Lemonade Stand

"LEMONAAAAAAADE!" could be heard throughout the neighborhood.

I have been studying personality types again and recently stumbled across a book on my shelf called MotherStyles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strengths. My favorite part of the book helps you type your spouse and children and then shows you how your family's differences and similarities will manifest as you grow together and how to better handle them. I must admit that Olivia and I are exact opposites in 3 of the 4 areas which is baffling in itself. I naturally assume I know what she is thinking and feeling because I am her Mommy and who better to understand her but in all reality, I can't say that I do. I don't always know her preferences let alone her heart! Only she can know that and part of our relationship needs to be me helping her communicate those differences in a respectful, honoring manner. 

I posted this thought with the lemonade stand pictures because it is a perfect example of our differences. Olivia can imagine nothing better than to sit outside for hours, drawing attention to herself in hopes of getting to meet new people and chat with old neighbors. And did she? You betcha! After running out of lemonade she finally came inside...energized. I can't think of anything that would drain me more. Drawing attention to myself in anyway is terrifying let alone chit chat with strangers. She has definitely had a positive affect on me though, pulling me into conversations I would never have engaged in on my own. And I love to see the smiles she causes on others' faces. But truly, I am sooo glad her Daddy shares her extroversion and that, more often than not, I can stand in the shadows and watch them shine.