Dear Small Humans,

I am slightly concerned about the number of children living in our household. There should be only 7 of you presently. The shoe trays by the front door suggest a higher census.

If there are other children lurking in the shadows, please inform me. I would like to feed these individuals and address their laundry needs. On the other hand, if you are forgetting to take your shoes up to your bedrooms, please remedy the situation as soon as possible.

I recognize that spring weather fluctuates between sunshine and monsoons. As I write, it is snowing. Each of these weather events necessitates different footwear. However, the standard rule still applies: one pair of shoes, per person, by the door.

It will still look like the footwear section at Target, but I will be able to rest more peacefully if I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that there are only 7 young souls in my charge.

Love,

Your Mother