There are only a few times that I try to discourage conversations between myself and the kids or between the kids themselves.  One of those times is our weekly 15 minute drive to violin lessons at 7:10 on Friday mornings.  This can be a dangerous time to have anyone say anything.  

Such as last Friday, we made it in the car with 14 minutes before violin started and a 15 minute drive.  Immediately Ella found that the drawing she left in the car had been destroyed by someone's careless actions (normally I point out the occurrence as a natural consequence of the infraction of leaving your prized items in the car).  But seeing as how Ella is in fragile spirits on Friday mornings (like the time she refused to apologize to her brother for yelling at and hitting him, and called my bluff when I told her she could get in the car when she was ready to apologize(what are you going to do mom, leave me?).  I was forced to hold my head high and drive a few blocks away around the corner, as I tried to figure out how I could still keep my word.  We made it out of that one, but I try not to do anything that would slightly provoke her).  

"Madeline, you destroyed my nice portrait that I worked so hard on", Ella barked.

"I did not", Madeline indignantly denied, "I am INNOCENT".  

"You are GUILTY"  Ella yelled.

"No, I am innocent until proven guilty" the accused retorted.  

"You are to Guilty, if you aren't guilty, then spell guilty"  Ella set about proving her claim.

"G-U-I-L-Y"  

"Wrong" glee could not be contained.  "I knew you were guilty"  Ella exclaimed.

"Mom, Ella says I can't spell guilty.  Tell her you spell it G-U-I-L-Y."  (If there is anything that puts Madeline in a fragile mood, it's being out-spelled or out-mathed by her younger sister.)

I quickly considered whose wrath was more lethal that morning, and decided that I would honestly reply, despite the consequences, especially since we instilled the delightful consequence of running laps around our large yard when someone looses their temper.  

"Guilty is spelled G-U-I-L-T-Y", I replied matter-of-factly.

And as if the forgotten T proved the theory that Madeline had destroyed Ella's drawing, Madeline hung her head in shame, as Ella crowed, "I told you you were guilty".  

"OK Guys, let's talk about our plans for tonight", I tacitly changed the subject, and we survived another Friday morning, none the worse for wear.