A New Leaf?

Don't get me wrong: I love, love, LOVE Maddux's independent and crazy spirit. However, it can cause some frustration when it comes time to focus. Not that she can't focus when she wants to, but we struggle sometimes when others (namely Lehr or Nicole) want her to focus.

This has popped up most recently with activities. She loved gymnastics, but she often goofed around at least as much as she did what the teacher asked, and (just like at school), she has a tendency to take other students along for the ride. When it came time to sign her up again, I declined and then told her why. We had a few serious talks about what was expected at certain lessons or practices. That doesn't mean she can't have fun with them, but when it's time to listen and/or follow directions, she's gotta get with the program. Since we still have a month or two before soccer starts again, I opted to get the kids back in the pool, as we usually do this time of year. Just to remember how to use our arms and legs to keep us afloat. Maddux knew what was expected of her before this lesson and boy did she deliver. She was amazing: listening, following every instruction, and not causing any disruptions. She still had a smile on her face, she still laughed and enjoyed her time, but she was a focused girl!! Amazing.

Yesterday she showed us another level of maturity that we didn't expect. For a few years now, Eli has accompanied Lehr to music rehearsals at church. He will usually sit right next to the drum set and read or listen or play along quietly. We haven't let Maddux do this yet because, well...she can't seem to sit still. And if Lehr is in rehearsal, he can't chase her around the church, or even around the auditorium. This Sunday we took a chance and let her go to church early with him, as she requested. Another amazing display of self-control and obedience. She sat in the SAME chair the whole hour of rehearsal and colored, read, and watched. The girl is growing up!!