Today Evelynn committed a Federal crime. She opened a package that came to our house for the previous occupants, and then lied and tried to pin the crime on her sister. She got in big trouble (because I don't let federal crimes off easily): she lost all her allowance and got a big timeout. Then we talked about why it's wrong to open mail that doesn't belong to us, and talked about lying and how it makes Heavenly Father sad and mommy sad when she lies. I don't know how much sunk in, but she said she was sorry and went on her merry way. These are times I don't like being a mom. First because I have to punish my kids, and second because it seems like I'm not being a good mom because they don't seem to learn the important lessons I'm trying to teach them (aka, don't commit crimes and don't lie to your mom and try to blame it on your sister). But just now I looked out the window. My girls and the neighbor girl went streaking past, huge smiles on their faces as they ran through the sprinkler on their way to the trampoline. Their simple joy made me smile, and it made the love them all over again. And that's why I love being a mom.
Aw, well, as far as federal crimes go, that one's pretty light (at least when committed by a 5-yr-old). I mean, it isn't like she was counterfeiting money to scam people, right? :D
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