It is done. I have survived 6th grade cotillion. And trust me-there were a few touch and go moments where I nearly cracked under pressure. When you live in a den of heathens, you can never take basic manners for granted (especially when burping and farting can earn you high hilarity marks from the male members of the household). I am happy to report however that big kid and his cohorts learned to not rush the snack table (although they grumbled about having to serve the girls first) and did indeed Respect the Decorations (rule #5 of the persnickety cotillion handbook for dummies) while Foxtrotting with the correct fork and wearing a blazer. Pretty impressive, huh?
So today Mr B and I actually attended the grand finale and got to feast our eyes on Mrs D-the ring leader and five Star General of Cotillion and All Things Southern Etiquette. Though petite and ladylike with a darlin' southern drawl, she charmingly barked orders into her head piece as she put 129 sullen 6th graders in formal attire through their paces. And trust me-there was no foolishness going on either. I was breathing a sigh a relief that we were nearing the end with no major manner violations when the unthinkable happened. Mrs D spotted......a gum chewer! The room was paralyzed as she shrilled this shocking information to the crowded ballroom and all but flew through the 6th grade throng with outstretched palm and sharply barked.... "Into the palm!" Upon which said rule breaker sheepishly spit his wad into her palm, and Mrs D pivoted on her well turned heel with arm held aloft, elegantly turning for all to see the offending object of her great disdain. I swear-43 adults swallowed their gum at one time. And after a few final announcements, joyful pandemonium broke through the ranks as Mrs D officially and promptly called an end to the good times.
So-to wrap up-I am proud of big kid's efforts and attitude. He was a real trooper-and even managed to learn a few things. And although he has never gotten over my "wasting" money on this activity as opposed to buying him an X-Box-I don't regret a dime. When asked about his favorite thing about cotillion, big kid blithely replies, "the cake!"
...to be continued....with lil brother...God help us.
Haaaa! I'm so glad y'all made it through! Jacob, however, did not. He griped so much I just gave up.
ReplyDeleteLove reading about you and the boys!