Ellie Ruth's Logic

Me: Ellie Ruth, how did Gray get black marker all over his ear?
ER: I don't know.
Me: Don't tell me a story. You were coloring, and you were playing with Gray. He is not big enough to get a marker or open it. Did you color your brother's ear?
ER: I thought he wanted to be black.
Me: You should never color on your brother. (With as stern a face as I could muster after having to already turn my back to her to compose myself. I mean, who envisions himself saying anything like that even aloud).
ER: It was an accident.
Me: It was not an accident. You said you thought he wanted to be black. That means you did it on purpose.
ER: I don't want a spanking.
Me: Go to your room and we'll talk in a minute.

Now, she's crying like crazy. She makes me laugh. If she only knew how funny I actually thought it was she wouldn't be crying!