Punch him...

Yes, this was an actual quote that came from one of my children's mouth. I have to think back a few days to recount the incident. Monday, i believe it was. Ella, Jack and John are playing quietly upstairs in Ella's room while i feed Ben. It is so nice that they play together...or so i thought. Abruptly the silence come to an end as Ella comes running down the stairs "Momma, Jack punched John really hard in the face and it hurt him really bad". My only response was "what?". As Ella began to repeat herself, i see Jack stick his head around the corner. I interrupted Ella and asked Jack "did you hit John in the face?" Ella interjects "punched...he punched him". Jack replies "well, Ella told me too". As i look back and forth between Ella and Jack and they look at each other and me I think we were all a little confused. Who was i going to discipline and the kids were trying to figure out who was going to be in some big trouble. I get up and check on John and yes, much to my dismay, he has a big red fist print by his lip and nose. Jack was a pretty good shot. Nothing that i am proud of at this point. Anyway, John seemed to be fine so i turned my attention back to the two culprits. As i interrogate them, with a wooden paint stick in hand, i began to piece the story together. Ella is filling in the blanks and pauses to ask if she is going to be spanked with the wooden stick. :) Finally i think i have it. Here it is....Ella and Jack were cleaning Ella's room (yes, i was proud of that)and as they were making up her bed John entered the room. John quickly climbed onto the bed, I guess it was an attempt to get some attention. Ella and Jack both said that they asked him nicely to get off and he refused, nicely i am sure. At that point the queen bee ordered her "muscle" to punch him in the face. Yes, little Ella told Jack to "punch" John. Jack did as he was told. I guess after the shock of it all Ella decided she would tell on Jack and then he told on her too. I was at a loss. Contrary to what most of you might think, i didn't spank either one. I had a very stern talk with both of them and then they lost their quiet play time. When i was done they were both curled up on their beds crying. Looks like i am going to have to bring down the mafia living in my house. :) Another day, another surprise.