an exchange between the Ouiser women.

S got in trouble for not listening this morning. It wasn't anything big at all. I went into the basement to start some laundry, and she asked to come with me. I told her no...that I would be right back and that she could come with me when I put the laundry into the dryer. She came downstairs anyway. When I asked her what the consequence should be for disobeying, she said, "maybe I can never come back into the basement ever, ever again." I said no to that one because she might remember it when she's 15 and I want her to help with the laundry. I told her that the consequence would be that she couldn't have any sweet treats today. Usually she gets one sweet thing per day. Graham crackers. A popsicle. Ice cream. A piece of chocolate for dessert.

Fast forward to five minutes ago. It's rest time, so she's hanging out in the big chair watching Clifford.

Little Ouiser: "Mom, can I have a popsicle?"

Ouiser (while eating a banana): "No. Remember when you didn't listen to me this morning? No sweet treats today."

Little Ouiser: "Oh, yeah. Well, can I have a banana? It's not a treat."

Ouiser: "All food is a treat.*"

Little Ouiser: "Not tomatoes."

End Scene.

I guess the girl doesn't like tomatoes.

*This was a pathetic attempt to teach her that food, while a necessity, shouldn't be taken for granted. Especially not the super good stuff that she gets. There are people all over the world who would think that getting a fresh banana everyday was the absolute bee's knees. No lesson was taught, however, because she threw me for a loop with the tomato comment. All I wanted to do was laugh.