sisters #2 and #4 watched with rapt attention as i spread my wares on my parents’ kitchen table.

“i wonder if jodi hanson would mind if i called and said we weren’t going because i want to stay and make marble magnets,” sister #2 said.
“we never had babysitters who made marble magnets with us,” sister #4 said.
“you never had babysitters, just me,” i said.
“well, how come you never made marble magnets with me?”

at this point jaycie discovered all the shiny marbles.

“oh look,” she said picking up a pink one, “this one’s pretty just like me.”
i burst out laughing.
“what?” sister #2 asked.
“jaycie just told me that the marbles were pretty, just like her,” i said.
“yeah, we have no self-esteem issues at our house.”

after the sisters and brothers left, we commenced to some serious marble magnet making. it went pretty well, there was a minor incident with jaycie fearing the toothpicks.

“i don’t want to poke my eye out,” she said.
“if you don’t put the toothpick near your eye, you won’t poke it out,” i said.
“what if i slip?”
“then you’ll probably poke your eye out,” i said.
“I DON’T WANT TO POKE MY EYE OUT,” she said.
“you don’t have to poke your eye out,” i said.
“you do it.”
“ok, baby.”

max of course just jumped right in, toothpick magnet and all– he had great fun finding elephants and punching them out.

“aunt jodi you’re the best babysitter ever,” jaycie said.
“thanks.”
“you have the greatest ideas,” she said.

after awhile in the pile of clippings and magazine, jaycie discovered a pink envelope with flowers on it. she of course, fell in love. i, of course, gave it to her.

“where’s mine?” max asked.
“uh, here,” i said handing him the monkey and elephant invitation i had gotten for their birthday party.
“are you having a party?” jaycie asked.
“sure,” i said.
“when?”
“umm, i dunno.”
“it should be a present party. our mom and dad will drop us off.”
“you’re gonna bring me presents?”
“well, you can give us presents and we’ll give you presents.”
“ok.”
“it will be the best party ever. you have the best ideas!”