Em's first reconciliation

Emma's special day- February 28, 2013

A gift from Mom, Dad and Caitlyn to remember her first reconciliation and a reminder to follow Jesus' voice

Emma had some friends celebrating the sacrament too 

Ms. Michael "Michelle", the sacramental coordinator and Emma 

C on the alter 

Nana and Papa with Emma after her reconciliation. 

Thank you Nana for sewing Emma's gown, to remember her baptism 

God bless you sweet girl 

Family 

One of the many things I love about the Catholic church are the sacraments.  Sacraments are an outward way in which we can live out our faith.

I also love Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as a way to teach of Jesus' love, He is our shepherd and we are his flock.  I think they way in which CGS teaches of sin is very delicate and loving.  They begin at three years old, learning and studying the bible and Jesus' teaching.  Later, in second grade the children were taught to examine their conscience.  They compare their acts, thoughts and life to Jesus' word, written in the bible.  Over time and while working in the atrium the children come to understand that when their actions do not follow the word of Jesus, their relationship with Jesus is not as strong as it could be.  Through the sacrament of reconciliation the children reflect, ask for forgiveness for times of weakness and sin and are forgiven with love.  The sacrament is such a renewal of faith and a true example to God' unconditional love for us, even when we make mistakes.  

forgive...not seven times but seventy times seven (Mt. 18: 21b-22)

do to others whatever you would have them do to you (Mt. 7:12)

do good to those who hate you (Lk. 6:27b) 

Sunrise

We spent a lovely long weekend in Pinetop over Presidents Day.  The girls got in some good ol fashion instruction from Mr. Dave.  Yes, Mr. Dave survived 6 hrs of Davey girl skiing over two days.  When C and Mr. Dave first met he said "Miss Caitlyn, it is nice to meet you."  She responded with "you can call me Caitlyn and I will call you Dave." Yes, it was one of "those" moments as a parent.  Mr. Dave was a Grandpa by the way and he was AWESOME.  So awesome that we got to the mtn at 6:45 the second day just to make sure we were first in line to request him.  Yes, we are also "those" parents from time to time, but hey when you beat the staff to work you get front row parking.  

After conquering two new chair lifts as a family of 4 and a number of green circles, Bryan and I felt like we had turned a corner or "hill" in this matter.  It was so totally cool to see us all skiing together, even if there were a few Hail Mary's prayed as C bear flew down the slopes.  

After rocking the powder, C won the Lady Bug Game during family game time. It was a great weekend.  Until next time...we are praying for snow. 

Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart dance

Little girlie Valentine's play date

C bear had some little girl friends over for a play date.  It was fun to spend time with friends from school and friends that she will go to Kindergarten with.  I wish we could do this sort of thing more often.  The girls did crafts, decorated cookies and enjoyed yummy cake pops. 

Valentine's playdate

We had a little Valentine's play date for these cuties.  We did crafts, ate lunch, decorated cupcakes, played American Girl and even had a concert at the end for all the parents.  It was a great afternoon.