Starting

I love my 13 year old lithe ballerina! I have often wondered over the years if she truly came out of my body--I was a HUGE tomboy wanting to play football but settling for years and years of soccer. Sarah Katherine played one season when she was 4 but only if I would allow her to wear a dress smocked with soccer balls and big green bow. I love to watch her dance--the grace and movement brings tears to my eyes everytime and I relish watching her lose herself in her love of dance. She's not me; doesn't enjoy traditional sports (cringes at the thought), and that is fine with me. The boys talk to me about whether they are starters, was I a starter, etc. I fully recognize these are not conversations I will ever have with Sarah Katherine.

Tuesday afternoon Sarah Katherine had her first academic bowl meet. I went to the school to give her a snack before leaving for an interview. I hugged her and wished her well. She leaned up into my ear and whispered, "Hey Mom, I'm on the starting team!"

So Much to Say

I have always said it pays to have a good relationship with receptionists whether at school, the doctor's office or as I now know--ballet. Miss Ashley as we affectionally call her, really does love my girls. She's so kind and relates to all ages so well. Last Thursday she pulled me aside to say, "between you, me and this desk, Caroline's teacher is very frustrated with her. She's talking non stop in class and stirring the other children up." It should be said, I was not surprised. So, Saturday class comes and I tell Caroline I'm going to wait in the lobby for the hour and if she misbehaves she is going to be sent out. "Caroline", I firmly say, "you cannot chat through class. It is disruptive and you are there to learn." She looks up at me with those big blue eyes and responds, "Mommy, I just have so much to say."