Sunday - December 20

After church today we had our extended Weitzel family party at our house. Everyone was there except for Chelsea who is still in Iceland and Rachel. It was quite a house full but it was very fun. I made enchilada casserole and mexican rice and Ashleigh brought a salad. Of course, we had dessert. I think everyone had a great time. This has been a tradition for forever with David's family. A couple of years ago we started doing it the weekend before Christmas so that we could do Christmas day with our own families. Today mattered because all the family was gathered together to share Christmas!

Saturday - December 19

We were the nativity for our ward Christmas party. David was Samuel the Lamanite calling everyone to repentance and then there was some music and while people sang we came out on stage and did the nativity. Chad sang a song. He did a great job. After the ward party Ashleigh and Nick wanted to do a picture with Jonathan as the baby. It really was fun to have everyone there except for Chelsea and Dan and Seth and Anita. Chelsea was in Iceland and Seth had a prior commitment. WE borrowed costumes from my friend Linda. The dinner was fun. The kids got to see Santa and then we ended with this program. It was fun to have the family together loving, laughing and having a great time together. Today mattered because as a family we felt the true meaning of Christmas!

Friday - December 18

Today was a Jonathan day. I have been watching him a lot this month. He is getting so darn cute with the things he can do and say. He just beginning to talk and communicate. He sure does know how to let you know what he wants. He is starting to say Grandma. I think it sounds a lot like mom but Toshia says it is different than what he calls her. She also says he says it that way because everyone around here calls me mom. I am so lucky to have him my life. Today mattered because Jonathan was in it!

Thursday - December 17

Today this table was dressed for a lunch with a friend. Of course, it has had a number of sweet ladies sit at it and share with me. Today my friend Sis. Johnston needed someone to talk to about her daughter. She is struggling with things , not the same as Paige but still struggling. I loved that I could share some thoughts and ideas with her and help her see that she needed to know all she was trying to do was right and good. Sis. Johnston was needing to hear I think that she was a daughter of God and he was watching over her as well. She wants joy back in her life and we talked a lot about that. Today mattered because I could share my table and love with someone in need!

Wednesday - December 16

I don't have a picture for this one but it was amazing. Today I went with my friend Danna and visited her friend's house. She goes over the top when it comes to decorating for Christmas. It was beautiful. Not so over done that it looked cluttered but done in all the rooms and you can tell she loves the holiday! We then went to lunch and had a great time. I saw some things that I would like to make someday. She does amazing sewing projects and I want to do some of those things. I had a great day today! Today mattered because I got to share Christmas with a new lady and spend time with a dear friend!

Tuesday -December 15

Last summer Autumn got to go riding on a horse. She has so much fun. She loves animals. All animals. For Christmas she made out her list for Santa and she wants a dog, a cat, and a horse. Not fake ones but the real thing! I tried to explain to her that that probably was not going to happen. She was not having it. If Santa was real he would give her what she has wanted her whole life! I tried to explain that Santa was the spirit of giving but that did not necessarily mean he gave you everything you want. He always asks the parents permission. She then said she hoped her real parents would give him permission to give her what she wanted. I asked her what do you mean real parents and she then said she must have been adopted because if she loved animals so much than she was sure her real parents would love them too! Today mattered because I just had to giggle all day about this little story. I often laugh at the little things Autumn dreams up!

Monday - December 14

This baby girl of mine is going to graduate pretty soon. WE have had lots of talks lately about her future and what she wants to do. We had to order all of her stuff for the announcements and graduation. I remember when she was born and her sweet disposition. She has always been a quiet and nice girl. She really has helped me through the last few months with all the drama of Paige. I know this one will figure things out and have a happy life. I will miss her when she goes away to school or married or whatever it is that will take her from this place. Today mattered because I spent precious moments with my sweet baby girl!