In Case You Missed It . . .
We had what Serenity calls a “Saturday Game” this week, one of those moments when all the hard work of parenting (or just living in general) is put on display. It was the Christmas Dance Recital. And, let me tell you, it was a beautiful day! Here are the highlights:
1. Macy wasn’t officially in the dance recital, but she insisted on wearing a similar costume. Luckily we had a few extra tutus from which to choose, thanks to cousin Nola’s birthday party last month. I love the way Macy believes that when we do things we should do them together. And I love that she didn’t feel one bit out of place with her fluffy pink tutu on even though she only sat in the audience.
2. Claire and Ada danced with their classes to “Christmas Angels” by Michael W. Smith. It was a perfect fit of timeless music and charming choreography. I loved the way Ada kept her eyes on her beloved teacher so that she wouldn’t forget a single move. In the posed pictures after the show, she smiled with perfectly pointed toes and curved fingers. If I died tomorrow I could go to my grave confident that this girl was going to hold everybody together in my absence.
3. Jesse’s role as a toy soldier included a “fight” sequence. Waiting for the right beats to begin his charge, you could see him waving his little finger at his partner to make sure they started at the same time. True first born stuff right there. : ) When complimented on his work he replied, “You just have to count the beats.” It is that simple for him.
4. Claire danced a solo. It was just a tiny, one word moment, but it spoke volumes to this mama. The word was “glory” and the move was a simple turn, but for a girl with a twin sister already in Glory and an arm and a leg that make just standing difficult, this was a big deal. Most of all, I was so thankful for the teachers who love her so and celebrate the gift of her life. Her physical limitations make it difficult for her to mimic the moves perfectly (or even closely sometimes), but she still got to have a part just like her other classmates. As she made that spin and then stood patiently waiting for her cue to head back to the wings, I just kept thinking how far we’ve come from this season 7 years ago. Then she was a 3-pound preemie with a very uncertain future; what would I have given to have seen this moment?
I hope I can post some video for you later on, but I wanted you to have a chance to be there with me in the glory . . . in case you missed it. It was a gift of a day.
Glory, indeed. Sounds like a perfect day…and what a great photo of your kids. Macy, in particular, looks so much like you.
So many beautiful moments. I kept thinking about the Saturday game thing all weekend. We were at Saturday games with John and his basketball team, and I knew you and Dan were at one with your kiddos. I’m SO glad I got to see part of rehearsal. But I can’t wait to see the DVD.
I’m so sorry I missed the actual day, but you have brought me along beautifully. I’m pretty sure I cried as much over your post as I would have over the live performance.
Felicity,
THANK YOU! for being grateful for the glory, and sharing it with all of us so eloquently.
tears…GLORY!
Even the view from the kitchen was glory! Hallelujah…
What a beautiful picture you’ve painted with your words! The word “glory” now has a deeper meaning for me! And of course the whole post made me cry!
*tears* but good ones, thank you for sharing a slice of your glory with us =)
Ooh I lived for my dance recitals as a little girl! Looking back now, I always wonder what my mother thought of waiting and hours and hours for my few minutes of (group) fame.
I hope she felt a little bit like this. You’re an amazing mom.
I love that when I look at a picture of Macy I see your face.
Your kids are adorable, and this makes me ALMOST want to have kids. Almost. Maybe I just want to have your kids.
Anne – we could probably work something out. I’ll have my people get in touch with your people.