Ballet and Tea Parties!!

Ballet recital weekend is always a very special time for me. I remember most of the 18 years I spent preparing for them every Spring, as well. Watching the girls practice, help one another with pointed toes and wake up with pure excitement about being on the stage together, makes the day almost perfect for me! This year, at least for the girls, was a little more meaningful. I have been going to the adult ballet this year for exercise and just because I enjoy the time away to worship my Savior in the way He created me to do so. It has be wonderful (besides that fact that I am really the only "true" adult in the class...not sure 18-19 really counts and especially when I am the only one to have birthed children, not to mention three, and I am still trying to get my joints to "turn out" after a long 12 year break). Yes, it has been 12 years since I danced on a stage at the Miss Georgia pageant my freshman year of college. However, it was every bit as rewarding seeing how proud the girls were about the weekend. Daddy ran a race that morning so he was out of the house. I woke up to see the girls were up early planning a tea party in my honor. It was precious. Anna Grace has learned from Mimi that no special day can pass by without a cup of tea (or a tea pot, actually!) They picked flowers, made a banner and had the table set. They just needed my help with the food. It was so sweet to my soul to see how excited they were over the day when we all three would share the stage to offer our worship toward the Heavens.

This is the banner Anna Grace taped up by my chair on the deck for the tea party!

"Mommy's first day as a grown up ballerina!"

Anna Grace, you served us all tea and, Ailee, you were in charge of the flowers, I think. And, even little Adelynn had a spot at our table.

You both danced so beautifully and we were all extremely proud of you both!

Anna Grace has been dancing at Steps of Faith for 4 years now and it seems that each year she has ended a dance like the shot above. I am so pleased with how wonderful the studio is as teaching the girls God's word and helping them remember where their talents come from and why they are dancing! (AG is the front right end)

And, I also cherish the devotions and prayer that follow each practice and performance. What a wonderful weekend Mommy will always remember! Thanks for the precious memories!