Poop Balls

Dear Clara and Nora,

Picture this:  Two sisters playing nicely.  You each have a corner of the room where you've gathered books, pillows, blankets, and drinks to make yourself a cozy little home.  At first it's pure sister bliss.  As the game continues however, Clara, being the older sister, starts to get more demanding and bossy.  I can tell Nora's getting frustrated, but I choose to let the game progress in hopes that all will be well.  The two sisters start to get into an argument.  Clara rattles off some rather mean comments and hoping to retaliate Nora clenches her fists, grits her teeth and yells, "Well, you're a... a... big, big... POOP BALL!"

The phrase caught like wildfire in our tiny two bedroom abode.  Whenever there is name calling to be done, this is by far the name of choice.  I've tried to not make a big deal of it and in so doing I fear that the children think it's an acceptable name to yell out at someone in anger or frustration.  It's only a matter of time before I'm called a big ol' poop ball.

It's gotten so bad that the other night at family prayer it was Clara's turn and she prayed, "...and please bless us so that we can stop calling each other poop balls."  It was very hard to suppress the giggles.

It's growing on Papa and he wishes it could stay around, but it's not gonna happen.  I've resorted to giving gentle (or not so much) thumps to the mouth whenever someone says it.  I had to thump Papa's mouth the other night (all in good fun) because he said it.  I'm hoping Clara's prayer is granted soon.

Love, Mama