Tradition

We Magruder women have a long standing tradition around here.... we gather together at Julie's to help Anna get ready for her school dances.  We have been doing this for a number of years.  It has changed a bit as time has marched on.  What started as a quiet night of Mom, Julie, me and Anna sitting around the table visiting and doing hair & makeup has evolved into a bustling, lively group of lovely young women all getting ready together - excitement overflowing!  You can't help but smile when you are around them.  My job has moved from just helping Anna get ready to helping several of the girls get ready.  You know I live in a house with a LOT of testosterone, so it is nice to have that one day a year when I am surrounded by frills and giggling and beautification.  Although, I look in the mirror and realize that my 'expertise' is definitely spent on others these days.

Grandpa Jack popped in to see her

This afternoon was fun.  I enjoyed visiting with the girls as we put on their makeup... admiring their dresses and appreciating how each of them had a completely different style and color of dress, but how each girl chose the perfect dress for her own personality.  That was really neat.  It was rushed and a little hectic but we got everyone ready and out the door for pictures.  

I have to admit to you, though, that in the midst of all the joyous bustle, I did stop and take a second in the quiet of my heart to cherish the moment... putting makeup on my dear niece Anna's lovely face one more time.  You see, this is her Senior Prom.  This is the Last Dance.  I was bent over her putting on her eye shadow and suddenly I saw all the years before as clear as a bell.  Like a flash.  My little niece, Anna.  The one who loved to wrap big snakes around her neck!  (yes, I said big SNAKES!)  The one who still has Furry Bear (and I am SO glad of that!).  The one who collected rocks and wanted to be an archeologist.  The one with the blond curls and the big smile and a piece of my heart.  Where on earth did all the years go?

But then, as we walked outside to take photos I realized something very important.  This may be the last high school dance, but it isn't the last of the tradition.  There will be other ways and times for the 'Magruder women' to gather together in our ceremonial little way.  Perhaps for even bigger moments.  :)  After all, it's a tradition.

Jackson was the official photographer of all the pre-prom activities.  Here are some of the photos that he took tonight.  You can see more by clicking the link at the very bottom of this post.

You can see more photos by clicking here.