A ballerina

London has been in ballet all year and last Saturday was the big day--recital day! All our family came into town to watch our girl do her thing! But a few months ago, the ballet moms received an email asking if we would be interested in being back stage. We could help our daughter's get ready, change costumes, and help out! I emailed back and said, "Yes! Sign me up!" I would love to help London get changed and hang out back stage! A few weeks after I sent that email, we got another email about a meeting that we needed to attend. I thought, "A meeting? To talk about what? How to help change outfits??" Well, I went to the meeting. I was informed that I would be back stage not only with my daughter but with her whole class. I would have to fix hair, change all outfits, reapply makeup, make sure they are on stage at the right time, and entertain them while they wait in between performances.

I was dreading it.

The "class moms" got a back stage badge, a clip board, and about 15 hand-outs with all kinds of do's and dont's. I got intimidated by all the maps they passed out. Maps on where to go, where not to go, what time to be there, and everything in between. I was scared to say the least.

We had to get there at noon. The recital didn't start until 2. I packed snacks for the girls, waters, coloring books, crayons, and all kinds of extras in case anybody forgot anything. We did a lot of waiting around....

Here she is about to go on stage for the first time and do a quick practice.

Afer they practiced, we went back stage and I got everyone ready. I was so paranoid they would get lip stick, blush, snacks, or some other substance on their precious costumes.

They colored, goofed around, and acted like 6 year olds.

Finally 2:00 came around and they were so excited to show off their hard work!

They were so nervous!

I was so proud! Watching them back stage I was that mom-- doing all the moves, praying they each would remember everything, and clapping like a lunatic for them.

They came running off, pumped with adreline, and we headed back to change into their tap outfits, redo makeup, fix hair, and practice. At some point though, I started to feel bad. I could feel my blood sugar begin to drop. I tried desperately to fight it off. But by this point, all snacks were gone. I tried to push through....

Each girl had about 20 bobby pins in her hair trying to keep these hats on. They just about killed me.

Watching their sassy dance...

They finished and did a great job! I was a proud class mom. But by then, I was feeling even worse. When we got back stage--I sat.  I tried to collect myself. I hadn't eaten anything since 9am and it was now 4:30pm. I don't ever miss a meal so this is looking pretty bad for me. I text my sister (thank God for sisters) and tell her I'm about to pass out. She gets me a Gatorade and a candy bar and I meet her out in the lobby. I barely made it to her. I had to leave the girls backstage with another mom!! I felt terrible ditching them but if I hadn't it may have ended up bad for them--and for me. After getting something into my system, I felt a little better. Still a little oozy but I made it back to the girls. I survived the rest of the time and got each girl back to their parents at the end.

Boy, was I glad that was over. My family decided to eat at Texas after the recital. I finally began to feel lots better once I got some real food in my system.

BUT I am so proud of my girl. She got on stage in front of a ton of people and performed her little heart out. She is my perfect ballerina!

I can honestly say it was all worth it when just the other day London came up to me out of the blue and said in the sweetest voice, "Thank you for being the class mom. I loved having you backstage with me."

I might just do it again next year!!

Well, maybe....