She's still our little girl

Carlisle, the ballerina, had her end of the year recital.

All FOUR of her Grandparents came to watch.

Brian, the great, somehow scored with 2nd row seats. The whole place was packed and we rolled in on the 2nd row. Still not sure how he worked that out, but I didn't ask. I just dug our rockstar seats.

I had my big, juicy camera in my lap and didn't snap a picture. I simply drank it all in.

Like a cup of steaming coffee.

The lights, the music, their tiny tutus, the sound of their tap shoes, her sweet face.

She's four now.

She makes pancakes all by herself (minus the pouring the batter into the pan), she gets dressed all by herself, she reminds me everyday that she is, in fact, 'a big girl'.

So to see her up there, looking so very, very small was a relief. Brian said it best when he saw the show.

He said the perspective of seeing her from a far gave him relief....she is still a little girl.

Encouraging the Mommy

I got this email from one of my most favorite women in my life. She has 6 children, loves the Lord, adores her husband and her children think she hung the moon. When she says something, I listen. Here is an exerpt from a recent email that she sent to encourage me as Carlisle becomes more and more independent ...and challenging.

I told her that lots and lots of Moms read my blog. And asked if I could share it with y'all. She was so humbled and said yes. Read on. It is just what I needed. I know you will feel the same.

Jennie, It IS hard when our little innocent, sweet ones become REAL! Know that all these changes are normal and they come with "growing up". Now is the time to truly hold the bridle firmly because our little wild ponies want to become independent and run free. They so desperately need boundaries, and even though they may fight them, they feel so much safer and happier when the bounderies are consistently there. Remember, they have been entrusted in our care for a while. We have the privilege to be used by the Almighty to train them and prepare them to be whom God has created them to be, yes, be FREE!! Although it is the most wonderful privilege to be a parent, and I truly would not exchange it for anything else in life, it also IS the hardest job ever. At times we moms need to remind ourselves that parenting is a hard, very mysterious and ever-changing responsibility. You see, we moms somehow find ourselves in the GYMNASIUM of life. It is plain hard work to be the trainer, the coach. We find ourselves dripping with sweat, sore muscles and plain exhaustion. The rewards, as you well know from being a professional trainer, yes, the rewards from being disciplined with working out physically, and consistently are priceless. Aren't you glad that we are not alone? The Almighty, Creator of the Universe is on our side, helping us, guiding us, giving us wisdom when we ask. Aren't you glad that our children are also so incredibly forgiving? How many times when I have blown it, I have humbly asked them to please forgive me. You know, they are always eager to forgive me without any hesitation. Be encouraged! You are a wonderful mamma, involved in the lives of your little girls and your two precious little ones know that you deeply love them and are committed to them. Keep up the good work.

The Ballerina

I began dancing at three years old. My twin sister Julie and I. I don't remember my first day. But I bet my Mom does. I don't remember what I wore. But I bet my Mom does. We danced at Dee Crump when we were tiny, then Southern Strut all through school. We did ballet, tap, jazz. We competed. We preformed for 1000s and 1000s all over the country. We both loved it. Simply, it was a life changer. Then at the College of Charleston, I became a Cougarette! Over the years, Julie and I danced with girls who have gone on to be in MTV videos, backup dancers for Britney Spears, dancers on cruise ships, Rockettes, dance teachers and even AEROBICS INSTRUCTORS. :)

Me as a Cougarette!

(this is a picture of a picture-bad quality.)Carlisle has been wearing these sparkly red shoes EVERYDAY. EVERYDAY. Did I say EVERYDAY? To the gym, to the store, with her dresses, with jeans, EVERYDAY.

I love them too. And I dig her since of style. She took them off today. For ballet shoes. . .
In our home, we dance. Sometimes to Lionel Richie, sometimes to the songs on one of Evelyn’s toys, ALWAYS to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Strangely today at the dance studio, Carlisle shed a few tears. I don’t know exactly why. But she did keep asking me to go with her. I think she thought I was going to be IN her class. Maybe it’s because she has bopped into a couple of my aerobics classes and we have danced together. Or maybe because Brian and I have been her only dance partners.

I was amazed today at how tiny Carlisle looked. And also, how much she's grown up. There in the room with the teacher. Waiting for instructions. Tapping her little toe. Holding her arms out. I was so happy. It's AS exciting to WATCH a dancer, as to BE a dancer. (Mom, I never knew.)

Maybe this will be something that she enjoys and does for the rest of her life, like me. Or maybe not. But today, I was thrilled to watch her spin, tap, learn and DANCE. This was the first day of her dance career. No matter where it takes her.

Home from work hours early, literally standing on the seat for a better look of his baby girl.