Daybook for Monday, March 1, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window...it's chilly and dark.

I am thinking...that my boys may have to go to the doctor today.  Jaden's cold/cough is coming back, and Jacob has it really bad.  He can't even lay down in bed; he has to sit all propped up on the couch to sleep, poor guy.

I am thankful for... my boys.

I am wearing...jammies and robe, of course, and trying to stay warm.:)

I am remembering...the wonderful sunshine we had yesterday, and even though my boys are sick, I made them get out in it.:)  I'm hoping the fresh air will have done them some good.

I am going... probably not to Tae Kwon Do tonight; have to let Jacob get over this.  But I do have to brave Walmart and maybe go to the library, later on when Daddy's home to watch the munchkins.

I am currently reading...Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half: Why Differences Make a Marriage Great, for a Titletrakk review.  It's very good so far.

I am hoping... to work on my blog this week.  I'm totally remodeling and moving to Wordpress.  We figured out how to move Google Friend Connect, and I believe we figured out how to keep my Google PR up when I move....I hope, anyway.:)

On my mind... friends who need prayer at the moment.

Noticing that...today is the first day of March; how can that be?  It was just Christmas....

Pondering these words... I'm pondering over Pastor's message yesterday, how if every person in that church took his assignment to heart, how many seeds might be planted this week.

From the kitchen... tonight is soup and grilled cheese.  I'm thinking some chicken noodle soup or maybe even homemade chicken soup for these sick boys.

Around the house... have to clean today and catch up on laundry. Fun times.:)

One of my favorite things~ playing around with images in Photoshop, creating new things.

From my picture journal...(This is going to be my new header; I may tweak it some, but I think I really love it so far.  This was my relaxing time yesterday.  LOL  What are your thoughts?  Would love feedback.)

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Daybook for Monday, February 22, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window...it's quite cold after the warmth of this weekend.

I am thinking...that I don't feel very good this morning, but I'm just hoping to get through the day with all of the things that need done and having to go, go, go with Jacob.

I am thankful for... these early morning hours where I can get a few things accomplished before my boys are up.

I am wearing...jammies and robe, of course, and trying to stay warm.:)

I am remembering...the Disney movies we watched this weekend with our boys.  We're trying to introduce them to the older movies Disney made.  This weekend, we watched The Sword in the Stone and started The Happiest Millionaire; we had no idea that movie was so long.:)LOL  We got about an hour and a half into it, and we're at the Intermission right now, since it was bedtime last night.  I just love Fred MacMurray.

I am going... hopefully, to take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do later on, as well as hit the library and a couple other places while out, get some errands out of the way.

I am currently reading...Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half: Why Differences Make a Marriage Great, for a Titletrakk review.

I am hoping... to get my assignment done and mailed off this week.

On my mind... so much that I can't just pick one thing at the moment.

Noticing that...Dan played a lot of Monopoly with Jacob this weekend; they had so much fun.  Jacob needed that Daddy time, and help us all, Dan's teaching Jacob how to play Monopoly like a prize fighter. 

Pondering these words... a powerful quote by C.S. Lewis on love; it's in the book I'm reading....I'll share parts of it here: But, of course, ceasing to be "in love" need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense - love as distinct from "being in love" - is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God. They can have this love for each other even at moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself.  "Being in love" first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.

From the kitchen... tonight will be either leftover spaghetti or grilled cheese and soup.

Around the house... have to clean today and catch up on laundry.  Fun times.:)

One of my favorite things~ watching old movies with my boys.

From my picture journal...

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Daybook for Monday, February 15, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window...It's spitting snow here and there, and it's cold.

I am thinking...that Mondays seem to come so quickly.

I am thankful for...when sick, a warm home and a family to be with.  I don't like to see my husband sick at all, but I have to say this weekend was nice just laying around together, even though we were sick....but we were sick together.  Made for fun times with the kiddos, but we made it.

I am wearing...jammies and warm sweater.

I am remembering...that Dan promised to take me to Michaels today for my Valentine's.:)

I am going... to take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, and we're stopping by the library on the way.

I am currently reading...finishing up Levi's Will and then A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists for review.

I am hoping... to get Dan's pants mended for him this week.  I know, big aspirations, but for me, mending this pair of jeans is huge....you should see the hole.

On my mind... life, in general; change.

Noticing that...my desk is somehow a mess again; the "clean" never lasts on my desk, it seems.

Pondering these words... It's not what you do in life; it's how you feel (about what you do)....it's how you feel- from Road to Avonlea.

From the kitchen...tonight will be grilled cheese and either Ramen or soup; gotta be a quickie, since we have TKD tonight.

Around the house... have to clean and catch up on laundry.  I'm hoping to clean off my shelves in the office a little, make room for crafty type stuff.

One of my favorite things~ is warm bread right out of the oven (or breadmaker).:)  I love the smell wafting through the house.

From my picture journal... (Jaden loves his bubbles....he happened to empty the whole container this night; I left it on the edge of the tub for just a second, while I washed my hands; a brand new container of Koala Pals, and it was gone....at least he had fun.)LOL

For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, February 8, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window...I think it's snowing; we're supposed to get 2-5 inches now, I guess.

I am thinking...that I don't feel very good this morning and am fighting going back to bed.

I am thankful for...my choir; singing with them just lifts me up every single Sunday.

I am wearing...jammies and robe.

I am remembering...how much fun it was being able to sit down and scrapbook yesterday.

I am going... possibly to take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do this afternoon; it depends on the weather.

I am currently reading...finishing up Financial Purity by Jessica Psalidas.

I am hoping... to finish up Levi's Will this week for Bethany House.

On my mind... Dan, as today is his birthday!:)

Noticing that...I put way too much on my To Do list today.

Pondering these words... "How Great is Our God, and all will see how great, how great, is our God."

From the kitchen...tonight, homemade veggie stew/bread and  Jello strawberry cheesecake (requested by Dan for his birthday); I'm trying to get as close to my grandma's version of the stew as I can; I found an old recipe for it in one of her favorite cookbooks.  I think I might start blogging about some of her recipes....of course, having tried them myself with pics of each.:)  I was inspired by the movie Julie and Julia.:)  Only, maybe I'll just try one a week.

Around the house... have to clean today, but we're taking the day off school; we are having a small planned break, which is sorta nice to help break up the long months of January/February.  Jacob's thrilled.

One of my favorite things~ is still definitely snow.

From my picture journal... (Happy Birthday, my Dan....)

For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, February 1, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window...it's dark and very cold.

I am thinking...that I need to give myself a break and rework my schedule a bit....sometimes my expectations can be far worse than what other people expect of me.  I'm not SuperMom and really shouldn't strive to be.

I am thankful for... finally, my doctor's appointment tomorrow.

I am wearing...same ole sameo for early morning, jammies and robe.:)

I am remembering...sledding with my boys on Saturday; it was so much fun!

I am going... hopefully, to Tae Kwon Do tonight, possibly Walmart, if I'm brave enough.  I think Jaden's going to have to go to the doctor too....thinking another ear infection.

I am currently reading...Financial Purity by Jessica V. Psolidas.

I am hoping... to really start planning more healthy foods into our menu this week; more fruits and veggies, less junk.

On my mind... still Haiti...Elsie...and everyone down there.

Noticing that...I need to change my calendar over to February.  I cannot believe it's here already.

Pondering these words... "If we're gonna win people, we're gonna win them where they are"- Pastor Hosea yesterday.

From the kitchen... tonight, soup and grilled cheese.

Around the house... have to clean today and really try to work on our coat closet this week; it's needing some TLC.

One of my favorite things~ definitely snow, lots of snow.

From my picture journal...(something I'll never grow tired of seeing at night....)

For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, January 25, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook....

Outside my window... it's really windy and dark, and it just sounds cold.  Perfect morning for staying in a warm home.

I am thinking... that this week is going to be so busy with all of Jacob's extra Tae Kwon Do classes, but he gets to learn how to use his nunchakkes (yikes), and he has Fight Night this week, so he's really excited.

I am thankful for... my church family.

I am wearing... what else?  Jammies and robe; it's too early for clothes yet.:)

I am remembering... how much fun I had scrapbooking this weekend.

I am going... to the library and Tae Kwon Do later on.

I am currently reading... Beguiled for a review.

I am hoping... to maybe use a coupon at Michaels this week; we'll see.  I'm really eyeing a couple little things.

On my mind... is all the lesson plans I have to start on this morning, for the next four weeks of school.  Planning out four weeks at a time just saves so much time.

Noticing that... the weather's calling for possible snow/ice later on this week; please no ice....but let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Pondering these words... "Intercessory prayer must precede hell razing.  Take your place between the dead and the living"- Pastor Hosea yesterday.

From the kitchen... tonight will be vegetable soup and grilled cheese.

Around the house... definitely have to clean today; I think it's time to check out the surprises that await in the couches and underneath; it's amazing what you find when you vacuum out the furniture.

One of my favorite things~ relaxing with my family on a rainy day.

From my picture journal...(My Dan)

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Daybook for Monday, January 18, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window... it's dark but not too cold; it's supposed to be in the 50's today, which means these rambunctious boys can get out of the house for a bit, hopefully.

I am thinking... how I love winter, but I wish it would just stay cold and snowy.

I am thankful for... a wonderful friend and partner in MamaBuzz, Melissa J.

I am wearing... jammies and robe.

I am remembering... all of the tragic pictures and video I've watched on the news about Haiti this past week. 

I am going... to the library and Tae Kwon Do with Jacob later on.  My boy bought nunchakkes last week; oy vei, look out.  The rule is he has to keep them put up when his little brother is up and about.:) 

I am currently reading... Bertie's War for the Crew and finishing Levi's Will.

I am hoping... to get more of my assignment done this week, meaning I'd have more of my book planned out and outlined.

On my mind... definitely Haiti, especially the children and those working to ease the suffering.

Noticing that...the weeks seem to keep flying by.

Pondering these words... "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools"- Martin Luther King, Jr.

From the kitchen... will be tuna sandwiches and fruit tonight.

Around the house... definitely have laundry to catch up on and a house to clean today.

One of my favorite things~ definitely hugging my kids right now.

From my picture journal...(We took a trip to the park last week on one of the warm days.)

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Daybook for Monday, January 11, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook

Outside my window... it's cold and dark, only I'm thinking the temps are above zero this morning.

I am thinking... that today will be a busy day.

I am thankful for... Nancy and Aaron's mostly good news last week.

I am wearing... jammies and robe for just a bit more.

I am remembering... our snow day last week and wishing we could go sledding again today before the snow melts off.

I am going... to take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do tonight, as well as hit the bread store, library, and, ugh, Walmart (unless I can figure out a way to avoid it).

I am currently reading... Levi's Will by W. Cramer.

I am hoping... that the library will get in the Road to Avonlea I have on hold; I'm in withdrawal.:)

On my mind... how I can improve in teaching Jacob and helping him understand without losing my patience (in homeschooling). 

Noticing that... I am suddenly very hungry.

Pondering these words... Have you settled in your spiritual life? (Pastor Hosea's sermon yesterday).

From the kitchen... Tony's Pizza, salad, and carrots tonight.

Around the house... cleaning house today and catching up on weekend laundry.

One of my favorite things~ staying inside in the warmth when it's frigidly cold outdoors.

From my picture journal... (My chocolate chip banana bread experiment; why didn't I think of this sooner?  It was so delicious!)

For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Snowy Daybook for Monday, January 4, 2010

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Snowy Daybook....

Outside my window... it's bitterly cold with about 5 inches of snow, and I'm loving it!:)

I am thinking... that today is going to be a snow day.

I am thankful for... the privilege to be able to homeschool and teach my kids and make learning, hopefully, fun.

I am wearing... jammies and robe.

I am remembering... a story my mom told me last night about how they used to go sledding when they were kids....they used to hook the sled up to the back of the tractor....and they had a hill in town they used to go down.:) I love Mom's stories. Wish she'd tell me more, more, more.

I am going... to take the kids sledding today, and hopefully, to take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, as well as hit Walmart and the craft store while he's there.

I am currently reading... Levi's Will, which so far, is such a great book.

I am hoping... that we'll be set to launch our new MamaBuzz site by Monday; it's very exciting.

On my mind... Aaron and Nancy and what all they face this week.

Noticing that... this week doesn't look as daunting, once I got it a bit organized and planned out.

Pondering these words... from my calendar: Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.

From the kitchen... tonight will be Ramen noodles with peas; and grilled cheese.

Around the house... have to work on laundry today, as well as clean house this morning.

One of my favorite things~ definitely the snow that covers the ground and just brings a stillness with it.

From my picture journal...(we took a piece of black construction paper yesterday and caught a few snowflakes; this one amazed me; it was just so intricately beautiful!)

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Daybook for Monday, December 28, 2009

FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook...

Outside my window... cold with a dusting of snow still left on the ground; it is sunny, though.

I am thinking... about my to do list and how it keeps growing....I guess it's just a life thing, ya know?

I am thankful for... shows like Road to Avonlea that just take my mind off of things and help me relax.:)

I am wearing... dark jeans with a red shirt and white tank underneath....my shirts are fitting a little bigger these days, as I've lost quite a bit of weight in a short time (not sure why); and I just bought this shirt too.  Oh well.

I am remembering... my two hour phone call with Nancy the other day and how blessed and thankful I am to have her as a friend/sister.

I am going... to Tae Kwon Do tonight with Jacob, and we're hopefully going to return a couple things that didn't fit.  Oh, and we're combining gift cards to get a Wii Fit Plus; I'm so excited....don't worry, we've talked it over with the kids, and they are agreeable. 

I am currently reading... still the same book, but I'm starting Levi's Will this week.

I am hoping... that God will show Dan what to do, the right thing to do; and I'm hoping to get things reorganized/regrouped for school, just need some reevaluation. 

On my mind... Nancy and Aaron and what they will face this week at the doctor's....I love you guys.

Noticing that... somehow, even though there's a lot of uncertainty right now, there's also a sort of peace, maybe not a whole feeling of peace, but a small inkling of it is there.

Pondering these words...ok, I'm actually laughing at these words from Mrs. Rachel Lynde in Avonlea yesterday: "Not so long as I draw breath, you two-faced son of a beehive."  LOL  I don't know why that cracks me up, but it does.

From the kitchen... I'm thinking the Dollar Menu tonight, as we'll be gone most of the evening.

Around the house... already cleaned, but still have more to clean up from Christmas, and since laundry hasn't been done in about 4 days, am catching up on that.:)  I love Christmas!  It was a much needed break.

One of my favorite things... definitely snow, a fire in the fireplace, The Polar Express with the kids, and a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and a candy cane to stir it with.  Mmmmmm....

From my picture journal... (Christmas Eve in our house)...

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Daybook for Monday, December 21, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, December 21, 2009...

Outside my window... it is dark and cold.

I am thinking... that it's nice to be off school for a couple weeks now.

I am thankful for... Christmas, when we're reminded of our Saviour's birth and why He came to earth.

From the learning rooms...just some fun arts and crafts this week, along with some fun reading and Christmas stories.

From the kitchen... tonight will probably be something quick from the dollar menu, since we're taking Jacob to karate, then headed to Bass Pro to see Santa.:)

I am wearing... jammies and robe for now; trying to get warm.

I am creating... more Italian Sprinkle Cookies this week (hopefully, I'll get the recipe right this time) and maybe some fudge and more Chocolate covered peanut butter Ritz.  Oh, and I plan to finally make my apron over Christmas break.:)

I am going... to karate tonight and then to see Santa.:)

I am reading... still trying to finish The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville and then have to start Levi's Will by W. Cramer.

I am hoping... to relax some over break, although Missie and I have our new website to build for MamaBuzz, so early mornings will ensue (have to work while the kids are asleep).:)

I am hearing...silence and the furnace running.

Around the house...have to desperately clean today.

One of my favorite things...is singing with the choir at church.  We just have a lot of fun, and seriously, (Pastor Hosea said about this at our banquet last week), on those Sundays when we're just so tired and feel so drug down, you can just feel the Holy Spirit begin to move through the church like a breeze.  It's like He revives us through the music and really prepares us for listening....Dan and I were both talking about that after Pastor Hosea talked at the banquet....it's truly amazing.

A few plans for the rest of the week: No school (yea!); Jacob to Tae Kwon Do; baking and crafts with the kids; go see Santa tonight; church/small group; possibly go to Christmas Eve service at Remington's; library/errands; Mom & Dad coming for Christmas; writing assignments/MamaBuzz work; hopefully, some relaxation and watching more Avonlea; praying desperately for snow; etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...(He got these snowboots in a package last week from Pappy and Grammy, and he would not take them off for anything; oh, and it didn't help that they were Cars snowboots, his favorite, the only movie he will sit through and watch over and over and over again; at least it's a good one).  LOL

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Daybook for December 14, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, December 14, 2009...

Outside my window...it's dark and chilly.

I am thinking...that Christmas is just coming too fast this year.

I am thankful for...lazy Sunday afternoons.

From the learning rooms...we are starting medieval history this week and working on our new math book.  We're taking Thursday and Friday and doing total Christmas school, just reading Christmas stories, making arts and crafts, watching Christmas movies, and just having fun.

From the kitchen...tonight will be meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and veggies.

I am wearing...jammies and robe, of course.

I am creating...I'm helping the boys to make handprint snowmen ornaments and handprint Christmas tree pictures this week for their grandmas and grandpas, and maybe even their Sunday school teachers.

I am going...hopefully, nowhere today.  It's a mad, mad world out there right now.

I am reading...The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville, for a review.

I am hoping...to get my first chapter of my book done, written down, and sent in to my instructor this week; it's really taken a lot of thinking and pondering.

I am hearing...jake brakes on a truck somewhere.

Around the house...have to clean house today and catch up on laundry (I don't know how boys can go through so many clothes in just two days).

One of my favorite things...is sleeping on a Sunday afternoon, unless I wake up, and Sunday is totally gone.

A few plans for the rest of the week: school; Jacob to Tae Kwon Do (he earned his second stripe on his blue belt on Saturday; Yea, Jacob!); church/choir stuff; Jaden to doctor for shots; Music Ministry banquet at church; helping out with KTTS Christmas Crusade; writing assignments/MamaBuzz work; library/errands; etc.

Here are two pictures for thought I am sharing...(he was hard at work on something).

For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman.

Daybook for December 7, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, December 7, 2009...

Outside my window...it is dark, and I'm thinking I should really be in my nice, warm bed right now.

I am thinking...that it could be snowing or sleeting outside my window right now.:)

I am thankful for...music, simply put.  Our choir concerts were this weekend, and they were just encouraging to my heart.  One of the songs we sang was called Emmanuel, and the words just spoke to my heart, as I've been going through a bit of a rough patch here lately....I'm just so thankful and humbled at how the Holy Spirit can work in our own hearts, even as we're trying to be a blessing to others.

From the learning rooms...I'm so excited that we are finishing up ancient history this week.  Woohoo!  Moving on to the Middle Ages....  We're also finishing up our math book and moving on to our next one.  I was able to order the test book for history off of Amazon for really cheap, so now I'll no longer have to make up my own tests.:)  We're still continuing our celebration of Advent, as well, and we're doing lots of Christmas arts and crafts, which Jacob and Jaden both love, love, love.

From the kitchen...tonight will be a baked chicken, potatoes, veggies, and maybe rolls.

I am wearing...jammies and robe.

I am creating...have to start working on Christmas presents a little bit.  I'm not sure what to give people, besides pictures we had taken.  I have some ideas floating around in my head, though.

I am going...nowhere today, hopefully.

I am reading...The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville, for a review.

I am hoping...to make it through today, as I feel like I could drop.

I am hearing...silence.  Silence is golden....

Around the house...have to clean house today and, of course, catch up on laundry.

One of my favorite things...is beautiful piano players, which I heard a lot of this weekend, with A Festival of Keyboards; our choir director, Jeff Bennett, has been a part of this group for 16 years.  They are truly amazing.  They travel all over, so if you ever get the chance to hear them, go for it....and no, this is not a sales pitch, it's just something amazing that I can't keep quiet about.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School; Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, and he has testing this week; choir rehearsal/church stuff; library/errands; writing assignments/MamaBuzz work; Jacob and I are volunteering with the KTTS Christmas Crusade, helping with donor drop-off; we have a small group outing, which I'm excited about....kind of a Christmas party just for the adults, since we'll have wonderful, free childcare at the church (they are so wonderful to do that for us; Dan and I have gotten to go out maybe 2-3 times since both kids were born, if that); etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...(we made glitter glue Christmas trees, and both boys just loved it; Jaden was very intent on his.)

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Daybook for November 30, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, November 30, 2009...

Outside my window...it is dark and chilly.

I am thinking...that it might snow on Wednesday and how cool that is!:)

I am thankful for...my nice, warm robe right now.

From the learning rooms...We're working on more addition/subtraction in math.  We're also studying Christianity/the early church in history and learning about Hanukkah, along with the Maccabees, since we're to that point in history.  In science, we're studying volcanoes and even get to build a volcano and make it erupt this week, I think.  I think we're going to use this Advent Idea Box too for the month of December. 

From the kitchen...tonight should be zesty chicken tortilla bake and peas.

I am wearing...jammies and robe for a while longer.

I am creating...curtains for the boys' room.  Also working on my first chapter of my first book.

I am going...hopefully, nowhere today.

I am reading...The Christmas Glass by Marci Alborghetti.

I am hoping...that Mom and Dad will come to one of the concerts this weekend and that Jaden will fully recover from his cough.:)

I am hearing...precious quiet.

Around the house...have to clean today and do wonderful laundry.

One of my favorite things...is watching Road to Avonlea....since Jaden was still recovering from this long, hashed out cold/ear infection, we had a little marathon this weekend.:)  I found out our library has parts of all 7 seasons, and what they might not have, Netflix has.  Love it!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Where do I start?  School, Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, library/errands, church/choir stuff, Dress Rehearsal for choir concert, choir Christmas concerts this weekend (3 of them), writing assignments/MamaBuzz work, I'm supposed to go to the doctor but may have to reschedule due to lack of funds, etc. 

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...(our Christmas tree)....

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