Little Buddy called about 7 p.m. for her daily chat. While we were talking, I asked her what Big Sissy was doing....

"WELL," she stated in her most authoritative four-year-old voice, "she is supposed to be loading the dishwasher, but she DIDN'T LISTEN, so Mom is doing it; and Mom is NOT happy!!"

"Sissy doesn't always listen or do what she is told, does she? Then she gets in trouble. She needs to listen to what Mom tells her to do."

"I know! She doesn't listen to her teacher either."

"I hope she gets better at listening to Mom, Dad, and her teacher," I replied. "I don't like it when she gets into trouble."

"And to me!" Little Buddy retorted.

"Well, I don't know that she has to listen to you. It is really important that she listen to what grown-ups tell her though."

"I just meant if I was in the bed all day with the flu, and I needed something."

"In that case, it would be good for her to help you. She's a pretty good Big Sissy most of the time, isn't she?"

With that, Little Buddy stated, "I have to go now, Nena. I love you. Bye. When she's through--she's through!!

Isn't it amazing what those little ears pick up!