Mother's day tomorrow

Every year I go through the same ritual...to be left alone on Mother's day. It's a selfish day for me to reflect. I don't celebrate the day as a mother but as a daughter. I miss you!

first communion

(Oma shortening her dress)

My daughter's first communion is 2 Sundays from now and outside of inviting my in-laws to mass I haven't planned anything as far as a big celebration. When I was little I remember how humiliated I was that so much hype was made about communion. The other little girls were receiving gold necklaces, and purses filled with money while my family simply came to mass, witnessed my communion and wished me well. I felt at the time that I was not important or loved because there was no big party after. Today as a mother I realize that the party is not what makes you a good Christian its how you conduct your life and treat others. Communion is the celebration at church that is witnessed amongst your peers and parents and a promise to God. My girl will wear a beautiful white dress as she receives communion for the first time while her immediate family watches on. Lunch after with some explanation of what she has learned, some hugs and kisses and that will end the celebration. Hopefully Katie will understand that this simple recognition is meaningful and personal. Her relationship with God is special and doesn't require money, gifts and a big party!

Birthday girl

I made a decision when she was a baby not to get her ears pierced. At the time I wanted to make sure that it was my daughter's choice not mine and that hopefully we could share that experience together. Well that day came, on her 8th birthday, Katie decided it was time. She braved the event with just a few tears especially since each ear had to be done individually making the pain seem worse. We finished the day with shopping and lunch. I loved spending time with my daughter and so glad that I waited for that moment! Happy Birthday Katie