Royal Princess

On Friday, April 29, 2011 (same day as the royal wedding), Niah attended a Homeschool Royal Banquet Formal. She was escorted to the event by her Daddy, but before we go there, let's start back at the beginning.

Last spring, Niah was given a blue formal dress, and we saved it for this year. Kiahna didn't understand why Niah didn't wear the dress EVERY DAY.  Even though she might not have worn the dress, Niah was thinking and planning the types of accessories she wanted to go with it.  A week before the formal, Niah went with Daddy to pick out her shoes and earrings. Then I went with her to get a necklace, bracelet, and ring, along with the material to make her shawl. On Friday (the day of the formal), I was working non-stop...up to the very last minute...sewing the shawl. She also wanted a bow...and I'm not good with those...so I struggled getting it just right.

An hour before it was time to leave, I had Niah put on the dress so we could finish her hair and makeup. She had put the dress on, and walked in to her room where her younger sisters were playing. I heard Kiahna say in amazement, "Niah, you are a PRINCESS!" That choked me up...it really did. My life flashed forward a few years to the day Niah will be putting on a white dress. I couldn't keep the tears from spilling over, so I just lowered my head and continued ironing. I didn't want to ruin her special day, but it was also very hard. Even as I write this now, tears come to my eyes again.

I had to pull it together and continue on...time was closing in. We added glitter sparkles to her hair and makeup, finished off with hairspray, and it was time to step outside for pictures. We had spent all our time indoors, so I hadn't realized how windy it was. We didn't have time to look for another place to take pictures, so we took what we could, and then they drove off. They were rushing because they were about 5-10 minutes late.

Since I didn't have to hold back my tears any more, I didn't. I went in the house and cried some more. I was happy for her, but I was also deeply aware that OUR time with her is closing in. When I say THAT, people tend to think that I'm just trying to marry her off or get rid of her. While I am DEFINITELY not rushing the process, I am also not in denial that THAT day will come whether I like it or not, and it will be sooner than later because time is already rushing by.

I know every parent believes their child is the most beautiful, but I really believe Niah was! She definitely was the fanciest, and she could have won top prize in the glitter department! Niah, you are and always will be our beautiful princess. We love you, Niah!!!