Tuesday - September 29

Today this little table was dressed for company. A sweet friend came and got me and we picked Miss Autumn up from school and then visited a couple of our favorite little shops in town. It was fun to go with Jenn and her two little girls. Then we headed to my house for lunch. I fixed a chicken salad and pasta salad and smoothies. For the little girls we fixed turkey and cheese sandwiches and grapes. They enjoyed the smoothies as well. It was great fun to have company for lunch. I think we had a delightful time. The girls played well together and we enjoyed each other's company. The funnest part for me was dressing this little table. I have not used it yet to eat off of. I have done other things on the table - sewing, crafting, beading, but no eating - that is until today. Afterwards Autumn asked me why the big ladies had such a "fancy" lunch and the little girls had the "fun" lunch. When I asked her if she wished she had the "fancy " lunch she said , "Oh no, our lunch was much better than yours - I like it when we have company." I like it when we have company too! Today mattered because I got to enjoy the friendship of a sweet friend.

Monday - September 28

Today after school everyone had an assignment. They were to eat their snacks, do homework, practice the piano. They wanted to go outside and play really bad. But I had one more chore for them to do. I wanted the little girls to make the treat for FHE. Not to hard, just brownies. But they were so excited to get to cook. Lately they have really enjoyed doing some things in the kitchen. I have bought a couple of dinners in a box so that they could do the whole thing themselves. They actually are not too bad. Anyway, the brownies turned out delicious and very cake like. They did a great job and so I think it is time to start making them recipes books. We shall see if this can get done for Christmas but probably next year. Today mattered because three little girls got to practice being big girls!

Sunday - September 27

Today some of the older kids came out for dinner. I love Sundays when the whole family comes but I will be happy that today I got to see Ashleigh and Seth. Toshia came with the baby and Adrian. We barbecued. I love this kind of dinner. David loves cooking the food and I love preparing the side dishes. It really does not feel like I am cooking at all. We had salmon and stake and the the little kids had hot dogs. Corn on the cob, pasta salad, and a big green salad with the last of our cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden in it. Today mattered because we spent time together!

Saturday - September 26

This baby girl is now a senior in high school! I cannot believe it! I have not seen or talked very much with her since school started a few weeks ago. Between seminary, school and work she has not been home much and when she gets home it is off to bed with her. Today for a few minutes this morning she had some time and I had a few minutes so I got hear all about everything that has been going on now for the last couple of weeks. I did not do much talking, just listening. As I listened I was thinking how sweet this little baby girl of mine has turned out. She is so special and working so hard and also having good fun. I just love the moments when I get to listen! Today mattered because I had a listening ear and did not do the talking!

Friday - September 25

Today this mixer and I had a date. I made chocolate chip cookies. Not so unusual you might say, but it has been way too long since I have made cookies. As I was mixing the dough children kept coming by and asking, "What are you doing? "What do you think?" I would say. To which they would reply, "Looks like you are making cookies". "Very good", I would say thinking to myself what smart children I have. But then would come the next question. "Why?" "Do I need a reason why?" "Guess not, just that I didn't think you remembered how to make cookies!". Ouch! That hurt. It really has been way to long since I baked. I am going to change that and at least once a week bake something. Just the smell of something baking when they come home from school would be a treat for them. Today mattered because I took the time to bake something for the little people I love!

Thursday - September 24

This little girl is so special. She is quite a joy to our family. Yes, she is bossy, spoiled and very full of herself. But she has her tender loving moments. She knows how to get to my heart. Today while getting ready for school she was "cold". "Mom, give me hug clear down to my bones, so I will get warm." "Oh, I hope this is warming you up" I said. Then after a couple of minutes she replied, "Thanks, mom! You just hit the spot. Now I am warm to my bones." Today mattered because I could give a hug to a little girl. Her day will be better because she got "warm to her bones"!

Wednesday - September 23

Today I taught piano lessons. I do this two days a week. A couple of my students are a little challenging to teach. They have some things that make it hard for them to play. Today as I was playing a duet with one of the kids I realized that three years ago he was told he would never play the piano. He physically would not be able too. Well, he proved everyone wrong. I did not know if I would be able to teach him but he was willing to learn. It has been a slow process but as he played a church song today with me my heart sang! What a joy to be able to bring music into people's lives. He will never be a Mozart but he is to me a kid who mattered enough to try to give him a gift. Today mattered because I shared a gift with someone who now can share with others!

Tuesday - September 22

This day started like all the rest - up early, scriptures study, getting kids ready for school, working on projects for the bazaar, going to spin class, looking at schedule for afternoon of piano teaching. As I was doing the dishes I noticed some of our harvest sitting on my blocks. David must have picked them this morning and put them in the window to ripen. I loved how I felt looking at my words for the year and the fruits of our labors. Today matters because I realize that every day we get to start over and try to live well, laugh often, and love much and that everyday something beautiful can be before our eyes. The tomatoes are beautiful today because of the love and laughter that went into the growing of our garden!

Monday - September 21

Today was a watch Jonathan day. This throws my regular routine out the window. But that does not matter at all - what matters most is the time and love shared with this little guy! I can always get back to my routines but I can never share today again with this little man. Grandchildren are the icing on the cake! I am blessed to get to share some alone time with this little man. Today mattered because I got to love my grandbaby!

Sunday - September 20

Every Sunday as I wake up and get ready for the day I am so grateful for all that I have been blessed with. I usually wake up quite early and so the house is very quiet. I get ready for the Sabbath first by saying my prayers and inviting the spirit to to help me as I worship. I love Sunday mornings. Yes it can be chaotic and very busy after the children get up and going but because I take the time to get ready first it very rarely turns into a hectic time for me. Today mattered because I loved my family and spent the day thinking of my blessings!