Here's S in his requisite navy blue blazer and Brooks Brothers tie. So cute!
In seventh and eighth grades (and preferably longer), they will learn the waltz, foxtrot, etc. Winter and spring will host the formal dances where the proud parents will watch their offspring glide effortlessly around the room as we did when we were young (albeit in another town for me).
But in sixth grade, we are at the starting gates: Perfectly Social Manners class. And as a parent volunteer, I have had the opportunity to see the awkwardness of these boys in their navy blazers and ties. I see the girls in their dresses, looking around the room in hopes that no one is wearing the same one. They are seated at tables, their name tags serving as place cards. Seventeen-million pieces of silverware in front of them.
I see my S pull out the chair for the young lady beside him. I hear him give a compliment as he shakes the hand of one of the sweet ladies who teach the class. I watch as he stands and shares how he called to RSVP to that evening's event. Later on at home, I help him write a formal RSVP for the formal dinner that will culminate the class.
But I was also able to see something that tickled me the third evening of Perfectly Social. I was already in the room as were a few girls sitting at their table. As S walked in the room, they began giggling, "Oh, there's S." "Look, S's coming in." Etc. Etc. Seems these young ladies are taking notice? Oh yes. And as a mother, I have to be able to handle that. But get this! Another mother who arrived before me saw these girls switching the place cards around so that S and another boy would be sitting next to them!. Can you believe that?!?!?! At least they weren't switching so that he wasn't at their table. But it makes me ask myself what Mike and I have in store for us.
S has a few more classes in front of him... as do I. Here he is after one with these two cuties: his Social dance partner (You have to get your partner YEARS in advance!) and his "friend". Notice his blazer is off and the girls are carrying their shoes!
My perfectly social son...
Bevy
Oh... an Augusta/ Aiken tradition!!! LOVE IT and remember it well :)
ReplyDeleteOh Bevy, I totally love it!!! He is adorable in his navy blue blazer and BB tie. (Check out my post this coming Sunday regarding the preppy must-have navy blue blazer!) This 'Social Thing' brings back so many memories for me long ago in Augusta! You are telling the truth about partners being chosen YEARS in advance. Lord have mercy my mama and my partner's mama wanted us to get married--of course, we didn't even speak to each other at school during the week, but we could do a mean Cha Cha together! Bless you for bringing up a perfectly social son and being a volunter for the program!
ReplyDeleteBevy, he is a doll! At least you were there to hear what is happening! Just pray for the Lord's protection over your sweet boy. I am not looking forward to the next stage! Right now boys & girls are just friends, but I know it's lurking. And... how do you know Teresa at "A Time for Moms"? She was my pastor's wife and a dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI have to side with the girls here, Beverly. If I were their age I would be switching around some place cards too! He's a doll!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very handsome son, Bevy!! I wish we had classes like that here. I would love for Alise to meet a handsome, southern gentleman!
ReplyDeleteI know he is making Mr. McCloud very proud! So much fun to watch them at Social! As for the girls, I must say they are very bold these days. Check his cell phone if he has one, and stay on your knees as well as your toes!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful preparation for life ahead. He looks adorable in his navy jacket.
I think you and Mike are in BIG trouble! :)
Jo
Oh Bevy, I'm scared for you and for me. Mine is only 4, but I know it's coming.
ReplyDeleteS looks dashing! His mama is raising him right! ;-)
And so it begins, Bevy! My husband and I were just discussing something similar last night - cotillion, which sounds like the same as your Social. Hubby did that growing up and I imagine our kids will as well. Good luck to S. as he continues - he looks so sharp!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat tradition-that is something you don't see in the North, and I would be signing my sons up for that-very sweet.
ReplyDelete{And your son? So darling!}
oh i just love it!
ReplyDeletei remember square dancing in middle school, but upon learning that the entire 11th grade history class did not know the waltz, my teacher, Miss Davis, stopped the history studies and started waltz lessons at that moment. (think julia sugarbaker -- she was a TRUE southern lady!) and by golly, we all learned the waltz AND our history that year. I'll never forget her or the dance steps!
What an absolute doll!
ReplyDeleteSuch a handsome fellow! I loved the reports of his first Social class. Hope you'll continue with more updates! (In Dallas we call it Cotillion - definitely a rite of passage at this awkward age!)
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how big he is.. Just yesterday he was 3 and we were at St. Joseph!!
ReplyDeleteHow cute! I love that age....just before they begin to know everything and your only role is as the chauffeur. Ours is called Junior Assembly and you receive an engraved invitation to join. Fun times.
ReplyDeleteOh my Goodness! I would switch place cards to sit next to that ADORABLE young man, too!! He is truly handsome, but more ipmortantly learning the most wonderful manners. In MD, children aren't taught those things outside of our homes. I would LOVE a southern class like that for my kids. Do you think he will be free to take Brynn to prom in 2018?
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