Treats at the Temple?

In the car today Emma asked if we get married in the church. I said some people get married in churches, but that I got married in a temple. She thought about it for a minute and then I told her I was married in the Portland Temple and asked her if she wanted to be married there. She is still quiet and thinking about this (if you know Emma, she is NEVER quiet). Finally, she says: "Well, mom, I am not sure. Lots of people get married in churches." I said, yes, they do. She then said: "Will there be treats in the temple?" Hmm.... "No, no treats in the temple, but you can go to a restaurant across the street afterwards, if you want a treat." At this point, she sighed in relief and said "yes, I want to get married in the temple too."

It is what makes you you...

On Friday after school Levi had a dental appointment. As I am getting kids into the car and ready for the appointment, my mom surprises us and knocks on the door. Not trying to be rude, I chatted for a bit before she hit the road but we really had to leave. When she was gone, I looked at the clock and it was less than 10 minutes till we had to be there. Well, we are frantically loading, I am shooing everyone, throwing purses, shoes, after school snacks, etc. into the car and we go on our way. I say, after we are all buckled and the engine is running with a sigh: "Just imagine a time where we are not rushed to an appointment or activity." And Levi says, "Mom, it is cute. it is what makes you you. We will always look back and remember you saying 'hurry up guys, get in the car'." It made me laugh at the moment, but that is certainly NOT what I want my kids remembering about me. Rarely do we just chill as we casually get in the car and casually arrive at any activity, we pretty much always do so half hazardly as we run from one thing to the next to the next to the next... We are just a little overscheduled, or things seem to come up last minute. I guess as long as he looks back on it fondly, it won't be too bad. Right?? :)

Defiance

(Emma and her cousin Ashley at Out of this World Pizza yesterday for her bday)

Help! I am running out of patience with my adorably defiant FOUR year old. I never dreamed her strong-willed, stubborn-extraordinaire personality would extend beyond the three's. Okay, so she turns four tomorrow...I will give her a few days to transform into a mild, well-behaved four year old.

Today at church, my sweet little thing adamantly refused to go into sunbeams. "It is boring" she says...out loud...to the teacher...who, I might add, MIGHT just be the sweetest, most creative, wonderful teacher to walk the earth. How can she be my child? Seriously, I am a person who gets myself into trouble b/c I am terrified of offending anyone. I am a people pleaser. Emma is NOT. To illustrate, we will go back to my blessed Sunday morning. I finally peel her off my skirt (I am the primary chorister teaching music in the front of the room with a 4 year old leech stuck to my leg) but she won't sit in her chair b/c she doesn't want to sit by anyone. At one point, I peer over my music stand to see her sprawled on the floor. After plunking her (forcefully) back into her chair, I turn around to tears and near tantrums. THEN, the counselor in the primary tries to take her to class (b/c clearly peeling her off of me wasn't working very well in singing time, let alone to get her to class) and she openly rebels! My tomorrow- is-going- to- be- a -four- year old child threw a tantrum IN THE HALL!! IN THE CHURCH! I really might die of mortification.

Luckily, the counselor got Spencer (as I might have just started to cry in the hall with her) who quickly plunked her in her carseat, where she and he remained for the remaining HOUR of church. We are really good parents, right? :)

I am sure the rest of the blogger moms out there have perfectly behaved almost four year olds, ESPECIALLY at church, so I'd love some advice. How can I get my sweet as sugar (but only when she wants to be) child go to Sunbeams? I am perfectly open to bribary, threats, and punishment, just give me some ideas!