[merry] joy.


[merry] joy.

Merry Christmas!

Regardless of how you celebrate this Christmas season, I would love to share my heartfelt gratitude to you for all that you do to support Mattea's Joy.

So many of you have shown up this year for us by doing everything from liking and sharing social media posts to donating your time, talent, and treasure. It all means so much. There is power when many people show up with what they have to give.

I have extra gratitude this Christmas for the birth of Jesus Christ. He is who I look to for peace and joy. I have found by following His teachings (which has been what has led me to serve others in the ways that I strive to) a peace in my life that exists whether life is going as planned or not - it is like a blanket that continually wraps itself around me with comfort.

I hope you find that peace this holiday season as you celebrate and worship in whatever way you choose to.

I hope that you feel the great joy that is all around you as you give joy to others - through cookie trays and gifts, but also in heartfelt hugs and forgiveness freely given.

Joy is in the air!

One of my favorite days of the year is serving Cookies and Milk at Comer Children's Hospital. It is still happening this year, but it a bit different because I will also be there as a mom while Coop is getting treatment. Our Christmas will not look like it normally does, but it will still be joyful!

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." - Russell M. Nelson

I hope you can feel it (if you can't, just try giving a bit more joy and I can guarantee you that you will feel more of it).

with joy,

jamie

p.s. scroll down to see the cover of the children's book I have been working!

joy.received

Thank you to the students and staff at LeVasseur Elementary School in Bourbonnais for doing a donation drive on behalf of Mattea's Joy using our wish list.

They chose a few items from the list and students brought them in as a part of their care project earlier this month.

We are so grateful to them for stocking our shelves for care packages!

joy.assembled

Shout out to the BBCHS Ironclad Robotics team for assembling snack boxes and transfer packets.

Transfer packets are provided to families that are being transferred from outside hospitals via helicopter to Comer Children's Hospital. They include "tips" from other parents, a gift card for food and parking passes. They are a reminder that "You've got this" at a hard moment.

joy.delivered

Princess Breakfast

Spend a magical morning making memories with us while supporting families with hospitalized children.

Saturday, March 1, 2025
9:30-11:30AM
Kankakee Country Club

  • Dancing with music by DJ Jason Neuman
  • Crafts by Little Me Studio
  • Decor and Makeup Station by My Secret Garden Party
  • Story time with a Princess

Dine with your doll at your table with you in their own special chair

Adults $75
Children (12 and under) $50

Ticket & Sponsorship Info: www.princessjoy.org

finding joy

I am thrilled to reveal the cover for the children's book, Finding Joy, that I created in collaboration with the artistic talent of Natalie Seaton and Reese Freedlund.

Save the date for its official release in April 2025!

Pre-sale opportunities coming soon.

Mattea's Joy - 447 South Main Street, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
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