The Rules

As my children get older, I'm finding that people actually listen to the things I say flippantly.  Although perhaps, there are only two such people (small ones, who live in my house) in the world and they happen to absorb 95% of the nonsense I spout (as opposed to my husband who resides in the inverse of this equation).  On occasion, I'm surprised when they remind me of my stupidity (all the rest of the time, I don't even listen to myself).

Today's conversation:

Eli:  Do I have to change my clothes?
Me:  Um, let me think.  We are going to Grandma's and we were there yesterday, so yes.
Eli:   But why?
Me:  Well son, the key to wearing the same clothes day after day is choosing a location where you don't see the same people.  Yesterday we saw Grandma.  If we go back there today, she is going to yell at Mommy for not making you change your clothes.  And even though it is a Lazy Saturday, she is going to tell you that you're dirty.  
Eli:  What about this snake shirt I'm wearing under my sweatshirt, she didn't see that.
Me:  Well, you wore it yesterday, slept in it, and are still wearing it today.  You might as well change that too.
Eli:  But you said we have three days before we start to smell.
Me:  Did I say that?  Hmm.  I guess you are right.  You can wear it again today.

In my own defense, I believe the "Three Day Stink" conversation came up on a holiday when it was three hours past bedtime and Mr. Rules was freaking out about it being bath day.  Desperation to get your kids to bed trumps desperation to get them clean.  I may also apply this rule to myself... just in case any of you happened to see me wafting around the mall on Black Friday.