Nick and I are intentional about spending one on one time with each of our children.  Unfortunately it is difficult to make it happen on a regular basis because we seem to stay so busy.  However, when I do get quality time with one of them I savor it.  A couple Saturdays ago, Maddie got to choose what her and I would do together for the morning.  Her choice was breakfast at Cracker Barrel and a bike ride.   After we got home I journaled about our morning together and recorded some of my observations about my Maddie girl:

- She is the most extroverted child you will ever meet!!!  We knew all the people sitting around us at Cracker Barrel before the meal was over.  She played peek-a-boo with an 8 month old little boy sitting behind us and got to know his mother and grandmother too.  Then she initiated conversation with the elderly couple sitting beside us.  They were just passing through town and having a quick breakfast- I could give you lots more information about them and their grandchildren but I won’t bore you with the details.  And I can’t forget the four year old little girl who was sitting on the other side of us who was on a breakfast date with her daddy.  Her mom was running in a 5k that morning.  See I told you we knew everyone sitting around us!!

- Not only is she friendly but she is growing up sooo quickly.  She ordered her own pancakes with OJ and then asked the server for chocolate milk instead because she did not like the pulp in the OJ.  She put the napkin in her lap and used her knife to cut up HER OWN pancakes!  She even remembered to use her manners and said Please and thank you without me having to prompt her.

- She loves to be outside and she loves exercise.  Maddie has more energy than should be allowed for one kid.  I seriously make her run the cul-de-sac frequently in order to release some of her crazy energy!  She has been asking to go on a bike ride with me for months.    Every time Jacki and I would go practice for the triathlon she would want to go too.  I must say I did not think she would be able to bike that far but she proved me wrong.  We biked over three miles and she was able to keep up with me!  She said multiple times, “This is the best morning ever mom”.  The weather was perfect, there was a chill in the air and the sun was shining.  As we rode, she talked (big surprise I know) about how beautiful God’s creation is and even noticed huge rocks which she said looked like castles, trees that hung over the bike trail and all of the different birds.  At one point she actually broke into song singing, “It’s a beautiful day and I thank God for the weather.”

What a much needed morning for Maddie and I.   She can be a difficult child sometimes with her constant energy and strong personality.  This morning was a good reminder that she is growing into a lovely young lady so quickly.  I admire her love for life and her passion for people!  What a wonderful morning where I simply was able to enjoy my Maddie girl!