November 18, 2019

Lizzy’s Latest – Caroline’s Confirmation

Elizabeth H. Lifestyle, Pumps, Shoe Bliss, Uncategorized Church, Confirmation, Family, Family stories, Family Ties, Fashion Blogger, fashion inspiration, Great Adventure, Love, Love Loft, New Jersey, Outfit Ideas, Outfit Inspo, Patent Navy Blue Strappy Pumps, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Baptism, Roman Catholic Communion, Roman Catholic Confirmation, Shoe Blogger, St. Aloysius, St. Aloysius Jackson NJ, St. Cecilia, White House Black Market, white house black market pumps 28 Comments

Family is one of God’s greatest gifts in life.  When my cousin, Caroline, received the Sacrament of Confirmation last month, I had the honor of being her sponsor.  In the Roman Catholic tradition, Confirmation is the moment we receive the Holy Spirit and acknowledge our commitment to the Catholic faith. 

The day of the Confirmation was unusually warm for late October.  I was elated for the respite from the colder weather because I’m not yet ready for winter.  I rarely ever am given my Southern California roots.  😉  I dressed appropriately with a very flattering tie waist dress in a stretchy knit fabric.  I paired the dress with strappy White House Black Market heels that I featured in my Grace Karin collaboration back in June.

The 3.5 hour drive up gave me time to reminisce and indulge in a little nostalgia.  I’ve known Caroline since before she was born.  She was my Aunt Lisa and Uncle Shawn’s miracle baby.  And from the moment Caroline came into the world, she has been such a blessing and has captured every heart she has ever encountered.

Although, I don’t live close enough to see Caroline on a consistent basis, we do make trips up to Aunt Lisa’s a couple times a year.  Over the years, Caroline and I have had many adventures.  Whether it’s grabbing ice cream at the beach, hanging out at her pool, or just simple girl talk, we have created a lot of memories.

My most memorable moment with Caroline was the day we were at Great Adventure about two years ago and I helped her conquer her fear of roller coasters.  It took some coaxing, but she did it and I was so proud of her!  Aunt Lisa, Uncle Shawn, heck, our whole family were shocked Caroline FINALLY rode a roller coaster.  And from then on, she’s been fearless.  😊 Check out that post here.

Dad (Caroline’s Godfather) brought me back to the present when he asked that I let Aunt Lisa know we were about 5 minutes away.  We got there, hung out for a bit, and then headed to the church.  It was organized chaos with the guide throwing out instructions at us and then changing them at the very last minute.  Yet, somehow everything worked out.  It was as if the Holy Spirit was guiding us on this very important day. 

We were in the seventh row and when it was our row’s turn to line up, I smiled at Caroline and asked her if she was ready.  She smiled back and responded affirmatively.  I had told her that when I was confirmed, I remember the room going silent as I received the Holy Spirt.  It felt like I was the only one in the room in that brief moment and I was filled with so much joy and humility.  It was a surreal and sacred experience for me, one I will never forget.

When we got to the altar, I put my right hand on Caroline’s right shoulder.  Monsignor Walsh anointed Caroline with a consecrated oil by making the Sign of the Cross on her forehead.  He recognized Caroline by her Confirmation name, Cecilia, and the following words: 

“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Caroline responded,

“Amen.”

Msgr Walsh completed the occasion with:

“Peace be with you.”

Caroline answered:

“And with your spirit.”

Though, Caroline did not have my Confirmation experience, it was still meaningful because she had received the Holy Spirit.  I smiled as we walked back to our seats celebrating the joy of standing with Caroline in her journey in faith.  It made me recall her Baptism as an infant and First Holy Communion as a little girl.  Each moment building to this moment. 

Afterwards, we took pictures and headed back to Aunt Lisa’s for a traditional Italian dinner of baked ziti, sausage and peppers, and the like.  Aunt Lisa is a great cook and made plenty of food!  Uncle Shawn was finally home from work and my other cousin, Chris, his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Belle, made it to the celebration too.  It was a truly beautiful night with family.  In these moments, I always wish we lived closer. 

After dinner, the adults talked and I spent time with the kids.  That’s very typical of me too.  I’m always with the kids because I love kids so much!  I’m pretty much a kid at heart.  😊  Caroline and I caught up.  She told me the sweetest story about a boy named Nico who asked her to homecoming in a very creative way!  They both play volleyball, but for different schools, and he had written on a volleyball:

“Caroline, wanna hit up Homecoming, I’d dig it if you said YES!” 

He gave Caroline the volleyball and of course, she said, “Yes.”  What girl wouldn’t after that romantic gesture?! 

Caroline and I also spent time playing with little Belle.  Last Christmas, Belle was sad because one of her best friends at school was no longer her best friend.  So, I told her I would be her new best friend and she loved that idea.  Of course, at that age, kids don’t always remember stuff from a year ago!  So, color me surprised and happy when Belle remembered me and said:

“We are STILL best friends.”

My heart melted!  Belle is the sweetest little girl! 

Should God bless me with children of my own one day, I pray they are as sweet and innocent as Caroline and Belle. 

Have a wonderful week and thank you for walking down memory lane with me.  I hope you enjoyed these pictures of Caroline and me through the years.  The years go by fast!

Style with a Smile! 

XoXo,

Lizzy