Casey's First Communion

The banner Casey made

On Sunday Casey made her First Holy Communion.  And yet another milestone is behind us already.  While the day was filled with things like a pretty dress and a party with family, I don't think Casey will really appreciate her being able to fully take part in the mass until we go to church next weekend.  Because Sunday was full of nerves about not dropping the host and not gagging on the wine :)  I'm guessing Casey wasn't the only one a little nervous.  Actually, I'm pretty certain about this mainly because of the little boy who passed out in church next to us.  Nothing like a little pressure for Casey after that... as if taking communion correctly and not coughing up wine wasn't enough to stress about, she had to witness a limp classmate being carried out of church.  (I'm not trying to be insensitive to the little guy; he was fine and rallied for the rest of mass after some air and water). I noticed Casey held Tom's hand after that and had a white-knuckled grip on him the rest of mass.  She told us on the way home that she prayed for the little boy when that happened.  'Atta girl.

She did fine at mass and looked the beautiful 8 year old made for the part.  She picked out her own dress and headpiece and I think she felt like a very big girl getting to make such important decisions :)  We managed to agree on everything, which doesn't happen too often anymore.  The (only) dress she loved was in the budget I allowed for and I decided to splurge a little on the headpiece because I really did want her to have something as unique as she is and have it as a keepsake.  It is a sweet little headband that we selected from a neighbor's shop.  I don't think Sunday will be the only day she ever wears it, because the veil was separate.  I anticipate that Emily will one day wear the same veil and get a headpiece of her own for her own keepsake. 

The little boutique in West Chester where we found her headpiece and veil

Our gift to Casey was a bracelet with matching earrings.  A friend recommended a friend who likes to tinker in jewelry making and I worked with her to come up with a set for Casey.  She also made her a ring and Casey loved it.  (I was even told I was making her special day the best day ever a couple of times :)

The nice lady who made her jewelry

Because I splurged a bit on the headpiece, I decided to save some money and make the cake.  My friend, Emily, came over to help me stack and frost the cakes as well as give me some great tips on piping icing.  I actually made all of the little flowers on the cake out of gumdrops and then applied them after I piped on the cross and trim.  I was pretty (ok, really) pleased with how it turned out.  Like kind of proud of myself.  I thought cake decorating was out of my league, but I was thrilled to have learned so much from my friend and can only imagine a cake decorating class would be as fun as my photography class :)

 

I loved making these little gumdrop flowers and think they ended up being so cute!

 

Pretty on the outside.  Party on the inside :)  Casey wanted the zebra cake I made for her birthday (it's so easy to get this effect).

All of our family members came Sunday to help Casey celebrate her special day. 

Nana and Papa

Grandma and Grandpa

Great-Grandma Bickham

Casey's Godparents, Uncle Andy and Aunt Lorie

Little sister, who made sure to tell Casey that she looked like a princess :)

Our Family

It ended up being a beautiful, sunny day that ended like this at bedtime: 

Casey: Mom, in no possible way am I ever, ever, never going to drink wine again in my life.
Me: Yeah?
Casey: Yes. Never.  It's the most disgusting thing ever.
Me: Well, Casey I'm proud of you that you did it today and, no, you don't ever have to drink it again.
Casey: Good.
Me thinking to myself that one day probably before she's 21 she might decide otherwise, I decided to throw in:  Oh, and honey, beer tastes exactly like wine.
Casey: Well, I'm not drinking that either.
(And because my blog is considered permanent record of our memories, this conversation has been recorded and available for future use :)

My freckled face cutie.

Congratulations and God bless you my dear Casey.