihAwsQ1WJOTgv5OYTo8CdEcnZI6zhbk33PNrzby4RlzdXIThdxym8A9MPGPHZxJWCOtk3RXG7BY/w640-h512/ky_christmas_dance15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The single raised eyebrow is very Malachi-ish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-W1EQFLT5gbhzeqpaPT5YYJGGz9-iRlzYAC8c6ugzC9RS6roAs099-7H9hO7tIRMSK70YqsSiGNXWHe1-Y0unYQ57kRJtOlvsCV7C8RpwmVHjDhyti4d9wsOjEvCcxJgM_3hA_Kdj4zA7yPI1zdceu2gSI2F9A4NUa0ITaXjjjlLFhYJhYSvy6zKKKU/s1600/gus_birthday2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-W1EQFLT5gbhzeqpaPT5YYJGGz9-iRlzYAC8c6ugzC9RS6roAs099-7H9hO7tIRMSK70YqsSiGNXWHe1-Y0unYQ57kRJtOlvsCV7C8RpwmVHjDhyti4d9wsOjEvCcxJgM_3hA_Kdj4zA7yPI1zdceu2gSI2F9A4NUa0ITaXjjjlLFhYJhYSvy6zKKKU/w480-h640/gus_birthday2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next birthday was our dearest, sweetest Gussie. He can't be four, can he? Note his shockingly scratched-up face, an unfortunate result of Clementine's latest way of expressing her frustrations! It's so terrible! She just flies at poor Gus when she's mad, fingers out like claws, and I don't know why he doesn't run away—he is bigger and stronger than her—but somehow he's always the one that ends up scratched! We have tried everything we can think of to stop her (and Clementine always says sorry very sweetly in the end!) but sadly, every time his scratches seemed to be healing in December, there was another incident! 😱 He's so good-natured, though. He does cry and retaliate at times, but mostly just squishily bears it and is back within seconds to to his usual play of driving dump trucks and making garbage truck noises.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He wanted macaroni and cheese and jello in "Caw colors" (that's red, yellow, and blue) for his birthday dinner, and Volcano Cakes—for which he wore his volcano shirt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaEvQsk7PMyp-h5hzRLv6qzNbilCa0RcVwwp98ETrZLyNtb3oIna8r9umeZaotW1o2gvFyqB1j7ZNBrnZgyBYZmWIjKND0gusvh12GcRtyUrdO76h6vzuurX4mTvsminCOr37994IPTm247Bg6J85STG1ZGGp2u2PCT-jnnKiWEnu1V1dEvVWJOmmqjw/s1600/gus_birthday4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaEvQsk7PMyp-h5hzRLv6qzNbilCa0RcVwwp98ETrZLyNtb3oIna8r9umeZaotW1o2gvFyqB1j7ZNBrnZgyBYZmWIjKND0gusvh12GcRtyUrdO76h6vzuurX4mTvsminCOr37994IPTm247Bg6J85STG1ZGGp2u2PCT-jnnKiWEnu1V1dEvVWJOmmqjw/w640-h640/gus_birthday4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46O7CmbyHznZefjmq2S6n5Y27BLJRNkcpXhVvm-dwjfPt3lCBBIjLef7QxMHm_e_VKmt1SAwAkZm3c1K5VjcCmqm-duPXtqU2h-z-xGC60YSyZPWdaN8k0wS3EPNIaReFeaEuDXSbabf6NT2_8Qm_2BoHdjbrOoj8OZioFIaBipQUdRbOa4OpThyphenhyphenO94g/s1600/gus_birthday5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46O7CmbyHznZefjmq2S6n5Y27BLJRNkcpXhVvm-dwjfPt3lCBBIjLef7QxMHm_e_VKmt1SAwAkZm3c1K5VjcCmqm-duPXtqU2h-z-xGC60YSyZPWdaN8k0wS3EPNIaReFeaEuDXSbabf6NT2_8Qm_2BoHdjbrOoj8OZioFIaBipQUdRbOa4OpThyphenhyphenO94g/w640-h460/gus_birthday5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FJ43d07DhzsrzBxoXemmeLpv_moMp_T0qoqHLYxdEl3CPiefV034XU5kwbyTe8XiK0cbgBg7DRF3GiUm7Y0ePkGPwEDFdckF5TUr9ufa2GTPDpAG0ateN46G9v8qS24_4LURz3fKbPrbCdzySSz-1luC_LtCGQcg9NC5MXusV9JRgQ3nlfinkr2DXRo/s1600/gus_birthday8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FJ43d07DhzsrzBxoXemmeLpv_moMp_T0qoqHLYxdEl3CPiefV034XU5kwbyTe8XiK0cbgBg7DRF3GiUm7Y0ePkGPwEDFdckF5TUr9ufa2GTPDpAG0ateN46G9v8qS24_4LURz3fKbPrbCdzySSz-1luC_LtCGQcg9NC5MXusV9JRgQ3nlfinkr2DXRo/w480-h640/gus_birthday8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He loves to pretend, and was very pleased with his little toy grill, just like Daddy's!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur1S8y-PxhpWEi1dZBtS7wmiyS3GCoJ-NpND8ShfwZN7b7D6f84adLcUbLYxFuZuKSkUsqHQYzdJkso7NJUA0LH_nhjwgQDZPILU-tbqgiNNlj9pvdVAmK9USCzSjpVNL9XicWP2k4JHVLGOCf9JI-0rsVwrYd-4JB1MVJzq1ASeRItANCJtXaiKiX88/s1600/gus_birthday10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur1S8y-PxhpWEi1dZBtS7wmiyS3GCoJ-NpND8ShfwZN7b7D6f84adLcUbLYxFuZuKSkUsqHQYzdJkso7NJUA0LH_nhjwgQDZPILU-tbqgiNNlj9pvdVAmK9USCzSjpVNL9XicWP2k4JHVLGOCf9JI-0rsVwrYd-4JB1MVJzq1ASeRItANCJtXaiKiX88/w480-h640/gus_birthday10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ4qDICdrF_P8s486wo2LWGc8TEOMrpVZnzoZ9hMB2JmLzSjyfkhqg2mctGG3HBXgeG9iFBvuk5wmmIJZhCPCvWhsusyuQbriSTmrIgPi44Bile1q1NLQfrfEUR9ef_Dv90EFo-QWwcMvXb58bBDk5Pb1xLojRRgf957oftaBUWlDeME30UmcV7Ggoaw/s1600/christmas_village34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ4qDICdrF_P8s486wo2LWGc8TEOMrpVZnzoZ9hMB2JmLzSjyfkhqg2mctGG3HBXgeG9iFBvuk5wmmIJZhCPCvWhsusyuQbriSTmrIgPi44Bile1q1NLQfrfEUR9ef_Dv90EFo-QWwcMvXb58bBDk5Pb1xLojRRgf957oftaBUWlDeME30UmcV7Ggoaw/w640-h480/christmas_village34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We usually try to do some sort of family activity for birthdays, but Gus's and Malachi's often have to be combined since December is so busy. When the ballet was finally over and we had a slower week before Christmas, I decided we could justify going to see the lights at Christmas Village (for Gus) if we also got hot chocolate afterwards (for Ky). We haven't been to Christmas Village for <i>years</i> (no one <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-village.html">remembered it</a> but me and Sam) and it was so fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfGVV-HCbSidvpTp9LMA7fhOFadti7ucbtXHTBRq6ySLvrw9a_Pcp_srSLBeUSruVVnPq0oZum71H0bWQr86HM-uNwDF-ha2z1b0GSaB8SiqfkzWhFIozcM0gSnmsHB_g9Ri8QVBjvAW_AACWXYviUAe7C0MjQvf3p8xuNM7lgliWC8Mouh06smkXR0M/s1600/christmas_village32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfGVV-HCbSidvpTp9LMA7fhOFadti7ucbtXHTBRq6ySLvrw9a_Pcp_srSLBeUSruVVnPq0oZum71H0bWQr86HM-uNwDF-ha2z1b0GSaB8SiqfkzWhFIozcM0gSnmsHB_g9Ri8QVBjvAW_AACWXYviUAe7C0MjQvf3p8xuNM7lgliWC8Mouh06smkXR0M/w480-h640/christmas_village32.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzl2VmTI1H8ph7q5sSeY3GA668Avg-T3Q_c8jBLje_8Pp_-Wug26-vAXyWQNhjmgaKMnG3xkdoOzK5zSjeePmpZOY3S3FgVrI7T76O99t2PjF1Ht3awgCjgkEj3VQNiHX0pXa6qPHOoOhDsJWGQZoF3bObn-KgdOF76p44SC8j4GMwjdHxSN5UFAX5qI/s1593/christmas_village33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzl2VmTI1H8ph7q5sSeY3GA668Avg-T3Q_c8jBLje_8Pp_-Wug26-vAXyWQNhjmgaKMnG3xkdoOzK5zSjeePmpZOY3S3FgVrI7T76O99t2PjF1Ht3awgCjgkEj3VQNiHX0pXa6qPHOoOhDsJWGQZoF3bObn-KgdOF76p44SC8j4GMwjdHxSN5UFAX5qI/w482-h640/christmas_village33.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clementine loved the lights!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg2Wx1Ya5BmYWWZ4P4lR1z-fXku5WH9pFPVZGFolmQoOLOxV7fGJy6iIXR8F67P58iwfaZRtiDElXphUFTTxz0Vvtf7-t76hZEOqMqlYS_hp93ZepZUx2NLTfpqqZ273HchQonwp0xw0L1ExCpGScQuCPBam0CFaz45SMu038Z8KGGR5lAEMoER-_Jc0/s1600/christmas_village31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg2Wx1Ya5BmYWWZ4P4lR1z-fXku5WH9pFPVZGFolmQoOLOxV7fGJy6iIXR8F67P58iwfaZRtiDElXphUFTTxz0Vvtf7-t76hZEOqMqlYS_hp93ZepZUx2NLTfpqqZ273HchQonwp0xw0L1ExCpGScQuCPBam0CFaz45SMu038Z8KGGR5lAEMoER-_Jc0/w640-h480/christmas_village31.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pXzAXhf6u8TtpzojGAA_PeuZ3l5W4lihfA2JeS8vL_jt7hwYI9gX6Bni6KrgJo0Rm_dp7iVrDCUdsg41WO7JdS4k2QzQX76AwgqBd8ljUR7Ha8DaLJIlGUGJBOm26NYmnLGgqKxkmlNCXTrd1VJjFsdiMVTojDv1RsH09Ij1dwX2_J2emPIqPWRAAEo/s1600/christmas_village29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pXzAXhf6u8TtpzojGAA_PeuZ3l5W4lihfA2JeS8vL_jt7hwYI9gX6Bni6KrgJo0Rm_dp7iVrDCUdsg41WO7JdS4k2QzQX76AwgqBd8ljUR7Ha8DaLJIlGUGJBOm26NYmnLGgqKxkmlNCXTrd1VJjFsdiMVTojDv1RsH09Ij1dwX2_J2emPIqPWRAAEo/w480-h640/christmas_village29.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gus looks so much <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdoBQ3ALrxPu2MK46O1RG6f0W36NpStZblnMnMag5lQeDl75WVYs2UHB8BOvwTFhbsnB7T0nJBEL86kZrm4oR5RTE3j3AITJqoDI6mCp3FJm7fmAkKYSNfx5d34irg50boeOKDrm5BUU/s1600/lights_cold.JPG">like little Ky</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIP-uRZWPR7nLYFd7pnF2MLpLMSzu1FtWVZi1BQVpCSplXr60QWD9yh6TJorrEBQ4tf5nOWncctdIIRFFrvxv4OcVbOPuJuqU19rS53k8Nlrn2xWlr6HSYxH59kpFrPHNhx0YoyicUXUlPCjJIev0SWE8GDxjgFsaH0ZEqcmelbE6wE9LmJpQz8f5jAg/s1563/christmas_village30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIP-uRZWPR7nLYFd7pnF2MLpLMSzu1FtWVZi1BQVpCSplXr60QWD9yh6TJorrEBQ4tf5nOWncctdIIRFFrvxv4OcVbOPuJuqU19rS53k8Nlrn2xWlr6HSYxH59kpFrPHNhx0YoyicUXUlPCjJIev0SWE8GDxjgFsaH0ZEqcmelbE6wE9LmJpQz8f5jAg/w492-h640/christmas_village30.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3y7YkgO_Jj5KSHua_-hXTrWxseArEI8UGX7m1MPOLakJxzYvCGoFGwI9T5s8VWVeiv0EdNoIXYuCrbqBYaolGpkM4WKj2n6uGVX4B51_Ox5PpkWXvitGwP_X6IaOyAWTWLtQWkKSCnPwqYUFWM05Rs6Kgt99fgTWIITr58NwkqX_d-iwrJ6PaGnIxTKs/s1597/christmas_village23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3y7YkgO_Jj5KSHua_-hXTrWxseArEI8UGX7m1MPOLakJxzYvCGoFGwI9T5s8VWVeiv0EdNoIXYuCrbqBYaolGpkM4WKj2n6uGVX4B51_Ox5PpkWXvitGwP_X6IaOyAWTWLtQWkKSCnPwqYUFWM05Rs6Kgt99fgTWIITr58NwkqX_d-iwrJ6PaGnIxTKs/w480-h640/christmas_village23.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81o8l6QHd3NUqhWRdPlwYiQpi62e1H03Sz2ZbQKPuNA535ZCckruMxxVdm01BeryG3i0_6L8d3Eb5-1rZ4W9rU_OpugHa5HkUHbh45QydbJ6VepgwfVZOXzU4CuwM6ZiTkOuwJaIsxKdGaxKZOWbgk8BEo3j88dqFrToi78FYGzxeb8cOYz8AVQ2zlN0/s1600/christmas_village24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81o8l6QHd3NUqhWRdPlwYiQpi62e1H03Sz2ZbQKPuNA535ZCckruMxxVdm01BeryG3i0_6L8d3Eb5-1rZ4W9rU_OpugHa5HkUHbh45QydbJ6VepgwfVZOXzU4CuwM6ZiTkOuwJaIsxKdGaxKZOWbgk8BEo3j88dqFrToi78FYGzxeb8cOYz8AVQ2zlN0/w640-h424/christmas_village24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloTeiGbCmVBo_IEpNZQUeb2hIXu1hvvD7mcPo5Fuv0aTdyHR3RkRjHPOtsl4pc_K92nOiP5BEZPmFmPmp7USZfyUBY56tWV-0qvyc3kSQuVTnLuK5fu5KmShhtio1ygH6_cu_7eZwaOIxfSKHgcPatVJbJt0PdI46tZHDWvPQ4KclXI3XlySnnqIko28/s1630/christmas_village25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloTeiGbCmVBo_IEpNZQUeb2hIXu1hvvD7mcPo5Fuv0aTdyHR3RkRjHPOtsl4pc_K92nOiP5BEZPmFmPmp7USZfyUBY56tWV-0qvyc3kSQuVTnLuK5fu5KmShhtio1ygH6_cu_7eZwaOIxfSKHgcPatVJbJt0PdI46tZHDWvPQ4KclXI3XlySnnqIko28/w472-h640/christmas_village25.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzDsDRLQdAJFqwaPaukle_eVvHL31ZnLFHpcw5Ibrogm9uYItHWhYjbUToMrEQyy-KO5mzajhW76OByX9-sOwVyLXgoB-zwXC8peYXb9kjn-_N9VH5IodinsNsjbZTTM1YeTaYnCqpqh78igenrCug2qNmdL6dM53EroLlkkn9MiYFyrNEQ-RflNOlb4/s1454/christmas_village26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzDsDRLQdAJFqwaPaukle_eVvHL31ZnLFHpcw5Ibrogm9uYItHWhYjbUToMrEQyy-KO5mzajhW76OByX9-sOwVyLXgoB-zwXC8peYXb9kjn-_N9VH5IodinsNsjbZTTM1YeTaYnCqpqh78igenrCug2qNmdL6dM53EroLlkkn9MiYFyrNEQ-RflNOlb4/w528-h640/christmas_village26.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So many nutcrackers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH61_GyISRynvAvbT1WqICzbLJkof8LAyRgS6j0__HlKr-f0pGUPvzqALfha0PfE2XzwtwA6XOou0dWoItzwY8h4DxKae2gme2AGvmqvCKie-WC-crgBPjxW3I4UDtXvORGb9n82bHGN2qmVhIVSwznK-RkdBg1OPA0Jthn7gLfp4eXWC5K-KUDgro0_4/s1600/christmas_village13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH61_GyISRynvAvbT1WqICzbLJkof8LAyRgS6j0__HlKr-f0pGUPvzqALfha0PfE2XzwtwA6XOou0dWoItzwY8h4DxKae2gme2AGvmqvCKie-WC-crgBPjxW3I4UDtXvORGb9n82bHGN2qmVhIVSwznK-RkdBg1OPA0Jthn7gLfp4eXWC5K-KUDgro0_4/w480-h640/christmas_village13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJGlfIPXtqBRk0W9rZ3TldQRz2E_YS8MxYCfhfG8eIy_wdaii_EAra3cFM2ixp6W5jiKCjkIeQKF3WYcDwAVT4vxUO1ObRjpNaj2K0b40q-9AS6wh-Y44vbP-7YRUjmULj4UamNatvuqvb66Q93HCKE9jkpOwfGBnnSFYeOlf-1dLyL-Vi14jt3Z_Uio/s1567/christmas_village16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJGlfIPXtqBRk0W9rZ3TldQRz2E_YS8MxYCfhfG8eIy_wdaii_EAra3cFM2ixp6W5jiKCjkIeQKF3WYcDwAVT4vxUO1ObRjpNaj2K0b40q-9AS6wh-Y44vbP-7YRUjmULj4UamNatvuqvb66Q93HCKE9jkpOwfGBnnSFYeOlf-1dLyL-Vi14jt3Z_Uio/w490-h640/christmas_village16.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC46smZ2uN-3arf3Rj1APG8299HPdHfOT4Fi1WIBu3RFjeVFW_bdJ2uLP_FNKsB6ZaPpooQVx3rRdWnQQPrv7S66kBz2CvEUmsmfTWwWMCWxBQgtKZ9Tpoxi2t45gIW_wO53JmU9sL2rn6hE417xdA_RaLDoZEzxQ7MvQq1fvhT09H7Y8ufWDELZdL_fY/s1600/christmas_village11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC46smZ2uN-3arf3Rj1APG8299HPdHfOT4Fi1WIBu3RFjeVFW_bdJ2uLP_FNKsB6ZaPpooQVx3rRdWnQQPrv7S66kBz2CvEUmsmfTWwWMCWxBQgtKZ9Tpoxi2t45gIW_wO53JmU9sL2rn6hE417xdA_RaLDoZEzxQ7MvQq1fvhT09H7Y8ufWDELZdL_fY/w480-h640/christmas_village11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJppmnGJhWlKwtHzpDzxuDbnWMPI55M8upFEO2FmWY7Y67mrtdg0PhxEaYHpT-3rVKAAST_elbeEcDYlO9tQCxOLGWQvPWmmzpV5t28q-tUYcA3Ohn58P_Sy51BSG0Hbm9sTulr5oUmftlEbmsWAoCdVHeuGTER1HywP7q-VxabxNP1ioAuvUnvROK52I/s1600/christmas_village18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJppmnGJhWlKwtHzpDzxuDbnWMPI55M8upFEO2FmWY7Y67mrtdg0PhxEaYHpT-3rVKAAST_elbeEcDYlO9tQCxOLGWQvPWmmzpV5t28q-tUYcA3Ohn58P_Sy51BSG0Hbm9sTulr5oUmftlEbmsWAoCdVHeuGTER1HywP7q-VxabxNP1ioAuvUnvROK52I/w640-h408/christmas_village18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwYpn3GESv439BcllMlePvybzcI27bcuemDoqGTPqTT43L0pE30wmeP2eU2vE5WmatrfJMTalsfvkTwUdzDWjqcNhxX_BxrCynPVlsR9ORVTsui-cp06U_zH__u0F9-6gG6S5Hi9FcYXJM2r0rJqNbtkoGQbO6goiTpKbY930fvF1CNzR5G3X-N8MtX4/s1625/christmas_village19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1625" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwYpn3GESv439BcllMlePvybzcI27bcuemDoqGTPqTT43L0pE30wmeP2eU2vE5WmatrfJMTalsfvkTwUdzDWjqcNhxX_BxrCynPVlsR9ORVTsui-cp06U_zH__u0F9-6gG6S5Hi9FcYXJM2r0rJqNbtkoGQbO6goiTpKbY930fvF1CNzR5G3X-N8MtX4/w472-h640/christmas_village19.jpg" width="472" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBicsgroBgyBv2o0LY10oBiAZwhENcDeqNLI5JAKRTP1xg1biZmX_f0_n-AQChYPeUe2ja01uoO0alehT0FcMK5HI362E7BDxcxTEIiAGdlUnVUtiGB4Fcapm1jo1kamokXE7ri53YSpUB_q1Y_WF6w7bOnLW9O5jkyXq8kVAF_jt3Pvi2ICDMgdsU8c/s2073/christmas_village4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2073" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBicsgroBgyBv2o0LY10oBiAZwhENcDeqNLI5JAKRTP1xg1biZmX_f0_n-AQChYPeUe2ja01uoO0alehT0FcMK5HI362E7BDxcxTEIiAGdlUnVUtiGB4Fcapm1jo1kamokXE7ri53YSpUB_q1Y_WF6w7bOnLW9O5jkyXq8kVAF_jt3Pvi2ICDMgdsU8c/w494-h640/christmas_village4.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40qN8hwh7wJ3bUs_BSNlpCp13VmbjzLKVuKIerUuyDB-fk-p0VbWIume6bAg0sCAxSQmWVZ-0Ro-rEthTuu4Dn9-zwh4QcU_KRXZFV97v-Qw6-xYdPuVXDBOeYHUzhvlH254xkLhxodl3-Vs_D2MpdD5UBdpqy2qkyS9EtiXN3MOG-aanaQqnjSi9S14/s1600/christmas_village7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40qN8hwh7wJ3bUs_BSNlpCp13VmbjzLKVuKIerUuyDB-fk-p0VbWIume6bAg0sCAxSQmWVZ-0Ro-rEthTuu4Dn9-zwh4QcU_KRXZFV97v-Qw6-xYdPuVXDBOeYHUzhvlH254xkLhxodl3-Vs_D2MpdD5UBdpqy2qkyS9EtiXN3MOG-aanaQqnjSi9S14/w480-h640/christmas_village7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPQhQ6zb0wOiCmx4b_XoPmZ5ZQD1L72BSfEC0yx7iBO-HYycQFHVRfkWnYQC-3Z8oSADpmTN6ot43CPh0NwW2bQ9LrLApcKZg3C2bG7kq1s1HLnt_8VcMALwfZhjgHBRT4p9nQ78Y0h3YuhlNdmVVku6RgpontUIctLZhRirwFe327JYnMG7lld9dwNM/s1600/christmas_village3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPQhQ6zb0wOiCmx4b_XoPmZ5ZQD1L72BSfEC0yx7iBO-HYycQFHVRfkWnYQC-3Z8oSADpmTN6ot43CPh0NwW2bQ9LrLApcKZg3C2bG7kq1s1HLnt_8VcMALwfZhjgHBRT4p9nQ78Y0h3YuhlNdmVVku6RgpontUIctLZhRirwFe327JYnMG7lld9dwNM/w640-h414/christmas_village3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our favorite hot chocolate place, Hatch's in Salt Lake, is closed on Mondays, blast them, so we went somewhere else. Clementine spilled hers, of course, but at least we took her coat off first!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7tZjJ8r_INhranAJuVkMQjMTF5qIskmxlIAx-Ur0FvcPxLIIFtdQLeNTIaeOeKF8uWxAZgwT2F33lQinulMa_F1zr00frXCOHZWDtqsN_O3BTxRnP6847JlcaiBBSo8KmgdFme5L91bUw6e3KdLTMm6i2-Abf7v5tABQaTsA4iVswvrUcQweYvTD9f0/s1600/christmas_village1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7tZjJ8r_INhranAJuVkMQjMTF5qIskmxlIAx-Ur0FvcPxLIIFtdQLeNTIaeOeKF8uWxAZgwT2F33lQinulMa_F1zr00frXCOHZWDtqsN_O3BTxRnP6847JlcaiBBSo8KmgdFme5L91bUw6e3KdLTMm6i2-Abf7v5tABQaTsA4iVswvrUcQweYvTD9f0/w640-h480/christmas_village1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy Birthday to a Ky and a Gus!</div></div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-1314856568790806622024-01-09T09:25:00.003-07:002024-01-09T09:25:22.522-07:00Restoring charity's circular love<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Relief Society Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng">October 2003 Conference</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8yWaRcWKS_aQhc30p46Nho6sYi8Ydd0xDOVQpFxpTg5excgDKwedkwFCAr-5ihD9F5GGMBCu9mR9VUaZOTCYkVzy_dz5VHbvQg0ZHGZgJwcKEAiZLbqfb6E2IqS77DPPem0CL10rsUTo29zt7afRJlPnWjpjRzlWYVaShO1kDSUFNy01LAsdA9M1PtQ/s1600/christmas_eve15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8yWaRcWKS_aQhc30p46Nho6sYi8Ydd0xDOVQpFxpTg5excgDKwedkwFCAr-5ihD9F5GGMBCu9mR9VUaZOTCYkVzy_dz5VHbvQg0ZHGZgJwcKEAiZLbqfb6E2IqS77DPPem0CL10rsUTo29zt7afRJlPnWjpjRzlWYVaShO1kDSUFNy01LAsdA9M1PtQ/w480-h640/christmas_eve15.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This session was soooo good! I miss the women's sessions of Conference. I know we can learn from all prophetic counsel (that's why I read the Priesthood Sessions) but it is always so good to hear counsel just for women! I wish we still had more chances for that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I couldn't pick a favorite talk. Their theme (I also miss themes! I liked it when a session had a theme. Seems like the women did that a lot.) was the story of Mary and Martha, and I liked how <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/choosing-charity-that-good-part?lang=eng">Sister Bonnie D. Parkin</a> explored how <i>both</i> of those women loved and served God. I do always feel a little bad for Martha in the story, and relate to her—I think we all do! Sister Parkin said,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div>Like all of you, I have to choose. We all are trying to choose the good part which cannot be taken from us, to balance the spiritual and the temporal in our lives. Wouldn’t it be easy if we were choosing between visiting teaching or robbing a bank? Instead, our choices are often more subtle. We must choose between many worthy options.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mary and Martha are you and me; they are every sister in Relief Society. These two loved the Lord and wanted to show that love. On this occasion, it seems to me that Mary expressed her love by hearing His word, while Martha expressed hers by serving Him.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">So why did Jesus rebuke (? or at least correct) Martha if she was serving him? I've wondered about that so many times, and Sister Parkin answers it by talking about true charity:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div>I don’t believe the Lord was saying there are Marthas and there are Marys. Jesus did not dismiss Martha’s concern, but instead redirected her focus by saying choose “that good part.” And what is that? …The one thing that is needful is to choose eternal life. We choose daily. As we seek, listen, and follow the Lord, we are encircled in the arms of His love—a love that is pure.…</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The “pure love of Christ” refers not only to our love for the Savior but to His love for each of us.</div><div><br /></div><div>The story of Mary and Martha also illustrates how the gift of charity can be diminished. Within Martha’s request for assistance was an unspoken but clear judgment: “I am right; she is wrong.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Do we judge one another? Do we criticize each other for individual choices, thinking we know better, when in fact we rarely understand another’s unique circumstance or individual inspiration? Have we ever said, “She works outside the home.” Or, “Her son didn’t serve a mission.” Or, “She’s too old for a calling.” Or, “She can’t—she’s single.” Such judgments, and so many others like them, rob us of the good part, that pure love of Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also lose sight of that good part when we compare ourselves to others. Her hair is cuter, my legs are fatter, her children are more talented, or her garden’s more productive—sisters, you know the drill. We just can’t do that. We cannot allow ourselves to feel inadequate by focusing on who we aren’t instead of on who we are! We are all sisters in Relief Society. We simply cannot criticize, gossip, or judge and keep the pure love of Christ. Can’t you hear the Lord’s sweet injunction: “Martha, Martha … ?”</div><div><br /></div><div>Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”</div><div><br /></div><div>In exercising charity, we come to know a sister’s heart. When we know a sister’s heart, we are different. We won’t judge her. We will simply love her. I invite you to not only love each other more but love each other better. As we do this we will come to know with a surety that “charity never faileth.”</div><div><br /></div><div>As seemed the case with Martha, one of the first things to go when I become cumbered about and troubled is my charitable attitude. Is this true for you?</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve learned that the best way to reclaim charity is to uncumber myself and simply love and serve the Lord. How do we do that? We start each day kneeling in prayer to our Father in Heaven, we hear His words through daily scripture study, and we follow the guidance we receive. We put Christ first, restoring charity’s circular love. “We love him, because he first loved us.” This is the reciprocating cycle of charity. Sisters, “charity never faileth.”</div></div></blockquote><div>If I'm following her train of thought correctly, Sister Parkin is saying that Martha <i>was</i> doing something good, she <i>was</i> serving God through her actions—but she had forgotten <i>why</i> she was doing it, and so she had ceased to feel God's love while doing it. This happens to me <i>all the time</i>, especially when working on some thankless task at home: cooking, cleaning, organizing, managing. I keep doing my duty, but it resent it—or I resent whoever isn't helping me—or I resent that I'm not being appreciated—or whatever. And Sister Parkin is right—it happens when things get hard and stressful and heavy. My charity falters. And that makes everything hard<i>er</i> and <i>more</i> stressful and heavi<i>er!</i> Jesus didn't want that for Martha and He doesn't want it for me—He wants us to feel His love! That's why we need to choose the "good part"—to choose to feel and receive His love.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really love the idea of a "circular love." I actually have that "we love him because he first loved us" scripture come to mind quite frequently. I hold onto it in hope when I wonder if my children will ever learn to seek God's love. It comforts me to know that Jesus <i>does</i> love, and <i>keeps</i> loving, all of us—and that His love must inevitably (I hope?) draw us back to Him! I find it so heartening to think that my love (if it's drawn from <i>His</i> love) can do the same—it can draw my children closer to me—and me closer to God—and thus them closer to God as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Sister Parkin's thought about "circular love" makes me feel like we can enter or refresh that cycle at any point. Both sides reinforce each other, like <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/47nelson?lang=eng">spiritual momentum</a>. If I feel "cumbered about" and resentful, like Martha, I can remember <i>why</i> I'm doing all these things—because I love God. And I love Him because He loves me so well. And if I'm thinking about and focusing on how well He loves me, it makes me want to love <i>Him</i> even more—and it makes me want to serve His children even more—and it makes me not really care whether someone else is doing as much as me, or appreciating me. And when I serve like that—freely, joyfully, willingly—I myself begin to feel God's love and approval even more. It's a positive feedback loop, like breastfeeding or blood clotting. I think that is so joyful!</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't quote all the other things I liked from this session or it would be too long, but just one more story I loved from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/to-the-women-of-the-church?lang=eng">President Hinckley's talk</a> which I think goes along with this idea too:</div><div><div></div><blockquote><div>Many of you think you are failures. You feel you cannot do well, that with all of your effort it is not sufficient.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all feel that way. I feel that way as I speak to you tonight. I long for, I pray for the power and the capacity to lift you, to inspire you, to thank you, to praise you, and to bring a measure of gladness into your hearts.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all worry about our performance. We all wish we could do better. But unfortunately we do not realize, we do not often see the results that come of what we do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I remember going to a stake conference in the East many years ago. On the plane coming home, I felt that I had been a total failure. I felt I had not touched anyone for good. I was miserable with a sense of inadequacy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, some years later, I was at another conference in California. At the conclusion of the meeting a man came up to me and said, “You were at a conference a few years ago in such-and-such a place.”</div><div><br /></div><div>“Yes,” I said, “I was there, and I remember the occasion.”</div><div><br /></div><div>The man said: “You touched my heart. I came to that meeting out of curiosity. I really had no interest. I was on the verge of leaving the Church. But when it was announced that one of the Twelve Apostles would be there, I decided to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>“You said something that started me to think. It touched me and stayed with me and stirred me. I decided to alter my course. I turned my life around. I am now living here in California. I have a good job, for which I am grateful. I hope I am a good husband and father. And I am now serving as a counselor in the bishopric of my ward. I am happier than I have ever been at any time in my life.”</div><div><br /></div><div>I thanked him, and when I left him I said to myself, shaking my head: “You never know. You never know whether you do any good. You never know how much good you do.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, my dear sisters, that is the way with you. You are doing the best you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. You will discover that you have accomplished something beyond price.</div></blockquote></div><div>President Hinckley, in my opinion, had the perfect mix of gentleness and matter-of-factness. He always had kind, comforting words—given with an air of expectation and no-nonsense that left no room for self-pity. I love it! "Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure"—just "stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do." That's what Jesus wanted Martha to do; what he wants <i>all</i> of us to do. Serve Him. Do it for love of Him. And trust <i>Him</i> to turn the work for our good and our joy in the end.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Other posts in this series:</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><a href="https://plainandpreciousthing.blogspot.com/2024/01/choosing-good-part.html">Choosing the good part</a>—by Rozy</i></div></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-79742110477660643362024-01-03T13:11:00.001-07:002024-01-09T21:19:49.997-07:00Juleaften and Lille juleaften<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPIJaWOKwZHRlICblEQYAmbSlipD8oPkJqUQwRWe9-Wn07V5wSGWQdnkPU7m1NEme0eNTw1CyJNcok6lVGj0TORuuRxD9ESXPeFSax3bSG-DeqF3eEFA2vGbOMOrGCX2bBHSldNhHzzm7pdbKGqYNHdS4rqPid1_AJ1BgPJRpwOT_0MvnZfPPNZQBOg/s1600/butterscotch_roll_party1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPIJaWOKwZHRlICblEQYAmbSlipD8oPkJqUQwRWe9-Wn07V5wSGWQdnkPU7m1NEme0eNTw1CyJNcok6lVGj0TORuuRxD9ESXPeFSax3bSG-DeqF3eEFA2vGbOMOrGCX2bBHSldNhHzzm7pdbKGqYNHdS4rqPid1_AJ1BgPJRpwOT_0MvnZfPPNZQBOg/w640-h446/butterscotch_roll_party1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nobody really likes the name "Christmas Eve Eve" do they? And I somehow disapprove of my girls funnily calling it "Christmas Adam" (tsk tsk). The Danes have a perfect solution: Christmas Eve for the 24th and "Little Christmas Eve" for the 23rd. I always forget to deploy this useful terminology in my everyday interactions but one of these years I'm going to do it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, our butterscotch roll party was on Lille Juleaften this year because of the 24th being Sunday. It seems But Yesterday this happened before, but apparently the girls were…<a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2018/01/recent-eves.html">this little</a>?? I like it. It's nice to have a buffer day in between the busy-ness of the party and the busy-ness of Christmas. Although, I guess I don't like it enough to do it that way <i>every year, </i>or why don't I?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a complication this year: two days before the party, our top oven stopped working! Horrors! It caused me great worry and dismay. Of course, when we called to see if we could get a repairman, there was not a single one in the greater Salt Lake Valley available. I generally make 27 dozen rolls for this party and you can bet <i>I use both ovens! </i>My even greater fear, however, was that the other oven would go out as well (it was an overheating error we were getting, which is always alarming…we discovered it when Seb took a pan of cookies out after the usual 9 minutes and they were COMPLETELY CHARRED BLACK). Of course everyone is already invited, not to mention all those people to whom we've said "Don't wait for an invitation! Just plan on it every year!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After much thought and prayer I finally decided to just make a triple batch of the dough the night before…let it rise overnight…and start making rolls immediately in the morning (rather than have time for mixing and first rise of all 3 triple batches in the morning as I usually do), hoping to get a big reserve of them out <i>before</i> the party and then just keep up one pan at a time <i>during</i> the party. And we instructed all of our kids to pray mightily for the bottom oven!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpsA1LjPAeAXc6y_A7GAApZqaPdQyehq_jLJR-Tzl8BxAhEFLP1YlWid3iBkQl7GeRWWS0ciKxjMq-lX0fKMcIV0mUXXPwq7Cann0nS0gBWSszkLH6grwSEiHyFz_t9Kiw4KUmiuEvav0k59wYkotqBFTu9XJUBFzhUS6ZcG-c8Rs65XsRTfY3Lj5DpA/s1600/butterscotch_roll_party3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpsA1LjPAeAXc6y_A7GAApZqaPdQyehq_jLJR-Tzl8BxAhEFLP1YlWid3iBkQl7GeRWWS0ciKxjMq-lX0fKMcIV0mUXXPwq7Cann0nS0gBWSszkLH6grwSEiHyFz_t9Kiw4KUmiuEvav0k59wYkotqBFTu9XJUBFzhUS6ZcG-c8Rs65XsRTfY3Lj5DpA/w640-h480/butterscotch_roll_party3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, this combination of preparation and prayer seemed to work and our party went great! There were a few times there were only 3 or 4 rolls out for people to eat, which is less than I'd like…I always want people to feel like there are plenty and they can eat <i>all they want</i>…but those times never lasted more than about 10 minutes. And the bottom oven performed faithfully from 6 am to 1 pm or so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been realizing just how much I rely on these two ovens for the past several days since then! The good thing is that having no repairmen available forced Sam to do research about the problem online and see that he could probably repair the part himself! He just ordered it in the mail and fixed it this morning…and, so far it's working! Hooray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2TvRoks3Ode-ZcqTJOA6gPNutQRb_VAR-FR2mS_1_HEx2pB34NPh9AUcpD9mH-OR0QHy0Iyd6zE_cmb6GGm8B2UNv80BkUQc0xvF2nxNFFpptT6aTjc6FHnwbv0HDCblL3GBP-bXa6OmgifNuiHoGqBsFyHIu1DWtpd0jzOzyVk7-JuvyHXojXVfWaE/s1600/butterscotch_roll_party5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2TvRoks3Ode-ZcqTJOA6gPNutQRb_VAR-FR2mS_1_HEx2pB34NPh9AUcpD9mH-OR0QHy0Iyd6zE_cmb6GGm8B2UNv80BkUQc0xvF2nxNFFpptT6aTjc6FHnwbv0HDCblL3GBP-bXa6OmgifNuiHoGqBsFyHIu1DWtpd0jzOzyVk7-JuvyHXojXVfWaE/w640-h418/butterscotch_roll_party5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had lots of good helpers in the children this year and I needed them! We estimated we had 120-150 people show up. It is so happy to have so many friends talking, laughing, getting to know each other, or renewing old friendships. Feels like the best part of Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HM6ajsqwWor9h1gwalktXWPuQzSR4AKkI1cTS9l01mY0dBV4PKZslmUN3s4CWrWyIx64_9LW80SkRXspWSwfi6zdYQ-x632UJ76mNTSP8h5YD1Ro_XdGBD1Q3FYU18HKKUmfJRC2v1BiyvnbjofmgExdryzItnSr4P1vr8rU9uQJtc0y9ytS6WDPpy4/s1600/butterscotch_roll_party8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HM6ajsqwWor9h1gwalktXWPuQzSR4AKkI1cTS9l01mY0dBV4PKZslmUN3s4CWrWyIx64_9LW80SkRXspWSwfi6zdYQ-x632UJ76mNTSP8h5YD1Ro_XdGBD1Q3FYU18HKKUmfJRC2v1BiyvnbjofmgExdryzItnSr4P1vr8rU9uQJtc0y9ytS6WDPpy4/w640-h410/butterscotch_roll_party8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReEJJwoh3v1IHgTS8XJ4Lu5dWu_TD4o4Ma57ifTtCqk1jszcnMBgRvbSC8B6yI0wjaOQ3VWwIQE4ka1p_b_LeCNOC5i73ClhKlvC7mocIiCCLu5SiuddnHpokAPgkeA4vjpqbM6JpdXC3RGhtAbJ2Wugp8q4H7LksAbyufR9XVSkyFuluXDNnKT64lPE/s1600/butterscotch_roll_party11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReEJJwoh3v1IHgTS8XJ4Lu5dWu_TD4o4Ma57ifTtCqk1jszcnMBgRvbSC8B6yI0wjaOQ3VWwIQE4ka1p_b_LeCNOC5i73ClhKlvC7mocIiCCLu5SiuddnHpokAPgkeA4vjpqbM6JpdXC3RGhtAbJ2Wugp8q4H7LksAbyufR9XVSkyFuluXDNnKT64lPE/w640-h480/butterscotch_roll_party11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTQ692emWpLHQm98FpAaE8719unKwzeLz3DS65iuAGhykeHDaWtPcr4alByzoMm69ho1mNOn2vWLsqruUrLFpNvpwP8-gnaZ35H8yj2ZqDrWZN7gFzcki_Rp8XhMkNDWP5VTe1C8LX1Q9K7DX005_aiObNwOOusGdqQCMYNElD_q-Tj5J1UFCGHBOULA/s1600/butterscotch_roll_party12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTQ692emWpLHQm98FpAaE8719unKwzeLz3DS65iuAGhykeHDaWtPcr4alByzoMm69ho1mNOn2vWLsqruUrLFpNvpwP8-gnaZ35H8yj2ZqDrWZN7gFzcki_Rp8XhMkNDWP5VTe1C8LX1Q9K7DX005_aiObNwOOusGdqQCMYNElD_q-Tj5J1UFCGHBOULA/w640-h480/butterscotch_roll_party12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pretty sky after the party as we collapsed on the porch swing to rest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9np83dYBaEPF_YO9f19rPvFDrGJH8_ZeoHIkCLLCSjxHd0xbUTfavZQDTh-Sm0wPj45fTT5x9MHkXDcKqawXNmI62MOkzzEwhNMgWO7Oo9pyqfDxe0rQ0QZ33PKwpxCbZ36QoykAFS0c8Xs0twYxbrO4-1fCfgqWkGqgrAOaP64u-XR5qLwJkPS8kxA/s1600/js_party2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9np83dYBaEPF_YO9f19rPvFDrGJH8_ZeoHIkCLLCSjxHd0xbUTfavZQDTh-Sm0wPj45fTT5x9MHkXDcKqawXNmI62MOkzzEwhNMgWO7Oo9pyqfDxe0rQ0QZ33PKwpxCbZ36QoykAFS0c8Xs0twYxbrO4-1fCfgqWkGqgrAOaP64u-XR5qLwJkPS8kxA/w640-h480/js_party2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that night…fun times at the Joseph Smith Birthday Party at my mom's. (Don't worry, there is an actual cake under that box with all the candles!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few more pictures from the actual Christmas Eve the next day:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKW2b-6CHUPtLYkeFi-hmpvaNnA9fuOKX1wdvOo-M5K7CDzxiq6FTr65T3kp7j5JkQLaJ-6DnEqnB9GNG6keiw0Xn0ayO0zN5isSL3YTAHMo6NIi2kvDgnVJhie8wYUhgJliR6yno1_WzOJBG24S79QytMbLONwmT0ZDYG8bmDH33SiPzM5iPRh_R6cw/s1423/christmas_eve28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKW2b-6CHUPtLYkeFi-hmpvaNnA9fuOKX1wdvOo-M5K7CDzxiq6FTr65T3kp7j5JkQLaJ-6DnEqnB9GNG6keiw0Xn0ayO0zN5isSL3YTAHMo6NIi2kvDgnVJhie8wYUhgJliR6yno1_WzOJBG24S79QytMbLONwmT0ZDYG8bmDH33SiPzM5iPRh_R6cw/w540-h640/christmas_eve28.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Church Girls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2-Xg1bb6oHeWMIE7wYXnqO2yaVL5mg3Yn2zPcm9tMSrvNZLmirw3Y6h3JTJFwllZ6TcysyP1TWPcZtuBYBHEifAQu7f_7sdg-y4cLYeFSrt1Zkge-NNG-zcEC9dpFL0ujukPLCLKJUcKGo5drBIqllrjJSCqg3oLF9j_Fw2_Nqi2OnC0TjCWNq8_IY4/s1600/christmas_eve33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2-Xg1bb6oHeWMIE7wYXnqO2yaVL5mg3Yn2zPcm9tMSrvNZLmirw3Y6h3JTJFwllZ6TcysyP1TWPcZtuBYBHEifAQu7f_7sdg-y4cLYeFSrt1Zkge-NNG-zcEC9dpFL0ujukPLCLKJUcKGo5drBIqllrjJSCqg3oLF9j_Fw2_Nqi2OnC0TjCWNq8_IY4/w640-h534/christmas_eve33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O2uzoCuIKKBGFX8LzErZsDfhS13z6D81S68NOVNYIAgNzzhsI8pmpRE37xnr4a7TzEpcTKAs7I_xLVk2t_TZTjU36u-47qJiO8xqRoQueTSJ7H70btqj9R0yAKdzOUP8OpGFIfjz2IfFZO9mwQ_L_JI0rwxyKtW7188xWdOYq4Z8xZ9q2se1GuNMss0/s1600/christmas_eve34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O2uzoCuIKKBGFX8LzErZsDfhS13z6D81S68NOVNYIAgNzzhsI8pmpRE37xnr4a7TzEpcTKAs7I_xLVk2t_TZTjU36u-47qJiO8xqRoQueTSJ7H70btqj9R0yAKdzOUP8OpGFIfjz2IfFZO9mwQ_L_JI0rwxyKtW7188xWdOYq4Z8xZ9q2se1GuNMss0/w640-h480/christmas_eve34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Trying to restrain one of the church girls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__RdeA_aMk68bhQQGxay0YEcWVsACZUoqhSCjK3oU4ZL34t52EebIFuc2A_35-_nUhsnjL6z1RZ7VtuvohtRsmY-aMFNnZ0Vw6u0s3kfiCdTGJ0tjDIDqcZNQMay3SLhLAQ1bJm1qGOzQnG36ST4oKMXYBBK-6Anoer2b-y2dI1IqVoL3-cwRu0alw_w/s1506/christmas_eve35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__RdeA_aMk68bhQQGxay0YEcWVsACZUoqhSCjK3oU4ZL34t52EebIFuc2A_35-_nUhsnjL6z1RZ7VtuvohtRsmY-aMFNnZ0Vw6u0s3kfiCdTGJ0tjDIDqcZNQMay3SLhLAQ1bJm1qGOzQnG36ST4oKMXYBBK-6Anoer2b-y2dI1IqVoL3-cwRu0alw_w/w510-h640/christmas_eve35.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LkqtThIKwN8mjXnZN11KExZVfQMA9Kf4JTY0qDtmlevw23_cOdNZhN_a9XIniTyebX8jY9NVsiTjls1gfC2Pz1mKAQ_TY2U091gelz26ve24dtRu-Zm1Z5ilvsDGQOaMP7NVyNE4EtmUx9LyT57jz6htWwaW0QujP2CnaqZQFDXOBPthRQRguRaI7Pg/s1600/christmas_eve22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LkqtThIKwN8mjXnZN11KExZVfQMA9Kf4JTY0qDtmlevw23_cOdNZhN_a9XIniTyebX8jY9NVsiTjls1gfC2Pz1mKAQ_TY2U091gelz26ve24dtRu-Zm1Z5ilvsDGQOaMP7NVyNE4EtmUx9LyT57jz6htWwaW0QujP2CnaqZQFDXOBPthRQRguRaI7Pg/w480-h640/christmas_eve22.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViPfjUTjRTSnq7oEkisVQL825-cMnlMW18HUmfdeOp_WZEc7H1Xlz8LcnQeeymF4ivx1H4WzITfLcvRTMvvXawjqM-4lCA1jR3e_LTRRSBfOsUG4qi_x0YHARxYu1DF7_c28O5YfZyrS29zqKMxpxfAmQhsUiWx_ivQHleKknGOjzyy54hakTqu4XKoY/s1600/christmas_eve24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViPfjUTjRTSnq7oEkisVQL825-cMnlMW18HUmfdeOp_WZEc7H1Xlz8LcnQeeymF4ivx1H4WzITfLcvRTMvvXawjqM-4lCA1jR3e_LTRRSBfOsUG4qi_x0YHARxYu1DF7_c28O5YfZyrS29zqKMxpxfAmQhsUiWx_ivQHleKknGOjzyy54hakTqu4XKoY/w640-h480/christmas_eve24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Candlelight Dinner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXafKTIuV2KxiPDKnltGhHsMnvEV1SAtVCTzj6D7ads8NPHOy0NVraqF6ffxFG7qQa650W_JeWolVF1btivpaRXsylx4cfNy73RX3quPFP3_1AsR0Id1cLJBVS0lhUsdddEPXBfKKis9R63ZapYgHTXStFQtE054tEQ1NI-5Qu4qEY1THttdSumbd9Knw/s1526/christmas_eve19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1526" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXafKTIuV2KxiPDKnltGhHsMnvEV1SAtVCTzj6D7ads8NPHOy0NVraqF6ffxFG7qQa650W_JeWolVF1btivpaRXsylx4cfNy73RX3quPFP3_1AsR0Id1cLJBVS0lhUsdddEPXBfKKis9R63ZapYgHTXStFQtE054tEQ1NI-5Qu4qEY1THttdSumbd9Knw/w504-h640/christmas_eve19.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Straw" in the "manger" for baby Jesus, each piece representing a kind or obedient act by one of the children during the month. I think this was the first year we got <i>all</i> the straw in! I don't know if the kids were actually more Christ-like or if I just remembered to notice them more often…I guess either way is good?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9PECgJsOMy3kaREYhROMlWqa_JXXxtKcYCNmVMrErPUZjLxTfqfHbAPg7tKcRT5QqyMoqfQisVI_wI8ukh9n3tIsB0zvp_s9k6DblpnK7zunppCFeH4EXcbXlBUlGU1IjJ5wn7-S07XVChbPMwAjC6HAEOsDfa7njrAdgakKKo0ycBNEVqfrX4W1Zlg/s1600/christmas_eve17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9PECgJsOMy3kaREYhROMlWqa_JXXxtKcYCNmVMrErPUZjLxTfqfHbAPg7tKcRT5QqyMoqfQisVI_wI8ukh9n3tIsB0zvp_s9k6DblpnK7zunppCFeH4EXcbXlBUlGU1IjJ5wn7-S07XVChbPMwAjC6HAEOsDfa7njrAdgakKKo0ycBNEVqfrX4W1Zlg/w640-h480/christmas_eve17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCobITJUay1ucFS0UaymIMCCAS24u0TYlfPpRfg2j3cGyFuddAd1J76V2wu8k_k_TBxE86Ajxxnh9jOZVVZaw7ZwcKfJXrZr8QXU9IIQWuX6AH8KTzmdx6S8xFc7MmRVZo45OTBfMMEPjQEHOg9MVNSlThR5ITlhYh4OoLyldDjR-HWxx7sy-E5KNw3s8/s1600/christmas_eve6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCobITJUay1ucFS0UaymIMCCAS24u0TYlfPpRfg2j3cGyFuddAd1J76V2wu8k_k_TBxE86Ajxxnh9jOZVVZaw7ZwcKfJXrZr8QXU9IIQWuX6AH8KTzmdx6S8xFc7MmRVZo45OTBfMMEPjQEHOg9MVNSlThR5ITlhYh4OoLyldDjR-HWxx7sy-E5KNw3s8/w640-h480/christmas_eve6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Elf Olympics<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnNxesA56tsDsxxuH1A45mJ5ZME4qwe2BPx0v5-MLA6TmUO922htbZxfIczRuY6vsQEoUnX5UL6FV3BfJYoOghw6up8Ib0Ltjk6R0anBEInIC7qYgPykb5PudlYtX80D8F6rd6ZCCimcfRggIkK9aghdIgpE7IGlZWwq5AN5_aSjy7bHJINKFvrrhB1U/s1600/christmas_eve7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnNxesA56tsDsxxuH1A45mJ5ZME4qwe2BPx0v5-MLA6TmUO922htbZxfIczRuY6vsQEoUnX5UL6FV3BfJYoOghw6up8Ib0Ltjk6R0anBEInIC7qYgPykb5PudlYtX80D8F6rd6ZCCimcfRggIkK9aghdIgpE7IGlZWwq5AN5_aSjy7bHJINKFvrrhB1U/w480-h640/christmas_eve7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Abe joining in from his mission</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7LNkvi8bJUrsp54qvnLzDH9MukgjeHXPYJVT4ve3Ln3kFw3vFUIAWyxXQqDWcUuFgVrba0uoUTJh-XxohQFyVq-RV-Uex75RmROELZWo6z3AfOt-gYeoQupz6M4ke7OmaZjnM0reH5pmDIVmrxaiE847EprefqwR2lrktneL9P0eHqTpwaRAyr7npPs/s1600/christmas_eve9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7LNkvi8bJUrsp54qvnLzDH9MukgjeHXPYJVT4ve3Ln3kFw3vFUIAWyxXQqDWcUuFgVrba0uoUTJh-XxohQFyVq-RV-Uex75RmROELZWo6z3AfOt-gYeoQupz6M4ke7OmaZjnM0reH5pmDIVmrxaiE847EprefqwR2lrktneL9P0eHqTpwaRAyr7npPs/w480-h640/christmas_eve9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere in between here Clementine lost her dress and her hat…??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds0xWij6U3apTmoC23XPply34mhIih7ZKeTkmRbVW1kihcXlib99a2cFz4srq4A198scHu-h6tjbsKRVWEVhAquw061n1nJFmBp4BrJxRXCpMuSCFT94SipZPbj354IFdWIfPGUT67RmQywPOK-2dN9Dd0OI9u45_Zw7n6sl96Plf57ZCV_dc7T7HN7c/s3446/christmas_eve1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3446" data-original-width="2580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds0xWij6U3apTmoC23XPply34mhIih7ZKeTkmRbVW1kihcXlib99a2cFz4srq4A198scHu-h6tjbsKRVWEVhAquw061n1nJFmBp4BrJxRXCpMuSCFT94SipZPbj354IFdWIfPGUT67RmQywPOK-2dN9Dd0OI9u45_Zw7n6sl96Plf57ZCV_dc7T7HN7c/w480-h640/christmas_eve1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ziggy with new husky stuffed animal from Daisy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymxaRfivDZqLmCKxddjbJncryxF6SI8VtIJX-qn1XyXljh5lwiCdEHcFZd3G8j3TS6BlVOT9iM1LOee8cYLhbDavkYrgqTRsgcpM43InK-N-pvYjFOU6lo2jvb5EOM1cmiR99g7SUvSr8bbblyNXHgTAHEIQGnTmuVR0ZayqRW6nV48P4s690JxaJ3DY/s1600/christmas_eve13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymxaRfivDZqLmCKxddjbJncryxF6SI8VtIJX-qn1XyXljh5lwiCdEHcFZd3G8j3TS6BlVOT9iM1LOee8cYLhbDavkYrgqTRsgcpM43InK-N-pvYjFOU6lo2jvb5EOM1cmiR99g7SUvSr8bbblyNXHgTAHEIQGnTmuVR0ZayqRW6nV48P4s690JxaJ3DY/w480-h640/christmas_eve13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clementine with a monkey from Seb. Seb decided to crochet Clementine a hat for Christmas but when he got it done it was inexplicably tiny; way too tiny for her! So he put the hat on one of his old monkeys and gave that to her instead. She promptly named it "Hat Monkey" (and both the monkey and the hat appear to bear that name—whenever the hat falls off she says sadly "Where hat monkey's hat monkey?")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W7couu_hTM87Nd6LlzmrSF5EIkPGt-qYUYTqXIee0v1hMoA4RI6-TMvjP9h5UFEhy79zcVmgptQfcbMOSVFzNfw6geipP2ontP9Bg3sma15tGPQthAUy6rKTa226KvleYCRigsXVi5ebF6QE2CEdQ5w-cYNJAjKmk653-ku4k3T4OPlfg8nPZBPyBfg/s1600/christmas_eve15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W7couu_hTM87Nd6LlzmrSF5EIkPGt-qYUYTqXIee0v1hMoA4RI6-TMvjP9h5UFEhy79zcVmgptQfcbMOSVFzNfw6geipP2ontP9Bg3sma15tGPQthAUy6rKTa226KvleYCRigsXVi5ebF6QE2CEdQ5w-cYNJAjKmk653-ku4k3T4OPlfg8nPZBPyBfg/w480-h640/christmas_eve15.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Teddy with the football Gus gave him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzrxUCFBITLKRLpHi4PzG5hGR42cVZFgDNfVOL-_vN7DoPaVRpnPCinAvUOx4MwR3HM8YoctOVm2w30r3IP8FkFByIA4SnY-QapnXWHyRtYHrkxwWMaIUt9vow0m8yV9EhFDZpRi6PYHrId-AJo-UJlMTvhWSeOpYOf5Q49qJWFUtQkDF9IW7GM2G144/s1600/christmas_eve2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzrxUCFBITLKRLpHi4PzG5hGR42cVZFgDNfVOL-_vN7DoPaVRpnPCinAvUOx4MwR3HM8YoctOVm2w30r3IP8FkFByIA4SnY-QapnXWHyRtYHrkxwWMaIUt9vow0m8yV9EhFDZpRi6PYHrId-AJo-UJlMTvhWSeOpYOf5Q49qJWFUtQkDF9IW7GM2G144/w640-h450/christmas_eve2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s0NxdCJDrE8EoTAKEE-8Hl3x-75gKLGkjhG5fgfgQ56EuKa-ccMRJovUfT9LrGbQ3dLpAFXizTDRl_6ULv_Ywn7Lldu473Zsu2OQf5Z93tGX7ECqnmh3un5Bejn25TAk33kOGC348Y51l8od78ETF-T1UZS1syoVmDo_URqot_nTzXKVyxPvOdhyphenhyphenMrc/s1600/christmas_eve4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s0NxdCJDrE8EoTAKEE-8Hl3x-75gKLGkjhG5fgfgQ56EuKa-ccMRJovUfT9LrGbQ3dLpAFXizTDRl_6ULv_Ywn7Lldu473Zsu2OQf5Z93tGX7ECqnmh3un5Bejn25TAk33kOGC348Y51l8od78ETF-T1UZS1syoVmDo_URqot_nTzXKVyxPvOdhyphenhyphenMrc/w640-h470/christmas_eve4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Final preparations—Baby Jesus finally gets put out in all the nativities!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9LZDuzrU9e899RZB-k18MVx6qhS-EsdPENYU1fo_7ds258ggYSjxU-Bj4lAxBblzCpny07X1EeB3f01Ym1NspjUDpzAmmxg83IboYVzOIKe54ekFXTHnEhgArYvXKP6lumQby8W6F4mH0XkVy8UF6nExPUw9dgKRO6FLj79rLIRzDkUSAzqiOyAcN-Y/s1600/christmas_eve5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9LZDuzrU9e899RZB-k18MVx6qhS-EsdPENYU1fo_7ds258ggYSjxU-Bj4lAxBblzCpny07X1EeB3f01Ym1NspjUDpzAmmxg83IboYVzOIKe54ekFXTHnEhgArYvXKP6lumQby8W6F4mH0XkVy8UF6nExPUw9dgKRO6FLj79rLIRzDkUSAzqiOyAcN-Y/w480-h640/christmas_eve5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the Christmas tree with all the presents waiting under it, once I've finally finished wrapping and everyone else is in bed!</div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-13312595143337301972024-01-02T07:30:00.002-07:002024-01-02T07:30:00.136-07:00Out of their bitter struggles they are able to find the sweetness<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Sunday Afternoon Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng">October 2003 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5KMVY8URj2MfHFqOoeuOdd7-_XcRoWA7HS62po1nBHPyQZLDdQT10kVSYS-4dCFmNcv0DvI2_91FmNwCDtOazEtlFqYR7zRCtMw_jtH01p1lAfqhOo245ISbw_rB-6Nj3bq1sWOiY_c7dsZ2r6Vx3ZOyZIszo8Sjty-t5byAhVaSR_Bdpm4ut9kckBU/s1600/feeder6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5KMVY8URj2MfHFqOoeuOdd7-_XcRoWA7HS62po1nBHPyQZLDdQT10kVSYS-4dCFmNcv0DvI2_91FmNwCDtOazEtlFqYR7zRCtMw_jtH01p1lAfqhOo245ISbw_rB-6Nj3bq1sWOiY_c7dsZ2r6Vx3ZOyZIszo8Sjty-t5byAhVaSR_Bdpm4ut9kckBU/w480-h640/feeder6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been thinking about humility this week. Sam and I were talking to Abe about it a little bit during his weekly call, just remembering times we've felt so frustrated or infuriated about something that's so <i>wrong</i>—and we <i>know</i> it's unfair and wrong—and we can't do anything about it and it just feels so <i>maddening</i>! I don't know if it's worse when that feeling of helplessness comes in interactions with bureaucracy and clearly mortal concerns—where there is no mandate for anything to ever change—or if it's worse when it is in a spiritual sphere where you know things definitely <i>should</i> be better! Both situations are bad. And hard. <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/25renlund?lang=eng">And frustrating</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't actually have any solutions or advice. I'm not very good at remembering Jesus Christ like I should in that kind of circumstance. But I liked what <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/the-empowerment-of-humility?lang=eng">Bishop Richard C. Edgley said</a> about people that navigate unfairness and frustration with humility:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">These are the many members I see, admire, and am grateful for. They are not seeking position, prominence, or fame, but each is earning a place in our Father’s kingdom by taking care of the business of everyday living. They are consistently doing the unnoticed, the unspectacular, but humbly and righteously doing the important. Challenges they have, but out of their bitter struggles they are able to find the sweetness that is so often the silent companion to adversity. This picture is duplicated hundreds of times in thousands of wards throughout the world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many of us live or work in an environment where humility is often misunderstood and considered a weakness. Not many corporations or institutions include humility as a value statement or a desired characteristic of their management. Yet as we learn about the workings of God, the power of a humble and submissive spirit becomes apparent. In the kingdom of God, greatness begins with humility and submissiveness. These companion virtues are the first critical steps to opening the doors to the blessings of God and the power of the priesthood. It matters not who we are or how lofty our credentials appear. Humility and submissiveness to the Lord, coupled with a grateful heart, are our strength and our hope.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Abe seems to find himself running up against challenging and infuriating situations a lot these days. I can tell it's wearing on him, and I don't blame him. I've felt a little worn through with that stuff myself lately. But I do read words like these from Bishop Edgley and feel the truth of them. I still don't know how to have a "grateful heart" in the face of incompetence and stupidity! I don't know how to have a humble and submissive spirit when I feel so completely entitled to my anger at the injustice of it all! But if it was obvious, we wouldn't need God to tell us about it. I sense deep down that "taking care of the business of everyday living," "consistently doing the unnoticed and the unspectacular"—and somehow finding a humble, submissive, grateful heart through it all—is the key to (paradoxically!) gaining the power and strength that we so desperately need from God. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope I will someday learn to display those characteristics <i>especially</i> at these times when it seems most impossible to do!</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-6251976513579658112024-01-01T18:35:00.004-07:002024-01-01T18:35:55.882-07:00Gnomengarten<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ-9NC-NH7QUhy6fLHCp1aPXdRLGMNmZuPaurcNDmHNaGmFwkABnldctJvbiGX2rxvP2Gt4PJHMvOWbuwciuTh7wI3-e6fEeBNHmjOvtiHtMIiItDWeVZIQS_LkzICju0sy0GEaodOEnFnb9jlTCZChaCwTUBeGE5ODc5Wwidu6PKydr52gBfNeCyV0g/s1576/christmas_decorations3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ-9NC-NH7QUhy6fLHCp1aPXdRLGMNmZuPaurcNDmHNaGmFwkABnldctJvbiGX2rxvP2Gt4PJHMvOWbuwciuTh7wI3-e6fEeBNHmjOvtiHtMIiItDWeVZIQS_LkzICju0sy0GEaodOEnFnb9jlTCZChaCwTUBeGE5ODc5Wwidu6PKydr52gBfNeCyV0g/w488-h640/christmas_decorations3.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have what I would consider a reasonable amount of gnomes. My brother gave me these julenisse, which are gnome-adjacaent, I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnJZXJG-bq0JpVn0U1aZysvFWQNEY79ZnP0Q3adG6h3Zti4YVjK1suopNkYeOAG7bo4VQpnNfwqdLq7BSp2QWVA-Ns1nSZm3L56Q4mM9mGU2lJVa4K9fA7-ukvyBJQGSEBV5oM3OSv7VWfFsFdElIkAD-uYVfJyY6b-iCGyBvy1QXHRPYkEgyqp_yaDU/s1600/christmas_decorations4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnJZXJG-bq0JpVn0U1aZysvFWQNEY79ZnP0Q3adG6h3Zti4YVjK1suopNkYeOAG7bo4VQpnNfwqdLq7BSp2QWVA-Ns1nSZm3L56Q4mM9mGU2lJVa4K9fA7-ukvyBJQGSEBV5oM3OSv7VWfFsFdElIkAD-uYVfJyY6b-iCGyBvy1QXHRPYkEgyqp_yaDU/w640-h428/christmas_decorations4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I have these guys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5miW73uT0sFq5z2LiGEqWIurnp3WoJ-reGp61hjYvmmDp5WMSLiFJC9S7v6R7HORPxVHIqJOlzOUa4qbDCiyxhIFcB0ruR2iLxvyKoR-92eHz1KmH9e3cbVCAsf5P6Tva7Y_C7U9fms0QeCZ0795uDLbACYo80u3Y6Q4sRI9xBeiXIXHwlfgWHDaH2x4/s1600/christmas_decorations7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5miW73uT0sFq5z2LiGEqWIurnp3WoJ-reGp61hjYvmmDp5WMSLiFJC9S7v6R7HORPxVHIqJOlzOUa4qbDCiyxhIFcB0ruR2iLxvyKoR-92eHz1KmH9e3cbVCAsf5P6Tva7Y_C7U9fms0QeCZ0795uDLbACYo80u3Y6Q4sRI9xBeiXIXHwlfgWHDaH2x4/w640-h480/christmas_decorations7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that's it! All fairly straightforward. I also have three little Fall gnomes, which I had out for Thanksgiving. And while I had them out…Clementine learned what they were called. (NOMES.) And she started asking for them. And trying to take them with her to bed at night. And jumping up and down and squealing with excitement when she saw them. And saying conversationally every five minutes to everyone she met, " 'member NOMES?" (To which the only accepted answer was "I <i>do</i> remember gnomes.")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1eq1JZ0k9-HgSk7VXGbpWdT6GiL92ZCn3ZjHorPmeEcRD_f3zCUG90txZIFsfrIEfP2fejSWOYMHmqLvbpxm78hvswnU2gavvb0hq7rcNP5XAdAWDHQK-ds7zXNvuuj6IQyOrvyVoQtovhL3GYoKzeZ8qmyJM2Tuj38wMK2qRIYS9LCWArjt-6AXbWw/s1600/clementine_with_gnomes14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1eq1JZ0k9-HgSk7VXGbpWdT6GiL92ZCn3ZjHorPmeEcRD_f3zCUG90txZIFsfrIEfP2fejSWOYMHmqLvbpxm78hvswnU2gavvb0hq7rcNP5XAdAWDHQK-ds7zXNvuuj6IQyOrvyVoQtovhL3GYoKzeZ8qmyJM2Tuj38wMK2qRIYS9LCWArjt-6AXbWw/w480-h640/clementine_with_gnomes14.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I got out the Christmas gnomes she just lost her little mind! She was asking us to get them down for her all the time, saying in great earnestness (while taking them), "these <i>Mommy's</i> nomes," and then carrying them all over the house. So one day I saw a little soft gnome ornament at Walmart, I thought, "I should get that for Clementine so she will stop taking my gnomes." And I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsIH5ROTFmYioh2V6vF4I7yHE_A0LaO6gnXu3YoYw_tWvx46AG2IAkQL4JUX6-QX99xM9e8sM6_8hcN6WEg_gvJg4D3V3gI6XUueSeVB3yrlIEs_Nuk9llT061Gc6ZozN4G7x8Vg5iRGw2vK0F1R2EZahcPcPZ_urZQZJs6WVfGq4daMXl9J3GtOgeYc/s1634/clementine_with_gnomes12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsIH5ROTFmYioh2V6vF4I7yHE_A0LaO6gnXu3YoYw_tWvx46AG2IAkQL4JUX6-QX99xM9e8sM6_8hcN6WEg_gvJg4D3V3gI6XUueSeVB3yrlIEs_Nuk9llT061Gc6ZozN4G7x8Vg5iRGw2vK0F1R2EZahcPcPZ_urZQZJs6WVfGq4daMXl9J3GtOgeYc/w470-h640/clementine_with_gnomes12.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I gave it to her it was like she had been reunited with a long-lost sister. She hugged it rapturously and said, without prompting, "That TEMentine's <i>Gnomie!</i>"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just like that…our entire family developed an absolute <i>mania</i> for gnomes. We can't help it! We love them! We exclaim at them when we see them in yards or in stores. We point out "BIG gnomies!" and "Tiny gnomies!" We draw gnomes. We call Santa hats "gnomie hats." We have gnomes on the mind and in the heart. You could probably sell me a rattlesnake if it had a gnome costume on it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now when you ask Clementine what her favorite animal is, she says…"NOMES!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1JSvqf_hh9z9tpmBUlqhUQlWtSRCcK0STfFZe62lzzKHonqXug7fXmiUI_YuDeMXpukyFaryUiiFQ3J9xsZhPdaL4bUu8_VbG3PzzQCZTDU-2DFwid5-QCCI-srQTBYp0K4aEUzyEGvP3qzZHY3lpW0Vht7-OqF_U6GYIkDwLpx4Py0jl9hSKZqNE0k/s1600/christmas_decorations6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1JSvqf_hh9z9tpmBUlqhUQlWtSRCcK0STfFZe62lzzKHonqXug7fXmiUI_YuDeMXpukyFaryUiiFQ3J9xsZhPdaL4bUu8_VbG3PzzQCZTDU-2DFwid5-QCCI-srQTBYp0K4aEUzyEGvP3qzZHY3lpW0Vht7-OqF_U6GYIkDwLpx4Py0jl9hSKZqNE0k/w640-h480/christmas_decorations6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought these little gnomes at the same time as her "Gnomie."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FPy_vqV0OT-PItbQUUOdsNnTuXeN7iRomkboIi7MzR_4hOEUjTqaOecZ4ocWgfSVYBKfTn1DV3cu34Inm-ZHvtahyJyezvfVPCve-YSouqWumJDw-_7dbqqj6DSau6xIj7gIY0eDMJk9zY0WtpKQVpeXe6YaGeSSQUK9myp4rzSiWJlSEwOQ3IDRVTo/s1600/christmas_decorations12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FPy_vqV0OT-PItbQUUOdsNnTuXeN7iRomkboIi7MzR_4hOEUjTqaOecZ4ocWgfSVYBKfTn1DV3cu34Inm-ZHvtahyJyezvfVPCve-YSouqWumJDw-_7dbqqj6DSau6xIj7gIY0eDMJk9zY0WtpKQVpeXe6YaGeSSQUK9myp4rzSiWJlSEwOQ3IDRVTo/w640-h462/christmas_decorations12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we made shrinky-dinks. All gnomes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhQCNrzrLwFx3PKJYhRLy2ODh3llypCsNVGoR_GB4zVUtXuzLugwXYNcLYvusFmfB9JMkdDQGiHfxf_-DBFETarQhCpsJy-DyW4VNdVEk4uK_envAH7AKBinaUwZFPHHz-sE_aGPEKA5_SXxClhb_lCX9bRHfFd1cJgf8OxA43KxtJ0PgXmIzTGWFCv4/s1600/christmas_decorations13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhQCNrzrLwFx3PKJYhRLy2ODh3llypCsNVGoR_GB4zVUtXuzLugwXYNcLYvusFmfB9JMkdDQGiHfxf_-DBFETarQhCpsJy-DyW4VNdVEk4uK_envAH7AKBinaUwZFPHHz-sE_aGPEKA5_SXxClhb_lCX9bRHfFd1cJgf8OxA43KxtJ0PgXmIzTGWFCv4/w640-h392/christmas_decorations13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt_CmQbRn32p5hsgvRRKvnrwSGPZeale5Qwc4cW9Tlrfzga_K9Ev7o3jEwi9X9a_AFu_2JPJsGlqrxsPINxTk8KJM_vmbaKkvLE33z_sxuyjYHzFQQlhgs3sJ205HidKsJO6hCeztLDsUjzN-aHeU0ikNo6ASn-eGv4EEE9bTLSYPTHEmXUuelAKypfY/s1568/clementine_with_gnomes3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt_CmQbRn32p5hsgvRRKvnrwSGPZeale5Qwc4cW9Tlrfzga_K9Ev7o3jEwi9X9a_AFu_2JPJsGlqrxsPINxTk8KJM_vmbaKkvLE33z_sxuyjYHzFQQlhgs3sJ205HidKsJO6hCeztLDsUjzN-aHeU0ikNo6ASn-eGv4EEE9bTLSYPTHEmXUuelAKypfY/w490-h640/clementine_with_gnomes3.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Someone gave us this gnome bag, which she carries around possessively</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEnG7IrRGff7yzHE9GWfM2J9gYcXFJsN30GwbWN_BpS_OrlAJGZ2ANmow6k_KSsFvAnyVRpU-HqnS9jm2sxcm1hkot0j0Be47lrMB3pd7iyKw4X3ru8z3q2ALOaParjUxnwcDeuZ-oCqWLObKtArSEpeceV1ZVSBFdMIamE5hbj3Lav7zhpBiJZ0NMBQ/s1600/clementine_with_gnomes5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEnG7IrRGff7yzHE9GWfM2J9gYcXFJsN30GwbWN_BpS_OrlAJGZ2ANmow6k_KSsFvAnyVRpU-HqnS9jm2sxcm1hkot0j0Be47lrMB3pd7iyKw4X3ru8z3q2ALOaParjUxnwcDeuZ-oCqWLObKtArSEpeceV1ZVSBFdMIamE5hbj3Lav7zhpBiJZ0NMBQ/w480-h640/clementine_with_gnomes5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abe talked me into buying this light-up gnome while he was on the phone with me and I saw it at the store (Abe is part and parcel to our gnomania)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vT5JkkWZWk7BwRB7_sAmLCoHJqkwJeDrkkLrhjzlQN0zJgxcKmHtrjVSFgwTV3Zv1CvYiXHY_GwcNQQI3PYWQ-NQKdJKil0laYsMZe9e6vg2R1ML4GEB6TyAEfWcD6L-USUmHMbuh6AAhChLofYp9hxIcudPdA-Upxn18hIFM9jp02ygoAfmhWxnMW8/s1600/clementine_with_gnomes7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vT5JkkWZWk7BwRB7_sAmLCoHJqkwJeDrkkLrhjzlQN0zJgxcKmHtrjVSFgwTV3Zv1CvYiXHY_GwcNQQI3PYWQ-NQKdJKil0laYsMZe9e6vg2R1ML4GEB6TyAEfWcD6L-USUmHMbuh6AAhChLofYp9hxIcudPdA-Upxn18hIFM9jp02ygoAfmhWxnMW8/w480-h640/clementine_with_gnomes7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qDIOEJo1SF7atVeaUxVRHZ97R3ccnvMxP72D7CxVPuS9s_65tsgaTHX4LKYc3nzeU4MLF1cs9AZYViqfea3z3wRKUkeDDk7uT_dBLEUpAUBx9A5yHqG8rIWkD1IKphfQWyYi6olFVndPgJWIuvntaz6CUHEc6Ei7sfwrZpG9UdXITu8iV5i58xULRL0/s1907/clementine_with_gnomes8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1907" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qDIOEJo1SF7atVeaUxVRHZ97R3ccnvMxP72D7CxVPuS9s_65tsgaTHX4LKYc3nzeU4MLF1cs9AZYViqfea3z3wRKUkeDDk7uT_dBLEUpAUBx9A5yHqG8rIWkD1IKphfQWyYi6olFVndPgJWIuvntaz6CUHEc6Ei7sfwrZpG9UdXITu8iV5i58xULRL0/w402-h640/clementine_with_gnomes8.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(She's not really supposed to carry it around the house, but she does.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNREci9qSVS_JH2pb231X5E55zfxHwG95pgWKOfe5doxkKKHygwKYtnwyVSRxBjMfctETFdz-dckUS9QS6f6R2iG1j64f0-n5JGO0h-AsOu2IKQWN8uIff5VqHZ0Oej0iZMU45jewRGyqA93GTuECmn-D0Yk5zwa4ytlsGIS5Jesa5pS4eZLazeBIN44/s1600/gardner_village4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNREci9qSVS_JH2pb231X5E55zfxHwG95pgWKOfe5doxkKKHygwKYtnwyVSRxBjMfctETFdz-dckUS9QS6f6R2iG1j64f0-n5JGO0h-AsOu2IKQWN8uIff5VqHZ0Oej0iZMU45jewRGyqA93GTuECmn-D0Yk5zwa4ytlsGIS5Jesa5pS4eZLazeBIN44/w640-h480/gardner_village4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes she comes and gets in bed with me at night and says in the softest little whisper, "where Gnomie?" Then I'll rummage around in the blanket and find him for her, and she'll snuggle in contentedly and sigh, " 'member gnomes?" (I <i>do</i> remember gnomes.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWbwNgLEg1jLOXOJpwQUt4qDnkyK4Nzrc_Je6IJYX86-rnfO3qAGT2FfhDxi2DBdN3MtIZaFKP2kFVoTqLeTgPnjFaNdgInYKM-SPcjYC4gCGXmBf05UHcR6MoMVw3my4-toEWtTzaiPnfGa4sXf49B-NpH1P1v5vtS_v5aWsUQ3aRZwItU9kasZVupM/s3175/juniegnome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3175" data-original-width="2385" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWbwNgLEg1jLOXOJpwQUt4qDnkyK4Nzrc_Je6IJYX86-rnfO3qAGT2FfhDxi2DBdN3MtIZaFKP2kFVoTqLeTgPnjFaNdgInYKM-SPcjYC4gCGXmBf05UHcR6MoMVw3my4-toEWtTzaiPnfGa4sXf49B-NpH1P1v5vtS_v5aWsUQ3aRZwItU9kasZVupM/w480-h640/juniegnome.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Junie made this little rice-filled gnome for Clementine for Christmas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9wREfRGf4OvplK7glrInHdaBBEhYzjHllIxmQb8sW6_sWDX8dezVVUsyVNFRMYRNnqntxUQb9i3YN0CtH_XbEw5KzTJqalBee9fNPzCpvWa2rQ9Y1WXsZd9-OOMK0mtJEfJUjyMcRdbkkkhewzggUf4kl-3KHFVxQqS2jl2rSzwvRYAKbQUFKllGKVE/s1721/big_gnome_daisy_made.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9wREfRGf4OvplK7glrInHdaBBEhYzjHllIxmQb8sW6_sWDX8dezVVUsyVNFRMYRNnqntxUQb9i3YN0CtH_XbEw5KzTJqalBee9fNPzCpvWa2rQ9Y1WXsZd9-OOMK0mtJEfJUjyMcRdbkkkhewzggUf4kl-3KHFVxQqS2jl2rSzwvRYAKbQUFKllGKVE/w446-h640/big_gnome_daisy_made.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then Daisy made <i>this</i> amazing and wonderful stuffed gnome for Clementine for Christmas.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gXsGz9QnnAKYDgArOas_uz5WBaQFHCXJno1_MR0y5uR2xs_cLoQnWAVXFgi9Tck5fnQFQhGsGB89iJJly466q0vxSGgKmHygiDth9qkyCr96OWXckA_ORDmx2R2vMuJcJwWZiZO1vq239pPBTED5GM8gF6F91YTnU_wW3VKq0olMFRxxyr2k6E6bHTE/s1600/animal_cookies_seb_made1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gXsGz9QnnAKYDgArOas_uz5WBaQFHCXJno1_MR0y5uR2xs_cLoQnWAVXFgi9Tck5fnQFQhGsGB89iJJly466q0vxSGgKmHygiDth9qkyCr96OWXckA_ORDmx2R2vMuJcJwWZiZO1vq239pPBTED5GM8gF6F91YTnU_wW3VKq0olMFRxxyr2k6E6bHTE/w640-h342/animal_cookies_seb_made1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One night Seb suddenly felt like baking, and he made these amazing and beautiful frosted sugar cookies, one for every person in the family. Guess what he made for Clementine?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzGN_yYbjBnfM360MzkIDh-hMWC6Bk0PxYEn9zssWxEN8bWOwCbRLHB6Dh9SgNxBysXRxsZJuQwufQTqW29xH9qIhVdTRNqxWcj95vGpLUjfNu3Ic1MerXufVWs2eiEhMTdB81Ab2iLBJ5qY8sPZbX9wovx0GPZRnrMHmkyrqNrr-bcv6zgXKPqS0c9I/s1549/animal_cookies_seb_made9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzGN_yYbjBnfM360MzkIDh-hMWC6Bk0PxYEn9zssWxEN8bWOwCbRLHB6Dh9SgNxBysXRxsZJuQwufQTqW29xH9qIhVdTRNqxWcj95vGpLUjfNu3Ic1MerXufVWs2eiEhMTdB81Ab2iLBJ5qY8sPZbX9wovx0GPZRnrMHmkyrqNrr-bcv6zgXKPqS0c9I/w496-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made9.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She has now added "NOME cookie" to her list of things she wants to talk and reminisce about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I want to know is: will we all still love gnomes next year? Will we love them <i>forever</i> because of her? I think we might!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now, few more things, if you care about other things besides gnomes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5CkxtJg3hm8P0r3o9I4zVE3WiIn8XWDP6Pi3SzELyU_AQAJMCPHex_0Yv_sIjN9Uj-6gAJ0Y2iArV5isD7Eph8L5nH6HUL9dMxrPWnUBxfGI4DgcZQyzRYbnnb9pfMapWDBojq5x1MJFnRM98ZSB9LZcpkPTAatU6AWN3oBplWzr4Cyjv7RIlIfaZqA/s1600/fhe_drawing3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5CkxtJg3hm8P0r3o9I4zVE3WiIn8XWDP6Pi3SzELyU_AQAJMCPHex_0Yv_sIjN9Uj-6gAJ0Y2iArV5isD7Eph8L5nH6HUL9dMxrPWnUBxfGI4DgcZQyzRYbnnb9pfMapWDBojq5x1MJFnRM98ZSB9LZcpkPTAatU6AWN3oBplWzr4Cyjv7RIlIfaZqA/w640-h480/fhe_drawing3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Family Home Evening drawing night</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rpwI1bBhT_DNleHGMIy2DHZJqMZvWkivGsdSJQwMP6hPtqu8NcYztwanp9nwXXzDMbuRGjXpFAgzIRJECUvWwCJGaUZhJA0ynOWaOxQCitnPJ-Ng329j6oCzh76tePBF-5AKapUeX66xfYQuTWNtUCQW6PU9W0MXJMAld3D5axNJnJxtcXGe7dqtXjI/s1600/fhe_drawing6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rpwI1bBhT_DNleHGMIy2DHZJqMZvWkivGsdSJQwMP6hPtqu8NcYztwanp9nwXXzDMbuRGjXpFAgzIRJECUvWwCJGaUZhJA0ynOWaOxQCitnPJ-Ng329j6oCzh76tePBF-5AKapUeX66xfYQuTWNtUCQW6PU9W0MXJMAld3D5axNJnJxtcXGe7dqtXjI/w480-h640/fhe_drawing6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine proudly showing off what she drew</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">———</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVgeUdk5fO4IuVbK6SR-e409s6cBwPitQ8BX4pSlLck2IVvPIMDJ58VaPt7TjS-gX0-7CFkH0K8QJHOqvzxl_qujQYi-iTc8i1IJgo6zcli9YSN2JRZkwNsjJFf3VWjevGfV7pM2ETpRr_e44OiRltCv3NQd9ihhbB1p3_scGLqgdI-MAEsjlkBm9-g4/s1600/various_pajamas6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVgeUdk5fO4IuVbK6SR-e409s6cBwPitQ8BX4pSlLck2IVvPIMDJ58VaPt7TjS-gX0-7CFkH0K8QJHOqvzxl_qujQYi-iTc8i1IJgo6zcli9YSN2JRZkwNsjJFf3VWjevGfV7pM2ETpRr_e44OiRltCv3NQd9ihhbB1p3_scGLqgdI-MAEsjlkBm9-g4/w480-h640/various_pajamas6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every year Sam decides what to do with the Christmas tree. We have ornaments in most colors (some more than others) so we've done rainbow trees, warm-colored trees, cool-colored trees, and so forth. (We have other weird assorted ornaments too…those get tucked in between the others or go on mini trees cobbled together over the years.) This year Sam asked Gus what kind of tree we should do and Gus said…"Caw colors!" So Sam made a Macaw-tree. Red, yellow, and blue…with a white stripe high up to symbolize the white stripe around the eyes. Can you see it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEVPAUCVJnSZi7fIoRv5mPcaW4XgP07RH5uaVGedNNJYUp0Za2Q2eyg8esrjPc5Y1V8QaiNrffjzw1xqmyM-MhxpCbP3uPbWD6EeXIGXL17qRdu8ipCzgNkQgKz9G7MJ8sti2djuK8Ags2YymjtjqcCHtdpvBOdPc9BQVLUMwPomz8j0FC1MT0rqdxfw/s2231/various_pajamas4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2231" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEVPAUCVJnSZi7fIoRv5mPcaW4XgP07RH5uaVGedNNJYUp0Za2Q2eyg8esrjPc5Y1V8QaiNrffjzw1xqmyM-MhxpCbP3uPbWD6EeXIGXL17qRdu8ipCzgNkQgKz9G7MJ8sti2djuK8Ags2YymjtjqcCHtdpvBOdPc9BQVLUMwPomz8j0FC1MT0rqdxfw/w458-h640/various_pajamas4.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And do you see who is sitting on top of the tree?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't worry—it's just one of Gus's tiny caws (he couldn't spare the real Caw all through December, naturally!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j3GIZI4ej1SJlBqgOe5ZNU36HW2FV9v9xitzXZ4Tlci-4ZCH51kxBGcnIf7mfFrHwGYI3_LJZH5TtCSfa07VWrycowha3KyQkFvXVH08p0-RAfEa8gDtpn_Bn146gtpXeL6CgVWfJnvLAw5Bsp8iXoXD0OCdBjgb-i-9SlkqZkof4awgiG1uevSW_Kw/s1600/various_pajamas5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j3GIZI4ej1SJlBqgOe5ZNU36HW2FV9v9xitzXZ4Tlci-4ZCH51kxBGcnIf7mfFrHwGYI3_LJZH5TtCSfa07VWrycowha3KyQkFvXVH08p0-RAfEa8gDtpn_Bn146gtpXeL6CgVWfJnvLAw5Bsp8iXoXD0OCdBjgb-i-9SlkqZkof4awgiG1uevSW_Kw/w480-h640/various_pajamas5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcMbSlYO2uaZLNhHmrjEagrNhS6XiPmfqhkPq0dyhH8nRHBWWkUOzXSWKQx8ByRyEAmER4XuNpubSXx2GCVSwnF3SVVxQ1nt3bsK_xnk9PTF80dNTxlsagJzOovvvP9mjEZO7-hvwCnPS_Civ8K88dL1ax2hnFage6DLkcpsQfW5thD8MQ1Nsls5KHFg/s1679/various_pajamas16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1679" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcMbSlYO2uaZLNhHmrjEagrNhS6XiPmfqhkPq0dyhH8nRHBWWkUOzXSWKQx8ByRyEAmER4XuNpubSXx2GCVSwnF3SVVxQ1nt3bsK_xnk9PTF80dNTxlsagJzOovvvP9mjEZO7-hvwCnPS_Civ8K88dL1ax2hnFage6DLkcpsQfW5thD8MQ1Nsls5KHFg/w458-h640/various_pajamas16.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clementine holding Baby Jesus, who she calls "Baby Dape-up" about 50% of the time after her baby cousin Jacob we took care of a little while ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEhVcxkN29R4N6oZUI1UJmctmX_bfZwiLMBc7LHctvI2RYDj2J_HQiAiSOEPlKmLRvkAfA6ZJk3nS4dp2dPuuQ0SWVDZFseXJakVjTPFx0QBMppfJdeKSQg0ISsFuCmWFUArPrqRDRQaxhyphenhyphen96W8yAi1gpplH51X1_GsOPAvEn3eFAHxnG8QE45crOLl7308/s1592/animal_cookies_seb_made4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcxkN29R4N6oZUI1UJmctmX_bfZwiLMBc7LHctvI2RYDj2J_HQiAiSOEPlKmLRvkAfA6ZJk3nS4dp2dPuuQ0SWVDZFseXJakVjTPFx0QBMppfJdeKSQg0ISsFuCmWFUArPrqRDRQaxhyphenhyphen96W8yAi1gpplH51X1_GsOPAvEn3eFAHxnG8QE45crOLl7308/w482-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made4.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rest of Seb's amazing cookies (that boy never does anything by half-measures)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IF7Hi5VC2pL6uzfkEgyIQtKtQc0n9Y1cu4nOLgVtYjaUU90HZy6MAwJe5rUBy5kzoVBhD6RHt1_BhBsWcc1F9v5gB1x0BxDJOLr94Fm_LYZx5ZW4Wqmcu0Ll8QVbsiP5UJd4yNMRyL64Z_Shu_4G0HpSn2jRxBMtUL2PUI5eoFKzo1WBJczAh8dlnsA/s1600/animal_cookies_seb_made6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IF7Hi5VC2pL6uzfkEgyIQtKtQc0n9Y1cu4nOLgVtYjaUU90HZy6MAwJe5rUBy5kzoVBhD6RHt1_BhBsWcc1F9v5gB1x0BxDJOLr94Fm_LYZx5ZW4Wqmcu0Ll8QVbsiP5UJd4yNMRyL64Z_Shu_4G0HpSn2jRxBMtUL2PUI5eoFKzo1WBJczAh8dlnsA/w480-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9v6xlcfutJNUxYYIhDDagL0C-E3m74uTLXgrItf4NoteD5gVLWqw7elKkDjIU02l_pKMk5z-zxCndVDEyFnPLy1fe6gB3MEOJ2n1Ea2Li7LrYqYiF9HAKviA07gjn28Xm00M5gTR2VQVO_xdqd0oTk8-tm8A2EVQ9iHnBdIOXCCAjC7Cb6vvklvwQw4/s1600/animal_cookies_seb_made7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9v6xlcfutJNUxYYIhDDagL0C-E3m74uTLXgrItf4NoteD5gVLWqw7elKkDjIU02l_pKMk5z-zxCndVDEyFnPLy1fe6gB3MEOJ2n1Ea2Li7LrYqYiF9HAKviA07gjn28Xm00M5gTR2VQVO_xdqd0oTk8-tm8A2EVQ9iHnBdIOXCCAjC7Cb6vvklvwQw4/w480-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Favorite animal: police car?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cGampJQbkq0iTPBL1EgzPWZV2U1IRCIRN1rzuJJSsV_lnpK0nnMo7J6K01VHOMu_nll-J1JmcAVHAkQi2R6GdZ0uckkIw9JoZPU645yKXWfQMx_VGB8jagM7uAC2xDijdtF6pxk6qx0oNAX9p41XZUVfFaQsRMORrE5HCVwwn-1yQrfPzFBpXRKOej0/s1602/animal_cookies_seb_made8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cGampJQbkq0iTPBL1EgzPWZV2U1IRCIRN1rzuJJSsV_lnpK0nnMo7J6K01VHOMu_nll-J1JmcAVHAkQi2R6GdZ0uckkIw9JoZPU645yKXWfQMx_VGB8jagM7uAC2xDijdtF6pxk6qx0oNAX9p41XZUVfFaQsRMORrE5HCVwwn-1yQrfPzFBpXRKOej0/w480-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9S2ypw2bcnr2-H_7-nePoKXIpp4NAmUtTMDcfUM2R0oaYDFWG_Yj84iYv76DZFoSpd2pi_BGfOEF9KwwyOXEewNgABqeQ-SLuXElT22-sNNH2C4grkK1qwrRliRvFSmci30V7d65uIhiibCQi-1Mw_KhZbEzgxj8uOm3rocvF-oyG2tkjh0ZxbKKlI/s1600/animal_cookies_seb_made10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9S2ypw2bcnr2-H_7-nePoKXIpp4NAmUtTMDcfUM2R0oaYDFWG_Yj84iYv76DZFoSpd2pi_BGfOEF9KwwyOXEewNgABqeQ-SLuXElT22-sNNH2C4grkK1qwrRliRvFSmci30V7d65uIhiibCQi-1Mw_KhZbEzgxj8uOm3rocvF-oyG2tkjh0ZxbKKlI/w480-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXDgKLFGoOJ1jH4QU2YbyaCQq_l5k9EdnwkC9Sd3d0YNSxLl9eejZ1Gf5fIUhSpB55LzELjndFzyFL0w_RYZD4iSytCwNgTwiD-KZIDqdAoXRhCv_zq3E1UTMDsDJQzyRXCnFnQtJbebXC8eME2ZTmckWJnIMAtWyeE6iOyCvrhL0K4f4VkMnPvbCStg/s1654/animal_cookies_seb_made11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXDgKLFGoOJ1jH4QU2YbyaCQq_l5k9EdnwkC9Sd3d0YNSxLl9eejZ1Gf5fIUhSpB55LzELjndFzyFL0w_RYZD4iSytCwNgTwiD-KZIDqdAoXRhCv_zq3E1UTMDsDJQzyRXCnFnQtJbebXC8eME2ZTmckWJnIMAtWyeE6iOyCvrhL0K4f4VkMnPvbCStg/w464-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made11.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKDjCjYY758DwRvxaHDkhFkfGcVHgoY0sYRcx1UnPl8ULlV2TJs6inrQG1y-EpH_r1rNy9N2Q1G8JCYEPBl77P4G6FMBhvG07adBV-tmBKB4vDPq3gSoDGNHyuPdosF24ZjsKK8aMxDmKRXtjGaYwHkog_diLs7715OFbIbGGqr1_B24VqItCMbZzzCA/s1591/animal_cookies_seb_made12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKDjCjYY758DwRvxaHDkhFkfGcVHgoY0sYRcx1UnPl8ULlV2TJs6inrQG1y-EpH_r1rNy9N2Q1G8JCYEPBl77P4G6FMBhvG07adBV-tmBKB4vDPq3gSoDGNHyuPdosF24ZjsKK8aMxDmKRXtjGaYwHkog_diLs7715OFbIbGGqr1_B24VqItCMbZzzCA/w482-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made12.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTHtjmZTJo06Ziwq2XAqo-w1l7PVkeaEW-aLdg12dBzmu4njQX3ATAkQRhlspEToYd6TYTSijSF614-GCeJF1HbuVWf0-nlarw0YXGaZZgBuNMeJv1VpZT4jKY9H20xHNiX9Q1OP6wYzQkZUVE-n2MGj_sF5x_xw236Bc8xGTMwG7fTTgkesX-RBws-U/s1600/animal_cookies_seb_made13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTHtjmZTJo06Ziwq2XAqo-w1l7PVkeaEW-aLdg12dBzmu4njQX3ATAkQRhlspEToYd6TYTSijSF614-GCeJF1HbuVWf0-nlarw0YXGaZZgBuNMeJv1VpZT4jKY9H20xHNiX9Q1OP6wYzQkZUVE-n2MGj_sF5x_xw236Bc8xGTMwG7fTTgkesX-RBws-U/w480-h640/animal_cookies_seb_made13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81LoljIzwazQH_ceeNMTGAR-5jqOaJSthWEVUX6l8Z02ti7eH9bKRVyOUfhZ00V6Vjzpeq6O6p3U8RF_MJqnSrFRyoUUulLBiFTd2MWaj9okL1_QKgLDp5kFCmefcjxGaBvrsIs1ZVgTMGOACd_h3p2dMyT2MObYUckynotBg6RjTbzyXx6og5qwnT6g/s1600/animal_cookies_seb_made16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81LoljIzwazQH_ceeNMTGAR-5jqOaJSthWEVUX6l8Z02ti7eH9bKRVyOUfhZ00V6Vjzpeq6O6p3U8RF_MJqnSrFRyoUUulLBiFTd2MWaj9okL1_QKgLDp5kFCmefcjxGaBvrsIs1ZVgTMGOACd_h3p2dMyT2MObYUckynotBg6RjTbzyXx6og5qwnT6g/w640-h434/animal_cookies_seb_made16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He even found a recipe to make the icing shiny, which I have never successfully managed. Of course, my sugar cookies always grow into huge (if tasty) blobs too, so clearly he is doing a lot of things right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the other hand, I saw a ton of gelatin packet papers on the counter and said, "Just how much unflavored gelatin did that recipe call for?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Oh, I used 6 packets, but then I messed it up, so I used 6 more packets."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">…oh. Well. Good thing I buy everything in the hugest quantities possible, I guess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEhNKjwAEDnvBkwteYJ3gYigcD6kL-G9tRy-XmgITDRDVZ7Hi43SbH0gf65k7L9jgr1hhU1VO5coAmrvOD4k8Eer_bCGsp8FAs0TAgrNiCx0dwb1wAb8QxnznbCoq9RvIjgbxo4gTzp4_FyLAdHNr5mybsOhfPodT9rwD5xZWV-IYOTvSo2ZgBWIFOBXlsc/s1600/christmas_boys_room2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKjwAEDnvBkwteYJ3gYigcD6kL-G9tRy-XmgITDRDVZ7Hi43SbH0gf65k7L9jgr1hhU1VO5coAmrvOD4k8Eer_bCGsp8FAs0TAgrNiCx0dwb1wAb8QxnznbCoq9RvIjgbxo4gTzp4_FyLAdHNr5mybsOhfPodT9rwD5xZWV-IYOTvSo2ZgBWIFOBXlsc/w640-h426/christmas_boys_room2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas-y bedroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbaod555Ns3QfGIzJpiuESObU-bNiqmDNqGBK9FxnWV6_HFCEAOsLG3lBJIhA6TCtxk0ZWp5vCbBC4hghBLrVQoyHdwnd3rSXzF1lo8G9x9xxc6AmTHoRZjxi3IZem-HvmJBnMC5yOO-GrZIYoOKqdFIuQRjl3OsflTnn8BIqrjtKvw5QotdlkbkUK64/s1601/city_creek2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbaod555Ns3QfGIzJpiuESObU-bNiqmDNqGBK9FxnWV6_HFCEAOsLG3lBJIhA6TCtxk0ZWp5vCbBC4hghBLrVQoyHdwnd3rSXzF1lo8G9x9xxc6AmTHoRZjxi3IZem-HvmJBnMC5yOO-GrZIYoOKqdFIuQRjl3OsflTnn8BIqrjtKvw5QotdlkbkUK64/w480-h640/city_creek2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had to go clear up to Bountiful to get Junie some new pointe shoes rather than getting them at a store closer by, and I was <i>so annoyed</i> about it. (Long story.) But, I decided to make the best of it and stop at City Creek with the kids on the way home for our "Christmas activity." (We tried to do something "fun" together every day of December…we really stretched that definition of <i>fun</i> sometimes but we did our best.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v4MpFZyOreyG8Dq8PjEw5CJhxgxafv_pVqgqspbx0A_ofd46EhGNimOBSeTQYl-fJwkItOzbjcSfQ_YYq92A7UXQjiI8zK5t8qNgb0xv0SJLmManhJr2MVlYL3UpUuu5X99Muy_FBYUPrpFsw46ioxAnmqK8pvx40jF9AW0wFerbqc2zW4g0k-YvcEw/s1600/city_creek4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v4MpFZyOreyG8Dq8PjEw5CJhxgxafv_pVqgqspbx0A_ofd46EhGNimOBSeTQYl-fJwkItOzbjcSfQ_YYq92A7UXQjiI8zK5t8qNgb0xv0SJLmManhJr2MVlYL3UpUuu5X99Muy_FBYUPrpFsw46ioxAnmqK8pvx40jF9AW0wFerbqc2zW4g0k-YvcEw/w640-h480/city_creek4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watching the fountain show</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozIvWmTIdHc01Jj5uV5d2Lj01hUOA88y88Q5X1xoLDpmmj_-Lhk2w5EerKqZmc74kT1wjJFDzMjMhBahWBW9s15ajU2l2h9t9My_TvmLxwnG028NO5Ff8TRvUWJfkGgL2bk4weSyZshpx1IggloBliRrmsJG60REG1Td8OxA1-I0_l6k0ECzpCw83Sw/s1600/city_creek7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozIvWmTIdHc01Jj5uV5d2Lj01hUOA88y88Q5X1xoLDpmmj_-Lhk2w5EerKqZmc74kT1wjJFDzMjMhBahWBW9s15ajU2l2h9t9My_TvmLxwnG028NO5Ff8TRvUWJfkGgL2bk4weSyZshpx1IggloBliRrmsJG60REG1Td8OxA1-I0_l6k0ECzpCw83Sw/w480-h640/city_creek7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giving machines (we bought some chickens!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzUdqEsTh1dU-OJNnxk2sg-K7fPeQ5x9JMpWTHv7pPBcRGc7vK711_F1JcRmGuccMcFNKp_t3xHF4UHokT5ZZfqf8wlWO0MwWlSfAzqf84U-suJrVw-SxTXGAQEhp_0k9nPY8sRRtEB_AKpKc7-HW8b9zneUYO9X6eWgAxFqIrHNz0XCrQZ9O8-y94Ho/s1673/city_creek8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzUdqEsTh1dU-OJNnxk2sg-K7fPeQ5x9JMpWTHv7pPBcRGc7vK711_F1JcRmGuccMcFNKp_t3xHF4UHokT5ZZfqf8wlWO0MwWlSfAzqf84U-suJrVw-SxTXGAQEhp_0k9nPY8sRRtEB_AKpKc7-HW8b9zneUYO9X6eWgAxFqIrHNz0XCrQZ9O8-y94Ho/w460-h640/city_creek8.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big Christmas tree!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8Da1GyHAulHUO_TzJekKkTQHDqE4t5olacxM_jNwk5gc0adhglDfXlugbJ3iSxrTJJ0D5hqSsYBLBkuLBdg4Hr1RAQ-oHcGPmfDVYb6iJDzQk0yRnD0KzfhnYkzpJPe_uk-Qmh3VZeP8YWDBz17MNGUbrZwyIJ75tzMTnWfEt3cqXw9Ugw0BN-coWcY/s1527/clementine_shows4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8Da1GyHAulHUO_TzJekKkTQHDqE4t5olacxM_jNwk5gc0adhglDfXlugbJ3iSxrTJJ0D5hqSsYBLBkuLBdg4Hr1RAQ-oHcGPmfDVYb6iJDzQk0yRnD0KzfhnYkzpJPe_uk-Qmh3VZeP8YWDBz17MNGUbrZwyIJ75tzMTnWfEt3cqXw9Ugw0BN-coWcY/w502-h640/clementine_shows4.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Showing off some coloring (face paint courtesy of the ward Christmas party)</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">———</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJ_tMc3iZBLY6flXAhAeBOy-y83_pZLfNiUC3TIgGTDxMd4XQOKbTqYmBS5vPttkxUJ1GudyhsnlIB_Py95w0UPjbsBGq6dx73GbGlOvUk8oU96HdenFLGAZ0kcJnwjDoiuErFU3uSDeC6VvCTyb2Mr2-QVJP7WBC0O7VlSl0yVsGNTBEtHMtGwjNcT4/s1663/clementine_sunday_coat2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJ_tMc3iZBLY6flXAhAeBOy-y83_pZLfNiUC3TIgGTDxMd4XQOKbTqYmBS5vPttkxUJ1GudyhsnlIB_Py95w0UPjbsBGq6dx73GbGlOvUk8oU96HdenFLGAZ0kcJnwjDoiuErFU3uSDeC6VvCTyb2Mr2-QVJP7WBC0O7VlSl0yVsGNTBEtHMtGwjNcT4/w462-h640/clementine_sunday_coat2.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matching coats! The one on Junie used to be mine…and before that it was my mom's!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ipvw3iBitlOu01RK2vuYiNMtgOAc9A48wcVsXJz4aryFOTpdHNODLoMRQEj9vUeqfBG609qzwjMdgqiwAofSYhVYbfyKJsQCDqM0ASQCWN0RrXbDoKcrNPRQLk6Onhvadgn-iz6uMU3U3SvFQlNzbngNuCcw3wzoGLi_1nat3iD2jEN5loAhlBCkO-4/s1680/clementine_sunday_coat3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ipvw3iBitlOu01RK2vuYiNMtgOAc9A48wcVsXJz4aryFOTpdHNODLoMRQEj9vUeqfBG609qzwjMdgqiwAofSYhVYbfyKJsQCDqM0ASQCWN0RrXbDoKcrNPRQLk6Onhvadgn-iz6uMU3U3SvFQlNzbngNuCcw3wzoGLi_1nat3iD2jEN5loAhlBCkO-4/w458-h640/clementine_sunday_coat3.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJY0IZlbjgY_LHal3sNcUpoJP7BHA5V42cm8fiug53cufH10iHGQwAKBv9hlGC7rD2GX8fuvapKFVr0esjZbwR8apdiVzP0xWHCFzYZksu4b-KdFvrpikPONRtSgIiuh98_aA7sAgVRtdvwefm5YQ3_1Tr3jhgYoznOUwuojm8Cj64lUwrhQ3XzLOXOI/s1525/delivering_with_clem2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJY0IZlbjgY_LHal3sNcUpoJP7BHA5V42cm8fiug53cufH10iHGQwAKBv9hlGC7rD2GX8fuvapKFVr0esjZbwR8apdiVzP0xWHCFzYZksu4b-KdFvrpikPONRtSgIiuh98_aA7sAgVRtdvwefm5YQ3_1Tr3jhgYoznOUwuojm8Cj64lUwrhQ3XzLOXOI/w504-h640/delivering_with_clem2.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delivering flyers together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT7Z-E0k96f_d1ONN-btRr0cxn0juVyrbBSLQeUnfgdJJCMCCGM2HWlLNKUpLn-L5wVAifbym1-rWY4yMOGkHK6Puejaqd0uJRFvsaRKwrR0Q51wSANVJ0SZyS6RxJXEcvhxP1Vs_aFUHl8qMuS0jObQddrtj8ugcNkZ-0F8Jsw3TIRufoRiurtlWc6E/s1600/dressing_up_zig_gus3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT7Z-E0k96f_d1ONN-btRr0cxn0juVyrbBSLQeUnfgdJJCMCCGM2HWlLNKUpLn-L5wVAifbym1-rWY4yMOGkHK6Puejaqd0uJRFvsaRKwrR0Q51wSANVJ0SZyS6RxJXEcvhxP1Vs_aFUHl8qMuS0jObQddrtj8ugcNkZ-0F8Jsw3TIRufoRiurtlWc6E/w480-h640/dressing_up_zig_gus3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emergency workers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ncLx7_1M9MeMqVrxRsjhpQE8eU4UO8dP1sfthTtu-RDm52znpIscrDqFE2s7QamGRjdWYBiHpapkhif3hmVYjelq4v7b2MUfsyVfcfkXC7pKKVA_dBNsLLSpDb7OaqgLJhanG8pbQhLBnslAMiyO9TWvo9_O1Qx5G8kJSKubJk6W94Qj77KXHYyhHcw/s1665/gardner_village2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ncLx7_1M9MeMqVrxRsjhpQE8eU4UO8dP1sfthTtu-RDm52znpIscrDqFE2s7QamGRjdWYBiHpapkhif3hmVYjelq4v7b2MUfsyVfcfkXC7pKKVA_dBNsLLSpDb7OaqgLJhanG8pbQhLBnslAMiyO9TWvo9_O1Qx5G8kJSKubJk6W94Qj77KXHYyhHcw/w462-h640/gardner_village2.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Riding Trax. We can all ride free (we have faculty/dependent cards because of Sam working at BYU) so we like to ride back and forth places when the train isn't crowded, which is nearly always.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7yvgYF6J63QSEOjTqpjVJMCI20G85KKAK4OR0e_vMTL-D2RjgB_2hdioA4iSJ6AdL7nexUotfJYZ1pvhQDRfevjHST5Ybz0wEGJIHM9U548dlSZOWLV3qXE0KwzS30dY6juqCG7oKxUciMhyphenhyphen4QL-0KocEL-iOeFRKuCDVM-k5zWPy2ezA2sMGbgRT_4/s1600/gardner_village10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7yvgYF6J63QSEOjTqpjVJMCI20G85KKAK4OR0e_vMTL-D2RjgB_2hdioA4iSJ6AdL7nexUotfJYZ1pvhQDRfevjHST5Ybz0wEGJIHM9U548dlSZOWLV3qXE0KwzS30dY6juqCG7oKxUciMhyphenhyphen4QL-0KocEL-iOeFRKuCDVM-k5zWPy2ezA2sMGbgRT_4/w640-h480/gardner_village10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8Mm4r2WoKfz0DK_Q0YWCP6z6QZqJlyh_PTHBmSXMd_mJ2yd-X9yPiaS12G57cxmV-Yg_4_0X9yHZkoBaXqCdbEISlTq7utNnsqid7jFQ_zdZrMcBxB0DCNwuxHBFe58wUCd6tIy4iVvkVeqh51GdRL4Gz32BVIiXZvaHlnXmx0hAm3HRd8KzQjTS3fo/s1600/gardner_village9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8Mm4r2WoKfz0DK_Q0YWCP6z6QZqJlyh_PTHBmSXMd_mJ2yd-X9yPiaS12G57cxmV-Yg_4_0X9yHZkoBaXqCdbEISlTq7utNnsqid7jFQ_zdZrMcBxB0DCNwuxHBFe58wUCd6tIy4iVvkVeqh51GdRL4Gz32BVIiXZvaHlnXmx0hAm3HRd8KzQjTS3fo/w480-h640/gardner_village9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFHLTNYoCJRBj6b_BCwDLJxUzMvg0cdhkLbcV0DKSUsSQYUdYXafR0sSvP09bDkA-kDUKfQCPOxQkTaLN5drikBNbhVKR6RMgy6XmO8MNvB8xdwpmPs4JWf9cdSJKuL_pVtU405q0GHpm_lBvtbsyJeO05ElrS7qAh52oODvTbvDHDJVBarZXysJYo4k/s1600/gardner_village5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFHLTNYoCJRBj6b_BCwDLJxUzMvg0cdhkLbcV0DKSUsSQYUdYXafR0sSvP09bDkA-kDUKfQCPOxQkTaLN5drikBNbhVKR6RMgy6XmO8MNvB8xdwpmPs4JWf9cdSJKuL_pVtU405q0GHpm_lBvtbsyJeO05ElrS7qAh52oODvTbvDHDJVBarZXysJYo4k/w640-h480/gardner_village5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We rode up to Gardner Village, where they have little elf displays to look at. (Wish they were gnomes.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0qi89T6XCzeN2XiJH8_DYRr1pHA0rdR1GQJzHh8IIIXs1EKeV_rNLe3XpH4ir6-ZY2GaaYhh4HLad8zGoUz_hC3USOWrCHGTwPv0bVFT1q9NlhNSUzZYcRPCEVD14dKN-VqaaRhN4pXTrpmgFCQIJOyGBEKQPE8hcgoo-_1A2tDNwPvNuMLsbsnEOyM/s1600/gardner_village6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0qi89T6XCzeN2XiJH8_DYRr1pHA0rdR1GQJzHh8IIIXs1EKeV_rNLe3XpH4ir6-ZY2GaaYhh4HLad8zGoUz_hC3USOWrCHGTwPv0bVFT1q9NlhNSUzZYcRPCEVD14dKN-VqaaRhN4pXTrpmgFCQIJOyGBEKQPE8hcgoo-_1A2tDNwPvNuMLsbsnEOyM/w640-h480/gardner_village6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A big bear</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOyy3_30V5FEkkjjiEqQKk9m3a0RMsU0EFdz6dwOEjBumu6LXJepFahQ5MNWcA7qVqxXkV_DpkzFxo5nhHI_HX-hrQ00pkhDOkqWBpNxx1h-VHpIou3S_KYv-tyPC42Ul4blUWDIRd5sTEB8_FXYIt-quSK2puH3alzKPazszUEl8XKZw7nmriWYJFUg/s1600/gardner_village7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOyy3_30V5FEkkjjiEqQKk9m3a0RMsU0EFdz6dwOEjBumu6LXJepFahQ5MNWcA7qVqxXkV_DpkzFxo5nhHI_HX-hrQ00pkhDOkqWBpNxx1h-VHpIou3S_KYv-tyPC42Ul4blUWDIRd5sTEB8_FXYIt-quSK2puH3alzKPazszUEl8XKZw7nmriWYJFUg/w640-h480/gardner_village7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEhNfRlg-rR4BmayTtoQMN8MZZnkIGVpxkBlT3ILD89ZWdm9MBN2WTubOF7AKRLjyZd07LVCcX4MLs3f4hWFEaRnx-hWR0X5AuHMe2-BXEdSKVsSN0ALJm2xS5cpt1NNZ_aQalv6LJA1P3o_8khuDMNlmXGNkLULujEFqFT7cVBB1iZrBE0Zu1QYz6mSSaQ/s1394/junie_braces_off.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfRlg-rR4BmayTtoQMN8MZZnkIGVpxkBlT3ILD89ZWdm9MBN2WTubOF7AKRLjyZd07LVCcX4MLs3f4hWFEaRnx-hWR0X5AuHMe2-BXEdSKVsSN0ALJm2xS5cpt1NNZ_aQalv6LJA1P3o_8khuDMNlmXGNkLULujEFqFT7cVBB1iZrBE0Zu1QYz6mSSaQ/w550-h640/junie_braces_off.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Junie got her braces off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEi8a3L5URljAT1fKnQRZU6lhE_-f8sfhRTbGjBXyejTXMByw9mW3AoCfJ1aLsO7WvKv2yT4DHznUBl2_lIXKdjmR4lTWi_aaLgD690IH60XzNqRN_OjF22jIgZTBJKV-Mlo158pCb2qKTfntI9pfmbmr_-QaelD5wxjfTXjtk0IGtEEB0Y85BLxbTt4tbs/s1600/orem_temple_and_grandma2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a3L5URljAT1fKnQRZU6lhE_-f8sfhRTbGjBXyejTXMByw9mW3AoCfJ1aLsO7WvKv2yT4DHznUBl2_lIXKdjmR4lTWi_aaLgD690IH60XzNqRN_OjF22jIgZTBJKV-Mlo158pCb2qKTfntI9pfmbmr_-QaelD5wxjfTXjtk0IGtEEB0Y85BLxbTt4tbs/w480-h640/orem_temple_and_grandma2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orem Temple Open House (Daisy with her hair in curlers for Nutcracker dress rehearsal that night)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDZAMWQeySdK7YXeWaWyLgnGywlnXQOJWEIUKIuB4VeUZE93uQEmaBEcNIVwc2b-kcmU9fxvoEdKce-GEr7VJwBEPMhVACYunYNt1rcQUL6ChdPz1Bzdi9yQdZ3W_Zr1PZoPaybWLGgpplJ4PrrJSxW2mGGqbvFN5VDXuyW25C691micjCIyaEf_4Mkc/s1660/orem_temple_and_grandma4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDZAMWQeySdK7YXeWaWyLgnGywlnXQOJWEIUKIuB4VeUZE93uQEmaBEcNIVwc2b-kcmU9fxvoEdKce-GEr7VJwBEPMhVACYunYNt1rcQUL6ChdPz1Bzdi9yQdZ3W_Zr1PZoPaybWLGgpplJ4PrrJSxW2mGGqbvFN5VDXuyW25C691micjCIyaEf_4Mkc/w462-h640/orem_temple_and_grandma4.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bags on feet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE4zuC6P95LUE0s2sv69eCxIzRvVhzFIx08QCwR1Zg2gWJLP82B_jSxolxcJufHTNZPkaG_xBQKVYorll0pfG0TpCf1C3RrjuOJ81qTvW3WhyphenhyphennnrZYNYpJ3cL_xUtulVmAywOVKZIUBJ7cKbIr7gz8hlc4Vxqdf7-uOd9e6SSkU7z_lOugjYi-W3mbGM/s1600/orem_temple_and_grandma9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE4zuC6P95LUE0s2sv69eCxIzRvVhzFIx08QCwR1Zg2gWJLP82B_jSxolxcJufHTNZPkaG_xBQKVYorll0pfG0TpCf1C3RrjuOJ81qTvW3WhyphenhyphennnrZYNYpJ3cL_xUtulVmAywOVKZIUBJ7cKbIr7gz8hlc4Vxqdf7-uOd9e6SSkU7z_lOugjYi-W3mbGM/w480-h640/orem_temple_and_grandma9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qrEGHIqE9FSnREaDhMqdtfS0idEsOUAnUpZnzTaoE03hiJFCRcLHPDpRJVtscJoKj97K0t2I1OZyGkQ4KFdjbTo8844D_Ios9uatx_eseb97oitYlrV9Z5GKqcN9XpuAbhoZp9bS-r9WKfxugrgSjbOrCVXzyeBLFbbVdilPUkm-vcmODxrlSlz2j6E/s1600/orem_temple_and_grandma10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qrEGHIqE9FSnREaDhMqdtfS0idEsOUAnUpZnzTaoE03hiJFCRcLHPDpRJVtscJoKj97K0t2I1OZyGkQ4KFdjbTo8844D_Ios9uatx_eseb97oitYlrV9Z5GKqcN9XpuAbhoZp9bS-r9WKfxugrgSjbOrCVXzyeBLFbbVdilPUkm-vcmODxrlSlz2j6E/w480-h640/orem_temple_and_grandma10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuczg7F_1QGJYQ-Re91_TYB86f-ZlT1gNZMGrYI8p2vD25xwK3ePTg4HBNFTFQqBSOUdScV1IwXgh8sece2U4X-kN8_OsC1bf2opx0eWvQGInwSi41iuJ4YYjD1p4Q28N_U7Ln8i3GVEW29xyyIKtsYGjmKyRp-ny-5W_xWJhlhGZdPNn6DLjTKgQ8oyY/s1600/orem_temple_and_grandma12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuczg7F_1QGJYQ-Re91_TYB86f-ZlT1gNZMGrYI8p2vD25xwK3ePTg4HBNFTFQqBSOUdScV1IwXgh8sece2U4X-kN8_OsC1bf2opx0eWvQGInwSi41iuJ4YYjD1p4Q28N_U7Ln8i3GVEW29xyyIKtsYGjmKyRp-ny-5W_xWJhlhGZdPNn6DLjTKgQ8oyY/w640-h448/orem_temple_and_grandma12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lunch with my mom after</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</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/AVvXsEjqZ-VKdsb6Lh1Pk_4uqnpTMi0orNi1VVv8BSaPjjwFOS4RS3sssadRCQD22VmQIqvpbNpkG3paseqxBklOS42X4sAQ5Y82bvMSy4f5Mly_HayrGDJXtwgAYak_iTEOUZ6q8zVhNcCqUiVMvTlNH9XMuHkDdEUWTmCYorYLl9pOoJZSKakHSooGDJRdgN0/s1600/play_dough_mess2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ-VKdsb6Lh1Pk_4uqnpTMi0orNi1VVv8BSaPjjwFOS4RS3sssadRCQD22VmQIqvpbNpkG3paseqxBklOS42X4sAQ5Y82bvMSy4f5Mly_HayrGDJXtwgAYak_iTEOUZ6q8zVhNcCqUiVMvTlNH9XMuHkDdEUWTmCYorYLl9pOoJZSKakHSooGDJRdgN0/w640-h480/play_dough_mess2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The messiest play-dough ever (from our neighbors), also probably the most fun my kids have ever had</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlCtsH6KFeI7uYMd6Ifbv0UqqFIMUbOv0K_YbgWrSvId_Bq9LFv_tEY8uzj1emcgiSDSsvItjk68Em9JKqGBJrhof2h9wDd1rymCvaDnbvxtsd3zQ1AGIVRL1sUd5nOpo0ZLfxNkVdVGefQ1iQyshHc5vzBrTNgbjcM7gpGMi6S8kNBtCHrv7W0ShbzY/s1600/read_by_fire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlCtsH6KFeI7uYMd6Ifbv0UqqFIMUbOv0K_YbgWrSvId_Bq9LFv_tEY8uzj1emcgiSDSsvItjk68Em9JKqGBJrhof2h9wDd1rymCvaDnbvxtsd3zQ1AGIVRL1sUd5nOpo0ZLfxNkVdVGefQ1iQyshHc5vzBrTNgbjcM7gpGMi6S8kNBtCHrv7W0ShbzY/w640-h480/read_by_fire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cozy reading by the fireplace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi5FtE5WkL_-b6DsPR98Hrb8PuDOD3HVagRNmyFGvnlObgVaivK80GBGcsILzPjritH5fAbprTptC7S6w46IYzmnq6y1-t1KmB1-0tUm6u-TSlqFSIEplW-ido1-M0f1nKR3xaPHh_e3_keGJ7kk8utf3hFACHInrLS4KNn-ELP1Ma0cxyDpFEPKN3z0/s1600/riding_trax1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi5FtE5WkL_-b6DsPR98Hrb8PuDOD3HVagRNmyFGvnlObgVaivK80GBGcsILzPjritH5fAbprTptC7S6w46IYzmnq6y1-t1KmB1-0tUm6u-TSlqFSIEplW-ido1-M0f1nKR3xaPHh_e3_keGJ7kk8utf3hFACHInrLS4KNn-ELP1Ma0cxyDpFEPKN3z0/w640-h480/riding_trax1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful warm December day—another Trax ride</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoPWRGrd_nvXurxf5Xjebb7bjZ8D-oRpJCFWb7NRYbnzhsTYaPHvKlW24K3o5pP29X3TOIBIrKKmonerQh-MDxP_x0lI0lnGfQgov5Wm6xnwiu75yq-Ix2lHkh6UbFTOGdRNvxUGtlnQI4YTC03jl0i_uCCqRzU4ewafXzo9_-6BhA0HeBKOrvL0O_KM/s1478/riding_trax2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoPWRGrd_nvXurxf5Xjebb7bjZ8D-oRpJCFWb7NRYbnzhsTYaPHvKlW24K3o5pP29X3TOIBIrKKmonerQh-MDxP_x0lI0lnGfQgov5Wm6xnwiu75yq-Ix2lHkh6UbFTOGdRNvxUGtlnQI4YTC03jl0i_uCCqRzU4ewafXzo9_-6BhA0HeBKOrvL0O_KM/w520-h640/riding_trax2.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23t_n0oBWOnJit3USdBybUxckUfOXYWxOoXufGI0qS1AlbTuL6uSJ017EPNItLuwRh63EquYYIizCKFo7Rdp0I4pGmUJbe8oUwir05nomrR1DCMg2DrhDWZ2aVQlaD2y3NKI8-JLQCDHsrlkC2hD1INK2ESyKElcq9enhJ12bzQqkICsNHbzmF0ldMIc/s1600/riding_trax3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23t_n0oBWOnJit3USdBybUxckUfOXYWxOoXufGI0qS1AlbTuL6uSJ017EPNItLuwRh63EquYYIizCKFo7Rdp0I4pGmUJbe8oUwir05nomrR1DCMg2DrhDWZ2aVQlaD2y3NKI8-JLQCDHsrlkC2hD1INK2ESyKElcq9enhJ12bzQqkICsNHbzmF0ldMIc/w640-h480/riding_trax3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVz_yzLUmElChWBhWin74YWT9up0RVXD_ai87lH9T27jblrXFNHYMTxGk6x3-yCMkpJA_x6Pexi4jmsozx-kxxSpdQTYCrMLaznrLnmpA5BwGTBthD2LNjzi1TEV8pLhdH99ketHrmNenOy0sTlK0-_9EFplBPvbRSUKMLON4uCVdfuQI_E-OQM2WQKc/s1600/riding_trax4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVz_yzLUmElChWBhWin74YWT9up0RVXD_ai87lH9T27jblrXFNHYMTxGk6x3-yCMkpJA_x6Pexi4jmsozx-kxxSpdQTYCrMLaznrLnmpA5BwGTBthD2LNjzi1TEV8pLhdH99ketHrmNenOy0sTlK0-_9EFplBPvbRSUKMLON4uCVdfuQI_E-OQM2WQKc/w640-h464/riding_trax4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNvsOkOcn55EfhJ2CTyHP8cEqELUceEn_3LqzHfdImx7P0prSgc5Avyem-VTafIOJwufButwQn_biWV53JNb28V1yapb-dgfvh98008XqZzPtoMsviTSsX7ejWZur8_NP-G4OYA2OvlYCWsiFDkqEjy4SytZpGCnOJ4KYpNsefzQ12vr93EnALcSd_lA/s1396/riding_trax9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNvsOkOcn55EfhJ2CTyHP8cEqELUceEn_3LqzHfdImx7P0prSgc5Avyem-VTafIOJwufButwQn_biWV53JNb28V1yapb-dgfvh98008XqZzPtoMsviTSsX7ejWZur8_NP-G4OYA2OvlYCWsiFDkqEjy4SytZpGCnOJ4KYpNsefzQ12vr93EnALcSd_lA/w550-h640/riding_trax9.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT_a9EC0pDrPvNeN585P8ByBhdaDdgH0VaI4CQ_EqVDdhDpBE00g7dFandVyLGSk6GD2UaXLlmPxl8Pyk8zWLnnLB6oiipXcJXJhNAYxEH6thSoLlCM-IBPdd27IE6SIy8oOtEe2WvM5fTKuboEVqNJY8JIaISU2DotNYNKUv_wiUv8Lg2F3K7X1CPOY/s1487/riding_trax10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT_a9EC0pDrPvNeN585P8ByBhdaDdgH0VaI4CQ_EqVDdhDpBE00g7dFandVyLGSk6GD2UaXLlmPxl8Pyk8zWLnnLB6oiipXcJXJhNAYxEH6thSoLlCM-IBPdd27IE6SIy8oOtEe2WvM5fTKuboEVqNJY8JIaISU2DotNYNKUv_wiUv8Lg2F3K7X1CPOY/w516-h640/riding_trax10.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWITfQNrOn75syve6mIWdYPQYojBr3n-PonAqkjIRlsYz0euDPxihz9Xi7Swh9fDxzJm8ToA2XHnbc089C4QrdP_UztPHPoIOmC0rGsJ8mB2kbAVDIYJeyQMRo61-5Rj3qkNyGa1z6pm0dYKY3b1EulDCU7Dw1ZN72Heirph7VmL9YhrQmpLYb4tFprXw/s1600/riding_trax12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWITfQNrOn75syve6mIWdYPQYojBr3n-PonAqkjIRlsYz0euDPxihz9Xi7Swh9fDxzJm8ToA2XHnbc089C4QrdP_UztPHPoIOmC0rGsJ8mB2kbAVDIYJeyQMRo61-5Rj3qkNyGa1z6pm0dYKY3b1EulDCU7Dw1ZN72Heirph7VmL9YhrQmpLYb4tFprXw/w480-h640/riding_trax12.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love that Ziggy had to run home and build his own Trax (just what <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-going-to-build-this-when-i-get-home.html">Sebby always did</a>!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5RegqoGOEhRIPFR25_BEpypLIQCIob_ohJS36ALVvTOXCkUW5vx3uTnXd5S6gpYk6SmPf8DiN2EXf74UEGQh_Mi21gESTG_YyEaxVSKaA9-jz5SyZxZqJ3XRPlnJ3TJUVuQHRbtqcDjcK_k3Lgb0cdXQIZaJwC8CVtI9XB-sq5elFDfyD9_Sbjbyeq4/s1539/seb_drum_room2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5RegqoGOEhRIPFR25_BEpypLIQCIob_ohJS36ALVvTOXCkUW5vx3uTnXd5S6gpYk6SmPf8DiN2EXf74UEGQh_Mi21gESTG_YyEaxVSKaA9-jz5SyZxZqJ3XRPlnJ3TJUVuQHRbtqcDjcK_k3Lgb0cdXQIZaJwC8CVtI9XB-sq5elFDfyD9_Sbjbyeq4/w500-h640/seb_drum_room2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seb made his tiny drum room all nice and atmospheric by nailing blankets up everywhere (<i>my</i> blankets, and my guitar too, but who's keeping track)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq8pAgm9yOBrPokFzTQCf6UbR5qpNykzzDgnZL6HbpkDeFBZKGNi-HOewEBgluRd3uhNJGO7h81dE_Zx-LBYYWg_As2lKFtysowgKzCBGdTsZOqRtYHyq6DIKH3PdRxDZT-B3Nb8iCOdbnev7Medj1vFIrEIGeotXJkkybp-bVlhBSKKoyM7aemDqrhE/s1600/seb_room2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq8pAgm9yOBrPokFzTQCf6UbR5qpNykzzDgnZL6HbpkDeFBZKGNi-HOewEBgluRd3uhNJGO7h81dE_Zx-LBYYWg_As2lKFtysowgKzCBGdTsZOqRtYHyq6DIKH3PdRxDZT-B3Nb8iCOdbnev7Medj1vFIrEIGeotXJkkybp-bVlhBSKKoyM7aemDqrhE/w640-h480/seb_room2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His room is a work of art too. I don't know how he thinks of so many interesting and artistic "installations"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">———</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx3YH1_Ucb7qGke9-zYKcrIR5XCWrSS_b3p3KxPgdFv2wLUfdkP3qKTUrXIEJ0S4E0s2nNjUa3Ns41hG0FTNo2wZDHzLgY2sYGoNsTgKtZF7a4gqnBKrEAKew-TWscei-Hn6tFM-ovh0MYAb_AxePzXzpybWGQwN9a8mBjv4rdRXmAemvMBBd3j4Dp9U/s1630/snowflake_ornament3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx3YH1_Ucb7qGke9-zYKcrIR5XCWrSS_b3p3KxPgdFv2wLUfdkP3qKTUrXIEJ0S4E0s2nNjUa3Ns41hG0FTNo2wZDHzLgY2sYGoNsTgKtZF7a4gqnBKrEAKew-TWscei-Hn6tFM-ovh0MYAb_AxePzXzpybWGQwN9a8mBjv4rdRXmAemvMBBd3j4Dp9U/w472-h640/snowflake_ornament3.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snowflake I crocheted for the <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/search/label/ornament%20party?&max-results=20">ornament party</a> (not my best work, but it just wasn't the year for it)</div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">———</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5dJwGkQbEVChSGaJDAzc-e2dRJ-dZW35ieKjx1jkVjCLHbqUp-V1Pe3bATNtZOlwTX25IN20vhgq2EUAS7BqOTc802s5qT7SUHYchW8-yyDPsgg0lxiqmKe0fp4y6RwMfkRTEJJ1W_DfBXyEkDXztzsv7DqB-fjL_ePUYsJPnjnFyFemiT0yFsNczWo/s1555/various_pajamas18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5dJwGkQbEVChSGaJDAzc-e2dRJ-dZW35ieKjx1jkVjCLHbqUp-V1Pe3bATNtZOlwTX25IN20vhgq2EUAS7BqOTc802s5qT7SUHYchW8-yyDPsgg0lxiqmKe0fp4y6RwMfkRTEJJ1W_DfBXyEkDXztzsv7DqB-fjL_ePUYsJPnjnFyFemiT0yFsNczWo/w494-h640/various_pajamas18.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd8t3w6tx2L5gm61gKK2-KmyIMR1jk_P-xDbAov_MZiTSsPKCHdOAswwU2xEeYmep9sBmHaxFG_SP1QclwF4SiNe2Z6L5iNGyu601kybnm7iQlEreHjm00Sx71n7TLZJG7j2LFwF2YAaR32f23HaqqpMFdFm-5aS_1Szxhhb7qijoknjgoUhhl64SLRU/s1600/various_pajamas21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd8t3w6tx2L5gm61gKK2-KmyIMR1jk_P-xDbAov_MZiTSsPKCHdOAswwU2xEeYmep9sBmHaxFG_SP1QclwF4SiNe2Z6L5iNGyu601kybnm7iQlEreHjm00Sx71n7TLZJG7j2LFwF2YAaR32f23HaqqpMFdFm-5aS_1Szxhhb7qijoknjgoUhhl64SLRU/w480-h640/various_pajamas21.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matching pajamas out of the hand-me-downs box…reminds me so much of my little matching boys from <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2006/12/christmas-eve.html">years past</a>!</div><p></p></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-88323401250940216192023-12-31T16:26:00.001-07:002023-12-31T16:26:31.447-07:00Ziggy's first…year…of kindergarten?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hYMR4cfpoSuHzLSNs_FSUkz2tWEe22f_EneIrHGuadN5j4vUYlLbYialhZ26mfa_bTC5dGEzc4bne8LvYcPaYJBk5AM-v4cWnXL9qAPYF1MosMO5hm67f1cx4dHANsqbtVC9je3U_JmzFQzP08knVKLl2zQ-nuAJWpJFUksGlDNvyseP_PKbErElLXg/s1615/seb_kindergarten_pics2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hYMR4cfpoSuHzLSNs_FSUkz2tWEe22f_EneIrHGuadN5j4vUYlLbYialhZ26mfa_bTC5dGEzc4bne8LvYcPaYJBk5AM-v4cWnXL9qAPYF1MosMO5hm67f1cx4dHANsqbtVC9je3U_JmzFQzP08knVKLl2zQ-nuAJWpJFUksGlDNvyseP_PKbErElLXg/w476-h640/seb_kindergarten_pics2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I've been…well, not amazingly consistent about first-day-of-kindergarten pictures for the children. But I have <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/search/label/kindergarten?&max-results=20">captured most of them</a>, sweetly standing with their backbacks (we always give them a backpack for their 5th birthdays) at the front door. Surprisingly, Ziggy is the first kindergartner to start school in this new house! Teddy started in 2020 just a couple weeks before we moved here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, since my kindergartners haven't gone AWAY to school for…let's see…thirteen years now, one might question why they would need backpacks? Or to stand by the front door, for that matter? Well, I don't know. But they manage to make all kinds of use of those backpacks somehow! And the front door too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, although we are a few months late for the actual <i>start</i> of kindergarten, I made Zig go out and pose with his backpack to make sure we mark his kindergarten year with a picture! It's so fun to have him in school with us. I wasn't sure how it was going to work, honestly. He's always been such a wanderer…spending whole days outside pretending to be a "man" of some kind or other…and living in his own world. It seemed almost a shame to pull him away from that! That's mostly why I waited until he was actually "kindergarten age" based on school deadlines (i.e., age five on Sept 1st) rather than starting him last year (even though he turned five on…Sept 5th!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This year he was turning six and it felt like the right time. We started school on his birthday and he was pretty excited, but on Day 3 we dragged him in for school from playing outside, and he yelled despairingly, “But I’m afraid I’m going to learrrrnnnnn somethiiiiiinng!!” So that wasn't the most auspicious beginning! Ha!</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF7sP20x73DtY4-UH3CyQWh88iLSzLo8QmrY3w5FxtPgeoAP7WXYqi8fk8Z1Ianq1-RbWrEs-JqqGwHwPxeUgyMZQdVe4A_l4VWnfvbLtkRn4Vbjl76ozB2O8jT5EpnZF4JKbYb9b1J2rLxwYbPkN8B7zhvn9k4Yq7_BV4fEORCBkjbZyU6n2w6EAk2I/s2268/seb_kindergarten_pics3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF7sP20x73DtY4-UH3CyQWh88iLSzLo8QmrY3w5FxtPgeoAP7WXYqi8fk8Z1Ianq1-RbWrEs-JqqGwHwPxeUgyMZQdVe4A_l4VWnfvbLtkRn4Vbjl76ozB2O8jT5EpnZF4JKbYb9b1J2rLxwYbPkN8B7zhvn9k4Yq7_BV4fEORCBkjbZyU6n2w6EAk2I/w452-h640/seb_kindergarten_pics3.jpg" width="452" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luckily, I've learned a thing or two about teaching funny, wiggly, imaginative little boys over the years. I lured him in with a unit on Caves…then one on Pirates. And in the new year I'm going to hit him with Emergency Workers and he'll be hooked for life! 😄 I hope so, anyway!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJmQvj2EB7ZP892tx9EYRn8lmH7An4nEWpkTIc-3s_JbUm4AzAf5ps0eBW1_PHzoOdYf51TecCyF3aM4HD3D0M4-b6gIjXljWZqCynG_qFJpldeCa1YZ6r6hjTA_vWzB3zBPEgAW-jWQo171zLSNnelzeaO3NBue0p7rdnrwLB3QXflmqgnbsNm1hD7Y/s1777/seb_kindergarten_pics1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJmQvj2EB7ZP892tx9EYRn8lmH7An4nEWpkTIc-3s_JbUm4AzAf5ps0eBW1_PHzoOdYf51TecCyF3aM4HD3D0M4-b6gIjXljWZqCynG_qFJpldeCa1YZ6r6hjTA_vWzB3zBPEgAW-jWQo171zLSNnelzeaO3NBue0p7rdnrwLB3QXflmqgnbsNm1hD7Y/w432-h640/seb_kindergarten_pics1.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSXLFsMR6ekJeX2XI5wRcZX3_1CBy9wwBrYgr80BfT_PD4S1NW7aYcLm3Jpxw6GDNCLowYh-ePrtl8b5RY8pUXCYrUVPZxucYirGcaQzKgSpvKouFtgAKuamFgwZo4-Udexly6BtTe4hXTPxbbNcuXQeTMcNF_oR6ostxQZCRgbQaAgbcZ308GOyHFk0/s1600/zig_husky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSXLFsMR6ekJeX2XI5wRcZX3_1CBy9wwBrYgr80BfT_PD4S1NW7aYcLm3Jpxw6GDNCLowYh-ePrtl8b5RY8pUXCYrUVPZxucYirGcaQzKgSpvKouFtgAKuamFgwZo4-Udexly6BtTe4hXTPxbbNcuXQeTMcNF_oR6ostxQZCRgbQaAgbcZ308GOyHFk0/w480-h640/zig_husky.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What else to say about Ziggy? He loves dogs (especially huskies at the moment). He loves riding his bike. He (still) loves dressing up and "being" men. He took to reading maybe faster than any other of my kids, or at least as fast, although he's still working his way through the "100 Easy Lessons" reading book. He loves drawing, mostly Police Cars and Fire Engines, but also other surprising and interesting things. He reminds me a lot of little Sebby (in fact I just realized that I titled these pictures "seb_kindergarten_pics" in their file names!) but he's also his own man! I'm so glad he's growing up to be exactly who he is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL-49kxbiNHM5Y28JJXMENHoCUPuSqDKd3f12pT0fppuQJrh6fgOvaeBwcdyiG2Nvxhoa0bZOG5rghl0Yw0oSvIBXq9Y2C96uZEiAqms-6pEvfeyPQoe9OsWzZIDGYHiM7Asr7sLi23gW5RZK-SOzSnGnjkw8bnvnw_PsIiyMBAnwEWMaBN3Eh9_urd4/s1680/2023-09-07%2018.45.16-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL-49kxbiNHM5Y28JJXMENHoCUPuSqDKd3f12pT0fppuQJrh6fgOvaeBwcdyiG2Nvxhoa0bZOG5rghl0Yw0oSvIBXq9Y2C96uZEiAqms-6pEvfeyPQoe9OsWzZIDGYHiM7Asr7sLi23gW5RZK-SOzSnGnjkw8bnvnw_PsIiyMBAnwEWMaBN3Eh9_urd4/w458-h640/2023-09-07%2018.45.16-1.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's a picture from September, closer to his <i>actual</i> first day of kindergarten, just for posterity!</div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-80725186253613877052023-12-30T20:52:00.012-07:002023-12-30T22:20:43.400-07:00Nutcracker musings the public has(n't) been clamoring for<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qB4Rgl308M45PbL6dU_I13EyAYh39S6hoLJ-a0wMnCe1T_fxvJF7zxIxkjvXPXL7t8Kt5Z8TbrAgBYkH-8ti8eJHyrTKONKz9LbIaHCQ7T-1Dfj85S6YeITvrLEsmm6sDZj2d-w7HgQczRZWnT-s-UVzYJLPwvJnD2_EQSU6rwqjJHKpYo7_Mj0PcdE/s2241/daisy57ballet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2241" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qB4Rgl308M45PbL6dU_I13EyAYh39S6hoLJ-a0wMnCe1T_fxvJF7zxIxkjvXPXL7t8Kt5Z8TbrAgBYkH-8ti8eJHyrTKONKz9LbIaHCQ7T-1Dfj85S6YeITvrLEsmm6sDZj2d-w7HgQczRZWnT-s-UVzYJLPwvJnD2_EQSU6rwqjJHKpYo7_Mj0PcdE/w456-h640/daisy57ballet.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe I say this every year, but the girls' progress in ballet is such a marvel to me. I hear them practicing the piano every day. And I see what they are doing in school, their spelling, their math, etc. But—you know how, for example, you might see your young nieces and nephews once a year—and every time, they've grown so much that they look like whole different people? But you never see that in your own kids because you see them every day? Well, ballet is the equivalent of that. I just drop the girls' off at their classes and never see them dancing. I know they're doing it, but in my mind they're just staying about the same skill level all the time. So then when I see them every six months in a performance—it's like they're entirely new dancers! They're amazing! Their improvements are <i>staggering</i>! It kind of makes me wish I could see the <i>rest</i> of their accomplishments through the same eyes, because I'm sure they're making similar progress that is hidden to me by familiarity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I also think I say <i>this</i> every year, but Sam's and my outlook on ballet as a whole has been…mixed. We've wondered and prayed a lot about if this is a worthwhile activity for the girls. Obviously there are plenty of good things about it, but the "dance world"…is not really a place we've wanted any of our daughters to end up permanently. We've known far too many deeply troubled dancers, sadly. But I'm sure it doesn't <i>have</i> to be that way…and we do like their little studio, we like that they offer daytime/homeschool classes, we like the things the director does—and does not—focus on. So we've been happy there. But every year it's a debate whether we keep it up another year. The girls LOVE it. They love it more all the time. But is it the <i>best thing</i> to do with time and resources, for them and for our family? That's the question I'm endlessly asking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, all of that said, I was astonished when Daisy and Junie told me that "everyone was saying" one of the two of them was going to be picked for Clara in the Nutcracker this year. I just had no idea that this thing which I keep thinking of as "a harmless-enough-for-now hobby that we might not even stick with forever"—might be becoming something they actually, objectively, excelled at. I hadn't realized that they, themselves, might begin to identify in some measure as dancers or ballerinas and not just "girls who did ballet."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, it's been an interesting realization or shift in perspective for me, and I'm not sure where it will lead. I still don't think they should, or will, pursue ballet past high school—but it's also interesting to think that I might not be the one who <i>decides</i> whether they do or not. And that I might not be the best person <i>to</i> decide. Hmmm! Life is so interesting as kids get older.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But for now, it has been just such a novel and surprising few months helping the three of them (especially Daisy and Junie) get ready for what was, legitimately, a major performance in which they played major roles. (Their studio is, obviously, not Ballet West or anything. But still! The girls worked really hard!) Daisy ended up getting cast as Clara, and we all wished she could have shared the part with Junie. But Junie's (<i>six!</i>) parts were challenging and amazing too. And Goldie keeps catching up in levels with girls way older than her. They're all remarkable. I've loved ballet ever since I was a little girl (watching it, mostly—I never took enough lessons to be remotely serious about it), watched good friends dance their way through the Nutcracker from Gingersnap all the way through Sugarplum Fairy, and I would never in a million years have guessed one of my own daughters could ever be Clara! And I was just so surprised and happy for her to get the chance!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7fQF-Pnmhxe9T7aihKQMwbJiGjwst-1i1GQ-gCVfUEYLR3vhz4Oeo-hNkxQE3UZD-U5etA1m9Nub-eEvVADLKrGiYr8Xvt0Nu24ayICgkuPD9VimX280IyhxdU2PtBWYXcdEkN9-22mYRhB5QbnNlFRvMNWr_pzCqc2WvRMKl6voNfMgWfrFh70ismg/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.36.29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7fQF-Pnmhxe9T7aihKQMwbJiGjwst-1i1GQ-gCVfUEYLR3vhz4Oeo-hNkxQE3UZD-U5etA1m9Nub-eEvVADLKrGiYr8Xvt0Nu24ayICgkuPD9VimX280IyhxdU2PtBWYXcdEkN9-22mYRhB5QbnNlFRvMNWr_pzCqc2WvRMKl6voNfMgWfrFh70ismg/w640-h360/2023-12-16%2018.36.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(First moments on stage. Note Maid Junie pushing Fritz right out there!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there's all the backstory. But then there's another story too, and it feels like one of those things that is almost too special to share, but then it also feels like I can't share these pictures and NOT the story behind them. Just consider this a journal entry for Daisy to read and remember when she's older, I guess! Because here's what happened: the girls did the matinee performance, in which they had a bunch of parts but another girl was Clara. And during the hardest dance, the Russian dance, Daisy and Junie are alone onstage with their friend Levi, and it's SO fun to watch. They just leap and twirl all over the place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvUHuDyR1pFw-_wiztoMTuFWOFy9dt_VVw5T8beEjXRXWMSO3KHA_T41pGzMgdeUYZqs4Bmb0QpqvK7TRvZZ4uF1S_8jduZTu6H_mRd8SzUEkSlOP62VfJ7_l4uAd4IKPY5k5jIzysBF8_HSqLTRD77nrJWI98y0u7uy3qVxCvnN48j8ZO7rTejqwW2Q/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.37.37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvUHuDyR1pFw-_wiztoMTuFWOFy9dt_VVw5T8beEjXRXWMSO3KHA_T41pGzMgdeUYZqs4Bmb0QpqvK7TRvZZ4uF1S_8jduZTu6H_mRd8SzUEkSlOP62VfJ7_l4uAd4IKPY5k5jIzysBF8_HSqLTRD77nrJWI98y0u7uy3qVxCvnN48j8ZO7rTejqwW2Q/w640-h416/2023-12-16%2015.37.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39bYdDTPxrsw_fLWEiTbEYCkulgH05PQ-c0Hn84i6y8iOMVnB8SDi7jqwtybE8u10S3_V5fA1cRpNcXrDogRDostsqF4tYzKKnVY6I_euwkD474U4IOjlor7Bdq9qDWPA8LSMRt19WFFPlpPLtv4G1_S3EWvh9AHVA3gVA5D8rRmuPd5cFGdocVr5ujE/s1632/2023-12-16%2015.37.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39bYdDTPxrsw_fLWEiTbEYCkulgH05PQ-c0Hn84i6y8iOMVnB8SDi7jqwtybE8u10S3_V5fA1cRpNcXrDogRDostsqF4tYzKKnVY6I_euwkD474U4IOjlor7Bdq9qDWPA8LSMRt19WFFPlpPLtv4G1_S3EWvh9AHVA3gVA5D8rRmuPd5cFGdocVr5ujE/w628-h640/2023-12-16%2015.37.32.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4biK-hDGBsQ7DZGjHn9R_89Ln-7dO8-jP8WZz-gFx9xVE-fHhugvNgh2-zwxCnOVLZil0evmeUobOSVhbvFljQvR4G5iQM7PIPCJtC4QGv4MJ-C0TIIcFp4rmc9xJ2dUXL8eMravBaBzKeiYKxO84hWX2ZidNaWRw-UcjPleWUUD4LfrJC9PF4-baL7o/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.37.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4biK-hDGBsQ7DZGjHn9R_89Ln-7dO8-jP8WZz-gFx9xVE-fHhugvNgh2-zwxCnOVLZil0evmeUobOSVhbvFljQvR4G5iQM7PIPCJtC4QGv4MJ-C0TIIcFp4rmc9xJ2dUXL8eMravBaBzKeiYKxO84hWX2ZidNaWRw-UcjPleWUUD4LfrJC9PF4-baL7o/w640-h398/2023-12-16%2015.37.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYkgKj1gvo-aFrFf795sP36QD6bDghbigfKSEZ8q89f-XGQ4uE7ihJn06fmdwbB2VJltj0Was4I1qTpUL_rfSJwnPhP9OKPK-8BD2-_TGvbhEDpqv_bxQ3qRiDsHFzvqVEbfqd67OGnWC4bTWpKQKw7bfYSZ4XLRMBwEpW5DMPNAy_uFiedUtwakJLCM/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.37.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYkgKj1gvo-aFrFf795sP36QD6bDghbigfKSEZ8q89f-XGQ4uE7ihJn06fmdwbB2VJltj0Was4I1qTpUL_rfSJwnPhP9OKPK-8BD2-_TGvbhEDpqv_bxQ3qRiDsHFzvqVEbfqd67OGnWC4bTWpKQKw7bfYSZ4XLRMBwEpW5DMPNAy_uFiedUtwakJLCM/w640-h424/2023-12-16%2015.37.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And at the very end Daisy was doing a big twirling leap. (It has a ballet name, I'm sure. Tour jeté?) And she just crumpled, very gracefully actually, to the floor. And then she leaped up and twirled and finished and ran offstage and I thought nothing of it. But a couple dances later, in Waltz of the Flowers, Junie came out on one side of the stage in a group of four girls, and on the other side a group of three girls came out, and Goldie (who had finished her parts and was sitting by me in the audience) whispered, "Daisy is supposed to be in that group." And my heart just dropped. And right then I got a text on my phone that said "Please come quickly, Daisy needs you."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went running backstage so fast. And my mind was already racing through possibilities. I knew she was hurt. And I started praying desperately "please don't let it be too bad." But when I got back and saw Daisy I knew it WAS bad. She was sitting with her foot propped up and a bag of ice on it, and it was all bruised and swollen through the arch, and she was just sobbing like her heart was broken. And then I thought MY heart would break too! I went over and hugged her and patted her and I kept saying "it's going to be okay, Daisy, it's going to be okay." And of course, we both knew it would be…eventually. Not like this would be the end of the world if she didn't dance Clara. But…also…it was unthinkable that she not dance Clara!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the other dancers were coming by and giving Daisy hugs and saying "oh no, I'm so sorry!" in shocked and hushed tones, which almost made it worse, because they kept setting her off crying again and it was all so doleful. And Daisy's two teachers were saying, "it's okay, Daisy, the most important thing is that you don't hurt it further, so just sit here and don't move it, and even if you can't dance tonight it will all be okay!" Which was probably the right thing to say, but also made her feel even more hopeless. I kept telling her, "We don't know yet. Let's just wait and see. We have two hours, let's just wait and see." Then I called Sam and asked him if he could come as soon as possible and give Daisy a priesthood blessing. And I texted my friend and asked her to please pray for Daisy. And I prayed with all the faith I could muster myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Twenty minutes we had found a quiet little alcove and pulled a chair in, and lifted Daisy over to it, and Sam gave her a blessing. And as he was saying it I felt such hope. He blessed her that she would be able to dance, that she'd feel confident, and that her body would be able to do what it needed to do to heal. It wasn't 100% perfectly clear that she would be healed NOW. But Daisy believed it. You could just see her kind of take a deep breath and shake off her fears and decide to believe. She told me, "When I fell, it hurt really bad and once I got offstage I just collapsed. I couldn't even walk. But now when I touch it, there's not quite so much pain. And that's only after a half hour. So I think it's going to keep getting better."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was another mom backstage who "happened to" work for a podiatrist. And she said to me, "it doesn't look good, but keep the ice on it and go get her some compression." So I ran over to Walmart and got some stretchy wrap to put on it, and when I got back Daisy had wiped her face and re-done her makeup, and she had the ice on her foot again, but she was looking sad and a little wilted. She told me, "My teacher says I can dance, but not on pointe. She says it's not worth maybe hurting myself more." And I said—I don't know what got into me, because <i>I</i> certainly don't know anything about dancing and what is and isn't wise—"Well, Daisy, why don't you put the wrap on, and then put on your pointe shoes and see how it feels, and if you feel like you can do it, just tell your teacher—'I want to try it on pointe. And I think I should get to decide because it's MY foot.'" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ha! I didn't know if Daisy would be brave enough! or if she <i>should</i> be! But we had both heard Sam's blessing! So she put on her pointe shoes and stood shakily up and danced a few steps. She told me later, "As soon as I put on the pointe shoes the pain just went away. And it stayed away until the last curtain call." So she went and told her teacher just what I'd said to say, and her teacher (bless her) said that was true and she'd let Daisy make the final decision. And Daisy decided she was ready, she'd practiced, she was full of adrenaline, and she was going to just go for it. I was so amazed and proud of her, and so worried, and trying to have faith in her blessing but also knowing that it <i>doesn't</i> always work out, that sometimes we <i>need</i> hard lessons in our lives, that sometimes great disappointments lead to great growth. But hoping so much that maybe <i>this</i> time…didn't need to be one of those times.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFdh5mwdlGXF0H6tsWV11IVsC42h8eLmEo2AkYF9p4SGlgFJ1h9SKEpTDpxJHVU_KqLY1RFoUmzTTtIi8_IsXtJPCPf_dnLxvuV0rA2Npub6qmO16F36L5mE2LJjOXP8K4rJo32FLCW6Vg0zM8_6dE0HiHn95URhX9auCiAuzaiuDNcCJzwXnxeukAgw/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.36.43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFdh5mwdlGXF0H6tsWV11IVsC42h8eLmEo2AkYF9p4SGlgFJ1h9SKEpTDpxJHVU_KqLY1RFoUmzTTtIi8_IsXtJPCPf_dnLxvuV0rA2Npub6qmO16F36L5mE2LJjOXP8K4rJo32FLCW6Vg0zM8_6dE0HiHn95URhX9auCiAuzaiuDNcCJzwXnxeukAgw/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2018.36.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div>Daisy's Young Women leaders had come to watch, and some cousins, and all of our family, and I was saying hi to everyone and smiling and thanking them for coming, but inside I was just dying with nervousness. I didn't really want to tell anyone that she'd gotten hurt. I knew it would be okay even if she didn't dance her <i>very</i> best because all of those people love her, and they aren't there to critique her, and they probably wouldn't even <i>know</i> if she made mistakes. But for <i>Daisy's</i> sake I just wanted it to be good. She'd worked so hard and wanted so much to do well, and who knew if she'd ever do something like this ever again. And of course I just wanted her to be able to feel that she was at her best, and to <i>enjoy</i> this experience while she was having it!<span><a name='more'></a></span><span></span></div><div>So. I was feeling major butterflies in my stomach as the curtain opened. And I'm sure Daisy was too! But once she walked out on stage I was so captivated by her, I had no attention to spare for worrying! I know she's my own daughter so of course I think she's wonderful. But there have been plenty of times when my kids are in some kind of performance and, though I love them, I'm fully aware of their limitations.😄 This was different. She was incredible! Luminous! I couldn't look away from her! I kept thinking about her swollen foot and her face covered in tears two hours earlier, and I was just sitting there in a sort of cloud of awe and gratitude that Heavenly Father had seen fit to work this miracle for her and let her do this performance.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjDbFofKB8GXFMnZaehV3vZE1NS-uNJbzfblRBUO3EzvfbY9AlTsmaLnzI3vPY6CcsWymdWurS1eGfAcxw8v3TEl_e0fI807yICbbZQQ9WyxYA2GKfEkFZ1l6hORXE6Q4xG2o2WQDaC7ctlkHhGK2gqbB3RJvoANo1X5NJv9QAG87qCiMQ3W07pflddo/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.37.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjDbFofKB8GXFMnZaehV3vZE1NS-uNJbzfblRBUO3EzvfbY9AlTsmaLnzI3vPY6CcsWymdWurS1eGfAcxw8v3TEl_e0fI807yICbbZQQ9WyxYA2GKfEkFZ1l6hORXE6Q4xG2o2WQDaC7ctlkHhGK2gqbB3RJvoANo1X5NJv9QAG87qCiMQ3W07pflddo/w640-h390/2023-12-16%2018.37.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So. That's most of the story. And now there are just lots of pictures, because even though they really don't do her performance justice, when I see these, I remember what I was feeling and how proud I was of Daisy! Not only for doing this hard thing—but for doing it when it got <i>really</i> hard and uncertain—and for doing it so bravely and beautifully. It's interesting to think how many other stories like this are probably going on all the time, and I never see them. People overcoming adversity to accomplish things. Quiet prayers answered. Quiet fears faced and conquered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well. On to the rest of the ballet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7lHFyA_44Q5LvZhLycq2rV4a4yWKHU99AvOVpvwyz_5JFoGzHAP-BR70hnUC5mNOKoxO-YzYDdQLLSdg76yoH5pAgz78RaNMc2fb80ohMbYWczmty0DW71H0LhyphenhyphenxJq4VHFnoE7g-2DISBFiq32GzDkPXA_AG2jB1JD-6kZMygFIOo5AI1JtJzTWdbIg/s1600/IMG_5399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7lHFyA_44Q5LvZhLycq2rV4a4yWKHU99AvOVpvwyz_5JFoGzHAP-BR70hnUC5mNOKoxO-YzYDdQLLSdg76yoH5pAgz78RaNMc2fb80ohMbYWczmty0DW71H0LhyphenhyphenxJq4VHFnoE7g-2DISBFiq32GzDkPXA_AG2jB1JD-6kZMygFIOo5AI1JtJzTWdbIg/w640-h468/IMG_5399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Junie presenting the party favors for the host's and hostess's approval</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhP2vDSlLFp7FZnYMDp3MiXBHXrKOA63KwFow00sUmkcQqR_9LnNH588hbBoNAlzg-YeZWn2eBddu7gTItdna_a3n6tYiQYAaTIZlD8smV16AbzFrr15CuZH1BttPbDyVohFwMRGIrpFmttVflvCNKgsE2jYU7lAUcyVwFcAj8w9_oV1G1VEtxN3vShM/s1600/IMG_5403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhP2vDSlLFp7FZnYMDp3MiXBHXrKOA63KwFow00sUmkcQqR_9LnNH588hbBoNAlzg-YeZWn2eBddu7gTItdna_a3n6tYiQYAaTIZlD8smV16AbzFrr15CuZH1BttPbDyVohFwMRGIrpFmttVflvCNKgsE2jYU7lAUcyVwFcAj8w9_oV1G1VEtxN3vShM/w640-h432/IMG_5403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Party guests lined up. There's Teddy, with impeccable posture!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs1c1abx27CjB0s24_9ml9QeT0b6dQI3eYD6bL7B6Jt0sVXGrIkcWYE3xi63jIT5F1YGiIiYYkmABhWWSozSeIW7dNipMwx4e9kGhks3zYIc_PGrap47FtrxOrQnfq91TnsXFrC40Tp6kiB5AbVwk6daJxURBL060d16ZXgdRxzHsZS1DRgHMo2NHDYY/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs1c1abx27CjB0s24_9ml9QeT0b6dQI3eYD6bL7B6Jt0sVXGrIkcWYE3xi63jIT5F1YGiIiYYkmABhWWSozSeIW7dNipMwx4e9kGhks3zYIc_PGrap47FtrxOrQnfq91TnsXFrC40Tp6kiB5AbVwk6daJxURBL060d16ZXgdRxzHsZS1DRgHMo2NHDYY/w640-h480/2023-12-16%2018.38.05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clara and Fritz start the dancing (Junie is annoyed with this series of pictures because she is covered up in all of them! You can just see her forehead and nose here. She's the maid behind Fritz.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyuincC5d44FzKeg18YnRJf679yFUv7TX4trRhHeSBgLTYGvFzJnctpEhJyPTXF-J93GKHv2CS5NX_EfUrArWn_T60ttszwuzOJ8alx_gz_yI6fxMdd-r1_ETMhPmNgZ4dAigTg1SBCQb8kucVswFhDq5GQUdSuOxLckYC8XBEU95p1CMapb7d4gGl20/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyuincC5d44FzKeg18YnRJf679yFUv7TX4trRhHeSBgLTYGvFzJnctpEhJyPTXF-J93GKHv2CS5NX_EfUrArWn_T60ttszwuzOJ8alx_gz_yI6fxMdd-r1_ETMhPmNgZ4dAigTg1SBCQb8kucVswFhDq5GQUdSuOxLckYC8XBEU95p1CMapb7d4gGl20/w640-h432/2023-12-16%2018.38.06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wOrBUiqZ-MpWVDhFB__yw6unGUconK7V0ziBh7BlFNxNQMadgb4FHd4ItN__1TsPeadnalL53d5HPnyyx9NC-6aFgdhPH1JrKRqJw1uz-eywndCBo-NTrBbW1a3akt6inKwUMZKgxq1IzlU__tIdHk2joksp104KiFPz7gXsqRx86KlQkQO-a-GfQZY/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wOrBUiqZ-MpWVDhFB__yw6unGUconK7V0ziBh7BlFNxNQMadgb4FHd4ItN__1TsPeadnalL53d5HPnyyx9NC-6aFgdhPH1JrKRqJw1uz-eywndCBo-NTrBbW1a3akt6inKwUMZKgxq1IzlU__tIdHk2joksp104KiFPz7gXsqRx86KlQkQO-a-GfQZY/w640-h438/2023-12-16%2018.38.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfWC5O14p43utJ84z22EcaeahO-D92oiTf2AF6rwlv6DTqzwdpzgMNXOMCN0vXo3Nnn7KdPQy_5AjC1lLwtsqSJAtshJiSqhfRT6U5Agkda2Gp9kC2XH-tTKoo0JILoDHEO8jyqXbstyksPAYls-EFIOsr0iGSxUnJWhk8GWQl94XMqxQOW2AM74rkoc/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfWC5O14p43utJ84z22EcaeahO-D92oiTf2AF6rwlv6DTqzwdpzgMNXOMCN0vXo3Nnn7KdPQy_5AjC1lLwtsqSJAtshJiSqhfRT6U5Agkda2Gp9kC2XH-tTKoo0JILoDHEO8jyqXbstyksPAYls-EFIOsr0iGSxUnJWhk8GWQl94XMqxQOW2AM74rkoc/w640-h488/2023-12-16%2018.38.08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Andrew, the boy who played Fritz, is only 13 and he is amazing. His dad was a dancer (he still plays Herr Drosselmeyer every year; you'll see him in a minute), and it's funny, even <i>I</i> can tell Andrew is in a whole other league from everyone else. He also danced the Snow King part with a much older girl and he was amazing. I wouldn't be surprised if he did try to make a career of ballet (though I wouldn't wish that on him either😬).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxcfgMTcQ2tz3YgbOJZm0R4Rsy7ay4qU_e7O0PrVnho9ridJOpGb4_4L4rOoCfTi-6afoXWzsUub8nxpMkjGHwqvOWfJJyvZLgRotRKf4uBrL40w2CljEb-5jATPm-cB2QA7v5zj-rtiQK5WyC7s-UL3ZIWYTVVQCkpwUmAEsP-P81PfAlRGyKj2_cNU/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.16-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxcfgMTcQ2tz3YgbOJZm0R4Rsy7ay4qU_e7O0PrVnho9ridJOpGb4_4L4rOoCfTi-6afoXWzsUub8nxpMkjGHwqvOWfJJyvZLgRotRKf4uBrL40w2CljEb-5jATPm-cB2QA7v5zj-rtiQK5WyC7s-UL3ZIWYTVVQCkpwUmAEsP-P81PfAlRGyKj2_cNU/w640-h466/2023-12-16%2018.38.16-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEqjPqBMnyO11hGdMKExYxSHbb0DKEwefYpFQUKEIAIx-a76Qc7tQXe3kpbdsAw1Yf863qoQIdIttcddefP54RPcMlB91-xy6tzxEuRrsIPgk04ukkzAn-QioKGSLmDngMhrqOz_vCfcle2nSjfElLft-4NCidkDydSvIXTzScJ8LiVR3LTaobZJOzXA/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEqjPqBMnyO11hGdMKExYxSHbb0DKEwefYpFQUKEIAIx-a76Qc7tQXe3kpbdsAw1Yf863qoQIdIttcddefP54RPcMlB91-xy6tzxEuRrsIPgk04ukkzAn-QioKGSLmDngMhrqOz_vCfcle2nSjfElLft-4NCidkDydSvIXTzScJ8LiVR3LTaobZJOzXA/w640-h448/2023-12-16%2018.38.48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ah! There's Goldie! In the purple to the left of Daisy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeWiKLClTyxRHEviYfUdl9WD9mMBsOM9qkj_i1-mEZhmX1j894esveoT1YUjr50tDaIiB4JSRdXXtSEPK6sDNrmYuGEB7KyRwwc0D0jcEnQkA8ggFlWiuYFkq6uyjgsOT38dZFON7ChNSh2VWKfTWZMEbaZpnIjaZpij09TQMc-mBRWE0ihtEZ6t2UWQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.31-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeWiKLClTyxRHEviYfUdl9WD9mMBsOM9qkj_i1-mEZhmX1j894esveoT1YUjr50tDaIiB4JSRdXXtSEPK6sDNrmYuGEB7KyRwwc0D0jcEnQkA8ggFlWiuYFkq6uyjgsOT38dZFON7ChNSh2VWKfTWZMEbaZpnIjaZpij09TQMc-mBRWE0ihtEZ6t2UWQ/w640-h370/2023-12-16%2018.38.31-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another Junie-glimpse, if you know where to look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB2VbZhmZakGxLcoKkNEHcN4PFxmSY5_5dP9PBMz4b9w4B56WpWEKJHfkgz5AdDd-fLLCjHd7WFU9gPCcCWa3XUBjrevKMSzEzMvgrE6LokBwrP7wwB-qo8jDDTEo5l2YAiivOOLJo0mB-YZlAbMFhO-v_-jT2_0DirDl8OOivzvf5hOSVKlbDVGqeA4/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB2VbZhmZakGxLcoKkNEHcN4PFxmSY5_5dP9PBMz4b9w4B56WpWEKJHfkgz5AdDd-fLLCjHd7WFU9gPCcCWa3XUBjrevKMSzEzMvgrE6LokBwrP7wwB-qo8jDDTEo5l2YAiivOOLJo0mB-YZlAbMFhO-v_-jT2_0DirDl8OOivzvf5hOSVKlbDVGqeA4/w640-h444/2023-12-16%2018.38.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjlI34EGbU-sQbZWlOzGo3MqUWsfI12UlvPBtKMV59D4dApBtaYpZc_v5vll1uJXeglDqY_Kt-HWVx6xXyWuKMwmlCZpqdUEjugbNkfsIj0bUU7bkaDcGFEbbTX09aFHuBxah4k_zOdmSQaPv8A5rMFzMLu6AAIN3P7qv4RHoro1YrG-TsAfnQFHvuiA/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.44-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjlI34EGbU-sQbZWlOzGo3MqUWsfI12UlvPBtKMV59D4dApBtaYpZc_v5vll1uJXeglDqY_Kt-HWVx6xXyWuKMwmlCZpqdUEjugbNkfsIj0bUU7bkaDcGFEbbTX09aFHuBxah4k_zOdmSQaPv8A5rMFzMLu6AAIN3P7qv4RHoro1YrG-TsAfnQFHvuiA/w640-h492/2023-12-16%2018.38.44-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two years ago the girls did this doll-dance with Clementine as the doll! Now Clementine walks around at home humming Nutcracker music and lifting <i>her</i> doll up and down in the air! It's so funny and cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHMje11S8Wluhyxfy4yOB5eQDR8QJ1mqnWJhdj5GistQChazp7lXrDJH9iUZ_BycCWozZOnJijtEeLeXRUPJ69yLle3HZkAigGXQAfGHT3BDdSx_WfZTDB_P7dgY9avtH1q1nlMBr46J_KYVOLo6tybR5CX4KP2c9S_JAOqyPT_j9-eg3uGtUz2xi-PE/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.38.50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHMje11S8Wluhyxfy4yOB5eQDR8QJ1mqnWJhdj5GistQChazp7lXrDJH9iUZ_BycCWozZOnJijtEeLeXRUPJ69yLle3HZkAigGXQAfGHT3BDdSx_WfZTDB_P7dgY9avtH1q1nlMBr46J_KYVOLo6tybR5CX4KP2c9S_JAOqyPT_j9-eg3uGtUz2xi-PE/w640-h398/2023-12-16%2018.38.50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1v3SSBDIjyKaX1WYLdaY4wJwtqOf0YIrfP7Vhn47WM4vEpmDq0x-94qB7l2rDqwNW074SCy6mTbSL54BnF71n59v1fqJpOVHgKsB6O8ZWvW3obeNqB1Sy6J7Hqi9tw3zV4O1VS7zNX4XsKMlbtrAdH-Q9XiKJ1cjZivlmSskzZN6CJN-lVbc01AJHk8/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.39.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1v3SSBDIjyKaX1WYLdaY4wJwtqOf0YIrfP7Vhn47WM4vEpmDq0x-94qB7l2rDqwNW074SCy6mTbSL54BnF71n59v1fqJpOVHgKsB6O8ZWvW3obeNqB1Sy6J7Hqi9tw3zV4O1VS7zNX4XsKMlbtrAdH-Q9XiKJ1cjZivlmSskzZN6CJN-lVbc01AJHk8/w640-h432/2023-12-16%2018.39.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ah, here's Teddy again, in green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcpEcCQqH6dxd_f-VtwbSClTRRKNUnNIdG13QhZRgFEPQdQRLBkqE96c5GzIGybMXbUs0i5BAk-rthipfrSKvXc_5MXSG4geFZhC9tr47kBhAnWHLorjEzQQijj3tGZVrwJXiCDC2XKFKXIboiewtK-HUJxpCCESNKwqYKvg5FqK1UeITSf1mzOCCplU/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.41.59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcpEcCQqH6dxd_f-VtwbSClTRRKNUnNIdG13QhZRgFEPQdQRLBkqE96c5GzIGybMXbUs0i5BAk-rthipfrSKvXc_5MXSG4geFZhC9tr47kBhAnWHLorjEzQQijj3tGZVrwJXiCDC2XKFKXIboiewtK-HUJxpCCESNKwqYKvg5FqK1UeITSf1mzOCCplU/w640-h472/2023-12-16%2018.41.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At one point in the performance, Daisy's hair bow suddenly broke and started sliding down the back of her hair and flopping around. I saw it happening and watched with great interest for what she would do about it. She tried to have one of the other girls re-clip it during a lull in the dancing, but the girl couldn't quite manage it, so Daisy said "I stuck it back in and tried not to wob my head around too much!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1oVhZrVS-ClX0okEXNtfceGVkyGKHA5dHXJ0Gz-ntsF9WHmHUYBb8YTk0X2bCnMNjxHVM3NmQ1aa7v5Md2H5XaZYeesB9kN_H-X6RtYm4f-Fvok0o1q-ZDerHii5LRbrGktfkk-AWRtLrU_MaoJnWcgZ9kAMAefQC__0HWCuVz38aKx225DwjLiSReg/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.42.05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1oVhZrVS-ClX0okEXNtfceGVkyGKHA5dHXJ0Gz-ntsF9WHmHUYBb8YTk0X2bCnMNjxHVM3NmQ1aa7v5Md2H5XaZYeesB9kN_H-X6RtYm4f-Fvok0o1q-ZDerHii5LRbrGktfkk-AWRtLrU_MaoJnWcgZ9kAMAefQC__0HWCuVz38aKx225DwjLiSReg/w640-h430/2023-12-16%2018.42.05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jVvf9cPdtNhEp0T8eZKdaH06WRMwOYftMk0DbKHHZwJ2Ja2v3N5fGNSBAusQGEUY-6yJQJ4bhKOqlxsQ-NLpxtZgdljsKgmTGJSadArIKz_IJbQ_snUNx9rwowJsuaebtw4AAuFPiKhgu0rJcA7Mq8UYo89Co6l2EFN88v937nPLjyBPI3cjoXRmiEc/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.44.21-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jVvf9cPdtNhEp0T8eZKdaH06WRMwOYftMk0DbKHHZwJ2Ja2v3N5fGNSBAusQGEUY-6yJQJ4bhKOqlxsQ-NLpxtZgdljsKgmTGJSadArIKz_IJbQ_snUNx9rwowJsuaebtw4AAuFPiKhgu0rJcA7Mq8UYo89Co6l2EFN88v937nPLjyBPI3cjoXRmiEc/w640-h302/2023-12-16%2018.44.21-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was funny. In the ballet, Herr Drosselmeyer shows the stick horses to the boys and they all crowd around him clamoring for one. So he hands the horses out one by one, and then the boys are supposed to race around riding them. Somehow, in this performance, Teddy got handed <i>two</i> horses, and I watched him register that fact, turn around looking for help, and then make a quick decision to just keep soldiering on. So in this picture he's riding both horses at once, and you can see him just grinning hugely to himself about that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoRMJDMb_8IjCUf_GJGr9AxLGgZDvwBwoXrMH2b-wMI3xNkUM-jB_fJWQHx2iW-jIU5PeNt64Y1Oio3iBg4NGJ8AMl8299zuwywIWLt7hjoasRjuiQgZmsaHrglWZdrT2mKlTG7SgnB2TQ2vKL31rJWpW26anjbvUOUTRsypyifj46k_fzF3cyP9Sojg/s1654/2023-12-16%2018.44.21-1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoRMJDMb_8IjCUf_GJGr9AxLGgZDvwBwoXrMH2b-wMI3xNkUM-jB_fJWQHx2iW-jIU5PeNt64Y1Oio3iBg4NGJ8AMl8299zuwywIWLt7hjoasRjuiQgZmsaHrglWZdrT2mKlTG7SgnB2TQ2vKL31rJWpW26anjbvUOUTRsypyifj46k_fzF3cyP9Sojg/w464-h640/2023-12-16%2018.44.21-1a.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrtzeRC0tFjx2Em2YKSK7ZxpOnSpBuqWzmId5eCHaOkllwVx_CXqH54mqur5dq0Rad-dA0a482jO4VpDKbxzBYg0p55D-e6tBbTGb9TowMRZvrarJXJRHkvnvD83gerDGJzDbDekgU8fz9bgpzVYH_W42AiYYNz6nwEkEghpX0hr9zIt3-1SvXGqTLpc/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.44.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrtzeRC0tFjx2Em2YKSK7ZxpOnSpBuqWzmId5eCHaOkllwVx_CXqH54mqur5dq0Rad-dA0a482jO4VpDKbxzBYg0p55D-e6tBbTGb9TowMRZvrarJXJRHkvnvD83gerDGJzDbDekgU8fz9bgpzVYH_W42AiYYNz6nwEkEghpX0hr9zIt3-1SvXGqTLpc/w640-h464/2023-12-16%2018.44.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fritz tries to take Clara's lollipop; naughty boy. (My girls have been impressed and awed by the sheer naughtiness of Fritz ever since they first danced in the Nutcracker.) While Fritz is chasing Clara, Drosselmeyer makes him fall down with a magic flick of his fingers. Andrew is SO convincing at falling that there is always a collective gasp of horror from the audience!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, Clara is not as naughty as Fritz. But she is a little spoiled, I'm sorry to say! Always whining for things…and getting them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCln34SFc49o8WLazC9Kb72ot1uX6KkP_9NCdJQBZovOQ0ooF_es19SE7X2DktAd-48nj2-0ugR9I7ig1vGiwI_7cEfptp4l8N6z4rWOIn2B5nvi8fydme9o45PGcYoG2eSUf50Equ_Nz018-qXMM7MK_XJhmUoS2KucbIhfNvh_3CZfUpR7ffNtB9Lbg/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.48.51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCln34SFc49o8WLazC9Kb72ot1uX6KkP_9NCdJQBZovOQ0ooF_es19SE7X2DktAd-48nj2-0ugR9I7ig1vGiwI_7cEfptp4l8N6z4rWOIn2B5nvi8fydme9o45PGcYoG2eSUf50Equ_Nz018-qXMM7MK_XJhmUoS2KucbIhfNvh_3CZfUpR7ffNtB9Lbg/w640-h480/2023-12-16%2018.48.51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clara gets the Nutcracker and this is her solo when she dances around for five minutes showing it off to everyone. (Teddy looks unimpressed.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2o71cOeq-ArDDYKklBTsyu0ulUgK3YKjanG6TjgFJfB7rrneb6uGsAeLnryw95yY8JDVMBECPvZ0Xw6Zs-Gsoh6Tv0LHHMPV49MACIq8pVCDYzT89rtcPuXy82gE3PEiyhSNK6ZNEROqXuGwHGSDFCYOY3N5rC5_nzexZa0XMg3VoZi7o4f7cmijIQE/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.48.54a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2o71cOeq-ArDDYKklBTsyu0ulUgK3YKjanG6TjgFJfB7rrneb6uGsAeLnryw95yY8JDVMBECPvZ0Xw6Zs-Gsoh6Tv0LHHMPV49MACIq8pVCDYzT89rtcPuXy82gE3PEiyhSNK6ZNEROqXuGwHGSDFCYOY3N5rC5_nzexZa0XMg3VoZi7o4f7cmijIQE/w640-h426/2023-12-16%2018.48.54a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSgE9Dm02pVPdn-f_4FqSQm3yqyRmyhXuTs7SjoMxXfQu0zuneg4zFkwB7VSBMvyX25EFplMh3WJVIMx-pxfBWMlJSMXeTmBrTmb819ikobCqV_AEHJt9xURcNEpeW89OOBmvMjnGSnNW3SoVFgvBD02RWj_oWymmEaKrtaCgfVYb0k1a6SPObvdBRo8/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.49.00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSgE9Dm02pVPdn-f_4FqSQm3yqyRmyhXuTs7SjoMxXfQu0zuneg4zFkwB7VSBMvyX25EFplMh3WJVIMx-pxfBWMlJSMXeTmBrTmb819ikobCqV_AEHJt9xURcNEpeW89OOBmvMjnGSnNW3SoVFgvBD02RWj_oWymmEaKrtaCgfVYb0k1a6SPObvdBRo8/w640-h426/2023-12-16%2018.49.00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Clara leaping for joy! (And since the girls have had endless hours of merriment commenting on this, let's just have a little close-up of Teddy's face):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix3aOQwgZ6Gez3AZBIE_mYLclc0InJw7eJXgznMZrTxta4djsQJRkVTlmxNSZCn5XexVeXL0_9LrXYLoJM7uRNnlFzil0hvDsKUFmfdcSvD-OIE3zaJwOKnh-oUCTSKr0xowy7GuMGl7PHAlw4xutZRJ3I7L-wStp4_Xvx7lxyNf8M3vlHzV7O1GIIhc/s1217/teddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix3aOQwgZ6Gez3AZBIE_mYLclc0InJw7eJXgznMZrTxta4djsQJRkVTlmxNSZCn5XexVeXL0_9LrXYLoJM7uRNnlFzil0hvDsKUFmfdcSvD-OIE3zaJwOKnh-oUCTSKr0xowy7GuMGl7PHAlw4xutZRJ3I7L-wStp4_Xvx7lxyNf8M3vlHzV7O1GIIhc/w632-h640/teddy.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The girls say that Teddy always put on this exact face when he was dancing this part—the boys are supposed to show with their acting that they are too manly and grown-up to be interested in a doll, and this is Teddy's interpretation of that. The girls (and he himself) laughed and laughed over it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgbcyi_f3OHnMWbPo8X1BDW1feH2Oo1Wed3x-7NYPJW_20CU3DxlAOjhqTypV9Jf4L5iDw-T0MiOQ2hyphenhypheny5lbkvQkFEN_PsWSw8NZYzRVUsDW11qwLD1VyfRAAAqRKfGceFAQ-JsNnK3wjz3iFAVtzsHz35BST0fVSDOTxI_mMTSuLnJ4PXbhrXmGYf9k/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.49.15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgbcyi_f3OHnMWbPo8X1BDW1feH2Oo1Wed3x-7NYPJW_20CU3DxlAOjhqTypV9Jf4L5iDw-T0MiOQ2hyphenhypheny5lbkvQkFEN_PsWSw8NZYzRVUsDW11qwLD1VyfRAAAqRKfGceFAQ-JsNnK3wjz3iFAVtzsHz35BST0fVSDOTxI_mMTSuLnJ4PXbhrXmGYf9k/w640-h440/2023-12-16%2018.49.15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthOzmW8us6S1eWsHvMjtrKgLhijVmywc5darNm9xx8unuk9tRpIp6GeOVIkxkseYStza8E-HTN0tocl9HA6bYOpLSuFhwDDSV4IA-9lIq7Nsb8fO-pKGOZiNMQ-m4w8_oXG_N4luTKLSTuHf3hPc5PVWRLfRHp4wJekBtAeS6MK8xQdGv1Ar3Q8xZGKk/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.49.17a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="1600" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthOzmW8us6S1eWsHvMjtrKgLhijVmywc5darNm9xx8unuk9tRpIp6GeOVIkxkseYStza8E-HTN0tocl9HA6bYOpLSuFhwDDSV4IA-9lIq7Nsb8fO-pKGOZiNMQ-m4w8_oXG_N4luTKLSTuHf3hPc5PVWRLfRHp4wJekBtAeS6MK8xQdGv1Ar3Q8xZGKk/w640-h554/2023-12-16%2018.49.17a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z2CFiq7wOa_oyQ3yFh0GtV1CMftZ0MF9SesBZyV4h6cvd0UY-cgy02s2C2wFRQofJOHVq8L0dN_nOmM9qMDMV5QzxNR1udsGIgl29DPFCuld1LTBeaDMwn7rjZfmgJ5Kyid6uh5xEzABVBxfT2cq_OGT6EQMUwFIYlP1QvWGXTqIEqZapAnXTO2MM8o/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.49.35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z2CFiq7wOa_oyQ3yFh0GtV1CMftZ0MF9SesBZyV4h6cvd0UY-cgy02s2C2wFRQofJOHVq8L0dN_nOmM9qMDMV5QzxNR1udsGIgl29DPFCuld1LTBeaDMwn7rjZfmgJ5Kyid6uh5xEzABVBxfT2cq_OGT6EQMUwFIYlP1QvWGXTqIEqZapAnXTO2MM8o/w640-h422/2023-12-16%2018.49.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tI4n_MV-WRxpeJCtkGGtuhTE3VEFm5OTi0qhBGIFeFo4_dJb7IWJTfnaxd2qaWHU2Lwosqvt9el4YgcnYpCW4t12z8wweXiaZe4h4BiHJ6Fiax3IWUpDRzXGyPsm30_CwaAboZOkcyKfs6f-gkXj49P2G_qVT5R3EwdQ7HPwF0bA0gDxbTa-HldCs9c/s1649/2023-12-16%2018.49.41a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tI4n_MV-WRxpeJCtkGGtuhTE3VEFm5OTi0qhBGIFeFo4_dJb7IWJTfnaxd2qaWHU2Lwosqvt9el4YgcnYpCW4t12z8wweXiaZe4h4BiHJ6Fiax3IWUpDRzXGyPsm30_CwaAboZOkcyKfs6f-gkXj49P2G_qVT5R3EwdQ7HPwF0bA0gDxbTa-HldCs9c/w466-h640/2023-12-16%2018.49.41a.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy said the Nutcracker is heavy and this part is really hard to do while holding it. "Also, I've just never gotten that good at <i>attitude</i> when I'm on pointe."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CXJBxo3PmwGD855uSyqF31Q7Im5fr79ZpYxyBMoKAsQ4cD6Blk75WZ_i01sBCWKmiq2K3jhR1bniQzIWTv8wTG9Hy3sbaNNnB7AFR7BlnwaSdbNiN09NcnOoWZljGlGduIgNRZGcXH7L4vVfzYmJlceoh_S7Tli3WqAQpyqWJkCt4j7P47fyM4wxVqU/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.49.43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CXJBxo3PmwGD855uSyqF31Q7Im5fr79ZpYxyBMoKAsQ4cD6Blk75WZ_i01sBCWKmiq2K3jhR1bniQzIWTv8wTG9Hy3sbaNNnB7AFR7BlnwaSdbNiN09NcnOoWZljGlGduIgNRZGcXH7L4vVfzYmJlceoh_S7Tli3WqAQpyqWJkCt4j7P47fyM4wxVqU/w640-h450/2023-12-16%2018.49.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I think she's amazing! Look how straight her legs are! I saw her try for 10 minutes to successfully hold this pose when they were taking photos of her for the program, so I know it's <i>hard</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkzZTlxOAvg-Jg_7faK1xFjt7TTdRVEzzn_CgM984G7FXcwdyTShD1dnJ53zPl30ticxCn6xEeBYcqY_h582ipdm-TyPHdwXPSyAdHmoW1lqcrMvt7s7JPzjYj0Foo6_UEQN_f8lJfgfuycu81lno5lAabLygaBU8NynunJ3qURtl6tKDuxKn8KcV4ZY/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.49.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkzZTlxOAvg-Jg_7faK1xFjt7TTdRVEzzn_CgM984G7FXcwdyTShD1dnJ53zPl30ticxCn6xEeBYcqY_h582ipdm-TyPHdwXPSyAdHmoW1lqcrMvt7s7JPzjYj0Foo6_UEQN_f8lJfgfuycu81lno5lAabLygaBU8NynunJ3qURtl6tKDuxKn8KcV4ZY/w640-h408/2023-12-16%2018.49.46.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQGi8bSZwbJWWoqSVzFtbcRVcq8b8FU8a_kVrS4oUVqnUF6s90O9rxlv7b7ueFK5DTapgdaZJtZJb_SI8rAGTbgcx-Trq3rZ8ssjY8XsfZkgGEaXdq8YwMSEPogevwvvOk9ZYYpgGGU2ZZ8TI5P31AEXNC34stiCEy-UFZC1n6hEd3RH50UCuNQ4_iDI/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.50.00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQGi8bSZwbJWWoqSVzFtbcRVcq8b8FU8a_kVrS4oUVqnUF6s90O9rxlv7b7ueFK5DTapgdaZJtZJb_SI8rAGTbgcx-Trq3rZ8ssjY8XsfZkgGEaXdq8YwMSEPogevwvvOk9ZYYpgGGU2ZZ8TI5P31AEXNC34stiCEy-UFZC1n6hEd3RH50UCuNQ4_iDI/w640-h424/2023-12-16%2018.50.00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy says she always has to try hard not to laugh here because Fritz is so funny about the way he tries to take the Nutcracker from her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D-jaNUEGQEfQeBK68U9oCDhFtBqfYMBU2HlotCQ8yJfO1nX5HS9CkANNogodIwsXhKD6iXm4SD9mLeiUavJD1M4kl3rfAFQ0rE48UP4dUN7eS9mjmjQUOMYrLX9-VXLl3qC9TLAbMY7oL1ZnR5VzvtXGl1Nx55nXinNByhclvZRiqiWpqNI_Njgf1XQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.50.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D-jaNUEGQEfQeBK68U9oCDhFtBqfYMBU2HlotCQ8yJfO1nX5HS9CkANNogodIwsXhKD6iXm4SD9mLeiUavJD1M4kl3rfAFQ0rE48UP4dUN7eS9mjmjQUOMYrLX9-VXLl3qC9TLAbMY7oL1ZnR5VzvtXGl1Nx55nXinNByhclvZRiqiWpqNI_Njgf1XQ/w640-h310/2023-12-16%2018.50.54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lullaby for the dollies. Goldie's in the back row in lavender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuITJxCvXoC-fa_rA_HI7fjI0TnnVbx0HMdr4jpajfhlq_Epmmcu0G4M2lJrCec-iEmxzOEgsHobA-jUVmQWCK4BbZzPNvwzRmx-NRh2ExU6_Uee_KCeVRqNhHAv1Y2CCwShPrPWqU4TEPcqCuYupodgcra3-PgNKIb1nnc7bYZkVbT61-3Zs2_b7lngw/s1676/2023-12-16%2018.50.54a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1676" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuITJxCvXoC-fa_rA_HI7fjI0TnnVbx0HMdr4jpajfhlq_Epmmcu0G4M2lJrCec-iEmxzOEgsHobA-jUVmQWCK4BbZzPNvwzRmx-NRh2ExU6_Uee_KCeVRqNhHAv1Y2CCwShPrPWqU4TEPcqCuYupodgcra3-PgNKIb1nnc7bYZkVbT61-3Zs2_b7lngw/w458-h640/2023-12-16%2018.50.54a.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>She has the sweetest face when she looks at her doll!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_zPLNRfoIY2IZhlud-q_rryc8P0m2w_JH90IWQDmd4lTJPE8wFaNSwGMQSZXvbe8nhuQj2F1gszy5YhJLnso63LJhIrnRpSR4dre04XD1tlboStDZ04aO2k0v8mwkH6DfT4Ou-kFBOBBwarKYgP2OAlRvRG8kcXuqyMClGcRbODeJSikR_2dyViu5VU/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.50.56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_zPLNRfoIY2IZhlud-q_rryc8P0m2w_JH90IWQDmd4lTJPE8wFaNSwGMQSZXvbe8nhuQj2F1gszy5YhJLnso63LJhIrnRpSR4dre04XD1tlboStDZ04aO2k0v8mwkH6DfT4Ou-kFBOBBwarKYgP2OAlRvRG8kcXuqyMClGcRbODeJSikR_2dyViu5VU/w640-h410/2023-12-16%2018.50.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eleanor (the girl to Daisy's right in the peachy-pink) is wearing one of the dresses my girls have worn for Party Scene in other years. I feel a fondness for it when I see it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdFrZXd4Ls91zVOPiCUZcXQs0JFZ5y-RUexFYXiGztjVJ9rCVNcWS1MufUeIouG-zpC_QdzlISWz_3YvbIpGmCklfE8T7W6OPy_wy3aupRJKmtTlcK3_VDlICPA9c995fQE7l2An2_KOifiDhg2gcUOqjZtJr7MQfXBZdXDhuo5wt5fkqeoGuffMI6LU/s1697/2023-12-16%2018.50.56a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdFrZXd4Ls91zVOPiCUZcXQs0JFZ5y-RUexFYXiGztjVJ9rCVNcWS1MufUeIouG-zpC_QdzlISWz_3YvbIpGmCklfE8T7W6OPy_wy3aupRJKmtTlcK3_VDlICPA9c995fQE7l2An2_KOifiDhg2gcUOqjZtJr7MQfXBZdXDhuo5wt5fkqeoGuffMI6LU/w452-h640/2023-12-16%2018.50.56a.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGKjrzfbt4XsPLMdTmdt7QtoCfUWzFPPKTNoYLYs4nYGQ2Y7UanHbBD70lQ5bS3doCSlHVOuPknpjc00y8jhRc-_eOBRsuGUY2OinQefk5-uifNR5ZSdWhRG3iyW0I63yWfNLGWJWpkh_FnjVnRdLAldP42wElDRy2rQK5yqsYTxGflZukk1lkT8YJxc/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.51.14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGKjrzfbt4XsPLMdTmdt7QtoCfUWzFPPKTNoYLYs4nYGQ2Y7UanHbBD70lQ5bS3doCSlHVOuPknpjc00y8jhRc-_eOBRsuGUY2OinQefk5-uifNR5ZSdWhRG3iyW0I63yWfNLGWJWpkh_FnjVnRdLAldP42wElDRy2rQK5yqsYTxGflZukk1lkT8YJxc/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2018.51.14.jpg" width="640" /><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvU7-FQOLY2cH_nigNjeo4FowBpvTh3c4ePtf6PMK2mYyY8mdrdTHHBVO5zLBlqTXRjBVGqY9UJeY5R0B73vfEthLjldhqe0a8UesAO22kz4ZDWTy6VK_MzuBF4iVgL787FKmMDTuQm1ZWNA6Q5zseIi-9es7ZsvGEjWCbW4yVU6Qw9diqL_L_3hRMUg/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.51.49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvU7-FQOLY2cH_nigNjeo4FowBpvTh3c4ePtf6PMK2mYyY8mdrdTHHBVO5zLBlqTXRjBVGqY9UJeY5R0B73vfEthLjldhqe0a8UesAO22kz4ZDWTy6VK_MzuBF4iVgL787FKmMDTuQm1ZWNA6Q5zseIi-9es7ZsvGEjWCbW4yVU6Qw9diqL_L_3hRMUg/w640-h392/2023-12-16%2018.51.49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWlWW52o_iW7vG2dEnZ8_ONlsdAK-eNW7tKxgezAuLkD7TDIQOLMSYBUZEEEJ1r2Lvb42YYsZnjMFjhY8lGS6UM8H7fZUuCsc0MIsdIgIq6hlbT7MvwpAnLoIZMjCiZsqwfBsvpJUoquiOqcZPzA6x3wQLUETtbaTJpIADBX1zNUgNaifAQpOLwTquvE/s2020/2023-12-16%2018.51.49a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2020" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWlWW52o_iW7vG2dEnZ8_ONlsdAK-eNW7tKxgezAuLkD7TDIQOLMSYBUZEEEJ1r2Lvb42YYsZnjMFjhY8lGS6UM8H7fZUuCsc0MIsdIgIq6hlbT7MvwpAnLoIZMjCiZsqwfBsvpJUoquiOqcZPzA6x3wQLUETtbaTJpIADBX1zNUgNaifAQpOLwTquvE/w380-h640/2023-12-16%2018.51.49a.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZVm9py8Z-V6_gzWeTK1bjR6RVbHBxx1yNbfsjFoOiaRNpbomary_rHFh4TcOCfzXT0RavxEKhvcRwGQkNRhb0XcoR5X1TFNHYcUMevlFMuUIktZCvQBdTI05YDxA4FtgNm59mAO2ejDa1RkGo7UQ4CZmhqINDUv9iNjeoqjDo-eKa1DbDYdwmw8OBlc/s1681/2023-12-16%2018.51.49b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZVm9py8Z-V6_gzWeTK1bjR6RVbHBxx1yNbfsjFoOiaRNpbomary_rHFh4TcOCfzXT0RavxEKhvcRwGQkNRhb0XcoR5X1TFNHYcUMevlFMuUIktZCvQBdTI05YDxA4FtgNm59mAO2ejDa1RkGo7UQ4CZmhqINDUv9iNjeoqjDo-eKa1DbDYdwmw8OBlc/w456-h640/2023-12-16%2018.51.49b.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8gO5gq7xItsXrjR1h_3o-lYFeibkKz1dcazdFBB70-58zsbE22d5xFTV8-HI6xvSh4ks9-MOq7bSlSTanJHmOrEwlme6uTMh-hV21qET8pd0ce55V613FzyIf7i48tjLoUw-B8dyx6gQ1TNsnSNddQs1SHu_dOcxB0ymR9NcM05Hqq9aF5gEjRMzykQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.52.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8gO5gq7xItsXrjR1h_3o-lYFeibkKz1dcazdFBB70-58zsbE22d5xFTV8-HI6xvSh4ks9-MOq7bSlSTanJHmOrEwlme6uTMh-hV21qET8pd0ce55V613FzyIf7i48tjLoUw-B8dyx6gQ1TNsnSNddQs1SHu_dOcxB0ymR9NcM05Hqq9aF5gEjRMzykQ/w640-h430/2023-12-16%2018.52.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Junie, as maid, got to tell stories to the party guests while the adults did their dance. Junie was very pleased to get to do this, but shocked by the way some of the younger party girls were rowdy and talked back to her when she tried to quiet them—even during the performance! Goodness! Daisy was relieved when the parent dance came around because she could finally try to fix her hair bow properly. But it was broken. So she just jammed it in the hair hard enough that it would stay until her costume change. It worked! She also said "I was supposed to sit by Junie on the couch for this part because it's my house, not on the floor with the other guests. But I didn't know that. Junie only told me afterwards."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCtMTCZ_1nbrNaYoPyFQlNIMH5c9MRFUj7RLZMHZKRfAnUr8YSyPKF5Beg0OgkhML_163EX3aAEcVV64Pbm9Y0b3mh4DIf-VsFwCQwbYhSnu8XwPa-H99jZNGvh9Hj4SfXUfOld07-TEa1xashPNVHcKeh6UjXkfexpCCzZBrNSNmkMrQmvhBl4oDgdM/s2000/2023-12-16%2018.54.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="2000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCtMTCZ_1nbrNaYoPyFQlNIMH5c9MRFUj7RLZMHZKRfAnUr8YSyPKF5Beg0OgkhML_163EX3aAEcVV64Pbm9Y0b3mh4DIf-VsFwCQwbYhSnu8XwPa-H99jZNGvh9Hj4SfXUfOld07-TEa1xashPNVHcKeh6UjXkfexpCCzZBrNSNmkMrQmvhBl4oDgdM/w640-h384/2023-12-16%2018.54.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Herr Drosselmeyer gives a warning about something happening at midnight. And everyone goes home. There's a rather long musical interlude which I've never thought much about before, but this time I was imagining Daisy frantically backstage getting <i>out of</i> her party dress and <i>into</i> her nightgown. She has people to help her, but she said it's still quite nerve-wracking…trying to hurry and not ruin your hair and make-up and make sure you get back onstage on the right beat!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoijnBx496FRrjmZtenGzUvoZw55XSAuMAtnKt9fW2J5ND-a-icLeFHGO3-Dfw2fe-G9Wk5GjTuoyAdpL8_3b0hOybX4Js0a6jXcgs3pVPDVJqHRuB82FRh4zLm4yjcT2nwkscfgRScnDDWCFMUyTGWu0oVzIQTJ0aI3klvddBWaPyWTg-x4vPbOCcbo/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.56.16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoijnBx496FRrjmZtenGzUvoZw55XSAuMAtnKt9fW2J5ND-a-icLeFHGO3-Dfw2fe-G9Wk5GjTuoyAdpL8_3b0hOybX4Js0a6jXcgs3pVPDVJqHRuB82FRh4zLm4yjcT2nwkscfgRScnDDWCFMUyTGWu0oVzIQTJ0aI3klvddBWaPyWTg-x4vPbOCcbo/w640-h388/2023-12-16%2018.56.16.jpg" width="640" /></a><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then she's onstage alone in her nightgown for a while, saying goodnight to the Nutcracker and curling up on the sofa to fall asleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6YDsBQN8omcR4roQW-e6dtokxP9e0HOEkw-6qkw18AjrBFEiBknRwDomEcf7GRq-PixELamVsOJAWkhZ-aXefQmJRcN3B9DLtbu-sZjc-gTpjwXLtzexj_Ubc9F6RQsIq2R60zmIykILE46q-wm8y0XUIx7NXvjYVsYX_S05V2oUSchNya8x8Alth-E/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.57.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6YDsBQN8omcR4roQW-e6dtokxP9e0HOEkw-6qkw18AjrBFEiBknRwDomEcf7GRq-PixELamVsOJAWkhZ-aXefQmJRcN3B9DLtbu-sZjc-gTpjwXLtzexj_Ubc9F6RQsIq2R60zmIykILE46q-wm8y0XUIx7NXvjYVsYX_S05V2oUSchNya8x8Alth-E/w640-h442/2023-12-16%2018.57.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then—horrors! Surrounded by mice!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLk_7Mee-42j8PZ2_zWdY_J2boK9-8axkvNUt7_Jia62iSMk9-pdIO3L5qGUnIBOhqEZaRyLUYjlkyxAWWoaog1dBscXQqFlGDsl9q0PrWwU_1sCu0uRD21zs3qS7cqVu01zUpx0nUEMp-XPSIgQUxD7TbZZjPDqniUbhgmNfHus-bmOwC13huoYbZ5M/s2000/2023-12-16%2018.57.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="2000" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLk_7Mee-42j8PZ2_zWdY_J2boK9-8axkvNUt7_Jia62iSMk9-pdIO3L5qGUnIBOhqEZaRyLUYjlkyxAWWoaog1dBscXQqFlGDsl9q0PrWwU_1sCu0uRD21zs3qS7cqVu01zUpx0nUEMp-XPSIgQUxD7TbZZjPDqniUbhgmNfHus-bmOwC13huoYbZ5M/w640-h326/2023-12-16%2018.57.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF_B3GKqqL3xT3ACDXDLi74wKLD3DLzwBdQU1bYiiGXDQBP1Q1L6UZ4bSGPuQehEzOobOQZz0KVuuk6GwC7yhKarErx8I2gY7ihpt0oS9ohv8xzXj6jEHN9iuCKGaMToy0xKQFEg42WLc-WQ2fqJXVf3mQMdmzCEzNj7p0ebt_olAhtq5fbOLLucoNxI/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.57.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF_B3GKqqL3xT3ACDXDLi74wKLD3DLzwBdQU1bYiiGXDQBP1Q1L6UZ4bSGPuQehEzOobOQZz0KVuuk6GwC7yhKarErx8I2gY7ihpt0oS9ohv8xzXj6jEHN9iuCKGaMToy0xKQFEg42WLc-WQ2fqJXVf3mQMdmzCEzNj7p0ebt_olAhtq5fbOLLucoNxI/w640-h426/2023-12-16%2018.57.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy said the mice were none too good at holding onto her and sometimes she wobbled quite a lot in their arms. "It's easy to look scared, because I <i>am</i> scared!" she said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsIE5781-OoYJowN-jyLfoQW0wLRVG-MsSmYTeghU806dnMuGFeYNe4Tyerv-NkL-9-ODh7J7Ewg5kikGW1Bx4ORoGR8CNuZVk3RRgEwKeyQNKgNc2LKmOWqdFI9GY3bjopvjg6CrE-yhfAa5po_zgg-KARxQYGk2YhVC2kv-oBi96qGxHEjCjJMKNxM/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.57.50-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsIE5781-OoYJowN-jyLfoQW0wLRVG-MsSmYTeghU806dnMuGFeYNe4Tyerv-NkL-9-ODh7J7Ewg5kikGW1Bx4ORoGR8CNuZVk3RRgEwKeyQNKgNc2LKmOWqdFI9GY3bjopvjg6CrE-yhfAa5po_zgg-KARxQYGk2YhVC2kv-oBi96qGxHEjCjJMKNxM/w640-h388/2023-12-16%2018.57.50-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c4OdAFh0iLc7I9r-zKxJxvX6yHtKf882LN7cwq_r6M0gTXENIGo31PuJz6JVs_GLtiPZDF_X0LSDSCIuQKRK6JVynyOVPSZC8zhRUC5tI7ZLgJW6MR_Uu3GniMIBNnHKW3SehLsI5hy6BaAh5f_hxbsRSMqxC5mYutEuea8OJw4hWmRGOgdoUOIItLs/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.57.52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c4OdAFh0iLc7I9r-zKxJxvX6yHtKf882LN7cwq_r6M0gTXENIGo31PuJz6JVs_GLtiPZDF_X0LSDSCIuQKRK6JVynyOVPSZC8zhRUC5tI7ZLgJW6MR_Uu3GniMIBNnHKW3SehLsI5hy6BaAh5f_hxbsRSMqxC5mYutEuea8OJw4hWmRGOgdoUOIItLs/w640-h382/2023-12-16%2018.57.52.jpg" width="640" /></a><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She cries that silent, face-in-hands ballet-cry for a while</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbaVfKg6Vgjh54jxlTOfrAsRMv-FXFpp2yEPWqE2a6pUGEEWBsga-c33E29AbO8wlqBoc2YUCwCZu8k12urMfXVZnqKuRHO_QEQzJ8F5Pmt2Ut-Wqe8SPhiZp0ZcEDx7QjXZ5eUZSuVQS2fygkuz0rXgzdG65KdVZhOZ_N5lkr7IkAIFUovmXwJdDXVQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.11-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbaVfKg6Vgjh54jxlTOfrAsRMv-FXFpp2yEPWqE2a6pUGEEWBsga-c33E29AbO8wlqBoc2YUCwCZu8k12urMfXVZnqKuRHO_QEQzJ8F5Pmt2Ut-Wqe8SPhiZp0ZcEDx7QjXZ5eUZSuVQS2fygkuz0rXgzdG65KdVZhOZ_N5lkr7IkAIFUovmXwJdDXVQ/w640-h318/2023-12-16%2018.58.11-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then gets yanked all over the place by the mice, poor thing! Daisy said all the mice were laughing in this part, because there are supposed to be three mice on each side, and they had gotten it wrong again. Apparently they were <i>always</i> getting it wrong. Daisy said once in rehearsal, ALL the mice ended up on one side of her and she was making the most horrible faces in her attempts not to laugh, but all the mice were laughing and she couldn't help it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Why do they always get it wrong?" I asked. "They just never planned it out!" Daisy told me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RZzqxaba2ZsVGCBd0gOXQkIpAiXfBbj0hsQ7LBuP9GJ-VYlN1Pt4KLyZxkN53TLXwJrMGZ4Ri8rrVVmF4uiHxrv6Kc2IqmbS6DoL4NKMZtf34VfFH5vhypDU6XRi9XMtHQrHboWp4ndiKLtuJcKlT0xP9qVZT4c7e9BrwR2pz_CWNv_4T2R5HVYo6IQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RZzqxaba2ZsVGCBd0gOXQkIpAiXfBbj0hsQ7LBuP9GJ-VYlN1Pt4KLyZxkN53TLXwJrMGZ4Ri8rrVVmF4uiHxrv6Kc2IqmbS6DoL4NKMZtf34VfFH5vhypDU6XRi9XMtHQrHboWp4ndiKLtuJcKlT0xP9qVZT4c7e9BrwR2pz_CWNv_4T2R5HVYo6IQ/w640-h342/2023-12-16%2018.58.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A little better here, maybe? Haha.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx9qnYxuCu1DkByWeP7soBHk2byMapRJeadEOYtW3ajSYLFhGMb9O0tviZskP6NYIeDQFWyYMD7_BWLB4CixDN44r2PpygYkkwU1Dv5QfupwOaU5xBT0gjvfjLrLqaRtfDfysKuoW6WBx24Mx9VTVu0t5LYu4vxW0FZw5x83DU1jmnLZEw1nDwWQ2NPQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx9qnYxuCu1DkByWeP7soBHk2byMapRJeadEOYtW3ajSYLFhGMb9O0tviZskP6NYIeDQFWyYMD7_BWLB4CixDN44r2PpygYkkwU1Dv5QfupwOaU5xBT0gjvfjLrLqaRtfDfysKuoW6WBx24Mx9VTVu0t5LYu4vxW0FZw5x83DU1jmnLZEw1nDwWQ2NPQ/w640-h444/2023-12-16%2018.58.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Clara has a pas de deux with her uncle Drosselmeyer. They had to cut out a couple of the harder lifts because he had been sick and didn't want to risk dropping her! So that was too bad, but Daisy was excited to dance with a partner anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingHCOoFfhEkVAaRIX1cMVE6U3l862g4yzRxkW_jU8UeG6BRoHkp0Qqw290W23npAk8mzH2YaPSbKR1gkyMDk1izWZZy6gMZ5FEgEOqOTHCVuK2Y4XkejfUsDupZuqR5QHt2gRYnY9S9DmD2l85eiPc0OqGWXekmgeZ8XOXNVbkm6fta1xb6vNqpSsdRc/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingHCOoFfhEkVAaRIX1cMVE6U3l862g4yzRxkW_jU8UeG6BRoHkp0Qqw290W23npAk8mzH2YaPSbKR1gkyMDk1izWZZy6gMZ5FEgEOqOTHCVuK2Y4XkejfUsDupZuqR5QHt2gRYnY9S9DmD2l85eiPc0OqGWXekmgeZ8XOXNVbkm6fta1xb6vNqpSsdRc/w640-h480/2023-12-16%2018.58.41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijHB5bMYOm6v3SWM9Nnye7yLPFyd9Db-nbEfWygVuE-5psYGwGZJ5sQ0KUI7MRoFOc4anynANsb4x7BMxvMuRu3sXoe7AMXS_CDJngWnMMzhK-bjcR8ZNOEd6CFTtWXTDil9yagAQfcf3Waw63tt5p9Hlj6LkUZL1JV6yb7MxyfGTMjF_HnAiZkUMbAI/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijHB5bMYOm6v3SWM9Nnye7yLPFyd9Db-nbEfWygVuE-5psYGwGZJ5sQ0KUI7MRoFOc4anynANsb4x7BMxvMuRu3sXoe7AMXS_CDJngWnMMzhK-bjcR8ZNOEd6CFTtWXTDil9yagAQfcf3Waw63tt5p9Hlj6LkUZL1JV6yb7MxyfGTMjF_HnAiZkUMbAI/w640-h440/2023-12-16%2018.58.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdizH5cJydW3NVoOBT6slRSQBxmugSEFSXJZ2rXlConJ99odE1v7C9zkezSHX1Jzu9tXa7BksUWma-FcGqTvYl2uUZh2bZWrSQk9rW6GN2_cullYPSKiGn-J-w7kekFrGS9SPve1Ys2p-BGoBjL3ES6R1W1uLWjSSc1kh6t46lfGP5OqVDwC9cnAygy84/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdizH5cJydW3NVoOBT6slRSQBxmugSEFSXJZ2rXlConJ99odE1v7C9zkezSHX1Jzu9tXa7BksUWma-FcGqTvYl2uUZh2bZWrSQk9rW6GN2_cullYPSKiGn-J-w7kekFrGS9SPve1Ys2p-BGoBjL3ES6R1W1uLWjSSc1kh6t46lfGP5OqVDwC9cnAygy84/w640-h418/2023-12-16%2018.58.48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDZDdQIAnPoJcF8Xrvpm4Z2ztKh5Do7bCWTfsMfGBpnkIgpXHbnplnLsPlSr2PvMptBaaaVnwjQvpx-PLltrVDV1LurelfQaXzYMKXEBa-O1qu2M1RubsXzp8p5KAkFv_9zcv4dUhJoFOT17drvCbjwG20k07CV8Bqrre9scSSuWY1_8k1ltjST4jP8E/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.49-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDZDdQIAnPoJcF8Xrvpm4Z2ztKh5Do7bCWTfsMfGBpnkIgpXHbnplnLsPlSr2PvMptBaaaVnwjQvpx-PLltrVDV1LurelfQaXzYMKXEBa-O1qu2M1RubsXzp8p5KAkFv_9zcv4dUhJoFOT17drvCbjwG20k07CV8Bqrre9scSSuWY1_8k1ltjST4jP8E/w640-h448/2023-12-16%2018.58.49-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjOXtK-8wcEEKx4B8BI5xAw1Roc1OXIBK0BQO18K5uFwJcw_ock_jVHxkGXxQnAk0ZNUDkEX4UMM7fVD__n64p-sI7TvKS1-AtlclPb4uuNmgtcNZWwvbrb6EkoPNwNRl6wK6jDUKeIX7QVcNcCrjsnCjHi0q-gno75Wt2y9RPSSx6nrURijRIUPqjfw/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.58.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjOXtK-8wcEEKx4B8BI5xAw1Roc1OXIBK0BQO18K5uFwJcw_ock_jVHxkGXxQnAk0ZNUDkEX4UMM7fVD__n64p-sI7TvKS1-AtlclPb4uuNmgtcNZWwvbrb6EkoPNwNRl6wK6jDUKeIX7QVcNcCrjsnCjHi0q-gno75Wt2y9RPSSx6nrURijRIUPqjfw/w640-h416/2023-12-16%2018.58.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc51lliP1y62c3OneCM2R5mvnp-9GU9cJ5mcDtH4njYRAF5tcDKNDPA9GUo2pkxU4T1uZVRCbB49YIFdvBu3jsbsfI4nctRfo3LvNAuxEPtWro_tSLQED2fgSvbNw4ZoiUMOrOpyu19fVQK924zB-AaUaEO1m2_-BsSQActAwXGgsGBmZV-dtf469PaA/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.59.05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc51lliP1y62c3OneCM2R5mvnp-9GU9cJ5mcDtH4njYRAF5tcDKNDPA9GUo2pkxU4T1uZVRCbB49YIFdvBu3jsbsfI4nctRfo3LvNAuxEPtWro_tSLQED2fgSvbNw4ZoiUMOrOpyu19fVQK924zB-AaUaEO1m2_-BsSQActAwXGgsGBmZV-dtf469PaA/w640-h356/2023-12-16%2018.59.05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9feCeudfNysfurXq0VrEiCWbWalzMB2YoTbrfJWZ_aRc2kkQN5HwJa14RmIa4h2wax0V4SD5YcSC-O6BrA2L9GgKz2h_7lEMrhlvemMFLO2soVPSLsElBQ_HtmWbYGl97S9JE74ASqKpMRj1Y-JSWkJlt7YjvON7gND49KQOaCyhQRMpem2q9zHyyyk/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.59.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9feCeudfNysfurXq0VrEiCWbWalzMB2YoTbrfJWZ_aRc2kkQN5HwJa14RmIa4h2wax0V4SD5YcSC-O6BrA2L9GgKz2h_7lEMrhlvemMFLO2soVPSLsElBQ_HtmWbYGl97S9JE74ASqKpMRj1Y-JSWkJlt7YjvON7gND49KQOaCyhQRMpem2q9zHyyyk/w640-h324/2023-12-16%2018.59.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then the Nutcracker comes to life to fight the mice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiAdo_yipyhzs-n9dqjeq03LQ5IFNnuwZfgMPD0zy0tK6q_YMjA4BSflo1e3T53SvVzVASveu_J38qbEFfoN42Nq6lXgU1ZHLil28DV1ZSD3nJT12faBzgpjn5Df86UFymQkTCdej9DSvsJZwQhKM35-_YVFcqkYO5EX4i0GaEU3Ltwm62RW8nRereBA/s1600/2023-12-16%2014.33.43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiAdo_yipyhzs-n9dqjeq03LQ5IFNnuwZfgMPD0zy0tK6q_YMjA4BSflo1e3T53SvVzVASveu_J38qbEFfoN42Nq6lXgU1ZHLil28DV1ZSD3nJT12faBzgpjn5Df86UFymQkTCdej9DSvsJZwQhKM35-_YVFcqkYO5EX4i0GaEU3Ltwm62RW8nRereBA/w640-h428/2023-12-16%2014.33.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we get to see Captain Goldie! Hooray! She was quite worried about her fight choreography. "I'm going to forget it," she kept saying. But she didn't! She fought nobly with her mouse counterpart!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXKXWG9Wyr-C7aSeCvJxjLRRGsEYIh3tj6cXQ8sVIbXix-3dvDXw-g0uaZ9LHCsSWJJGhwWOGdfCZQu0NgP4YnoHZhUaqAN2SJkbNfqzJgsTq0o5abI5S5apvAvYNIqqC2F4df2_kUEv_VE97FL7ovVoBgPtxvj32WqzyFErxarfcnEhZRY1JMy-52oQ/s1510/IMG_5407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXKXWG9Wyr-C7aSeCvJxjLRRGsEYIh3tj6cXQ8sVIbXix-3dvDXw-g0uaZ9LHCsSWJJGhwWOGdfCZQu0NgP4YnoHZhUaqAN2SJkbNfqzJgsTq0o5abI5S5apvAvYNIqqC2F4df2_kUEv_VE97FL7ovVoBgPtxvj32WqzyFErxarfcnEhZRY1JMy-52oQ/w508-h640/IMG_5407.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love her soldier-straight legs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9JTojMRuILkS4ZJ2Vj2aBYkSs_Ly56aj4e_W6mIJwnsknLdKJxgZvTteXZZrTkjCEZLKGqDiITdXKWYkOeSC-VzWQczrGysj3WLGUtMZmhFL2yrwcvtNSjBsKbU9jkO-8UAEXTCgirTroi9R6dDUjkCW2yna_mVAeWayKoj39-cYWohyphenhyphenMyUe7Q8goZI/s1600/IMG_5408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9JTojMRuILkS4ZJ2Vj2aBYkSs_Ly56aj4e_W6mIJwnsknLdKJxgZvTteXZZrTkjCEZLKGqDiITdXKWYkOeSC-VzWQczrGysj3WLGUtMZmhFL2yrwcvtNSjBsKbU9jkO-8UAEXTCgirTroi9R6dDUjkCW2yna_mVAeWayKoj39-cYWohyphenhyphenMyUe7Q8goZI/w640-h440/IMG_5408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2FyFYI854aT3r3pcl5Cw47zMekPDlYtNO4RlidTpxowjBhyphenhyphencLJ0-MU4EeLb_0nm7AjkFwGepEhNvrf0fZ9WNyhT02u_6WM3PPAqgbB95CarDZouL7QAk8XiewF4VD6cglfdu0KOSIfa6xkCiZgonwUnYCw16CdagnJM55MObdgqQJJOsacSwL7tgU5w/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.02.47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2FyFYI854aT3r3pcl5Cw47zMekPDlYtNO4RlidTpxowjBhyphenhyphencLJ0-MU4EeLb_0nm7AjkFwGepEhNvrf0fZ9WNyhT02u_6WM3PPAqgbB95CarDZouL7QAk8XiewF4VD6cglfdu0KOSIfa6xkCiZgonwUnYCw16CdagnJM55MObdgqQJJOsacSwL7tgU5w/w640-h366/2023-12-16%2019.02.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFV0fI_bH0c_MGLxyPM3YSjy3zWs12hkq8DN_koKIL2rv050EYIySoYNLBDcrWMC-Eg3GKTnT7wBiC0LnoVHTpIegQ3joUuxLWXEAw43gm6s7OLxMgc-T6nIF8cuAp1QOOf7k8iD9a1yggkiDsZMPvxXHd1REBwqLXfpaPMtFpGcF4etMu3PsWROxwTg/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.03.12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFV0fI_bH0c_MGLxyPM3YSjy3zWs12hkq8DN_koKIL2rv050EYIySoYNLBDcrWMC-Eg3GKTnT7wBiC0LnoVHTpIegQ3joUuxLWXEAw43gm6s7OLxMgc-T6nIF8cuAp1QOOf7k8iD9a1yggkiDsZMPvxXHd1REBwqLXfpaPMtFpGcF4etMu3PsWROxwTg/w640-h404/2023-12-16%2019.03.12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Clara gets yanked around again. And the Nutcracker saves her. But then he gets attacked by the Mouse King. And when the critical moment in their battle comes, Clara is supposed to run to the Mouse King and distract him by hitting him on the shoulder with her slipper! Only…she can't actually take off her own ballet slippers, so she grabs one that is hidden in the pile of presents. And someone had forgotten to put the slipper there! Daisy said she was frantically dancing around by the tree, trying to look natural as she hunted for it. But it was nowhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdIxkY2qwxlvKDo-URawt2c73xMpu849HDVXL-btAMOpHPK9v7asCkAGwhSCrlc7yus0dbn4qb9YLXqVz-l23WZmZKLZK74gpIA8E1BdLQypGlIN9lrmmazH1N6P64kiJsiRR6CaOaz_DRqxkbPdgLvULYvFh4ccru9PscmQsscHfypz4vw8kwmfJ6Ao/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.03.26-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdIxkY2qwxlvKDo-URawt2c73xMpu849HDVXL-btAMOpHPK9v7asCkAGwhSCrlc7yus0dbn4qb9YLXqVz-l23WZmZKLZK74gpIA8E1BdLQypGlIN9lrmmazH1N6P64kiJsiRR6CaOaz_DRqxkbPdgLvULYvFh4ccru9PscmQsscHfypz4vw8kwmfJ6Ao/w640-h388/2023-12-16%2019.03.26-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So…she had to run over and hit the Mouse King with just her hand instead. ("I felt very silly," she said.) But it did the trick! The Mouse King dies dramatically and gets carried off the stage. And the Nutcracker lies there dead, so of course Clara cries her sad ballet-cry again while the curtain closes. "I'm always so tired at this part," Daisy said. "So I'm sitting there trying to catch my breath while I pretend to cry, and I can't put my hands all the way over my face or I can't breathe and my sweat will make my makeup smear. But it's easy to have my shoulders heaving, because I'm SO out of breath after all that running around!" As she was sitting there crying in the performance, she became aware that the curtain was about to close…on her! So she very smoothly got up pretended to look around in fear one more time and then sank back onto her knees a few feet farther downstage. Ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d3NJBDnYhAx_kYrPdKtgu4c43jXjaupOFnEL0Y243YiDAlIJvnV7IL7SjfREnmSF3cfiI9ptZxAvS17VyaTrVx6GVyFXZvJvm7YsjCVoHfQYpxNTPrPN735NRend1WL1JxJikd3ge9XewZ4ExlrmrnmxhA6-8dsy7sOwvqrPgRS0X3qQydYQh7xD1LY/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.04.14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d3NJBDnYhAx_kYrPdKtgu4c43jXjaupOFnEL0Y243YiDAlIJvnV7IL7SjfREnmSF3cfiI9ptZxAvS17VyaTrVx6GVyFXZvJvm7YsjCVoHfQYpxNTPrPN735NRend1WL1JxJikd3ge9XewZ4ExlrmrnmxhA6-8dsy7sOwvqrPgRS0X3qQydYQh7xD1LY/w640-h456/2023-12-16%2019.04.14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jzoCZQAvYW14mizGhuTTBRV-ccqo_HdESxLQassXLHywvQddK7CNRrIVVOd4d_JfHw264ChCho09K1mphEUqXzjdXO5I-ItIc3Gw_V9Aamlh-P8wfiPQxBWT7_GGq-prrj5M2Ugn2CzzCKy15m_W01QpcgG8njo7_uEf2tQpO1ThyKZGcC186tkDg5g/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.04.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jzoCZQAvYW14mizGhuTTBRV-ccqo_HdESxLQassXLHywvQddK7CNRrIVVOd4d_JfHw264ChCho09K1mphEUqXzjdXO5I-ItIc3Gw_V9Aamlh-P8wfiPQxBWT7_GGq-prrj5M2Ugn2CzzCKy15m_W01QpcgG8njo7_uEf2tQpO1ThyKZGcC186tkDg5g/w640-h414/2023-12-16%2019.04.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Herr Drosselmeyer appears with the Nutcracker, who has magically turned into a prince! And Clara and the Prince do their pas de deux in front of the curtain while the scenery gets changed behind it. This was the part Daisy was most nervous about, because it's only the three of them onstage and everyone is watching her, and there are <i>lots</i> of turns and jumps.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznyHVo4IXQcmRRZOYfFcYiEGLueJDPNbwY3-nMr6o91IuM5NMwSCm7hYcU_uqOeVLwJOK_wq4qzzK6aDtbqvAZnJMOFhKadPB0hGKuGYUSstialV9FE92M1F7ievbLuuoBwn2F9WUF6NfjRZcyMkNst0TB-2WRUD8PVUEgvZJzV6bgv_v2XlHWw7FCfg/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.04.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznyHVo4IXQcmRRZOYfFcYiEGLueJDPNbwY3-nMr6o91IuM5NMwSCm7hYcU_uqOeVLwJOK_wq4qzzK6aDtbqvAZnJMOFhKadPB0hGKuGYUSstialV9FE92M1F7ievbLuuoBwn2F9WUF6NfjRZcyMkNst0TB-2WRUD8PVUEgvZJzV6bgv_v2XlHWw7FCfg/w640-h424/2023-12-16%2019.04.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemQI9Gqz_aDGIG0lNroT8pnY5Y2cGwT5emG9_NDohlPq4HijI9_5TlfMtKWScC5eye22QIMR1VzNcBu2aV-mHxywUCQHBf4wr2JOklXY9fPuD7vec9cn2J2heK0sFynnA1jCFLvG-_FMMC5VY2IZFNdxOrS7GlUPNspBNn9mvL2KHv6J_6wiy1WRquIM/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.04.30-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemQI9Gqz_aDGIG0lNroT8pnY5Y2cGwT5emG9_NDohlPq4HijI9_5TlfMtKWScC5eye22QIMR1VzNcBu2aV-mHxywUCQHBf4wr2JOklXY9fPuD7vec9cn2J2heK0sFynnA1jCFLvG-_FMMC5VY2IZFNdxOrS7GlUPNspBNn9mvL2KHv6J_6wiy1WRquIM/w640-h414/2023-12-16%2019.04.30-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And this is the part where I most thought, "I can't <i>believe</i> she can do this. How did she get so good?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pU3DCiHdwK_8j0S1l7Hl9WQM5sSaoa5WYfVv-U6IrOKytE-ObPC9sQWpcxvn3itHgk8TKSmvsVvBoX7eW_L6-imcoz_1xYucq8qS-CS79o8L7TV1qb3PzRgtwmGiPC6qnPLMg4FUd3aNQWpgxx0c3H9Ap4fEcD1GlNnZTYB0XSLCXKYJqk3d4o8NacI/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.04.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pU3DCiHdwK_8j0S1l7Hl9WQM5sSaoa5WYfVv-U6IrOKytE-ObPC9sQWpcxvn3itHgk8TKSmvsVvBoX7eW_L6-imcoz_1xYucq8qS-CS79o8L7TV1qb3PzRgtwmGiPC6qnPLMg4FUd3aNQWpgxx0c3H9Ap4fEcD1GlNnZTYB0XSLCXKYJqk3d4o8NacI/w640-h418/2023-12-16%2019.04.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yYVe5bIgs1O-WQ_yFypTSkPvczOT0eXNDtnEht6cuAUuuu9KYrLNA9DtE96kKrBXsbJ8_pQMERVrDhenyYnTzw3TpWcvwZrk0pRgkClImVOnCefS57pM5A4hmyexJJmEO7KvS-EVfcDlsSA0dR5bUEjFtxTeipsFBtbFUkQBWbBcE_b5hS1D2DTUpMg/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.04.35-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yYVe5bIgs1O-WQ_yFypTSkPvczOT0eXNDtnEht6cuAUuuu9KYrLNA9DtE96kKrBXsbJ8_pQMERVrDhenyYnTzw3TpWcvwZrk0pRgkClImVOnCefS57pM5A4hmyexJJmEO7KvS-EVfcDlsSA0dR5bUEjFtxTeipsFBtbFUkQBWbBcE_b5hS1D2DTUpMg/w640-h416/2023-12-16%2019.04.35-1.jpg" width="640" /><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL0pEVvo0IltYDueIZOmzW8VceadOtT7HbynNqOCzIHdwZCxV_7Rcp6B_6-kzRC5nuv3pI7LfjnN89faRvkJHYyCxp-QO-dmjKH6c3jXuk3z8x-yhYxNXN85BWDHd4TJGrYoGR4B78jqloKXoO7lKCwnpqNHc5ZaPDNGQ_xnCq1aQ94KwJSWmdlbGrTs/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.05.09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL0pEVvo0IltYDueIZOmzW8VceadOtT7HbynNqOCzIHdwZCxV_7Rcp6B_6-kzRC5nuv3pI7LfjnN89faRvkJHYyCxp-QO-dmjKH6c3jXuk3z8x-yhYxNXN85BWDHd4TJGrYoGR4B78jqloKXoO7lKCwnpqNHc5ZaPDNGQ_xnCq1aQ94KwJSWmdlbGrTs/w640-h408/2023-12-16%2019.05.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>After their dance ends, off they go into the Land of Snow!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6EC24DqBgVZLdbrGbvuTJzKdS5wXV12QBUwDfI0PIgx6f4Mkqvm6c4cz6TRYZds1-SH56Z1PeQqgXRGtVLcxJADuyUAuASzMkMK7v6tv7SB4nNYgzmgk75tHde2JKokHs_cDtkfNTv256vInPzf38m_JHfiy6xsnE1YwF2fA-0a5UG5zcUnUiRKL41g/s1600/2023-12-16%2014.42.06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6EC24DqBgVZLdbrGbvuTJzKdS5wXV12QBUwDfI0PIgx6f4Mkqvm6c4cz6TRYZds1-SH56Z1PeQqgXRGtVLcxJADuyUAuASzMkMK7v6tv7SB4nNYgzmgk75tHde2JKokHs_cDtkfNTv256vInPzf38m_JHfiy6xsnE1YwF2fA-0a5UG5zcUnUiRKL41g/w640-h466/2023-12-16%2014.42.06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Snow Queen and Snow King dance, and then Goldie comes out as a Snow Sprite! She's so graceful. I love the costumes for this part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf_NcTcgsaZJvk3b4bwLHa-Wgr0sUi-8xXfxxb2r0FB3MWHiwFfVqQEI0kUKyp3BkDgA5p9fyR7JWBpvQyWu-nkDkW-Bqy0ANCroLYl6R4uRivXx0mRh7Tcv5Z0XwPuVVVcAbxTJs45p6H4pwMUAtDMXcKob8zWN9CxDKDqHgoS9Gw0Na_-tsu5yjr7I/s1559/2023-12-16%2014.42.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf_NcTcgsaZJvk3b4bwLHa-Wgr0sUi-8xXfxxb2r0FB3MWHiwFfVqQEI0kUKyp3BkDgA5p9fyR7JWBpvQyWu-nkDkW-Bqy0ANCroLYl6R4uRivXx0mRh7Tcv5Z0XwPuVVVcAbxTJs45p6H4pwMUAtDMXcKob8zWN9CxDKDqHgoS9Gw0Na_-tsu5yjr7I/w492-h640/2023-12-16%2014.42.03.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw-6ss7oEhn5RSmRDT-OoTsyWS9hxeL_XBhLmT6MInI9S-gXaEMEsHQ7JqNmaF_DTo4t4tnHuFql0ulqj_OV9dUj1Q3FrZhuqzqxkuLdhgUQ5sTRDizshBdUrN2eBkTPyiSmgY7qGgLN5Z0JBTp1FtUXMqwOaAbaPIKOXtz73aWGQsTHfCryk_dmGvi8/s1600/2023-12-16%2014.41.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw-6ss7oEhn5RSmRDT-OoTsyWS9hxeL_XBhLmT6MInI9S-gXaEMEsHQ7JqNmaF_DTo4t4tnHuFql0ulqj_OV9dUj1Q3FrZhuqzqxkuLdhgUQ5sTRDizshBdUrN2eBkTPyiSmgY7qGgLN5Z0JBTp1FtUXMqwOaAbaPIKOXtz73aWGQsTHfCryk_dmGvi8/w640-h396/2023-12-16%2014.41.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xoe4REabro_XyLY0qdmkR32dd1Ak8DzOe8XJrMxwBzAqekVvOw3aATwi9A2pXBmZVfi5tu_2vkILKSUtrTiGStGpVcZtaioEn_q15m3ezElEboenL_pORydaR9Z9ZehCK6d5F2RT1dHYCxIcHirp9iD0MxU7CMmBE60jPIdOHCyv2QQxr2MGA6pVr4Y/s1600/2023-12-16%2014.43.20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xoe4REabro_XyLY0qdmkR32dd1Ak8DzOe8XJrMxwBzAqekVvOw3aATwi9A2pXBmZVfi5tu_2vkILKSUtrTiGStGpVcZtaioEn_q15m3ezElEboenL_pORydaR9Z9ZehCK6d5F2RT1dHYCxIcHirp9iD0MxU7CMmBE60jPIdOHCyv2QQxr2MGA6pVr4Y/w640-h450/2023-12-16%2014.43.20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rest of the Snow Corps comes out next. Oh, there's Daisy. So this must be the earlier performance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkmjdiDNSdmkNGqGK0k_dLYgjsLblKVh-NWCtNPHeetIbiL-kRAp0-6s5cP2j-2dlMwoGAKaigqw5PLGwqkqwU_AOBHvFBGGlUPOKSA-Fk5lMD6yUeSVpVb1yyEr9z0lZPpPtE52UnNwqtO6DOt5dyjmf8oIWQiKNepD1UwvdRRXk2vR_8QboFunk03A/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.13.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkmjdiDNSdmkNGqGK0k_dLYgjsLblKVh-NWCtNPHeetIbiL-kRAp0-6s5cP2j-2dlMwoGAKaigqw5PLGwqkqwU_AOBHvFBGGlUPOKSA-Fk5lMD6yUeSVpVb1yyEr9z0lZPpPtE52UnNwqtO6DOt5dyjmf8oIWQiKNepD1UwvdRRXk2vR_8QboFunk03A/w640-h446/2023-12-16%2019.13.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And here's Junie!<br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTC19ddeCVMZr34G73W5fnxQ89Ru3NFXtqCvznizRQ21kIzePhCB6cVeBvYl_w-fPTSRaGFLRYjnBQjniobxQPlSNGMJHiyalEUSAGerZUKSYrZUmMc5HFvceI2FWmnPxiAAW1nkfY_m7f_iwrMZykeWaGFtoxZhnbXZb-Qsk2n3CL7g1TWv6my36J9s/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.11.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTC19ddeCVMZr34G73W5fnxQ89Ru3NFXtqCvznizRQ21kIzePhCB6cVeBvYl_w-fPTSRaGFLRYjnBQjniobxQPlSNGMJHiyalEUSAGerZUKSYrZUmMc5HFvceI2FWmnPxiAAW1nkfY_m7f_iwrMZykeWaGFtoxZhnbXZb-Qsk2n3CL7g1TWv6my36J9s/w640-h392/2023-12-16%2019.11.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-bFaPjJcncWjVqfxi74gkFwtAIK8MBfDDFTm4yvuqyIxrJGf0FkmMbm8PeQunm2wM3Wkn2ixwiTq_LZ_j_i_M-x2Hojpf9yIkURruxpRTHiXkPg9UQQPugl9WVLaX1sqvjaE2R5iAWy3W5dNDcjo0AI-qFrp6hVUBr6Wknzw3sHIDokvtrBLTi9EGu4/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.13.52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-bFaPjJcncWjVqfxi74gkFwtAIK8MBfDDFTm4yvuqyIxrJGf0FkmMbm8PeQunm2wM3Wkn2ixwiTq_LZ_j_i_M-x2Hojpf9yIkURruxpRTHiXkPg9UQQPugl9WVLaX1sqvjaE2R5iAWy3W5dNDcjo0AI-qFrp6hVUBr6Wknzw3sHIDokvtrBLTi9EGu4/w640-h406/2023-12-16%2019.13.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Goldie pushes Clara and the Prince in a sleigh. That's pretty fun, but when I was young, I saw a Nutcracker where Clara got to FLY in a sleigh to the Land of Sweets! Too bad that wasn't in the budget for this performance😄</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwM9KufQ2zFiS9S60zcmFPagVP3pKuEmyvD_DcqietpmjzKHSQF_cMrwW4dBJhR0-c6E68UitCyK4Z8ilwE4RW-CDVSjmI40LvBjqJzbBl0wzodu7p4TpN3e7vTyCGwGR26Vd0lzSc6Hj27x1hfzg816I3WJc8MVvaWpA5V9S6S1dE6RdGsnIbTLo5Yw/s1654/2023-12-16%2015.02.09-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwM9KufQ2zFiS9S60zcmFPagVP3pKuEmyvD_DcqietpmjzKHSQF_cMrwW4dBJhR0-c6E68UitCyK4Z8ilwE4RW-CDVSjmI40LvBjqJzbBl0wzodu7p4TpN3e7vTyCGwGR26Vd0lzSc6Hj27x1hfzg816I3WJc8MVvaWpA5V9S6S1dE6RdGsnIbTLo5Yw/w464-h640/2023-12-16%2015.02.09-2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then it was intermission, and the hard part for Daisy was over! But the hard part for Junie was just beginning. Are you getting tired of this yet? You <i>are</i> allowed to click away, you know. But just think how much time you're saving from watching the real performance!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rd9AWWjaxyOJnz7awnusT1LN3na8UE2VCtOSqTXv05kUiZ7HuLENP4cwKRP2XZOUJjwRKTu8PWi4xp-Jm2q_E8-y2GcjJf-5vK3lZBVLkXQeIU3PbFNaP60W5riVlURu4F-Nd0y9cFEdJNJfi9MnBFRBHH3Acj4ZwvCe0d5fONY0xzPHtJ7-eShK-iU/s4319/2023-12-16%2015.02.05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4319" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rd9AWWjaxyOJnz7awnusT1LN3na8UE2VCtOSqTXv05kUiZ7HuLENP4cwKRP2XZOUJjwRKTu8PWi4xp-Jm2q_E8-y2GcjJf-5vK3lZBVLkXQeIU3PbFNaP60W5riVlURu4F-Nd0y9cFEdJNJfi9MnBFRBHH3Acj4ZwvCe0d5fONY0xzPHtJ7-eShK-iU/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2015.02.05.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Junie was getting all warmed up for Jester in the hall. She's so bendy, like a rubber band!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDfr2_UyeyQpGQkYnfLq5ASMYwUzP31vI9aBgdXPT9D_d8cj2oqWa76-tMqXdSLFpIh0gIdEbtu8k55aSy4mxj6_62pMh_OrLgBQ3qZQLazQkuLPHwBxwXMoo9eS76r3ZzHtUoHX9F4hPJEZEeo7yAnpWvLLxXIU3uRt4zKCIuKIujQbaC0I0dP3Vlqk/s1600/IMG_5433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDfr2_UyeyQpGQkYnfLq5ASMYwUzP31vI9aBgdXPT9D_d8cj2oqWa76-tMqXdSLFpIh0gIdEbtu8k55aSy4mxj6_62pMh_OrLgBQ3qZQLazQkuLPHwBxwXMoo9eS76r3ZzHtUoHX9F4hPJEZEeo7yAnpWvLLxXIU3uRt4zKCIuKIujQbaC0I0dP3Vlqk/w640-h462/IMG_5433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Here she is earlier between shows. See? Bendy.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5GYFIIu6cWsapIrk_WtEYxez7egGStjVrzFdlW2qXQzW8_yMrtn3RehfHWJWa87JWJ5GohxPddNWlA0DmZquHNOaA1GLlaDaFHpj9K0PmFPpGxiNRKaur-NiksoaN-4R6nKcp0JzojJycro9138kbaOwkpZD3S9a9ugXYdgz1tgB4bAOVWW05KUmqug/s1399/IMG_5435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5GYFIIu6cWsapIrk_WtEYxez7egGStjVrzFdlW2qXQzW8_yMrtn3RehfHWJWa87JWJ5GohxPddNWlA0DmZquHNOaA1GLlaDaFHpj9K0PmFPpGxiNRKaur-NiksoaN-4R6nKcp0JzojJycro9138kbaOwkpZD3S9a9ugXYdgz1tgB4bAOVWW05KUmqug/w548-h640/IMG_5435.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't even know <i>what</i> she's doing here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cmvSvsMvbu9H80n4bdq4iRZYylcuniojw4d4HLPJZUBwXLgnveF8hf0P20uWkf1Z9kER8s2tbbBlXaC8kZSmZ1fpKOeJs-7m76VFcCQpl087XcGQo4SNUZBOFof4gGtxJh6uYY9j4vPMplzeOrGi7AnDSsPHNMlGrS75Lu5-yMzz-xlHJ_g8bVZ9Neg/s1765/2023-12-16%2019.23.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1765" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cmvSvsMvbu9H80n4bdq4iRZYylcuniojw4d4HLPJZUBwXLgnveF8hf0P20uWkf1Z9kER8s2tbbBlXaC8kZSmZ1fpKOeJs-7m76VFcCQpl087XcGQo4SNUZBOFof4gGtxJh6uYY9j4vPMplzeOrGi7AnDSsPHNMlGrS75Lu5-yMzz-xlHJ_g8bVZ9Neg/w436-h640/2023-12-16%2019.23.34.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went to find Daisy and give her a hug and help her into her last costume. She was smiling and relieved. "Now I mostly just have to sit there prettily for an hour!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I asked if her foot was hurting. "I don't feel anything," she said. The wrap seemed to help too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNAkp5t16nag1DvrXpqCE4Zl5BQZfMSF2AYAG1bxX5fRhoVACtCVix_4oabg1j0sBzU7n_GHi1ZInOv_z31jyZhgujbl3QC9cz7yu536uyVl-gfmH0yS1c9Iw8Y1SUAmGzLnJsU51mlnqkg07qx94GltR2HYQTSvgUz3-tFqqKh0WXjjBdyskbY2kJi0/s1759/2023-12-16%2019.25.12-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNAkp5t16nag1DvrXpqCE4Zl5BQZfMSF2AYAG1bxX5fRhoVACtCVix_4oabg1j0sBzU7n_GHi1ZInOv_z31jyZhgujbl3QC9cz7yu536uyVl-gfmH0yS1c9Iw8Y1SUAmGzLnJsU51mlnqkg07qx94GltR2HYQTSvgUz3-tFqqKh0WXjjBdyskbY2kJi0/w436-h640/2023-12-16%2019.25.12-2.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm amazed her ringlets stayed in so well. We'd put the curlers in the night before, and then she'd had to have her hair up in a bun all through the first performance, and there was no time to curl it again, so we just hoped for the best. We thought we might have time to touch it up with the curling iron between shows, but with her fall and everything that went along with it, there wasn't time for anything. Thankfully, she took out her bun and the ringlets boinged out almost as springy as before!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ2sOxt3LGTMR0t6UUNCd8LXYeT0-eCCV6lHZG981u630MaPm5gTWnPlSV7cNg8obce7RHFfS-ekK8L8qRA_0kQAkJ5YFvSF8Sz1QtqMjosoQckgrNfsfvYcFLy7PO3xN2RmEk7ww952ZUJLDxn2-XA-worVKnUzV-BDKD3zkzB7Wr0J93U7XvLYNIJ0/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.38.33-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ2sOxt3LGTMR0t6UUNCd8LXYeT0-eCCV6lHZG981u630MaPm5gTWnPlSV7cNg8obce7RHFfS-ekK8L8qRA_0kQAkJ5YFvSF8Sz1QtqMjosoQckgrNfsfvYcFLy7PO3xN2RmEk7ww952ZUJLDxn2-XA-worVKnUzV-BDKD3zkzB7Wr0J93U7XvLYNIJ0/w640-h388/2023-12-16%2019.38.33-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Second Act starts with Clara and the Prince meeting the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink72KzgnC3ECwP_i_UcZSPNECVYRtexsH8itKSejRcNX87J7GfLMsUWHSc5h5sgEVqvR6JDJvVoRNVPGFw4_STn9BsZZ0m3qjF3rF-SgYbUFNDrWGB6h7zsJNpkSHymBqWqZwgO3La48vylc6zeP-D6JtGZxTSrlgdEcr7PB52Cjz2tKf9xbsTBGWuTo/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.38.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink72KzgnC3ECwP_i_UcZSPNECVYRtexsH8itKSejRcNX87J7GfLMsUWHSc5h5sgEVqvR6JDJvVoRNVPGFw4_STn9BsZZ0m3qjF3rF-SgYbUFNDrWGB6h7zsJNpkSHymBqWqZwgO3La48vylc6zeP-D6JtGZxTSrlgdEcr7PB52Cjz2tKf9xbsTBGWuTo/w640-h402/2023-12-16%2019.38.54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then everything else in the Second Act is just basically an excuse for different dancers to show off their virtuosity in different dances. Malachi and I have had many a discussion on the plot, or lack thereof, of the Nutcracker. I love it in spite of its plot deficiencies. Malachi…does not.😄 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaMIvw1CnD1lDdOVeXutfXN4XPOrkhXXcS0LqNuPNPKx8ccgimC8jYLo2r-XMo7VsJIUcpPNFoz0-CM21DhD0aTspSX4fMl9GjZhEyz_Mj2HwWiEPc-3AuepzRew9mwKIZKsJ9DaGUrfQpLNYq6a5dFGCaFLr3AkPvZVp5pDGY6npkkx_c0JnbgumF3M/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.40.35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaMIvw1CnD1lDdOVeXutfXN4XPOrkhXXcS0LqNuPNPKx8ccgimC8jYLo2r-XMo7VsJIUcpPNFoz0-CM21DhD0aTspSX4fMl9GjZhEyz_Mj2HwWiEPc-3AuepzRew9mwKIZKsJ9DaGUrfQpLNYq6a5dFGCaFLr3AkPvZVp5pDGY6npkkx_c0JnbgumF3M/w640-h424/2023-12-16%2019.40.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9Zt9aB4wJ_r_v9KLk4ZqqHoucPYfPVPIkdP8U-SUY0kzdfuxNfRIsFxhwVIH247BGcebKqiHutl722rQFfJRqS2ZkbI6gcfJu4vICaR8j5Ol8_k7mNJ1XzL7N6uGC_-t3xdf-fEznbO-5UkYnedXd2Nu4lmTVTp3tsL4OQJlOT_XKIF9QtO_yNUg-qM/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.40.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9Zt9aB4wJ_r_v9KLk4ZqqHoucPYfPVPIkdP8U-SUY0kzdfuxNfRIsFxhwVIH247BGcebKqiHutl722rQFfJRqS2ZkbI6gcfJu4vICaR8j5Ol8_k7mNJ1XzL7N6uGC_-t3xdf-fEznbO-5UkYnedXd2Nu4lmTVTp3tsL4OQJlOT_XKIF9QtO_yNUg-qM/w640-h418/2023-12-16%2019.40.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the nobility and the courtiers come to pay tribute to Clara for her bravery. In hitting the Mouse King with her slipper, I suppose? Or for taking care of the Nutcracker when Fritz broke it? I don't know. But here comes Junie the Jester!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-OT3cL6sD0LeUphTJmVjlYWr8hPC93n-cbtxRlukyIqwSzMQMyOBQQqSxGBRGS4Ju3ozdBMcJFH4awbbq8MHn2QQeIEHA_NWmd9Uh0IETCiyQnAyoGnO6eN8Jwz7yOIirejQSme9z3iaViAaG5ExKQ0C5tSA4SVkSNb2mJpS2F1NIUGuEKOHs85gh0s/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.41.49-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-OT3cL6sD0LeUphTJmVjlYWr8hPC93n-cbtxRlukyIqwSzMQMyOBQQqSxGBRGS4Ju3ozdBMcJFH4awbbq8MHn2QQeIEHA_NWmd9Uh0IETCiyQnAyoGnO6eN8Jwz7yOIirejQSme9z3iaViAaG5ExKQ0C5tSA4SVkSNb2mJpS2F1NIUGuEKOHs85gh0s/w640-h404/2023-12-16%2019.41.49-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwq3VK5VlUdkOJ4X9AC9FHAyRu05y-5UzFNKmPOPYKc9FMfBiQZ-04h6b9NzEzDYI9EhQgI91dhYsgR6R3e_bjdRJ5_XDmdp6zFGd7mAFf8T29q6q0j9GCXOe9xcsFEvL9X0QB9cHKQ0NmzJAEh8JBElFpAYGWfjYU7x9w9CF5WynnUX719FLnyce5As/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.41.37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwq3VK5VlUdkOJ4X9AC9FHAyRu05y-5UzFNKmPOPYKc9FMfBiQZ-04h6b9NzEzDYI9EhQgI91dhYsgR6R3e_bjdRJ5_XDmdp6zFGd7mAFf8T29q6q0j9GCXOe9xcsFEvL9X0QB9cHKQ0NmzJAEh8JBElFpAYGWfjYU7x9w9CF5WynnUX719FLnyce5As/w640-h418/2023-12-16%2019.41.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnAUdfDonwM7ieQfLsXJmKQVPWAEr8qeGipoyPnMro_pPfr_wo_KWkaERAENyLY67aFVtGQuRlg6BobuKCd712YUuezklAP0UpkdW6YxDkG6jGvzraFov780EI7oUwLzHn_xI2QeD0v79X0Cr4qws15krwW-GZ86MW07wAUTsOVl8H0mIm_S20G2Gy6U/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.41.12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnAUdfDonwM7ieQfLsXJmKQVPWAEr8qeGipoyPnMro_pPfr_wo_KWkaERAENyLY67aFVtGQuRlg6BobuKCd712YUuezklAP0UpkdW6YxDkG6jGvzraFov780EI7oUwLzHn_xI2QeD0v79X0Cr4qws15krwW-GZ86MW07wAUTsOVl8H0mIm_S20G2Gy6U/w640-h380/2023-12-16%2019.41.12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>She entertains all the visitors to the Court.<br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ7c0REPn2faccak0saLuZPD8vVF5cwXYxzBOwuI8GjO5CXVljbegDP5bsGFCAuKJegm9mXsYLIQcTHAXao0uGkF_H6TP_7oDxKiEyVHy9qs9jVWxMfXfEEV01fjdgsTucK1KVbAAZgqdoSr2w479VDIxGHPyhex5g9eshE2ns5BrpsSN3n9MVzo4jhQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.41.04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ7c0REPn2faccak0saLuZPD8vVF5cwXYxzBOwuI8GjO5CXVljbegDP5bsGFCAuKJegm9mXsYLIQcTHAXao0uGkF_H6TP_7oDxKiEyVHy9qs9jVWxMfXfEEV01fjdgsTucK1KVbAAZgqdoSr2w479VDIxGHPyhex5g9eshE2ns5BrpsSN3n9MVzo4jhQ/w640-h428/2023-12-16%2019.41.04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Clara gets a crown and a cape put on her by the Rose Fairy and the Sugarplum Fairy.<br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zMfIHIlvMPYdJxafkUn2CK4E6ase9cYuOO2GiiV0pv_hoX3PzWaoVtUK4aCRa5xR1-9adIpKglRyC4DY_MlnpfhxHjzkkWgAzDTZWrnNL-jGt5KRdiFJXepbjQ9VCSrMQOzgkfplGz60qEoPzMOoa-9hVlcZ2e4BLnY0TYl4oQtY5Om-0k-yVD_0iog/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.41.02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zMfIHIlvMPYdJxafkUn2CK4E6ase9cYuOO2GiiV0pv_hoX3PzWaoVtUK4aCRa5xR1-9adIpKglRyC4DY_MlnpfhxHjzkkWgAzDTZWrnNL-jGt5KRdiFJXepbjQ9VCSrMQOzgkfplGz60qEoPzMOoa-9hVlcZ2e4BLnY0TYl4oQtY5Om-0k-yVD_0iog/w640-h424/2023-12-16%2019.41.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu3q57duu1DF0gZ7GZ6c81TEs4r0dQ5FrKRBADFUYPGOHtYGIxX6whn_U6nQqqiXGubEzCgIqszZX-GgxYgF4HiN_BCxUgoQJbOtvZiIwX6u7cgSG80LFRAa_W_mrblNzcBOK5Khj_eyqsEApLvpf9rQXs-bwmqNLSz05nX-5c5bGxY6BxiiLvq4Qz5A/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.42.51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu3q57duu1DF0gZ7GZ6c81TEs4r0dQ5FrKRBADFUYPGOHtYGIxX6whn_U6nQqqiXGubEzCgIqszZX-GgxYgF4HiN_BCxUgoQJbOtvZiIwX6u7cgSG80LFRAa_W_mrblNzcBOK5Khj_eyqsEApLvpf9rQXs-bwmqNLSz05nX-5c5bGxY6BxiiLvq4Qz5A/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2019.42.51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She and the Nutcracker recount their battle with the mice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOs_QB1McBCw74dSpzvveMarqM8XrSsrM1ZqM3kNSqJPxQblEyKRzPsN4SeXR_4rQL_1pBjo4T4RoSOMVZwJSQPZOmDMNrUCMIFvlQYtFowTFrEtgQx9RvmgbMzwahXYkayvhKja0-2-E-HjJ8HtaEMea3lajDZpps4fAkfyKu3y9wIq4dTQnmVmS5nQ/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.43.16-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOs_QB1McBCw74dSpzvveMarqM8XrSsrM1ZqM3kNSqJPxQblEyKRzPsN4SeXR_4rQL_1pBjo4T4RoSOMVZwJSQPZOmDMNrUCMIFvlQYtFowTFrEtgQx9RvmgbMzwahXYkayvhKja0-2-E-HjJ8HtaEMea3lajDZpps4fAkfyKu3y9wIq4dTQnmVmS5nQ/w640-h480/2023-12-16%2019.43.16-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clara becomes upset at the very memory of it and cries again, and has to be comforted by the Cavalier. Poor delicate thing.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ocgJSux0qS879lKCFIoWxOCLzVmF230xaUcajN8qP9TkDuVUjUngD4Z66DdJVNF1YgcL-Yci629DFRCx66DqokZL-n7s2ij5JULH_pyQIHwpDAA5HX1UM2w9abDgiaAp_GRvSj6-N0MBNyUBCOaFZKB_qe7ANHEHNJOREJS0Zlhfj6xZtLFxQmLVxE/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.43.39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ocgJSux0qS879lKCFIoWxOCLzVmF230xaUcajN8qP9TkDuVUjUngD4Z66DdJVNF1YgcL-Yci629DFRCx66DqokZL-n7s2ij5JULH_pyQIHwpDAA5HX1UM2w9abDgiaAp_GRvSj6-N0MBNyUBCOaFZKB_qe7ANHEHNJOREJS0Zlhfj6xZtLFxQmLVxE/w640-h462/2023-12-16%2019.43.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco_Cyz4QDpcGjAD0rfNTNgX3fKGq1OSabVug2PMR2QmwNCYfLARUFK3jj80ffalZpC1ujt0YrGiadQKAr52AGIuBkWljIDcFRY4lDqhjC3kFmgFjUp8lxG22nLWkhbeVR4U23gOV1sEzaRYReScCxqA7te5gFp5N_iEV6IAxd7me8ErmUZe_EkEQkQS8/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.43.41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco_Cyz4QDpcGjAD0rfNTNgX3fKGq1OSabVug2PMR2QmwNCYfLARUFK3jj80ffalZpC1ujt0YrGiadQKAr52AGIuBkWljIDcFRY4lDqhjC3kFmgFjUp8lxG22nLWkhbeVR4U23gOV1sEzaRYReScCxqA7te5gFp5N_iEV6IAxd7me8ErmUZe_EkEQkQS8/w640-h444/2023-12-16%2019.43.41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then off she and her Prince go to sit on their thrones, while the best dancers in the kingdom come from far and wide to entertain them! At least…I assume that's what's happening. Daisy was determined that she would sit with good posture, legs together, the whole time, and not look bored! She…mostly succeeded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYueBP7W_Np-7AgBZkhD1j9zAOTe_NzSkAv_ONsfBBJwPefPFYrQOjcjRrkPH1ZEbd-UQjxm9qaKhpOECcK4S-hKzQyEXzgnnxMoa_WDX_DPHdUH8BQRMe4w0fmHlsk9mN5iw6IM35iK6q5MDF3rbX_JVd95DxAdOb7PwAzvhEFAME0ShXwmCpXzpDR4/s1600/2023-12-16%2019.46.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYueBP7W_Np-7AgBZkhD1j9zAOTe_NzSkAv_ONsfBBJwPefPFYrQOjcjRrkPH1ZEbd-UQjxm9qaKhpOECcK4S-hKzQyEXzgnnxMoa_WDX_DPHdUH8BQRMe4w0fmHlsk9mN5iw6IM35iK6q5MDF3rbX_JVd95DxAdOb7PwAzvhEFAME0ShXwmCpXzpDR4/w640-h432/2023-12-16%2019.46.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Though I'm not sure what this look meant! :)</div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPCLjeV1VRSWKpGYEHWZzN945QZc6JEOK2hFu6TW8w7PGqi5XkL0Qml2jVQ-5vnhmJUTKopMBUQP8JhWSyF3lhqA4K0OWMiPCBt3jms6-WYcsXIP6uWTy2kQMgcsqdZ-cMjnoJPCaDYLs2d8M198QT0vB-6rsOro_MrxwDXBjcfHfUee0VXdUQ6KmBqg/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.25.39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPCLjeV1VRSWKpGYEHWZzN945QZc6JEOK2hFu6TW8w7PGqi5XkL0Qml2jVQ-5vnhmJUTKopMBUQP8JhWSyF3lhqA4K0OWMiPCBt3jms6-WYcsXIP6uWTy2kQMgcsqdZ-cMjnoJPCaDYLs2d8M198QT0vB-6rsOro_MrxwDXBjcfHfUee0VXdUQ6KmBqg/w640-h428/2023-12-16%2015.25.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zq6HUp_ye_JMqzDof1ZxcVXUUuJYzzwaTtDRh__noroZTgXnetwvA58BzOlOr2rDb5oM2sJvhmwNjPR_0SfybF03-J_jNPdJjYz2sZv1ad0SjAaKrPJmS22dPbsgbEl6lsP6Hd5DxMrBzWnbsfUGLdNd2f_GAwdpzUozHAiUwH0D8QooOqs-BW9aOuw/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.23.44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zq6HUp_ye_JMqzDof1ZxcVXUUuJYzzwaTtDRh__noroZTgXnetwvA58BzOlOr2rDb5oM2sJvhmwNjPR_0SfybF03-J_jNPdJjYz2sZv1ad0SjAaKrPJmS22dPbsgbEl6lsP6Hd5DxMrBzWnbsfUGLdNd2f_GAwdpzUozHAiUwH0D8QooOqs-BW9aOuw/w640-h442/2023-12-16%2015.23.44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Then Junie gets her solo dance. And it is so good!! So flashy and sparkling. The audience burst into applause several times spontaneously during it! Of course it couldn't even be captured in pictures.<br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdGPp_7VEkkKjchJZnfXqJVCLah3XXNxniHLcq7BoJ9IFvHMnNTEA0TpqJCnkIvNgyBdtLgwQEPeZl64ojLGZM74525mO4sMkWcDyq56t6t9us0v-oWdo2ylPdp7G-2LP7QgdnwUyvWF18aE6pmwZiwwNKqTTt1dsZeN-6h3GhHv5jHOwsLZt3_6CTDg/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.23.43-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdGPp_7VEkkKjchJZnfXqJVCLah3XXNxniHLcq7BoJ9IFvHMnNTEA0TpqJCnkIvNgyBdtLgwQEPeZl64ojLGZM74525mO4sMkWcDyq56t6t9us0v-oWdo2ylPdp7G-2LP7QgdnwUyvWF18aE6pmwZiwwNKqTTt1dsZeN-6h3GhHv5jHOwsLZt3_6CTDg/w640-h442/2023-12-16%2015.23.43-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eg4oZWuWITQAqp-fW7unqcYGdJX9Vq47PlQuhmlZGuztD69KVM78UmGmgpRTcrY_HaiUDWpO0DRZUh7cVSYQ5orJtqiODlpdLSIW4Bv489l4PoTJXIGLdDVw9W8qv1upZo1Hbu_8QNzY4RZDW3-gmJILPu8JLcBR58dOVr3PwMk93qvNwExzUbz4hcw/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.23.42-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eg4oZWuWITQAqp-fW7unqcYGdJX9Vq47PlQuhmlZGuztD69KVM78UmGmgpRTcrY_HaiUDWpO0DRZUh7cVSYQ5orJtqiODlpdLSIW4Bv489l4PoTJXIGLdDVw9W8qv1upZo1Hbu_8QNzY4RZDW3-gmJILPu8JLcBR58dOVr3PwMk93qvNwExzUbz4hcw/w640-h484/2023-12-16%2015.23.42-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXanIRN7gcJTx69W1x6yuRMc_0oP2LzQw6gYbNo370dbpYTvgy_kYvXj_HTJd_orbBIzg5z7WZG2JQy6qza-wwoYnYLI5c4OeGqIgAAM48Z2wlLuic6RgipA7PHHOEwjxLsNx1O5vlgI-Q5vgegb-9wnDlufV0PYGT8939SVvQDM_lz3s3qvivGGT0GNk/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.22.58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXanIRN7gcJTx69W1x6yuRMc_0oP2LzQw6gYbNo370dbpYTvgy_kYvXj_HTJd_orbBIzg5z7WZG2JQy6qza-wwoYnYLI5c4OeGqIgAAM48Z2wlLuic6RgipA7PHHOEwjxLsNx1O5vlgI-Q5vgegb-9wnDlufV0PYGT8939SVvQDM_lz3s3qvivGGT0GNk/w640-h456/2023-12-16%2015.22.58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But it was so much fun to watch! I think Junie could have been a great gymnast (if she'd ever learnt…hahaha).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv9lmfO6C6uvKifOVgVT4IfKfNJ-mkuPJ40uJnxnxOpB1Dt0j_fk19FzaqGlh7MZbI14sHsVcZJaQkT0oHbwvMX7JDdbeppDutBsgLOSchnEou5MMZ4gC3nv2iK6T8_zkQa1FzfVfb3mPJFgwcQeVSvwnnzQpA_3NSMFcIbThBhm9El8zssep6u8xLKE/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.28.35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv9lmfO6C6uvKifOVgVT4IfKfNJ-mkuPJ40uJnxnxOpB1Dt0j_fk19FzaqGlh7MZbI14sHsVcZJaQkT0oHbwvMX7JDdbeppDutBsgLOSchnEou5MMZ4gC3nv2iK6T8_zkQa1FzfVfb3mPJFgwcQeVSvwnnzQpA_3NSMFcIbThBhm9El8zssep6u8xLKE/w640-h538/2023-12-16%2015.28.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then comes Arabian, where, Junie tells me, "you aren't supposed to smile." It makes sense, because it's a very exotic and mysterious dance. They come in holding beautiful sparkling satin scarves, and when they drop the scarves the Arabian soloist appears as if by magic. I love that part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7Srm9A_5KttGwOyu4U13Y73cIj75agzVhhMOnx56WASiLt5MsZt6jla2ivhvyf8LbtCMtIH2hSqSJuKsgecUJRXDa68I3yo-Ohuv2yGNjMkp9OTqRS_d8paX5A4eMecCRi5KRTQ7D3ouHInQk3w0hW3-nbN5MYlLePho0phpDemnvUHaB9axLxLHSso/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.30.29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7Srm9A_5KttGwOyu4U13Y73cIj75agzVhhMOnx56WASiLt5MsZt6jla2ivhvyf8LbtCMtIH2hSqSJuKsgecUJRXDa68I3yo-Ohuv2yGNjMkp9OTqRS_d8paX5A4eMecCRi5KRTQ7D3ouHInQk3w0hW3-nbN5MYlLePho0phpDemnvUHaB9axLxLHSso/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2015.30.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqHWI2Tolc9wlWu1tWPt79P-NXYIWLs06RrkdlqR1X9H_4OHUuZNkA_rEa7kx1Zid59TOwKmFplRT_huRCkWhFhyCwke7em_DrKdJLMRfaVMeVDp9ixWMJokzo-gyEVBxwiROwJm6ceW0fr_gvnvsGDjYLGNYl_HVzI2Xwt7tVDXY3DMbABA_xR-9ngI/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.29.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqHWI2Tolc9wlWu1tWPt79P-NXYIWLs06RrkdlqR1X9H_4OHUuZNkA_rEa7kx1Zid59TOwKmFplRT_huRCkWhFhyCwke7em_DrKdJLMRfaVMeVDp9ixWMJokzo-gyEVBxwiROwJm6ceW0fr_gvnvsGDjYLGNYl_HVzI2Xwt7tVDXY3DMbABA_xR-9ngI/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2015.29.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_6isi65Ymub0yTHCDs1muXPU72f9dIba6VPCPBr3BZBOOBZTuoZwCqtIBrNjpXG5Jb4vayRkBxnI0CglCy_Uy5yEEG517rQzC7GIOqT5PqLPCz24tJnJ9-IPQKhvbHfCu1HP1AXRAhQhW1kcHzRJItasPqEJQF2TyMrPGytM6duCZaUjQmYGWTJKPrI/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.28.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_6isi65Ymub0yTHCDs1muXPU72f9dIba6VPCPBr3BZBOOBZTuoZwCqtIBrNjpXG5Jb4vayRkBxnI0CglCy_Uy5yEEG517rQzC7GIOqT5PqLPCz24tJnJ9-IPQKhvbHfCu1HP1AXRAhQhW1kcHzRJItasPqEJQF2TyMrPGytM6duCZaUjQmYGWTJKPrI/w640-h436/2023-12-16%2015.28.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV_itq2RaMvWmpNCj8izrgbIpT6fAs095738p6XxrwqH5N2QZQgQViQxMlW4dHvkglHTxiVo6llG49ti8L2JdA-rJkwARoL-L2yC7n8CRWeZ76k0kVcKEotjcg5XnYWJPapDP1meGDh2DovycQU7ENGynGDwZ7bM87sYj-KPGhMIXZ2iYsbPff7_0f0M/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.31.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV_itq2RaMvWmpNCj8izrgbIpT6fAs095738p6XxrwqH5N2QZQgQViQxMlW4dHvkglHTxiVo6llG49ti8L2JdA-rJkwARoL-L2yC7n8CRWeZ76k0kVcKEotjcg5XnYWJPapDP1meGDh2DovycQU7ENGynGDwZ7bM87sYj-KPGhMIXZ2iYsbPff7_0f0M/w640-h418/2023-12-16%2015.31.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8uSYRWrRZDe9vxueAwFkOnr46iya6zskR9KZ3d_8kFemg96LZPPrZodXxhMxdKZ0je5cTMv-kYAyOkUynGWYwdPjBPYpvTSL2wyU6drzUHrFTdVdelIc8qeD6qS8qbRdN7e4yxEJmZu_4seW7hVnGvGyf2VhaLJAVL3LP5utEqVC-Qej8F70T3bD3qI/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.31.01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8uSYRWrRZDe9vxueAwFkOnr46iya6zskR9KZ3d_8kFemg96LZPPrZodXxhMxdKZ0je5cTMv-kYAyOkUynGWYwdPjBPYpvTSL2wyU6drzUHrFTdVdelIc8qeD6qS8qbRdN7e4yxEJmZu_4seW7hVnGvGyf2VhaLJAVL3LP5utEqVC-Qej8F70T3bD3qI/w640-h490/2023-12-16%2015.31.01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This must be from the matinée, because there's the other Clara on the throne.<br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0rODbFmDplfRL8FtfgL-2sddN9IIR_J60e9ERsQR4epcZlCT7nhj-7u1fbED6YrdKWvC_x2J0vRwEozxtj32dwdsexYbwzIWnkVteA8K51_LYd6mFQ2PKqRCKBarG2AkJ2BCZmImOTQlgQBoxI1NjhdHEFqGdqzo9fI8JXgoaBipcZqx_82SfwCl0Kk/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.30.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0rODbFmDplfRL8FtfgL-2sddN9IIR_J60e9ERsQR4epcZlCT7nhj-7u1fbED6YrdKWvC_x2J0vRwEozxtj32dwdsexYbwzIWnkVteA8K51_LYd6mFQ2PKqRCKBarG2AkJ2BCZmImOTQlgQBoxI1NjhdHEFqGdqzo9fI8JXgoaBipcZqx_82SfwCl0Kk/w640-h490/2023-12-16%2015.30.31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Ooh! So good!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sA7XXOv0_Qi6qlru3TFpGa3sDU3vAbEuxOZzxjqqq-kUKcde_MPTdEJ1ebtOATK6RQvLuEIIQDL8HXz_uUv40wj0RMjcq0rSVSSRRD0XssTWW8oQ6NE69SKDcqpMzKDMbyYA8AV3yawIgBBsjF-KfRDxbXARlB9txR5fZDXWPoRJIAs5s3RGrB2MvOc/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.47.13-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sA7XXOv0_Qi6qlru3TFpGa3sDU3vAbEuxOZzxjqqq-kUKcde_MPTdEJ1ebtOATK6RQvLuEIIQDL8HXz_uUv40wj0RMjcq0rSVSSRRD0XssTWW8oQ6NE69SKDcqpMzKDMbyYA8AV3yawIgBBsjF-KfRDxbXARlB9txR5fZDXWPoRJIAs5s3RGrB2MvOc/w640-h450/2023-12-16%2015.47.13-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waltz of the Flowers is next, another of my favorites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhC619UekTMxezw0NhfLqWrxjt2s28FHoEDgkw3-y_42MW13NyzOKgRGdnDDJVVV2203z9gLYJzjZ5wdDPZScl6aPsFXUo2tvJMzbBE7m2oOq7qdzuJtHph8mO74t_7HsWdOWjti0757sUZAWSnbzioXtwgmlFnOWGpES1AqDA7cQL5qtvKFjU2cdKvw/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.46.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhC619UekTMxezw0NhfLqWrxjt2s28FHoEDgkw3-y_42MW13NyzOKgRGdnDDJVVV2203z9gLYJzjZ5wdDPZScl6aPsFXUo2tvJMzbBE7m2oOq7qdzuJtHph8mO74t_7HsWdOWjti0757sUZAWSnbzioXtwgmlFnOWGpES1AqDA7cQL5qtvKFjU2cdKvw/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2015.46.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSPBYrMioYs8x6tfrI8KBOsyN-y2ceIcQ80ReWaIuZ1MS5I_7RYtCWTE6KCgD_Ss9n1IVwiiOAbaNUkyZ9Z64O4-Jr5rQRsLh4uOWPleChoCG1ViQ4j2BnT_FOTOQR8ixM1CAFl5GKu4ebonmoEipa8VAFFKXZ6sGL1UZo6nmUhUzgDGg1s3CC4jZbB0/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.07.56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSPBYrMioYs8x6tfrI8KBOsyN-y2ceIcQ80ReWaIuZ1MS5I_7RYtCWTE6KCgD_Ss9n1IVwiiOAbaNUkyZ9Z64O4-Jr5rQRsLh4uOWPleChoCG1ViQ4j2BnT_FOTOQR8ixM1CAFl5GKu4ebonmoEipa8VAFFKXZ6sGL1UZo6nmUhUzgDGg1s3CC4jZbB0/w640-h440/2023-12-16%2020.07.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">These dancers are all beautiful and I don't like to compare them but …when I see this picture I can't help but notice how graceful and extended the line of Junie's position is. She is so fun to watch. I can't keep my eyes off her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSisxq69D21mB2-iMoQrbh7L5drkHnFXY0g2u4HROLTIQ-TQSm2lNcHUIRUYsMAGD9WuwEhl1-kLaVlhCiyPw4M1jqo6oniMpgFCrHc3hI_YC2RzQ3XQvpVR6q3cw7IkIYCECiuGhjZPS7b8-q3eINN3mhid3IkE37mbjic_KULBMDo24k5SjM58smK_M/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.07.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSisxq69D21mB2-iMoQrbh7L5drkHnFXY0g2u4HROLTIQ-TQSm2lNcHUIRUYsMAGD9WuwEhl1-kLaVlhCiyPw4M1jqo6oniMpgFCrHc3hI_YC2RzQ3XQvpVR6q3cw7IkIYCECiuGhjZPS7b8-q3eINN3mhid3IkE37mbjic_KULBMDo24k5SjM58smK_M/w640-h486/2023-12-16%2020.07.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkmrGZgKR6QaDUHa6w-e6bi732pLkhMeaIfi-ZPlEcsQb42MIVX-QnTw6KnIdEkG9lzRraJSzy4s_5mkreDn1TQQ_6I8R24mtg5rexe5FZupB1yBIuR_9dKOZb6AUn5yONcwshqDhpEzhCxxbDrpDjak2njJxApu_SD_AcUdqy5HU8-IJFWtad8p7J0Y/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.07.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkmrGZgKR6QaDUHa6w-e6bi732pLkhMeaIfi-ZPlEcsQb42MIVX-QnTw6KnIdEkG9lzRraJSzy4s_5mkreDn1TQQ_6I8R24mtg5rexe5FZupB1yBIuR_9dKOZb6AUn5yONcwshqDhpEzhCxxbDrpDjak2njJxApu_SD_AcUdqy5HU8-IJFWtad8p7J0Y/w640-h469/2023-12-16%2020.07.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is that a bored look from Daisy? Tsk tsk. No, perhaps she is just engrossed in the entertainment.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNOxHZIC3Ue7ucRGkBv1csROU_jEqRYyoNVESJ72x2v2XpCVseblD5h2Y-CXF4A4xv9GkI_ciLapmzn4TtJDUApwJGqAFfSJ4LZcrLLBWuOJExGbk93fqSZ65GYu2eoU6QjZklnEAg3N0KZ7hNDV641173PK_PH_s-y6iFaSxluLl0HDWo-m51BpjWCc/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.25.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNOxHZIC3Ue7ucRGkBv1csROU_jEqRYyoNVESJ72x2v2XpCVseblD5h2Y-CXF4A4xv9GkI_ciLapmzn4TtJDUApwJGqAFfSJ4LZcrLLBWuOJExGbk93fqSZ65GYu2eoU6QjZklnEAg3N0KZ7hNDV641173PK_PH_s-y6iFaSxluLl0HDWo-m51BpjWCc/w640-h444/2023-12-16%2020.25.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then at last, after everyone has danced their last dances and bowed their last bows, it's time for Clara to go home. "When I got up from the throne my whole foot was asleep!" Daisy said. "It's so hard to keep your feet straight like that in your pointe shoes! I was afraid I was going to stumble down the steps!" (But she didn't!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie444O4lnm3sL7FhOB6-KMQqzl5c-KD1uWxxfFNL6IlVIsnm5VL2hlLRTV2VNhqascpOrZw26WxalkisSo1HSZBn_2taVnHP_70Ksj6yb5ZS3Aqif-eISU1SIYoAfrvIbxhgpizNE_6Vj8qubHPPrlADfOy0cymNnlH8m9d2agmsqTm3g8H0WAoKAuyuc/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.25.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie444O4lnm3sL7FhOB6-KMQqzl5c-KD1uWxxfFNL6IlVIsnm5VL2hlLRTV2VNhqascpOrZw26WxalkisSo1HSZBn_2taVnHP_70Ksj6yb5ZS3Aqif-eISU1SIYoAfrvIbxhgpizNE_6Vj8qubHPPrlADfOy0cymNnlH8m9d2agmsqTm3g8H0WAoKAuyuc/w640-h470/2023-12-16%2020.25.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clara doesn't want to leave!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1WllCiHNbvqzQGqrw3K4kXYssuZSeeePRXbhkLAh78-uWID96AXuJ6IQFMO4CMNTbAiSTCrDeIfatqVPOVFo6l6nF9yrC62H2CeUEogrdzRWud38CHyF-g2YlUVtDxF4AsngU3fg5zzX2WflDMXAh4sBe-y4tXxSqVLGIH_BmfVleQX_zqiTayroI44/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.25.36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1WllCiHNbvqzQGqrw3K4kXYssuZSeeePRXbhkLAh78-uWID96AXuJ6IQFMO4CMNTbAiSTCrDeIfatqVPOVFo6l6nF9yrC62H2CeUEogrdzRWud38CHyF-g2YlUVtDxF4AsngU3fg5zzX2WflDMXAh4sBe-y4tXxSqVLGIH_BmfVleQX_zqiTayroI44/w640-h492/2023-12-16%2020.25.36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She hugs the Sugarplum Fairy goodbye.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaifvzsMUJwkyi-e_eMY-Rbfv_fTjC-w5H5vm9laekX_U4k8WmsbX2x7LIhIr15BWODeU89Tg8E8JuhgD-GHjDSLmuEWb_5Gq1HqEHqkwV5Zhs1ug8ll_hIPE87cZQQoyDFsW35AQcJUGGqs4WsocalRFBtUHt9saJpEAQzI_0Yh1g90lFJQu50WTRS0c/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.25.41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaifvzsMUJwkyi-e_eMY-Rbfv_fTjC-w5H5vm9laekX_U4k8WmsbX2x7LIhIr15BWODeU89Tg8E8JuhgD-GHjDSLmuEWb_5Gq1HqEHqkwV5Zhs1ug8ll_hIPE87cZQQoyDFsW35AQcJUGGqs4WsocalRFBtUHt9saJpEAQzI_0Yh1g90lFJQu50WTRS0c/w640-h426/2023-12-16%2020.25.41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzRdFrFks4ocBfe-PChUDHAyU6l90qFf54w4MoRt5N3WQ0XAUFlLJ0EXmrkz0hhp6yknzgGvtEGpE0gtlyOBWMfJqCplF7A1V5EeQfGfuXrxygi_BEmKMAGWGJPwP6luyEIkNTPLrzY-fG-NrL5Hg7GsZqrA9mA_oWAr3NcIeJI6WC_0TPYFhJNJBZIc/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.26.00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzRdFrFks4ocBfe-PChUDHAyU6l90qFf54w4MoRt5N3WQ0XAUFlLJ0EXmrkz0hhp6yknzgGvtEGpE0gtlyOBWMfJqCplF7A1V5EeQfGfuXrxygi_BEmKMAGWGJPwP6luyEIkNTPLrzY-fG-NrL5Hg7GsZqrA9mA_oWAr3NcIeJI6WC_0TPYFhJNJBZIc/w640-h416/2023-12-16%2020.26.00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then she goes off in the sleigh as everyone waves to her.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9EZJbdTCHzNQFl1OCqikQA3M7Ph3Wd8UYpWU60fd1MeGrfomKiI6xqZ1cQITbogPe_e3xwj9OS2eaj5mc4gYDG-rwsBcQueNmAc3JiKRvzY8ymo82TFrnsPqxwy-lliE9aWPftayI5Ray7YpqT2HQUgPbG6g_f1XN_Q_a9U1O9hVP_XR_B6tBE9B9V4/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.26.18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9EZJbdTCHzNQFl1OCqikQA3M7Ph3Wd8UYpWU60fd1MeGrfomKiI6xqZ1cQITbogPe_e3xwj9OS2eaj5mc4gYDG-rwsBcQueNmAc3JiKRvzY8ymo82TFrnsPqxwy-lliE9aWPftayI5Ray7YpqT2HQUgPbG6g_f1XN_Q_a9U1O9hVP_XR_B6tBE9B9V4/w640-h432/2023-12-16%2020.26.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Then it's curtain call! Junie curtseys gracefully.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAzpDqnFUHae4ND11w2luqVYSsHgq819EAqsXijapF329nZMZc8ix_C8913BMocZUNISjp2tiP4iIP46YTY4Dm5qVtP0sFbcuIfgYyH3tCd_RcBMkLBOm-fIT6nD5F4JBUuBH25NlANOvP0I1d0xaVy3nI6IJC4CZEpe1Bs70hhiZYfj6Rogo2bbW8YM/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.27.11-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="1600" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAzpDqnFUHae4ND11w2luqVYSsHgq819EAqsXijapF329nZMZc8ix_C8913BMocZUNISjp2tiP4iIP46YTY4Dm5qVtP0sFbcuIfgYyH3tCd_RcBMkLBOm-fIT6nD5F4JBUuBH25NlANOvP0I1d0xaVy3nI6IJC4CZEpe1Bs70hhiZYfj6Rogo2bbW8YM/w640-h502/2023-12-16%2020.27.11-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Daisy curtseys gracefully.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p9Kfy1BQdCACvyVeClq20P6i9VHLyAyTxImf0f9jWXpk2H3n47OJILpUZS235lBnv3YVU0pLvnG6pLbuEnAp1mLKfZftwv9yAmwbbzF4QH5gtQXlj_kuujkqHLM16pS4MklQ3Kv11G8eM-eITLd0eb7-CsGnIR4QbwqTqMfIKZMyfTUXZYmEF-YfG2c/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.27.19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p9Kfy1BQdCACvyVeClq20P6i9VHLyAyTxImf0f9jWXpk2H3n47OJILpUZS235lBnv3YVU0pLvnG6pLbuEnAp1mLKfZftwv9yAmwbbzF4QH5gtQXlj_kuujkqHLM16pS4MklQ3Kv11G8eM-eITLd0eb7-CsGnIR4QbwqTqMfIKZMyfTUXZYmEF-YfG2c/w640-h368/2023-12-16%2020.27.19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>And she got flowers! Not from us. From the directors, I suppose. One of the little girls brought them out.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITeiH7ap2Rn8JqxpWeJm2b9gDH18HjmxPKywSm8cfbpiWIBn6k8A54gEnmlnTjhn68z1UXltdr9-kOMLu2u1R52KIBJQFL7h3olFDK1fKcUtWEMnEfzm8CbQMtmjB2marsJXaVrZ-O5IeV_kXWdgk60me9Iy0uEyF0wGyTROd6Az6DZtPr45LisGXovQ/s1680/2023-12-16%2020.27.19a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITeiH7ap2Rn8JqxpWeJm2b9gDH18HjmxPKywSm8cfbpiWIBn6k8A54gEnmlnTjhn68z1UXltdr9-kOMLu2u1R52KIBJQFL7h3olFDK1fKcUtWEMnEfzm8CbQMtmjB2marsJXaVrZ-O5IeV_kXWdgk60me9Iy0uEyF0wGyTROd6Az6DZtPr45LisGXovQ/w458-h640/2023-12-16%2020.27.19a.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Daisy said, "I didn't quite know what to do once I had the flowers because Levi was just standing there awkwardly. And I've seen ballerinas pull out a rose from their bouquet and give it to their partner. So I did that. But he didn't really want it, so he gave it back to me after the curtain closed." Haha! Seems about right.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7t56_mJopyKUuARchWpi9N_8fwVgNJkzuRcbAqeG7-yLM3AlsAZTk8Opa1PSSGleb9x8cCx1H3mMKhR4HqUoE58b7RIu01MCzKqr7JKflyUcDjvK6nuqm4zIMzGlxobxx9C4xhvnsklhUYjwNiV7AS5AlAtwEdEy7dGlB1LwKQpjcSPT3qVstS7Aj4I/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.27.36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7t56_mJopyKUuARchWpi9N_8fwVgNJkzuRcbAqeG7-yLM3AlsAZTk8Opa1PSSGleb9x8cCx1H3mMKhR4HqUoE58b7RIu01MCzKqr7JKflyUcDjvK6nuqm4zIMzGlxobxx9C4xhvnsklhUYjwNiV7AS5AlAtwEdEy7dGlB1LwKQpjcSPT3qVstS7Aj4I/w640-h386/2023-12-16%2020.27.36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>More bows, to thunderous applause, of course :)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk_sggxG58fZsZW6Q7fg_ej7Xt3esky_t4yyHh1QDwVBISys521gGZ-AmJ8cHAMPo6JhGHKKzpPrfhX9wHKBtBFYx6d-yshGLSx3uJKurq7qisoxsPwSJoI8KEguWeuao5TYrbiT5xwy9DYcwPnAtqCcYwZasy7mVuksxyQUsucTvZaa-1gQP4Yk8Y1w/s1804/2023-12-16%2020.36.48-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk_sggxG58fZsZW6Q7fg_ej7Xt3esky_t4yyHh1QDwVBISys521gGZ-AmJ8cHAMPo6JhGHKKzpPrfhX9wHKBtBFYx6d-yshGLSx3uJKurq7qisoxsPwSJoI8KEguWeuao5TYrbiT5xwy9DYcwPnAtqCcYwZasy7mVuksxyQUsucTvZaa-1gQP4Yk8Y1w/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2020.36.48-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then it was over and we were all SO happy and proud!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQaIoiwRMsi_19-AORVYMEniWxKAtoLzIA5lcen5TcPhGSOpAf88SnbX48_hNJ7VFOliM3lQ8yCM3wR4aOrt0Cc3imf9T5XWW3DA9pWaK_I8oa_qPoEYuO5kXXfY40DWC3LXnmRL55ZiFdLOUzT8uhLapS360DJkknEK8II19dbG0iQUFru9rgzQXwOY/s1816/2023-12-16%2020.37.17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQaIoiwRMsi_19-AORVYMEniWxKAtoLzIA5lcen5TcPhGSOpAf88SnbX48_hNJ7VFOliM3lQ8yCM3wR4aOrt0Cc3imf9T5XWW3DA9pWaK_I8oa_qPoEYuO5kXXfY40DWC3LXnmRL55ZiFdLOUzT8uhLapS360DJkknEK8II19dbG0iQUFru9rgzQXwOY/w422-h640/2023-12-16%2020.37.17.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrQg1PM0boLOnbZvcCC9U1xWCPdhwU-B9cW2eEcKHia77E0tMNl7gkeI7cdhYwrxSc2avcqKen4uSJ-b_1shHJ09GiWPKT76YJhc6tKdstKXHiDSnW0ap_KnQW9WGmAgxaAWkZmr8ZQlZnryJM1jb-2Zj9nsnIPkY6ZK_z5379eAzFfNuNYRt9UHQnFI/s1804/2023-12-16%2020.37.40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrQg1PM0boLOnbZvcCC9U1xWCPdhwU-B9cW2eEcKHia77E0tMNl7gkeI7cdhYwrxSc2avcqKen4uSJ-b_1shHJ09GiWPKT76YJhc6tKdstKXHiDSnW0ap_KnQW9WGmAgxaAWkZmr8ZQlZnryJM1jb-2Zj9nsnIPkY6ZK_z5379eAzFfNuNYRt9UHQnFI/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2020.37.40.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Their young women leaders had brought flowers too. So sweet and so meaningful to the girls—I love them for doing it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLhmWu-jUc1bGnVfUKbHKLEtzREvZv_m3_H4m7WdTH4KYy7C95WsCUSTycfwXY5cUYI0lDXSdcMaTWxUAmxTBVzOHXRdx0JDFQ4_nWOVSsWxTSmOdFXLGPNDHbskNGhXAr0XDsmczpjr6S6FqGZ4yTqVEWn5fa4V44bYekwb3Hfq9A5gmkZxYlxpV3i0/s1600/2023-12-16%2020.37.51-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLhmWu-jUc1bGnVfUKbHKLEtzREvZv_m3_H4m7WdTH4KYy7C95WsCUSTycfwXY5cUYI0lDXSdcMaTWxUAmxTBVzOHXRdx0JDFQ4_nWOVSsWxTSmOdFXLGPNDHbskNGhXAr0XDsmczpjr6S6FqGZ4yTqVEWn5fa4V44bYekwb3Hfq9A5gmkZxYlxpV3i0/w640-h450/2023-12-16%2020.37.51-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the girls, and Teddy too, felt pleased and triumphant about a successful performance, and amazed that it was already over! <span style="text-align: center;">And sad…the girls are always so sad. But that comes later. First there are people to greet and congratulations to accept! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then, by the time everyone had hugged them and congratulated them and Daisy had changed out of her costume gathered up all her stuff—she was limping again. And the next few days she could hardly walk. But it was all worth it for that amazing performance!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3pqKCJp-gOex7KlPSHAiL4nHG5KTwtLMhlcUqu1cagFUXmAkXjfAARtKVIJFj172zOzJrJPJaJ-DnnQqE9n1fBI1uPn7_ZTXl5wLqEzbxeydEXkL19non7TyhsN6_qPHiBAeyrVPLVFL9Jj5x8lzmLHslhzz5OfvHpCyVoZ8HNN55mC3iOxcIDvg50A/s1581/2023-12-16%2020.52.36-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3pqKCJp-gOex7KlPSHAiL4nHG5KTwtLMhlcUqu1cagFUXmAkXjfAARtKVIJFj172zOzJrJPJaJ-DnnQqE9n1fBI1uPn7_ZTXl5wLqEzbxeydEXkL19non7TyhsN6_qPHiBAeyrVPLVFL9Jj5x8lzmLHslhzz5OfvHpCyVoZ8HNN55mC3iOxcIDvg50A/w486-h640/2023-12-16%2020.52.36-2.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><div>A picture with Levi, her Nutcracker Prince. They are good friends. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDb-hTjCBEAXn4PQ2thXE_R-ccMsLQhRTHvMpErdBfuxS5IHbXGGBlUeGByBDw-fJxBBVmcas1tNdyhsZF18Ruvp-tbCDpLchoRgLrwyqLn2c_aqQ5OAC9H5-Tc8uWfGCH5gBp8uOAaWspfXgPjS0Sqc-tI-rLYQpzwQzVYQy9-hYynoQ4rHWQLYuhx0/s1587/2023-12-16%2020.57.40-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDb-hTjCBEAXn4PQ2thXE_R-ccMsLQhRTHvMpErdBfuxS5IHbXGGBlUeGByBDw-fJxBBVmcas1tNdyhsZF18Ruvp-tbCDpLchoRgLrwyqLn2c_aqQ5OAC9H5-Tc8uWfGCH5gBp8uOAaWspfXgPjS0Sqc-tI-rLYQpzwQzVYQy9-hYynoQ4rHWQLYuhx0/w484-h640/2023-12-16%2020.57.40-1.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">One last look on her way out the door…tired and SO happy! And still all the fun of the midnight post-performance talking and analyzing and re-living to look forward to. The girls do love a good performance re-hash.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRjlapR8uNItDXWqaTbdjg0AOHRrKD9Vt0G0x6dpkZoi8MeI35rt-CvIcgQIg8yn8lYGsvzBkZxn6Mtds4O5dpI59X6J5BDtay8192u8RwucwoxeNv9aSbuszYN6WYsoaXAJB8D-ToAeSZ9Gho3qGxXWDKm0Yg4CGjZ0H2L5pXJ8dJ4eHhK54LhnS6FI/s1600/IMG_5439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRjlapR8uNItDXWqaTbdjg0AOHRrKD9Vt0G0x6dpkZoi8MeI35rt-CvIcgQIg8yn8lYGsvzBkZxn6Mtds4O5dpI59X6J5BDtay8192u8RwucwoxeNv9aSbuszYN6WYsoaXAJB8D-ToAeSZ9Gho3qGxXWDKm0Yg4CGjZ0H2L5pXJ8dJ4eHhK54LhnS6FI/w640-h438/IMG_5439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8vxZviDCokeskQyetheB6KjzEbLvb_P3t6nTXoijFeDjM4oxYZM4Qs0Nnz3n1HbkQSOXP4YJRdVaaLeq1yA9xt2PeGaXL0WxEQtB5PiKl67oR22uPgc7Er54NytgRj9V0Ryvqr5fALBm5nCjlDn0MBPvQWN3TAyx7iRcMsOzT4-rruZgscqHCH5NEQo/s1600/IMG_5442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8vxZviDCokeskQyetheB6KjzEbLvb_P3t6nTXoijFeDjM4oxYZM4Qs0Nnz3n1HbkQSOXP4YJRdVaaLeq1yA9xt2PeGaXL0WxEQtB5PiKl67oR22uPgc7Er54NytgRj9V0Ryvqr5fALBm5nCjlDn0MBPvQWN3TAyx7iRcMsOzT4-rruZgscqHCH5NEQo/w640-h418/IMG_5442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And some way-past-bedtime hamburgers for the <i>starving</i> dancers…and some other little rascals too! </div></div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-78398067191757703122023-12-30T20:51:00.007-07:002024-01-01T21:45:07.055-07:00Consumed with Costumes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntBFpBvCTZkt5-DOFTMXJP4R8ZhF-6Qd8Jj0gaenzhrHWMkdNoV6yEgojfmnlH_fTt_RGo6C1TwssLb35I4Ci96fDIk3Uyk9KJCv7QSV8QGZQj6sWEMKOx3ezLGhp8rra6WlatE6zRQ6dy1FHVExdNkHWQjAhsmwbsT9GJ6QKFXL15qtc4n1ZULv9BPY/s1674/2023-12-16%2014.55.51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntBFpBvCTZkt5-DOFTMXJP4R8ZhF-6Qd8Jj0gaenzhrHWMkdNoV6yEgojfmnlH_fTt_RGo6C1TwssLb35I4Ci96fDIk3Uyk9KJCv7QSV8QGZQj6sWEMKOx3ezLGhp8rra6WlatE6zRQ6dy1FHVExdNkHWQjAhsmwbsT9GJ6QKFXL15qtc4n1ZULv9BPY/w458-h640/2023-12-16%2014.55.51.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think my girls love wearing their ballet costumes above all other things! Besides getting to wear make-up for the performance, I suppose. They do love that too. Things were weird with the dress rehearsals this year (something about the middle school where they perform charging more money…it's crazy how much it costs to rent out a [sorry to say it, but rather dim and mediocre] school auditorium!) so it seemed like they never had their costumes on in the daylight. And there was never any time! We were always rushing everywhere…rushing to get to class on time, rushing home to make dinner, rushing to Young Women's and Activity Days, rushing from cross-country practice, rushing to pick up Malachi from work…it makes me tired to remember it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did get a few photos at one of the dress rehearsals, when they were taking pictures of Daisy for the program.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wFKpAiQRvYEjuVZsvH0mfOBQtFpNeZydB5rMD4tzPToyar3UHH6_LhX0mSJ1Y58oDxBXWuSBT1iUNykx8c4fH302fHcfjWYjYImf3umEp2_QEFiXYD0CHhvMw_yyTk-dlqdXtSTjuHqH1sM4675Y0Qf_KVFfy2XInwMnndOA5Y8n_C8llYtXP1zBTac/s1566/IMG_5235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wFKpAiQRvYEjuVZsvH0mfOBQtFpNeZydB5rMD4tzPToyar3UHH6_LhX0mSJ1Y58oDxBXWuSBT1iUNykx8c4fH302fHcfjWYjYImf3umEp2_QEFiXYD0CHhvMw_yyTk-dlqdXtSTjuHqH1sM4675Y0Qf_KVFfy2XInwMnndOA5Y8n_C8llYtXP1zBTac/w490-h640/IMG_5235.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E8Wd5r0DRSgPYGbVXRAoKWx4YLAcpVLjs1bnDpaX6Pp_Qys3mgvu1Ih3LHfG1od0D4ShvoMXNxF_rflAqzfxp_Oqk7JOL2cX8Z2S1-9ujJRzYsC0ZPhyiuo4XsdTxS84hQ8qc7ZFUJmj4kCukUxGzbY7XuAOkglQQAlTTGhFV_K7OGbUxuDoq8p8zpk/s1494/IMG_5237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E8Wd5r0DRSgPYGbVXRAoKWx4YLAcpVLjs1bnDpaX6Pp_Qys3mgvu1Ih3LHfG1od0D4ShvoMXNxF_rflAqzfxp_Oqk7JOL2cX8Z2S1-9ujJRzYsC0ZPhyiuo4XsdTxS84hQ8qc7ZFUJmj4kCukUxGzbY7XuAOkglQQAlTTGhFV_K7OGbUxuDoq8p8zpk/w514-h640/IMG_5237.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUwyR-jW8m8gnkDLBnDO-WQrmTMyno6FbP6LJgWhuPUezIfpQnvufRm3LFtjA9aJu1HQGYyc5N9xuGsWQAQ5TbXX_mWgGjy65m9_Sa6ZBaWStUhDwUUjnVFK3PUWV7xa9Bqhpd46CKeOTRWXtz_MBW0dy6ilfr0YoY0rMwDFyjLUEFHf_sG2_G_dx8Z0/s1545/IMG_5241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUwyR-jW8m8gnkDLBnDO-WQrmTMyno6FbP6LJgWhuPUezIfpQnvufRm3LFtjA9aJu1HQGYyc5N9xuGsWQAQ5TbXX_mWgGjy65m9_Sa6ZBaWStUhDwUUjnVFK3PUWV7xa9Bqhpd46CKeOTRWXtz_MBW0dy6ilfr0YoY0rMwDFyjLUEFHf_sG2_G_dx8Z0/w498-h640/IMG_5241.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsLzFpCQsybTdN3R2ppxarGkeFLhVLLrxocNeHK1ftHWxYyQ1obX74E1oo4rWM7PSBKa7P82vNz59fKi86mk1l39nJRXusWT2dUzvx4Frjc8bmYlFHjNRGnQ03e5fvNIiMO1J1tBte21dBGe8htdSxbcemlAmAxJHdnJ1bfAYwSug49yLOoskO8auMgE/s1600/IMG_5244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsLzFpCQsybTdN3R2ppxarGkeFLhVLLrxocNeHK1ftHWxYyQ1obX74E1oo4rWM7PSBKa7P82vNz59fKi86mk1l39nJRXusWT2dUzvx4Frjc8bmYlFHjNRGnQ03e5fvNIiMO1J1tBte21dBGe8htdSxbcemlAmAxJHdnJ1bfAYwSug49yLOoskO8auMgE/w640-h438/IMG_5244.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this view of Daisy and her teachers looking over the photos, surrounded by racks of costumes…they were telling her things like, "Okay, lift your leg a little straighter and curve your arms a little more!" It took forever to get the shot exactly how they wanted it! (Meanwhile I was getting more and more annoyed about the dinner getting cold at home!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38d7jaD8RDZlzKWlnAzntwjl56D9eE0F0avqLi1L8dy-gaVCU2yneVQhEuU-bVhPMcihlv0t50BXpvzZxiRVP42I7P-u4Qf592XRUKVA_Egz8FY6IVyHgZ-pUe88zftdJVb3-JY6rA6-Rt3y1Ugx6-r-amdFpORxmYqiGEnhrP4Kz4YfpQtVxsoEIzpg/s1766/20231211_200234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1766" data-original-width="1472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38d7jaD8RDZlzKWlnAzntwjl56D9eE0F0avqLi1L8dy-gaVCU2yneVQhEuU-bVhPMcihlv0t50BXpvzZxiRVP42I7P-u4Qf592XRUKVA_Egz8FY6IVyHgZ-pUe88zftdJVb3-JY6rA6-Rt3y1Ugx6-r-amdFpORxmYqiGEnhrP4Kz4YfpQtVxsoEIzpg/w534-h640/20231211_200234.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Daisy's smile was a little forced too after doing this for the ten thousandth time)<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV2jInURpVwR6VREzTWQghnkcsaR1MsTK3u4KFdVhA-dN0oaCzzr6Z48B0ON4Udp1BnoEavZPz8xhP6ZoN0D8ZSpLksfG7H-XrFFIld_Wu7jpZRqptcabesD8D28D7JZ_97M7fiiAdyqhB0F2WDjLYEYiT5SBHdJoLRq5GA3sNULKWd4w5CmzczDdmBE/s1621/20231211_200705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="1213" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV2jInURpVwR6VREzTWQghnkcsaR1MsTK3u4KFdVhA-dN0oaCzzr6Z48B0ON4Udp1BnoEavZPz8xhP6ZoN0D8ZSpLksfG7H-XrFFIld_Wu7jpZRqptcabesD8D28D7JZ_97M7fiiAdyqhB0F2WDjLYEYiT5SBHdJoLRq5GA3sNULKWd4w5CmzczDdmBE/w478-h640/20231211_200705.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They did get some good shots, though! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yxGDlsoDCWUV8D5kMKXNkYEwFEB3daUA6SE8I9p1rVES4VjgQoNTMJKhnriLB9r6qol0hp7fe8K2kUo7TdpUT_4HBoMFdkW0fqNN09AuL055rNs6IKLjmn3qC-nmFCU2GPybJvewUSeCpwPUWtdborwr-4RfN7Ch-CQrcHvKneppyQUFZ84-DMLi9tI/s2732/IMG_4906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2732" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yxGDlsoDCWUV8D5kMKXNkYEwFEB3daUA6SE8I9p1rVES4VjgQoNTMJKhnriLB9r6qol0hp7fe8K2kUo7TdpUT_4HBoMFdkW0fqNN09AuL055rNs6IKLjmn3qC-nmFCU2GPybJvewUSeCpwPUWtdborwr-4RfN7Ch-CQrcHvKneppyQUFZ84-DMLi9tI/w640-h332/IMG_4906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two Claras</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVViUZbtUiBfEjXNishXS79qMrU1YRw5i8_2iG8xjlMbzDs_jKpBuiTBmBTgDG7Aeb5yVQ-142rkhxpTdkPmubjNA9S1JYNek8vYM6G2MvjHtLaUmwtW-V3aIxmVeYJMT5t8k7bHCvLranDlEOjE41IBw9k29ONJrya9dXBtI7pRaP598-oWTSl_V0Gk/s1600/IMG_5245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVViUZbtUiBfEjXNishXS79qMrU1YRw5i8_2iG8xjlMbzDs_jKpBuiTBmBTgDG7Aeb5yVQ-142rkhxpTdkPmubjNA9S1JYNek8vYM6G2MvjHtLaUmwtW-V3aIxmVeYJMT5t8k7bHCvLranDlEOjE41IBw9k29ONJrya9dXBtI7pRaP598-oWTSl_V0Gk/w640-h534/IMG_5245.jpg" width="640" /></a><span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62qx4YWJexIvSNf8jteIUQ7kRaSXiO5fnQbETy4dYQ8NtUUxex7drw84VbtnE8XYGUZlz5_4MFLMEyjjZj-RlOmotaEb1SADqVgBxtfVevT5XnzD6J1tBjrdpVDBqZejsgygyHc8Qo_6qnBkql5F3k1RdlADufnJ8HiyUJsXFMMtsQEl_NwWzKqTYWxo/s1573/IMG_5247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62qx4YWJexIvSNf8jteIUQ7kRaSXiO5fnQbETy4dYQ8NtUUxex7drw84VbtnE8XYGUZlz5_4MFLMEyjjZj-RlOmotaEb1SADqVgBxtfVevT5XnzD6J1tBjrdpVDBqZejsgygyHc8Qo_6qnBkql5F3k1RdlADufnJ8HiyUJsXFMMtsQEl_NwWzKqTYWxo/w488-h640/IMG_5247.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Nmc6ksyHIed8a3h46va3CCrcLLTFg_n7bG3llU7uhXzsnN_utBEmyeiluhEOM9A3h_Nar-3r4OHI1rvlywqlBhpVIfrBSrv0i58SUYuEcdf4I4XrKdCNTitRJkkuqBheu1JK7bkCP6n68uF-moZOgo36mLurxeyaUIU0H4wgNx15fR8w3HIcy-_JIU/s1531/IMG_5380.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Nmc6ksyHIed8a3h46va3CCrcLLTFg_n7bG3llU7uhXzsnN_utBEmyeiluhEOM9A3h_Nar-3r4OHI1rvlywqlBhpVIfrBSrv0i58SUYuEcdf4I4XrKdCNTitRJkkuqBheu1JK7bkCP6n68uF-moZOgo36mLurxeyaUIU0H4wgNx15fR8w3HIcy-_JIU/w502-h640/IMG_5380.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Junie didn't need ringlets this year, which was a little sad, but also a relief as I was putting the curlers in for Daisy and Goldie at 11 pm on the night before the performance :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidfKv118T5dr4iLQhsb7_GmnMhtUPTYjkwXPrI84IfBGHZODucM_gnbht-OCTzBF9vErj4KuYe7l0OeUr72vID1Az4_SKC3SM39Bb1xgos6eQ9s0wPIdoe47vcpI9Kb2NTMXHC0Uc0GDdBS9KOLz-03_-uuP59H1o90JVULzBVwaBF06oC2XJX_md358/s2000/IMG_5382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="2000" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidfKv118T5dr4iLQhsb7_GmnMhtUPTYjkwXPrI84IfBGHZODucM_gnbht-OCTzBF9vErj4KuYe7l0OeUr72vID1Az4_SKC3SM39Bb1xgos6eQ9s0wPIdoe47vcpI9Kb2NTMXHC0Uc0GDdBS9KOLz-03_-uuP59H1o90JVULzBVwaBF06oC2XJX_md358/w640-h428/IMG_5382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TvEh0K-7i7q4-rlB7FMCro1Dhyphenhyphenx1XJtLKOywzeCRbVgwoXmrDpsvRTYZWc8doXBjNj-VJZncfUluqdsni7vcjME9OxVFAsplHgPM39lGEUzvdQSilVfq0iNjD9_HS1Enyijj9zxyKS7OM6eJOSwhvRaDTDcaV9YqiI03OiR3xktZlS8b93JNRk3lVqs/s2000/IMG_5387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2000" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TvEh0K-7i7q4-rlB7FMCro1Dhyphenhyphenx1XJtLKOywzeCRbVgwoXmrDpsvRTYZWc8doXBjNj-VJZncfUluqdsni7vcjME9OxVFAsplHgPM39lGEUzvdQSilVfq0iNjD9_HS1Enyijj9zxyKS7OM6eJOSwhvRaDTDcaV9YqiI03OiR3xktZlS8b93JNRk3lVqs/w640-h412/IMG_5387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All curly and ready to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6YVfXS28Vj5b_t8scFjnhYqLHEzaEizj4qzvNCt2TsVHlaZQHwPh4ItsRq3tP6IPMaTI3zOAafvIyxz-ItaGroe3GQl3UjLOlooyO0HItaXRXAv25DcY6kMLaHAIcGgoFiL9en70RXxQ1l8Xem6KSAcXqlP9hRsRIevHEQIXdLCb6P5Djd5q17lCwio/s1600/IMG_5391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6YVfXS28Vj5b_t8scFjnhYqLHEzaEizj4qzvNCt2TsVHlaZQHwPh4ItsRq3tP6IPMaTI3zOAafvIyxz-ItaGroe3GQl3UjLOlooyO0HItaXRXAv25DcY6kMLaHAIcGgoFiL9en70RXxQ1l8Xem6KSAcXqlP9hRsRIevHEQIXdLCb6P5Djd5q17lCwio/w640-h394/IMG_5391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pre-show walk-through</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh55kB9eoFPKSCciDRaGAhCyG-T4FxEIBgKSzIa87gnsfpnKTKXc2jUmoGM1e2LlZ947hiF4HNbEjnUoVbg_16tGdeuSAjdI3tw_9ScnluUXwLxM7AoIwFMhZasYsHFbl7QChsJs_p4VJcxssIwGFfrGU-4d7OilGwUDpM4Cpfjgt-vWi_PHwggOg7JY/s1694/2023-12-16%2014.56.04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh55kB9eoFPKSCciDRaGAhCyG-T4FxEIBgKSzIa87gnsfpnKTKXc2jUmoGM1e2LlZ947hiF4HNbEjnUoVbg_16tGdeuSAjdI3tw_9ScnluUXwLxM7AoIwFMhZasYsHFbl7QChsJs_p4VJcxssIwGFfrGU-4d7OilGwUDpM4Cpfjgt-vWi_PHwggOg7JY/w454-h640/2023-12-16%2014.56.04.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here are the lovely girls, at last, in their lovely costumes. We took these pictures in great haste, at all kinds of Unauthorized Times, in Unauthorized Areas of the school, and we <i>aren't even sorry! </i>(Also, I swear the lighting inside this junior high is the worst and most sickly lighting on the face of the earth. We tried to go outside when we could, but eventually it got too dark!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJM5jmthEQutj82wty9dgSRaldiizyMt4WhQqWm7mwqV72OGWrECLbt0aK74j5bxM5bzHuXnRnYWv7qRKVOmCe3OojanottL0JHDVlCIYrCWgMFEkjMjDbFCnUqKnPxqHCp8S_OmheI_3LdDBRdAmRvp0GpvbDEA34XkOuzBxX8zp-Xh_4CfbcFujRT8/s1600/2023-12-16%2014.56.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJM5jmthEQutj82wty9dgSRaldiizyMt4WhQqWm7mwqV72OGWrECLbt0aK74j5bxM5bzHuXnRnYWv7qRKVOmCe3OojanottL0JHDVlCIYrCWgMFEkjMjDbFCnUqKnPxqHCp8S_OmheI_3LdDBRdAmRvp0GpvbDEA34XkOuzBxX8zp-Xh_4CfbcFujRT8/w640-h422/2023-12-16%2014.56.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Goldie the Soldier Captain</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqz3HcHn6GiN2pXtCQvch5Q5auwLBi0USMURzdfCkm0qfuwnNrNgtIdmWbOMphaynVeBxW_PTAOdLbBYkglr9EcOi_LIP_aqmdRslLSFxwBVV94jKYfb-A7j93mPmxbjptOH15v0M-5jBPeMUHlGnjUv1HsBlEkUhYuM9fw64TWwAotF42A66H207nMk/s1731/2023-12-16%2019.19.38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqz3HcHn6GiN2pXtCQvch5Q5auwLBi0USMURzdfCkm0qfuwnNrNgtIdmWbOMphaynVeBxW_PTAOdLbBYkglr9EcOi_LIP_aqmdRslLSFxwBVV94jKYfb-A7j93mPmxbjptOH15v0M-5jBPeMUHlGnjUv1HsBlEkUhYuM9fw64TWwAotF42A66H207nMk/w444-h640/2023-12-16%2019.19.38.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie the Snow Sprite</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoN09Hi0fYJw7Xq9gYhgfIjxWqDd0_5Zf2r4G2gTmOWAW2bDJpVGTD1vgo_Lgdnob6YGOTWXSop4pD48qvBQbTVf4WNoYTy1FtuJU1pSI3rfDbaNsLP4XensaivNQdAo8QDrXYfvulRCE-6JysDPVjZ0nQwNs7b0t7eKh3rabSGDmVGSioy2KUx_XArE/s1614/2023-12-16%2019.19.44-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoN09Hi0fYJw7Xq9gYhgfIjxWqDd0_5Zf2r4G2gTmOWAW2bDJpVGTD1vgo_Lgdnob6YGOTWXSop4pD48qvBQbTVf4WNoYTy1FtuJU1pSI3rfDbaNsLP4XensaivNQdAo8QDrXYfvulRCE-6JysDPVjZ0nQwNs7b0t7eKh3rabSGDmVGSioy2KUx_XArE/w476-h640/2023-12-16%2019.19.44-2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-QQ9iKxZHIKnNgKqtmwnMMCA7SfcrkmEWkQA0MaQME3Va4fR0x4uq9eNCrUaLkikodNCmVaqI-utS1p2PzKnHGX0Hs1S66e5pie6ESTdPCcFRjeaVXpoXQU3Q-kRiwO3coBnUGH1zTMmgeMgllcm5RCPGCPBp07ywucudBIK6_dfbMfsC4dneijVYJE/s1758/2023-12-16%2019.19.51-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-QQ9iKxZHIKnNgKqtmwnMMCA7SfcrkmEWkQA0MaQME3Va4fR0x4uq9eNCrUaLkikodNCmVaqI-utS1p2PzKnHGX0Hs1S66e5pie6ESTdPCcFRjeaVXpoXQU3Q-kRiwO3coBnUGH1zTMmgeMgllcm5RCPGCPBp07ywucudBIK6_dfbMfsC4dneijVYJE/w436-h640/2023-12-16%2019.19.51-1.jpg" width="436" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpc1tWqF6NPuWxObE_QXL5MV1u_oAX_4qV_hX4mBEukzVPfpAEaC6MaIunv_6hFN7jSOc-DxMONdhn5PJOOKEJral5CLKb0uai2yYhON5E8cVR7nXUd_2RY5wzt3dKXxSgpxDoHnMBDAD0MCL-WK8MbAldgrVrEKVRJ_QCabtreb53gRjTXQXfI68rEo/s1848/2023-12-16%2015.01.29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpc1tWqF6NPuWxObE_QXL5MV1u_oAX_4qV_hX4mBEukzVPfpAEaC6MaIunv_6hFN7jSOc-DxMONdhn5PJOOKEJral5CLKb0uai2yYhON5E8cVR7nXUd_2RY5wzt3dKXxSgpxDoHnMBDAD0MCL-WK8MbAldgrVrEKVRJ_QCabtreb53gRjTXQXfI68rEo/w416-h640/2023-12-16%2015.01.29.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Junie the Jester. She did this solo part last year too because she's so good at cartwheels and handstands and walkovers. It's so fun to watch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XFt0PvsPWSJ5o6nPT2bHpVPVyu4SwkPOCyD-IS_es1pkyH05im-oEInNJPXgTrU542VF5E1BPC3V7xzbfroGjCJWqU5v6XrYhidq9Ggoae3DFlzueknZRs1vI8p_dWi_pgQMCj0m8uXKCAANLQkeLI7aE665_nomgeBxkxJ95Ax57_xpADyPkvFSmr4/s2179/2023-12-16%2015.01.38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2179" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XFt0PvsPWSJ5o6nPT2bHpVPVyu4SwkPOCyD-IS_es1pkyH05im-oEInNJPXgTrU542VF5E1BPC3V7xzbfroGjCJWqU5v6XrYhidq9Ggoae3DFlzueknZRs1vI8p_dWi_pgQMCj0m8uXKCAANLQkeLI7aE665_nomgeBxkxJ95Ax57_xpADyPkvFSmr4/w470-h640/2023-12-16%2015.01.38.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJspb8hkBWXhfzZAADTuOFGkL4fHS5HMMjgQdMWlaTvIrlEwEoV9arYY6_z51gPyeNv2XhvsP8XB7zzGhxCEhrA2NMxhE36V34BWZPF-ER4hyw_OZjkMgKz3fpsS6o5RC3OgmhNSMtjQGq5eKWr5fnoIuSLIDJFF2zHMtltdbSmu1-Ws8-YCoA07WKvG4/s2179/2023-12-16%2015.01.38a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2179" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJspb8hkBWXhfzZAADTuOFGkL4fHS5HMMjgQdMWlaTvIrlEwEoV9arYY6_z51gPyeNv2XhvsP8XB7zzGhxCEhrA2NMxhE36V34BWZPF-ER4hyw_OZjkMgKz3fpsS6o5RC3OgmhNSMtjQGq5eKWr5fnoIuSLIDJFF2zHMtltdbSmu1-Ws8-YCoA07WKvG4/w470-h640/2023-12-16%2015.01.38a.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I just wanted to see what her face looked like while she was upside-down. Still smiling!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8tAIb7bSN3EPlKjJWs7QxFiAxsfeOfHVj5firdMpgUdHOG1Pj268nTFKjsvooVIiiSw9q5lQ-hePe5tKh1UkZLevwmhGfGJlZrp-bGYasjp-SPoE4guSrMbxoRW_4FfMcwY5yYiX01ttQD_p-OXsJBI8Jc7lfe71v_qjUraDeQmHKNv565xON5FHP3I/s1550/2023-12-16%2015.01.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8tAIb7bSN3EPlKjJWs7QxFiAxsfeOfHVj5firdMpgUdHOG1Pj268nTFKjsvooVIiiSw9q5lQ-hePe5tKh1UkZLevwmhGfGJlZrp-bGYasjp-SPoE4guSrMbxoRW_4FfMcwY5yYiX01ttQD_p-OXsJBI8Jc7lfe71v_qjUraDeQmHKNv565xON5FHP3I/w496-h640/2023-12-16%2015.01.46.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMmL9Wc8eBsjAZv2KftazCxkzshvqse3SJNwaW3ceec1z2-KlwKnp_hxNjR0pppMMs6q-EC1uPVsQCABOkcqdvjO8sLn_uqkPNqR0meWpEQx9SQdVVkW0mc6ScRPrfTfIYkpDrchlY-Wk-rWS_JxI_FNj2Lf-LuEpk87bD4nV-LXzvcSxWgExGTViEgI/s1803/2023-12-16%2016.23.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1803" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMmL9Wc8eBsjAZv2KftazCxkzshvqse3SJNwaW3ceec1z2-KlwKnp_hxNjR0pppMMs6q-EC1uPVsQCABOkcqdvjO8sLn_uqkPNqR0meWpEQx9SQdVVkW0mc6ScRPrfTfIYkpDrchlY-Wk-rWS_JxI_FNj2Lf-LuEpk87bD4nV-LXzvcSxWgExGTViEgI/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2016.23.55.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Junie had SIX PARTS in the Nutcracker this year. I asked her, "Don't you get them mixed up?" and she said "No, my feet just know what to do." She was just amazing! The dance for this costume, the Russian dance, was especially fun because it's danced by a boy and two girls, and Junie and Daisy were the two girls. But, sadly, Daisy had a fall during the first performance (I told that story in <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2023/12/nutcracker-musings-public-hasnt-been.html">this post</a>) so I didn't get a picture of the two of them both in their costumes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjOeICNrPWHpwhwn5FtAXKnOGYrddRdt83znx6g9ZoJm9VuOROV14WGLk8UdKkxkSHj-xubihTnc4B5HmO2cw1KW_YH-NnvIKRvIryCJJ04LzZT3p6bcu2c_xD1bpBmzhzqU_F29T2vbeV1E48bKd3r3BhWbiC7Xj1GFIiG8U4xV2Wf15qkTqC4IGRVY/s1717/2023-12-16%2016.24.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1717" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjOeICNrPWHpwhwn5FtAXKnOGYrddRdt83znx6g9ZoJm9VuOROV14WGLk8UdKkxkSHj-xubihTnc4B5HmO2cw1KW_YH-NnvIKRvIryCJJ04LzZT3p6bcu2c_xD1bpBmzhzqU_F29T2vbeV1E48bKd3r3BhWbiC7Xj1GFIiG8U4xV2Wf15qkTqC4IGRVY/w448-h640/2023-12-16%2016.24.03.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhdlpkVgZh9tug-OuAWBlOZUr1aJm_bLKriQec2QTfFj5Ak8H1JXMWkXoMOWzDrz7cIbyuOhVLQ3okScj_OiOD-odLEGuIQ0NQFEv39uYgDSmjgl1xjsfCZDwTtu6xPm8NO9T9VX2axULa-vsBDD0009m0Wps9qX5iIzUBPGfb1-azGrYzz3XP-l1ZSU/s1829/2023-12-16%2016.24.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1829" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhdlpkVgZh9tug-OuAWBlOZUr1aJm_bLKriQec2QTfFj5Ak8H1JXMWkXoMOWzDrz7cIbyuOhVLQ3okScj_OiOD-odLEGuIQ0NQFEv39uYgDSmjgl1xjsfCZDwTtu6xPm8NO9T9VX2axULa-vsBDD0009m0Wps9qX5iIzUBPGfb1-azGrYzz3XP-l1ZSU/w420-h640/2023-12-16%2016.24.42.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instead, here is Junie with Ivy, the girls' friend who danced Russian in the other cast. Pretend she's Daisy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgl1g0WlpgZqVR2PIo-mques22t-hTm3GmdsUqZ2sUAUrt2Dj_f7bCoqcvPuzLrcf9UF72XlVb6dIehE3f9SqLbkNywxxW-UU7yp37YyVpqOiDNQ3YcSZX02tpSCacqvKpJz0DLnPsbv2X-BZ6U0iOuq9ntvr1B9L9zdfp8W6j384iXXspatEXkG1d3s/s1726/2023-12-16%2016.29.04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgl1g0WlpgZqVR2PIo-mques22t-hTm3GmdsUqZ2sUAUrt2Dj_f7bCoqcvPuzLrcf9UF72XlVb6dIehE3f9SqLbkNywxxW-UU7yp37YyVpqOiDNQ3YcSZX02tpSCacqvKpJz0DLnPsbv2X-BZ6U0iOuq9ntvr1B9L9zdfp8W6j384iXXspatEXkG1d3s/w444-h640/2023-12-16%2016.29.04.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arabian. This was probably my favorite of Junie's dances. I love the music for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILwQWmq2y_Kp5kDb4iQVfnV4OOmhMvVXShcFpWhf5jeiPVmuUYmo_tDAJsyzs5BkFU7KI6aNhAhCsuxaimjq48JnJMy4khs1sHKnPWH8FpZB5NvgkWrASXiP1U8Q5SnJwR3u0jLiTeAEIfLiMe4WvM6UMCx1vSfkfk6rm2IxfeGx6O7c2itW9YdvULY0/s1600/2023-12-16%2016.29.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILwQWmq2y_Kp5kDb4iQVfnV4OOmhMvVXShcFpWhf5jeiPVmuUYmo_tDAJsyzs5BkFU7KI6aNhAhCsuxaimjq48JnJMy4khs1sHKnPWH8FpZB5NvgkWrASXiP1U8Q5SnJwR3u0jLiTeAEIfLiMe4WvM6UMCx1vSfkfk6rm2IxfeGx6O7c2itW9YdvULY0/w640-h426/2023-12-16%2016.29.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz-bL_QIPnIQongUSvTpCefOldm5cKhbZMcp7kUX5vX0M2rQ9JmsiJFwduXiN_phXuIzUxlMddyOxvM2p0Ppr8CJIqDYf3bndKrmdX1yGMTKpKfIUUuTPxhyphenhyphen0vpgsNJY3zgCVOecuwHpYDPVmp0FXuBZvKo_vVUoozhRYgWFpNxeF4BtYllJPL5EeiTs/s1785/2023-12-16%2016.46.19-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1785" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz-bL_QIPnIQongUSvTpCefOldm5cKhbZMcp7kUX5vX0M2rQ9JmsiJFwduXiN_phXuIzUxlMddyOxvM2p0Ppr8CJIqDYf3bndKrmdX1yGMTKpKfIUUuTPxhyphenhyphen0vpgsNJY3zgCVOecuwHpYDPVmp0FXuBZvKo_vVUoozhRYgWFpNxeF4BtYllJPL5EeiTs/w430-h640/2023-12-16%2016.46.19-1.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maid. Not much dancing in this part, but Junie loved her costume!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItEbIYTFlU-aHmURp-B1qjYijPZrlnB3XxX7AukI1FxVSOtg6kRWnvxqC-o0dMiWFcEYuLLRvv7xtTgwc_9lXPEwObYzdCfd6TWn11yI4hpAVnKTZmn6jEKXzWTA_ZSH4mi5EHZHs7meUYQMNWcnSx_KW7WH38KBefg0MLuCOx2ZyC4BiWPy7-ddmgU0/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItEbIYTFlU-aHmURp-B1qjYijPZrlnB3XxX7AukI1FxVSOtg6kRWnvxqC-o0dMiWFcEYuLLRvv7xtTgwc_9lXPEwObYzdCfd6TWn11yI4hpAVnKTZmn6jEKXzWTA_ZSH4mi5EHZHs7meUYQMNWcnSx_KW7WH38KBefg0MLuCOx2ZyC4BiWPy7-ddmgU0/w640-h434/IMG_5398.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, I do have one picture of Daisy in her costume too. From the first cast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTb1cTRY7h0Iod6XcpDv0ZfLJ5GjVilwo6UpuN8Artgm-IMiYGPF3e15ZxnFIo8u0YlTn7W2HNOy6rYYVkDQcXp3hQ_boZem__9yYccVMb_3kgMXiCdotA4eOaTlJkSZeeN6IzlgYT-nuyxSfjB0TLjm9RBTyBTYrha-VeMYyP4Ib_-9HYbdSqd7tUho/s1804/2023-12-16%2017.21.09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTb1cTRY7h0Iod6XcpDv0ZfLJ5GjVilwo6UpuN8Artgm-IMiYGPF3e15ZxnFIo8u0YlTn7W2HNOy6rYYVkDQcXp3hQ_boZem__9yYccVMb_3kgMXiCdotA4eOaTlJkSZeeN6IzlgYT-nuyxSfjB0TLjm9RBTyBTYrha-VeMYyP4Ib_-9HYbdSqd7tUho/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2017.21.09.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daisy, as I know I've mentioned, was Clara this year. (She also did several other corps parts in the other cast.) She got to have three costumes as Clara, which she was so happy about! Here's her nightgown. These pictures were after she had hurt her foot and she was just experimenting before the evening performance with how much she could do on pointe, and I can see the strain on her face even though she's smiling. She powered through, though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5okWy48ZyBYKjePr9HJ1Pvk28b6nwfyZbLQRQ6tWRy1eMGRR2z6YRYmaFH06HlbAlEMwd-9-DDqRE4_qK1f5Kej3UGE1lDvdhZD0_rtKV3Lsa96KbcLtuid5hoRG74p_kN4IMuEyakOrlcSFwaSg1D0V_9u-sltaaxnbo4o2XpoOjDZY2lP8xBbtSh0/s1752/2023-12-16%2017.21.13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5okWy48ZyBYKjePr9HJ1Pvk28b6nwfyZbLQRQ6tWRy1eMGRR2z6YRYmaFH06HlbAlEMwd-9-DDqRE4_qK1f5Kej3UGE1lDvdhZD0_rtKV3Lsa96KbcLtuid5hoRG74p_kN4IMuEyakOrlcSFwaSg1D0V_9u-sltaaxnbo4o2XpoOjDZY2lP8xBbtSh0/w438-h640/2023-12-16%2017.21.13.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXKIMvN9vhFO8jYVdsE-qch1dLMdm5obU99MwSO6Q3_opIfBXcjvEmYJiXXH538INLkbXbdOsfPIZkSOAKkbTJwTk6zXC-uTNMkNsKiESus-j6uJdejdsVlmjlSC-xzwlBBmw28ij0zzpZV6f5E2pKIO3W2AnukjBqE26ucSZDn6x3GXEyqj_ZE5bR_8/s1902/2023-12-16%2017.21.17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXKIMvN9vhFO8jYVdsE-qch1dLMdm5obU99MwSO6Q3_opIfBXcjvEmYJiXXH538INLkbXbdOsfPIZkSOAKkbTJwTk6zXC-uTNMkNsKiESus-j6uJdejdsVlmjlSC-xzwlBBmw28ij0zzpZV6f5E2pKIO3W2AnukjBqE26ucSZDn6x3GXEyqj_ZE5bR_8/w404-h640/2023-12-16%2017.21.17.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztwCE2kWF4Q-QXVAB8AgoN7jH-fPcEXOIkpIYZkKtbUJq_eeD9eAZ8M3tSs3Q6UgQipTioLUAwLLXuF5_6iYP3ailY_wRpBKiHQMSgX_DOYTPUodOTbRC89OFhQKB4tGyrUjuhYzGAq-HfJPorSQoOiNeUhEtgrNcYMzPPCMeKFQFx1EYgqscCAs1iyE/s1763/2023-12-16%2017.21.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztwCE2kWF4Q-QXVAB8AgoN7jH-fPcEXOIkpIYZkKtbUJq_eeD9eAZ8M3tSs3Q6UgQipTioLUAwLLXuF5_6iYP3ailY_wRpBKiHQMSgX_DOYTPUodOTbRC89OFhQKB4tGyrUjuhYzGAq-HfJPorSQoOiNeUhEtgrNcYMzPPCMeKFQFx1EYgqscCAs1iyE/w436-h640/2023-12-16%2017.21.33.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I told her to show me what face she makes when the mice come in :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYJ563IU0aunuscvndgry2fVXNsWi5U7-BLgKqfsf_BMW-G6MyQHOMWS0H-tMZQnCFNZzNzfLoZkbT9-oOrVGUNAAci-ePZ7kCn5Smcfqfu6_VTr7BeMtDw8Kl89fEWcuXTFivzLSY8ivw4RBR7FmSXZWjRLKshZULb_TjZ7EOpe4ETcPPwgLcUmIwnI/s1709/2023-12-16%2017.21.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYJ563IU0aunuscvndgry2fVXNsWi5U7-BLgKqfsf_BMW-G6MyQHOMWS0H-tMZQnCFNZzNzfLoZkbT9-oOrVGUNAAci-ePZ7kCn5Smcfqfu6_VTr7BeMtDw8Kl89fEWcuXTFivzLSY8ivw4RBR7FmSXZWjRLKshZULb_TjZ7EOpe4ETcPPwgLcUmIwnI/w450-h640/2023-12-16%2017.21.34.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ysbCf03i2GxC0u_BejFE0MWQX6eVSaukZpx6IVC9a6x6HhpUrdh4swYL5XCrefiOmHL1AhgZNDKDLhbvn78kSE-VKUvz3gXQytmNwdcgSF4af1Ia2cAC8R466g6Io3xTLtQpGG_BHw2WzKFjhNJiQRmTH0ZnLgGQ3ZraJYj7fAIBrxNP28Ck9j63KaE/s1592/2023-12-16%2017.21.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ysbCf03i2GxC0u_BejFE0MWQX6eVSaukZpx6IVC9a6x6HhpUrdh4swYL5XCrefiOmHL1AhgZNDKDLhbvn78kSE-VKUvz3gXQytmNwdcgSF4af1Ia2cAC8R466g6Io3xTLtQpGG_BHw2WzKFjhNJiQRmTH0ZnLgGQ3ZraJYj7fAIBrxNP28Ck9j63KaE/w482-h640/2023-12-16%2017.21.55.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg36KrNrHyPHpfrriqjdwbuoPPdASXsG2YWhYlSxCVA1xSGBJSQFyQdCsBs0Elt5J1SOqShhLED68h9IUIRhiIcmFdV0m5SVAvBfSfqLU0ssQwV3pDBZcBHorCjGlW7eD6-_LAnILDF8xqr1Bp2RBEw4wb6TCvpZagY1TDp2ATErYKp0tJWHg-3QxxsU/s5443/2023-12-16%2017.59.57-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5443" data-original-width="3738" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg36KrNrHyPHpfrriqjdwbuoPPdASXsG2YWhYlSxCVA1xSGBJSQFyQdCsBs0Elt5J1SOqShhLED68h9IUIRhiIcmFdV0m5SVAvBfSfqLU0ssQwV3pDBZcBHorCjGlW7eD6-_LAnILDF8xqr1Bp2RBEw4wb6TCvpZagY1TDp2ATErYKp0tJWHg-3QxxsU/w440-h640/2023-12-16%2017.59.57-1.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We snatched the Nutcracker from the stage for a few pictures :) This is the party dress for Clara.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6X7m8bzahojt52DcUMW20yZvMhcd0Gakx2DMLjzVHQwM8Kqq4a2RPZnH_Ps4bwNu_HtnzLY0aNZTWYJ-71nk9UU5VkLsjoptEhZnmZjwdMuGOXgpRkdA1KgeUxl_0_7O0ol2Wnc_bxs2FAm-QLK4ho9VfqJNbkktAXaYBmaPgfTLYKOwe9_-_kFnNCI/s1719/2023-12-16%2018.00.02-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6X7m8bzahojt52DcUMW20yZvMhcd0Gakx2DMLjzVHQwM8Kqq4a2RPZnH_Ps4bwNu_HtnzLY0aNZTWYJ-71nk9UU5VkLsjoptEhZnmZjwdMuGOXgpRkdA1KgeUxl_0_7O0ol2Wnc_bxs2FAm-QLK4ho9VfqJNbkktAXaYBmaPgfTLYKOwe9_-_kFnNCI/w446-h640/2023-12-16%2018.00.02-2.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVWL0MtDQhKlvg1xjGARNcjINzXZke1ZPpjITA7enWXZ9xbxun5htysJxnY8CWOpwXvroIro5KVzGhFO8S4xHPyXmByeq3Lh-MdeMEqpm4kT_463HO_FPt_WkEHBzYK3Juap9HQ3hqr38afEYBP_P43iIuXir083EEe24NDJJmajb7aNFLaQDLZLvcsw/s5953/2023-12-16%2018.00.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5953" data-original-width="3948" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVWL0MtDQhKlvg1xjGARNcjINzXZke1ZPpjITA7enWXZ9xbxun5htysJxnY8CWOpwXvroIro5KVzGhFO8S4xHPyXmByeq3Lh-MdeMEqpm4kT_463HO_FPt_WkEHBzYK3Juap9HQ3hqr38afEYBP_P43iIuXir083EEe24NDJJmajb7aNFLaQDLZLvcsw/w424-h640/2023-12-16%2018.00.11.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyrn3QveLO2jNYz6zam-_BaqOo497dYJ2Ul8-PPGybLKb9iisoYEWbVkqDte7oM0gcSsriQz9AiQ2Rk_scjyYK78gkgVF19eNl-JXyg1LosploRNySz3vGDuiQ0hgELcVFEfx-jt8Hl0B0fs02nZ93VI03xzGGdo8XIh9VsdBYeiIPoMOrbD8fB8C5nk/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.00.25-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyrn3QveLO2jNYz6zam-_BaqOo497dYJ2Ul8-PPGybLKb9iisoYEWbVkqDte7oM0gcSsriQz9AiQ2Rk_scjyYK78gkgVF19eNl-JXyg1LosploRNySz3vGDuiQ0hgELcVFEfx-jt8Hl0B0fs02nZ93VI03xzGGdo8XIh9VsdBYeiIPoMOrbD8fB8C5nk/w640-h462/2023-12-16%2018.00.25-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcdBwN-omqJWDy8IDlBrOkXiMtwyWbzybqYqWsGB3cSWk9_PrxH6jVvdiBw3lp8qc1chvsBy06N1Ptx3MWf3EmLOcA8DnsGvpb0fTEVkSqaxx7Jy7U6LGcqXi7G4Xubtqaracynm1WJ5vYGCcYoQ14Uv9cxBOwodAAXhjfRbi-O2lt7fjARQx96ohCwM/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.01.53-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcdBwN-omqJWDy8IDlBrOkXiMtwyWbzybqYqWsGB3cSWk9_PrxH6jVvdiBw3lp8qc1chvsBy06N1Ptx3MWf3EmLOcA8DnsGvpb0fTEVkSqaxx7Jy7U6LGcqXi7G4Xubtqaracynm1WJ5vYGCcYoQ14Uv9cxBOwodAAXhjfRbi-O2lt7fjARQx96ohCwM/w640-h426/2023-12-16%2018.01.53-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The party scene participants. Like last year, Teddy got pulled in to help—even though he's not in ballet—since there are never enough boys. He thinks it's so fun to gallop around on the stick horses!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrISPbfnZ3BRsMt0LERCVJVHiOxHyBddiGXvdyHh0aOZAAXT14HyeD488usKq6ihxtg43omXWnq6WHDdlIBIWnjAv4Z4jGx_iMHR1JBdU5SC8zoj53XaYzCcVQaVoKrih1c11AGjlWr9RKItAzjuuaNk3RZ-fr6875VKjSxqUbIMVnHCNfQKYdJR2o0s/s1600/2023-12-16%2018.02.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrISPbfnZ3BRsMt0LERCVJVHiOxHyBddiGXvdyHh0aOZAAXT14HyeD488usKq6ihxtg43omXWnq6WHDdlIBIWnjAv4Z4jGx_iMHR1JBdU5SC8zoj53XaYzCcVQaVoKrih1c11AGjlWr9RKItAzjuuaNk3RZ-fr6875VKjSxqUbIMVnHCNfQKYdJR2o0s/w640-h448/2023-12-16%2018.02.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFPPHcOjypX3n3BB4Hbfd8dcYYh5plUPyHItiiD-9gPGoEd45Ygxzvj_5QO5KIxIbYB25Sp9FyBoyX45daNO4mBgphve5BYDycCCZrrVmIGXNmMZdiiq-049GUcwVFFvoWmXGT5eyZE_Ch8MkYdubAxQ3kQyxlDkaGlzino3pmSZsIB4UIwMEHiLPpk0/s1672/2023-12-16%2018.02.29-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFPPHcOjypX3n3BB4Hbfd8dcYYh5plUPyHItiiD-9gPGoEd45Ygxzvj_5QO5KIxIbYB25Sp9FyBoyX45daNO4mBgphve5BYDycCCZrrVmIGXNmMZdiiq-049GUcwVFFvoWmXGT5eyZE_Ch8MkYdubAxQ3kQyxlDkaGlzino3pmSZsIB4UIwMEHiLPpk0/w460-h640/2023-12-16%2018.02.29-2.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Qt29WSJHdH_gD-zfj1STGhyphenhyphenndngHxsOKBPU4RNu95EorY3ufSpdn8Udfz-7GjvUIr8S57eptykVLiXvJtACdm2bQNyGyyA_GaTAFCO61S6D8ILXstJjlpMWXyJJjbUhLtvL23ppn8h0nX9pK9FR_BU6p4SUuhCSH1o33ZBG02qZuT2j4XpsLt6Igu3g/s1863/2023-12-16%2018.02.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Qt29WSJHdH_gD-zfj1STGhyphenhyphenndngHxsOKBPU4RNu95EorY3ufSpdn8Udfz-7GjvUIr8S57eptykVLiXvJtACdm2bQNyGyyA_GaTAFCO61S6D8ILXstJjlpMWXyJJjbUhLtvL23ppn8h0nX9pK9FR_BU6p4SUuhCSH1o33ZBG02qZuT2j4XpsLt6Igu3g/w412-h640/2023-12-16%2018.02.54.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yynE8ScnUT6xxgdzh7DV-t8CoeGERALTEGJMxELr0koIt4HWb8wwmdpz3HUFQxTzFnTxtGL8JZbMbJNUlXTF-gRyrkma8A0GwRBpO0Q4L_dX-nWXmnME_zqUEq_TKnCigAky_vOJ_ysBLra8MtoTn1rNiuRyebrozEBEJMAIKnmjXsBMWAQD1IjfTk8/s1719/2023-12-16%2018.03.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yynE8ScnUT6xxgdzh7DV-t8CoeGERALTEGJMxELr0koIt4HWb8wwmdpz3HUFQxTzFnTxtGL8JZbMbJNUlXTF-gRyrkma8A0GwRBpO0Q4L_dX-nWXmnME_zqUEq_TKnCigAky_vOJ_ysBLra8MtoTn1rNiuRyebrozEBEJMAIKnmjXsBMWAQD1IjfTk8/w446-h640/2023-12-16%2018.03.03.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1zSlcXD5HjUNmZiaQbbwdeo-5IJhzSff5j_4fYJAW23Fs4WhWbnFTTikVSqYJUe9g0Ey6-bmLjh8k4Fdv5_bYeTBKKYDAUrZoaT-KcvcpWIWVyj5EBdQ0fuK91acbpFA09fd0pGADtcTDYEiWxrOwGmpNuruxBx4UM-kH-WPnTKUSTGWp_b25cfMo58/s1756/2023-12-16%2018.03.10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1zSlcXD5HjUNmZiaQbbwdeo-5IJhzSff5j_4fYJAW23Fs4WhWbnFTTikVSqYJUe9g0Ey6-bmLjh8k4Fdv5_bYeTBKKYDAUrZoaT-KcvcpWIWVyj5EBdQ0fuK91acbpFA09fd0pGADtcTDYEiWxrOwGmpNuruxBx4UM-kH-WPnTKUSTGWp_b25cfMo58/w438-h640/2023-12-16%2018.03.10.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRo6GsM-bfEtINdquTq5Y8Pj-E-lRoErAFqvH3ujH4n7zN6VC-I6XbYGugcR4tmWqLRZ43NLGBr0abKIzQyggr88-9y3bvcQhTc8G9fJgUw9iFK1MMSTfNW5ianDRyURnDbhkh9ITsgvD9KmrYCAgrISi5HYhvM7kOupB6_C1E9GfeAfh6PSTAFB11aI/s1806/2023-12-16%2018.03.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1806" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRo6GsM-bfEtINdquTq5Y8Pj-E-lRoErAFqvH3ujH4n7zN6VC-I6XbYGugcR4tmWqLRZ43NLGBr0abKIzQyggr88-9y3bvcQhTc8G9fJgUw9iFK1MMSTfNW5ianDRyURnDbhkh9ITsgvD9KmrYCAgrISi5HYhvM7kOupB6_C1E9GfeAfh6PSTAFB11aI/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2018.03.54.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByplnqZXBJyaOCfgWGRxt7LVW2BX-PLdgWlNT42sHxKfajqil9B8q4KLPHxJ6z0n5V3qi5k2ojwk-_u9x0JmqlX814anf5Exy5WbMfotxY8mMOFOhu3H95CvToQyclHd5HkJUsPX5epluRTSAM6PDINeHjxlovpBOZuWX8ma5CWKi01A6ZuJaqyLT6z0/s1765/2023-12-16%2019.23.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1765" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByplnqZXBJyaOCfgWGRxt7LVW2BX-PLdgWlNT42sHxKfajqil9B8q4KLPHxJ6z0n5V3qi5k2ojwk-_u9x0JmqlX814anf5Exy5WbMfotxY8mMOFOhu3H95CvToQyclHd5HkJUsPX5epluRTSAM6PDINeHjxlovpBOZuWX8ma5CWKi01A6ZuJaqyLT6z0/w436-h640/2023-12-16%2019.23.34.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's Daisy in between acts, in her Second Act Clara dress. So pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlef93kE9gM-hn6w2jlfFidd46386xu_lXxzkj_pDIZMfZt6BvhYnuBIP509tL1qau28MuyPAOw4KW474-XT30kdE4zvKzdYQSvAib_UnSWjc__V2Kfn8vusVU9qYn4zYXpJ_LQVVEk32eNeWV7kcMwvnSb_uFqoE3yBfqHJSjZoXJ3sx_GgtY8c1tg9Q/s1759/2023-12-16%2019.25.12-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlef93kE9gM-hn6w2jlfFidd46386xu_lXxzkj_pDIZMfZt6BvhYnuBIP509tL1qau28MuyPAOw4KW474-XT30kdE4zvKzdYQSvAib_UnSWjc__V2Kfn8vusVU9qYn4zYXpJ_LQVVEk32eNeWV7kcMwvnSb_uFqoE3yBfqHJSjZoXJ3sx_GgtY8c1tg9Q/w436-h640/2023-12-16%2019.25.12-2.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIB8CvtMDO-om5XFlZgt8vIXFHK5X97WKOhJu9RY7ZhPhheF5KxA7mKYW-7kvmM8Vbe22a0S8nfQhAXnsNZ9thB0y_rK-NwGfCVjdXdIAVq5lItoS8omn6h-Js6cIee10nN2xWSsWnBrc1aYLwiqk5RGTZojHg-MrC0XqQ3DWGVXIewzpVBxtscxRsks/s1804/2023-12-16%2020.36.48-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIB8CvtMDO-om5XFlZgt8vIXFHK5X97WKOhJu9RY7ZhPhheF5KxA7mKYW-7kvmM8Vbe22a0S8nfQhAXnsNZ9thB0y_rK-NwGfCVjdXdIAVq5lItoS8omn6h-Js6cIee10nN2xWSsWnBrc1aYLwiqk5RGTZojHg-MrC0XqQ3DWGVXIewzpVBxtscxRsks/w426-h640/2023-12-16%2020.36.48-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They put a cape and crown on her onstage, so she has those at the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCfUeAMKFSqgdy1b6hEQoHVaiuWymVg8azf2qVO7IU2KRNA1fTNcqRS-zJuX4b576byn1xl0OVsjZuO_fpYjLBFJpze3Fm1KGcL7OXTlQGQ2YAayA16A2gPylpnNWKQRDU9_seQpGcZa1fGB1Riw-BR1TwyDiwY-2WYqjWyhBqvl3YXAitXQV76z1ivk/s1798/2023-12-16%2016.38.07-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1798" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCfUeAMKFSqgdy1b6hEQoHVaiuWymVg8azf2qVO7IU2KRNA1fTNcqRS-zJuX4b576byn1xl0OVsjZuO_fpYjLBFJpze3Fm1KGcL7OXTlQGQ2YAayA16A2gPylpnNWKQRDU9_seQpGcZa1fGB1Riw-BR1TwyDiwY-2WYqjWyhBqvl3YXAitXQV76z1ivk/w428-h640/2023-12-16%2016.38.07-1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdkfvjirLErsNjdN2W5qDMOtOzpoIog7CXUa8RWqh033h4IBc3wJv7z1A9g-ckkK_qcf9XcnyMG9a4Ym7ZgnrzBJQEOjelu6LDTWpTOGI4EKanE9EPcJkvrMacOX9sH0nj_gH3jAm_qxgwLWLF0YTAQrYbeY3ZYxi_u73UUvQlwWpBkRUPHi-djzi83o/s1701/2023-12-16%2016.38.19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdkfvjirLErsNjdN2W5qDMOtOzpoIog7CXUa8RWqh033h4IBc3wJv7z1A9g-ckkK_qcf9XcnyMG9a4Ym7ZgnrzBJQEOjelu6LDTWpTOGI4EKanE9EPcJkvrMacOX9sH0nj_gH3jAm_qxgwLWLF0YTAQrYbeY3ZYxi_u73UUvQlwWpBkRUPHi-djzi83o/w452-h640/2023-12-16%2016.38.19.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daisy and Junie were also in Snow Corps and Flower Corps together for one of the casts. They wanted a picture in their costumes (these are Snow; we didn't manage to get Flower!) even though Daisy's foot was too swollen to put on pointe shoes at the moment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV85LhUYHrnPzCMYG-xwidFQQ131EDh6hGxZLHFT6926qrjglkrBivVAHqqfa3xWrxovjWXwSOGXGrM1CZmj0FZQqibOg4OP8HuBkPr7Hvi9R4izAWXXhRqyU0gY6zas42EV1aYfDDK2NZjpECOmJd4j5iVQHDUzpmonr63by8G7EiQhDE3WDDgidWv4/s1600/2023-12-16%2015.46.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV85LhUYHrnPzCMYG-xwidFQQ131EDh6hGxZLHFT6926qrjglkrBivVAHqqfa3xWrxovjWXwSOGXGrM1CZmj0FZQqibOg4OP8HuBkPr7Hvi9R4izAWXXhRqyU0gY6zas42EV1aYfDDK2NZjpECOmJd4j5iVQHDUzpmonr63by8G7EiQhDE3WDDgidWv4/w640-h454/2023-12-16%2015.46.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are how the Flower Costumes looked</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGQz6YCQJemYj85_E8cQk1Zh0laze9YICiqpCgB4v5kPFB3CpA7jB8rjHtNfBl8XhpzUvd9xTuszswjGMEqiA47wDrVtQZ-NDFOC_dH8gOu4csIG5E0ST-Vv6M3z-iQ830lP3Uvn02LaqqBEQDtFQ1Qkenrs64E1owH_F2ymoB96NeYN-Je4ahQwNd1M/s1750/2023-12-16%2014.58.30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1750" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGQz6YCQJemYj85_E8cQk1Zh0laze9YICiqpCgB4v5kPFB3CpA7jB8rjHtNfBl8XhpzUvd9xTuszswjGMEqiA47wDrVtQZ-NDFOC_dH8gOu4csIG5E0ST-Vv6M3z-iQ830lP3Uvn02LaqqBEQDtFQ1Qkenrs64E1owH_F2ymoB96NeYN-Je4ahQwNd1M/w438-h640/2023-12-16%2014.58.30.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's Daisy backstage in the middle of a costume change! Keeping a tan leotard on beneath everything definitely simplifies matters! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HyG58HkbGQ5MpTSBsgE1FzwuZfECjXqj_zZInBA_7ZVtbV2xB3O2ndeQv2TKZnLiu35HMVDJvp7hGhu5aouIW8Tlez9BFJ8BZDKMpSaLNMenAE1N-Fri-2akmLvMVUk48VHNyvln61C1qC2Wv9naa_hGolwZBOjwFD2EGx3y9zvaVH1vnjEejycFDnE/s1619/2023-12-16%2016.38.26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HyG58HkbGQ5MpTSBsgE1FzwuZfECjXqj_zZInBA_7ZVtbV2xB3O2ndeQv2TKZnLiu35HMVDJvp7hGhu5aouIW8Tlez9BFJ8BZDKMpSaLNMenAE1N-Fri-2akmLvMVUk48VHNyvln61C1qC2Wv9naa_hGolwZBOjwFD2EGx3y9zvaVH1vnjEejycFDnE/w474-h640/2023-12-16%2016.38.26.jpg" width="474" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KtMkiOrly9OYyigJ4AYpqqnZQMUZPIVN3lS6-5tQ85yX69NpzB1U7spurvyLLeOHO8SGJdwdeFltFKNvxZQUQPFk0zWxmKmTB1VLeHSAKdiYxo_Tru0fhyphenhyphenwn1SD5739GKuSPJ7kQRlnxKMvtyJLwKbd1p6v6oWp6_l8EkTQj28-pqIVa6wfHNL7rxRY/s1680/2023-12-16%2016.38.48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KtMkiOrly9OYyigJ4AYpqqnZQMUZPIVN3lS6-5tQ85yX69NpzB1U7spurvyLLeOHO8SGJdwdeFltFKNvxZQUQPFk0zWxmKmTB1VLeHSAKdiYxo_Tru0fhyphenhyphenwn1SD5739GKuSPJ7kQRlnxKMvtyJLwKbd1p6v6oWp6_l8EkTQj28-pqIVa6wfHNL7rxRY/w458-h640/2023-12-16%2016.38.48.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just loved watching these dancers in the performance! They're getting so good! And I'm grateful they get to have the fun experience of doing it together.</div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-54943073595445143062023-12-28T00:06:00.005-07:002023-12-29T00:17:23.424-07:00Who so singularly loves us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>This post is part of the <a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/">General Conference Odyssey</a>. This week covers the Sunday Morning Session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng">October 2003 Conference</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-RnvibiLcayHJujWhTg1DZMfRkCs5pxgwlaAH11Or4M_ExTwvXzfBEnzBJ8RbfHygUNW9iNH5TWtcIjgoWtk-atN3NcVdfWsfTAdea9nVdseOU5FDzdgpvvgOGDt4nzXSnrMBkSgCW5-mBiEjYuKOLYEBBUjrx8VJcDTiT3O26yoXKZuwmqNMpQa34Y/s4032/IMG_5701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-RnvibiLcayHJujWhTg1DZMfRkCs5pxgwlaAH11Or4M_ExTwvXzfBEnzBJ8RbfHygUNW9iNH5TWtcIjgoWtk-atN3NcVdfWsfTAdea9nVdseOU5FDzdgpvvgOGDt4nzXSnrMBkSgCW5-mBiEjYuKOLYEBBUjrx8VJcDTiT3O26yoXKZuwmqNMpQa34Y/w480-h640/IMG_5701.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm late posting this week, Christmas week, so I'll just leave you with a quote from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/the-grandeur-of-god?lang=eng">one of my favorite talks of all time</a>—Elder Holland's beautiful talk on God the Father.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div>That single, riveting scene [of God weeping over the world] does more to teach the true nature of God than any theological treatise could ever convey. It also helps us understand much more emphatically that vivid moment in the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive tree, when after digging and dunging, watering and weeding, trimming, pruning, transplanting, and grafting, the great Lord of the vineyard throws down his spade and his pruning shears and weeps, crying out to any who would listen, “What could I have done more for my vineyard?”</div><div><br /></div><div>What an indelible image of God’s engagement in our lives! What anguish in a parent when His children do not choose Him nor “the gospel of God” He sent! How easy to love someone who so singularly loves us!…</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Jesus did not come to improve God’s view of man nearly so much as He came to improve man’s view of God and to plead with them to love their Heavenly Father as He has always and will always love them. The plan of God, the power of God, the holiness of God, yes, even the anger and the judgment of God they had occasion to understand. But the love of God, the profound depth of His devotion to His children, they still did not fully know—until Christ came.</div><div><br /></div><div>So feeding the hungry, healing the sick, rebuking hypocrisy, pleading for faith—this was Christ showing us the way of the Father, He who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness.” In His life and especially in His death, Christ was declaring, “This is God’s compassion I am showing you, as well as that of my own.”…</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit. I testify that amidst the wondrously complex tasks inherent in the universe, He seeks our individual happiness and safety above all other godly concerns.</div></blockquote><p>I loved this talk when I first heard it. But I didn't, <i>couldn't</i>, feel the truth of it half as powerfully before having the experiences I've had in the last 20 years; before having children of my own whom I have loved and cried over and feared for and often failed. My great and only hope rests in the love of our Heavenly Father and His perfect plan and His perfect son. Because of Them, all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. I am so grateful for that truth!</p><div></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836198539158358199.post-91923140160249128682023-12-20T16:34:00.003-07:002023-12-20T16:42:01.128-07:00Four Lucias<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTHeNL9-43dzSrIatDj3ipRj6ljeYwywL-V8uzJF1mmaU_ck772chBCBb8e4HAS48NCSmHXiOZ_0MlwCrpORFwOYlYrLeox2b3VTo1K0Mz3iltx4DRyNfYQvQHLxycN45LMIHjVh7PEn0sIQKzn7iiB7whKjP3Icu9qRSxB2zTO-US61d17JQp99YL80/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.39.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTHeNL9-43dzSrIatDj3ipRj6ljeYwywL-V8uzJF1mmaU_ck772chBCBb8e4HAS48NCSmHXiOZ_0MlwCrpORFwOYlYrLeox2b3VTo1K0Mz3iltx4DRyNfYQvQHLxycN45LMIHjVh7PEn0sIQKzn7iiB7whKjP3Icu9qRSxB2zTO-US61d17JQp99YL80/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.39.21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's this? Am I really posting about Santa Lucia Day before Christmas? I suppose I haven't actually pressed "publish" so I shouldn't count my chickens yet…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've celebrated our share of <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Lucia?&max-results=20">Santa Lucia Days</a> on the wrong day, due to scheduling conflicts. We've also gotten up early-early to have the rolls done before morning departures. This year looked like it was going to be a get-up-early year, but then I found out Malachi didn't need to be at cross-country in the morning, so we did a sort of hybrid where I got up early-early to make a pan of rolls for Sam before he left, and then we did Wave Two a little later for everyone else. It meant the girls didn't get to bring Daddy his <i>lussekatter</i> and cocoa in bed…and they were sad about that…but at least everyone else got a bit more sleep!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLln64zkdav_uQnJPHdemoQGrmMrgyhPbgp4-DI2x6gCcjOs5a2rYm3l0Ov39yVKLsfTudRPfqpChQvRqM7pcEMqQpTrkldJrEuoFha64Csjq7-fMdVFdrt7v_MsG_MUp7umPmJjxW9KKVhEZFDcvJF_Rl6TWndFupAhu1QQg54PHGBtR-3fFCrmGRDs/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.37.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLln64zkdav_uQnJPHdemoQGrmMrgyhPbgp4-DI2x6gCcjOs5a2rYm3l0Ov39yVKLsfTudRPfqpChQvRqM7pcEMqQpTrkldJrEuoFha64Csjq7-fMdVFdrt7v_MsG_MUp7umPmJjxW9KKVhEZFDcvJF_Rl6TWndFupAhu1QQg54PHGBtR-3fFCrmGRDs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.37.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One more hug for Blankie…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NMudDHVCldUUFhtpsYMZcnFj0OnWfddwlBcOUXZy3KP5iVl25YVyn8A0eBsWSHtnb1YSM_j3DROwbGwYu4hZfTh8M1U2V1REQ7jUIrKRyiqifeVGb0ZPAOf7kEv93JD4QRqGJw5PaG8BST0DMxh_19VbGC4oSj7D4Lkkyca3jKXvKoK40DDTBYNVORU/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.37.51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NMudDHVCldUUFhtpsYMZcnFj0OnWfddwlBcOUXZy3KP5iVl25YVyn8A0eBsWSHtnb1YSM_j3DROwbGwYu4hZfTh8M1U2V1REQ7jUIrKRyiqifeVGb0ZPAOf7kEv93JD4QRqGJw5PaG8BST0DMxh_19VbGC4oSj7D4Lkkyca3jKXvKoK40DDTBYNVORU/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.37.51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">…then to work! It was still dark enough to work by candlelight, which was cozy and nice. The camera actually makes the room look lighter than it was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOfvgOuLYnddqMLzPHJtD_CGAUKVC0ePLMd03cyrURU8f7JiN3YlNt1Xx7jIOszlzCEQbLlLW6CXqmbY5PqSVQ8lAgt4iLl0VqNzpmjSp5zrpMXkIJyJVmXVHubBmJ-mcvy4W0yDJHBM2dA5DrRejXKJ6pkznj4f5NIvmDCPci2rbR5PxpqIVPrwIAOA/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.43.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOfvgOuLYnddqMLzPHJtD_CGAUKVC0ePLMd03cyrURU8f7JiN3YlNt1Xx7jIOszlzCEQbLlLW6CXqmbY5PqSVQ8lAgt4iLl0VqNzpmjSp5zrpMXkIJyJVmXVHubBmJ-mcvy4W0yDJHBM2dA5DrRejXKJ6pkznj4f5NIvmDCPci2rbR5PxpqIVPrwIAOA/w640-h454/2023-12-13%2007.43.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to try something new and make the <i>lussekatter</i> dough the night before. Then as I was doing that, the girls reminded me that I had actually done the same thing last year! Huh. I have no memory of it, but it must have worked. It worked fine this year too. I made the dough at 11 pm or so, put it in the fridge for the bulk rise, got up (just for a minute) at 3 am and punched it down and put it on the counter for another bulk rise, then got up at 5:30 am to do the rest of the shaping and the rise on the pan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfFC2hGqNbAIDphIiwaMnv3bOLbjnPn3kwL1jsLUVoa6qtzj7XbfgAHKS_VuV_5KEOfsRsFoyawOKOdIercqgJF5bOntJdHmwL4IPxS88ApGmPaN_UCvI7PRfxbR8mmxhrgcUjLOAckNtQqBBcNLLyOntSUB9x_qtXD2lsXPJpx0gZe3RmLFrjKIPVS0/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.43.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfFC2hGqNbAIDphIiwaMnv3bOLbjnPn3kwL1jsLUVoa6qtzj7XbfgAHKS_VuV_5KEOfsRsFoyawOKOdIercqgJF5bOntJdHmwL4IPxS88ApGmPaN_UCvI7PRfxbR8mmxhrgcUjLOAckNtQqBBcNLLyOntSUB9x_qtXD2lsXPJpx0gZe3RmLFrjKIPVS0/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.43.24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq10jzzKFuCzJUrlSDS1UtQ74VYdQUgarmObApy_6UkGRHOweTLF1SGr0Gzj3zdRY2FRrfhvYLKgr8dgmJA5qp4pE7WF8pVDg0dIKCPZHnCLZfLi8UoQDwZvJn_EbXYedM85uuRrL9E9KFr89IRTjBZz2nFxxfDiWVDoHmUdJlPbUNDoF5X9rvv5ufHQE/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.43.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq10jzzKFuCzJUrlSDS1UtQ74VYdQUgarmObApy_6UkGRHOweTLF1SGr0Gzj3zdRY2FRrfhvYLKgr8dgmJA5qp4pE7WF8pVDg0dIKCPZHnCLZfLi8UoQDwZvJn_EbXYedM85uuRrL9E9KFr89IRTjBZz2nFxxfDiWVDoHmUdJlPbUNDoF5X9rvv5ufHQE/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.43.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy showed Clementine so patiently how to flatten out the snakes and roll them up!<span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggzHWZX7B7JBt9Y-B94CRExLyYf_uzMOamyYoUkekU7V5OxgIJa64O5VodtwZDAxAVRoLq7yLADuWPEDCPvzSxXbI9nWqoI1FgwU7e4oc4lu-s6-E08A6v0b-K6Zcs-EVEYs0mzEz_kZwDAif0VnyzkSOXt83xzg9oMLXjUXbr9Y79UAZAxoMzBmZEnY/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.42.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggzHWZX7B7JBt9Y-B94CRExLyYf_uzMOamyYoUkekU7V5OxgIJa64O5VodtwZDAxAVRoLq7yLADuWPEDCPvzSxXbI9nWqoI1FgwU7e4oc4lu-s6-E08A6v0b-K6Zcs-EVEYs0mzEz_kZwDAif0VnyzkSOXt83xzg9oMLXjUXbr9Y79UAZAxoMzBmZEnY/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.42.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTiXHz9mt2_ekpJ-qZ0lwT4iUyr4jyTfkTwIDakI6vZgisphits2loM9JR2z50XLbHC85ilMF9kgt6mLx4MCvxBtb1rpIoyOITDM0CiPWAqfhT4WBJuZlzL6N7jRbsmC_iUXTVIHXEvUWeIE2sUmQc9PZAaGF631JCmTMNDPhqIAVWXL7OxA8p0lYUxU/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.45.00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTiXHz9mt2_ekpJ-qZ0lwT4iUyr4jyTfkTwIDakI6vZgisphits2loM9JR2z50XLbHC85ilMF9kgt6mLx4MCvxBtb1rpIoyOITDM0CiPWAqfhT4WBJuZlzL6N7jRbsmC_iUXTVIHXEvUWeIE2sUmQc9PZAaGF631JCmTMNDPhqIAVWXL7OxA8p0lYUxU/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.45.00.jpg" width="640" /></a><span><a name='more'></a></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q7f3adNCdwfb21QiQjhXMCFK3KemsmeFthZb9wFHZCEBu762O-jWPm44rOoa1jMvdfi-45N9BcjYgtgTlzZNwQVRR3Y1kUA1WPGaNPG9ltVlSsJHl6oIIT6KtwesRcyLog1K5VJZboYfsPc2UIudQf5DmlPxZZ-c6wM77R5QhDrNtfOqKLdjURhblr8/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.44.56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q7f3adNCdwfb21QiQjhXMCFK3KemsmeFthZb9wFHZCEBu762O-jWPm44rOoa1jMvdfi-45N9BcjYgtgTlzZNwQVRR3Y1kUA1WPGaNPG9ltVlSsJHl6oIIT6KtwesRcyLog1K5VJZboYfsPc2UIudQf5DmlPxZZ-c6wM77R5QhDrNtfOqKLdjURhblr8/w640-h456/2023-12-13%2007.44.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVArV4DBAJsWyLCQzXdHS3ql28Y1AcTTo9ATjLhJwI9XviWbKBju30cst-29WD2_27540upAJ7ssgs0JZtr9Q9QDA3tHfhcZL1Dw04WU4QXHA4ShX5xEthu-EOOKaJRzAu_-z6pJRuuoMh15oR-dYfoSVnBnMWZ5lWsD0FwXv9McA9kkTY26M9tQ-4-M/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.44.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVArV4DBAJsWyLCQzXdHS3ql28Y1AcTTo9ATjLhJwI9XviWbKBju30cst-29WD2_27540upAJ7ssgs0JZtr9Q9QDA3tHfhcZL1Dw04WU4QXHA4ShX5xEthu-EOOKaJRzAu_-z6pJRuuoMh15oR-dYfoSVnBnMWZ5lWsD0FwXv9McA9kkTY26M9tQ-4-M/w640-h440/2023-12-13%2007.44.46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9hcuknZrz5smQMP3sQv_1UfblpS7_onWubtnM0w9aJVv_oaKA5GKA87WDm514z5F5BNSC_-4Xj5h6Vk9Tr7xsz5ZW7Tbcfj6qlL64tdxnILMa0mKj3M80OKo3XpWV0di8xj28iUQqZZpL2bduylchJ8wEie-1CXz1YxJM5M49S-p7Da2hyqF7Q_GKeQ/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.44.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9hcuknZrz5smQMP3sQv_1UfblpS7_onWubtnM0w9aJVv_oaKA5GKA87WDm514z5F5BNSC_-4Xj5h6Vk9Tr7xsz5ZW7Tbcfj6qlL64tdxnILMa0mKj3M80OKo3XpWV0di8xj28iUQqZZpL2bduylchJ8wEie-1CXz1YxJM5M49S-p7Da2hyqF7Q_GKeQ/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.44.31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsC9LAPl4ojnjuvnMG8StEoxCW-WTSVEF-IU_yrmBbnio2H3tZNpSCopueBLK9417LkhUjdd85l8IMKvMOXFeIFH8nVwLtF1vpgGlxsIX9CMkzOVguA855lUUoE7ouQrU84jwwCGJyrP7lIsBRFlZJDPr0UtW3x5yMphALm6wK0fj_WliZZLVTrZ9HTo/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.44.10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsC9LAPl4ojnjuvnMG8StEoxCW-WTSVEF-IU_yrmBbnio2H3tZNpSCopueBLK9417LkhUjdd85l8IMKvMOXFeIFH8nVwLtF1vpgGlxsIX9CMkzOVguA855lUUoE7ouQrU84jwwCGJyrP7lIsBRFlZJDPr0UtW3x5yMphALm6wK0fj_WliZZLVTrZ9HTo/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.44.10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNUNQ5chwVHkyEe2Vj2sk6q3MwIELhXzDc6dUT1fXgObo9hSWVLuFAeEa_tXx5YOc6DIMdTv0DdvB5f10TNgKVFdPmKeUVn5jh0_zMWDcspwtAjAMTcLO1zuJWCO2WirK3cPjj8B3hSCsjZq5IfYyKgyOrPXi5JyMYIOtyqW4fasOeoEMZkfNdtuyXhI/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.43.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNUNQ5chwVHkyEe2Vj2sk6q3MwIELhXzDc6dUT1fXgObo9hSWVLuFAeEa_tXx5YOc6DIMdTv0DdvB5f10TNgKVFdPmKeUVn5jh0_zMWDcspwtAjAMTcLO1zuJWCO2WirK3cPjj8B3hSCsjZq5IfYyKgyOrPXi5JyMYIOtyqW4fasOeoEMZkfNdtuyXhI/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.43.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAqwF-QE9dSMkiilNSEUucfwp7KAkctjrYAMb4z1YcOqpw_W_phTDxm7t27rLkExfIN1fCHr4a0X77ACaDRvWyXPHqRfGm_92M7BsBeEuo0sKmt1-RkAE4yWO3t6_oGdH6_upLCizCP4uHgx6AuSopDrpFrwznwYzigRNrPnN8tRrmna2wPFHLkzfJAU/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.43.41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAqwF-QE9dSMkiilNSEUucfwp7KAkctjrYAMb4z1YcOqpw_W_phTDxm7t27rLkExfIN1fCHr4a0X77ACaDRvWyXPHqRfGm_92M7BsBeEuo0sKmt1-RkAE4yWO3t6_oGdH6_upLCizCP4uHgx6AuSopDrpFrwznwYzigRNrPnN8tRrmna2wPFHLkzfJAU/w640-h438/2023-12-13%2007.43.41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-eqNmhPUzXMoAXz0p_vblUwuyh9rSbkasoL8CaNZy2DDmVP5o8bjyFZkths-lnf-s7KppuiD7DhhY8n6advoAJMR0XEH6kmIyYrS2YcTA2vDHB1oE03Oaza8z0OYJG9MraW47iQB9jZdOo0M15-8p4H2qOTbVlOvpB0mL4OKLwuTRCouM5PR5FGmP7I/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.41.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-eqNmhPUzXMoAXz0p_vblUwuyh9rSbkasoL8CaNZy2DDmVP5o8bjyFZkths-lnf-s7KppuiD7DhhY8n6advoAJMR0XEH6kmIyYrS2YcTA2vDHB1oE03Oaza8z0OYJG9MraW47iQB9jZdOo0M15-8p4H2qOTbVlOvpB0mL4OKLwuTRCouM5PR5FGmP7I/w640-h440/2023-12-13%2007.41.54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy's hair was still curly from a Nutcracker dress rehearsal the night before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB4rLl1HN729vj72Om0z6Sz7VMzicqRY0udYUyKqexLHiYCih4cRwLwt7l80uth7Fi3znvVwA8bos6I-DBBwL-bC7L_ZXoSAEtoNvsbfbTBbZ1ZYA3TyceVJ6Wn2HzlwXgHlx5__So99DWwIzV-ELZfFYdFO_FnUCZ5o62_AsQC3JJlSB6xMwB4ohVbQ/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.41.48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB4rLl1HN729vj72Om0z6Sz7VMzicqRY0udYUyKqexLHiYCih4cRwLwt7l80uth7Fi3znvVwA8bos6I-DBBwL-bC7L_ZXoSAEtoNvsbfbTBbZ1ZYA3TyceVJ6Wn2HzlwXgHlx5__So99DWwIzV-ELZfFYdFO_FnUCZ5o62_AsQC3JJlSB6xMwB4ohVbQ/w640-h432/2023-12-13%2007.41.48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdy9PD9quxA-a3ps0yU5Cnpbn4BwDZmwJKglJQD_8myayKiIcZEwPUbmuLWkIWGN9G4DtvAQQajAwyO5qVdkDZmSIuPuWEtChV_fH9-giF8GKlPGlq2tf1BsnYi9gEOUkiiqIqPFjYUeMQmsDNTi-uxOaTUtYOvZ9zi_d9FG3aYucUkt1lCA7r9Midhw/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.50.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdy9PD9quxA-a3ps0yU5Cnpbn4BwDZmwJKglJQD_8myayKiIcZEwPUbmuLWkIWGN9G4DtvAQQajAwyO5qVdkDZmSIuPuWEtChV_fH9-giF8GKlPGlq2tf1BsnYi9gEOUkiiqIqPFjYUeMQmsDNTi-uxOaTUtYOvZ9zi_d9FG3aYucUkt1lCA7r9Midhw/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.50.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpRwwWvzl51N07CCWLBdpRFpXAnudV_W7BCRwOfbM1Yhp-2RzAxJiAXmz8gPD7Y0GJBKKOYqxKRO2mKSAdGiWHrn6w-fPtrsRPSa6DhXfEFfcO0qLCBjO7RUPI9YLoY1trDEiquE8MnAKmWBe2SIvuX-XI7Yft_WFrSmgOpsPVzl59CQNqiGMFWrnRSI/s1500/2023-12-13%2007.52.01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1500" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpRwwWvzl51N07CCWLBdpRFpXAnudV_W7BCRwOfbM1Yhp-2RzAxJiAXmz8gPD7Y0GJBKKOYqxKRO2mKSAdGiWHrn6w-fPtrsRPSa6DhXfEFfcO0qLCBjO7RUPI9YLoY1trDEiquE8MnAKmWBe2SIvuX-XI7Yft_WFrSmgOpsPVzl59CQNqiGMFWrnRSI/w640-h446/2023-12-13%2007.52.01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XgGYGd_EMIbJj3GDITgZwkm7RK1k8UNCWqcMOwoaW9Z9uO2P5WzAIFV3QECTiijpYKoDMOO6CP7uLudW8NskWQzib40b_dqqb6AmsxHBfVaDv-rYihovI6RffhpqCkW4Rk1b4IezqZ1uaiz2isjlUh0aNcHgPLUiMm8VLJPG67S9o_-o1V-kFGizRDo/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.51.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XgGYGd_EMIbJj3GDITgZwkm7RK1k8UNCWqcMOwoaW9Z9uO2P5WzAIFV3QECTiijpYKoDMOO6CP7uLudW8NskWQzib40b_dqqb6AmsxHBfVaDv-rYihovI6RffhpqCkW4Rk1b4IezqZ1uaiz2isjlUh0aNcHgPLUiMm8VLJPG67S9o_-o1V-kFGizRDo/w640-h434/2023-12-13%2007.51.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqAEqTXujza-l-wvc5c4_AeVgzKGirviv2xps2cb59ETdD8E-ic3C3Z0ohKrd-Bf08eNNb7-s5-6Jdt0rF4WagabyI8VeguWW14y3SM7FSdIZggcMbBBNQx6LCjlQdLxqMlX9jwrLYQUMtAgQEEgQ3RoHwJS23Ixj5vS5L7bkZx1Gu3eFjhyni5sqExQ/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.50.35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqAEqTXujza-l-wvc5c4_AeVgzKGirviv2xps2cb59ETdD8E-ic3C3Z0ohKrd-Bf08eNNb7-s5-6Jdt0rF4WagabyI8VeguWW14y3SM7FSdIZggcMbBBNQx6LCjlQdLxqMlX9jwrLYQUMtAgQEEgQ3RoHwJS23Ixj5vS5L7bkZx1Gu3eFjhyni5sqExQ/w640-h416/2023-12-13%2007.50.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIwvNphrxp4_h2bBPOOsBSooGuOoxLGs0GtYJTyveKQXtI6tEAe-F7mS-YA41s6EfbDYtPTMMovyz3uuoJO64ThVpo0WAEJcsySaRSbXPY9_nSKs5jRb7I0W8Dk7i9JOAgiElUW-ON_9sgO6muhxgxw9bXkrGfoLJN12SIPPL4cSb_cD2gHyCec06FaA/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.50.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIwvNphrxp4_h2bBPOOsBSooGuOoxLGs0GtYJTyveKQXtI6tEAe-F7mS-YA41s6EfbDYtPTMMovyz3uuoJO64ThVpo0WAEJcsySaRSbXPY9_nSKs5jRb7I0W8Dk7i9JOAgiElUW-ON_9sgO6muhxgxw9bXkrGfoLJN12SIPPL4cSb_cD2gHyCec06FaA/w640-h408/2023-12-13%2007.50.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRL_DO99LlQr3VQ2yvUfA4-issVTxZDwNOZKf97jBnRj0TpggcEiQVll2d52T7qMqOr2cMnypmCFdcJE3_j7yL56A07ox7-kPRjxvb2QUHbgT2tYrEMObW3siD9vR3PiVl1vdichORJvimk09Hd7hxLRc20gguGpRhy-5s_ydMkaP3ru1-xJDOEw-iAI/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.50.29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRL_DO99LlQr3VQ2yvUfA4-issVTxZDwNOZKf97jBnRj0TpggcEiQVll2d52T7qMqOr2cMnypmCFdcJE3_j7yL56A07ox7-kPRjxvb2QUHbgT2tYrEMObW3siD9vR3PiVl1vdichORJvimk09Hd7hxLRc20gguGpRhy-5s_ydMkaP3ru1-xJDOEw-iAI/w640-h442/2023-12-13%2007.50.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love Clementine's look here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdgT3Mr-jt1tl3A8kWncmet9oai9SEdDJ1knyj7F5R2PnVelRaEz5dLKieFr7912LVAJFxCoPAOke495qbuZI6VHYhRyjv436pl-o1mpanxkI7GDcX2TsHXiVf0i_WdDt7H_6piIpxElcoq5WWpmdb-BL7ACa7CQc0vp1NsnLkqtHYs0SRJGglOzX5CM/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.57.36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdgT3Mr-jt1tl3A8kWncmet9oai9SEdDJ1knyj7F5R2PnVelRaEz5dLKieFr7912LVAJFxCoPAOke495qbuZI6VHYhRyjv436pl-o1mpanxkI7GDcX2TsHXiVf0i_WdDt7H_6piIpxElcoq5WWpmdb-BL7ACa7CQc0vp1NsnLkqtHYs0SRJGglOzX5CM/w640-h438/2023-12-13%2007.57.36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa3H5rh8KeAyK-Y21j_PB2UTZiScNb149GQIuCG2xHqKfRZbJSGJ9KTJPUCocJcn2yAOXwYUJqnNIMNjfe0i1CG_0rf3x7EYCY7IkRs6S7xIa6r_-F0BxqiZcxDvcrWuClPJRYRBfCk25Sym8VY6T7wZliVG-dPkl-9DmmLayeJbiy_qGX7TvE6_ynUc/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.55.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa3H5rh8KeAyK-Y21j_PB2UTZiScNb149GQIuCG2xHqKfRZbJSGJ9KTJPUCocJcn2yAOXwYUJqnNIMNjfe0i1CG_0rf3x7EYCY7IkRs6S7xIa6r_-F0BxqiZcxDvcrWuClPJRYRBfCk25Sym8VY6T7wZliVG-dPkl-9DmmLayeJbiy_qGX7TvE6_ynUc/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.55.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0VSkaFVbKoydM5tIBdnF5caK817VTL1NUv-KXgTCaJPrCD1CHTkRuUhhzPB3yq7wvIAC_JYV9a-t-YahjCBaFRfoeJvU4XhAQGPZfkY_Wx1lD5dMzoWgiwB_B-aagnkxLbIEoxuBdh6s1CvWqQ1jlPO7PglBYT3X63OzuR8FZAeBccJgLdRHbTiQLU8/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.54.47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0VSkaFVbKoydM5tIBdnF5caK817VTL1NUv-KXgTCaJPrCD1CHTkRuUhhzPB3yq7wvIAC_JYV9a-t-YahjCBaFRfoeJvU4XhAQGPZfkY_Wx1lD5dMzoWgiwB_B-aagnkxLbIEoxuBdh6s1CvWqQ1jlPO7PglBYT3X63OzuR8FZAeBccJgLdRHbTiQLU8/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.54.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrkq4mV-6d9J5uk6aGZcXr9TKI2AIDdeCkXoY5I6K6vzBmpRTcUFlnvNql8D4qpDIEvedtyNeZ-2K8OjGzhNguQyVeP4ICno_1_NUbse-f3yoofarA-CrbWdg_AtRNzNiqUf-lLC_pUvdUWSCm2j0c7AtdIBtppiq1GJIkRS6ywaxvD0C4R6Dg4JKK-k/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.54.53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrkq4mV-6d9J5uk6aGZcXr9TKI2AIDdeCkXoY5I6K6vzBmpRTcUFlnvNql8D4qpDIEvedtyNeZ-2K8OjGzhNguQyVeP4ICno_1_NUbse-f3yoofarA-CrbWdg_AtRNzNiqUf-lLC_pUvdUWSCm2j0c7AtdIBtppiq1GJIkRS6ywaxvD0C4R6Dg4JKK-k/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.54.53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ7WWPGdJygWwvUZgrHwTIsO7Fe78m5kAPYyvO_cl0qx8GmbknWaBwxs0KTb9aIvcRJMlu3dSyNoP-4A2ybEoEUzzw36qXPCLg89GjG0IlsyaLHpMjOmiHLmy3bRTbAdelXmp74q0Rd8RP49I5HrmZA0Sf9eiCD1LETk97S4rlKEC_dE3aNVWiIc8JII/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.55.08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ7WWPGdJygWwvUZgrHwTIsO7Fe78m5kAPYyvO_cl0qx8GmbknWaBwxs0KTb9aIvcRJMlu3dSyNoP-4A2ybEoEUzzw36qXPCLg89GjG0IlsyaLHpMjOmiHLmy3bRTbAdelXmp74q0Rd8RP49I5HrmZA0Sf9eiCD1LETk97S4rlKEC_dE3aNVWiIc8JII/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.55.08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Such a diligent, careful little worker!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYc35GgaYbm6UpHAh4pbOM0P65iH4ZXsjtaxpDCCfyvfsVyuc4et5yqOf3F_SPPP716ngMC7pmYvFNVM6elUKMsz2gYktJiDy8CaASQOGKCL2-fPc_5HGMPPoZEaxvXG4kJ2Qd1QSK-NsinhlbWdFDnb0DQHKeVC7CpXthy0LR3-aMfKu0INz9bo97Gs/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.54.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYc35GgaYbm6UpHAh4pbOM0P65iH4ZXsjtaxpDCCfyvfsVyuc4et5yqOf3F_SPPP716ngMC7pmYvFNVM6elUKMsz2gYktJiDy8CaASQOGKCL2-fPc_5HGMPPoZEaxvXG4kJ2Qd1QSK-NsinhlbWdFDnb0DQHKeVC7CpXthy0LR3-aMfKu0INz9bo97Gs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.54.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjeCj6vRRozEy9BzfrSZzWfdCCZxR5qBNhc6XnhqBZWNhZkPVsOHmhMNvTp3j4mIwOcCRvwn2yIf6wIkAG6T5PYsnBxJg3BS4fDyNuNvHyyhgeYKdDI-G4uiL3owugiCO3mv1iS6swcSZ0orF2xoTxxmfSvRffUb2nRjRzGS0Fi_hQ1_8HsINKNSLZZk/s1804/2023-12-13%2007.54.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjeCj6vRRozEy9BzfrSZzWfdCCZxR5qBNhc6XnhqBZWNhZkPVsOHmhMNvTp3j4mIwOcCRvwn2yIf6wIkAG6T5PYsnBxJg3BS4fDyNuNvHyyhgeYKdDI-G4uiL3owugiCO3mv1iS6swcSZ0orF2xoTxxmfSvRffUb2nRjRzGS0Fi_hQ1_8HsINKNSLZZk/w426-h640/2023-12-13%2007.54.23.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2xZKzPnNmm77AmWQWwugzhzsHtv53gFm8pqoK4CboLeF9MsLkYbUFg_IjJlr4AJoYJI65wj_LgEvW8b7V9vepOG7az_G1VGIh0q1ieiogURUDap45Mk5jIZLSNbJEG9vGcyzYdMKfEQeG7XQ3EgjBP3UbQGutuvo2EZ2s0bl7LG-8WpugOEX7gvTiwk/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.54.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2xZKzPnNmm77AmWQWwugzhzsHtv53gFm8pqoK4CboLeF9MsLkYbUFg_IjJlr4AJoYJI65wj_LgEvW8b7V9vepOG7az_G1VGIh0q1ieiogURUDap45Mk5jIZLSNbJEG9vGcyzYdMKfEQeG7XQ3EgjBP3UbQGutuvo2EZ2s0bl7LG-8WpugOEX7gvTiwk/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.54.21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy had Clementine making tiny buns instead of regular-sized ones. So cute!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AhuNQ9XzgqGfBDRmXzccWjTLXU_awvrWsfT0_sragyHglv9LaHh07DbdYOI0XosNZUKMvBJOma8VB7_v2TNKM9psaGMICBjjq8X4uy1E_NfDbfXkSoZUd4e78nTQIxtrAj5jOo4HR8HrqQuuYVNF0-V2wKl8bCaNVuAJKM2VaTmOlBWzCVH4IDmMO5c/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.53.59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AhuNQ9XzgqGfBDRmXzccWjTLXU_awvrWsfT0_sragyHglv9LaHh07DbdYOI0XosNZUKMvBJOma8VB7_v2TNKM9psaGMICBjjq8X4uy1E_NfDbfXkSoZUd4e78nTQIxtrAj5jOo4HR8HrqQuuYVNF0-V2wKl8bCaNVuAJKM2VaTmOlBWzCVH4IDmMO5c/w640-h438/2023-12-13%2007.53.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNiySGz9wI3z76K5yYsequkjH4FThGJlMHSSKha1-MlxM1Ea5057bmpgIA_rAnKeiQBPtL-6sAPxJ9SYC5iDzcMEUAyK8k7vhwuooz_710HwiJzdA7oHb6zOwYWTUZyaEgNFX5PEHciOgJlVWiReWCHez2bLM7KuMLkRHaEhicmHy10Cltfjr-S9Ri-s/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.53.09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNiySGz9wI3z76K5yYsequkjH4FThGJlMHSSKha1-MlxM1Ea5057bmpgIA_rAnKeiQBPtL-6sAPxJ9SYC5iDzcMEUAyK8k7vhwuooz_710HwiJzdA7oHb6zOwYWTUZyaEgNFX5PEHciOgJlVWiReWCHez2bLM7KuMLkRHaEhicmHy10Cltfjr-S9Ri-s/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.53.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldielocks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YGU-aNkVRcPma6G7pPNoZFKOTXyHgTtOSNoy9_e3wUaxjEOnWHPWCWXmgCAUnAmRF74ctbpppPwVSfnRDwF-npJ4qNW_uhnBR7M80X5sFVhbADj_pSOIu4qR8xJ9rUhlhiJDcqR8eWuxNKvOVRXRmKnGQ0xnIxcdhyphenhyphenkrSjjp7m9FPlc068VyIsxFY-M/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.53.02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YGU-aNkVRcPma6G7pPNoZFKOTXyHgTtOSNoy9_e3wUaxjEOnWHPWCWXmgCAUnAmRF74ctbpppPwVSfnRDwF-npJ4qNW_uhnBR7M80X5sFVhbADj_pSOIu4qR8xJ9rUhlhiJDcqR8eWuxNKvOVRXRmKnGQ0xnIxcdhyphenhyphenkrSjjp7m9FPlc068VyIsxFY-M/w640-h474/2023-12-13%2007.53.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39E1GeVix5UjeFI5_eGkBOVB_TZwDPGqMcO74WtGOw6UgdSOaYUoQNABT-USdP48CPPKUPMzPZBUzrWiN4j92BX80vMWCcciBQ67djbvzUQOvKsdoLwNMemShbQsJLRuYsMTIUmRbcBguV4W5FCSZ32ul1diG5GApTcpC1EDskhzQqP6MMXaNujGXltY/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.52.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39E1GeVix5UjeFI5_eGkBOVB_TZwDPGqMcO74WtGOw6UgdSOaYUoQNABT-USdP48CPPKUPMzPZBUzrWiN4j92BX80vMWCcciBQ67djbvzUQOvKsdoLwNMemShbQsJLRuYsMTIUmRbcBguV4W5FCSZ32ul1diG5GApTcpC1EDskhzQqP6MMXaNujGXltY/w640-h424/2023-12-13%2007.52.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C16bGZshp41kxlqcbB_x5hOAm7I6YAEOV1K7XX5xDVq1xhSX23HKJdEAC5l4AeJisjpfvAkRZpqKhLhs-LZnXJhrv_6GaxDxNZk78GAoRkL3QR5OFuuY9S5mZUXZ9EZ8tIRdPOeYXBv3QdAoEtSB-MZxSELigz9tyZWmy7gS2nr3h13wLv6ABWJd-nA/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.52.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C16bGZshp41kxlqcbB_x5hOAm7I6YAEOV1K7XX5xDVq1xhSX23HKJdEAC5l4AeJisjpfvAkRZpqKhLhs-LZnXJhrv_6GaxDxNZk78GAoRkL3QR5OFuuY9S5mZUXZ9EZ8tIRdPOeYXBv3QdAoEtSB-MZxSELigz9tyZWmy7gS2nr3h13wLv6ABWJd-nA/w640-h460/2023-12-13%2007.52.54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkGiguk1MvmbqjMTRWFpBf47ltBNFvepZVyrOawJfFfGA2i9cO7edE48KaIidmN4CUqOGo-eo93siNuSstcCL2OjKaYp8AzlPTfKcFi-lGm_teumeI85tN7n0LWjp_KIbsafqsp1e7WwQgx1p98B07ZKfBq90Bw1qYZLtnprhufvD0Makl4CUcNoaDlA/s1682/2023-12-13%2007.52.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkGiguk1MvmbqjMTRWFpBf47ltBNFvepZVyrOawJfFfGA2i9cO7edE48KaIidmN4CUqOGo-eo93siNuSstcCL2OjKaYp8AzlPTfKcFi-lGm_teumeI85tN7n0LWjp_KIbsafqsp1e7WwQgx1p98B07ZKfBq90Bw1qYZLtnprhufvD0Makl4CUcNoaDlA/w456-h640/2023-12-13%2007.52.46.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY-aI_YHBvgY8_CY8FZvpDnEu4Mor-Eo5dp5jsZaVtD1qk3y5Go4yBHPUWY6Dvo3tGya2gtd7Nc2tsvTBZzjdnmStkCVsYvr73_jkwOLbcvxg99djfOWCgP1Fz2smfock4klSQhI2_ItI52Ob2FYHqAQvjtv2QifAGhnkABqcBrSXWDpErV60pZTjxOo/s1742/2023-12-13%2008.00.51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY-aI_YHBvgY8_CY8FZvpDnEu4Mor-Eo5dp5jsZaVtD1qk3y5Go4yBHPUWY6Dvo3tGya2gtd7Nc2tsvTBZzjdnmStkCVsYvr73_jkwOLbcvxg99djfOWCgP1Fz2smfock4klSQhI2_ItI52Ob2FYHqAQvjtv2QifAGhnkABqcBrSXWDpErV60pZTjxOo/w440-h640/2023-12-13%2008.00.51.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>I see three Lucias. But where is the fourth?</i> you are wondering. Well, Junie does tend to be rather hard to rouse from her warm bed! And then for a long time she was hunting for a white dress to wear…but then she joined us at last!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zs1jE6DpQQUBcOZtuHNcMFwyMyG6D6TRnK2Y86LPMeEZDgfsulH_iixb2NP1WnXcEhel5DSs3-bDZrloPriGGk4XqHQSV1zOh79u1N-KPTFYUcNAJF8K1KDRJXt5IjYgmrmjkcodJuco7d2SzRRSAB0DlmHgHhHYn5gtyQaZFs2G1jTIcgrY6Ni-1Zs/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.08.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zs1jE6DpQQUBcOZtuHNcMFwyMyG6D6TRnK2Y86LPMeEZDgfsulH_iixb2NP1WnXcEhel5DSs3-bDZrloPriGGk4XqHQSV1zOh79u1N-KPTFYUcNAJF8K1KDRJXt5IjYgmrmjkcodJuco7d2SzRRSAB0DlmHgHhHYn5gtyQaZFs2G1jTIcgrY6Ni-1Zs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.08.31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She had just gotten her braces off the day before. Her smile looks lovely!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTsqGpMB87KR3FdWzRUHPgV7SJfIE_VE2XSvx9-wFQfq_0gRyuxGsdKbGNYfKP70f3ivoCVkDrEM11AC5o231izMh2IJ8JZ0l9QDQz2n16JQunNIa6fedw1ktQOrYps91fYoaUaAb4EIKVN7Ae8YdVPb4hsItAg9UC_y_OfcZk3wmO_Bx5ycHlqwICQo/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.00.20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTsqGpMB87KR3FdWzRUHPgV7SJfIE_VE2XSvx9-wFQfq_0gRyuxGsdKbGNYfKP70f3ivoCVkDrEM11AC5o231izMh2IJ8JZ0l9QDQz2n16JQunNIa6fedw1ktQOrYps91fYoaUaAb4EIKVN7Ae8YdVPb4hsItAg9UC_y_OfcZk3wmO_Bx5ycHlqwICQo/w640-h440/2023-12-13%2008.00.20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHnJ6vTY4Dl2-ssNv0VtqazqVebGLmIipE9WocfoK8mzV9ofaipo1zPf2OjOQFl-vczZMnAmeOLhSKQvuC8R2neDRMp-HU82i7gui62k7XFF3I-FyZ99hjLV6c_BUqmkzeqFQ0MT0ciuQHZ1ACSP_fF1Qm2LLN8zSkYmMGYxM99RxxEPftaeKCB6i8OU/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.59.58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHnJ6vTY4Dl2-ssNv0VtqazqVebGLmIipE9WocfoK8mzV9ofaipo1zPf2OjOQFl-vczZMnAmeOLhSKQvuC8R2neDRMp-HU82i7gui62k7XFF3I-FyZ99hjLV6c_BUqmkzeqFQ0MT0ciuQHZ1ACSP_fF1Qm2LLN8zSkYmMGYxM99RxxEPftaeKCB6i8OU/w640-h432/2023-12-13%2007.59.58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgVxrpO3_0Yxd48TWx3AXzBv64S3C001QgkitM4NRewM3h-s9sx8oTzBFy5qDQjCbpX-7v0yVDNjHDKVVnXYe2a4HqjwEFEjZdbLi51fFMK4bC72RRJdZerHKlfV7Bq2HlPQFsy8HVA0Mssdvq1KKTEZAhK-3hfO10o_VwkEPn6LXh_9UPKgsevRs1JY/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.59.01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgVxrpO3_0Yxd48TWx3AXzBv64S3C001QgkitM4NRewM3h-s9sx8oTzBFy5qDQjCbpX-7v0yVDNjHDKVVnXYe2a4HqjwEFEjZdbLi51fFMK4bC72RRJdZerHKlfV7Bq2HlPQFsy8HVA0Mssdvq1KKTEZAhK-3hfO10o_VwkEPn6LXh_9UPKgsevRs1JY/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.59.01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Hooray, four Lucias! Who would ever have thought we'd be so lucky?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOf0ie7bE-5VyaTMJ6OoLWuBd_z1WMv53pP6U1nA7H5loXhNZjzGfK2tuxNXTkDQbVWICvSW4g-g0PCqukHn8XSmFjsOxmqfOzCHs9com4HNKCIo6qlyDcvprTmLAKQJUj8j1FRwLmowb4O0lqD9k76O9V7mBA9gAG4BYbcX-GwQcEE_hRPEVr3tDkQM/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.58.39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOf0ie7bE-5VyaTMJ6OoLWuBd_z1WMv53pP6U1nA7H5loXhNZjzGfK2tuxNXTkDQbVWICvSW4g-g0PCqukHn8XSmFjsOxmqfOzCHs9com4HNKCIo6qlyDcvprTmLAKQJUj8j1FRwLmowb4O0lqD9k76O9V7mBA9gAG4BYbcX-GwQcEE_hRPEVr3tDkQM/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.58.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0o4U43dvHxbWQixlCbWIvRqHSjj3lNSD_VHoDD2uZ9eRRBnhO-JQxfFeN2mCs2Pt2_pw4OtpyImBipqzZMAr_0ZEV2YNnybOnjljdlEeTWVbbl052Oynu9t5446lzwcb3BhPyu4JHU2uL-Fl29emaoBJlNm0DuPNYxeeRRUn3FULO9IdO98j57hzxW8/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.57.57.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0o4U43dvHxbWQixlCbWIvRqHSjj3lNSD_VHoDD2uZ9eRRBnhO-JQxfFeN2mCs2Pt2_pw4OtpyImBipqzZMAr_0ZEV2YNnybOnjljdlEeTWVbbl052Oynu9t5446lzwcb3BhPyu4JHU2uL-Fl29emaoBJlNm0DuPNYxeeRRUn3FULO9IdO98j57hzxW8/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.57.57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j1nzutOOlZbWoTjSZKl-13SfpYzz_0tNF7Pp1T1_-F5xUIWWcZHcrJiiQCQ7xJu9hibWJUXlT9honF7A6HTUMay5MovypS2h3wEyT-7j28LS8iJUoBWATjrD6CO5MPJfgxlZSJG4zUok-lyLSg5AYxskH1qKpI7Bnk1DknYwsOn_w63ZweOOwbBguzU/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.57.53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j1nzutOOlZbWoTjSZKl-13SfpYzz_0tNF7Pp1T1_-F5xUIWWcZHcrJiiQCQ7xJu9hibWJUXlT9honF7A6HTUMay5MovypS2h3wEyT-7j28LS8iJUoBWATjrD6CO5MPJfgxlZSJG4zUok-lyLSg5AYxskH1qKpI7Bnk1DknYwsOn_w63ZweOOwbBguzU/w640-h420/2023-12-13%2007.57.53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl_HNB2CZnzCu1DTY6o7o6NX8wdsynFZQVY7q911Rom4Fdg9kOLFauRuEnf8crTWMExXWGQNc0lrcQkN-YAA5ki3vp0ZoJgEaybxgXMjmwOEH-JKUp11qbwN27BPvADcctfk3e7U6hCMIa1_mNsO8KxiFUCnXLHs6w5crAp3TNDZdqGTMWWBvOPzeOHY/s1600/2023-12-13%2007.57.47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl_HNB2CZnzCu1DTY6o7o6NX8wdsynFZQVY7q911Rom4Fdg9kOLFauRuEnf8crTWMExXWGQNc0lrcQkN-YAA5ki3vp0ZoJgEaybxgXMjmwOEH-JKUp11qbwN27BPvADcctfk3e7U6hCMIa1_mNsO8KxiFUCnXLHs6w5crAp3TNDZdqGTMWWBvOPzeOHY/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2007.57.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I like Junie and Clementine's matching mouths here. I think they are singing something?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC33wopk3FGqT6ACxgeJki_-gcJsNtSrQ6ZlsowfaZ0-VNjo0druS-r1c33AHnJP-pWtO7e4whLHdj1ocxr5COADrvAtz7PXbWZGtT1ge1nE4A132zW4oCgBHXsOFdKRLdWTh55i_TLV5kNhNUQTk_jvRVRyKCK2ckSfuLuTejcwMkCBHKLUUSK1yRy0/s1600/lucia_phone5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC33wopk3FGqT6ACxgeJki_-gcJsNtSrQ6ZlsowfaZ0-VNjo0druS-r1c33AHnJP-pWtO7e4whLHdj1ocxr5COADrvAtz7PXbWZGtT1ge1nE4A132zW4oCgBHXsOFdKRLdWTh55i_TLV5kNhNUQTk_jvRVRyKCK2ckSfuLuTejcwMkCBHKLUUSK1yRy0/w640-h480/lucia_phone5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxTUUCoBFfCCHfGkChA0Uy2_Hk1S5Jx6ELzSWuQNNa79b8WPF26a0sSHUKygRXDRPX0I_tTrRQvvtCIXis7E_fjSFazhdo2YvYWDeu07m2mQ4huLewRjBCF7ERu9Hu7mmX83Yui5YQYxdTFyqD2Nz5I98xrxn2zqFk8wiyr9boQHTwUtmO8EwfNLMMLs/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.03.18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxTUUCoBFfCCHfGkChA0Uy2_Hk1S5Jx6ELzSWuQNNa79b8WPF26a0sSHUKygRXDRPX0I_tTrRQvvtCIXis7E_fjSFazhdo2YvYWDeu07m2mQ4huLewRjBCF7ERu9Hu7mmX83Yui5YQYxdTFyqD2Nz5I98xrxn2zqFk8wiyr9boQHTwUtmO8EwfNLMMLs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.03.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meanwhile…the little boys were waiting not-so-patiently on the stairs. "Can we come down? Is it time to eat? What kind of cocoa is it? Are the rolls done?"</div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kdADBZ86tmAWiLXQspgL_aQqp4rOmOpPTiXmYwtvD5oKN_DWD0I_rnabeBJfcy1hDvSyaM2NIrQbbw0uP7o6ldvmTpGxUaum43A-NjfFWmAQKz1tBc6P7iVWSx5HgLPvxXGhYn6f7LlKM5GQM-4QumgtZDzXWiR9m6t3kgEm9c41wZE7HEZVf24JRpA/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.03.26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kdADBZ86tmAWiLXQspgL_aQqp4rOmOpPTiXmYwtvD5oKN_DWD0I_rnabeBJfcy1hDvSyaM2NIrQbbw0uP7o6ldvmTpGxUaum43A-NjfFWmAQKz1tBc6P7iVWSx5HgLPvxXGhYn6f7LlKM5GQM-4QumgtZDzXWiR9m6t3kgEm9c41wZE7HEZVf24JRpA/w640-h424/2023-12-13%2008.03.26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnjdlJUMzH2j3KiGkmR4_eztQW3eNQ-1JcnX9-xTvBshXIayH5clGrlFAOAM5-i9iBirMp_BrB9EcwwWJJV2PnNkm5oO8jqPFPCCnUDiAZDpQx6oNrvW_PFY35HUCBAHLxREy3IPftsSqMF42IF4hNW4smmwfKZQ11ADHBGl8aqeevYbzwvm62eI2W9w/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.05.28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnjdlJUMzH2j3KiGkmR4_eztQW3eNQ-1JcnX9-xTvBshXIayH5clGrlFAOAM5-i9iBirMp_BrB9EcwwWJJV2PnNkm5oO8jqPFPCCnUDiAZDpQx6oNrvW_PFY35HUCBAHLxREy3IPftsSqMF42IF4hNW4smmwfKZQ11ADHBGl8aqeevYbzwvm62eI2W9w/w640-h448/2023-12-13%2008.05.28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First pan of rolls <i>almost</i> done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZEgG3oIknskPdccvEYJMDWrh6_78UOHOJTHtVGjSa5UJOQ0dDQEgMTivOAkmUn0kBzsFOp29_Wk3sP3AWDBd_X_zyaWtptGgsNb_Oc5nbo9Kbc3Gn-RFl-DW0XYAeF5SJQp-JpUfoHEJOrKvE2RqJ5jHVqn3buiOCXfb7bYm7iE-2i4ryMvKr21Y86Q/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.08.30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZEgG3oIknskPdccvEYJMDWrh6_78UOHOJTHtVGjSa5UJOQ0dDQEgMTivOAkmUn0kBzsFOp29_Wk3sP3AWDBd_X_zyaWtptGgsNb_Oc5nbo9Kbc3Gn-RFl-DW0XYAeF5SJQp-JpUfoHEJOrKvE2RqJ5jHVqn3buiOCXfb7bYm7iE-2i4ryMvKr21Y86Q/w640-h450/2023-12-13%2008.08.30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTujFDVZ-P42DQbOZC2qS9ZP8rfyX_zaXGct9dzCDR5WAMoCKjdei_iwmLCH0k8-28JCHcjLYTPyL7tZr_AouFhntEZvQXVi_M7JQfRLXCth9luNp_cNYggUzdxkCtuJOEv-wVeO-1jF8IPYuSjKst0x_-8bVckoXjMq8P0WFk8c_URO3cmV1uTMj3B6o/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.04.44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTujFDVZ-P42DQbOZC2qS9ZP8rfyX_zaXGct9dzCDR5WAMoCKjdei_iwmLCH0k8-28JCHcjLYTPyL7tZr_AouFhntEZvQXVi_M7JQfRLXCth9luNp_cNYggUzdxkCtuJOEv-wVeO-1jF8IPYuSjKst0x_-8bVckoXjMq8P0WFk8c_URO3cmV1uTMj3B6o/w640-h424/2023-12-13%2008.04.44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Squishy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5yj5_DNajuuLk1F5NP2ZXohSllgXrHH2ZVw0OzOaHZG4qfCHPsAp8zkqYWHrjicP7JkbbGnsIyNeOY8qT7Qr6SMHJxO8tZ-37eVRd9YX_y6rhE73gm552hQgRr4MnWhsW3oe15y_WXWu7SBTkRVika_VRBSFyCNwmNSASiwxXpwJr4mVZz6rvIAoCVg/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.05.03-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5yj5_DNajuuLk1F5NP2ZXohSllgXrHH2ZVw0OzOaHZG4qfCHPsAp8zkqYWHrjicP7JkbbGnsIyNeOY8qT7Qr6SMHJxO8tZ-37eVRd9YX_y6rhE73gm552hQgRr4MnWhsW3oe15y_WXWu7SBTkRVika_VRBSFyCNwmNSASiwxXpwJr4mVZz6rvIAoCVg/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.05.03-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0bM0p98X1kDpT5NhmNbHfRcVUG0ledCjyMmSGnMQPcYqPgQ3NUV-Khb86AUXCsvs3KTI1_UuwJ1JCylv98KCMCSU7vwB2Gtpd2iQsSPMR1EuJ7O4oQkeZck978huLWZacf3aKVxqBzDBBdE1TgqPskK0lapXBzJz_IHzo2cWfM9v5cgKB_zzODl-9wU/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.04.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0bM0p98X1kDpT5NhmNbHfRcVUG0ledCjyMmSGnMQPcYqPgQ3NUV-Khb86AUXCsvs3KTI1_UuwJ1JCylv98KCMCSU7vwB2Gtpd2iQsSPMR1EuJ7O4oQkeZck978huLWZacf3aKVxqBzDBBdE1TgqPskK0lapXBzJz_IHzo2cWfM9v5cgKB_zzODl-9wU/w640-h440/2023-12-13%2008.04.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No one can help kissing Clementine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXASxQE-mxpUTIjiZ1f4skrwJDg5S6Is-HGbCCknoe6qX5Svipy37jeA2c7MCz035zx_GQ7r3xyZ92KD6zwcyKtTdZeSje0iW44LuqhyphenhyphenZ0hN0ArC6v0wD_D_YYPyN5G7MIho_WIVsteWMkGWOI9wnHcdWieQscSBj9wqBHbcoWL19_pwykXNwIrUwqcFM/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.04.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXASxQE-mxpUTIjiZ1f4skrwJDg5S6Is-HGbCCknoe6qX5Svipy37jeA2c7MCz035zx_GQ7r3xyZ92KD6zwcyKtTdZeSje0iW44LuqhyphenhyphenZ0hN0ArC6v0wD_D_YYPyN5G7MIho_WIVsteWMkGWOI9wnHcdWieQscSBj9wqBHbcoWL19_pwykXNwIrUwqcFM/w640-h452/2023-12-13%2008.04.03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5CS_iaKM-LuNxCwwEPrIsZCI7ia72v-3ACGqVIWVfVYnA7-EsJI1UOd6OTvyL5viJ6eTfSG4QfuhRWJgHJE2DbkEKmJdbhik3wTcQU1KWUNibE1FXi5i3OzPp6d6f4UoB2tUkN7QjUdl0OIpZ22-3Z8pLRYm8n49bEfYUwvRvVvFNvhXT2Gt7M3k4NM/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.02.58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5CS_iaKM-LuNxCwwEPrIsZCI7ia72v-3ACGqVIWVfVYnA7-EsJI1UOd6OTvyL5viJ6eTfSG4QfuhRWJgHJE2DbkEKmJdbhik3wTcQU1KWUNibE1FXi5i3OzPp6d6f4UoB2tUkN7QjUdl0OIpZ22-3Z8pLRYm8n49bEfYUwvRvVvFNvhXT2Gt7M3k4NM/w640-h456/2023-12-13%2008.02.58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_S5bKjWGyqoRY46kCDEReQmkV1GfKd3GmLHwwW0J1S8Z4kR3FZMDJ77ZgJxUJjy7jk-MjZy_hoDGQM-aSVjR2Ju8I4oJpEKwEkzjpOsMvk4SLwaFndofQJZfEWgpcdeN4aP1u7v8wttPdfezkbsvZWE0Axnj9SQzyEckhb6DeJshZI7nThYuk1aaq0g/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.15.39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_S5bKjWGyqoRY46kCDEReQmkV1GfKd3GmLHwwW0J1S8Z4kR3FZMDJ77ZgJxUJjy7jk-MjZy_hoDGQM-aSVjR2Ju8I4oJpEKwEkzjpOsMvk4SLwaFndofQJZfEWgpcdeN4aP1u7v8wttPdfezkbsvZWE0Axnj9SQzyEckhb6DeJshZI7nThYuk1aaq0g/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.15.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At last the waiting and listening proved too much for Gus and Zig. They came running in to the kitchen, begging to help. This happens every year. Who wants to stay upstairs and be served when you can <i>help</i>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv07yf6PoYSEE3-QOQiQ6YTIb_kdLb00ne-Y0Vfy4aV4G8oq-nXm1EZwsUrHUUG11FHQa3OAmEWqMyDq-CXZ6HeWwXqQQ3mSkulFcyz6VM5S9f50t7EDzmg7LY_xAqXQOBwRxVyggR10tkGP_DmyOY9zN1v1Kfng0TvIR1dl4hK92cJxePGgJUuNvQ5i0/s1639/2023-12-13%2008.09.05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1639" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv07yf6PoYSEE3-QOQiQ6YTIb_kdLb00ne-Y0Vfy4aV4G8oq-nXm1EZwsUrHUUG11FHQa3OAmEWqMyDq-CXZ6HeWwXqQQ3mSkulFcyz6VM5S9f50t7EDzmg7LY_xAqXQOBwRxVyggR10tkGP_DmyOY9zN1v1Kfng0TvIR1dl4hK92cJxePGgJUuNvQ5i0/w468-h640/2023-12-13%2008.09.05.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ziggy had even made himself a Santa Lucia costume. Little sweetie. How could we refuse him?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdofzULXeMahG_TWgCKE5OYWIxvwDNqEDArztLGWii3KkqjORU-hibJijlYldAcaKlidiCXBcZZswNU2ksbWbZ06PgQdl3E-cKP5FCT2Vj4AJ5vFweKAswajBThEz-S0sCDZWqk6bxB7J2agx3-rPLBroSQ3NFXeQg4DZPQh2FdRnQYLwmRvjTmECgiL0/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.10.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdofzULXeMahG_TWgCKE5OYWIxvwDNqEDArztLGWii3KkqjORU-hibJijlYldAcaKlidiCXBcZZswNU2ksbWbZ06PgQdl3E-cKP5FCT2Vj4AJ5vFweKAswajBThEz-S0sCDZWqk6bxB7J2agx3-rPLBroSQ3NFXeQg4DZPQh2FdRnQYLwmRvjTmECgiL0/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.10.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Goldie was <i>not pleased</i>. I kept saying to her, "What is the whole point of doing this? Isn't it to bring light and happiness to the rest of the family? So if we can accomplish that by letting them help, shouldn't we be happy to do it?" Goldie's sense of rightness and honor was having none of it. "It's <i>supposed</i> to be only the <i>girls</i>!" she insisted. Poor lamb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjnTEYyRyPtxrZIOw9CADOWaU6HBf4rL2Z0oKTFj24fXx5zNeaQZFmzSeKBpge45V_DltIZdFXbiwIHm4IAlWvV41yE5XTXyA5tpb83oNRNPfm-auNQPqT76-AkybtKEixJJoJFJKGghc29Che2shcwBvMiqKlABiwo-qy-bxAEui7_ePtbQzbZcKAkA/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.10.38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjnTEYyRyPtxrZIOw9CADOWaU6HBf4rL2Z0oKTFj24fXx5zNeaQZFmzSeKBpge45V_DltIZdFXbiwIHm4IAlWvV41yE5XTXyA5tpb83oNRNPfm-auNQPqT76-AkybtKEixJJoJFJKGghc29Che2shcwBvMiqKlABiwo-qy-bxAEui7_ePtbQzbZcKAkA/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.10.38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvTOcrX5J1l_clVevR_JCFMmsKyDipgYKWJk6zNXLJ8uCYFwVd1yS31RjOlisoCbWwKoM1Fmpi5yWJjKZJxnv5Jv6n59qet25qWbqjazsfaT9patwOJ_a0DBQV2J8waj4y-NNt0WroovYgdBA8sWXCyZF1-yb4bcuqmjSFjrQL_mbmKSHCwb_TeFnymY/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.15.13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvTOcrX5J1l_clVevR_JCFMmsKyDipgYKWJk6zNXLJ8uCYFwVd1yS31RjOlisoCbWwKoM1Fmpi5yWJjKZJxnv5Jv6n59qet25qWbqjazsfaT9patwOJ_a0DBQV2J8waj4y-NNt0WroovYgdBA8sWXCyZF1-yb4bcuqmjSFjrQL_mbmKSHCwb_TeFnymY/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.15.13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCLZVBXsyjVVT3YxdtH4tZ42gi6zWAmfYxf2hdEAwuJRGjPIPSIEM7zPoGSDWJnI8WMu1NSdzPKEVltkTGdarMpWBy4emWvQv-1JrCfx5frt3YNhMrIUuXZAELegL1zUCdQ5OwzUsT5OxQIpeySsFRCGsPXAEuQxgrfUhNMOB-K33Cv6699kDh-O9v8o/s1667/2023-12-13%2008.00.50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCLZVBXsyjVVT3YxdtH4tZ42gi6zWAmfYxf2hdEAwuJRGjPIPSIEM7zPoGSDWJnI8WMu1NSdzPKEVltkTGdarMpWBy4emWvQv-1JrCfx5frt3YNhMrIUuXZAELegL1zUCdQ5OwzUsT5OxQIpeySsFRCGsPXAEuQxgrfUhNMOB-K33Cv6699kDh-O9v8o/w460-h640/2023-12-13%2008.00.50.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But she did come around eventually. One can only resist little Gus the Good's charms for so long!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq5Ay0_47QcBfrP3Mo85LKzdQfkuXMSA_YobeyYwlExs1Sn1Pb02qT0tLQe1BABiAGpWg_ol17IPzEQd-zi2z01HpqVrWF0lSsoCvvMIJLpqOmxiQiFifs6jHMFPKTcpPxNEQJ3lqF7ptRxksrfBEr8IG7UdLs7PfxBQL2H2JFD3tUaOqFstNEWlh4zA/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.15.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq5Ay0_47QcBfrP3Mo85LKzdQfkuXMSA_YobeyYwlExs1Sn1Pb02qT0tLQe1BABiAGpWg_ol17IPzEQd-zi2z01HpqVrWF0lSsoCvvMIJLpqOmxiQiFifs6jHMFPKTcpPxNEQJ3lqF7ptRxksrfBEr8IG7UdLs7PfxBQL2H2JFD3tUaOqFstNEWlh4zA/w640-h456/2023-12-13%2008.15.03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UOLA_XU2t5AiUL3kUcVqqLF3b7LH3PklfZitcOfqa91dD5AlEQx3HXux-HVHjux7lEhT1Jx7laQhaKuK__6Gb5wYiMQQJ6kb9lYM0KOAmHEA4aDLv0dNPx-UrkvHAj0UETr0aymHouqdsgNbh-oWOrfInP3SPMpoIoaTJLvxQvKQRvS0Kd3ic6PGnGU/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.14.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UOLA_XU2t5AiUL3kUcVqqLF3b7LH3PklfZitcOfqa91dD5AlEQx3HXux-HVHjux7lEhT1Jx7laQhaKuK__6Gb5wYiMQQJ6kb9lYM0KOAmHEA4aDLv0dNPx-UrkvHAj0UETr0aymHouqdsgNbh-oWOrfInP3SPMpoIoaTJLvxQvKQRvS0Kd3ic6PGnGU/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.14.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-u8sf6g1qaOqrlI1ly5vVuDHnTleqiL1g2VMKUtWW23qJSBIzVuR5z0NYqOm9F6B3bjmQ9prRfYLuxI7sUq9ult0VGu52YIoXZUL9B54ZP9rcgrx_kCsAVft688j8EsgRhCauuoxrPB7vKeOVl0U16OfTOExvJVxOr0RgbLY4hP4zPbol5GLZhCBIxM/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.12.09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-u8sf6g1qaOqrlI1ly5vVuDHnTleqiL1g2VMKUtWW23qJSBIzVuR5z0NYqOm9F6B3bjmQ9prRfYLuxI7sUq9ult0VGu52YIoXZUL9B54ZP9rcgrx_kCsAVft688j8EsgRhCauuoxrPB7vKeOVl0U16OfTOExvJVxOr0RgbLY4hP4zPbol5GLZhCBIxM/w640-h434/2023-12-13%2008.12.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCg1gIESRksmxH7Xi6dH9WmUPC27jmf-F3aBHPdzo6rIHq6KssuKMNnJ6cs5krHwD1bVg6DdWX4_Tv0SpF5LULKA0t8cCSWFDcmVNKgDHmymlXaJDinmxlAvFw3rHKWiLENBZN1WjM0i5yLuYq_qO45E4zwn58mNbFlEwwmGgjr8TF-52kplcmYs2zIg/s1600/lucia_phone10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCg1gIESRksmxH7Xi6dH9WmUPC27jmf-F3aBHPdzo6rIHq6KssuKMNnJ6cs5krHwD1bVg6DdWX4_Tv0SpF5LULKA0t8cCSWFDcmVNKgDHmymlXaJDinmxlAvFw3rHKWiLENBZN1WjM0i5yLuYq_qO45E4zwn58mNbFlEwwmGgjr8TF-52kplcmYs2zIg/w640-h480/lucia_phone10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MTkCIMuCZb4jxMbCy6J5Tu4TDHEcPsniKERZDUEL61ZEfXCe3bV2J15MqstFOB_baw6bJIr_lXFLrFCBNZZO-ywMsbhGEW3GL-nboweFlXclGigAun5eXTuUlnNy2xngddsk4wU44UqTH4ddKgNJSPA94T1lCcAitDJdCyAVKZFO8Fse8z3_iKUHMoE/s1600/lucia_phone13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MTkCIMuCZb4jxMbCy6J5Tu4TDHEcPsniKERZDUEL61ZEfXCe3bV2J15MqstFOB_baw6bJIr_lXFLrFCBNZZO-ywMsbhGEW3GL-nboweFlXclGigAun5eXTuUlnNy2xngddsk4wU44UqTH4ddKgNJSPA94T1lCcAitDJdCyAVKZFO8Fse8z3_iKUHMoE/w640-h466/lucia_phone13.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clementine sees the camera</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J63cjp_zkjnCPUtJf5gR6W8-OKY8sVKjIlELohdrzOOdJNLPYaaQtJkvZknxQRttZbi0hCbDN5fh4bS0d7Oyp-HR2MifzfJS0aLfoulDfg3k2Zp8W7vt8c31yfpSplxoAhdNlcS9lhjp7eWk3EE4vfP5Q4FHlcJr6iSkoLlFA4eWhfdHUTtqJELyE70/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.11.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J63cjp_zkjnCPUtJf5gR6W8-OKY8sVKjIlELohdrzOOdJNLPYaaQtJkvZknxQRttZbi0hCbDN5fh4bS0d7Oyp-HR2MifzfJS0aLfoulDfg3k2Zp8W7vt8c31yfpSplxoAhdNlcS9lhjp7eWk3EE4vfP5Q4FHlcJr6iSkoLlFA4eWhfdHUTtqJELyE70/w640-h424/2023-12-13%2008.11.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRGcguuaFVI2pEeeW5LaYg1hSZ6zBGPe_9OM6-bRIgUQ22DRFbXTftBn_oLSkGqM-aJ1k0UeVhjXv1373-LiCUE7ftyOrjUgAzl-9UEk3NVTNNiRcLnUW_Is9aBC-iB6Y12cwzjZoB38-vJ6xuKugu_upFnUBv4qANr3Pfd7u3dIQmxuspG_o_OJ7In4/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.11.20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRGcguuaFVI2pEeeW5LaYg1hSZ6zBGPe_9OM6-bRIgUQ22DRFbXTftBn_oLSkGqM-aJ1k0UeVhjXv1373-LiCUE7ftyOrjUgAzl-9UEk3NVTNNiRcLnUW_Is9aBC-iB6Y12cwzjZoB38-vJ6xuKugu_upFnUBv4qANr3Pfd7u3dIQmxuspG_o_OJ7In4/w640-h452/2023-12-13%2008.11.20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gus worked so carefully on his rolls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPz5qonnNkHxhtlWmNiXu_MBbRcZJYbnb9Z3zucm5YE9DFztO9cPtOJXi_suUtgfZZEoF6TzlTeXUN5o5Xo_FjZsrQCDKjZpGA4D07KP8Lta6k5pkd1IdXGpZY9ITrq5BI7lHVp34HhcEDV29JpadscXtLGI0IS6hG0mGlXSYSu8J3Tri0NlhPYVcw0U/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.16.59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPz5qonnNkHxhtlWmNiXu_MBbRcZJYbnb9Z3zucm5YE9DFztO9cPtOJXi_suUtgfZZEoF6TzlTeXUN5o5Xo_FjZsrQCDKjZpGA4D07KP8Lta6k5pkd1IdXGpZY9ITrq5BI7lHVp34HhcEDV29JpadscXtLGI0IS6hG0mGlXSYSu8J3Tri0NlhPYVcw0U/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.16.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And Ziggy went off and made his costume even more authentic…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNNF_loP9fz3lQ3w7vOgXTMjoUKA3-jHUcPEZerzddgoHkW4Wei8o6MqVm0DEBmkGd2x_vlMErJ4aO4OLfDwq3SXncSK29gLKYWhauxKMN74Fhn29sGI7kT23cDl6SN84dRFE0oeLvWSM3nK3xOmN3q46cIvRnJqV5F8GaJc1GyrFCNPFzOQj7sZTIV4/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.18.05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNNF_loP9fz3lQ3w7vOgXTMjoUKA3-jHUcPEZerzddgoHkW4Wei8o6MqVm0DEBmkGd2x_vlMErJ4aO4OLfDwq3SXncSK29gLKYWhauxKMN74Fhn29sGI7kT23cDl6SN84dRFE0oeLvWSM3nK3xOmN3q46cIvRnJqV5F8GaJc1GyrFCNPFzOQj7sZTIV4/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.18.05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">…right down to a tray of "rolls" and "cocoa" to deliver! Zig really is the best at costumes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uE3AaeziC7p1SCgja-By_XDT0Zg-RDIKmOgRUiSFTynxO3LNeJaIFd5oMi3jDHrQs17EXt3YhcSeiqs-bBDi98-czSSM4fxukyyHW9jSc4jKaUwdq14-GlbLjNRpCbo_hQ3BhZsjuupnb5HdemzTxRO4aqFl724eHJ7n72NLZcBg3EKqQkIL-UtTJQs/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.19.17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uE3AaeziC7p1SCgja-By_XDT0Zg-RDIKmOgRUiSFTynxO3LNeJaIFd5oMi3jDHrQs17EXt3YhcSeiqs-bBDi98-czSSM4fxukyyHW9jSc4jKaUwdq14-GlbLjNRpCbo_hQ3BhZsjuupnb5HdemzTxRO4aqFl724eHJ7n72NLZcBg3EKqQkIL-UtTJQs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.19.17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teddy decided to come join in the fun too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTrrI9auu3wEFcrVJW1-qVJ4Imr61VDhSBOQSxKvomjddKtVaqVacshcKtnJ1l8AEPZKdIVAT7hSHRLykxyKeSe5kzEI1wr-D94JXnhD_m46NCXMNeckzzpt53w3mj0mEZFwcp9BjQAmgjZvb9vRcZx-6PzeBfO3aFBU2335Sy5x2ZRDICFejkBRguRk/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.17.17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTrrI9auu3wEFcrVJW1-qVJ4Imr61VDhSBOQSxKvomjddKtVaqVacshcKtnJ1l8AEPZKdIVAT7hSHRLykxyKeSe5kzEI1wr-D94JXnhD_m46NCXMNeckzzpt53w3mj0mEZFwcp9BjQAmgjZvb9vRcZx-6PzeBfO3aFBU2335Sy5x2ZRDICFejkBRguRk/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.17.17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goldie still isn't entirely happy about it…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrtFAjPENmHPfsJ1gtuhSgkEyK-d8TT3mZMdihUkNU6qBGNWsKdjFzSKiq3pO8652U_yXfOqvDb8hFkkAPZDwQ8gW-aa887JplJafcZBVQYWZN_MW7nV1RvqKsa25a-rJGusSUSGa1A3qMf_PT5C8Rs4kCiMlV2AWLPDIUVmyVlDV_7X6mtlqYpxk0oE/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.17.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrtFAjPENmHPfsJ1gtuhSgkEyK-d8TT3mZMdihUkNU6qBGNWsKdjFzSKiq3pO8652U_yXfOqvDb8hFkkAPZDwQ8gW-aa887JplJafcZBVQYWZN_MW7nV1RvqKsa25a-rJGusSUSGa1A3qMf_PT5C8Rs4kCiMlV2AWLPDIUVmyVlDV_7X6mtlqYpxk0oE/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.17.24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">…but Clementine is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua6pIFLdXNSvyibHLKkctPW8QVVVr7-8TlFWKq6s6zpGAbEbstMLxmFSqJrpjDu11me5Mwq2rKmszPFxV8Ei67v5kI1XycqNNCN2kenlpk34EqibAymdQrovZ8OE0HXwYb4ULHDGh5Ggyn0sJykj0QQNTL61AZstn87EFF99ukv8ihM20zyaGX0I1YY0/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.17.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua6pIFLdXNSvyibHLKkctPW8QVVVr7-8TlFWKq6s6zpGAbEbstMLxmFSqJrpjDu11me5Mwq2rKmszPFxV8Ei67v5kI1XycqNNCN2kenlpk34EqibAymdQrovZ8OE0HXwYb4ULHDGh5Ggyn0sJykj0QQNTL61AZstn87EFF99ukv8ihM20zyaGX0I1YY0/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.17.23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIhZ5sXZTWPiaFsuIIZyczWTJ1Eqraxum5bTIv6xRH2ZkMBSzQmfGkL9wHFPvv5wM_XnH1iwQxQViJ0d2TFdDvAcZF9Uzz4pCictRVLT0iYogkvYVcbuGXYPmP51C8YnxiOJJaHMvvMpo-SbbQvQg8K61rn6MQ_yJlUxJN3lLTfnQe2PEHpJ5DZ5lnc4/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.17.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIhZ5sXZTWPiaFsuIIZyczWTJ1Eqraxum5bTIv6xRH2ZkMBSzQmfGkL9wHFPvv5wM_XnH1iwQxQViJ0d2TFdDvAcZF9Uzz4pCictRVLT0iYogkvYVcbuGXYPmP51C8YnxiOJJaHMvvMpo-SbbQvQg8K61rn6MQ_yJlUxJN3lLTfnQe2PEHpJ5DZ5lnc4/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.17.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfYvETLHwHLz61APVv8sOz09wpvR2CyrS6yeED8m0dJ0etrAxe3XgknE1_5BpIKPyW7GlRPiAUdSNlxnIAis46Ki2o-epUaMJ92lSuibpgh-nzjPOzEVUIvBhOX8E_0WcKM5rv86DQR52i4DB4HMznaqsOWXgpk0x9WkMr_UBnK7MN9u8XjiJ1mXUtzI/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.17.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfYvETLHwHLz61APVv8sOz09wpvR2CyrS6yeED8m0dJ0etrAxe3XgknE1_5BpIKPyW7GlRPiAUdSNlxnIAis46Ki2o-epUaMJ92lSuibpgh-nzjPOzEVUIvBhOX8E_0WcKM5rv86DQR52i4DB4HMznaqsOWXgpk0x9WkMr_UBnK7MN9u8XjiJ1mXUtzI/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.17.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHkRM_oKjTwJnH38NVO3m2lTnP5Z2Kh-j-EF8ArQv9c7P_qnUPcx6UvNvndeL2qq01s8zg5rTjSM6gC-j5w54TuR60kVtK5M91OEyN9whrfRE0VnTqNTEhOCe7f5SSoEy_xP5MgJxhD17XFKZw6UHOt9HWsjnXLvfVBPlt67r1UX1wWbc4gPihtiVRhA/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.17.02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHkRM_oKjTwJnH38NVO3m2lTnP5Z2Kh-j-EF8ArQv9c7P_qnUPcx6UvNvndeL2qq01s8zg5rTjSM6gC-j5w54TuR60kVtK5M91OEyN9whrfRE0VnTqNTEhOCe7f5SSoEy_xP5MgJxhD17XFKZw6UHOt9HWsjnXLvfVBPlt67r1UX1wWbc4gPihtiVRhA/w640-h414/2023-12-13%2008.17.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4lItf5u3PO_EePU2w7HPqmzvB2hG9zQlOG37eblpgJHGNuVmUqdSauQ3NMnPQdL87mBwV8U4AbhSRqDoNv7fiGW9E5FVDYhdUCo3J2bxbwjKRW2V_ZcXoxgr67tXYQtgg_L0TBcfHHI5TGvqs_l67MkdrxJSMkc3xueqjSNHOLUhUIH6hZ7sBmrED-E/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.15.54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4lItf5u3PO_EePU2w7HPqmzvB2hG9zQlOG37eblpgJHGNuVmUqdSauQ3NMnPQdL87mBwV8U4AbhSRqDoNv7fiGW9E5FVDYhdUCo3J2bxbwjKRW2V_ZcXoxgr67tXYQtgg_L0TBcfHHI5TGvqs_l67MkdrxJSMkc3xueqjSNHOLUhUIH6hZ7sBmrED-E/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.15.54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daisy made the cocoa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnjTDShoavklHvQlqLQPnSb9x35sOKlCh_itUU9jpXwubkkoEYzw3iKh0SlGfk3wAxmdfiVcSMpIwgDCYdknNTyTP1uqDTAzVj_a6n1li8ecMNvppIvIeOKyO0GteF_JfRzzF8UdLlRNdNu8M-EZzg0c9uj4wHhjzPccw9V0NaB_XVh9lbCzA-mchL48/s1804/2023-12-13%2008.19.49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnjTDShoavklHvQlqLQPnSb9x35sOKlCh_itUU9jpXwubkkoEYzw3iKh0SlGfk3wAxmdfiVcSMpIwgDCYdknNTyTP1uqDTAzVj_a6n1li8ecMNvppIvIeOKyO0GteF_JfRzzF8UdLlRNdNu8M-EZzg0c9uj4wHhjzPccw9V0NaB_XVh9lbCzA-mchL48/w426-h640/2023-12-13%2008.19.49.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(with some help from various helpers, of course).</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1nz1sk96BlQcGxwQjARipfMclRKZiTuAIDv7g03c54WKOIvymynbm5sEUWakfVWutkoCyly-IAt_zBFkeCOR7BDU-LblXrzLs5PNsDhqXr2UWvZPF47KxFmjjfk4DhJ_kMN_8_HbxHWJ0gI-CUHvoPZEQZNTZbrx7nA-tjzCS1DgiHaVUY7DzH0NUhU/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.20.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1nz1sk96BlQcGxwQjARipfMclRKZiTuAIDv7g03c54WKOIvymynbm5sEUWakfVWutkoCyly-IAt_zBFkeCOR7BDU-LblXrzLs5PNsDhqXr2UWvZPF47KxFmjjfk4DhJ_kMN_8_HbxHWJ0gI-CUHvoPZEQZNTZbrx7nA-tjzCS1DgiHaVUY7DzH0NUhU/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.20.42.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PvbSUzYl60xZScxoC2qaYLwdlUhoaikJANVNzolm8XZ4Y0Vu-Jcf9J_3C751n9W2-b0iSBqtHqJv1cr7g_B1iiLU1AEUJjWqm_2SHiRWlY97a1wn_n7U0CWURj_LrMxqFWvoyVPlONoKehYMxO5QWNWWu-vXMXwVAx7JGIW8wW2PhxHQbooXc_N9NPg/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.20.13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PvbSUzYl60xZScxoC2qaYLwdlUhoaikJANVNzolm8XZ4Y0Vu-Jcf9J_3C751n9W2-b0iSBqtHqJv1cr7g_B1iiLU1AEUJjWqm_2SHiRWlY97a1wn_n7U0CWURj_LrMxqFWvoyVPlONoKehYMxO5QWNWWu-vXMXwVAx7JGIW8wW2PhxHQbooXc_N9NPg/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.20.13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutqwLD3w5hLA6TzUc4-jQvCw_uKZiylmURwgVDzKIVN7c4uytEWHUTcb0qhzLDbgenq3CE-CkipNkA7KI-GNjkA_4GCsATICBZF1cOyVUA1-cNeNy-ib_YONFNJxFawSfBs5sH21VBuYaMzIwIL-XmfhVXt8I8z8tYcpCEVZ1mrwEMt1PqVqVw3aowWk/s1600/lucia_phone15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutqwLD3w5hLA6TzUc4-jQvCw_uKZiylmURwgVDzKIVN7c4uytEWHUTcb0qhzLDbgenq3CE-CkipNkA7KI-GNjkA_4GCsATICBZF1cOyVUA1-cNeNy-ib_YONFNJxFawSfBs5sH21VBuYaMzIwIL-XmfhVXt8I8z8tYcpCEVZ1mrwEMt1PqVqVw3aowWk/w640-h486/lucia_phone15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qdsuMqAl5T4z2bNJUHyDuCA1GEKe3prwjs2JpM-B8r_fm_j0wD8WhL2XiV6wnDvl64_5sjqHPXUpqy9vnjqQn4ekZkghA-azrPjJzpxp46KTR7h9sZp9_LUdiL4qlBjQUhGwUMv4VPtRghFJFAHb9safQPZnD0dAD2MUMSn7XAhT9wfLLTwR3mIEqk0/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.24.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qdsuMqAl5T4z2bNJUHyDuCA1GEKe3prwjs2JpM-B8r_fm_j0wD8WhL2XiV6wnDvl64_5sjqHPXUpqy9vnjqQn4ekZkghA-azrPjJzpxp46KTR7h9sZp9_LUdiL4qlBjQUhGwUMv4VPtRghFJFAHb9safQPZnD0dAD2MUMSn7XAhT9wfLLTwR3mIEqk0/w640-h424/2023-12-13%2008.24.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVI-i8a6grtySmT-FGEbR_zQU110MEhQHvlcA9WbNSP5HTFLzaeJ7N7b08bqMmXHiJIe3EVbRXnJ4uvHatFptrfOZSNp-LFXxg1zglb9ooe8mZyTj7RwDobRtFwsMwPYxQ1EDy0WU-7ZtWfX_HqiBC8WpgGE4Aub-oOEbhvrpEHTKpz8yaEVdkZBssxVs/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.40.18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVI-i8a6grtySmT-FGEbR_zQU110MEhQHvlcA9WbNSP5HTFLzaeJ7N7b08bqMmXHiJIe3EVbRXnJ4uvHatFptrfOZSNp-LFXxg1zglb9ooe8mZyTj7RwDobRtFwsMwPYxQ1EDy0WU-7ZtWfX_HqiBC8WpgGE4Aub-oOEbhvrpEHTKpz8yaEVdkZBssxVs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.40.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYUEhWAy8XR7iU8Rf8sgKz3OmgDYhDH5cMridaQySSgWZvXsxki5JVe8EbW1Q8gCfNq-NT9EUZN2z-_SxsYYEzxmq0hKm3SukBiQUAo1wfXygQhQyhq6Q6i6m4LFwNHssqATAuRT51bjXO6NDt9hFVi35lqyZcm7RnolC4MNt5x1a3xWhyphenhyphen0-VEVyVT_A/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.20.48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYUEhWAy8XR7iU8Rf8sgKz3OmgDYhDH5cMridaQySSgWZvXsxki5JVe8EbW1Q8gCfNq-NT9EUZN2z-_SxsYYEzxmq0hKm3SukBiQUAo1wfXygQhQyhq6Q6i6m4LFwNHssqATAuRT51bjXO6NDt9hFVi35lqyZcm7RnolC4MNt5x1a3xWhyphenhyphen0-VEVyVT_A/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.20.48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0HUAm5ys3p-vxBQu1MaI2fbwbsDW-G1p31oJSyKa8ap9nZMIMvDtjIw5jMI8_mxIkC1vCnEJRKqWhwLBXmI1bOk3kyReD-XNeNx12SaBoh9MRPlVoEZ9eBiHj0ltSGTW2bAgV4h_4_PLIFYUibkCBA7gtlhKflpkRFHV36U8iEHnO3Dx_fHA0jFNW_0/s1600/lucia_phone19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0HUAm5ys3p-vxBQu1MaI2fbwbsDW-G1p31oJSyKa8ap9nZMIMvDtjIw5jMI8_mxIkC1vCnEJRKqWhwLBXmI1bOk3kyReD-XNeNx12SaBoh9MRPlVoEZ9eBiHj0ltSGTW2bAgV4h_4_PLIFYUibkCBA7gtlhKflpkRFHV36U8iEHnO3Dx_fHA0jFNW_0/w640-h480/lucia_phone19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Light-beams</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSP_BlAILsqT0ZRHV3FOi-BqnsBCTV2x7Dd6rgZ5zilBYRzqI0wRPICuWzSSwg63msFpz0zVmzsyUiAhbTbNd90eWtPtlBLNWHh05kKw1O4ORicgVS9VhHjooTBleARyTjRkvqNL_OLrYlX-XI6X8HoXLW96jXjsY6NFBWcM3pUQAsKlWHwXQkDoq1OA/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.40.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSP_BlAILsqT0ZRHV3FOi-BqnsBCTV2x7Dd6rgZ5zilBYRzqI0wRPICuWzSSwg63msFpz0zVmzsyUiAhbTbNd90eWtPtlBLNWHh05kKw1O4ORicgVS9VhHjooTBleARyTjRkvqNL_OLrYlX-XI6X8HoXLW96jXjsY6NFBWcM3pUQAsKlWHwXQkDoq1OA/w640-h482/2023-12-13%2008.40.31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9rs0Q-yVs3TJZ0LyX4rtnDTC9ZaiyaOJQP3ZQ3Sp8vUFGsBO_ngt5zCcQFH7O3xzJOztyYOklCLunq5OOBbAdY06cIM_M2Uz0I7ArCFdtCLPIBb3f8pty-FkYjEKtVkxzD76_8t8OIdID-pXzYv7WIwdL1xI3RDUFnro6k2SmsF7hxfk4jGbewkzbnU/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.40.10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9rs0Q-yVs3TJZ0LyX4rtnDTC9ZaiyaOJQP3ZQ3Sp8vUFGsBO_ngt5zCcQFH7O3xzJOztyYOklCLunq5OOBbAdY06cIM_M2Uz0I7ArCFdtCLPIBb3f8pty-FkYjEKtVkxzD76_8t8OIdID-pXzYv7WIwdL1xI3RDUFnro6k2SmsF7hxfk4jGbewkzbnU/w640-h420/2023-12-13%2008.40.10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whipping cream for the hot chocolate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyxPAeTpiEHSw5dAvMRKb5tz_jPtQZ6ms2VZCbmSbHAlj8XqcddvarCyczw_mZW0m-Vbp7xuwQ7XA6HR3RnnCa6OXLnMX1g-GoXcMkTw1qf_SWBog5XSWch0J2C1SJMsdf9L9BHo0XDGsRFS2a6eAih40eZqifbyZSxwN5qtcs8rmZhqqj0Sz1eioL5E/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.39.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1600" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyxPAeTpiEHSw5dAvMRKb5tz_jPtQZ6ms2VZCbmSbHAlj8XqcddvarCyczw_mZW0m-Vbp7xuwQ7XA6HR3RnnCa6OXLnMX1g-GoXcMkTw1qf_SWBog5XSWch0J2C1SJMsdf9L9BHo0XDGsRFS2a6eAih40eZqifbyZSxwN5qtcs8rmZhqqj0Sz1eioL5E/w640-h532/2023-12-13%2008.39.46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j-WbgcCFIYJR75ucoAigAu4WbqeUlKgGgv36UKGe5PyKqiSckLsMHoa93HtWFBgPWN8rSnrqKMMXuj8JCiwrIG47B6FPuvaEhdpJom0g3RSCjr9RmWzaSEIECOh-GUufMJzG5x_43KPGy-mtM2P9zmaPG5E75hA8yWUlBG3FTARRTMLGnMs689a9vrg/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.52.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j-WbgcCFIYJR75ucoAigAu4WbqeUlKgGgv36UKGe5PyKqiSckLsMHoa93HtWFBgPWN8rSnrqKMMXuj8JCiwrIG47B6FPuvaEhdpJom0g3RSCjr9RmWzaSEIECOh-GUufMJzG5x_43KPGy-mtM2P9zmaPG5E75hA8yWUlBG3FTARRTMLGnMs689a9vrg/w640-h422/2023-12-13%2008.52.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1alFWwi_Jaf0u58F0BVC-W0UHx5exFSojP2XWY73PUdW1tvvXR6eSikujkDTsYDwLOBSbMjfGtwhyphenhyphenqfGfsD4pTAIvpUmxbRyN7MBpRu2lTXJ0aDr0W8Hk-5-lpmLh7aREYmup9iSQVcTcnZho6_JJS4Y3oso7HOTadFJTSVOnupOHBRTrmq6Ox7s9TYM/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.23.30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1alFWwi_Jaf0u58F0BVC-W0UHx5exFSojP2XWY73PUdW1tvvXR6eSikujkDTsYDwLOBSbMjfGtwhyphenhyphenqfGfsD4pTAIvpUmxbRyN7MBpRu2lTXJ0aDr0W8Hk-5-lpmLh7aREYmup9iSQVcTcnZho6_JJS4Y3oso7HOTadFJTSVOnupOHBRTrmq6Ox7s9TYM/w640-h398/2023-12-13%2008.23.30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At last, everything was ready!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl45De84Qzj1Fc9KT6EF7HQc_Ygq7W2cBaTs__VhZIhpmlbeWlRzu3hMvkAzqtWU0G7p7Ni45AiJOxPa20g2ZO9E7qCdFQJW3iMo1fZSKW7eRJs_gJnEjTgf8PW4L84fJJfgCbdFt-TBec4u2mvm4KLSA3OigMWjNr82NeFgj1mrqVrk9nnU6h2jAwco/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.48.14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl45De84Qzj1Fc9KT6EF7HQc_Ygq7W2cBaTs__VhZIhpmlbeWlRzu3hMvkAzqtWU0G7p7Ni45AiJOxPa20g2ZO9E7qCdFQJW3iMo1fZSKW7eRJs_gJnEjTgf8PW4L84fJJfgCbdFt-TBec4u2mvm4KLSA3OigMWjNr82NeFgj1mrqVrk9nnU6h2jAwco/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.48.14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We let Clementine take a tray to Gus (who had been hastily shooed back upstairs)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB16UjZCNL4n724Lns_KiEIC3yKq4KTVVxU3S8xqlPptdYMpR1YKTD7HmB25YU1jhqv2fILUI06Hy8T1O-k9muDVuAA13T3vknulXjBUw1R8imd3ejrxq8vNgfsxgHHIkRGlCtEIe5Rv2eM9NDXKxch1KXYzb9dgntViB7psnprM60lW2j6jUKP9_FRU/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.48.15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB16UjZCNL4n724Lns_KiEIC3yKq4KTVVxU3S8xqlPptdYMpR1YKTD7HmB25YU1jhqv2fILUI06Hy8T1O-k9muDVuAA13T3vknulXjBUw1R8imd3ejrxq8vNgfsxgHHIkRGlCtEIe5Rv2eM9NDXKxch1KXYzb9dgntViB7psnprM60lW2j6jUKP9_FRU/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.48.15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGt3PwJ_SKqOfsWb2BYy0iUCdZPHXX2_DfZBvLvu7v0rrhXHTUONL6c0DDrVRlSeSDEJEVGeTTckkjVJfcWrMljab4OixgUmFoBfWaaQGt9mCFzhcuvbS1nTNGl6-aOz1ol4ponifC7CBmjXAMPeLew1g3-nCNJFpQrNn2SuaeBx8xMB_tcVv3lYM9LM/s2405/2023-12-13%2008.48.28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2405" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGt3PwJ_SKqOfsWb2BYy0iUCdZPHXX2_DfZBvLvu7v0rrhXHTUONL6c0DDrVRlSeSDEJEVGeTTckkjVJfcWrMljab4OixgUmFoBfWaaQGt9mCFzhcuvbS1nTNGl6-aOz1ol4ponifC7CBmjXAMPeLew1g3-nCNJFpQrNn2SuaeBx8xMB_tcVv3lYM9LM/w426-h640/2023-12-13%2008.48.28.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AelVTzTq8TIjg6IWm3BSzGx9UtGu7JDVGbqsXhRW4yDmCbs2Oq5qENUKz2SaMPDZ83tPK_IuNVu5cnRRb4FyljjDvRGPyBmtnXDQAAtcdiNy39P5KF6n2wiv3Dl91NB1cQ3CaGn5j6xGp22QqCXgqJvdDxCKqtfB2Gmy-HwF-77IxeNFvWQXLd_SJj0/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.48.58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AelVTzTq8TIjg6IWm3BSzGx9UtGu7JDVGbqsXhRW4yDmCbs2Oq5qENUKz2SaMPDZ83tPK_IuNVu5cnRRb4FyljjDvRGPyBmtnXDQAAtcdiNy39P5KF6n2wiv3Dl91NB1cQ3CaGn5j6xGp22QqCXgqJvdDxCKqtfB2Gmy-HwF-77IxeNFvWQXLd_SJj0/w640-h438/2023-12-13%2008.48.58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2k2JdaiSnSGkjRicmIsPGhi8JX4XFSeh14DoRk0met0C_mx1iN_qzaY4KDqI7BHBeQzpIP_pnSguuXGAncML29utf8P9QYv4lX4awzsPOSwygUJ7oRGATC3fAHTyoH7SpJkABTpr7WwsSQke29kSTChgXJABYtBkZEGzhQXPB1WJ3mxQkusgk4hmHKs/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.48.59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2k2JdaiSnSGkjRicmIsPGhi8JX4XFSeh14DoRk0met0C_mx1iN_qzaY4KDqI7BHBeQzpIP_pnSguuXGAncML29utf8P9QYv4lX4awzsPOSwygUJ7oRGATC3fAHTyoH7SpJkABTpr7WwsSQke29kSTChgXJABYtBkZEGzhQXPB1WJ3mxQkusgk4hmHKs/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.48.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc49lVOV5Ezr_cAJfnCuk5VQ8Z2VPYTcG2hRBMLJQUoOH1etyez550mQeKR7Z9e1DoOzHhvam0-OLGAc1IjTWGit8piBXUiaM8Z4InTg1wsbMZEnaRgPUu22m2j3gxcc7G6MiIU4kMHgU1T0gshD7zBsJeTTUbhgsnEeamnUY9lQ54PTWxkqjhyphenhypheni8hnX4/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.49.15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc49lVOV5Ezr_cAJfnCuk5VQ8Z2VPYTcG2hRBMLJQUoOH1etyez550mQeKR7Z9e1DoOzHhvam0-OLGAc1IjTWGit8piBXUiaM8Z4InTg1wsbMZEnaRgPUu22m2j3gxcc7G6MiIU4kMHgU1T0gshD7zBsJeTTUbhgsnEeamnUY9lQ54PTWxkqjhyphenhypheni8hnX4/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.49.15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2cL0ROPR-Alq-DEpOtsTHbYoUuNd304okzo4UPBivH1pM0zG6RxNcrEh2_qeNVrPdh_tS_7gDBod9UBpQwU7OKdYnWaSZXAe9z1Z3BYfyAxM8MBg02cN9BRYDvzlGodpqYq9swEiOeN2jfAMtHq4GUL2bcfZkvAeoMkjt1YDhJe0oKAUzKzROs_XqrQ/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.49.29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2cL0ROPR-Alq-DEpOtsTHbYoUuNd304okzo4UPBivH1pM0zG6RxNcrEh2_qeNVrPdh_tS_7gDBod9UBpQwU7OKdYnWaSZXAe9z1Z3BYfyAxM8MBg02cN9BRYDvzlGodpqYq9swEiOeN2jfAMtHq4GUL2bcfZkvAeoMkjt1YDhJe0oKAUzKzROs_XqrQ/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.49.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHDqRLm8oG-JjZho8egVDTW0e-iJ7mIPnwY5IhcvGwKy2iy-MdFKp_qLOrMKeGSm5TuR1hQmIDKuRbH5Qkh-L6RZ3XX0u4222SNhyphenhyphenp9cKouuLHSnUDxxPs1xys9XKn38Y8vQePTuVPyTzuH7tF4mHVsae4LqKHUALg2J_6k_wJ9n5SxtVb6GdmLoU_64/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.49.28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHDqRLm8oG-JjZho8egVDTW0e-iJ7mIPnwY5IhcvGwKy2iy-MdFKp_qLOrMKeGSm5TuR1hQmIDKuRbH5Qkh-L6RZ3XX0u4222SNhyphenhyphenp9cKouuLHSnUDxxPs1xys9XKn38Y8vQePTuVPyTzuH7tF4mHVsae4LqKHUALg2J_6k_wJ9n5SxtVb6GdmLoU_64/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.49.28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJtDV72alUFRybiDzgDPl0dOG95HfaT2c1gDCBoCua7JmtMWxVbE_dWYUvwZQrX7JDurYlpBLSTpwsSdzI8oRt1qiMDO_cpT7xdRU6DRau4cRsVFwyqyJIg-KqyKq-O3vKbKJrfBP0E5Fy0S6b83y98NGFOHiLGPLTGMNpjSXZlbiMnPwM2LolCnG4B8/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.57.55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJtDV72alUFRybiDzgDPl0dOG95HfaT2c1gDCBoCua7JmtMWxVbE_dWYUvwZQrX7JDurYlpBLSTpwsSdzI8oRt1qiMDO_cpT7xdRU6DRau4cRsVFwyqyJIg-KqyKq-O3vKbKJrfBP0E5Fy0S6b83y98NGFOHiLGPLTGMNpjSXZlbiMnPwM2LolCnG4B8/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2008.57.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each of the other girls served one of the other brothers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlA1YTsgyJsOHQeF2w5JIip4GfkYcwiKwKjcU3P719OLjGAqOnpu4RP8x__0I7Egm9aJYieBv057Os9d-gC7nTtDZg9ZlAJNzU3dEpbTmzy1-8Tn-8XDc0QXP5QhxhVLP-oTz6U94dC4-OrK6QEeoPJ3HKZLV8kxortdyCzdfeBDVX1ge2U4t3H-atNg/s1804/2023-12-13%2009.00.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlA1YTsgyJsOHQeF2w5JIip4GfkYcwiKwKjcU3P719OLjGAqOnpu4RP8x__0I7Egm9aJYieBv057Os9d-gC7nTtDZg9ZlAJNzU3dEpbTmzy1-8Tn-8XDc0QXP5QhxhVLP-oTz6U94dC4-OrK6QEeoPJ3HKZLV8kxortdyCzdfeBDVX1ge2U4t3H-atNg/w426-h640/2023-12-13%2009.00.11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsPIVusopIEX-ZYFWfziWzaz6GmwW53xk43OdgIzh7xSAWnWaudv5bWKXpy8pV-GkvjUIVx1ZGDgYGfjb3jRboj8Iv42PqQgA1g5u3j2AEt8UcnO6JubbRn8ov-kv0rmpdPnxKL4p8govzFMjfTf4wkkXt72mcPoWeKwO3QAeH67AHS-G-LwI5bAqCSU/s1600/2023-12-13%2009.03.46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsPIVusopIEX-ZYFWfziWzaz6GmwW53xk43OdgIzh7xSAWnWaudv5bWKXpy8pV-GkvjUIVx1ZGDgYGfjb3jRboj8Iv42PqQgA1g5u3j2AEt8UcnO6JubbRn8ov-kv0rmpdPnxKL4p8govzFMjfTf4wkkXt72mcPoWeKwO3QAeH67AHS-G-LwI5bAqCSU/w640-h426/2023-12-13%2009.03.46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The dolls joined in too, bringing trays to their doll-brothers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs14Bnn25PVFztGNi38wTANjeNVZQ2Duh_rumLXiuAE15HOS2Ubc7HEvZVSCVqmd4yhYfUcJs8NUc5crhYOCTRSnfLISIP2y5rg_uNTgnCZPfGT1pBCIFhJ2jeLbF00lnUqBQFN11YRPTfEDLDDNvceCzNVaBbySP4yqefHUmH9eB0FECsClwmLdBqPs/s1600/2023-12-13%2009.03.52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs14Bnn25PVFztGNi38wTANjeNVZQ2Duh_rumLXiuAE15HOS2Ubc7HEvZVSCVqmd4yhYfUcJs8NUc5crhYOCTRSnfLISIP2y5rg_uNTgnCZPfGT1pBCIFhJ2jeLbF00lnUqBQFN11YRPTfEDLDDNvceCzNVaBbySP4yqefHUmH9eB0FECsClwmLdBqPs/w640-h468/2023-12-13%2009.03.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWgnsl_qgyBsf_JduRqhm3cmWe0npVZq77_85fDFQdcaqFjNd1b7SXH7iK1p9sOLdfvdmXr5mXzmPgDvKYsKglwbAScwONwbsGRQ4bFK9RJRpkWndDuFZ0GZwSzIQewkJXoycNv2X6aI0-KVZHtBULomV7c6e_i_3U8f3gClxi1CTOBSrI9hDYEoY0_4/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.59.07-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWgnsl_qgyBsf_JduRqhm3cmWe0npVZq77_85fDFQdcaqFjNd1b7SXH7iK1p9sOLdfvdmXr5mXzmPgDvKYsKglwbAScwONwbsGRQ4bFK9RJRpkWndDuFZ0GZwSzIQewkJXoycNv2X6aI0-KVZHtBULomV7c6e_i_3U8f3gClxi1CTOBSrI9hDYEoY0_4/w640-h434/2023-12-13%2008.59.07-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtjx9VV1lBjX0xGWPopp6zS-yW2sOFjC5MlfJKuooBN8HeSvtAYN081akdAKnuyzTGsP9UMx0u3uU8fI9-_NUBTIDtcQqezYfLI7dlRUP_HbfOvsQ6qjhA3e5pHYRVPgvQHReUuQSfoyaxoxeuxWWgvnXqDSbalJkBK07xbaLdZ3VmfOc1xHLhzE0gLM/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.59.04a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtjx9VV1lBjX0xGWPopp6zS-yW2sOFjC5MlfJKuooBN8HeSvtAYN081akdAKnuyzTGsP9UMx0u3uU8fI9-_NUBTIDtcQqezYfLI7dlRUP_HbfOvsQ6qjhA3e5pHYRVPgvQHReUuQSfoyaxoxeuxWWgvnXqDSbalJkBK07xbaLdZ3VmfOc1xHLhzE0gLM/w640-h568/2023-12-13%2008.59.04a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDc8e91OueJQt8x51EUwzXHjKnelGD3RrOMUZeBtQgiUiJ4_3zhyphenhyphenmCYNN0vgfRpiMou6mibSBbNdC3ugbi7tP5XASLciSo-a1Uby9vJmBMw3eFRQKUx0UvLjRLQf57BobnXROMKo9-ONSA6Uk8oOAUkNyaBWQluNfIgg0Tvwp-RXCsDZvUA2KpXjkzxA/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.58.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDc8e91OueJQt8x51EUwzXHjKnelGD3RrOMUZeBtQgiUiJ4_3zhyphenhyphenmCYNN0vgfRpiMou6mibSBbNdC3ugbi7tP5XASLciSo-a1Uby9vJmBMw3eFRQKUx0UvLjRLQf57BobnXROMKo9-ONSA6Uk8oOAUkNyaBWQluNfIgg0Tvwp-RXCsDZvUA2KpXjkzxA/w640-h454/2023-12-13%2008.58.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k5mVIW7vx7xT8_NRTF-FHG5fOAQ2Un2pKG7nDM2hVU-xkSatLaGN__eL8RmMNRHSwXk1uig15VPws0jLQYsPmgfefRPupapsouT8QPloMnAfzkRxotsO07tvm7pp9tM5hHjtcQ8-mEvEK3jthU97K34gLDthBJ7UxOIvSxfTfu3ZjEyLZvMyV6NoCwk/w640-h444/2023-12-13%2009.04.28.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuHtWXn_dZIliRQvt14ZBn_Yvxu1J9YfpCTUIKvu_12cPK0gqezva-DXiPwD12-iuINcVLGMyZfTgPTnbaDIFYv4mPkNMkJKCb4CvXZKrizhactsDHh-Y1hH3IBr23TTKnQ5rXVF1gaT0I8irIassrqpZMz8MUP4069_CjLX5ZzBVCm5qXuT1zakVfvg/s1600/2023-12-13%2008.53.18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuHtWXn_dZIliRQvt14ZBn_Yvxu1J9YfpCTUIKvu_12cPK0gqezva-DXiPwD12-iuINcVLGMyZfTgPTnbaDIFYv4mPkNMkJKCb4CvXZKrizhactsDHh-Y1hH3IBr23TTKnQ5rXVF1gaT0I8irIassrqpZMz8MUP4069_CjLX5ZzBVCm5qXuT1zakVfvg/w640-h456/2023-12-13%2008.53.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And at last, a well-deserved rest and breakfast for the Lucias!</div><p></p>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085334272613025173noreply@blogger.com2