Sunday - December 6

Tonight after church and the devotional David put the lights on the tree. He works so late this time of year that I needed him to do it tonight so we could decorate tomorrow. Chad helped him out a lot and they got more white lights on than I expected. David wanted all white lights this year. He used two different kinds of lights. The picture does not show it as well as in person but it is beautiful just like it this. The Weitzel family is coming on the 20th for our family Christmas party and it will be fun to have the festivities up here in this room. This room has been many things the last couple of years and finally it is our family room. I love the vaulted ceilings and I am so glad we decided to have them put in. It really makes a great space for such a big tree! Today mattered because as the lights came on the tree I felt the greater light of the one whose birth we celebrate!

Saturday - December 5

Picking the right tree has always been very important to David. The last few years we have gone to the same Christmas tree farm. They have hot chocolate and cider and cookies. After we get our tree we all meet in the trailer to eat and drink. It was sunny today not at all like last year when it was snowing the day we got our tree. This year because we decided to put the tree upstairs we were looking for at least a 12 foot tree. Thank goodness we found one and it is a beautiful tree! We had to keep it bundled up until we brought it in the house. That was the only way we could get it up the stairs. We will decorate on Monday or possibly tomorrow. Today mattered because as a family we picked our tree and everyone had fun!

Friday - December 4

Today was supposed to be bead group. That got canceled. Good for me as I have lots of things to do to get ready for our progressive dinner next week. The house is a complete mess from all the decorating and I have not done one bit of Christmas shopping yet. I hate this feeling of everything undone. Tomorrow we are supposed to get our tree and we have had a hard deciding where to put it this year. Well, we finally decided to put it upstairs so that Jonathan won't bother it to much when he is here. But that adds to my list lost more cleaning. Chad and Autumn really helped out a lot. They moved the bookcases and picked up all the toys. Taylor did a lot of organizing and by the time my day was done when I went upstairs lo and behold everything was ready for the tree to come tomorrow. What great kids I have. There are times when they see what needs to be done and they really put effort into getting it done! Today mattered because the children served me and made my life easier today!

Thursday - December 3

It was time today to start decorating for Christmas. Cleaning the house and decorating go hand in hand. It will take me at least a week to get everything done. I have many interruptions during the day to make this be quit a project. One of the first things I always do is set up the nativities. I collect them so there are a few. I clear the bookshelf in the family room and dedicate that to these cute figurines. For me that really is the beginning of the season when these are all out and displayed. Autumn especially loves these things. She calls them her "activities". I think she means nativities but it is so cute to watch as she plays with them. This year we made sure to have some that Jonathan could play with as well. So all those are on the bottom shelves and the top ones are dedicated to the more fragile ones. Today mattered because we put Jesus first in our celebrations!

Wednesday - December 2

The kids sure missed me. I think they missed Autumn too. Today started like a normal early day. It was hard getting back up and knowing all the things that I had to do today. Vacations are fun but catching up on everything is lots of work. Not only getting everyone out the door for school - but loads of laundry to catch up on, a kitchen to thoroughly clean and carpets to vacuum. The kids and David did pretty good while I was gone but it just is not the same as when I am home. I missed these two (Noah and Hayden) especially. They keep me on my toes and always have something to say. It was nice to see their smiling faces and know that they missed me as much as I missed them. Today mattered because I realize how much I matter!

Tuesday - December 1

Toshia and I have had such a great time in California! Today we fly home and go back to our busy, busy lives. I love this daughter of mine. I know things have not always been easy for her. But she seems to always come out on top. I love that her testimony is so strong and she is a great strength for me! Thank you Toshia for coming with me and spending this last couple of days with me! Today mattered because a mother and daughter grew closer together!

Monday - November 30

Today we spent time at the park by my moms house. The kids had so much fun. We went for a while in the morning and then again in the afternoon. The weather here is so nice and it does not feel like winter is just around the corner. It will be a while before we go play at the park again when we get back - it will just be too cold! I went for a long run this morning and it was so nice. There was not a lot of traffic inside the housing development so I could just ponder and look at the all the beautiful things around me. Today mattered because time was spent well and even though there was nothing in particular to do everyone had fun!

Sunday - November 29

With all the wedding things done I went home to moms and to church at her ward. I played the piano for them. I did a Christmas medley of a couple of songs. I don't get the chance to play in front of people that often anymore so it was fun to have this opportunity. Other than church it was a quiet day with lots of conversation and playtime with Jonathan, Autumn, Toshia, mom and John. What a great Sabbath! Today mattered because I could use a gift and share it with people!

Saturday - November 28

Today was the wedding day. I started off with a short run with Kelly early in the morning. I loved spending this kind of time with her. When I used to visit in Utah we ran and it was wonderful to have the quiet time to talk. Lots of work to be done when we got back so that made the time together even more special. There was lots to do and not a moment of rest. I loved that I got to be here and in the hub bub of all that was going on. I miss this part of my family very much!. It did rain and that moved the reception inside but other than that everything went off beautifully! Lindsay was beautiful and being in the temple with lots of my nieces and nephews and sisters and mom and John and Toshia was the highlight of this whole trip. Today mattered because families are forever!

Friday - November 27

Today we went to Kelly's house to help out with all the preparations for Saturday's wedding. Autumn had lots of fun playing with her cousin. That is the hard part of living so far away. Cousins don't get to see each other as often as I would like so when they get together it is extra special. We worked on the flower arrangements. They were cute but I don't think Grandma Ardee liked them very well. I had fun making them and it was fun to create with my sister and nieces. Today mattered because we spent time together!

Thursday - November 26

Today Toshia, Autumn and baby Jonathan and I flew to California to spend time with family there. It is my niece's wedding on Saturday and we are going down to help with that. It is also Thanksgiving and we are spending time with my mom and John for Thanksgiving dinner. It is Jonathan's first time flying so we were a little nervous as to how he would do. He was great and we had a good flight. The kids were good and so excited to see everyone. Today mattered because even though it was not spent with all my kids - I got to spend time with my mom and John for this fun family holiday!

Wednesday - Novemeber 25

(I don't have a picture for this one so will edit later.) Today was billing day at Steve's. I had to get it all done today because I am leaving for California tomorrow. There was no school so I took the little girls into to town with me and they met up with Ashleigh. She spent the morning doing make overs with them and shopping at a local toy store. They had so much fun. After they were done I met up with them at Red Robin for lunch. They had fun, I got my work done, so all in all it was a very productive day. Today mattered because good times and loved were shared!

Tuesday - November 24

I know I should not complain. Today was very important for David. I needed to get the oil changed in the Suburban. Don't laugh - he treats this car like his babies. It is very well taken care of but because of the nature of his work I am the one stuck doing the taking care of. It usually means I have to change whatever plans I have for the morning and spend time waiting for the oil to be changed. This morning though I took advantage of the time and went to the book store next door and browsed the books. I went for hot chocolate at the bakery next door as well. I had a peaceful, lovely time. What started as a chore ended up being a very reflective time for me. Today mattered because I turned a boring thing into a good use of my time!

Monday - November 23

Today we watched Jonathan. He was so busy! I had been thinking of decorating for Christmas since am going to be gone for Thanksgiving but I am just not in the mood today. We played, ate, played some more and finally he slept in my arms for a while. All the time Autumn played with us. She loves being around him and really takes good care of him. Today mattered because it was a grandma day!

Sunday - November 22

Today we had our Thanksgiving dinner. All the children and their friends came. (Paige was not here) We also celebrated Autumn's birthday. This had to have been one of the easiest turkey dinners we have ever had. It seemed so casual. That was very nice for me. Sunday is crazy for me anyways. Meetings and doing my church responsibilities. Today was also very special because Chad got ordained to the office of a priest. He now has more responsibilities as well. It will be nice to watch him prepare and bless the sacrament. I so enjoyed that when Seth was active in the church. It did my heart good to watch him perform his priesthood responsibilities. Chad will do goo. I hope he keeps the feelings he has about it all with him and it will carry him through to his mission. It is a nice thing to have hope about! Today mattered because once again I was surrounded by my family!

Saturday - November 21

My baby turned six today! I never thought I would get to this point in my life. With having eleven children there has always been a baby around. And while we now have Jonathan and he is wonderful - not having one of my own babies around has been an adjustment. I do have to say though I do like this place I am right now in my life. Autumn is so darn special! I am glad to have her teach me everyday and remind me of what is important. All my kids do that - but I get to spend more time alone during the day with Autumn than I did with the others. She has more time to tell me how to do it right! Life is good - I look around at all I have been blessed with and even though there are darker days there are more bright and sunny days in my life than dark! Today mattered because six years ago Autumn came into my life!

Friday - November 20

These are the aprons that Taylor and her friend Kayla made. Today we finished it with the buttons that she needed to still sew on. She wanted to help cook something today so she could wear her apron. It is so fun to watch these little girls as they grow into big girls. I remember when the older three girls wanted to cook, clean, and be big girls! I am having lots of fun teaching her piano and how to do other sewing projects. When I was little this is the way I imagined being a mother would be. Playing with your children and teaching them at the same time. Today was a better day - the sun is shining - I had a great run and did 8 miles and felt so good afterwards! I am done almost with all the super Saturday projects for tomorrow and done with other things I had to for my calling. After Sunday it will be just about getting ready to go to California! Today mattered because sunshine filled my soul!

Wednesday - November 18

I love this little picture! Today was a day that I needed someone to wipe my tears and help me. Today I know that my Heavenly Father is real and he was there for me. I felt peace as I drove home from the beach. I was by myself for part of the way and I listened to a new CD and during some of the songs I felt so much peace and joy for I know that the gospel is a gospel of peace. The spirit is a comforter. The tears I cried were not only tears of sadness for Paige but ones of joy for my role as a mother. I did not sign up for an easy adventure here on earth. I knew there were going to be bumps and this is just a bump. It was so sweet to come home and find my little girls waiting for me. Sharing their day with me. They laid with me as they fell asleep tonight and as they did I looked at each of their sweet faces and knew that I am the luckiest mother in the world. The hard bumps really do make me appreciate the sweet flat even roads. Today mattered as I turned again it all over to the Lord and let him wipe my tears!

Tuesday - November 17

Today was a very hard day. Actually the day was fine until around 4:00 when I got a phone call that my little Paige had been arrested. She is struggling so much right now in her life. She is making really bad choices and it is not getting her anywhere. I hope that this is a wake up call for her. Not what I ever imagined for her. This is so hard - but today does matter for me - I found peace and solace because I understand the atonement and how it works. Despite having a child who makes wrong choices life is good and being a mother is good!

Monday - November 16

Today my friends from Portland came to spend a few days with me at the beach. My family went home last night and they came in late last night. We plan on spending our time crafting and shopping. I needed sometime to myself. I needed to reflect and ponder on some of the things going on right now with Paige. It is hard for me. Getting away every once in a while like this helps me to be better with my other children when I am having a hard time with one of them. It takes my mind off of things for a while and lets it rest. This picture is not one I took, but it reflects to me the beauty of where I am right now. I have never seen a sunset like this but I have experienced many sunsets in my life. Some darker than others. When I think of Paige I wonder about what kind of sunset she sees or if she even sees them at all. You have to looking at just the right time to see images like this one - your eyes have to be fixed on it or you miss it. Several times I have said to David I will be right there, just a minute. When I get outside it is gone. It is over and the darkness is all that is left. I love that last little bit of light as the sun is going down. I have faith that the light will always return in just a few hours. I have the same kind of faith and hope that Paige will return. Today mattered because I shared time with friends and took the time to look at the end of the day to last bit of light and thanked Heavenly Father for the knowledge that the light would come again!

Sunday - November 15

Toshia went home last night. She took the boys with her. Andrew had drill this weekend and she wanted the boys to spend some time with him today before Luke had to go home to his mom's. I just love this daughter of mine. She really helps me out all the time and is always there to listen and help me work through hard things. I have always said of her that she is an old spirit in a young body. She is so good to her boys and loves them so much. They are lucky to have her as their mother. Someday I know they will see that and she will know of their appreciation. I thought a lot about her today as I often do. But today more because of the time spent together. Watching her mother her children brings me great joy! It is hard to explain but easy to feel. Today mattered as I thought and watched my daughter be a mother to her own!

Saturday - November 14

Today was beautiful! The calm before the storm. I had a great run down along the beach. The sun was just coming up and the weather was perfect. I really thought a lot about God's creations as I ran this morning. The Habel family came and joined us for a couple of days. We went shopping and down on the beach and then to one of our favorite places a park here in town. The kids call it "Castle Park". It is called something else but to us it will always be "Castle Park". I think everyone had a great time. There is so much to explore along the lake and in the park. The swings were amazing and the kids played together so nicely! Jenn made dinner. That I loved because I would rather not cook if I can help it so when she offered I was all over it! Today mattered because we shared with friends more than fun but a love and bond that will hold us through!

Friday - November 13

Today I took the kids and Toshia's boys to the beach . Toshia and David are coming down later tonight. I love our beach house. We have enjoyed this place for a very long time. We are so lucky to be able to come here as often as we do. It is supposed to be stormy this weekend. I love that we get to see the beach in all the seasons. Each season brings its own beauty. This is such a cute picture of Hayden and Jonathan looking out at the water. We have invited friends down to stay for the weekend. It should be lots and lots of fun! Today mattered because we got to experience the beauty of the coast as a family!

Thursday - November 12

Today I was thinking a lot about how we got to this place where we live now. It has been quite a journey! We owned two homes before this one and rented a few places before that. Before we moved here we had to live in a rental house for a space of time. It was tiny! we had 8 children still at home and there were only three bedrooms and one bath in that place. It was a blessing even though it was small. It did help us appreciate this house we live in now. I was thinking of all the blessings that I have in my life right now. These silly children are my best blessings. I found this old picture that we had taken while living in that rental house. There were fun times there despite the cramped living conditions. What made it bearable was the fun we had together as a family. I am very grateful for my family and all they teach me. These kids look so young in this picture compared to the look the carry today. I hope that as they have grown older they will also remember the fun and love that we share as a family. Today mattered because family matters!

Wednesday - November 11

Today Taylor and I went to our friend's home and I taught her to sew. Kim and her daughter Kayla and Taylor and I spent a wonderful afternoon together sewing an apron. We taught them about cutting out, how to pin things together and how tot use the sewing machine. I sat behind Taylor as she sewed. It was so fun to help guide her hands as she sewed her apron. She kept saying, "This is so fun!". I thought so too. It was more fun because we were friends and learning together. Today mattered because I got to spend time with my Taylor!

Tuesday - November 10

What a very busy day today was! I went to the gym - went to Ashleigh's school so she could finish cleaning my teeth and clean Autumn's teeth. That was a trip. Then home in time to get ready for a stake auxiliary meeting! I love serving in Relief Society. I have learned to love serving the sisters. I have always worked with the youth of the church so this has been a good opportunity for me to grow in ways I did not know. I like to think of our serving in the Relief Society as a quilt. That image helps me see that it is all fabrics and stitches coming together to make a beautiful whole. All of us serving together make us whole as women. We learned about that tonight in our meeting. It takes all of us each doing our part and Relief Society meetings help us accomplish that goal. Today mattered because of all that I had to do I got to end my day being spiritually feed by the good sisters of this stake!

Monday - November 9

Today I had the opportunity to help Sister Ferrin out with a quilt she is quilting for her daughter. I have helped a couple of other times but today spent a little longer doing what I find to be a very rewarding and fun past time. I love the companionship shared with the couple of sisters that were there and a different group of ladies that I usually do not get to spend time talking with. After that Danna came over for me to help her with her sharing time this month. We came up with the funnest game and I think she will do a great job with it. After a while I looked over on the chair and there were my two little charges cuddled up together sleeping. It makes me happy that Autumn loves her nephew so much and really is a big help to me as we watch him for Toshia. I love that I get to spend time with this little guy and that he loves me too! Today mattered because I got to serve my sisters and at the same time Autumn was learning to serve her family!

Sunday - November 8

My Sundays start early now. I have an 8:00 missionary committee meeting that I now attend. But in a way I like it. I get up and going, go to the meeting and am home to get everyone else up and going. It was kind of cold today. As I stood looking out my window this morning I was reminded of the day by a sign that is in my window. "Keep Holy the Sabbath". You can hardly see it in the picture a small hand stitched sign but yet the message is most important. Today mattered because I kept the Sabbath holy and served in my callings!

Saturday - November 7

Just an ordinary Saturday. Started my day with a couple of classes at the gym. Spin and body sculpting class. Then afterwards got cleaned up and off to do work at Steve's house. Then to the grocery store and home again to catch the children playing with the "Dora" toys. The whole family room was set up with plastic houses, plastic furniture, plastic cars, and plastic people. I played with them for little while and loved watching as they used their imaginations. Just an ordinary day but it mattered because without ordinary I wouldn't appreciate the extra-ordinary!

Friday - Novemeber 6

Bead group was today. We made these cute button bracelets. I have wanted to make these for a while and I am so happy to get them done. They are so cute. It not just the baking of the bracelets that I loved so much, but the company that I was with. The ladies are really fun to craft with! The conversation is always good and even though they don't know it they are teaching me. Today mattered because I not only made something but was taught as well!

Thursday - November 5

After yesterday I just wanted to stop being a mother for a while. But I can't really do that seeing as that is really what I love being the most. The Lord really knows how to take care of me. Usually after a really hard time with Paige I get some little gems of time with some of my other kids. Today it was Chad who got me. After school he had to take a test and I had to wait for a while. While waiting I talked with some of the kids friends. It was a nice chat. Teenagers who are focused and know what they want. While driving home Chad shared about his day with me and when I got to the driveway we just sat there ant talked. It was about a 50 minute talk. Everything from what he did at school to assignments he was working on - the latest update on the problems the kids are having publishing articles in the school newspaper - and what he had planned for the weekend. This boy is focused and so goal oriented. Toshia was a lot like that. It has gotten her very far - I know that Chad is going to accomplish great things if he keeps his focus. He has made some mistakes - all teenagers do - but he learns from them and I think tries to grow and become better from them. Today mattered because I realized how important mothering is not just on good days like today - but on the hard days like yesterday. This mother bird is still building the nest and learning how to teach them to fly!

Wednesday - November 4

Look at these two angels girls. Both have such similar personalities. Yet both are so different. I worry about both. Drama seems to follow both of them wherever they go. Today was hard - really hard. I had lots to do - meetings - things for my calling - piano lessons - projects to finish with friends - and in the middle of it all Paige had to pick today to be difficult. Things have been hard for a while with her but now I have to make some decisions based on her choices and this is not the part of being a mother that I like. I needed David to help me out with this and it is just as hard for him as it is for me. We talked a lot and most of all prayed a lot. Today really mattered because it was hard and because it was hard it drove me to my knees where I learn the most!

Tuesday - November 3

Today was applesauce making day! I have been waiting all summer to do this. I borrowed a thingy that makes making applesauce a breeze. You just cook the apples, dump into the strainer thing, crank the handle, out comes the applesauce and out the other end comes the yucky stuff. I made 20 quarts. I am excited to use the fruit I have bottled this summer. Winter is going to be so fun - every time I open a jar of jam or jelly or fruit memories are going to come pouring out! Today mattered because as I worked on provident living I created memories to be opened during the dreary days of winter!

Monday - November 2

Today was a beautiful fall day! I could not believe the beautiful sunshine that we got experience. This little bird of mine has kept a watchful eye over my flower garden for a couple of years. Sitting on my deck it watches over the flowers there. Today I moved it down on the potting table for the winter. I love the birds I have scattered through my home. There is something about these cute little creatures that speak to me. I do not know what it is but I am intrigued with how they work in nature. How they build their nests and take care of their babies. The great care they take in building their nest and gather the materials to do so - the way the fly away for food for their babies so they can grow into strong little birdies - how they push the young ones out of the nest to fly on their own - all this reminds me of my role as a mother. Today mattered because I am a mother!

Sunday - November 1

Today in Relief Society we talked about what we are grateful for. Sis. Hoffman did a fantastic job and it was fun how she had asked different sisters to share what they were thankful for. Then in between their comments she said what she was thankful for. It really got me to thinking about how much I am blessed with and for what makes me happy. What was common with all the sisters was how much they loved their families. I was thinking that was on the top of my list as well. Chelsea here is helping getting things ready for Jonathan's party yesterday. She had lots to do herself that day but she did take the time to come help us celebrate. That is what I love about my girls - with the exception of work or school keeping them away - they are always there to help. We had our family birthday party a couple of weeks ago and again everyone came and helped and there was a lot of love. I am very grateful for my children. I love them and could not imagine my world without them. They are a lot of work, but nonetheless, today matters because of them!

Saturday - October 31

Can I just say that Halloween is not one of my favorite holidays. I think as a kid I liked it only for the candy and time we got to be with our dad. Luke this year wanted to be Dracula! These kids love Halloween and the dressing up and all that goes with it. Toshia was great and yesterday helped the little girls pick out costumes and agreed to take them with her trick or treating. We had Jonathan's birthday party at our house today and lots of people and kids came. Then they all left to go trick or treating. Chad stayed home with me and handed out candy. It was fun to hang out with him and talk about the latest book he has been reading. Even though this is not one of my favorite days today mattered because memories were made!

Friday - October 30

Today this little man turned one! I can remember last year like it was today. I was so nervous for Toshia. I knew she did not know what to expect and I did not know how to tell her what she was in for. Fortunately, everything went well with her delivery and now one year later I am enjoying kisses from this sweet little man! I knew I would love being a grandma but like Toshia not knowing what to expect with her delivery I could not have begun to know what it was going to be like being a grandmother. What a joy it has been and continues to be - today mattered because I am part of a legacy!

Thursday - Octobober 29

A couple of weeks ago I bottled about 35 quarts of grape juice. Today I made jelly with some of that beautiful grape juice! I watched Jonathan and took care of now two sick children - but I still managed to get 12 quarts and 16 pints of jelly made. When I went to book club meeting tonight it was great to sit and relax and talk about the book with the ladies. Half way through I realized I had on no make up and my yucky sweats! Boy I must have been a sight - but today mattered because I cooked jelly for my family and had the privilege of being with my wonderful book club ladies!

Wednesday - October 28

Today - Ran 5 miles. Cleaned house. Took care of sick Taylor. Did 4 loads of laundry. Went to IKEA with Toshia. Finished decorating for fall/halloween for Jonathan's party on Saturday. Made dinner. Took Noah to meeting. Read some more of "book club" book. Studied scriptures. Thought about making cookies. Decided not to. Taught 3 piano lessons. Read books to Autumn. Put clean sheets on Taylor's bed and cleaned up her room. Read "Anne of Green Gables" to girls before bedtime. Read decorating magazines before bed. Finally, went to bed thinking "tomorrow I have to start this all over again". Today mattered because I just did!

Tuesday - October 27

Sometimes Autumn just spends hours playing with her Dora play set. Sometimes she wants me to play right along with her. Most of the time I have lots of other things to do so I just tell her to play and I will check on her. Today I sat and played for a few minutes. She is so creative with her play. She knows just what she wants each of her characters to do. If I got it wrong then she would correct me and let me know how to play the right way. I will miss these days with her as I already miss them with the older children. Today mattered because I played with my five year old and did not worry about what was not getting done around the house!

Monday - October 26

Poor little Taylor was sick today with the flu. She woke up around 3:00 this morning and was sick all day. It is so hard when the children are sick. I feel helpless and mostly just wish they could not go through it. Even though I had tons to do this busy Monday I spent a lot of time looking after this little one. Things got done - she slept a lot - but when she was awake I tried to comfort her. I hope it does not spread to the others. Today mattered because I was there for my sick little girl!

Sunday - October 25

Today was our Primary Program at church. It was so sweet. Our family was invited to sing a song and all were there except Ashleigh, Chelsea and Seth. The spirit of the program was so strong. It was about families. The children spoke of personal experiences that they had within their own families about scripture study, prayer, family home evening. It was so special to listen to these children bear personal testimony of the things that they had been taught in their homes. They all sang beautifully and even our family did a great job! We had practiced but never all together. So I was not sure how it was going to turn out. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus were listening this day as they children sang and spoke their testimonies. Today mattered because we were reminded once again of the importance of our family!

Saturday - October 24

I finished my fall plaque today. This picture is kind of hard to tell what it's all about but I just have to say I think it is fun! When fall comes I get in a very creative mood and like to create. I like staying inside when the weather changes. We had a fire going most of the afternoon and the kids were just quietly playing. Last year I was sewing like no ones business. This year I am back to paper crafting. I am still sewing but not as much. I went thrifting yesterday afternoon and found some fun things to put together for just pennies. I love having projects going in my head and finding the jackpot of what I need at these places. Today mattered because while enjoying the changing weather I created!

Friday - October 23

Today was a Jonathan day. His favorite thing is to eat. Autumn and I have such fun watching this little guy. He is very busy but she seems to be able to keep his attention and get him to play where she wants him to. Of course, not much gets done around the house when he is here but that is OK. I did manage to get in a run this morning and did four loads of laundry before he got here so I guess I did more than just watch him. Today mattered because Grandma got to take care of this little guy!

Thursday - October 22

I finally finished my fall wreath. I was looking and looking for the right welcome sign to go with it. I had an idea in my head and it just never happened the way I had envisioned. But I think this turned out very cute! My plan is to make a wreath for all the seasons and holidays. We shall see if that happens. I always make great plans. As I put the finishing touches on this and was hanging it outside I realized how much it is looking like fall. The colors are beautiful! Last week on a run I noticed all the changing leaves and the sun was coming up and shining through the clouds and it was so beautiful! I am so drawn to the fall colors. I decorate a lot with them. I think all the colors of the leaves and flowers are the last beauty of nature until spring when everything comes alive again. There is a lot of yard work to get done and things around the house to do but for a few moments today I just stood and enjoyed the colors of fall. Today mattered because I saw God's canvas and took time to enjoy the beauty of it!

Wednesday - October 21

Today was library day for Autumn and I. We try to go every week for story time and then afterwards we go to McDonald's to eat lunch. There are three of us that go. Jenn and her girls, Gina and her girls, and Autumn and I. I look forward to this time with my friends as much as Autumn does. Next year she will be in school all day so I will miss out on this little adventure. That is unless - I take Jonathan for Grandma dates on Wednesdays - I think that is what I am going to have to do. Today mattered because reading and friendship went hand in hand!

Tuesday - October 20

In April I think I did a post on my other blog that was "Pay it Forward". The first five people to respond to my post would get a made craft from me. One of the rules was that I had up to a year to finish and deliver the projects. Well, this week I finished all five of the projects. Pictured is one of the things that Lynn gets. I did something different for each one. Jewelry, signs, picture frame memo boards, advent calendar. I am going to mail the ones to the gals that live out of town. What a fun surprise for them to see I actually finished what I started. It has been a lot of fun figuring out what projects to do for this "Pay it Forward" game. Today mattered because I completed a goal long before it was time to.

Monday - October 19

Today was jewelry class. We meet monthly and work on different projects. Denise is a wonderful teacher and has lots of fun things for us to do. This month I found this button bracelet that I wanted us to learn how to make. Jenn, Shari, Lynn, Denise and I had such a wonderful afternoon together making our bracelets. I made a chicken salad and cornbread for lunch. This project was pretty easy and I ended up making two. Today mattered because I got to spend time with friends and create.

Sunday - October 18

Today is Ashleigh's birthday. In October we have five birthdays in our family. (Six when you count Jonathan our grandson) We had our family birthday party today. It was so wonderfully crazy here. All the kids came and Noah made homemade meatballs and spaghetti. My mom taught him this summer how do make this recipe and he loves cooking so that was his birthday present to all the kids. I love it when the kids are creative with their gift giving. We had a huge salad and for dessert we had cake and ice cream of course and apple pie. I think everyone had a great time. David had a fire going in the fire pit outside. It was just cold enough to really enjoy it. Today mattered because I realize how special everyone is as we gather together to celebrate the birth of five of the children!

Saturday - October 17

Today I finished up the rest of the grapes that I made into juice. I ended up with 32 quarts of juice! I am going to make grape jelly with the juice but I will do that next month sometime. I want to make some for gifts for the holiday and some for our storage. It was much easier than I thought to do the juice but very time consuming. My friend Eliza invited me to pick grapes last week with her at a home she visit teaches at. They did not want the grapes to go to waste. When my friend Lynn heard I was doing juice she let me come pick the rest of her grapes. So in all my spare time this week :) I got to have the juicer going on my stove and fill up the rest of my quart jars with juice. Today mattered because I am practicing my provident living and learning new skills in the kitchen!

Friday - October 16

I started today out with an eight mile run. The morning was just beautiful. Everywhere I looked the leaves were changing on the trees and the sun was shining so beautifully on things. It was just the right temperature outside for running a long run. I kept thinking of how wonderful all things in my life are and how blessed I am to have David in my life. After my run my day got very crazy. Kids needed this or that. I had errands to run. Birthday present to buy. Sewing class to go to. I did not get to stay at my class. Paige needed me. So I left feeling very frustrated at that the whole day seemed to go downhill after my beautiful morning. Then David called about 4:00 in the afternoon. He asked me out on a date. How sweet. It had been a long time since we had actually gone out to dinner. I told him that it would be fun and that I had a bridal shower to go to but he should call me there when he got home and cleaned up. So at around 7:30 that evening he picked me at the shower and off we went to dinner. What a nice evening we had together. We talked uninterrupted for an hour. After such a weird day to have it end with my husband telling me how much he loved me made all the craziness all seem worthwhile. Today mattered because despite all the stresses it brought at the end of the day what mattered most was being with the love of my life!