Our Nest

Nolan started baseball for the first time. He had his first two games this week~one on Wednesday, and the other yesterday. It is probably one of the cutest things I've ever seen. All of these little boys ranging in ages 4-6, with shirts that are a wee bit too big, baseball hats, mitts, a bat that is almost as big as they are, baseball with little boys in general=CUTE!!! In the short time that Nolan has been learning the game, he's polishing up quick. He seems to really like it, and more importantly, having fun! Team name=Red Hawks, seems to be a nice group of boys, and the coach is G-R-E-A-T too! Hopefully we will be loading the boys up with sunscreen during this next week, instead of layering in under armour, sweatshirts, and gloves. Not to mention, I'd rather be in a sundress, and flip flops vs. my parka, UGGs, and beanie(like I was for baseball all this last week.) Go Red Hawks!!!

Olivia received her 1st Holy Communion & Confirmation this past Sunday! It was a beautiful, and sacred day. Shane & I are so happy that she is continuing to build on her relationship with the Lord. We are very blessed that she is a part of a wonderful Catholic community at school. That daily she is learning so much about Jesus, and about the ways she can connect with him through her faith. We have been preparing for this day for months now. On Saturday night she was so excited she laid all of her clothing on her bed, set her gloves, purse, and darling shoes next to her dress. At first she asked for a veil, but then changed her mind and wanted a halo made out of fresh flowers. So fresh flowers it was. *The florist that made her halo, was the same one that prepared all of the flowers in my wedding, nearly 9 years ago, so it was pretty special to have her make this for Liv. There were specifics she asked for, like to have wavy natural hair(this is how she explained it to me.) Her dress was very simple, her shoes...fancy =) Her Auntie D went with her and Liv picked out the most adorable shoes with a white flower on top with a shiny stone in the middle of the flower. They are so cute! Definitely her Sunday best or fancy shoes. It was so much fun to see all of the kids from her class dressed up. The girls were just beautiful, each one unique in how they dressed. The boys were so handsome. The ceremony was very traditional and included a full Mass. The Bishop led the Mass. He was so sweet, very good with the kids. It was one of the most special, and sacred times in my life to watch my little girl receive the Host for the 1st time. Our friends(who are like our family,) as well as our family were there as witnesses as well. Olivia is one lucky & LOVED little lady!

Liv wanted so much for me to have her reception at our home, but we had such a BiG group, and I didn't have the energy to get it all organized. So her 2nd choice was going out for dinner. There were around 25 of us, so it was quite the group. Her dessert request was for me to make her Auntie Laura's PINK cake. It is so yummy!

Olivia was BEAMING, had a grin from ear to ear all day long. I loved to watch her, especially when she was up at the altar, you could tell how proud she was, how happy she was! Shane and I pray that our children would always have a heart for the Lord, and to never forget how much He loves them! Olivia is really growing up, in so many ways, but most importantly, she's really building on her relationship with Jesus. She received her first bible on Sunday and is reading it constantly, she loves it! Another gift that she won't put down is the Sunday Missal that my mother received as a young girl. It was given to her by her grandmother. It's very sweet, and I'm so glad she has it. She recognizes so many of the prayers, and hymns. Catholic Mass hasn't changed that much over the years ;) pretty traditional! It meant the world to Liv to have her friends and family with us on her 1st Communion. Not only were they there, but they were so generous and brought her some of the most sweet, special gifts. I can't say it enough, she is one LOVED and cared for little girl! Thank you to EVERYONE that came to support and love on my baby girl! Here are some of Olivia's 1st Communion & Confirmation memories. Tried our best to get pictures of everyone who was there with her, but realized I missed a few =( probably because some of you were the one's helping take the pictures, so you were behind the lens. Thanks for what you were able to capture! Thank you for being there with us!! XxOo...

Olivia with her Yaya, Papa, & Nolan~

Gam with Liv & Nolan~

A special day spent with Gam & Yaya~

Sweet little school friends~

Cheer girls, as well as school pals~Eva, Ali, Izzy, Liv, all receiving their 1st Communion & Confirmation together.

Liv with her Auntie D(who is also her God Mama, and Sponsor)

Liv & Kennadi~

Us...party of 5!

With her sweet friend Sammi~

Noodle & Bean~

Tabitha & Liv~

On her way to the altar for Confirmation~

I'm hidden in this group...somewhere in the middle ;)

Bishop Skillestad anointing Liv with Holy Oil...and lots of it~

Happy Girl!

Beauties!

It wouldn't be Nolan without being a goofball during a picture! He is a character!

My babies. I love this picture so much. Liv with her arm around Nolan, Nolan holding onto Liv & Leo. While Leo picks off flowers from Liv's halo~precious.

You can still see the oil on her forehead. We all smelled yummy the rest of the day, like Holy oil~

This one too, I love them!

Auntie Shawna with Olivia~

A definite surprise. Liv has been asking for these boots for a L-O-N-G time. Thought it would be fun to throw them in with her gifts. I also gave her my first cross and added it to her St. Elizabeth Medallion.