Tiny Dancer

Last Saturday, I joined about sixteen million other crazy moms, and took advantage of Oklahoma's tax-free weekend.  Big deal when you are school shopping and able to combine the tax-free offer with the mega-sales the stores have.   I ended up saving a pretty substantial pile of cash, and Blayne scored some great gear for his very first year of school.  Promise, this is a big deal, and I will no doubt be posting a sad/happy post.  However, this isn't about back to school shopping.

This is a post about a little trip to the cutest little shop on 71st street.

At this cute little shop... you buy things that come in packages like this:

Pink and Black :)

I can remember the day my parents sat me down on the couch and asked me if I wanted to take dance class.  We lived in Edna, in the school house a lot of my oldest friends remember.  I'm not sure why, but I was sitting on the arm and my dad was sitting on the cushion next to me.  My mom came into the room and said, "have you asked her yet?"  Dad said, "No.  Isn't this something you want to ask her?"  I was almost six years old.  I remember feeling a little bit scared.  

Mom asked me, "Jennifer, would you like to take dance lessons this year once you start school?"  I remember being SO SO SO excited.  Girls who took dance lessons got to wear pink skirts, and make up, and sparkles.  I couldn't jump up and down fast enough.  I jumped right into my daddy's arms and he laughed.  I remember him laughing like it was yesterday.  He laughed.

I remember the first year we danced to the Pink Panther theme, and Jean Ann taught me how to turn cartwheels.  When it came time for recital, the make-up was caked on, and the stage was set.  I don't remember actually seeing anyone in the crowd because the lights were so bright, but I do remember watching my beautiful teacher dance.  She was one of my first heroes.  She dated my favorite uncle, she was beautiful, and so kind.  She allowed my friends and I to have extra candy, and she gave us hand-made gifts.  She hugged us so tightly, and she smelled so good.  Oh, and her dance attire, beautiful.  She even looked beautiful in sweat pants.  I loved her. 

A few years ago, cancer took her away from hundreds of little girls, let alone her own.  She was much to young, and my own daughter was cheated from being a student of hers.  I know Emileigh would have loved Jean Ann. 

When we moved to Bristow, Dance was one of the first things I told Kevin I would be enrolling Em-J into.  I hope and pray she loves it.  I don't care if she is amazing or funny. I just hope she falls in love with the music and the friendships she will make.  I am still very close with some of the girls I started dance class with in 198-something. ") 

I couldn't help but be a bit emotional when buying things like ballet shoes, tap shoes, and leotards.  

I can't wait to see my baby the first day :)  Growing up.  I know Jean Ann is smiling.

   

Aren't these shoes and leotards ADORABLE?!? Small so small :)