Catherine's First Holy Communion

It was one of the most beautiful days on record today. It was simply gorgeous weather--sunny and just enough breeze to keep the humidity away. You could hear birds singing outside while we were in church. The ceremony was tearful and sentimental as it should be....the children all dressed up and reverent, glowing with excitement....wonderful music including 2 beautiful soloists, just enough humor and a wonderful reception afterwards in our new church hall. Kimberly and Mya attended along with Catherine's Godmother, her Aunt Madeline (Richard's sister). It was a day none of us will ever forget. When we got home, I showed Catherine my 40-year old First Communion dress and pictures from my special day so long ago now. She said, "Wow, you wore that?"

With Father Luke (my how small she looks next to him!)

Catherine with Sarah and Julia (center) who is her best friend.

Catherine's 2nd Grade Teacher, Cheryl Herrington. She is also a Eucharist Minister and along with the Youth Group leaders, Onie and Mike, lovingly brought the 2nd Grade class through 9 months of teaching and training to lead them this most important day.

Another glorious day at the beach!

I've had 4 months off from work and yesterday was the first time I took a day and went to the beach during the week, without Richard; Kimberly had called around 9am and asked if I wanted to go. Lately I've had a tendency to stay isolated and mornings are most difficult because of my Fibromylasia....so I wasn't hot on the idea but then I read my morning paper (a daily ritual I never miss) and started thinking about the sand and the surf....so I relented. I am so thankful I did as we had such a great day. On the weather scale it was a "10". Catherine met a friend and they played all afternoon. Kimberly walked the shoreline for her precious shark teeth and sea glass, coming back with a handful. I found some too but mostly sat with my newest novel in my lap, watched the gulls and drank in the sound of the ocean's pounding waves. Here are a few pictures I took yesterday along with a few I took a couple weeks ago when we took Mya and Catherine shrimping at the nearby boat ramp.