Tag Archives: Lillian Darnell

Book Review: The Greatest Power

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February 18 2017:

The Greatest Power

I think this is one of my favorite DEMI books. Such a powerful story of a boy emperor who gathers all the children of his kingdom so as to choose the new prime minister. He challenges each of them to show him the greatest power in the world.

He claims, “To know the greatest power in the world is to know the greatest peace.” One child reflects deeply on this while the others begin working away on their chosen answer. Thomas and Lillian loved it too, as with all DEMI books. The illustrations are simply brilliant!

The Greatest Power Book 2016

How It Feels to Be A Sibling to Lillian

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**THROWBACK POST**

February 19 2013:

One of our sweet Chromosome 18 friends is doing a research project on Chromosome 18 affected individuals and their family for school and asked us to participate.

Here’s Thomas‘ contribution … being interviewed regarding how it feels to be a sibling to Lillian! Go Courtney MacMasters Go! Courtney is sibling to one of our C18 affected friends!

Library Day and Joyful Dog

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February 13, 2017:

Field trip to Spanish Springs Library today. Such a treat to have so many amazing libraries in this county. We are blessed and grateful …. xoxo

Spanish Springs Library Day 2.13.17 #1 Spanish Springs Library Day 2.13.17 #2 Spanish Springs Library Day 2.13.17 #3 Spanish Springs Library Day 2.13.17 #4 Spanish Springs Library Day 2.13.17 #5

February 17 2017:

Thank you to the amazing, wonderful, and oh so happy dog in the pet store who brightened my day. She was so incredibly happy and joyful. When she wagged her short, little tail; her entire body moved! I am grateful for her joy. Thank you and bring me more please!

Sharing Life Stories With Your Kids

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February 18 2016:

Team TLC at Vintage Oktoberfest 8.21.16

For many years now I’ve been sharing a “life story” with Thomas and Lillian before bed. They take turns choosing a topic or word and I share what comes to mind from my past. Tonight Thomas chose the word “Panama”.

The first thing that came to mind was Van Halen’s song, “Panama“, and thoughts of watching the music video on MTV. We looked it up afterwards so they could hear the song. I don’t think Lillian was impressed that I know all the words.

I deeply love this tradition we began so many years ago. It brings much laughter, silliness, and sometimes tears (on my part).

Love, sweet love … xoxo

**Update** March 9 2017: We are still doing this! With one twist. I have now brought Thomas and Lillian into the story telling. We take turns telling a life story and also take turns with who gives the clue word.

Pumpkin Curry Soup and Okra and Tarte aux Champignons and Cobbler

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February 15 2017:

We did some flavor traveling last night with dinner. A pumpkin curry soup, oh so yummy okra (including memories of mammaw Downs), a Tarte aux Champignons (French style flat bread with mushrooms), and a dirty apple and pear cobbler (Thomas‘ name for our dessert).

Happy Valentine’s Day to Team TLC!! xoxo

Also known as …. Using what you’ve got to create a special dinner! That cobbler is amazing! I mean, Lillian even ate it …. and that’s a miracle!! I had the store bought gluten free pie crust in the freezer. Peeled and sliced 4 apples and pears.

Mixed with cinnamon, lemon juice, and coconut sugar. Then made a topping to crumble over the top with coconut oil, coconut flour, almond flour, salt and coconut sugar. We ate almost the entire dish!!!

Valentine's Dinner 2.14.17 #1 Valentine's Dinner 2.14.17 #2 Valentine's Dinner 2.14.17 #3 Valentine's Dinner 2.14.17 #4

Everything Flows Onward

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February 15 2016:

Absolutely wonderful sunset walk with Thomas and Lillian. We walked around the entire wetland loop. A FIRST FOR LILLIAN!!! Its between 4 to 5 miles long. We had so much fun giggling, enjoying the views as we walked, and reminiscing about the past ….

Changes, fun, adventures, growth, letting go, more fun, miles of walking, and more adventures. Love, sweet love.

“All things change, nothing is extinguished. There is nothing in the whole world which is permanent. Everything flows onward; all things are brought into being with a changing nature; the ages themselves glide by in constant movement.” -Ovid

Damonte Ranch Trail Walk 2.15.16 #1 Damonte Ranch Trail Walk 2.15.16 #2 Damonte Ranch Trail Walk 2.15.16 #3 Damonte Ranch Trail Walk 2.15.16 #4 Damonte Ranch Trail Walk 2.15.16 #5

Movie Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

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February 11 2017:

Team TLC Movie Night: Lillian’s choice – “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” .. We’ve seen it several times, yet Lillian wanted to watch it again.

Lillian says, “Good, awesome, 100% recommended to watch, musical, very good acting and special effects, and my favorite parts are the singing in the garden, the singing wind up doll, the end, and my favorite songs are chitty, chitty, bang, bang and Toot Sweet.”

I say, “Love watching this magical tale with Thomas and Lillian. We had so much fun dancing during intermission!”

Thomas says, “Even though I’ve seen it four times, it’s still original and good! I like characters and special effects. I like the idea of the fantasy and the candy. It has a good storyline about him being an inventor.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Movie 2.11.17

Movie Review: Hugo

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February 13 2016:

Team TLC movie night …. “Hugo” –

Lillian says, “Good, amazing, fantastic, good scenery, exciting, great, musical, and adventurous.”

Thomas says, “Extremely good, inspiring, happy, amazing, thought provoking, action-packed, and suspenseful.”

I say, “A grand and magical adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat! Loved it!!!!” … To be guided back into the hands of life by a child … YES!!!

Hugo Movie February 2016

It Inspires Me

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March 4 2017:

Melting Icicles The Vintage 2.22.17 #3

“It inspires me.” ~Lillian Darnell

Lillian asked this morning why I had not posted anything in an Arts facebook group lately. I explained that I have so much on my to do list. Also, that I felt my poems and nature photography were not inspiring and healing to those within the group.

She then suggested instagram. I explained that it did seem to be more meaningful to those who see them on instagram, yet it takes so long to post combining the photo, the poem and the tags.

She then said, “Your poems and photography inspire me.”

Thank you Lillian for reminding me that what I create is divinely inspired. The creations will touch who they are meant to touch when they are meant to touch. And, I do not need to hear that this has been so.

Making Errands Fun

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February 13 2016:

Making errands fun = Stop at the park.

Remove shoes and throw the football with son while feeling squishy wet grass between the toes.

Plus, walking barefoot in the leftover snow.

And rolling down a hill.

And playing with a paper airplane kite.

And they lived happily ever after.

The End.

Park Stop Errand Fun 2.13.16 #1 Park Stop Errand Fun 2.13.16 #2 Park Stop Errand Fun 2.13.16 #3 Park Stop Errand Fun 2.13.16 #4 Park Stop Errand Fun 2.13.16 #5