Memories

So much has happened the last couple weeks, I haven't really had time to blog. With confirmation, prom, and school, it seems that my leisure time has been cut down significantly. Not today though. Today I am relaxing- I am in my exercise clothes and I am planning on going nowhere and doing nothing. Except, of course, catching up on my blog :) And doing laundry.

Two weeks ago, I was confirmed into the Catholic Church. I took the name Catherine, which was very special to me for numerous reasons. 

1) I was almost named Catherine, but once they saw me, they changed their minds. So they brought me home, and I was nameless for a few days until they called the hospital to tell them what to put on my birth certificate. 

 2) St. Catherine of Sienna is one of the four female doctors of the church. She was a scholar and theologian, which struck a chord with me because I love academics and studying theology.

3) St. Catherine of Alexandria was a virgin martyr who proclaimed that Christ would be her only bridegroom. Her purity inspired me.

4) Once I decided on these names, I put them all together, and my initials spell "DLCASA," which in Spanish (del casa) means "the house." This was an affirmation that I am the house of God, so it seemed appropriate for me to take this new spiritual name. 

It was a bittersweet occasion- I prepared with the same group of kids for two years. We went on SEARCH together, had monthly gatherings that lasted several hours, and we went to youth group together every Sunday night. I learned so much about the Lord, my faith, and myself. This experience was a big deal. The day of my Confirmation, I had so much support! My family, including my sister and brother-in-law from Lynden and my sister from Montana, were all there. My sponsor, Wendy Nuxoll, and her family were there, along with my cousin April and her family as well as my friend Kim. I felt so much love and support on this momentous occasion. It truly made my day even more special!

 

My confirmation buddies.

I will miss you *sniff* :)

  

Fr Auve, me, and the Bisop

 Look, my forehead is glistening :)

 

Me and my sponsor, Wendy Nuxoll

Thank you for supporting me through this journey! 

Five days later, it was prom. Planning for two major events back to back is not easy, but we did it. A couple friends of mine came over for pizza dinner, and then we all ROCKED OUT on the dance floor. It was SO fun. I led some dance instruction too (which was slightly stressful) but thankfully my dear friends helped me out.

 

Everyone at my house for pizza before dancing the night away :)

L to R: Eric, Jacob, Ryan, Annika, Lizzy, me, Kim, Emma, Connor, Jake and Justin

 My dear girlfriends Kim and Lizzy <3

Love you both so much :)

*Gabbie- we missed you girl!

 

I laugh hysterically every time I see this picture :)

We were having such a good time!

 

Fooling around in the photo booth.

We are weird. Just saying :)

 

SMILE!

  

My date, Connor, and me having a blast

 

My princess dress :)

The theme of the dance was 1940's and my dress was PERFECT

The sheer covering was custom made for me- special thanks to Jennifer :)

Yes, my life has been crazy (no pun intended :) but its been good. Yes, its also been very difficult for me to make it through life's twists and turns, but I am alive and kicking none the less. 

Praise God for pulling me through the good, the bad, and the oh-so ugly. I laughed, I cried, it moved me Bob. I'll always look back on these days with gratitude for all the memories and gratefulness that I lived through it. And live through it I did. I am thankful for the sacrifices that those heroes endured so I could live a full life. On this Memorial Day, I am thankful for those who paid the ultimate price so I could be free. Service men and Jesus Christ, I owe all to you.