Maddox's First Communion

It seems like 2nd grade flew by for Maddox....and here First Communion was upon us. It was sort of a crazy weekend - Maya had soccer games, Joey and Maddox had baseball games, Caitlin Bishop's soccer team was in town, and it was Mother's Day weekend. It was busy - but the good kind of busy.

For starters, Maddox really wanted to play in his 9 a.m. baseball game....with First Communion at 10:30. I know, I know....but he had missed several games due to weather, and a tournament was cancelled, and this kid was itching to play. So, we agreed to let him play til 10 a.m. and then head to church. Baseball and church....America's favorite pastimes, right? Anywho, after a crazy baseball game that involved Maddox stealing a lot of bases in order to get home to get to church in time....First Communion began. It was a nice service....with the exception of Maddox missing a small speaking part. There is a long version of this story and a short version....the short version is just that - he missed a small speaking part. The long version involves a lot of side commentary, confusion, Joe walking around the church aimlessly, the program omitting his part, me making not-funny jokes with Maddox and Maddox ending up in tears. It's really more of a phone call story than a blog story. Let's leave it at that.

Here are some photos of our special day. I really am proud of Maddox....he was really looking forward to this day. We had a small celebration at our house after church -- and then we all headed out for more baseball.

Maddox has a good group of friends to celebrate with too...

What's a First Communion without a little dabbing? Jesus would be proud.

The night ended with good snuggles with Grandma Phyllis. We were so lucky to have Gma stay with us, and come to his First Communion. We loved having her and at the end of the night, Maddox went over to the couch and just cozied on up to her. His heart is so good....it is true as the song I sang in bible school....they will know we are Christians by our love. I think God may have done some of his best work with Maddox's heart. He loves big and wide....it's the best kind of love.

Joey IV's First Communion

It was with much anticipation that Joey was looking forward to First Communion....which kind of surprised me. He took this process so seriously. And, in the weeks leading up to church, he would say "Pretty soon, mom, I will get to take the body and blood of Christ all by myself." They have done weeks and weeks of lessons at school and really make it a special occasion, as it should be.

One lesson we learned is that we definitely should have looked for a suit for Joey BEFORE Easter. Waiting until the weekend before was a big mistake- we went to VonMaur, Dillards, Kohls, JCPenney, Younkers, a different Kohls, a different Younkers....we made the tour of Des Moines with three completely annoyed kids. After a night of zero success we ended up at Men's Wearhouse the next morning, completely willing to shell out any amount of money for a suit that would fit this kid....long legs, skinny waist....doesn't make for a good combo! I have decided I will rent out this suit for future Coppolas!

The day was really nice. And, we were so happy because Joey had a speaking part, too. So, it gave us something special to look forward to- and he nailed his part! Joey's godfather, Kyle, got to come, too- so that was special to Joey.

Here are some photos from the dress rehearsal for the big day. After church, Joey and I visited GG in the hospital, and then we went out on a "date" to Biaggis. I showed Joey how to open the door for me and let me sit down first and he ordered on his own and we talked....it was nice to have him one on one for once.

Here are some photos from the big day. A couple memories of  the big day: Jake Leo sat in front of us and his mom broke his First Communion cup, Joey took some SERIOUS bows in the church. He practically touched his toes. And, a spider came to our pew uninvited. And, we almost forgot Joey's bible verse in the car....Joe had to run out and go get it.

It was a very memorable day for our family!