Conversations with Cooper

I have some fun family photos to post of our Fall Break but I wanted to write this down before it fades away:

We have been talking a lot about being careful with our money lately. Kids are funny. They have selective listening. I can't blame them really, I do too. Cooper must have had his ear open to these money conversations. We were sharing some of his clothes that are too small with a friend and Cooper asked what they would do with them if the clothes didn't fit them either. I said that they could give them to the D.I. Cooper asked what that was.

Mom: It is a place where we can take our clothing that is too small, our shoes that we have outgrown, our toys and furniture and other things that we no longer use. Then the D.I. shares all of that stuff with those that don't have much money.

Cooper: So, like poor people?

Mom: Yes, most of the time it is with the poor.

Cooper (this time is wasn't in question form) : You mean like you and dad.

Mom: You got it kiddo!

Then at a very early morning hour (3:58 a.m. to be exact) I feel a tap, tap on my arm. It's Cooper. He doesn't pause to crawl into my bed and tells me that he had a nightmare. My rule is no kids in our bed EXCEPT when it comes to nightmares. Nobody should have to try to sooth themselves back to sleep after a nightmare. My mom never let me, even as a teenager, she would cuddle me until I was ready to make it through the night on my own. I replied to Cooper's declaration with 'Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?' Cooper didn't flinch, he was already fast asleep. We slept cuddled together for a while and then I woke and whispered to him 'Can I help you back to your bed now?' 'No thanks' was his sleepily response. Such a polite boy even in the depths of slumber! He was three sheets to the wind as they say ~
but even so he took his arm and laid it across my neck and gave me a couple of tender pats.

Sigh. . .