Proof that they're really listening!

I am an overly talkative mother. Since I am talkative, I can certainly go on and on about this and my many other failings as a mother, but anyway this is a big one. Nevertheless, today, for the first time, I discovered that when I'm consistent about something, even though they keep testing, they actually notice if the testing fails to produce the desired result (doesn't keep 'em from trying)! The great proof:

Naomi, being horrible and whiny and spitting and pushing like a wild animal...

Mom: Naomi, go downstairs and stay in your room until you can come up and act like a normal person.

Naomi: If you make me do that, I'll be even worse!

Ezra: Nay-ohhhh-mi, that doesn't work! I always try that, and it never works! (notices my mouth-dropped-open stare, smiles sheepishly, but it was too late. I gotcha, little guy! Shouldn't have given away your hand.... :-)