June has been a busy month (which month isn't, really?)!
M2 had a lot going on. She started the month with her ballet exams. My girls love their jazz and acro routines but there is something special about ballet that I can't explain. They are so graceful yet their bodies are so strong. Their muscles defined and the power they have in their jumps and turns always puts a huge smile on me. I feel that the time and effort (and money) we put in this extra-curricular activity really does pay off in so many ways.
Next she switched focused to track & field finals. Last year she did high jump and did very well and she was looking forward to it again this year. She went to all the early morning practices and it paid off. She was first in her age group at school and got to represent it at Area finals which she also placed first in. Then it was off to Regional finals. Last year she placed third in Regionals and although she didn't fare as good this year she beat her own personal best.
Early in May we had sent in a video audition of her dance routine for a local talent contest. To our surprise she was one of 15 finalists invited to the live audition in mid-June. We only had a week's notice and so for that week we were busy scheduling in some practice time. I have to admit I was a nervous wreck. I hope my daughter didn't notice it. I was nervous for my child - I didn't know how she would handle the pressure of an open audition talent show. There were a lot of unexpected variables and I wasn't sure how my 10 year old would deal with them. For example, the stage was a lot smaller than what she was accustomed to, she was one of the last performers and didn't take the stage until 10pm, and her competitors were of all ages and vocalists & instrumentalists - a lot different from the dance competitions she's used to. But you know what? She held her own! She didn't win, but she gave an excellent performance. She was gracious, she was proud of her achievement, and she was happy! What more could I ask for?
Once again my children surprise me. I am so busy with our daily routines that I don't notice how much my children are growing up. Only when a special event, a new challenge or a new experience comes along do I notice that they can do a lot more than I thought or expected. It is those times I can reflex and bask in knowing that the Big Oh & I are doing a good job and our kids will be OK.
Y.C.
