First Communion
It's been a hectic few days, and as I'm sitting here looking at these photos, contemplating what I want to say and how to say it, I find I'm struggling not to nod off. I hate it when that happens.
It's been an emotional day as well. I've cried and gotten teary multiple times, mostly during Mass. But still, crying can leave you drained as well. So, between staying up until all hours preparing the house and food for our guests, and the beautiful emotionalness of today, I'm well and truly beat.
Jess and her crew arrived yesterday afternoon. Ella stayed the night with us and she and Lil awoke earl this morning and were waiting for me when I got downstairs.
It's been an emotional day as well. I've cried and gotten teary multiple times, mostly during Mass. But still, crying can leave you drained as well. So, between staying up until all hours preparing the house and food for our guests, and the beautiful emotionalness of today, I'm well and truly beat.
Jess and her crew arrived yesterday afternoon. Ella stayed the night with us and she and Lil awoke earl this morning and were waiting for me when I got downstairs.
Lil opened her gift from us, a beautiful little angel necklace, and then opened her gift from Lissie.
She received a lovely card in the mail from a friend's grandparents, which I thought was so beautiful and lovely.
We were required to have Lil at church by 9:30 so the children could gather beforehand, go over the presentation of the gifts and then pray together before their big day. It gave me a chance to see my girl along with many of my RE kiddos now in second grade.
They were so precious! There were 33 total first communicants this year, six at our Mass--five girls and one boy.
I had dreams of Lil and Ellie wearing the same First Communion dress Ella had worn, but given their size, there was just no way. However, they could wear the veil. I told Jess we need to add a card with the names of the girls who wore it and the date of their first communion to the box in which she keeps the veil. It's just beautiful in its simplicity.
After the homily (which is so wonderful), it was time for the offering and the presentation of the gifts.
I teared up so many times throughout the morning. Seeing my girl looking so beautiful and old really did a number on me.
She told me she put it in her mouth vertically so she could chew it up pretty quickly. I suggested next time, she might just want to let it lie on her tongue and then chew. She looked a bit awkward. I'll admit, the host is not at all what you might expect.
My friend, Melissa, was the sacramental minister with the chalice from whom the children received the wine. Melissa taught second grade for years and is very good with the children.
That was the heaviest chalice I've ever drunk from and it was quite full so Melissa was at the ready--just in case. :oP
I hadn't realized just how nervous Lil was until she returned to her seat after receiving communion at which time she chattered and jabbered and wanted to share her experiences with me.
It was truly a beautiful moment, and I did cry. Quite a bit. My friend, Karen, told me she was doing fine until she looked at me at which point she started crying. Her husband told me he looked over at her and was like, "What in the world? Why are you crying?" Ha! She's my triduum buddy and I just adore them. I'm so happy they came to this Mass this morning instead of the 8:00 like they often do.
I hadn't realized just how nervous Lil was until she returned to her seat after receiving communion at which time she chattered and jabbered and wanted to share her experiences with me.
It was truly a beautiful moment, and I did cry. Quite a bit. My friend, Karen, told me she was doing fine until she looked at me at which point she started crying. Her husband told me he looked over at her and was like, "What in the world? Why are you crying?" Ha! She's my triduum buddy and I just adore them. I'm so happy they came to this Mass this morning instead of the 8:00 like they often do.
Afterward we took photos--lots and lots of photos.
And, so many folks came up to talk to us and tell us how happy they were for Lil. One of the things I love most about our church is how we know so many folks and they feel like family.
And, so many folks came up to talk to us and tell us how happy they were for Lil. One of the things I love most about our church is how we know so many folks and they feel like family.
Here we go. Yay. :o)
I feel so sorry for Father Tom. He's SUCH an introvert and we were all waiting in line to have photos taken with him.
I feel so sorry for Father Tom. He's SUCH an introvert and we were all waiting in line to have photos taken with him.
We didn't sit in our usual location since we were front and center today, but Lil's banner is hanging on the side on which we typically sit. Ellie looked over and announced very excitedly (and rather loudly and enthusiastically), "I FOUND LILY'S BANNER!!!!!"
The banners were all so beautiful and it made me smile to see them all hanging so cheerfully this morning.
After we finally left, we came home where I began to work feverishly to get appetizers (chips, salsa, veggies and dip and hummus) together for our hungry guests. Nana and Pop picked up GG and Bill, the more the merrier. :o) While they munched, B and I finished dinner preparations and then we all ate.
The banners were all so beautiful and it made me smile to see them all hanging so cheerfully this morning.
After we finally left, we came home where I began to work feverishly to get appetizers (chips, salsa, veggies and dip and hummus) together for our hungry guests. Nana and Pop picked up GG and Bill, the more the merrier. :o) While they munched, B and I finished dinner preparations and then we all ate.
Nana brought the cake for us to enjoy after dinner.
Soon after that, J and her crew had to hit the road and then Nan and Pop with GG and Bill soon after.
I sat to look at photos and post.
It's been a beautiful day and I'm so proud of my girl. What a huge milestone in her religious life! :o)
(I realize this post is horribly disjointed, but I'm seriously struggling over here. UGH!)
Soon after that, J and her crew had to hit the road and then Nan and Pop with GG and Bill soon after.
I sat to look at photos and post.
It's been a beautiful day and I'm so proud of my girl. What a huge milestone in her religious life! :o)
(I realize this post is horribly disjointed, but I'm seriously struggling over here. UGH!)
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