Life's a dance, you learn as you go.
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.
Don't worry 'bout what you don't know.
Life's a dance, you learn as you go.
This dance year was certainly a sweet one. Some dramatic moments, but overall such a sweet time! Our little ballet class was filled with school friends. They are the cutest little group. We enjoyed our time together and learned so much as we went. I even learned some things about myself by the time it was all over! Ha!
I am a little biased, but these sweet lion costumes were the cutest ever! They danced to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and they did an amazing job! The audience fell in love, and I cried through the whole thing!
So proud. And so relieved. The drama of the whole thing was a bit overwhelming for this mama, but I survived. And the JOY on Millie Janalee's face as she danced her little heart out...and did so to perfection...was all I needed! I wish I could bottle that up and hang onto it forever.
As all the mamas were busily getting our little lion princesses ready for the recital, I found myself choked up most of the time. Sneaking extra bobby pins in her hair, because heaven forbid any piece of her costume flop or fall! Spraying stray hairs back. And applying the last touch of Lipsense on those sweet little lips. Dance recitals are probably one of my favorite parts of having a girl. It was such a sweet time for us last year at her first recital, and I wanted to keep it sweet for Millie Janalee. You only have a preschool dancer for a very short time, and it just doesn't get any sweeter!
We had a rough dress rehearsal, so I sat in the audience praying she would be filled with joy from her sweet head down to her precious toes. And she was! Prayers work is what I can say about that! I sat in the audience with Russ, Smith, and my dad with tears in my eyes. I watched a large part of that sweet performance through the lens of my camera of course, but it was just as precious through that little hole.
I am thankful for my dad, who has endured more than his fair share of dance recitals in his lifetime! He was a great support for this stressed mama. Thank goodness he was there! He took us all out to eat dinner to celebrate and then we all went home and CRASHED!
One thing is for sure...the lion definitely slept that night! Ha! We are so proud of our tiny dancer! And we would have been just as proud if she hadn't danced a single step. I'm proud of her because she's mine. I'm proud of her because she knows what she wants and doesn't do anything just to appease others. I'm proud of her strong will. Because I know that if guided correctly, she will be unstoppable as she grows!
I had a sweet friend who posted recently about her own strong-willed daughter that "There are some children who are born into this world with the incredible life-gift of a strong will and an indomitable spirit. At 4 years old, she is persistent, confident, passionate, and bold. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her." That's my Millie Janalee also! Sometimes we need a reminder that a strong will is a gift! Difficult to parent at times, and hard for some to understand...but my greatest JOY to parent also!
God knew I needed her and she needed me. He knows what He's doing, and I do not question that for a second! So, I won't worry 'bout what I don't know. Life's a dance, and we learn as we go.
