This is my journal entry about the events of September 11, 2001.I was driving to work and listening to the radio. I arrived at work, went to my classroom and turned the radio on--a normal day for me. The first announcement came that the tower had been struck. At first I thought it was a joke on the radio, then you could hear the shock and suprise in the announcers voices as they began to describe what was happening in New York. I was shocked and horrified. I logged onto the internet to be able to see what was happening. At the beginning I wondered if it was some horrible accident--then the second announcement came--a plane had struck the other tower. What a horrific attack on America.
I turned the radio off and headed down the hall to teach my first class. Most students were unaware of what was happening. Throughout the day I would tune into the radio during class. The principal would make periodic announcements and encouraged us to conduct school as normal as possible. I talked with each of my classes for a few minutes and then we would proceed with our lesson for the day.
None of us had any images to put with the terror yet. At the end of the day I drove home listening to more details as they came in. The World Trace Center, the Pentagon and the downed flight in Pennsylvannia. The tears flowed as I arrived home and started to put pictures with the attacks. I spent the rest of the day glued to the television and worrying about friends and those who knew people in New York and Washington.
I talked to my family and to Jason to make sure they were okay. All seemed to be okay. The next few days seemed to be suspended in time. Normal daily activities paled in comparison to the horror that was pouring out on the tv. Every time I would see an American flag the tears would come.
We had a patriotic assembly at school. inspiring and the quietest I've ever heard teenagers. The nation was unified and hearts were turned to God--the nation prayed together. It was an amazing time in our Nation's history. As things settled down and returned to "normal" there was still vivid in my memory the great tragedy, sacrifice and heroic efforts of the American people.
Ten years later, those images still bring tears and gratitude for all the heros that sacrificed that day and in the years that have followed to maintain our freedom. Are we still ONE Nation under God as were were then?
Well, school's back in session! We've been doing lots and lots of work as a PLC (professional learning community). Here you can see us at work: Diane at the computer, Holly in deep thought, Camille writing it all down, and Cindy the student-teacher that's joined us for a bit. We all work really good together and each have different talents and strengths that add to the group.
Our first PLC meeting was at the pedicure/nail salon. To celebrate being back in school we all got PHS green and white pedicures. Check out the detail on the flowers...so spirited! What cute little piggies we have!
Karan and I spent the afternoon wandering around campus and being amazed at home much the place has changed since we were there. We went to our old dorm and took this picture in front of our old apartment. 
Ricks used to seem like the biggest place in the world to me, in reality, it's a very small and quaint campus. I think it felt so big because I felt SO grown up back then. Funny how time changes your perspective on that.
We took a few of the girls to church at the Crystal Cathedral. A fun and different church-going experience. That's one of my favorite things to do...find somewhere new and interesting for church while we're gone. It's fascinating to see how the various churches operate. 
Huber Grove is this quaint old farm settlement in Heber. We drove up the canyon and wandered around the grounds. There was an old farm house, an outhouse (which was a geo-cash site), a dairy, the orchards and then a beautiful grove behind the house. There's a path that wanders through the grove and makes a loop back to the house. It's a beautiful property and very well-maintained. Fun to explore a new place together! 
What is it about feeding ducks that is just so fun and takes you right back to giggling like a little girl again? Two loaves of stale bread later, the ducks were full.
We tried to get the giant swing going...we needed some muscle power to get it going this year.
My Uncle Jim and Aunt Rosemarie have a delightful cabin up at Strawberry. Each year they invite the extended family up for an afternoon. This was the first year I was able to go in a long time. We had a great time sitting on the deck and visiting with each other. My cousins, sister and I sat and reminisced about our childhood and high school memories and had some good laughs. 
Sydnee took my camera and entertained herself by taking pictures of everything she could find. 100+ pictures later, you get some insight into what the world looks like to a 6 year-old. She actually took some really good shots. She's got a bit of an artistic eye. She took all of these pictures...impressive!
