So the Sanders family came and went in shifts. After many phonecalls passed around the circle i came to the realization that they are kind of sick of each other. How could you not be with 6 other kids in the house. So, they came in two different shifts and it was so great to see these kids again.

Since all of metro Detroit gets a week long winter break the little girls came on Tuesday and went home on Wednesday. We sure packed in the activities while they were here. It was Ashley, Angel, Krissie, me and Miss Dana and we had a blast.

We played hide and seek in my house. I will never tire of this game and secretly wish to play it- especially in the dark. I love especially cramming small children in little places...living vicariouly through them I guess. I will say I had some pretty bomb spots myself :). We made cookies of which I tried not to devour every one of them (would like to note we used my star pan and heart pan both incredible thrift store finds...i love thrifting). We made grill cheese on the panini, made birthday and valentine day cards, started weaving a purse (this was not quick and easy therefore I'm sure the promise to 'finish it later' was not followed through, tis ok!), played the piano, ate at our favorite place..Red Robin and had the ever talked about and promised Spa Night. (I forgot to add we made a trip to the mall to drop Courtney off with the fabulous Devon to get back to Grand Rapids. I forgot to mention because it was a trip from hell as the twins were to tall to play in the play place and Krissie got knocked in the mouth with the result of a big fat bloody lip. Though, I did get to at least hug the fabulous Devon with a future happytown visit guarenteed :).

So needless to say these girls always give me so much joy. I miss having them down the street like crazy but truly know now that they are in a better place considering the circumstances. They are hilarious, honest, and so loving and I am blessed to know them- truly blessed.

Here's a few pictures....enjoy!

This was the card making session....the OCD side of me was twitching inside and you know I busted out the vaccuum when were done!

Miss Dana and Angel relaxing at the spa...including cucumbers on the eyes?!? The girls think this is what you do at the spa...so we did it...comical!

So as I was snapping the abovie picture, Krissie decided enough with the eyes and sat up and started eating the cucumber. We laughed so hard. I think she ate a whole cucumber by the end of the night. It was so precious!

love.

These pretty girls called me the other night (and their handsome brother too). Ashley is the one that called but about 45 minutes later they had all passed the phone around the circle...including little Krissie who got on the phone and chatted with me like she was a teenager- so cute. I miss these kids, a lot. I miss the craziness, love and joy they brought to our lives. But, I know they are in a good place considering the circumstance and considering the huge and major transition they are going through they seem to be doing ok, and are even laughing....alot. We're going to hang out this weekend....we'll see how many get buckled in the ol' bonnie and make it back to Auburn. But, whoever comes i can guarentee same valentining, laughing, a college basketball game, and a previously promised 'spa day' for sure :).

cream of tarter

Three words that may not seem so important....but turned out to be incredibly important in one of my weekend endeavors. I made three batches of homemade play-doh for our lesson at tutuoring on Monday and Tuesday evening. We have been going through Genesis and this week we were talking about how God formed man out of dust...errr...play-doh. Regardless, they had a blast with the play-doh and created some fascinating 'men out of dust' or something like that.

Here's where the cream of tarter comes in. The recipe called for 6 tsp. of cream of tarter. I only had enough for about 2 batches. I thought surely this white powdery stuff (where does cream of tarter come from anyways??) woudln't make a huge different. Well difference it did make and the students with the yellow play-doh filed a few complaints with the play-doh making department. Though, despite their sticky hands and messy tables they seemed to have fun :). Lesson learned- never skip out on the cream of tarter.

Keith at tutoring thinking, "Miss Jessi you totally messed this up". You may remember this cutie from my first year of teaching- one of the smartest kids I know. Also, with a great memory as he reminded me how we made this in my class and didn't have enough flour that time resulting in sticky play-doh. I think I may give up my play-doh making days!

Another beauty from CMA. Edward- he's thinking, I don't care if this stuff is sticky I love it! I'm sure his dad was real happy with me to send that home with him. Forgive me Winston!!

Happy play-dohing :)