Girl Time

I've been missing this girl lately.  

This wonderful young lady who has worked so, so hard in school this year.  Who helps me with things around the house; who is the best big sister ever.   This fabulous girl who volunteers to teach her Sunday school class when her teacher can't be there and gets up early each morning to read before anyone else can bother her. 

She is so patient with me and with the fact that sometimes I have to spend more time meeting Kinley and Cooper's needs than hers.   I suppose that is part of being the oldest and growing up.  But sometimes it still makes me feel like crap. 

So I wanted to spend some uninterrupted time with her.   Time that was as much for me as it was for her.   Time to do all the things she loves to do but rarely, if ever, asks to do. 

Today I surprised her by letting her miss school.   I had to clear it with her first because I wasn't sure she would agree to it.  She LOVES school.  But she thought that a day together would be great.  I'm sure some people would not and do not agree with my tactic.  I don't condone it, but for us, right now, it was the best chance we had for a few special hours alone amid crazy schedules.  

So we set out early this morning for shopping, lunch at Mckenna's favorite spot and ended the day with a mani/pedi.  

It was a precious day that I will treasure.  We talked about school and friends, Harry Potter, church and why God allows us to suffer.   She has such a special heart and I'm so glad that we had a chance to connect and talk before the busyness of the end of school year activities begin taking over.  She is definitely not a little girl any longer and that both breaks my heart and makes me proud at the same time.   It is really pretty cool to sit and have an in depth conversation with your daughter.  Very cool. 

I love you so much, McKenna.   Today was awesome and I can't wait to do it again. Maybe next time without missing school!