OK That's NOT Funny!

This is Kelissa's portrait, a photogenic winning picture from a pageant that she was in last year and hangs right over her bed.

Isn't this nice!

It gets even better! The wall was covered in green marker as well as all the sheets, pillows, and comforter on Kelissa's bed. This all happened during a 20 minute phone conversation that I rarely ever get to have. When I discovered the marks on the wall my blood pressure only slightly elevated, when the bed was covered I got a little more agitated, but when I saw this gold embossed 11x14- no telling how much it cost- portrait my blood pressure went through the roof! Poor little Chi walked in the room about that time and I said, "CHI did you do this? And his immediate response was YEP!" Wrong answer! He immediately received the "rod of correction" and was sent to his room to cry it out. Well a little gloating Chloe then gave me suspicion to investigate further. I went and found Chi, questioned him further and of course now he blamed Chloe. So, I get them both in the room in front of the picture and started asking them who wrote on it. Both would instantly point to the other and say they did it. Well what do you do with two toddlers who are blaming the other and can barely talk? I was not going to let this go. I know as an older mother I am much more laid back than I was with my other children, but trust, honestly, and truthfulness is still top on my list. Telling lies in any way, shape, or form has always been strictly prohibited in our home and I have three credible children to show for it, so this was the teaching moment I could not let go of. After much blame from both parties, I had to spank them, and then proceed to finding out the truth. Did the guilty dog then fess up? NO! still the blame game. I was on to Chloe, though, because she still blamed Chi but she would point up instead of at him. After exhausting myself with begging the truth, we had to go for round two of spanking the two of them. Did I get a confession then? NO still the blame game! I am getting worried now about the conclusion of this teaching moment. How long can I spank both children for the guilt of one? Well here we go again, round three of this spanking party. Did I get a confession now? YES!!!!! I think it was probably the hardest thing she ever had to do, but Chloe admitted she did it! Yeah! I'm so proud of her. Her little heart just broke and she sobbed and sobbed! She hugged me and hugged Chi and said she was sorry and cried some more. Did I punish her? NO, I think she learned enough. All I wanted was the truth and getting it out of a toddler can be a tricky thing. As for Chi I think he learned a lot too. Don't ever admit to something you didn't do and don't get caught with the evidence all over you. They were both covered from head to toe in green marker! As for me, there will be no more tolerance for pointing to the other one every time a mess is made. Spanking my children nausiates me, and this particular episode about did me in. I hate to do it, but I know it's necessary at times.

Now I'm taking the portrait to the photographer to see if there is anything that can be done to save it. I'll let you know how it goes.