Well, it's been a week since I last posted. My how time flies! I flew home from SC on Sunday. Imagine my surprise when I arrived home to find that the insurance company not only replaced my house but that they put every crack in the walls and ceilings exactly as they were before. Now, I feel much better knowing that everything has been taken care of. Oh, and the mice and bugs did get that trip...right out the front door!

As for my trip to Grandkids land...what a lot of fun! It is always good to see them. We spent most of our time at the house and that is okay with this Gramma as I'm always on the go when I'm at home. Bella was a good excuse to just chill at the house everyday. Good thing babies like to sleep!

If you live in the Harrisburg area you've seen the cows they had on display one summer. Then, another summer they had kites. Well, I like Greenville's display that they have and it's permanent. They have "Mice on Main". There are 9 bronzed sculptured mice throughout the downtown area. You can get the hints for finding them on Greenville's website on in the stores on Main Street. We had a fun time trying to find those little critters. It was really interesting. They have a book written about them also. Now this is the direction that a city should go to attract people to find things. Cows come and go, but these bronze mice are here to stay.

I must say that Rachel and the gang did a good job of keeping the house cleaned up. Even the wash was done. I'm glad they made all the critters leave before I arrived!

Well, you know I'm in trouble when I have not heard from any one on the homefront since Sunday, May 16; and then only because I called to talk to my granddaughter. I hope they didn't take the insurance money from the house burning down/blowing up or what ever happened and take those nasty bugs that decided to inhabit the place on a cruise. Bahamas anyone?

Yesterday was a fun and busy day. We went to the Children's Warehouse. They sell all kinds of books and curriculum. Found a few books

Afterwards Alicia and I went and had lunch. Gran was keeping the grandkids during this time.

Last evening we celebrated Bella's first birthday. We had pizza, lemonade, cake, and popsicles. Bella shared her cake with Owen. Wish you could have seen their faces as they "dug-in".

Dear Rachel,

I assume that all in Pa are alive and well. After our conversation yesterday it stands to reason that the house may yet survive. Isaiah is home to take control of everything. He will crack the whip.

Went to a strawberry festival on Saturday. It got very hot and humid after we arrived there. Yesterday we went to the Greek festival. Unfortunately, I could not eat any of their delicious pastries. It also started out as a nice day and ended up very hot and humid. So humid that it stormed at night.

Watched three movies so far. We watched "North and South", set in England; "Mrs. Brown"; about Queen Victoria, and "Leap Year", which was a hilarious movie. You need to see them; but you must watch them with me. Nothing else will be tolerated.

Anna Kate is reading this letter as I type it to you. You go, Anna girl!

Quiet day so far. Don't know what we will be doing. Got all the wash done last night.

It was good to talk to Jack. He tells me that you forgot to give him a biscuit. You need to take better care of him.

Love,

Mother

PS Be nice to your students! They are calling me again about how mean you are to them: too much homework, too much seatwork, too much work, period.

Dear Rachel,

The funny part about you writing letters on your blog is that people are reading it and thinking: At least she is writing something. The house may have blown up, burned down, taken in additional residents, etc.; but at least she is finally posting something. She finally is writing on her blog.

Good to know you have washed the sheets. I was wondering if you were going to do that. As for the dog getting picked up and getting a bath does that happen before school today, after school today, before going to Brenda's, after going to Brenda's, before picking up Isaiah, or after picking up Isaiah. I'm confused as to when you will have time.

As far as the rumor of your students fleeing the country to get away from you, you either are not reading the letters closely or not reading the comments that are posted with them. Either way I guess you just didn't miss them when they left or you would have known it. They too are feelin' the luv. No wonder they give you grief. You don't even miss them when they are gone.

As for having only four weeks of school left I was notified that you will have to spend the entire summer in school to improve your learning (not teaching) skills and to learn when you have students missing from your room since they fled the country from your teaching.

Glad to know that Dad enjoyed his ice cream cake. I'm glad it was a hit. Had an awful time coming up with something for him at the last minute. Thanks for picking it up.

As for Jack, you will never take my place. He will just be glad to see someone from his immediate family. You will never take my place!

Love,

Mother

PS Miss you? Well, maybe just a tad. I don't miss your mess!

Dear Rachel,

Haven't had any news since Monday so I must assume the worst. I am prepared, so you can let me know. Jack did not get a bath on Friday. I can't believe it that he would be so neglected but I know that it is true since no one picked him up from Jody's.

As far as yesterday goes, you guys need to get with the program. All of you missed Bella's birthday. She too is feelin' the luv. Now I know that you guys truly can't function without me.

There is an illness traveling around this house down here. We have traced it to Ethan. Why? is not printable but truly is hilarious.

So, have any of the mice or roaches vacated the premises or died? Are you still charging them rent? I'll expect the money to be on my desk when I get home.

Hannah is planning to come home this weekend. What will you do with all your guests while she is there. She is planning on bringing a case or two of Raid. I suppose she will also have to bring some traps for the mice. Maybe she can bring the kind Cinderella used so you can release them again somewhere else. Once gone from my house, gone forever.

Have any of your students returned to the country and your classroom? I hear they were glad to escape from you. Now, Rachel, you be nice to those kids. Remember some will be in your class again next year.

Well, Rachel, please try to keep things on an even keel. No more visitors, no more burning the house down, and please do not give the insurance man a difficult time.

Love,

Mother

Dear Rachel,

Thank you for hiring the cleaning service. I'm glad you felt inclined to treat me to such a wonderful gift. It really was quite generous of you to spend $350 of your money to keep my house clean while I am on vacation. Thank you!

Feel free to use your money to hire them every week while I'm away. You could even continue to pay for their services after I come home. That would be very sweet and definitely increase your daughter status-hood.

As far as the carpet cleaning, paint touch-ups, and tub rust removal feel free to spend another $100 of your money to have this taken care of. But watch out, since it is $100 an hour it may take two or three hours to have this completed. Make sure you lay aside at least $300 and maybe even $400 to do this.

As for pet pickup for Jack, I would not recommend this. I don't think he would appreciate a stranger picking him up. Then, you would be responsible for any damage done.

As for the cleaning service, please make sure they do not steal my elephants or Sleeping Beauty knick knacks. Oh, and don't you try to sell them to help pay the cleaning service.

That figures you would blame Dad and Stephen for not getting Jack; and where were you? Oh, acting like a college student. Poor Jack; he is not feelin' the luv.

Now, make sure to take good care of Dad and Stephen. Remember you are the lady of the house now. Be responsible.

Love,

Mother

We had a wonderful day today even though one child was sick. Friday night Rose got sick at a birthday party. She ran a fever all day yesterday as well. This morning Ethan woke up not feeling well.

We ate lunch at home. We had shrimp, carrots and celery with dip, fresh strawberries, crackers with cheese and a delicious homemade cheesecake for dessert.

By the time lunch was finished, Ethan was feeling better so we went to a local lake to feed the ducks and geese. Bella had lots of fun giving them bread and watching the fowl.

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Back at home Brian played a game with Ethan, Anna, and Rose. They had fun! Now they are preparing for bed.

It was a wonderful Mother's Day! Got wishes from all. Thanks to all and blessings to you also.