I've Totally Got This, Mom.

My baby is growing up. With him being nearly 3-1/2, I decided it was about time for his first visit to the dentist. I wanted it to be a positive experience for him because I HATED the dentist as a kid. Never once did I go without needing work of some kind or another.
To prepare him for the experience, having never been to a dentist's office before, the day of his visit I had him watch a few educational videos I found on YouTube. After we watched the videos I asked if he had any questions, and he said no. I asked if he was going to be a big boy, and he said, "Yep." To be prepared, I asked if he wanted to bring Teddy with him, and he did. Once we got to the dentist's office and were getting out of the car, I reminded him he could bring Teddy if he wanted, and he said, "No, Mom, I'm gonna leave Teddy in the car and just be a big boy." Ok, I thought, and told him he was very big.

You would have thought Coop had visited the dentist 1000 times before. He sat right in the chair, chatted with the nurse and the hygenist like they were old friends, opened his mouth when asked, wasn't afraid of anything, and was totally chill, laid back, and cooperative, even with the flouride trays. To top it off, he had no cavities, and was SUPER excited to get his own floss and a prize. The whole team at the dentist's office couldn't believe how great he was, especially at only 3 years old. I was pleased myself. Clearly my baby is making another step toward growing up and being independent, in more ways than one.
Here's the cavity-free kid.

A Special Opportunity

Let me begin this post by not apologizing, but just saying that I do occasionally like to blog about my religion and spiritual feelings, and since this is my personal blog, that's what I'm gonna do.  That said, I know many of my readers are not of my same faith, so I hope that you don't mind.  My Mom recently shared some thoughts like this with our family, and in discussing that with her, I decided to go ahead and blog about this, since these are experiences, thoughts, and feelings I'd like to share with my family and friends as well.

The weekend of Feb 9th-10th was Stake Conference for our ward.  In Mormon lingo a "ward" is the local congregation of around 80-100 families, a "stake" is a group of wards geographically located close to one another, usually comprised of 5-8 wards.  The stake meets twice a year for a worship meeting where we get to hear from our Stake President and his counselors, as well as various leaders and members, male and female, of our stake.

Anyway, this Stake Conference was special for us because rather than having just the usual speakers, we had several prominent church leaders come to speak--Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and M. Keith Giddens our Area Authority Seventy.  If you're interested in knowing more about Russell M. Nelson, you can follow the link above.  Having an Apostle of the Lord come to speak in person to our stake is a unique thing because usually when we hear an Apostle speak, they broadcast a video conference from Salt Lake City, UT, or they come in person, and we have a multi-stake event.  But this time it was just our stake, approximately 2,000 individuals who got to hear and see an Apostle in person.  I can count on one hand the number of times in my lifetime that I've seen an apostle or prophet of the Lord in person, so I was excited and anticipating this for weeks.  It wasn't seeing these leaders in person, although there is a little bit of a celebrity status, I was excited to hear what they had to share with us

We couldn't find a babysitter for the Saturday night adult session, and so we took Cooper with us and sat in an overflow room where they had audio and video set up for the next day.  We were the only ones in that room, and Cooper was past bedtime and crazy, so it was hard to listen to the speakers that night.  The one thing I was able to take notes about was Elder Nelson talking about the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect, as the scriptures say, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).  He explained this scripture using the Greek word for perfect "telios," which direct translationia to be perfected, or in the distance. Rayher than thinking we have to be perfect all at once, the Lord has asked us to work toward being perfected, "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little" just as the scriptures say. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is what provides us the means to be perfected over time, as we repent and strive to be a little better each day.

The Sunday session of the conference was uplifting.  There were many good speakers from male and female members of our stake, but with Cooper acting out during the 2-hour meeting, I didn't take notes except for the three most poignant speakers.  Our Stake President, Ladd Hall, spoke about establishing your own "personal righteous behavior."  He said that when obedience to God's laws no longer becomes an irritant, in that moment you are endowed with power from on high.  That really struck me, especially thinking about not major things, but the small things, like patience in parenting.  Parenting in a way pleasing to the Lord (i.e. not yelling at kids), is a hard thing for me as Cooper has gotten older.  But in those moments when I have more patience, and stop and occasionally pray for help, I do feel the inspiration and guidance from the Lord.  How many other aspects of my life could be improved in small increments like that?  Reminds me of that scripture that says that by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass.  President Hall also quoted Yoda from Star Wars, who said, "Do or do not; there is no try."  There is a lot of wisdom in those words.  President Hall also challenged us to be knowledgeable about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Keith Giddens of the Seventy spoke about two words: submit and surrender.  He said you can read thousands of self-help books and books on business and success, and not once will you find those two words. However, the scriptures are full of examples of how submitting and surrendering to the will of the Lord will bring blessings and successes far beyond what we could attain on our own.  These two words have to do with the sanctification process.  Paul said he was given a thorn in the flesh, and he asked the Lord to remove it three times.  The Lord responded, "My grace is sufficient for thee."  We should find strength in turning to the Lord for help in overcoming weaknesses.  We need to humble and submit ourselves to the Lord for weaknesses to become strengths.

Lastly, we were blessed to hear from Elder Russel M. Nelson again.  To begin his talk, he said he'd met with and heard from all members of the stake from all ages and auxiliaries, but hadn't heard from the Primary children yet (children ages 3-12).  He asked all the children to stand up on their chairs and sing "I am a Child of God."  I was SO disappointed that moments before Cooper had decided to throw a fit about something, and Nate had taken him out of the room.  I ran to the hall, since we were sitting right by the door, frantically looking for them, but couldn't find them.  Currently serving in the Primary presidency in my ward, I didn't want to miss it, so I went back in the meeting as the children started singing.  It was so sweet to hear their little voices singing:

I am a child of God, and He has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday.

The spirit was so strong as they sang, and by the time they were done with that little verse, tears were streaming down my face.  I felt the magnitude of the responsibility I have as a parent and a Primary leader to teach these children about their Savior and God's plan of happiness for us.  Elder Nelson admonished parents to teach the children the significance of being a literal spirit child of God, and the significance of Sacrament ordinances we partake of each week at church, and how that is part of the blessings of the Atonement.

Elder Nelson spoke about some other things, but it was my turn to entertain/wrestle our restless son, and so I didn't get to take notes on those.  The last thing I took notes about was the special apostolic blessing he left upon our stake.  He said to feast upon the words of Christ, and those of your friends and family not of our faith will be attracted to you.  He promised that if we read and study the scriptures daily, the church membership in the Charlotte area would grow in an unprecedented way. He promised there will be many stakes in Charlotte yet to come, and temples will be made available closer to us.  He left a special blessing upon those in the stake who are sick.  He blessed us with joy in service and joy in our homes.  He admonished our husbands to be kind to their wives and children, and that it would bless generations to come.

It was quite an incredible meeting, and the spirit was so strong that I didn't want it to end.  It felt like I was in the temple, and I could feel my spirit being fed and uplifted by the spirit of the Lord.  I was so thankful to have this special opportunity to listen in person to a living apostle of the Lord.

Shopping and Nesting

Saturday morning was the morning of all the big consignment sales in our area, something I look forward to twice a year because I get to go SHOPPING for my kids (that is weird to say that in a plural form!), get a lot of needed stuff, and not spend much money.  It's fun to me to search to find good deals, and this time was no disappointment.

On top of finding a nearly new bike for Cooper (the ball bearings on his rusted through and seized up a few weeks ago, so we thought we'd find him a "new" one.  But more on that later when I get a picture of him on it.), I found enough clothes to finish outfitting the boys for the summer, found a Bumbo seat with a tray for $8.50, and a painting that fits perfectly with the boys room decor for $5.  For all pictured here, I only spent $60.  I LOVE these consignment sales where you can find good stuff in great condition for super cheap.

The spoils: 4 newborn size sleeper pjs for the baby to wear in the hospital and that first week or two home (I have a TON of 0-3 month, but wanted some special stuff for the hospital and such), 2 little 0-3 outfits for the baby for the summer, a shirt/shorts/hat outfit for 3-6 months, and a lined denim jacket for 3-6 months.  For Cooper: 5 shirts and 5 shorts, giving him another complete 5 summer outfits. Unfortunately it was all red, white, and blue, but at least it'll be easy to swap tops and bottoms to form other outfits.  I was excited about the Bumbo chair with tray (about a $50 new retail value) for only $8.50, since our "Bumbo" chair was a knock-off brand from a neighbor in Atlanta, and I could never find a tray to fit it, and it didn't hold Cooper like a Bumbo would.  This was on my list of "hopeful" items.  The painting for their room was a complete stroke of luck.

 This is my favorite outfit for the baby, and probably the one I'll bring him home from the hospital in.  Another of the sleepers has a matching hat.  Any bets that these hats will be too small for our little slugger?  But a girl can always hope.

 This was my second favorite find for the baby.  I'm a sucker for seer suckers and plaid.  The little cap was icing on top.

 My favorite outfit for Cooper--seer sucker again (little crabs!).  I can just see him wearing this on the 4th of July.

Shopping is something I really don't do much of any more, and this was so much fun!  I am so ready to get all the baby clothes washed and put in the room, the bedding washed and on, and baby stuff out, but I'm totally making myself wait until April is here.  Only another 3 weeks...I can do it.

Cooper's New "Dirt" Bike with a Flag

A few weeks ago the pedals on Cooper's bike seized up.  The ball bearings are rusted through, and completely shot.  With a big consignment sale coming up, I knew we'd find a replacement.  On the way to the sale, Cooper was excited, but very specific about the bike he wanted: a dirt bike with an American flag. I have no idea where he got this from, but he was ridiculously specific and insistent. We got to the sale, and Nate instantly spotted a bike his size for a great deal that looks nearly new, but Cooper was NOT happy. It didn't help that they had a John Deere kid size Gator (kinda like a mule or jeep) on sale right next to the bikes, bit WAY out of our budget. Coop had no interest in the non-American flag, non-dirt bike. I think he thought we were getting him a real motorcycle or something. Kinda funny. So we bought the bike Nate picked out.

Coop wasn't very happy about it until I pointed out the fenders like a real dirt bike has, and asked Nate if we could attach a flag to the back. Then it was like a light went on in his head, and Coop excitedly helped Dad tune up his new bike. The "American-ish" flag we attached is a tiny neon orange marking flag Nate had in his dog training stuff. Add a little duct tape, and voila: a dirt bike with a flag!

Cooper LOVES the fenders and riding his bike through mud and puddles (which we have an abundance of lately). I take him for a ride aroun the neighborhood nearly every day while I get a good walk. He loves his new bike. Here he is in a puddle on our ride this afternoon.

What Little Boys are Made Of

Yesterday afternoon Cooper rushed in the house from the backyard, shouting, "Mom, look, look!"  I looked up to see him grinning from ear to ear, holding a lizard he'd caught on the grass.  It took nearly all the self control I had (because I do not like to touch creepy crawlies of any sort, and was terrified it would get loose in the house) to calmly tell him how cool that was, but that lizards need to stay outside, not in the house.

He was so proud of his catch, and excited to have his picture taken with the lizard.  These little buggers are quick; I'm impressed he was able to catch one.  He held it for probably 10 minutes, before relenting to put it in his bug box so we could show Dad later.  I went back in the house, but just a few minutes later, I heard, "Mawwwwwwm!!!"  I rush back out to Coop in tears because the lizard got away.  He said he just wanted to take him for a ride in his toy dump truck, but the lizard only stayed in the truck for a second and then ran away.  Explaining why lizards don't like dump truck rides wasn't going so well, so I finally said the lizard missed his family and just wanted to go home.  That seemed a sufficient reason to Cooper for the lizard to dash off so quickly.

Busy, Busy

Today I was texting my Mom, and she asked me what I was up to today. I just about said, "Nothing, really," but then that wouldn't have been entirely accurate. As with all mothers, whether her children are young or old, my days are packed full with a rare occasion to sit and relax or do something I WANT to do. I'm doing this post not at all to complain or boast or anything like that. It's more for my own personal history so as a mother/woman I can look back and see how my day-to-day life has changed.
I was joking with my Mom about how stay-at-home mothers get a bad rap for just sitting around watching tv all day and eating bon bons. Hardly!
Today I: woke at 6:40 am, but have to admit I laid in bed until 7:15 dreading getting up for several reasons, one being that it's been MONTHS since I had a good night's sleep, and last night was pretty routine. Woke 3 times due to pregnancy-related issues (bathroom breaks, baby kicking, repositioning to get comfortabe), but unlike many nights, I was thankfully able to fall back asleep rather quickly. But I digress.
So out of bed at 7:15. Coop had climbed in our bed just before 7, and I got him up with me. I turned on an episode of Caillou for him and hopped in the shower, then made him breakfast and got us both ready for the day. Did a few morning dishes, then dashed out the door at 8:30 to go to baby doc appt. Had been fasting for my glucose test today, so I was hungry and not feeling well from drinking that awful sugary drink they make you drink on an empty stomach. Got stuck in school traffic, few minutes late to doc's office, rush to draw blood in time. After doc we headed to the store to purchase supplies for preschool, which I'm hosting/ teaching the next two days. Then to the grocery store for a few items. Then it was home for a bit, and I was feeling nearly comatose due to the drop in blood sugar from my morning test, despite the breakfast I'd packed and eaten at their office as soon as my blood was drawn. So once home after getting a snack for Cooper, folding a load of laundry and starting some more, putting away groceries, and picking up some toys, I let Coop finish his morning cartoon episode we'd stopped to get ready earlier (which had resulted in him crying and throwing a fit the rest of the time while getting ready to go), and I laid down on the couch to rest a minute. My pregnant self had been asleep 15 minutes and the doorbell rang. The furnacd repairman showed up unannounced to finish what they'd atarted a few days ago. So that was the end of my little break.
Made lunch for Coop and myself and we sat at the table to eat it--something I try to do most days. While eating I made a few phone calls for my church calling, sent a few emails, and confirmed a viaiting teaching appointment for tomorrow afternoon. Checked my email, did lunch dishes, another load of laundry and kitcen cleaning. Then realized I forgot to put a birthday card in the mail for one of the kids at church (part of my calling), so wrote the card, and then had to run it to a blue postbox a few streets over because I'd already missed the mailman (insert lugging 3 yr old in and out of car again. He was not too happy about it.). Back home did a little more house cleaning, then spent some time preparing a lesson and such for preschool tomorrow. By time Coop needed some attention, so I took 30 minutes and played with him, devoting my attention to him. We played bear hunting, t-rex, monster trucks, and tickling time. That was one of the highlights of my day.
Then we rushed to the public library to fet some story books for preschool this week, and then went straight to the recreatiok center where I dropped Coop at the childcare/ playroom while I rushed to my water aerobics class for an hour, which I was 5 minutes late for. That was my own hour, and also for the sake of my unborn child. Rushed home to make dinner, wgih I had prepped earlier, and Nate being the sweet husband he is, had seen in the fridge and had nearly ready when we walked in the door.
Family dinner at the table, then dishes, laundry, Cooper bath, Cooper stories and such, Cooper in bed. Me...crash on couch at 8 pm and finally have a minute to check emails and then blog from my phone. Once this is done, scripture study, watch some tv to unwind, and crash into bed at 10. That is my day. Makes me tired to repeat all this.
Everyone has busy days. When I was a working mother they were just as busy and exhausting. It's good to be busy and have a full life. I am so blessed to be able to do all this. I am so happy and content, but usually tired. Always so much to do, but I always say that if you're bored, it's your own fault. Me? Certainly NOT bored. I know when the baby is born things will be hard and different, but I look forward to slowing down a bit, being forced to, and just enjoying my children and family for awhile. Until then...go, go, go! :D
This picture was me and Coop playing today.

Swimming Lessons

Cooper has taken swimming lessons on and off all winter. He just graduated to the next class level "Preschool III" which is comprised of 3-1/2 to 5 yr olds. He's the youngest in his class, as he has been since he started swim lessons last fall, but the peer pressure from kids a little older seems to help him. Right now he is learning back float, front float with head above water, front float with head below water, how to kick and keep his feet in the water, how to use arm strokes to swim, and how to retrieve diving objects a few feet down.
He's not progressed yet on having his head totally submerged, but will quickly dip his face in and blow bubbles from his nose/mouth. He is very enthusiastic about swimming to the side by himself, as long as it's only a few feet distance. He absolutely refuses to try to retrieve diving toys, but is more interested if he can wear goggles.
I'm proud of Cooper's progress in learning to swim, since I am not a good swimmer myself. It's a skill I want all my children to have and be comfortable with.
Yesterday my Mom asked me to take a few pictures of Coop at swim lessons to share with her, so I thought I'd share here too.