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 As Glo said in jest and with a touch of sarcasm, "Thanks, Mommy, for teaching me how to throw an amazing party." It's not like we could just have a cupcake and call it good.  No, Glo felt the desire to go all out.  And as she told everyone, "Clarkie's birthday is really just an excuse for the family to get together and have a party!"  Well said, Glo. Party or not, I stumbled upon a website a couple of months ago, Hey Jen Brannen, that demonstrated making felt crowns for celebrations (specifically birthdays).  I wondered if it would mean anything to Glo, but I knew it would mean something to me. Back when Glo was in German Kindergarten, he teacher, Rita, made her a paper crown for her October birthday, decorated with different color fall leaves.  The picture of her wearing it has been displayed in our house since I had the film developed (ah, the days of film...).  It seemed fitting to make a crown for Clarkie as well, although I decided to make it a l...

 GenCon was something else.  It wasn't terrible, but the crowds and the noise and taking care of Clarkie wee a lot for me.  So in true Larisa style, I made the trip my own by finding activities that had extra meaning for me. I was so appreciative when Ethan suggested we go to the temple the night before GenCon started.  The Indianapolis temple reminds me of some Greek/Egyptian edifice on the outside, but on the inside, it is a truly stunning temple. This is going to sound strange, but I appreciated not knowing anybody for once when I attended an endowment session.  In the Detroit temple, I can't go anywhere or do anything without knowing somebody and feeling the need to say something.  Not that that's a bad thing, but it does distract from my temple worship.  Being in Indianapolis allowed me to feel the sacred feelings I used to have when attending the temple. Glo and Clarkie came with us as well, and they walked around the temple grounds while we were...