Thanks Rob.... I gotta say, yep, that's exactly my strategy. My plans for an even better return were foiled when the maid called in sick. I envisioned her returning (when I don't know) to a spotless house. I will enlist the kids' help after school to pick-up and straighten a few things. The week was indeed busy, fun, and excting... it even included a broken bone!!! There will be a few stories to share with Mom.
I'm still scratching my head about her calling my desk at work yesterday. No, I'm stunned. This is a significant departure from what she has typically been doing when she travels with her boyfriend. I mean, rather than call my desk, she could have called my cell under the pretext of wanting to talk to the kids (we don't currently have a home phone; just lots of cell #s). But calling my desk at work is a call to me. I know, I know, it would be very risky to read anything into this. Just noting it, that's all. I still fully expect D talk to begin next week.
Keeping busy... and keeping that PMA ... My kids need me!!!