Remembering 9/11/2001

I guess everyone remembers where they were eight years ago today. My experience was as most, I was doing my normal, everyday things. I had just taken Jessica to school and was home with Carson. Dave called me from work and told me someone had attacked the World Trade Centers in New York. I turned on the television and watched in horror. The next few days were quite numbing, wondering how something so horrific could happen. I can remember worrying for my children and wondering what awful things they'll witness in their lives. But I'm grateful for the knowledge that this life is just part of a greater and better afterlife. We all have to experience sorrow and pain in this life but I know its so we can truly appreciate the good things we have and to have faith in the better things to come. The day after the tragedy of 9/11, I was shopping at the store and I saw a lady wearing a gas mask. Seeing her made me wonder, is this the way the people of our country are going to be now, always living in fear? So, I was glad to hear the words of Gordon B. Hinckley when he said:

"Are these perilous times?

They are.

But there is no need to fear.

We can have peace in our hearts

and peace in our homes...

We can be an influence for good

in this world,

every one of us.”

~Gordon B. Hinckley

Back in the Swing

Its been hard to get back in the swing of things. Especially since my laptop hasn't been working. I spent almost 3 hours with "Dell" getting it cleaned up from some viruses obtained on our road trip. Anyway, all is well now so I thought I ought to recap some of the past few events.

Dave & Jake "Gone Fishin'"

Dave hasn't gone fishing in a long time. Jake was home for a week in between semesters at BYU- Provo so they went out like old times.

Hope Mills 1st Ward
Primary Temple Trip

We all had a good time going to the Raleigh North Carolina Temple and hearing Sister Draughon and Bishop Lockhart tell the importance of the temple.

Lauren, Erika, Carson
Cousins--Together at the Temple

Carson
"As we touch the temple
the temple will touch us."
~Thomas S. Monson

Angie, Carson & Jessica
at Carthage Jail, Illinois

We had a great time with Angie. She took us up in the Arch at St. Louis and then we all went and stayed a couple of days in Nauvoo and also went and saw Carthage Jail. It was a great way to end our road trip out to California.

Perfect Playdough

1 cup flour
1 package Kool-Aid, nonsweetened (used for color and smell)
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tarter

DIRECTIONS: Mix flour, cream of tartar, Kool-Aid and salt together. Mix water and oil together in saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add dry to wet, stirring constantly until dough pulls away from sides of pan. Remove play dough and knead, knead, knead until all ingredients are well integrated and play dough is smooth. Warning: it will be a little hot to touch when you first start to knead. An adult will need to do it for a bit before handing the job off to a child. I like to divide the dough in two and knead it that way. I actually made a double recipe this time so I divided it into four. Once dough is completely cooled, store in plastic bar or air tight container in the refrigerator. If stored correctly, it will last several weeks and be ready for play whenever you need a quick boredom buster! (I don't actually refrigerate it, but you could if you wanted.) .

This is my sister-in-law's sister-in-law's recipe. She's one of my newest friends "Tia Juana" and she has this great recipe website. I can remember making this kind of play dough once and loving it because it smells so good...enjoy!