Every Day Matters

Sunday - December 20

2010-01-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T12:51:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-11T12:46:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T12:32:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

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!

Sunday - December 12

2010-01-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

Last week I taught Relief Society. I really worked hard on my lesson. It was on Service. For 2010 our Relief Society is going to focus more on service and all our Relief Society meetings are going to have some type of service associated with them. I have been thinking about my lesson all week. The things I spoke on really have touched my heart. I really wanted to focus on having charity and service become who we are and not just what we do. One of the things I want to do is be better at noticing when service needs to be done and just do it with out being asked. If service becomes who I am then doing will become very natural. I want to be more converted to the Lord's ways and service is key for that to happen. I guess I am thinking more about this because I have been struggling with some issues lately. Serving will help my work through them. I know this! Today mattered because even though the lesson was last week the spirit was still teaching me today!

Saturday - December 12

2010-01-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

No cookie party. The weather report said there was going to be freezing rain so Danna decided to cancel. Most of us had to travel a distance to get there so it was probably for the best. The sad thing was - no freezing rain- so we could have had it. Better to be safe. Because I did not go I ended up going for a workout at the gym and then David and I finished up most of the Christmas shopping. I went to Steve's and did work there after we shopped. David watched TV (a football game) with Steve. Getting home tonight I was so tired but it was a very full day. I loved spending time with David. He has been working such long hours that alone time with him does not happen that often during the holiday season. Today mattered because I got to be with my adorable husband for most of the day!

Friday - December 11

2010-01-11T12:05:00.001-08:00

The party last night was fabulous! We had lots of sisters come out for the dinner. The dessert portion was at my house. People gathered in my living room at first. This is my Santa room. The tree is decorated by me and I do it a little fancier than the other trees. I always wanted a theme type tree so that is why I do it in this room. I like a little more formal look for this room. Anyway, it was so fun as the sisters started to gather and we moved into the kitchen family room area. Today though I did my sewing class and made Danna her Christmas present. It was a cute, cute bag. I did not get a picture darn it, but I am making another one after the first of the year for myself so will take a picture then. I love my sewing class. I have met new ladies from my community. They seem very nice and love to sew! I like getting to know new people while I work on a craft. Because we are all doing it together there is a fun bond. Today mattered because I reached outside my circle and made new friends!

Thursday - December 10

2010-01-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday is my annual cookie exchange party that I always go to. Today I spent the morning baking my cookies for it. I had to get it all done so I could get things cleaned up for the progressive dinner that will be here tonight. Thank goodness all the decorating is done and most of the cleaning. I just had to clean up the kitchen. I decided to make bar cookies because I could get more done in a batch. Chocolate half-way bars. They are yummy. I had fun containers to put them in. I can hardly wait for the party - both parties. I love being with my friends during the holidays. Today mattered because I was able to bake and clean and still have fun!

Wednesday - December 9

2010-01-11T11:55:00.001-08:00

Our family is going to be in the nativity for the ward Christmas party. We have been talking alot about this and giving everyone their assignments. Autumn was so sad when she heard Jonathan was not going to be baby Jesus. (He gets to be a horse aka donkey). I caught her today trying out all the different baby dolls to be Jesus. This one I got a picture of when she was off looking for another doll. It is fun to hear her talking and trying to decided which doll will do for the baby Jesus. I love the faith of small children. They do not doubt. Today mattered as I was taught again by one of my children!

Tuesday - December 8

2010-01-11T11:52:00.001-08:00

Autumn lost her first tooth today. She was so excited to finally have one of her teeth missing and have the tooth fairy come. She has been working on getting it out since she went to see Ashleigh for her cleaning. She seems so grown up and losing a tooth definitely puts her on the older side of things. Today mattered as my baby girl crossed another stepping stone into big kid world!

Monday - December 7

2010-01-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

Lots to do today. Decorating needs to get finished and stuff cleaned up for the party Thursday evening. We finished decorating the big tree for family night tonight. Every year when I open the boxes of ornaments so many memories come flooding back to my mind. From the very first ornaments David and I ever had together to last year's homemade school ornaments the kids make. It is always a big deal for the kids to find their baby ornaments. And of course the pickle. I hang that one last and hide it so they can find it. The first one to find it gets a treat. Last year it was hidden so well that no one found it even when we took the tree down. When David threw the tree outside the pickle went crashing out with it. New pickle for this year:) Today mattered because tradition mattered.

Sunday - December 6

2009-12-24T11:13:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T11:09:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:57:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:48:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:41:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:32:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:25:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:22:00.001-08:00

(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

2009-12-24T10:07:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T10:02:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T18:43:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T18:24:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T17:43:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T17:25:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T17:20:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T16:35:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T14:53:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T14:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T19:21:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T18:58:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T19:25:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-01T19:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-01T19:09:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-01T18:59:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-27T13:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-27T13:18:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-27T12:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-22T13:16:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-21T18:41:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

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!

Thursday - October 15

2009-10-18T18:49:00.001-07:00

Today Chloe brought her CD home of her senior pictures. We spent time looking through them all and picking out which ones she wanted. I cannot believe this baby girl will be graduating and moving on with her life. She just had her birthday a couple of days ago and it seems like yesterday that I used to workout with Paige and her at my feet. Literally Paige or her would have to be held during the whole workout. (It made me stronger but boy it was hard) Back in those days I only ran two miles a day, and then I would do a workout video in my living room. That is all the time I could fit into my day with those two little ones. I remember thinking many times - "When are they going to grow up so I could really workout?". How I wish now that I had enjoyed that time more with them at my feet. But today - today I let her talk and show me her pictures and tell me all her plans. What a wonderful young lady she has become. Today mattered because my baby girl wanted to share her life with me.

Wednesday - October 14

2009-10-18T18:42:00.001-07:00

Look at those silly faces! What a funny bunch of kids. Today was just a normal uneventful day. There was lots going on and lots of projects to finish and lunch with Toshia. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. So why did today matter? Today mattered because we were together as a family at the end of the day. Everyone came home safe and there was love in our home this day!

Tuesday - October 13

2009-10-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

This picture is from the half marathon that Chad and I ran in this summer. We have not run together since then. We both have been running but just not together. This morning I asked Chad if he wanted to go on a 5 mile run with me and he agreed. It was raining lightly and it was cold. We got through the run just fine. It was so nice to have some one on one with him. Time is flying by with him and before I know it he will be gone and moved out of the house. We did not talk a lot but just being together felt really good. He has some hard times this last week so I wanted him to know that I really loved him and know that he is a great kid. Today mattered because I got to run with my son!

Monday - October 12

2009-10-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

Noah has always been my little sports guy. Anything to do with baseball and he is all over it. This year in school he is taking a cooking class. When he was at my moms this summer he cooked with her and had lots of fun. Well, he has turned into quite the cook. He loves it. He brings the recipes home to me and shares all the "tips" he is learning. Today after school I promised him he could teach me how to make homemade salsa. It was really a lot of fun being tutored by him. I had no idea how easy this was to make and he loved showing me some of the shortcuts and techniques he had learned in class. Today mattered because I let my 13 year old teach me!

Sunday - October 11

2009-10-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

Today this baby girl turns 25! I cannot believe that three of my girls are now 25 or older. Where has the time gone. There are many good things about this child that make me smile and giggle. She has such a sweet personality. Her dimples just tell it all. I am so glad that she was sent to our family. She has brought so much joy to me and taught me some very valuable life lessons. Happy Birthday baby girl. Today mattered because 25 years ago this little one came into my life!

Saturday - October 10

2009-10-11T18:56:00.001-07:00

Today I worked at the bazaar. It was not as cold in the barn this year as it was last year. The weather was beautiful and a lot of people came out. It was fun working with Toshia and Danna and Denise. It was a lot of work but I did not do near as much as Denise! She is crazy lady with the crafting! Afterwards we went back to her house and her sweet husband had fixed us lasagna, from scratch no less. It was fun to gather around her table and enjoy a nice meal and talk and listen and be with each other. It has been way to long since I have gathered with that group of friends. It was nice to share all this with Toshia. Today mattered because I got to spend time with dear friends and my darling daughter!

Friday - October 9

2009-10-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

President Hinckley taught us some very good values to live by. He gave a talk to the youth a few years ago and talked about the six "B"s to live by. Since that talk he added six more. I have reminders around my house for me to see everyday. One of them is to "Be Kind". Today I felt like I was kind. I really listened to a friend and could see she needed extra kindness passed her way today. She was having a hard day. I kept thinking what could I do to make her smile. I know flowers always make me smile. So I put together a small bouquet of fall flowers in an old canning jar. I just dropped them off on her doorstep with a note. It was supposed to be anonymous. But later that after noon she called and I had to say Yes I did leave the flowers. We talked some more. I am grateful for a couple of things today. Number one that everyday I see some words of our prophet. That those words are becoming who I am and that my friend could smile even though today was not a happy day for her. Today mattered because I took the time to make someone smile!

Thursday - October 8

2009-10-11T18:41:00.001-07:00

Today was the most exciting day for Miss Autumn ever! According to her she has "waited her whole life to go on a field trip"! She was prepared. She had the correct clothing - the bag to bring the pumpkin home in and the correct shoes. (It could rain you know) She was thrilled. She woke up at 6:00 am. (She is not an early riser) When she came out of the school building she was carrying the biggest pumpkin of anyone! She was so happy with her find. Good thing I drove to pick her up. We had so much fun talking about field trips and the bus and getting pumpkins and all about the fall season. What great conversation we had this day. She really did not seem to be my little baby girl at all anymore but quite the opposite. A very grown up five year old who is very sure of herself and very confident and happy. Today mattered for me because a pumpkin brought great smiles and fun to a mom and her baby girl!

Wednesday - October 7

2009-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

This sweet girl has always been such a blessing to this family. She has such a sweet personality and is soft spoken most of the time. Today was hard for her because the boys seem to be picking on her a lot lately. Just being big brothers but still it upsets her. I have told her to ignore them but it is hard when you want the approval of your big brothers and they tease you all the time. We spent some nice one on one time together this afternoon and that seemed to help her out a little. Growing up in a large family can be hard at times. But it can also be lots of fun. We talked lots about the positive things that big brothers can do for you - she agreed to try and not let them see her cry because of the teasing and I agreed to let her come to me and tell me what was going on so I could get after the boys. Eventually they will stop teasing - but as she gets older she will look back and laugh at all this. I know I do - my big brothers were always teasing me! Today mattered because I could talk, laugh, and love this little one through a hard day!

Tuesday - October 6

2009-10-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

Bazaar things are done and ready to go. I waited way to long to get things done this year. This morning when I thought I would have time to finish a couple of things other situations needed my attention. The morning became very complicated and I still had things to get done for this event. I finally realized that I could only do what I could do and that it was my own fault for putting off what I could have done a couple of weeks ago to be ready. This is a hard lesson for me to learn as I often wait until the last minute to finish up projects. It does not really matter what I got done in the grand scheme of things. Just that I finished something. That is how I look at it today. I set some better goals for next year and Toshia and I will work diligently to finish things early! (She also was doing a lot of last minute finishing up) Today mattered because I learned a valuable lesson. It does not pay to procrastinate. I only hurt myself in the long run. Don't bite off more than I can chew and then everything can get done. It is hard to learn lessons over and over again - but maybe this time because Toshia will help me I will not put off what needs to be done today for tomorrow!

Monday - October 5

2009-10-06T17:04:00.001-07:00

We got home from Utah very very late last night. The children were all in bed and the house was so quiet. Even though David and I were very tired from our long drive we still had to get the kids up and ready for school. The girls all need to shower and that added extra getting ready time to our all ready busy morning. During the whole bath time Autumn kept saying, "Mom, read me a story. I have it all picked out." To which I replied, "Honey we don't have time this morning. We are very busy. I will read when you get home from school." This was not making her happy at all. While I was ironing their clothes she came in with book in hand and said, "Mom, I don't need you to read the whole thing. Just open it up. Please, just open it up." I stopped for a moment and thought what is up with this little one this morning? I did take the book though and opened to the page she wanted me to. Out fell this picture. "Mom that is you and me. Do you like the bird? I know you like birds, what am I saying? Mom, do you like our heads? I worked hard on them. I know I made them black but I wanted them really really round. Do you love it? Do you love me?" Wow! What can I say but this little one constantly is reminding me of what is important. Not the ironing. Not the hustle of a busy morning. Not the lets get out the door looking good. It is that the children themselves are important. Look how she sees herself. Look at that smile on that picture! She is happy. I am happy. Today mattered because as you stop and look at things as they are there is lots to be happy about!

Sunday - October 4

2009-10-06T16:30:00.001-07:00

This picture does not do the choir justice. It is small I know but just note they are not! On the Sunday morning of conference you get to go and listen to the choir sing as they do "Music and the Spoken Word". It is the longest running radio broadcast in the country. This makes this session of conference my favorite. As long as we have been coming here in the Fall we have been able to attend this session. This Sunday they ended their broadcast with one of my most favorite hymns - "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing". Both David and I were moved to tears as they sang and filled the conference center with their hymns of praise. Today mattered because music filled my soul.

Saturday - October 3

2009-10-06T16:26:00.001-07:00

Wow! Conference was awesome to say the least. I was so moved by not only the spoken word but the music. I cannot use words to describe the feeling you have when you are sitting among thousands and thousands of saints. I was taught and edified and filled with such sweet feelings for these men who dedicate their lives to serving the church. What strong testimonies they share and live! Today mattered because I was once again reminded of who I am, where I came from, and what my purpose is here on earth.

Friday - October 2

2009-10-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today we are on our way to listen to a prophets voice. Every fall David and I and friends go to General Conference in Salt Lake. I look forward to this fast pace weekend and we have such a great time. Not only do we get together with dear friends we get to engage in a very large gathering on temple square that is like no other. This was a long drive for us and much of the day was spent in the car. We did see the Joseph Smith movie at the Joseph Smith Building. It once again reminded me of how much I love that man and so wish I could have had the chance to meet him while he was living. I am glad for the testimony he had and the courage he had to stand when all things were against him. I hope that I have that strength when I will be confronted about my faith. Today mattered because I traveled with the one I love to see an important person teach and edify us.

Thursday - October 1

2009-10-01T17:56:00.001-07:00

So I found this picture of Hayden the other day and I had to laugh. It is so her drama face. But honestly today was that kind of a day for me. I don't know why but I just did not feel like doing anything! I muddled my way through the whole day and kept thinking "I would love to just go and cuddle up with a good book and hide away!" Not anything major was giving me grief. I just think that maybe the last month of family life just caught up with me. So Hayden, I am with you with the "just leave me alone" picture! And yet, today still mattered. Today I got a lot of housework done, packed for our weekend trip, and went to meetings I had. I still functioned and worked through the "just leave me alone" feeling. Today mattered more because in the afternoon this sweet child came running in and flew into my arms and said, "I am so glad you are here - my day was great! How was yours?" To which I replied, "Better now that you are home!"

Wednesday - September 30

2009-10-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

This little girl had to do a lot of things by herself today. I had a lot of last minute bazaar projects to get finish. She kept asking me and asking me to play with her, to cuddle with her, to read to her. "Not now honey, I have so much to do" was the answer she kept getting from me. I bribed her with her favorite TV shows, treats, and whatever she wanted for lunch. I even got out a hard math sheet for her to do. (She just laughed when I told her it was probably too hard - and then said, "What you don't think I know what 11 - 2 is? It's 9 duh!) Still that would only occupy her for a short time. At one point I looked over at her and thought, "She is not going to be asking me to play with her for very much longer. Soon, all too soon, she will not share with me all her thoughts and dreams. I need to stop now and take time with her.". Well, I put my stuff aside and scooped her up in my arms and we had some very good cuddly time. We read, played, shared and then soon she was sleepy and took a short nap. Today mattered because I set aside my busy schedule and held this last little child of mine. She helped me see where my treasure really lies.

Tuesday - September 29

2009-09-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T19:30:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-28T19:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

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!