A mom and dad pack up their two perfect children and drive them to their perfect church. Upon arriving to church, the two children quietly and peacefully get dressed in costumes for their Christmas program dress rehearsal. They look perfect in their perfect costumes and they stand still as they sing beautifully before the congregation. They follow directions and are the envy of every parent. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.
This is not a true story.
Picture it. Pilgrim Lutheran Church. 2013.
One Isabelle, dressed as a sheep, stands in front of the congregation during dress rehearsal, looking sweet as can be. As the hour drags on she begins to pretend to hula hoop, shaking her hips in a circular motion. Then, her shirt goes up. Then her hands. Scandalous. A stressed out and embarrassed mom grabs the girl to scold her off to the side. Some chuckle while others give sympathetic and supportive glances. Back in her place, one Isabelle begins to take off her pants while singing and smiling. The same mother removes her again and threatens to cancel Christmas and take away the little lord Jesus from the nativity set. The girls prized possession. Returned to her spot once more, one Isabelle keeps it pretty G rated for the remainder of the time while one very sweet star, who has been completely ignored, begins to use his star as a gun. On the alter. At the church.
This is a true story.
So, you can imagine I was pretty nervous about what would happen during the actual Sunday morning performance. Here are a few moments caught on camera:
Where are my perfect children from the first story? In fact, where is Henry?
Let me tell you. Henry was over on the right side of the alter, smiling, singing, looking adorable. He sang his song, using hand gestures, "oh my soul is going to shine, shine, shine," and he was mighty proud. I missed the entire thing because I was hyper focused on Isabelle, worried she was going to flash Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. And she didn't. She did army crawl on the ground, take her costume off, and play with a piece of fur from someone else's costume. You know what else she did? Sang Away in a Manger just as she was told to by her teachers. They were both perfect. Perfectly normal. I just happened to push my OCD, extreme type A personality, and obsession with perfection onto them in a way that made everyone feel crazed.
I'm upset I didn't see Henry perform. I'm upset that I didn't have more faith in Isabelle. And, I'm upset that I didn't recognize that both kids were doing what they were supposed to do. Acting like happy kids.
Here's what I learned:
1. Isabelle is going to be an amazing hula hooper. Her free spirit will serve her well and I hope she is always a confident girl.
2. Henry is into the theatrics and seemed to really enjoy himself. I hope he is always a confident boy.
3. I love my children. They make me a bit nuts, but they help me let go of my hangups a little at a time, a little each day.
--maggie
P.S. Sophia said it was fine to use her story telling line. Don't worry.
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