Cooked Play Dough

Cooked Play Dough
3 cups flour
1 cup salt
6 teaspoons cream of tartar (I think I only used 3 teaspoons)
3 cups water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring

Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Blend water and oil together in a bowl. Add to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add several drops of food coloring until you get the right color. Cook for about five minutes. Take the play dough out of the saucepan and put it on a cutting board or counter and cool for a few minutes so you don't burn yourself. While still warm knead for a few minutes. Add flour if it's too sticky. This play dough should last around three months if you keep it sealed in an airtight container or plastic ziplock bag. It's so smooth and fun to play with when it's still warm. For ornaments: make shapes. Put shapes on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 300 degrees F for about one hour until the clay is golden. (You can weight down the shapes with another cookie sheet for the first half hour.) Paint them for fun. Seal with shellac to make shiny.

The World Turns Round Like a Merry-Go-Round

SALUDOS DE NICARAGUA!

Familia...How are y'all? I only get updates from mom, dad and grandma so it's hard to know how well the rest of you are doing since i never hear anything from you (then again, i do forgive siovhan for her lack of computer). but Ben and Miki, what's up???

Back to business. So life as a DL is pretty much all I thought that it would be: more work, more stress and more fun! I love being able to have a different relationship with the missionaries in a district. Being in charge of 4 extra missionaries, besides myself and my comp,  sometimes seems like a lot of work, but gratefully the other Elders in my district are fantastic and work really hard. I'm so proud of them...whereas my area on the other hand. Let's just say that I'm working really hard but I'm not quite seeing the fruits of my labor yet. I know that I need to change how I work, because out here in Managua there's a different way of working than in Puerto. It's like if take dad out of his position at Covidien and call up Bishop and tell him to go over and take over for my dad. Sure, they are both businessmen, but Bishop is not accustomed to all that dad does and vice-versa. They would both have to learn their respective roles and then keep working. There might be a point in the process where is seems like neither one is getting anything done, but such is the nature of the beast. There has to be a crossover, a change. I think I'm starting to find it, I just need to put my all into the work and hope that I can start seeing results.

I love this area here in Managua, don't get me wrong. The people here are absolutely fantastic, it's just so different from Puerto. I love the people in Puerto and miss them more than I could ever express with mere words. All I need to do now is trust in the Lord and have the faith that whatever it is that's going on here in my area is meant for my own betterment. I believe that sometimes in life we do what Elder Wirthlin said, we ask "Why me?" instead of "What am I supposed to learn from this?" Sometimes I think like that, especially with the pressure that exists within me to help others become better and to baptize, but I need to realize that I need to press forward and have more faith. These things will pass. It reminds me of my first week on the mission: it was SO hard and seemed So difficult, but it was only a week.

Regarding Thanksgiving: We don't have anything special planned except that I told my cooking lady that I want this dish called Indio Viejo, as it's the closest thing to an American dish that is made from scratch here. I do think that my comp and I are might do something....I just have to get a little creative.

Grammy--The work at times is a little discouraging. I am not going to lie about that. However, for me everything is better when I have one person come back to the church, or when I help a family enter the waters of baptism. When I get a little upset I just think about how little time I have here in Nicaragua and how I need to enjoy it. I also think about the other people that have already gone through things like this, or worse. After that I feel fine and work even harder. The General Authorities are correct when they say that the secret to missionary work is the work. Also, there is a significant different between those who decided to go to school before their missions and those who stayed at home. I know that I made a good decision because of the miracles that happened at BYU, but I am even more grateful for the fact that I learned how to live with someone else before coming here. There is a big difference between those Elders that had roommates and didn't. :( Packages get here to me Grammy, so don't worry, just don't send expensive things.

Mom and Dad--I'm going to be super careful now. I am really sorry. I should have been super careful, but I wasn't. I'll have to make this up to you after the mish...but thank you for helping me not only fiscally, but spiritually as well. Also, I didn't get the chance to go to the leadership training. I did hear that it was amazing. It makes me so happy to know that even before the General Authorities tell us to do somehting, we're already doing it. That has happened to me here in the mission, leaders will tell us that we need to start doing something, but normally I'm already working on it/already started it. Cool stuff. And regarding the package...I would love like 2 short-sleeved white shirts, 6 dri-lux round-neck mefium garment tops, 6 of those 50-50 garment bottons (32), maybe a bottle of lotion from Bath and Body Works, and maybe a pair of shoes. My shoes are getting trashed, and fast. My boots are fantastic though. Send me those Floorsheim that we bought. I think that is all, unless you can/ want to add more. ;) 

Thank you all for your love and your prayes, they make a world of difference for me here. Stay strong and work hard in all you do. Also, HELP OUT THE MISSIONARIES. Referrals should be the only way to work as a missionary, they are the best ones to teach, the most fun, and the most secure for baptism. Invite friends and family-friends to come over and meet with the missionaries or go visit them with the missionaries.

Love you all, 
Elder B

Erin's Concert

Myrna wrote: We had a sweet call from Erin inviting us to her Christmas concert at school. She said something about going to the airport on the 20th. Is that for another concert? We would like to be there for the school concert. I don't know if we can work it out or not. We are trying to figure that out and then we will call her.

We love you all, M

Information for December 4th‏

H D TRAUNTVEIN (prute@q.com)
11/20/10 
To: Leonard Trauntvein

Dearest family: it is truly a Winnie the Pooh's "blustery" day. Pray all is well for you and yours.

Recently at the Distribution Center, had the opportunity to serve a beautiful young woman and her mother, purchasing ceremonial clothes for the special occurrence coming up on 4th December in the Manti Temple. 

Heidi, the young woman, is married and is being sealed to her husband on the 4th., her husband has a brother who is also being married and sealed on the same day.

I shared with them about you folks working in the temple on that day and asked for information to give to you- it felt like we are kindred spirits.

Heidi Glade and her husband Matt Stoddard are being sealed at 11:15 a.m.

Matt's brother Luke Stoddard and Brenda Wilson are being sealed at 10:30 a.m.

They are soooooo excited.

When I had finished my shift and was getting ready to leave, one of the Distribution workers came into the storage room, where I was getting ready to leave and said there were some people looking for me and wondering if I might still be there. 

When I want out into the clothing area--there they were- Heidi and her mom- they wanted me to give them your names- wrote them down and gave to them.

It would be really special to them, should you folks have the time to meet them.

Have a good week-end

Am really looking forward to Monday for the tour of Carl Blocks' painting. Hope the weather, it is forcast to snow, will be drivable for us. 

Love you much. Just Me.

Pomegranate Fruit Salad Recipe

1 to 2 pomegranates (it depends on how big they are), peel fruits and break seeds apart
2 medium-sized bananas, peeled and sliced
2 oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large apples, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups seedless grapes, cut in half
1 20-ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 cup celery, diced thinly
1/2 cup  walnuts, chopped
1 pint whipping cream.

Grandma T. made a fruit salad but she didn't add the fresh fruit. She used canned fruit and fruit cocktail and topped it with whipped cream

Both Aunt Renee and Grandma Smith made a Waldorf Salad dressing but Dad liked his mother's whipped cream dressing. The other day, however, he said that he remembered that he liked my family salad. I like it the way my family made it. And this is the recipe that they used. Grandma Edna learned to make it from them. She said to just never let anyone (like your dad) see you stir in the mayonnaise and you would be fine. There was no recipe just "do as I do" which was pretty much the way my family cooked. I am the one who made them let me measure their "one full hand of" and wrote everything down.

1 pint whipping cream, whipped
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Fold in the whipped cream.

I have tried it with one 8-ounce container of vanilla yogurt as the dressing. That is also good, I think.

Directions:
Mix fruits together and chill in refrigerator. Lightly toss fruits with the dressing. Top with walnuts just before serving.

Please Pay Attention

Myrna wrote: I bought the DVD, "How to Train a Dragon," for each family for Christmas. How many of you already have it? The one I purchased has the sequel to it included so that there are two DVDs in the package. 


Melanie wrote: Mikaela bought the double dvd set with her babysitting money a few weeks ago. Sorry. Mel

Myrna wrote: What else should I get?

Melanie wrote: You're asking the wrong Mother. Remember how I suggested something for a few people a few years ago, and it all went terribly wrong. Yeah...I don't even surprise my children with stuff any more...too much wasted money and effort if I do. 

I will ask them later when they get home. Mel


Myrna wrote: Oh, I don't know. The look on Howard's face was priceless. In addition, I have gotten a lot of miles out of that by teasing Ben. 

I should just return it and send the $25 and you could buy one back there (as a family). What do you think?

I think you should get Mother of the Year! That is what I think, if anyone asks. If they don't ask, tell them anyway.

You should call and ask Mary about school. She has been in time-out twice in the last two weeks. One boy teased her and she took his cap during recess and threw it over the fence. Then, yesterday, he tried to squeeze in between her and her girlfriend and she belted him. (Same boy!) Poor Julie! There is she as sick as a dog and she is having to go to school all the time.

I am sure glad that I am done with all of that. It is MUCH easier to watch my kids deal with the things I used to deal with. I understand and I have NO ADVICE. NONE! I think I am still the person who burns the last batch. I tell everyone that, had I known how much fun getting old was going to be, I would have skipped being young.

Kirsten wrote: Jared buys all the new releases through his office since he has DVD players in his operatories, so we'll have all the new ones.  Sorry.  I know that complicates life.  I don't even ask him any more... husbands + business expenses=funny things.  Thank you, though!  My kids do love that movie! Kirsten

Myrna wrote: OK, what else can I get that costs $25?

The Lamb

By William Blake

Little Lamb, who made thee? 
Dost thou know who made thee? 
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed, 
By the stream and o'er the mead; 
Gave thee clothing of delight, 
Softest clothing, woolly, bright; 
Gave thee such a tender voice, 
Making all the vales rejoice? 
Little Lamb, who made thee? 
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee, 
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee. 
He is called by thy name, 
For He calls Himself a Lamb. 
He is meek, and He is mild; 
He became a little child. 
I a child, and thou a lamb, 
We are called by His name. 
Little Lamb, God bless thee! 
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Re: Hello from Nephi!

Sounds like you all were rather busy this week! Golly!

First of all Mary is a goof, I like your hair. I think that your hair is realy beautiful. Never let anyone convice you otherwise.

JULIE'S PREGNANT! I secretly hope that it's a boy... ;)

Well, I love you and grandpa so much and hope that all is well with you two. Keep me informed of what happens out there in Nephi!
Love, Elder B

On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Myrna TRAUNTVEIN wrote:

We had an exciting day today. We left Nephi at 6 a.m. to drive to Layton in order to be there at 9 a.m. Toren was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood this morning. We had Sacrament meeting first, of course, so that the ward could vote on him before he was ordained. Uncle Shawn did a great job with the ordination. We took photos and had dinner with the family and then drove back to Nephi. Each one of us went to the podium and bore our testimonies. That meant that there were eight Trauntvein testimonies in meeting. Grandpa challenged us all to bear our testimonies and we all accepted. Auntie Kim said she was very proud of us because we were each careful of the time and each of us had something important to say. None of the other families could be there. Uncle Jim is in the Young Men's Presidency in his ward and he had a talk and had to sing with the boys during Sacrament meeting. Auntie AnnMarie had to speak in a ward conference in her stake since she is the stake Young Women President. Amy J. was on call and Eric had to work.

Kimberly sent us the following before we went to Layton: "Sorina said her prayers tonight and asked that Toren would not be scared tomorrow when he receives the Aaronic Priesthood. Dane, because our youth group is so small, has been doing Fast Offering since he’s been a Deacon.  He keeps telling Toren how exited he is for him to take a route. And then Shawn told Toren that he had to knock on strange people’s doors and ask for money. His eyes got big. And I said what a lucky boy that his sister had prayed for him to not be scared." 

We had two very busy days at the temple. Friday evening had a lot of patrons and so did Saturday. I was actually surprised that we had so many patrons because of the big football games being played on Saturday. Of course you know that the University of Utah was playing but it was also the state finals for the high school teams. The Deseret News reported that it was "Black Saturday" with TCU scoring 47 and Utah scoring 7. The high school teams will all play another game for first and second places in the different districts.

Auntie Julie is now telling everyone that she is expecting a baby the last week of April. She will have to have a C-section so it really will be the last week of April. She has not felt well for the past couple of months. She has had a lot of morning sickness but she is feeling some better now. 

Little Mary gave me another compliment on Friday. "Grandma, you really need to do something with your hair. You look like a Zebra." I guess my white patches mixed among the gray do look sort of spotted but I don't think they look striped. 

Gramps and I so enjoy your letters!!!!! It is wonderful what a great job you are doing. We continue to pray for your safety and for your success. I think Heavenly Father has great things in store for you during your lifetime. I don't think that either of your uncles who went to South America ever had their photos taken holding a monkey. You are not only the first missionary grandson, you are the first on your mom's side of the family to hold a money! 

Keep up the good work of baptizing and of fellow-shipping. Remember that we love you dearly!

Lots of love,

Grammy and Gramps 

Weekly Report

Sometimes I feel as if I have so much to tll you all, but then I sit down at the computer and think, "My week is going to sound so boring to them." Although my life feels like a soap opera compad to some other missionaries I know, I feel like to you it sounds like the same things over and over again.

We had another baptism this week! We baptized a youth in an inactive family. We hope that the family might start going to church now that the children are getting excited about going to church, getting baptized and everything. Although it was crazy trying to find him. He plays baseball and trains duing th days and comes home at strange times in the afternoon. We finally found him the other day and sat down and asked him why he didn' get baptized last week. Long story short, he thought that we were going to get him last week and then we never showed up. Oops.

My comp and I get along so well, although it is interesting working with a white comp again. I keep telling people that I want Latin comps and then I get another gringo. Hahaha. But we have been learning so much working together. Ihave set some goals and right now I'm ahead of the game. I want to read all of PMG, BoM and Jesus the Christ in 12 weeks. It's possible, I just need to work hard to finish it.

I just love being a missionary so much. There are always so many lessons to learn and things to do to grow, become better and serve others. Mom and Dad, I do have to thank you for always pushing me to do servicve projects and work hard. I have been recognized out here as the Elder that serves others becuase I always seek opportunities to serve others. I keep my eyes open to opportunities to teach families by the service that I provide. Service is like a giant entry-way into people's hearts. 

I also want you all to know that I know without a doubt that if we want our families to be blessed, we will read scriptures and pray together EVERY NIGHT. The people thatgo inactive here stopped doing their family prayers and stopped reading the scriptures together every night. SO please keep doing it. We need the blesssings too much to not comply with this commandment (3 Ne. 18: 20).

Well, I love you all and hope that you are doing well at work, at home and at church!
P.S. Mom...i miss the temple soooo much and am SO jealous that you get to go!

Love, Elder B

In Layton

Trauntvein guys pose for a photo: Leonard, Toren, Shawn, Dane.