5/27/2011

As this year begins to wind down I have taken some time to reflect on this past year.  This has been a year of life changes for many of us.  The Lord saw fit to bring many new amazing students and incredible parents into our world, for that I am so very thankful.  We have seen many of our dance families bring new little lives into our midst and we have been eagerly watching them grow....new babies are such a blessing in this crazy world.  Miss Courtney is about to be a bride in a few weeks and Miss Liz is recently engaged with a wedding planned for September.  Ms Felicia is now sporting an engagement ring as well. Miss Anna has recently said goodbye to two grandparents, as countless others have suffered the heartache of saying goodbye to loved ones this year.

Many of our families are dealing with deployment as well. 

We have experienced an incredible competition season, being named Nexstar Regional Grand Champions has so far definitely been a highlight of our season.  We watched the water rise and seep into the building for the first time in 10 years....right in the middle of a competition weekend.  I actually had the experience of riding in a row boat to the studio using 'shovels' as paddles....LOL. 

We are slowly working to finish the construction inside of our building, with many more things planned for our new year. I LOVE the new floor in the new lobby :).

My heart is still numb from the recent loss of my mom.  Many of you never knew her, but those of you who have been with us for 5 or more years....there is no doubt that you experienced my mom in some way.  Mom is responsible for 'Page & Co."....she saw my dream, and put it in motion.  She purchased the land and building in 2001 and was right there building walls, laying tile and painting.  She was so proud of our little studio. She didn't miss a recital in our 10 years, made it to most of our parades and competitions. She was at our Nexstar competition and was able to see little Layla dance for the first time on the "BIG STAGE" (as Layla calls it).  That was her last Page & Co performance experience.  Mom loved watching her grands and great grands dance. She was often sewing costumes, making tutu's, creating headpieces and anything else she could find to do. There are still days that the last place I want to be is the studio, I see so much of my mom in those walls, so much of her love is written into our studio. She was excited that our 10th year recital was going to be hosted the day before her birthday this year...we had plans for a big weekend of celebration. There are soooo many people who reached out to us during our families loss, sooo many thank you's from my family to yours.  The food, the flowers, watching grandbabies, cleaning the studio, cards, an incredible gift of love from "A circle of friends"...and most importantly prayers !!!  Hundreds of them sent up on our behalf. I have been blessed with an incredible Page & Co staff and junior staff who stepped up without anyone having to ask.  I have learned so much about love and what is important in life during this time.  I have been forever changed, my heart has been altered in many ways.  But through it all....the happiness, the joys, the sorrow, the emptiness....I have known my Lord.  I have felt His mighty arms wrapped so very tightly around me.  As a family we have experienced His caring and loving protection in ways that we will never be able to convey.  Our God is an amazingly awesome God...He binds up the broken hearted and keeps them until they are ready to face the world again. I praise You God for Your incredible goodness !

Our prayers are now continuously with the families who have recently lost loved ones in the Tornado's and floods.  We have 2 sister studios who join us at Nationals each year from Joplin.  Both studio's have been completely destroyed, and many of their dance families have been directly affected by this tragedy.  They have lost loved ones, homes, employement, schools, churches....but through it all, I know first hand what my God can do to ease their pain and heal their hearts....although it is a slow process at times....it will come. 

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" James 5:16. 

Do not underestimate the power of prayer :) .

Nationals.....

Wow....what an incredible week we had in Panama City Florida.  Thank you to my staff, dancers and parents for such a wonderful week!!

It's very difficult when you travel to such a beautiful place with inviting beaches and so many exciting things to do...to remember the actual purpose for the trip. LOL.

Congratulations to Anna Hudson, Kayla Grimes, Ashley Bingham, Ashley Clark and Brittani Detar for your amazing performance with the Showcase Opening number.  It was great seeing some of 'my' dancers up on that stage :).  To Shaylin Mathis, Tyler Johnsen, Aubryn Cunningham and Sydney Davis...my hat is off to you guys...National Showcase runner up !!!  Woot woot !! How exciting !  "Let's get married" did a great job at this Nationals....Out of 580 acts...you guys took home 1 of 6 Entertainment awards !!!  Talk about amazing !

Congratulations to everyone who danced to represent Page & Co Dance Academy....well done !

I did manage to catch a few waves while near the beach...they mostly just bounced around my ankles as they rushed the shore though. LOL.   I did see the most amazing rainbows...and even caught a glimpse of the end of one of those brilliant rainbows as it settled gently on the beach right outside my balcony.  The sight of Dolphins playing nearby and the full moon reflecting off of the ocean waters...those are among the memories I carry away from this competition.  Being amongst some of God's most wonderful creations can put things in perspective at times. I am in awe of His handy work...and scattered in the midst of all of these amazing sights were hundreds of smiling faces...the dancers, the kar staff, proud parents, my grandchildren and my children.

Condo rental for 1 week in Panama City: $$$$$$$$$

Gas to get to panama city: $$$$$$$$

Fun adventures while in panama city: $$$$$$$$$$

Competition fees for our dancers: $$$$$$$$$

Watching Layla chase little crabs in the sand with a tiny flashlight and a bucket: PRICELESS 

Thank you Page & Co family for a wonderful week :)

First...thank you for such a wonderful recital !!!!  Dancers... you were absolutely amazing !

...another wonderful year of dance is about to come to a close as we celebrate this afternoon with our 9th Spring Recital !!!!

Once again the Page family and Staff would like to thank you for sharing this special time with us and our students.  Much preparation has gone into today's performance...I am certain you will enjoy.

I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the many blessings He has showered on my personal family and my studio family this past year.  His love never ceases to amaze me !  Our greatest miracle this year has been the arrival of little Eva Isabella...most certainly God's hand at work in the lives of Robert, Brooke and Eva...their union as a family is not only evidence of His amazing love, but of answered prayer.

Though it seems hectic at times, I can look around me and KNOW that my Lord is alive and well...watching, smiling and enjoying the eager hearts of your children and my own.

Thank you to our parents, grandparents and extended family who work hard to see that the dancers you will enjoy today have this wonderful opportunity to explore the amazing world of dance.  We thank you for choosing us, Page & Co Dance Academy, to fill that place in the lives of your children.  We do not take this responsibility lightly...we know that we are often a tiny dancers first dance teacher...we understand how the gift of dance can change lives and mold confidant adults.

Our paths have not crossed by accident...as the Lord moves among us I find that I am so thankful for each tiny life He places in our midst.  May we in some way be a portion of blessing to you and your family today.

God's Blessings....Tammy

"Let them praise His name in the dance..." psalm 149:3