Dancing Sisters

It's time for the annual dance recital. I can hardly believe that this will be Cassie's 8thl!  Of course, each recital is special.  But, this year holds the extra excitement of being Lacey's first.  And, she has savored each step of the process.  The excitement began in January, when the girls were measured for costumes.  In April, after raising their right hands and vowing not to eat, drink play or sleep in their costumes until after the recital, they finally got to bring their costumes home. 
The real excitement began this weekend.  Saturday morning found me standing in line in the parking lot near the dance studio.  It was 8:00 a.m. and ticket sales were scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m.  Last year, I had joined the queue around 9:00 a.m. and stood in line for three hours.  I thought maybe by arriving earlier, I'd spend less time in line.  As soon as I found my place at the end of the line, I regretted telling Les that I didn't need a chair or a jacket.  The torrential downpours of the night before had left the ground soggy and dropped the temperature by about 15 degrees.  I plopped down on the curb and opened my book.  During the next four hours, I chatted with my new friends in line and listened to stories of folks who had arrived as early as 6:00 a.m.  Meanwhile, "helpers" made their way up and down the line shouting directions , "Cash or check only, 10 ticket limit per family!"  One kind soul offered to be a line holder for people who had to use the restroom.  By noon, I had four tickets clenched in my hand and was running for my car.

But, this was only the beginning.  Today, we had to make the early church service because this afternoon the girls had recital photos!!!  Lacey's group photo was scheduled for 12:40 p.m.  We raced through lunch and Cassie helped her into her costume.  With about 20 hairpins, I finally managed to get her hair into something resembling a bun.  Although I minimized her makeup - lipgloss only - I had  to wipe it off her cheek as we headed out the door.  Surprise!  The teacher had made a change to the schedule and Lacey was now supposed to be photographed at 4:10.

We returned home and I helped her out of the costume.  At 2:45, we began again, this time getting both girls ready.  We put glitter on eyelids and Cassie was treated to a little eyeliner.  Once again, I got Lacey's hair clamped down and sprayed.  We entered the studio, which by now was full.  Dance bags were flying and parents were fighting for a place to sit.  I gave Cassie a tissue to blot her lipstick and suddenly noticed that she looked like a raccoon.  Oh, why did I bother with eyeliner?  I fumbled for another tissue and began rubbing at her face.  Cassie chose that moment to let me know that her ballet shoes are too small.  Finally, Cassie's group photo was taken. Then, during the 30 minute wait for Lacey's class, I had to redo Lacey's hair twice.  I will admit that as we walked out the door I was starting to ask myself if it was really worth it.  Then, Cassie leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mom, I have the little sister I've always wanted."