Overheard at the Turner House

Our house is a disaster. We've both been so busy lately that cleaning house just hasn't been a priority.

So, it's Saturday -- what is usually known as "Chore Day" around our house. Time to catch up on laundry and dishes and bathrooms and mopping and all that. Except, Anabel (my five-year-old) has been invited to a birthday party at the polo fields. If you've ever seen her face light up at the mere mention of horses, you'll know that there's no way we're going to keep her from this party. It'll be the highlight of her month.

All that sets up this wonderful exchange between my wife and my two oldest daughters.

Jill: Girls, tomorrow we're going to get up and eat breakfast, then do you know what we're going to do?

Anabel: Go to the party!

Eliza: Anabel's going to a party with horses!

Jill: Right, but your rooms are such a mess. What can we do about that?

Anabel: Do you mean after the party?

Jill: No, I mean before the party. What could we do about your rooms before the party?

Eliza: Well, you could change your attitude, Mommy.