{"id":1684,"date":"2016-12-01T08:00:59","date_gmt":"2016-12-01T13:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vg-ford.com\/?p=1684"},"modified":"2016-11-30T18:57:54","modified_gmt":"2016-11-30T23:57:54","slug":"advent-day-1-december-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/?p=1684","title":{"rendered":"(advent) Day 1 &#8211; December 1"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1682\" src=\"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full.jpg\" alt=\"snow-full\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snow-Full-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thursday, December 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis is going to be the worst Christmas EVER,\u201d Lily Barrett said dramatically, throwing herself down next to Schrodinger on his bed by the wood stove. \u201cEVER.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger asked, moving over to give her some room. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s happened?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBecause Zoey\u2019s gone,\u201d her little sister Kaylee said, flopping down next to them, Jack right behind her. \u201cAll winter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lily scowled at her. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to sound so happy about it. This is my BEST FRIEND.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She\u2019ll be back,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger said soothingly. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s just for December, right?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAnd January,\u201d Lily said. \u201cShe\u2019s not back until February.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMy best friend is still here, though,\u201d Kaylee said. \u201cGideon said he\u2019s never moving again.\u201d She snuggled up next to Schrodinger. \u201cAnd you and Jack are my best friends, Schrodinger. We\u2019ll have fun this season. Right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Lily said, rolling over on the pet bed and staring at the ceiling. \u201cI won\u2019t have fun until Zoey comes back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, then, you\u2019ll be very bored,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And besides, I hear the Snow Queen is sending us a gift today.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That remark grabbed everyone\u2019s attention, as Schrodinger had known it would. \u201cThe Snow Queen?\u201d Lily said, all moroseness gone. \u201cReally? What is she sending us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly said that she has another Advent calendar for us to do!<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger said. He didn\u2019t say that they were going to be doing actual protections for the Cove &#8211; he\u2019d tell Jack later, maybe, but Molly had said that the kids didn\u2019t need to know about everything that was going on, and he sort of agreed with her. He did, however, reserve the right to tell them later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially if Caliban showed up in person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cKaylee! Lily! Jack! Schrodinger! Hi!\u201d Gideon came running in and crashed to his knees next to them. Aunt Margie had wisely put a partition around the word stove this past year, so there was no chance of them getting too close to it and burning themselves, but the warmth still spread to his bed. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHi Gideon! The Snow Queen is bringing us an Advent calendar!\u201d Kaylee said, giving her best friend a hug. \u201cIsn\u2019t that awesome?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAwesome!\u201d Gideon agreed. \u201cWhen is it coming?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They all turned and looked at Schrodinger. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly said it would be delivered today,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the CrossCat said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She didn\u2019t say when.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMaybe we should ask her?\u201d Lily said, but as she went to get up, the front door to CrossWinds Books opened, and Captain Pavel Chekhov, the captain of the pirate ship <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Heart\u2019s Desire<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, stepped in out of the cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPavel!\u201d Lily and Kaylee squealed, getting up and rushing over to him. \u201cYou\u2019re back!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gideon hung back as the pirate captain swept both girls up into his arms. \u201cDid you think I would miss Christmas in the Cove? Don\u2019t be silly! I beat the crew until they got us here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cReally?\u201d Kaylee asked him, her eyes wide. \u201cYou beat them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNot really,\u201d Pavel said, laughing a little. \u201cI just pointed out that if they were in the Cove for December, Molly might bake for them. That was incentive enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I would go almost anywhere for Molly\u2019s cookies,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger agreed, leading Gideon over. The little boy was watching Pavel with huge eyes. Not that the CrossCat could blame him &#8211; the pirate was a bit overwhelming. Today, he was dressed in a long black captain\u2019s coat (still slightly dusted with the snow that was falling outside in fitful bursts), his big black boots, and his hat with the white and dark blue feathers. Underneath the coat, he wore a white shirt that had lace at the cuffs and collar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIs that Captain Hook?\u201d Gideon whispered to Schrodinger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, it\u2019s Pavel. He\u2019s a good pirate,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger assured Gideon. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pavel, we have a new friend!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSo I see!\u201d Pavel set Kaylee and Lily down and leaned over to offer Gideon his hand. \u201cWho is this fine young sailor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis is my best friend Gideon! He just moved here around Halloween!\u201d Kaylee said excitedly. \u201cHis dad runs the radio station!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWelcome to Carter\u2019s Cove, then, young Gideon! I am Pavel, and I invite you to come on my ship any time!\u201d Pavel said, shaking Gideon\u2019s hand. \u201cAny friend of Kaylee\u2019s is a friend of mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schrodinger looked around. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But where is Brynna?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cShe gets in next week,\u201d Pavel said, standing up. He winked at the CrossCat. \u201cBut where is Miss Molly? I have gifts for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDo you have gifts for us?\u201d Lily demanded, with Kaylee a half a breath behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pavel grinned. \u201cMaybe,\u201d he said, making his way into the kitchen. \u201cWhat will I get for it? You know I always have to make a profit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI will give you five kisses!\u201d Kaylee said. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019ll give you ten!\u201d Lily said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pavel considered that as Molly came out of the pantry with a mug for him. \u201cHmm, that means fifteen kisses. What do you think, Miss Molly? Is that enough for presents from me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWell, you know, they\u2019re very particular about who they offer kisses to,\u201d Molly said gravely, but Schrodinger saw the twinkle in her eyes. He loved Molly\u2019s sly sense of humor. \u201cThat means their kisses are particularly valuable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cParticularly valuable, eh?\u201d Pavel pretended to ponder that while he sipped his tea. \u201cSo, twice what they\u2019re worth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAt least,\u201d Molly agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThen that means it\u2019s actually thirty kisses I\u2019m being offered. That\u2019s definitely worthwhile.\u201d Pavel turned and looked at Lily and Kaylee. \u201cFor kisses, I will be happy to trade the presents in my pocket.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They swarmed up into his arms, plastering kisses all over his cheeks. Then he set them down and reached into the pockets of his coat, pulling out four packages. He gave one each to Lily and Kaylee, then looked at Molly. \u201cAnd what do you have to trade for a present?\u201d he teased.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cTea,\u201d Molly pointed out. \u201cAnd scones, if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThat\u2019s all?\u201d Pavel looked comically dismayed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019m a married woman now,\u201d Molly reminded him, trying very hard not to giggle. \u201cMy husband might be upset if I give you anything else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFine.\u201d Pavel laughed and handed her the packet. \u201cI think you will like this.\u201d Then he turned to Schrodinger. \u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My undying respect,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I don\u2019t give kisses, sorry.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cA CrossCat\u2019s respect is worth its weight in gold,\u201d Pavel agreed, handing down the package. For the next couple of moments, the only sound in the room was the opening of paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pavel\u2019s gifts were always fun. For Lily, there was a book on sea creatures that they had found in one of the ports they\u2019d hit. Lily, who loved books and sea creatures, sat down on the floor and began to read as soon as she\u2019d hugged Pavel in thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaylee\u2019s present was a small toy horse. Pavel showed her how to hold it in the palm of her hand and, to her delight, it began to prance in place. Gideon came up next to her and they watched it run, fascinated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He\u2019d brought Molly tea, of course &#8211; he always brought her tea and spices from the far places he\u2019d been. This time, it was a black tea that smelled spicy and tart, and a smaller package of long beans that Schrodinger had never seen, but Molly seemed delighted by. \u201cWhere did you find such large vanilla beans?\u201d she asked, turning the package over in her fingertips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI cannot divulge my sources, but I will say that if you need more, I will be happy to get them for you,\u201d Pavel said. \u201cThey looked robust, and Mother said that if you were making sugar, she would love some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNot just sugar. I might make some of my own vanilla with these,\u201d Molly said. She looked at Schrodinger. \u201cWhat did you get?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I don\u2019t know,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> he admitted. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is it, Pavel?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wrapping paper had disgorged a dark wooden box, and now Schrodinger nosed it, trying to open it. Pavel picked it up and turned it over. \u201cMy apologies &#8211; it was wrapped upside down,\u201d he said, holding it out to the CrossCat. \u201cDo you see the button now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I do!<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger reached out and touched one claw to the little wooden button. The top popped off and he gasped. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is for ME???? Is it&#8230;is it really a scrying crystal???<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lying in the box was a crystal ball, just like the Librarian had in her library at the Den. Schrodinger had lusted after the scrying crystal for as long as he\u2019d been able to remember, but had only been allowed to use it on a few occasions. To have one of his own\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt is, and it is,\u201d Pavel confirmed. He set the box down and took the crystal out carefully. \u201cYou will need to talk to the Librarian about where she got her stand for hers, for I was unable to find that. But I saw this and thought that you needed it.\u201d He held out his hand. \u201cDo you want to try it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The others gathered around as Schrodinger concentrated on the crystal ball. The only other times he\u2019d used a scrying crystal had been with the Librarian, and for a long minute, he was afraid that it wouldn\u2019t work. Most CrossCats didn\u2019t have the magical skills necessary to work the magical tools. And then the clear crystal clouded over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schrodinger concentrated harder, and after a moment, the clouds coalesced into a scene he knew: the Librarian, sitting at her desk in the library at the Den, a scroll spread out before her. She looked up, her green eyes calm and proud at the same time, and said, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well done, Schrodinger. I\u2019m pleased to see that you\u2019ve kept up with your lessons. Now, please go away. I have things to do.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The image dissolved, and Schrodinger blinked. Then he looked up at Pavel. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I did it!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou did!\u201d Pavel carefully set the crystal ball back in its box. \u201cWhich tells me the gift was the right one.\u201d He closed the cover. \u201cBe careful with it, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I will! Thank you, Pavel!<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger picked up the box carefully in his mouth and went to put it in Molly\u2019s backpack. Then he came back, just in time to hear Pavel say, \u201cAnd now, for my final gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAnother gift?\u201d Molly said. \u201cYou\u2019re turning into a regular Santa Claus. Are you looking for a new gig?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWell, I did happen to pick up a large package at the Gate Station when I stopped in to see Drew,\u201d Pavel admitted. \u201cAnd since it was coming here, I said I would bring it.\u201d He got up. \u201cWait here, and I\u2019ll go get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pavel never used a car &#8211; he preferred the carriage that he kept in town. Now, Schrodinger went with him to hold open the doors as the pirate lifted a large box from the carriage and carried it in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of the box was written, \u201cPlease deliver to CrossWinds Books. For Lily, Kaylee, Gideon, Jack, and Schrodinger.\u201d Underneath that, the silver snowflake of the Snow Queen was intertwined with the autumn leaves of Jack Frost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhat kind of Advent calendar is THIS?\u201d Lily asked, her eyes huge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLet\u2019s open it and find out!\u201d Gideon said, and six eager hands reached for the tape holding the box closed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBe careful!\u201d Molly reminded \u00a0them. \u201cWe don\u2019t know what\u2019s in there, or if it\u2019s breakable!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They slowed down, and together managed to open the book, while Jack and Schrodinger watched anxiously. Finally, the sides of the box fell down, and\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s a CASTLE!\u201d Gideon said. \u201cShe sent us a CASTLE!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was. Not just any castle, though &#8211; Schrodinger realized that immediately. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s HER castle,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> he said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s the Snow Palace.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towers of white stone rose from the four corners of the castle, and each tower had a flag that held the intertwined leaves and snowflake on them. The gate glittered, clearly meant to be ice, and there was a garland of evergreens around it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHow does it work?\u201d Lily asked, looking up at Pavel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He shrugged. \u201cI am but the messenger. Is there a letter with it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schrodinger had already nosed the envelope from the remains of the packaging, and now he handed it to Lily, who opened it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDear Lily, Kaylee, Gideon, Jack, and Schrodinger,\u201d it read. \u201cI\u2019m sorry that Zoey will not be around this year for Christmas, and I know you will all miss her. While this cannot replace her, I hope that you will enjoy it. Every day, one of the windows will need to be opened, and there will be a new adventure to take, and another corner of the Cove to explore and decorate. This is a big job, and I know I can trust you to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love, Jade and Jack\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lily looked up at Molly. \u201cWhat does she mean, another corner of the Cove to decorate?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhy don\u2019t you open the first window and see?\u201d Molly suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaylee had already been looking around the castle. \u201cHere!\u201d she said. \u201cI found the first one!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then you get to open it,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schrodinger said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But be careful!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reaching through the spires gently (and Schrodinger blessed Pavel for putting the castle on the floor), Kaylee flipped the latch on the shutters and the window opened. For a moment, nothing happened, and then light shone out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through the shutters, they could see what looked to be a kitchen, kind of like Molly\u2019s kitchen back at the farmhouse. This kitchen, if it were in the real world, would be huge, and it was filled with bakers, all rolling out dough and cutting out cookies on long wooden tables. One of the cookies, a star with elaborate designs cut out of it, jumped off the table and sailed out through the open window, growing larger and silvery as it did so. Schrodinger was reminded of the snowflakes that had come out of their other Advent calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cookie, now a shining silver star, spun in the air above them, and then burst into stardust that rained down over their heads. As it touched his fur, Schrodinger felt it change, and a baker\u2019s hat dropped onto his head. Looking at the others, he saw they had similar hats, and the children had aprons, all decorated with leaves and snowflakes, around them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One last bit of stardust had turned into a note, and it landed in Kaylee\u2019s hand. She gave it to Molly, who read it aloud: \u201cThe first day of the Advent season usually means baking! So here are some tools for you to help Molly with her decorating!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDecorating?\u201d Kaylee asked, eyes wide. \u201cDid you bake cookies today, Molly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI did!\u201d Molly said. \u201cSpecial cookies! Come on, and I\u2019ll get you all set up out here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She picked up a large tray that had been on the counter, and led them all out into the tea room. \u201cI made special cookies last night,\u201d she explained, setting the tray down. \u201cThese are not to be eaten, but decorated and hung up at your homes for the season. Jade said they used to do this back when the Cove was new, and I thought it would be neat to try it.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lying on the tray were five large stars, just like the ones the bakers in the castle kitchen had been making. Molly had also put several tubs of color on the tray, in bowls, as well as beads and glitter. She set each cookie in front of each of them, and said, \u201cNow, you guys will have to help Jack and Schrodinger decorate theirs. Once you\u2019re done, I\u2019ll help you finish them when they dry. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOkay!\u201d they all chorused, and got down to business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019ll help you,\u201d Gideon said to Schrodinger. \u201cLet\u2019s do yours first. What do you want to do with it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I want it to match Molly\u2019s decorations for the house, <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schrodinger said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re using the lights that Phoebe gave us, so it needs to be golden and green.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> He looked at Gideon. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do you think?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The little boy frowned, looking at the colors. \u201cWhat if we make it a dark green, and then put golden snowflakes on it? Molly gave us some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I like it! Let\u2019s do it!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&lt;&gt;&lt;&gt;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAnd just how did you know what they were going to do today, Miss Molly?\u201d Pavel asked quietly, once they were back in the kitchen. Molly \u00a0had picked up the castle (which was surprisingly light, considering how large and intricate it was) and put it in the pantry, where it wouldn\u2019t be accidentally bumped or broken.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cJade sent me a list last night,\u201d she admitted. \u201cDid you get her message?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He nodded, his dark eyes solemn. \u201cThat was the biggest reason for hurrying back. My crew is on guard and mingling through the town, just in case Caliban tries anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDo you really think he will?\u201d she asked, finally voicing the concern.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Pavel said heavily. \u201cI would hope not. He was once a good and true man. But he has changed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly picked up her tea and sipped it, then said, \u201cCould he have run into an eidolon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s possible,\u201d Pavel said. \u201cIt would fit in with what we know about him. And if that\u2019s the case, perhaps you can work your magic again. Perhaps not. It might just be his own jealousy, you know. Not everything can be blamed on the eidolons.\u201d He finished his tea and got up. \u201cI will be around. Right now, I have one more appointment to make.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLet me guess,\u201d Molly said dryly. \u201cYou have a bottle for Mick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou must be psychic,\u201d Pavel said, winking. \u201cMaybe I should have gotten the scrying crystal for you!\u201d And then he bowed himself out of the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly shook her head and turned her attention back to the list she\u2019d been working on before Pavel had shown up. The Carter\u2019s Cove bake sale was coming up, and she was still trying to decide what kind of cookies and goodies to make for it. Gingerbread, of course, and her candy cane cookies &#8211; those were traditional. But she liked to try out a new recipe or two every year. Her eyes strayed back to the vanilla beans Pavel had brought her. Vanilla. Perhaps it was time to go simple. Vanilla shortbread was something she hadn\u2019t done in a while.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMolly! We\u2019re done!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She looked up to see Lily, Kaylee, and Gideon coming in, carrying the star-shaped cookies. \u201cWow,\u201d she said. \u201cLook at those!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They were amazing. Lily had gone with a purple and gold theme, painting her star in deep purple and then putting gold and purple gems on it. Kaylee had gone pink, with silver snowflakes and green stars. Gideon had painted his star deep green, and then marched silver snowflakes and gold gems around the edges, before putting a \u201cG\u201d in gold in the center. Schrodinger\u2019s matched the decorations they\u2019d planned for the farm: dark green, like Gideon\u2019s, but his star had golden snowflakes (and one silver one, she noticed) scattered across it. Jack had chosen to honor his two favorite girls: his star was half purple, half pink, and had snowflakes in both gold and silver scattered on it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNow what do we do?\u201d Gideon asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNow, watch,\u201d Molly said, and held her hands over the cookies. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and as they watched, the cookies hardened, the colors seeping into the dough. When she opened her eyes again, they were fully baked, as if they had gone into an oven, but the sparkling stars and snowflakes were unmarked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWow!\u201d Lily said, picking up her cookie. \u201cThat\u2019s amazing, Molly!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI wish I were a kitchen witch,\u201d Kaylee said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly hugged her. \u201cYou will find your own gift, Kayleebug,\u201d she said. \u201cGive it time.\u201d Then she handed each of them a long ribbon. \u201cSee the hole in the top of the cookie? This goes through it, so you can hang it up at home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis is so cool,\u201d Gideon said. \u201cCan we open another window?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not until tomorrow,<\/span><\/i> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schrodinger said. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s the way the Advent calendar works.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> He nosed the little boy. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which means you get to come here every day until Christmas!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYay!\u201d Gideon said, and ran out to show his mother his star.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&gt; Activity: Make a cookie decoration for your home! Here\u2019s a similar recipe to what Molly used, thanks to Allrecipes.com:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combine 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt and 1.5 cups water; mix well and knead for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. Bake for 30 minutes; allow to cool.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decorate with poster paints or tube paints. Allow to dry and spray with clear polyurethane on both sides to preserve. Use ribbon or yarn pieces to hang.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thursday, December 1 \u201cThis is going to be the worst Christmas EVER,\u201d Lily Barrett said dramatically, throwing herself down next to Schrodinger on his bed by the wood stove. \u201cEVER.\u201d Why? Schrodinger asked, moving over to give her some room. What\u2019s happened? \u201cBecause Zoey\u2019s gone,\u201d her little sister Kaylee said, flopping down next to them, &#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/?p=1684\">>>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-advent"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1684"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1684"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1685,"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1684\/revisions\/1685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vg-ford.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}