Showing posts with label kids

The kids are cooking with the BrylaneHome Convection -Toaster Oven

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, October 07, 2014

From a very early age, my daughters have enjoyed spending time with me in the kitchen.  They have graduated up the ranks over the years and can cook a number of things on their own, but there is one appliance that is still a bit intimidating for them to work with; a hot oven. 

As adults, we know that getting hot, bubbling food out of the oven without getting burned is tough sometimes, so I was happy to work with our sponsor today, BrylaneHome, who sent us their 6 slice convection- toaster oven to review and share our thoughts. All opinions are my own. 


About BrylaneHome 6-slice Convection- Toaster Oven:

Convection-toaster oven #BrylaneHome

Their Toaster oven is a multi-use kitchen appliance you will be happy to have on your kitchen counter! Not only is it a toaster, it’s a rotisserie and a convection oven.  You can bake, broil, toast and roast a variety of dishes. It’s small enough to fit on our counter, but big enough to hold a nice size casserole dish. 

I really like the fact that you can set this toaster oven to a low 150 degrees, set the timer and walk away. The toaster oven will automatically shut off.

This is perfect appliance for my kids to use. With the BrylaneHome convection-toaster oven they can make a quick batch of cookies, muffins, or warm up a leftover cheddar drop biscuit or two after school without the hassle of working with the big oven. 


warming up cheddar drop #biscuits

We will be putting this toaster oven to good use come Thanksgiving when oven space is at a premium. I won’t’ have to do the pull, squeeze and shuffle this year when someone else arrives with a dish that has to go in the oven to keep or warm or finish cooking.

The warming feature has quickly become one of our favorites on this Toaster oven. It’s just as easy as using a microwave and you get the feel good warmth of food pulled from the oven.  That’s a win here.


If you are hosting a special holiday meal this year, you may want to save yourself the oven shuffle hassle and head on over to BrylaneHome and check out this convection- toaster oven.



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Vote Now to Help Kids Have More Fun – One Playspace at a Time #spon

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, September 16, 2014

As parents, we spend a lot of time discovering creative ways to nurture our children’s curiosity. Luckily, being outdoors provides the perfect landscape, fueling young imaginations and creating endless possibilities for exploration, discovery and creativity. Children’s Claritin hopes to inspire parents to create innovative play spaces in their backyards, and communities.


Children's Claritin #Playspace
Source


Children’s Claritin also believes in the benefits of outdoor activity for children, and wants to help children get the most out of every day! They’re teaming up with KaBOOM!, a national non-profit, to help bring innovative play spaces to communities in need and you can help! By voting, you can help them pick the four community organizations that will receive Imagination Playground™. 


What’s Imagination Playground™? See imagination at play – watch last year’s winner enjoying Imagination Playground™. 


I invite you to visit ClaritinVoteforPlayspaces.com where you can place your vote and gather play space inspirations for creating your own backyard play space.  While visiting the Children’s Claritin & KaBOOM! Facebook page, you can also:

  • Learn more about the twelve organizations you can vote for receiving Imagination Playground™
  • Download coupon offers
  • Locate a play space near you


 Please Vote now and help pick the four community organizations that will receive Imagination Playground™. You can vote one time per day through 9/26/14. Click here for voting rules.
Please share in comments: Does your neighborhood have enough play spaces?


Disclosure: As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items occasionally to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 
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Cute & Easy Birdhouses #craft

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Inspired by all the cute birdhouses I saw recently on Plaid Craft, I thought this would be a perfect rainy day craft for my girls, and they happily agreed. So, off to Walmart we went. 
You can pick up the supplies at any craft store, major retailer, or purchase online. Before you go shopping, double check your crafts supplies for foam brushes, stamps, stencils, etc. You may only need to buy the birdhouses!

Supplies Needed:

Small Birdhouses (we bought two)
1 Set of foam brushes
Assorted Apple Barrel paints (we bought six)
1 set of Stencils 



#craft supplies



Another great thing about this craft is it is budget friendly.  I spent $11.32, and we will be able to re-use all the supplies except the birdhouses.


Directions:

Make sure all the glue from the labels/price stickers are off.
Pull or buff off any rough spots on wood. (Use a fingernail file if necessary.)
Now, your birdhouses are ready to paint. 



craft, painting


craft, painting


Allow base coat to dry. (About 4 mins.)

Add additional colors as desired, using stencils, stamps, or free style; anything goes.


painted birdhouse
Freestyle Painted Birdhouse


painted, craft
Stenciled painted Birdhouse


As you can see, my daughters used different styles and painting techniques on their birdhouses. Both of them are very happy with their finished project, which makes crafting so rewarding.


crafts, painting, wood
Pretty Birdhouses


This craft really is cute, easy and budget friendly. Please let me know if you try it with your kids.

Share in comments: Have you tried a painting craft lately?

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I helped kill the Ladies Home Journal

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, April 25, 2014

There, I’ve said it. I’ve owned right up to the fact that even though I am a homemaker and a devout lover of magazines and print media- I never read or subscribed to the Ladies Home Journal.  Never once found myself flipping through the pages while waiting anywhere and today was my very first time visiting their website, just so I could see their cover.


Magazine cover
Source

Ads sell magazines, pure and simple- and you can read what the Ladies Home Journal Magazine parent company Meredith said to The New York Times to fully understand the drop in numbers. But to sell ads, a magazine has to have readers. 

Looking at this cover I have to ask myself why didn't I read this magazine? 

The sad answer, in my opinion,  is the very reason the Ladies Home Journal is laying people off, stopping monthly printing and going to quarterly - it was my Grandma’s magazine.  It was proudly displayed on her highly polished coffee table; right beside the big ashtray nobody ever dared use.

My Mom got it only when somebody gifted a yearly subscription to her (usually my Grandma) and I can remember watching her flip through it while she was on the phone. She wasn’t really reading it, just looking- and as a teen, I picked up on her cues and figured that was one boring magazine- so I didn’t bother picking it up.

Even though I didn’t read the Ladies Home Journal, the reality is this is another blow to the art of Homemaking and that saddens me. I know so many women who have shared with me in confidence that they don’t know how to cook or clean or sew or “do” anything domestic and they blame their Moms. 

I’m not saying I agree with all that blame- I know most Moms need to work outside of the home. I get that.  What I am saying is our children need resources on how to be a homemaker even if that is after working 8 hours a day.  My Mom worked outside the home and still managed to instill in me the love of a clean home, a hot meal and freshly washed sheets. My Mom taught me because her Mom taught her so I teach my girls.

But what if you are one of the countless women whose Moms didn't get taught domestic skills to pass down to you? What resources do you have? What about our kids? 

Most schools don’t teach home economics anymore, most Moms work outside the home as did their Moms and maybe even their Grandma’s- so is the art of homemaking going the way of print magazines?

I hope not.

It is my hope that we Moms will get in touch with our inner domestic goddess and pass that on to our kids so they don’t grow up, move out and then blame us for not equipping them with basic life skills. 

Our kids already move easily in this digital age- why not toss them a curve ball and put a broom in their hand and teach them to properly sweep a floor? And if you are already teaching homemaking skills to your children, I say thank you!

I'll be adding more homemaking posts here on my blog to help Moms who may need another resource too, so please check back in.


I am sorry to say I won’t be subscribing to the Ladies Home Journal just to try and save it.  Now, if my favorite magazines, Better Home and Gardens and Good Housekeeping find themselves in trouble?

Count me in.

Share in comments: What magazines do you subscribe to and read in print form?
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Fall Crafts Inspiration

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, September 26, 2013

It's fall and that means time for decorating! My daughters and I love, love, love this time of year.


MyWAHMPlan.com



We finally got our Fall/Halloween stuff down from the attic (thanks hubby!) and while we were digging through the boxes, each of us trying to find our favorite piece, I noticed something. 

I haven't really made time for crafting lately. Oh, don't get me wrong, I've baked and cooked up a storm, I've glued and colored a few things too, but nothing like I used to.

I think I'm in a crafting rut. 

So to break out of my craft funk, I turn to the mother of all creativeness: Pinterest.


Here are some ideas that sparked my interest:



1. Autumn Leaves Wreath- We have lots of trees with leaves starting to change color, so this is a project I can do with the girls in afternoon. Pretty!

MyWAHMPlan.com
Source


2. No pin time would be complete if I didn't visit my perennial favorite Better Home and Gardens. Just look at these cutie patootie owls! Another craft I can do with my daughters~ win!


MyWAHMPlan.com
Source

3. Here's another cute Owl project. Now we're getting those creative juices flowing!


MyWAHMPlan.com
Source


And just like that, I know what my theme will be for my fall crafts this year: Leaves and Owls! I may even do an owl themed carved pumpkin, you never know. Whatever I decide on. I'll be sure to share it here.

Thank you Pinterest and all the crafty people who pin! I invite you to follow me on Pinterest and please leave your account link in a comment so I can follow you back.

What crafting/decor project are you working on right now? Please share!
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Wordless Wednesday - Purr

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, September 11, 2013


My WAHM Plan




My WAHM Plan


Photos taken by my 10 year old daughter. She and Catty Cat are buds. 
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Your kids are going to love Flipeez hats

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 06, 2013
I received this product free of charge to facilitate my review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.



With crisp fall weather fast approaching, I’m excited to share this cute hat with you. This is the first interactive hat I’ve ever seen and I must say, it’s so cute I would consider wearing it to the park.

Have you heard of Flipeez? I see their commercials on TV alot when my daughter is watching her favorite Disney show. If you don't know about Flipeez yet, read on.




About Flipeez: 

The Super fun action hats that come alive right before your eyes! Brought to you by the makers of Stompeez.









My Review: 

Aren't these the cutest hats? It was so hard for me to choose one for my daughter to try, but I finally decided on Twitchy the Kitty.


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My sweetie wearing Twitchy

See those cute pink plushies? You squeeze one and you have an interactive hat! 



mywahmplan.com
Tail up! 


Some hats have arms and ears that flap too.  These hats are sure to please any kid (or kid at heart) on your gift giving list. They are well made knit on the outside and super soft flannel lining on the inside. One size really should fit all too because these hats will stretch.

You can learn more about Flipeez by visiting their website HERE or watch this video.


I love this hat and so does my daughter. She's having tons of fun making the tail stand up and would probably wear it to school if the weather was cool enough. Once she breaks out her boots, watch out world. She will be sporting her Flipeez with style! She wants us to get one for her bestie for Christmas and at $19.99, I think I will. 


As always, I hope you found my review helpful. 


Disclosure: I received this product free of charge to facilitate my review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.

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The Back to School Countdown Begins

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, July 08, 2013

Happy Monday to you! Did you have a great fourth of July weekend? I hope so.  

We had a most excellent weekend, taking a less-is-more approach to it all.  We didn’t plan a thing, except to be together, cook good food and have fun.

This approach worked so well, that we all agreed that our 4 day weekend was like a much needed vacation.  Our souls needed this break in the action and we aren’t even a fast track family. 

It’s a good thing that we had this respite, because now there are only 32 days left of summer vacation. Oh my. The powers that be (the school board here in middle TN) have decided that a start date in the middle of some of the hottest days of summer would be A-Okay. 


bus

Pitching a fit is a waste of time. Planning now for a smooth back to school transition in our home is a much safer bet. 



Here is my plan of action:


1. Start the bedtime routine change now.

 If you are like us and take a more lenient summer bedtime routine, it’s time to nip it in the bud.  Don’t wait until there is a week or two before school starts or everybody will be tired and crabby all day.  Parents: this means we have to go to bed earlier too. No more late night TV.

2.  Set a dinnertime.

Make sure dinner time is early enough that food is digested before bedtime, but not so early that your family has powered through what they ate and need a snack right when they should be brushing their teeth. This is especially tricky for me with a growing teen and tween. They are always hungry! (Yes, girls are always hungry too at this stage.) I aim for 6:30pm to 6:45pm.

3. Clean out their closets.

 Do this early, if you haven’t already AND make them try on every piece they want to keep. With my girls, I go one step further and ask them to see how many outfits they can make. This is a true sanity saver when you are back to school  clothes shopping and they are looking at all the cute jeans when you know they really need tops.

4. Clean out or prep our drop zones.

Every family is different, with a different system in place, but I have found that having the kids place their backpacks, incoming papers, permission slips etc. in specified places daily works for us.
For instance, backpacks must be cleaned out, repacked for the next day and be sitting by the front door for the morning. Period.

5. Listen now.

School can be stressful with some years more stressful than others. Both my daughters happen to be entering a grade that is particularly stressful: 9th and 5th respectively. You can probably relate to the freshman nerves, but may be wondering about little 5th graders. Trust me: this is the year the cattiness and cliques start.  I have set aside private time and chatted with both my girls about going back to school.

They were very illuminating conversations that helped me map out this first plan of action, but I know it won’t be the last this year.  I still need to plan my back to school supply shopping strategy and then there is this biggie to think about:

there is only 169 days until Christmas. 



When do your kids go back to school?


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Almost Wordless Wednesday- Coloring

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, June 19, 2013

When was the last time you colored with your children? Not watched them color, but pulled out a coloring book and put crayon to paper yourself? That was our boredom buster, turned totally cool bonding activity yesterday.


Look at our messy (happy!) kitchen table complete with doll baby who wanted to color too. ;)


fun


Here are our masterpieces:


fun
Melissa's turtle


fun
Tera's turtle

I chose to pick of subject near and dear to my heart: Christmas! (No offense to turtles.)



fun
Linda's elf


Coloring is such an enjoyable way to spend time with your children, no matter their age. Give it a try and be sure to stop back by and share a link to your pictures.

Do you post Wordless Wednesday pictures? Let me know in a comment and I'll stop by and say Hi!


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Friday Nights are for Family Fun

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, June 07, 2013

Ever since our daughters were old enough to voice their opinions, Friday night has been reserved for family fun.  Whether it’s going out to eat at a favorite restaurant or staying home and having dinner and movie fun, we always take a vote.

My husband and I feel it is important to let our daughters help make these choices because honestly, there are so many things in their lives that they have zero control over. School is one of the major contributors to this. From grumpy teachers to redundant and what seems like, non-stop testing, our kids have very little say in their day.


But it’s June! It’s summer time here in Tennessee!

fun


School is out and the living is easier here at our house, so tonight the girls get their say. Maybe they will want pizza and a movie or maybe we will go out to eat and then come home and catch fireflies or play flashlight tag. Maybe we'll go bowling. Or maybe we will all sit on the back deck and talk about our day while we listen to the frogs and toads sing.




lunch time
Enjoying the food and company at Swetts in Nashville, TN.


The important thing is our togetherness and some fun!  Now I might be singing a different tune by the end of summer when we’ve all had a little too much togetherness and the litany of sibling complaints start.

Some of my favorites: “She’s looking at me!” “She’s touching me!”  “I’m bored!” And of course the question all parents should get a nickel for every time they answer it - “Are we there yet?”

I may even have to answer that question tonight if we decide as a family that we are heading out for dinner and other family type fun. But, I’m fresh and full of optimism for our Fun Family Friday nights! 

It’s just June 7th after all.


What are your Friday night traditions?



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Adventure Treks Summer Camp Contest

in , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, April 22, 2013

 It's Earth Day and I have an amazing contest that showcases two things I love: Mother Nature and Children! While this is not a compensated post, I do get a free t-shirt for sharing this contest as part of the USFG Bloggers team.  




Here is your chance to Win a Summer Camp Experience at Adventure Treks! 


Courtesy: Adventure Treks

Scale snow-capped peaks you’ve only seen in postcards. Shoot towering rapids with your new best friends. Walk wildflower-laced trails by day and wonder at a twinkling sky by night. Cook crazy concoctions around a campfire and laugh more than you ever thought possible!  


About the Camp:

Adventure Treks is all about making memories, fostering lifelong friendships and creating more confident and capable young men and women. We are a small and personal company and getting to know you is our biggest priority. But Adventure Treks isn't just about outdoor fun; it's about YOU! We want you to discover your best self, and we believe that the great outdoors is just the way to do it! 



summer camp
Courtesy: Adventure Treks

Adventure Treks is more than a summer adventure camp.  Our two, three and four week outdoor adventure programs for teenagers ages 12 - 18, help great kids build skills for future success. 
While our students are having the time of their lives rafting, climbing, hiking, and biking in some of the greatest scenery on the planet, something else is happening. They are growing in numerous ways: self- confidence, social achievement, teamwork, leadership and new outdoor skills, to name just a few. Get Quick Facts About Adventure Treks Here!


About The Contest: 

 Win a Trip Valued from $2,995-$3,795.  You can choose a Trip Destination!

 How To Enter:

 New Student Eligibility: 
Contestants must be between the ages of 12 and 16 and eager for outdoor adventure, challenge, and being part of a close community of friends.

 Enter Your Video or Essay:
Videos can be no longer than 60 seconds. Essays should be no more than one page in length. 

 Click here for the official contest entry: Adventure Treks Essay Contest Announcement!

Good Luck!

Have you sent your kids to summer camp in the past? Think you are ready to book with Adventure Treks instead of entering the contest?
Then here is a coupon for you to save and receive a free t-shirt! When booking your trip, please mention you heard about Adventure Trek on MY WAHM Plan!


Disclosure: I received no compensation to share this contest. As part of the USFG Bloggers team, I will receive a free t-shirt for sharing this with my readers. If a reader chooses to book a trip and all criteria is met including listing my name as their referrer, I may receive a small portion of the booking amount.

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Kids are going to love NoizyBandz

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, March 07, 2013

I am always on the lookout for new gift ideas for my daughters and this one is a keeper. 
May I introduce:  NoizyBandz is the World's First Bandz That Play Music! 


kids,gifts
Courtesy:NoizyBandz.com

 Noizy Bandz Children's wristbands are musical, educational and a whole lot of fun! Watch your children light up as they hear the music and fun sounds coming from their wristbands that they control. 

First of its kind, expect more from your silicone bandz check out Noizy Bandz and hear the music at www.noizybandz.com Great for all ages and all occasions. Have a Birthday party give a musical Happy Birthday band instead of a card kids just go crazy for them. 



musical bands gifts for kids
Courtesy: NoizyBandz.com



 Click HERE  to grab your coupon code to save $1.00 off each band and get free shipping and then check them out at www.noizybandz.com.  


I think these would be a perfect party favor, or a nice add on to an Easter Basket.  


The smiley sunshine has caught my eye. Which one would you choose for your kids?









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Getting Crafty with Colortime Review

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, January 23, 2013

We were first introduced to Colortime last November and I shared them as one of our Winter break boredom busters.


crafts,markers,fun
courtesy: Colortime.com



As a thank you for sharing their information, Colortime sent me a pillowcase and marker set to review.



Ms. M. was all over it upon arrival.  

markers,pillowcase,fun,
Ms. M Creates

She liked how smoothly the markers worked on the pillowcase and that it didn’t take a lot of time to color in a spot.  Since most sleep overs and play dates are time sensitive, that is a big plus for this Mom.


We invite you to discover your inner crafty person with Colortime! They have everything to make you look like super Mom at your kid’s next sleep over, birthday party, play date, Girl Scout troop meeting and rainy day boredom buster. Plus, these crafts are easy on the wallet with most items priced at $5.95 or under. 

Right now you can save 15% off any project by using the code: 15USG or by clicking HERE.


I hope you found this review helpful. 


How do you get crafty with your kids? I'd love to hear about your projects.



Disclosure: I received the pillow case and marker set to review for Colortime as part of the US Family Guide Mom Bloggers. All opinions are my own. 
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Holidays- Winter Break Boredom Buster

in , , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, November 30, 2012


The countdowns have begun; we are decorating, baking and making things merry and bright.

This truly is The Most Wonderful Time of the year, full of hope and peace and goodwill toward men and boredom. Wait, boredom shouldn’t be in my happy moment, but we Moms know once the novelty of new gizmos wears off we had better have some boredom busters up our sleeves to get us through school break and bad weather days.

Here is a product sure to please your elves and you’ll have some fun too! Check out Colortime Crafts and Markers.
 


Here is more about Colortime:
Since 1990, over 5 million children and adults have loved creating t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, bandanas, and more for parties, slumber parties, and scout meetings with our permanent fabric markers. We have provided our customers the opportunity to entertain their guests with a creative activity that becomes a permanent keepsake. Also, we are a licensed vendor of the Girl Scouts of America. Check out our wholesale program, great for your organizations.

We also offer free downloadable coloring pages (http://www.colortime.com/Free-Coloring-Pages-c64.html) and a "Birthday Club" (http://www.colortime.com/Birthday-Club-c85.html) with special incentives. 
 
 
 
 Want to save? Sure you do!
 
Get 15% off all orders Promo Code: 15USFG when you check out at colortime.com
 
I think we will do some tote bags. If you take advantage of this offer, please stop back by and tell me what you picked.
 
Happy, Merry Holidays to you and yours!
 

 


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CuteKid Free Gallery Contest

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, November 02, 2011
It's November, one of my favorite months with all the cooking and baking and holiday prepping, but before we launch into full Holiday-ness, I wanted to let you know of a great contest .




 Enter those adorable Halloween Photos from now through Nov. 15, 2011.

 Send your friends & family the link you'll receive in an email once your photo is entered into the contest so they can vote for your cutie. The photo that receives the most votes wins a $500 Shopping Spree from Totsy, and 4 additional random photos will win great prizes. Go Enter today and good luck!

Please stop back by and share your link with us! Some readers may not have photos to enter, so they can vote for yours!






This post contains an affiliate link and I may receive compensation depending on readers participation.
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Family Time

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, January 17, 2011
I for one am glad the kiddies didn't have to go to school again today in observance of M.L.K. day.
I enjoy having them home with me.  My plan for the day? Let my Kids plan my day.

Sure, I certainly don't get as much work done, but hey, there is always tomorrow when they will go back to school and the house will be quite and my multiple things to do lists will be there waiting for me.

On days like this, where it's mellow and easy and fun I get my payday. My Yay! I work from Home pat on the back.
The money part of working from home? Well, that will be earned another day. The type of payday I'm talking about has nothing to do with money and everything to do with hearts full of love.

So, to all you Moms, work at home or not. I hope you got the day off, or will have a special day soon to enjoy your kiddies. Delight in their delightfulness and the unconditional love they give.
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