When asked what she likes to do for fun, Leslie Rice might tell you about the joy of spending a night on the living room floor in her sleeping bag. Or how exciting puppet theatre can be. Or how much she loves to eat doughnuts and pancakes.   

Of course, it should be mentioned that she loves to do these things with her grandchildren. 

 

Leslie is not just Grandma; she's "Mimi," the third Mimi in a line of grandmothers who made a pretty strong impression on their grandchildren. And as she talks with affection about her own mother and grandmother, she fights back tears. "I want my grandchildren to have the same kind of experience as my daughters did with my mom." 

 

Being a grandmother is a role she takes seriously. Leslie can be found hand-in-hand with her granddaughters, Maggie and Claire, at popular Lancaster venues for kids, such as the North Museum, or at a special production for children at the Fulton Theatre. But, she insists, having a good time does not have to cost a lot of money. "We play with Play-Doh for two hours and just talk the whole time," she says. "The stuff that gets conversation going is fun." 

 

The fun she finds in children spills over into her life outside the home. Contrary to the typical jokes about the struggle with math and the tough 'tween age of 13, Leslie find teaching math to eighth-graders not only enjoyable, but rewarding. "They get so excited when the light goes on. And once in a while they'll even say math is fun. Shhhhhh!" she chuckles.  

 

And then there's her work with Otterbein United Methodist Church on Clay Street in Lancaster, where she is both a member and chairperson of Christian education. Leslie dives into activities for children, including teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school, as well helping out at the church's weekly Kids' Night program, open to all first-graders through seniors in high school.  

 

"I like working with kids. I still remember people who were nice to me and patient with me and would explain things 27 times to me, and then wanting to do it for someone else," she explains. 

 

Later this month, Leslie will get another chance to have sleepovers in her living room and indulge in baked goods as she takes her granddaughters for a weekend while her daughter Meridith walks in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a hike of 60 miles over three days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer's cure. And, of course, Leslie will be there, at the event's closing ceremony, next to Maggie and Claire, as she cheers for her daughter and the hundreds of other participants. After all, that's what moms - and grandmothers - do.    

 

Family: Husband, Don, married 37 years; children Meridith, 32, Melissa, 29; grandchildren Maggie, 5, Claire, 3, and one on the way. 

 

Employment: Eighth-grade math teacher at Centerville Middle School in Hempfield. 

 

How I met my husband: I met him in line at registration at Millersville University on the first day. We dated five years before marrying.

 

Toughest part of being a grandmother: When [the kids] go home. 

 

My favorite spot in Lancaster: Downtown. 

 

The best dish I make: Lasagna.  

 

My favorite place to take my grandchildren: The shore ... Ocean City, N.J. 

 

The book currently on my nightstand: "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. 

 

My ideal weekend: Just staying at home with no schedule. 

 

I'm passionate about: People being kind and sensitive to each other, and taking care of each other.  

 

Exercise of choice: Walking.  

 

How I indulge: A pedicure every now and then. 

 

A surprising fact about me: Some of the music I listen to, like Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. 

 

Favorite TV shows: "Big Bang Theory" and "Law & Order." 

 

My best shortcut: I'm not really good at shortcuts. But I'm pretty good at shoving things into the closet when cleaning. 

 

The most influential person in my life: My mom 

 

Person I'd like to meet most: Matt Lauer (or just see him).  

 

Photo: Mom of the Month (center) stands with daughter and grandchildren (left to right) Meridith Eckroat, Maggie Eckroat, Claire Eckroat and expecting daughter Melissa Marschka.

Photo Credit: Justin Graybill/Sunday News