SUYL- how you stay organized

Today over at Kelly's Korner, she is talking about way's you stay organized. I will say that to me, organization is key! I just got my new Erin Condren planner in the mail today and I just can't wait to load it up with all the current happenings going on around our house. Life is never a dull moment and with 2 kids our social calendar is always full. I do believe that Little Love has more of a social life than I do!! Anyways, as far as staying organized, this is the key element to it all for me.




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For cooking, I know I have mentioned it a million times lately but my latest and greatest find is E-mealz. It is so easy, organized already for me along with my grocery list and does my planning based on the sales that week at my grocery store. Can't get much easier than that in my opinion. Plus, the meals have all been super easy and super delicious. Works great in our busy household.



I can tell a huge difference in my attitude when my house is clean and organized versus when it is not. Sadly, I really allow it to affect my outward attitude. I am pretty sure Clay can tell too and he is always willing to get up and help me when I am frantically cleaning and organizing before company is coming over.

As far as our closets and clothing are concerned, we are in a small house in our town and luckily when we moved in, our closets had those fabulous shelving units built by the prior owners and I absolutely love them. I have some of these bins that I use in both kids rooms to hold toys, shoes and so forth and they are great for helping me stay organized.



I do love a clean organized house but I will say one of the first things I Would like to get once we can afford it would be a maid. I would love to not spend as much time as I do weekly cleaning and organizing my home. The time would much rather be spent doing puzzles, craft time and just enjoying my kids. :)

Cupcakes

Little Love and I invited some friends over to play yesterday. We enjoyed pizza for lunch with cupcakes for dessert.

I love how much she enjoys getting in the kitchen with me and cooking. I hope this is a memory she won't soon forget. I just love having a little helper in there with me!

Oh, and I know she loves helping especially when she gets to lick the spoons!!


















I really wish I had taken pictures yesterday while we were decorating eggs but when you have 6 kids 5 and under dying Easter eggs, it doesn't leave much time for that!! :)

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Our week

This past week we didn't really do anything super exciting. We enjoyed a lot of quality time at home and didn't venture out too much. It stormed again on Monday while Little Love was in school but nothing like the wind and possible tornado's the week before. Little Man was again such a trooper and slept like a champ with me Monday morning. I dread the day he decides that sleeping with his tired Momma until lunch time isn't cool any longer.

Once it was time to get Little Love from school, we loaded up and then headed by Kroger to pick up items for my weekly meals courtesy of E-mealz. Have I mentioned how much I am LOVING this new challenge??? It makes my shopping so much more fun and cuts my meal planning time to almost nothing. So worth it for me. I actually look forward to Sunday nights now. Anyways, back to where I was, Little Love picked up a donut and a milk as her snack and away shopping we went.

We had ballet on Tuesday and then went to Chick-fil-A for lunch and play time. I love the Christian Chicken and so does Little Love. I do believe we could eat there everyday if we could. It's just that they are so incredibly nice there, play good Christian music and they will bring my food to the table as I am straining to carry both kids by myself. The owner even helped carry Little Love out this past week because he insisted that I my hands were too full!

Wednesday we met up with my friend Lauren to pick strawberries and then headed to the new playground at Shelby Farms. It was so fun and the park is just great. We had a bit of difficulty finding a shady spot at the part but once we did, Little Man was happy and I was able to let Little Love run around and enjoy herself. I decided to forgo church that night and bible study because I wasn't feeling the greatest and just needed a night off.

Thursday we just stayed at home and had a jammie day. We had friends over and sat around in our jammies and enjoyed strawberry bread and coffee. It was so nice to now have to get out and just enjoy a quiet morning at home with friends. They girls enjoyed playing dress up and running around in Little Love's Princess high heels and Little Man slept most of the time they were here. We then met Clay up for a quick lunch and then ran by the Dixon Gallery to take some pictures. (I hope to post them soon)

Friday was again laid back and we just took a quick trip to Davis Kidd for some playtime before naps and me heading to work. I really love my days home with the kids and I know they do too.

We are still loving E-mealz and this week were all something new. On Monday night, I made mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob for dinner and it was a huge hit all around, then on Tuesday I made shrimp tacos which were a combination of a couple recipes I've been wanting to try and the one from E-mealz. Then on Wednesday night I made a one-dish chicken and potato meal that was so yummy. I served crescent rolls and mushroom rice with it and I am definitely adding it to the make again category. We were low key on Thursday with sandwiches and then left overs tonight. I try to cook at least 4 nights a week and since I have started doing this meal plan that has been super easy to obtain.

Can't wait until Sunday night so that I can print our new menu plan for the week :)

Show us your life - book list

Over at Kelly's Korner, she is talking about books that you are currently reading. Outside of my bible study book, I am also trying to finish a couple books which some are on my Nook. I do still love a good paper back though so I have plenty of those to go around also.

I just finished "90 Minute's in Heaven" and really enjoyed it. It was a super quick read that I finished in just a couple days but it was really uplifting. I tend to read mostly Christian fiction books and love anything by Karen Kingsbury. I have read probably at least 20 of her novels and have loved each one more than the one before.

If you peeked at my nightstand, you would see titles such as, "Grace Based Parenting" by Tim Kimmel, "Love and Respect" by Emerson Eggerichs, "What a Husband Needs From His Wife" by Melanie Chitwood, "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian, The Love Dare, from the fabulous movie, "Fireproof", "Radical" by David Platt, and my daily devotional, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.






I LOVE to read and LOVE to gain something from what I am reading! I can definitely say that my love for reading hasn't always been true but since getting married, pregnant, month's on bedrest and then lots of late night feedings, I have a true love for literature now.

Of course, my most favorite time to read is sitting under the umbrella on the beach with a great book in hand but a girl can dream right???

Sweet sleep

Little man has still been sleeping on his newborn lounger. Ya know, the thing that says it is not for sleeping! Well, in the beginning, we used it because he had such bad reflux and would throw-up everything he had just eaten or root around a ton because he was uncomfortable. Recently, it has just become a habit. I tried to get him off of it couple month's ago and he stopped sleeping as well as he had been and started waking a ton at night so I attributed it to that and went back to our old routine. Then tonight, I noticed that his little legs are halfway off of it anyways because he is getting so big so I decided we needed to take the plunge!

We'll see how the night goes .....





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Loving life

We have really enjoyed some gorgeous weather around here lately. We have spent many long afternoons swinging in the backyard and just enjoying this precious time we have together. Although, working weekends makes my weekdays just fly by, I am so glad to be home with my family so much. I can't wait until I have the opportunity to be home all the time with my babies!!

A great deal

Today I found out about this great deal from One Kings Lane. It's a great site with daily discounts, similar to Zulily or other sites like that. I just purchased a $25 gift certificate to www.erincondren.com and plan to use it towards my new life planner. Erin has such great products that hold up so well. Such a necessity these days with the busyness of life.

Oh, and the cute factor doesn't hurt. I love that I was able to add a picture of my precious family to the front cover. So special and makes carrying it around even more fun!

Just click on this link to join and start saving. There are more great things everyday!!

https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/melodyburchett

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Silly siblings

Little Man has recently found his tongue. He is constantly sticking it out and playing with it. In turn, Little Love has been mimicking a few of those activities. Never a dull moment around here.






Love these 2 so much!!

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Show Us Your Life - Mother's Day / Father's Day Ideas

Today over at Kelly's Korner, she is talking about ideas for Mother's Day and Father's Day. We typically don't do a whole lot for each other on these special day's other than just spending time with family and typically a nice lunch together. Mother's Day brings about a whole new meaning to me now than it did 4 years ago and for that I am so very thankful. I remember that first Mother's Day after losing Cooper and although it was extremely difficult, we had just found out we were expecting Little Love so I was holding on to that little glimmer of hope. Then, 1 year later, we dedicated her precious little life to the Lord and celebrated the wonderful gift He had given us in front of our whole church. Then, on Mother's Day last year, we announced to all our friends and family that we were expecting Little Man and were going to be blessed again. I look forward to this year and spending this special holiday with my little family of 4. Clay and I try and celebrate with our mom's either the Saturday night before or the following Monday since SUnday afternoons are so hectic at our house and such short time for napping for this Momma. :)

There are a couple things on my dream list this year, although I really don't need anything but special time with my kids. I do really love these hand stamped necklaces you can find on Etsy though and would love one with my kids names on them. They are really special and are great because you can just keep adding charms if you have more kids! I think this seller does great work and would love to wear one of these around my neck one day.



I also just adore the Tory Burch flats that are just so modern and stylish. Of course, I would never pay the price they cost but if for some reason I ran across some at DSW or somewhere like that I may treat myself.



As for Clay, Little Love and I try to make breakfast in bed for him on Father's Day and we typically get him a round of golf at a local golf course here. He LOVES to play golf and has probably only played a handful of times in the last year as opposed to before so he is well deserving of this gift. We also have thought about heading to St. Louis for a Cardinal's vs. Royals baseball game this season and I think that would fall in the line of a Father's Day gift for him if we do that.

Random's on Tuesday

Today turned out to be a beautiful day. It was cool in the low 40's this morning but managed to warm up to the 60's this afternoon. I headed to the gym this morning early, I am really trying to go by 7:30 at the latest so that I can get my workout in and get home before Clay needs to leave and be able to still spend the morning with the kids and enjoy breakfast with the family.

After breakfast, we played around and did some lessons I am working with Little Love on while Little Man was napping and then it was time for ballet. I typically have to wake him from his morning nap in order to make it there on time but today, he woke-up in perfect timing to allow enough time for eating and arriving on time. Whoo hoo, I think this was the first Tuesday in I don't know how long that I didn't have to wake the preciousness to get to ballet for his Big Sister.

Little Love was laughing at me last night because I was attempting to read her new book courtesy of Dolly Parton, Ladybug Girl and kept falling asleep. Monday was a long day!

Tonight, we put Little Man to bed and then Little Love and I headed to the mall in search of some new pajamas for this Mama. I typically live in scrub pants and t-shirts but since we are going to the Beach with the Burchett's this summer, I felt I needed to be dressed appropriately for that. Luckily, I was successful and found 2 really cute PJ sets and then some solid colored t-shirts to sleep in also.

While we were there, Little Love found some rolos in my purse and it will be the last time she gets those! She was so wild once we got home. Running all over the place, jumping on Clay, chasing me around the kitchen and so forth. We had fun but it was almost 9:00 before I got her in the bed. Took a lot to wind her down tonight.

I love these days at home with my precious family. Little Man is growing like a weed, eating solids but so far not a huge fan of much besides carrots. I took a video of him eating green beans for the first time tonight and it was hilarious! I will try and get it uploaded soon. Picture lots of funny faces and gagging. I couldn't help but laugh, Little Love NEVER did that with new foods. He has done it every time a new food has been introduced other than carrots???

Hope everyone is enjoying their week, we have big plans tomorrow for an early morning play date, a haircut for me and then a shopping trip to Costco. Wednesday nights are always busy with church and then bible study for me. Why oh why does the week seem to fly by so quickly? One of these days, we are just going to do nothing, one day...

Coming Home ...

I love coming home and being able to snuggle with these 2 all day! They are just so precious and already love each other more than I even could have imagined. My cup is full ....

E-mealz

I had heard from a friend about E-mealz quite a while ago and never got the opportunity to sit down and check it out until recently. Well, let me tell you, I am only 2 weeks in but so far I am LOVING it! It has made my shopping so much easier and I think I am really saving money! Now who doesn't love that!!

Last week we enjoyed Hot dogs on the grill, Turkey tacos, White Bar-b-que chicken with baked potatoes, crustless ham and cheese quiche with biscuits and fruit, Pioneer Woman's Chicken tacos with rice and refried beans. Yes we love Mexican food and could eat it every day :)

I think the thing I enjoy most about it is that your meals are laid out right in front of you and not only do you receive the recipes, but also the shopping list. It is also based on the current sales of whichever store you shop at. I really don't think it could get much better than that.

Clay is a picky eater but every meal last week was one that he wants me to cook again. That is a huge compliment at our house. We typically have the conversation after a meal that goes something like this; "was that a good meal to enjoy once in a while, or one to add to the repertoire?" I definitely have a lot of new recipes to add to my cook book in the coming weeks.

I just printed this weeks E-mealz plan and here is a little sample of what our weeknight meals will look like. Spaghetti, Chicken-Pineapple stir-fry with rice, Bar-b-qued pork chops with baked potatoes, One-dish Chicken meal, and Turkey burgers on the grill with new potato wedges.

It is making my boring shopping trips and meal planning so much more fun and the variety is great. I was getting so tired of the same old meals week in and week out. If you are looking to change up your weeknight routine, definitely check out E-mealz. Even Dave Ramsey endorses it and if you ask me, that speaks volumes. (You can also use the code DAVE and save an extra $2.50 on a 3 month membership which brings it down to $12.00)

If you are interested, I added a link on the right hand side that will take you directly to the E-mealz site.

"This is the day the Lord has made ...

I will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Today after church we decided to run by Lenny's and pick up some buy one get one free sub sandwiches and then head to the park near our house. I had great intentions of bringing everyone a change of clothes but lack of time this morning interrupted that so we just went in our church clothes.

I'm telling you, the Devil himself seems to join us every Sunday morning at our house. Not sure if we are the only one's but it is by far the most hectic day with more problems arising every week. He will stop at nothing to keep us from worshipping the Lord! Anyway, we made it to church nonetheless and enjoyed a great Sunday School lesson on the book of James. We have been going through James one chapter at time and I have really enjoyed it. Next week we are starting Galations and I am really looking forward to it.

Today was also a day of firsts, drum roll please ....... we finally took Little Man to church nursery! I know, yes, we are those parents, at least I am. He is 6 month's old and although I was trying to wait until we ventured through all of RSV/Flu season which would have been May, he just wasn't going to make it. He was getting all squirmy and talkative so Clay and I decided we needed to bite the bullet and put him in this morning.

I did get a page right when we were saying the prayer in Sunday School that he needed me but I think he was just hungry and overtired. They said he had just started crying but since they are so sweet and know I don't like him to cry, they went ahead and paged me. He was asleep before we even got down the road in his carrier.













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A Glorious Day

Today the weather was just about perfect, 72 and sunny is about as good as it gets in my book. I worked last night but that didn't stop me from enjoying this day with my family. After a short nap this morning with Little Man, we loaded up and headed out to run a few errands and enjoy this beautiful day. Clay had a few assignments to get completed for school so we weren't out long before heading home for lunch and to play outside a bit before afternoon naps.

Again, I took another short nap with Little Man while Little Love napped in her room and then it was on the road again for us all. Daddy met us at home and we ran by a little boutique in Germantown to pick up a little something for Little Man before heading to the Collierville Mall to shop, stroll and dine.

I needed to look for a few new things for the kids wardrobes for this warmer weather and I was also in the hunt for an Easter dress. It was a no go on the dress for myself but I was successful in finding things for the kids. After a yummy dinner at Milano's, we walked just across the way to let Little Love run around and burn some of that energy she'd been saving up! Her and Clay just ran and ran and I am pretty sure he wore her our because she went straight to bed upon arriving home tonight.

I only have a couple pictures from my iPhone but they are cute nonetheless. :)
















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My Princess

Love coming home to this precious little Princess!!



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Show Us Your Life - Churches

This week over at Kelly's Korner, she is talking about where you go to church. I am Southern Baptist and always have been. I was very blessed to be raised in a Christian home with amazing parents that placed God at the forefront of our home. My mom was and still is a pianist at one of our local churches and my dad was extremely involved until the good Lord took him home. We were there every time the doors were open and some of my very best friends were and still are from my church family.

This, is what I want to instill in my family, and Faith Baptist Bartlett is where Clay and I have decided we are going to do that. We love all the things that Faith has to offer and have felt right at home since the first time we visited. They have a wonderful children's program which was one of the main things I was looking for. I wanted somewhere that I could raise my children to know God and that He loves them above all else, even more than their Mommy and Daddy ever could.





Dr. Danny Sinquefield, Brother Danny as he is known to the congregation is the BEST pastor I have ever heard. I look forward to Sunday mornings and hearing the message that God has given him. He is such a Godly man and is married to the sweetest wife, Mrs. Rhonda. She has lead many bible studies at the church and I just love joining her in studying God's word.





If you aren't involved in a local church I would encourage you to do so. It has been proven to me time and time again that these are the people that will be there for you through thick and thin. Clay and I have been through a lot in our short 6 years of marriage and there are only a few people outside of church that have been there continuously. This is only the 3rd church I have been a member of my entire life and it is not a decision I take lightly.

I absolutely LOVE Faith and would love any of you reading in the Memphis area to check it out!!

What we as Southern Baptist's believe ...

VISION

Being fully committed to the proposition that Jesus Christ is the only hope for the world, and believing Southern Baptists are yearning for spiritual renewal and Christ-centered living, and recognizing the challenge of Jesus to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we, the undersigned Southern Baptist denominational leaders, covenant with each other and every willing Southern Baptist, under God,

To make the kingdom of God the priority in our own personal lives.

To dedicate the energies and resources of the ministries we lead to seeking first
the King and His kingdom.

To cooperate with each other and the family of Southern Baptists as we pursue kingdom
principles and practices.

To give ourselves to servant leadership that will assist and enable local churches
in their ministry.

To pray that a new passion for Jesus breaks out among our people, our families, and our churches from which God can forge a spiritual movement marked by holy living,
sacrificial service, and global witness.

To this end we affirm Empowering Kingdom Growth as a call for Southern Baptists to
seek first the King and His kingdom.

- Adopted by the messengers to the 2002 Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis, Missouri on June 11, 2002, in "A Covenant between Southern Baptist Denominational Leadership and the Churches"

CORE VALUES

CHRIST-LIKENESS
We depend on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and prayer to make
us more like Jesus Christ.

TRUTH
We stand together in the truth of God’s inerrant Word, celebrating
the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

UNITY
We work together in love for the sake of the Gospel.

RELATIONSHIPS
We consider others more important than ourselves.

TRUST
We tell one another the truth in love and do what we say we will do.

FUTURE
We value Southern Baptists of all generations and embrace our responsibility to pass this charge
to a rising generation in every age, faithful until Jesus comes.

LOCAL CHURCH
We believe the local church is given the authority, power, and responsibility to present the
Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world.

KINGDOM
We join other Christ-followers for the Gospel, the Kingdom of Christ,
and the glory of God.

- Adopted by the messengers to the 2010 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida on June 15, 2010 in response to the Report of the Great Commission Task Force

All above information from http://www.sbc.net/missionvision.asp

6 month's

Happy 1/2 Birthday Little Man!!! Wow, time just seems to go quicker and quicker every day. I believe the old saying that they days are long but the years are short are so very true with kids. Little Man, you are growing up so fast and you are still the sweetest most happy baby around. I just love to wake up and tell you "good morning". Your little eyes just light up and you give me the biggest smile. You have started acting somewhat shy when I get home from work on Monday mornings and will turn your little head toward Daddy and grin at me. It just melts my heart. Of course, you typically cry once I walk out of the room because I guess you are afraid your food supply is leaving again but I quickly come back after a shower and snuggle you the remainder of the day while Big Sister is in school.

You still aren't going to church nursery, but I do think we are going to have to take that plunge soon because you are becoming quite the talkative little thing lately. Not only have you been going to Sunday School with Daddy and me but you have also been joining us for the Love and Respect class we are doing on Wednesday nights. You are such a trooper and overall laid back baby.

The weather has been warming up again lately and you love to spend our late afternoons strolling around the block with Momma and sister. You typically will fall asleep because you like to fight that 4:00-5:00 after noon nap when we are home but will go right to sleep strolling.

We started introducing solids this month and you haven't been real interested in rice cereal but we tried carrots the other day and you went to town. You were reaching out for them and just waiting with your mouth open so I don't think you are going to have a problem with feedings anytime soon. We are still exclusively nursing unless Mommy is at work and then you will take anywhere from 6-8 hours of breast milk from a bottle around 10:00. We haven't been able to drop that dream feeding yet because you don't want to sleep through the night if you don't get it but I don't mind that late night snuggle before bed anyways. You are nursing every 3-4 hours during the day and will sleep all night after the dream feed.

You are a little trooper while I take you around to all the places Sissy goes during the week and will sleep in the car seat during naps if we are on the go. You also love your Baby KTan sling and will fall asleep in a heartbeat if it's nap time and I place you in that.

You are wearing 6-12 month and 9 month clothes and I have purchased mostly 12 month's for the summer. You are in a size 2 shoe and a size 3 diaper. We are still cloth diapering and that is going great. I am loving this sunny weather because I have been able to not run the dryer as often and hang them outside to dry.

You are rolling front to back and back to front and at times I will set you on your play mat and within a matter of time you will have completely rolled off of it and onto the hardwoods. I have a feeling you are going to be trouble once you are mobile! We are working on sitting and you have tripodding down to an art. You will sit for short 3-5 second periods unassisted and then will just topple over.

You have the biggest brown eyes and the chunkiest little cheeks and thighs. I don't think I have been able to see your knees or wrists in months! I just love to pinch your little chubby self and you will just belly laugh over and over. Your hair is really starting to come in now and I am pretty sure it's going to be red, just like your Grandaddy Mark's and Poppy's was. Your little eyebrows already get really red when you are mad and I can see a little glimpse into my future with a fiery redhead!!

I love you so much Little Man and you make me such a happy Momma!!

What I'm loving right now ...

I have recently discovered this blog app for my iPhone and it has helped to make my life so much easier. I am so glad that I am now able to blog on my phone anytime I have a spare minute. Of course the picture quality is no where near as good as with my Nikon but at least I am getting some well deserved posts up in a semi timely fashion!!



I am also loving my new Nook Color. I had been looking into getting one for quite a while now and main thing holding me back was the feel of a good paperback in my hands. Well, although I am definitely not ready to give up regular old paperbacks anytime soon, this thing is so neat. I debated about which to get and whether the color was worth the money but since Little Love is so computer savvy herself, it is a gift for both of us.

She loves to choose her book and click on the option for it to "read to her". There are so many neat features and I am so glad I finally caved and am able to enjoy a new book whenever I want right at my fingertips.






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The new bible study I just started with my group. It is so great and I am really learning a lot about these 12 extraordinary women of the bible and how their lives have impacted so many generations. We are reading the book and completing the workbook and although it is a ton of work. I am really getting a lot out of it and we are only on week 3!!



Clay and I are also doing a couples class at our church on Wednesday nights. We are completing the Love and Respect study by Emerson Eggerichs. To say it has been eye-opening, is putting it lightly! I have learned so much about Clay in the last 6 weeks and we have a new saying at our house, "honey, your not wrong, just different." Hehe, I have really loved delving into this study with him.



I also have just recently discovered and purchased some BOB Books for Little Love. We have begun working on our reading skills more frequently and I read all sorts of great reviews on these books. So far, she really likes them and is super eager to help me read them at night.

Happy Birthday Emerson

Today we braved the cold and storms to enjoy Emerson's 5th Birthday party at Cedar Hill Farms. The kids had so much fun feeding the animals, watching the chicken show, riding the train, a pony and going on a hayride.

So much fun celebrating such a social little girl.

Happy Happy Birthday sweet Emerson! We love you sweet girl!!



























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Canvas on demand

A couple months ago, I purchased a Groupon for Canvas on Demand. I think I paid $45 for a 16x20 canvas. Well, I finally got around to using it and chose one of the fabulous pics that Mrs. Cassie took. I could not be more pleased. I absolutely LOVE it and can't wait to get it hung.

Now I've been searching for another Groupon so I can get a current one of Little Love up too!!



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