Let 'em Dance!

It's dance recital week for Christa.
She's been taking dance lessons for the past year and it's time to be front and center on stage and show what she's learned.
It's quite a production. Hundreds of students of all ages ready to strut their stuff, be it tap, jazz, ballet, or hip hop.
Christa has three days of rehearsal this week, including one dress rehearsal. This, of course, means I have three days of rehearsal.
It's not pretty.
Lots of kids.
Lots of noise.
Lots of waiting for your turn to perform. Waiting. And more waiting.
And yes, the kids outnumber the parents.
Monday's rehearsal ran long--more than three hours long. Now, why was I surprised? More importantly, why wasn't I more prepared to entertain the eight young dancers in Christa's class? One mom provided snacks. Need I tell you how quickly those were devoured? I'd brought along some library books, but those are a poor choice of entertainment in the midst of a mass of giggling, talking, tap-dancing, and quickly bored children.
One little girl brought a portable DVD player. She was soon surrounded--and all around her was a little pocket of quiet.
I confess: I caved in and bought a portable DVD player.
It was on sale. And Rob and I had talked about getting one.
But the truth is, I couldn't imagine facing another day of recital rehearsal without.
Call me a coward if you must.
But I am also a prepared Mom today!