A few catch up thoughts

Catching up on the last few weeks is something I have been meaning to do for a few days now. I have been very busy since the end of November. I flew to California for my niece's wedding on Thanksgiving. I went with Toshia and Jonathan and at the last minute Autumn got to go with us. We had a great time. The wedding was wonderful - the only exception I guess would be that it rained the day of the wedding. She had planned an out door reception but that got cancelled and moved to the stake center. For all the hurrying around getting things moved I felt it all turned out beautiful. We got to spend some time with family and catch up a little with nieces and their families. I had a great run with Kelly the morning of the wedding. I miss being closer physically to all of them but I am grateful for the time of technology and that I can keep up with everyone that way as well. Still nothing is quite the same as a face to face visit. After getting home I have been working on lots of projects and things for Christmas. I had aprons to make for a friends granddaughters. Five in all. Then the Relief Society progressive dinner to get ready for. A cookie exchange party to bake for and shopping to get done before the Weitzel family Christmas dinner. That will be held here this year. So on top of all of the trying to decorate the house (and clean) so it will be ready for all of the events of the season.

Two Saturdays ago we went to get our tree. We got a twelve foot one and put it upstairs this year. We have vaulted ceilings so I have to say it looks marvelous. The children did a fantastic job of getting it decorated. I seem to always let them do it - they have so much fun. I have stopped trying to go back when they are done and "fix it". It is their tree so I let it be. I get a couple of other trees to decorate the way I want so I am happy to let them have those memories.

David and I got most of the shopping done last Saturday. We made a day of it. We ended up getting just about all of it done and so now I have just a few presents left to get the the older kids. I have a couple nightgowns left to make and few presents for friends left to get or finish up. Hopefully all will be done this week. I have a few lunches planned with friends so some of it might have to happen next week when the kids are out of school. Last night for FHE we talked about our "service" for Jesus. The kids really took to it with very cheerful attitudes. Lots of secret service was going on last night before bed. Next week we will be giving out our "Christmas Jar". David, myself and all the children have been putting all of our loose change and bottle money in a jar to give away this year. The kids can hardly wait to see how much they have collected and who we will give it away to. It has been a fun project that we have worked on all year long.

This weekend is the ward Christmas party and our family has a big role in that. I think it is big - the kids are excited to dress up and be the nativity. Or should I say "activity" as Autumn calls it. Then Sunday night is the Weitzel family party. December has turned into quite the "activity" month for us. I love that the weather has been cold but not icy and snowy. I feels so much like Christmastime when it is cold. Although there have been some really hard things going on within our little family I am excited for this time of year and have a peaceful and hopeful attitude as I remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the great gift of love he gave to all of us. I am so excited for the next couple of weeks and the fun we are going to have!!!