Pajama Photo Shoot

So we are having a lazy, pajama day around here. We deserve the relaxing time, in my opinion. Clothes need to be washed and folded. Toilets need to be scrubbed. Rooms need to be tidied. But you know me... I don't have time for that, because we're relaxing! Derrick laughs at me. He knows I have no plans of cleaning today. We've spent all week with the air off and the windows open (A necessity after that fried fish. Who knows what I mean? Because Derrick doesn't.). Anyway, our house is damp and humid, but the air is refreshing. We can hear the birds at every moment. It's a great lazy day!
Since we are still in our pjs, I should be hiding from the camera. But instead, I decided to glorify our imperfectness. I keep saying we and our, you know, me and Madeley.
The best part is when Madeley started smiling for the camera. She only smiles when she sees a flash. She's dramatic and it cracks me up!! So here goes...


Flash!


Funny, huh?


I couldn't stop laughing.


Smile! Or something...



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Confession:

1. I only let Madeley watch cartoons I also enjoy. I save my favorite episodes too. I delete the others. Is this bad?

2. I keep her Sleep Sheep in my room because I like the noise. Do you think the person that gave it to her cares that I kept it for myself?

3. When I feed her grits, mac and cheese, or vienna sausages, I take several bites for myself. I'm terrible! It teaches her to share, right?

4. I cancel on plans sometimes just because I'd rather spend time with Madeley. I never thought I could love her so much!!

Hope you're having a wonderful Saturday. I also hope the rain will hold off. Thanks for reading!!


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My little princess

Is she practicing? You tell me...

Here's the story...
I woke up early to watch the wedding. Not 3 am early, but early enough to fast forward to the good stuff. My absolute favorite part was when William told Kate that she looked beautiful. You could read it on his lips... melt my heart! I was alone in my living room, and I know I let out an AWE!!
Anyway, I was able to see the happy couple get into the carriage (the same one William's parents used, AWE again). Then I just had to get into the shower. Otherwise, I would never make it to work.
My first chance to sit down tonight was after Madeley's bath. We got settled and I turned on the carriage ride. I couldn't wait to see the balcony scene! And the two kisses!!
As they rode in the carriage, they waived the entire time. At first, Madeley oohed and awed over the horses, but then she started to wave! She was waiving back at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! I didn't have my phone nearby, so I rushed to get it so that I could capture that precious moment. It was just darling, as is my little Madeley.

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My friend Jaki got a new pet today. She cornered him, then scooped him right up! She's swift!





He's so little and precious. His name is Gus Gus.





We'll see how long Gus Gus makes it as a pet.

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I'm still enjoying Pride and Prejudice. It gets easier to read everyday. I just can't wait to see what happens between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy!

Thanks for reading!


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Ha ha

Funny story:

One of my students bought a prom dress from a shop in Sheridan. I told her I would pick it up to save her a trip here. I got it yesterday, and it was just gorgeous! I left it in my car this morning, so she could just come by and get it right after school. She wanted to know what I thought though, so she came up to my desk this morning and said, "So did you see it? Do you like it?"
I responded with, "Oh yes, it's just beautiful. I put it on and loved it!!"
She just looked at me, and finally said, "No you didn't!! You didn't put it on!!"
I just laughed! The look on her face was priceless!

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Madeley Moments

Madeley and I had the night to ourselves because Derrick loves his new boat. After the past few days of crazy weather, he was just itching to get out on the water! So since he was going to be gone, we made plans. We ate Mexican with Jaki, Cliff, Sayde, and Mayce. Madeley LOVES rice and beans, so she couldn't have been happier. S & M were telling us all about how they cashed in their piggy bank money for some new Go Go Walking Pups. It's so adorable how excited those girls get about animals! Mayce told Jaki that she "really really really wanted one." So sweet!

After dinner, Madeley and I went to see Dad. She was excited...


Almost... got it...


Where is everybody??


Not sure if I've told you this, but Madeley is a book junkie. Her favorite thing to do at Papaw's...



So we spent a little bit of time there. Dad visited with Madeley while I played catch with Joe. Then, when Madeley started rubbing her eyes, it was time to go.
I love this picture, because it looks like she's taking it of herself. ha ha


Oh how I love that sweet little thing!

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So are you getting up at 3 am, or are you DVRing the Royal Wedding? Because I know you're watching it, right?

When I was a teen, I had the biggest crush on Prince William. I remember going on a vacation around the time that Princess Diana died. I literally made my mother buy every magazine sold. And when you're traipsing through airports, that's a lot of magazines. They all had the same heartbreaking pictures, two sad boys missing their mother. But I thought William was to die for. When I went to England as a senior, I was certain I would "bump" into him, and he would fall in love. Ha ha. As Prince William grew up, his looks were not as pleasing to me, so I fell out of love. I sure do think Kate is beautiful though. The wedding will be amazing!!!

P.S. My friend Leah's been wearing crown shirts for a week to prepare. She's for sure waking up at 3! ha ha

Thanks for reading!!




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Wednesday Loves

I'm linking up with Lindsay for Wednesday Loves!!


On this Wednesday, I'm loving one of Will Ferrell's tweets from this week. It said, "I can't spell 'wednesday' without saying 'wed-nes-day' in my head." That is so true! I do it every time I start a loves blog! ha ha

I'm totally loving this Edible Gold Crown!!


I would like to buy it in honor of my friend Leah. I would then place it on a lovely cupcake for her to eat during the Royal Wedding!! Perfect, right?!

I'm loving that we had the absolute best bird day here. As soon as I walked in the door today, Derrick told me there were birds everywhere!! We spent all evening trying to identify the new birds and loving the regulars. We've seen cardinals, indigo buntings, goldfinches, bully blue jays, robins, a random woodpecker, and about three new birds we have yet to identify. It is slightly possible that we may also have a small hawk coming by... Derrick's observations. I searched my bird books tonight trying to make matches, but haven't made my decisions yet. Am I a dork? Naa. We always point out the birds to Madeley, and she just jabbers away at them. She's got the B sound down, but can't quite say bird yet. She'll get there though. Here are a few interesting pictures taken by Derrick...
Cardinals





Indigo Bunting



I'm loving that Derrick made dinner tonight!! He caught some bass over the weekend and saved it for this week. We had fried fish, hushpuppies, Cajun boiled potatoes, and baked beans. The batter on the fish was scrumptious!! Best I've ever had. We've got a lot left over, so y'all just come on by. We'll feed ya!



Finally, I'm loving that my sweet baby Madeley took turns hugging me tight, then fixing my hair tonight. She talked the entire time she was fixing too. She'd push my bangs to the side, then mess with the hair on top. Then she'd hug tight and SQUEAL! Then she'd go back to the bangs. Her little face was so intent. I think she just knew exactly what she was doing. I love her so!

Also loving you for stopping by!!

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Crazy weather

This is getting old. Severe weather coming and going, all over the place. As soon as it looks like we're in the clear, a new storm is brewing in the southwest, moving northeast. Once again, no power here. Madeley is snug in her bed, and I'm ready to grab her at any moment. Thank goodness Derrick is here. I wouldn't do this alone.

I probably could happily go to sleep at any moment, but I'm going to wait out the storms a little longer. In the meantime, I'm stalking Twitter and reading Pride and Prejudice. Twitter helps me keep updated with the surrounding weather, and Pride and Prejudice challenges my mind. Really, it does. I have to read most of the sentences twice to understand them. I've been reading this book since March of 2010. I plan to finish it sometime this year. I started to read it because Kathleen Kelly (You've Got Mail) loves it!

Shopgirl to NY152:
Confession. I have read Pride and Prejudice about 200 times. I get lost in the language. Words like ‘thither’, ‘mischance’, ‘felicity’. I’m always in agony over whether Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are really going to get together. Ah! Read it! I KNOW you’ll love it.

After that statement, I just knew I had to read the book. So I've been reading it and reading it and reading it. I'll finish one day.

I hope everyone is safe tonight. The weather is just insane!

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Today is the second anniversary of the death of my mother. We love her and miss her daily. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and friend. Thanks to everyone for their kind words and sweet gestures. I'm so happy to know that she is remembered by all!


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Severe weather go away.

Severe weather go away. Don't come again another day. We are tired of severe weather. Arkansas is seeing everything from flooding to half mile wide tornados. It's scary and serious. I'm always on pins and needles trying to decide if I should leave Madeley sleeping soundly in her bed, or move her to the pack-and-play in our room. If we were in the path of a tornado, I would undoubtedly grab that sweet thing. But when it's just power outage thunder storms, I'm not so sure. Right now, I'm snug in the bed listening to the rain. I'll leave her be for now.

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Overflow Easter

I forgot to tell you a sweet Easter story. To start, I must tell you that my former singles Bible study leader taught me many valuable lessons. One thing she repeatedly said was be prepared. Her thoughts: One day your daughter is going to ask you questions about salvation, and you'd better have the answers. Don't get caught unprepared. Stay in The Word and you'll be ready.

Well, that day may have come. Ha ha. Are you thinking Madeley? Not quite. In the middle of a song during church, Caroline tapped my arm and motioned for me to lean down. I did, and she said, "Did you know that some men put Jesus in a cave for three days? He died there. Then he came back to life. HOW is that POSSIBLE?!?"

I shrugged my shoulders. Like this...


(don't judge me by my looks)

Essentially, my body language said... I don't know. I don't know how Christ rose from the dead, Caroline. I don't know how that's possible. I know no answers. I don't know the bulk of my beliefs. I'm not sure why I'm a Christian.

That's what my shrug said. Derrick said, "Babe, you didn't say anything??"

I thought for just a second, then responded. I said, "Caroline, when Jesus came back to life it was a miracle. Do you know what a miracle is? It is something that happened that you never thought could. Something that only God can do. When Jesus died and came back, he saved us from our sins so that we can go to heaven. There, we'll see Mimi."

Did I save that moment?? I hope I didn't ruin it! She loves to hear that she'll see her mimi again one day.


I'm going to wrap it up to save my battery life. Hope everyone is safe! Thanks for reading.


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The Resurrection

Matthew 28:1-7

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

In church today, our preacher discussed the effects on Christianity if Jesus had not risen from the dead. Essentially our belief would crumble. The resurrection is the heart of Christianity, and without it, we would have nothing to stand on. Sin and death would rule. But they don't, because the resurrection IS real. Christ is alive. We have eternal life to look forward to, because Jesus lives. I do hope this was the center of celebration today. In the midst of eggs, candy, and bunnies, the Lord is waiting for us!

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Are you ready for this? Are you ready to be swarmed with pictures, stories, and just plain adorableness? (Is that a word? My auto correct accepted it, so I'm going with yes.)

Here is Madeley trying out that new chair.


If she tries to get out, the whole thing falls forward... face plant.

So she just grabbed one egg this morning. Shook it. Then backed into my lap. I knew she immediately wanted to eat those jelly beans. It went against everything in my soul to let her eat jelly beans at 7:45 am. But I let her, and she survived. Just a perk to the Easter Bunny visiting!

Here we are after church.


Madeley was just a tad bit uncooperative. Just a tad.


Caroline's ready to catch Madeley if she flies out of Dad's arms!!


Madeley was determined to take that big bow. It's so large, it kind of just teases her.
Wonderful family photo...


Jessica... such a wonderful, helpful, fabulous, incredible, amazing, beautiful sister. (This is not a paid advertisement. This is how I actually feel.)


Jessica made sure we had our lunch for today. Palette Catering meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh steamed asparagus. Delicious! The meatloaf is to die for.
Jessica also got Madeley some precious silver sandals to match the beautiful smocked dress that once belonged to Caroline. Jessica just makes it all happen. She's great! Thank you Jessica!!!

Dad looked great today. I know he was so happy to spend the day with us!

Cutie pie...



After Dad's, we headed to Woodlawn to see Derrick's family. Yes, I ate again. Talk about some food! Great homemade goodness. Derrick's mom made my favorite, cornbread salad. Love that stuff. Love it!
After eating, we had an Easter egg hunt. It took Madeley seconds to catch on...





Whoa... don't miss the basket!


Loved the time spent with family today.

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Just to clarify...

Derrick warned me that this would happen. He told me it would. I even consulted my aunts, and they confirmed it. But I went ahead and did it. I named my child after my mother's maiden name, Madeley. And for some reason, NO ONE can pronounce it correctly. We hear tons of versions. The correct pronunciation is Made-lee. Use the word made. It's in the name. Then add lee to the end. Simple! Or so I thought...
Friday I got a voicemail from the pediatric clinic (schedule 18 month check-up), and oh how I wish you could hear it!

"Yes this is ________, with Arkansas Pediatric Clinic. I'm calling regarding Madil Madillia..."

Really? Madillia? Is the spelling of Madeley that bad? Is there an a on the end? I'm lost! I was just trying to honor my mother, and Madeley ended up with an impossible name. And I do it every year. Every year, I pronounce a student's name incorrectly. And sadly, he/she has to correct me every time. That's Madeley. She's that kid. Hopefully since we will be in Sheridan her entire life, everyone will learn her name eventually.
Ha ha.

Thanks for reading! Hope you all had a happy Easter!

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Spending time

I absolutely love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy the company and conversation. Yesterday, Derrick, Madeley, and I went for lunch and walmart shopping. We had a wonderful day together!


(Please ignore my ghostly complexion.)

I took this picture before we left...


It was taken immediately after Derrick had to tell that sweet baby no. And this isn't even the saddest of the faces she made. She knows what she's doing. He can barely speak the word no in the first place. Then she makes a face like this, with those big brown eyes, and he crumbles! Well, I have to admit, it makes me want to hug her too. Love her to pieces!!

Today, I had a couple of friends over for a visit. It was an enjoyable experience. I rushed to make great food, at the expense of my looks. My house was clean, well at least the living room and kitchen were, and the food was great. But me... not so great. You'll notice I never made it in any of the pictures.

We had chicken salad cups...


Delicious!!

A tad bit of Easter, but nothing compared to Kelly's Korner Luncheon. (Insane creativity there!!)


Jaki and Alicia...


Ellison having some scrumptious carrots...


Ellison one more time because she's such a cutie pie!


So sad I never got a picture of Sayde, Mayce, and Madeley. They all looked adorable!!

Okay, so I tried to make broccoli ramen noodle salad today... not so good. I used olive oil. STRONG!! My mouth felt coated. Jaki said don't use vegetable oil, and I trusted her. Well looking back, I kind of wish I'd left out the oil all together. Can I do that?? Maybe I got the recipe wrong or something. I would do that. Then tonight, I was cleaning up and noticed my red wine vinegar was pomegranate infused. Really? How did I unknowingly purchase that? Oh well, maybe I'll try the homemade dressing thing again sometime. And hopefully not fail!

Here's my precious sugar all worn out!


I thought y'all were probably due a carseat pic. It's been a while!

Shhh! Easter Bunny's here...


You watch, she'll be way more interested in that chair than anything else. I'll let you know. Be back tomorrow with gorgeous Easter pictures!

Remember to love, worship, and thank the Lord for his sacrifice and his grace.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Good Day... Good Friday

Matthew 27: 32-54

The Crucifixion of Jesus

 ³² As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. ³³ They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ³⁴ There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. ³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. ³⁷ Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
 ³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴² “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus

 ⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
 ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
 ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
 ⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
 ⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
 ⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

That is true... Surely he was the Son of God!!
I am thankful on this Good Friday for many things.  I am thankful that Jesus loved ME enough to come to earth, live the life of a human, and then sacrifice his life for me.  And not just for me, but for you as well.  He loves me, he loves you, and he loves every person that was, is, and will be.  How can we deny the love of Christ when he sacrificed so much for us?  He sacrificed his life so that my mother could live in Heaven with him, and so that I can see her again one day.  I love the Lord, and I am not sure how I would live this live without him.  I hope we live this day in remembrance of the life sacrificed for us.

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What he's been doing...

Well, Derrick has been off work this week, which pretty much was perfect for him.  Despite all the storms and crazy weather, he has been putting that new boat to good use.  I think he is loving this new life he has, with a boat and all.  No restrictions, no finding a fishing partner, no going where everyone else wants to go... he has the freedom of a fisherman with his very own boat.  And he is in HEAVEN!!

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Where there's birdseed, there's squirrels.

Ugh!!  I want to beat those little scoundrels!!  They are at the bird feeders every time I look out.  Earlier, I attempted to run one off when I saw him.  About the fourth time around, I opened the door and yelled, "Get outta here square... I mean squirrel!  Run on!"
He barely moved.  I don't think he knew I was talking to him, since I said square and all.  I was so mad that I couldn't get my words out!  Any tips on running off squirrels?

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Just and FYI... I updated all the new links at the top of the blog.  It took me a little bit to figure out what I was doing, but I think I got it.  I hope you like it!

So glad I blogged early (No school.  Don't think I'm blogging during class.).  Thanks for reading!

Is it bedtime yet?

I need to go to bed. My eyes have been crossing from exhaustion since about 4 pm. Every time I get still and focus to type the blog or read an email, I doze off within five minutes. This is the second time I've tried to type the blog tonight. Moral of the story... If I start sounding like I'm talking gibberish, please disregard this post.

So tonight, I stopped by Dad's to double check his pills. He takes so many, and it helps him if I take care of it. I couldn't make it over to his house last night, so he organized the am/pm pills for the next week. When I got to his house tonight, I took the pills into his bedroom to look over them. When I was finished, I headed back to the kitchen with this in my hand...


Then... I dropped it. I did. I dropped it. Well over 100 pills ALL OVER THE FLOOR!! I wanted to say 15 bad words, but I didn't. Then I wanted to cry, but I didn't. I wanted to pick up the pills and throw them, but I didn't. I just said, "Awe man!!"
Then Dad helped me organize the mess and we fixed it very quickly.

Oops... Just fell asleep again.

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Guess what. I had a visitor several times today!!!


Can you see him? (Ignore the trash. Crazy weather!) I was ecstatic and so was Madeley. We sat and stared at him for a long time. I said, "Hi bird!" And Madeley talked what sounded like a foreign language to him. I'm sure he'll be back. How could he resist this adorable face talking to him?



I'm going on to bed now. I hope we sleep later than normal in the morning. Then we must tackle the Easter dress issue.

Thanks for reading!!


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Wednesday Loves

I'm linking up with Lindsay's blog today for Wednesday Loves.


I'm so loving that Geometry testing is over. Stress reduced. Students happier. Better world.

I'm loving that I'm finally seeing some birds!


Can you see them? I think they are American goldfinches. Adorable little things. I've seen three cardinals now. A male came up on the back porch tonight. Ask Derrick... I almost had a heart attack!!

I'm loving these precious dresses for Madeley. Now don't be mistaken, I have not purchased them. I just love the fabrics and maybe I'll be able to get her one. They're only $25!! The shop is on Etsy... Monkey Style Boutique. The shop owner is actually located in El Dorado, which is amazing. The shop owners always seem to live halfway around the world. Literally, my purse is from Turkey. Anyway, here are the cute little things:








Love 'em!

I'm loving my adorable Madeley. Poor thing smashed her thumb in the door tonight. Way worse than the bumped up knees!! This was a sad moment. She's doing fine though. Here are a few pictures of her watching the rain.





(I love her one leg up, one leg down.)


Love Derrick too!!

I'm loving the stories Jessica reminded me of tonight. When I told her about Madeley's thumb, she said, "Don't you remember when someone rolled your head up in the window of the car?"
I somewhat remember it now. I think I was looking out the window and mom rolled it up. She didn't realize my head was stuck. When she realized it, she freaked out and rolled up instead of down. That's right. She used the window like a guillotine. Yes, she did.
But my response to Jessica was, "I don't remember that, but I do remember getting my head stuck in the bars at the mall. I stuck my head between two vertical bars of the railing on the second floor of the mall. I was immediately stuck. I don't even remember how I got out!

I'm loving that tomorrow is the last day of my work week, and I am off for Good Friday. Let's prepare our hearts and minds for Easter.

Thanks for reading!!


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