Merry Christmas!

Elder Russell Ballard, one of twelve apostles called to teach and testify of Jesus Christ throughout the world, said, "When we are truly converted, we cannot be restrained from testifying."

In the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Alma felt this kind of joy when he exclaimed, "O that I were an angel...that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth."

In proclaiming the birth of the Savior to the shepherds, the "angel of the Lord came upon them, and said, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people...And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." This multitude of heavenly host were truly converted, and could not be restrained in their joy to testify of and herald in the Savior's birth

That we too might be more truly converted in our testimonies of the Savior and the enabling power of His atonement - the message His authorized servants have been called to share - and be unrestrained in sharing this the real Christmas message.

Jarrod is restrained in most things, especially kissing in public, but has been unrestrained in his ability to help coach the Fairland high school football team to its first divisional championship in twenty years, and their first field goal in ten years. He is unrestrained in his use of hot sauce, the love he has for his boys, and the adoration he has for his daughter. He loves to read her books, comb her hair, see her in a dress, and snuggle with her in bed. Earning tenure at Marshall University doesn't bring him the kind of joy as when he laughs with Tanner, and Jarrod totally functions better with peace and quiet

Amy Jo is mute about washing, serving, cleaning, sorting, ironing, emptying, driving, but enthusiastically shouts, "Good morning!" to her early morning seminary class, "Let's work on this" to her fifteen Webelos, "Get up!" to those on the floor, "Get back!" to those running away, "Come here!" to those escaping chores, and "Go to bed!" to those still awake. She sends Tanner the best kinds of packages, and functions best on auto pilot

Tanner (21) boldly testifies of the Savior on a daily basis, strengthening those in Brazil as well as those back home. He trains, leads, shares, exemplifies, sacrifices, suffers, teaches and baptizes...He has "become the man you hoped I'd become," conquered his fear of spiders, worn out his shoes, blocked roaches in the shower drain, consumed his share of rice and beans, and will arrive home this July. Tanner functions much better with letters in the mailbox

Hunter (18) might be discreet about dating, toe nail clippings, his bank account balance and weekly razor consumption, but he is bold when declaring his intentions to go on a mission next year, catch up to the school valedictorian, become quiz bowl high scorer, golf - even in the snow, eat muffins for breakfast every single day, and go to BYU with Tanner. He's practicing his presidential skills with the National Honor Society and math club, is still king of the hill in the high school parking lot with his 12 passenger van, and had his braces removed, making his life easier, as Hunter only functions while eating.

Porter (15) is mute about his driving permit intentions, turning 16, when his braces will be removed, and when his Eagle Scout Court of Honor will happen. He is most assured in his abilities to qualify for teen Jeopardy, single handedly entertain a group of girls, wow you with his card tricks, squeeze out free tee shirts from his ABC list of universities, win quiz bowl competitions, and wear cologne, bowties, sweater vests, sunglasses and scarves - all at the same time! He runs cross country and track to be with good friends, and he loves to pole vault. Porter thinks about Tanner the most, and functions only while listening to music.

Cooper (13) quietly practices his clarinet during recess for solo ensembles, leads cub scouts as den chief, loves his guinea pig, becomes the caped quiz bowl crusader chosen for continuous play, broke another finger involving surgery, pins and LOTS of physical therapy. He endured cross country, but ensures everyone knows they're always a winner, and if you do anything, do it with enthusiasm! Cooper draws Tanner the most pictures, and functions only with Legos in hands and pockets.

Sawyer (10) is good at concealing headaches from his newly discovered brain cysts, and endures a little dizziness, ear ringing, and his mother loudly  cheering for his soccer goals, basketball shots, and baseball hits. Sawyer loves Webelos, using his carpenter skills, his two deceased rabbits, practicing his missionary skills, and beginning his school's gifted and talented program. Sawyer writes Tanner the most letters, and functions only with lots of sleep.

Miller (7) is smooth in soccer, better in basketball, and best in baseball. He endures kindergarten and tiger scouts, and would like to refrain from reading, writing, and 'rithmatics. He is Breyer's knight on shining armor, a chore escape artist, a master homework evader, and best bandaid dispenser. Miller just discovered Dad's ipad, often stares at Tanner's picture, and functions only with a ball in hand.

Breyer (2) going on twenty is very adept in painting with markers, paint, fingernail polish, lipstick, antifungal cream, and food, and her canvas often is rugs, walls, doorknobs, and Ranger (9). She runs to Miller for help, Sawyer to go outside, Cooper for paint, Porter for music, and Hunter for food. Breyer is somewhat Fancy Nancy, a lot of Pinkalicious, and definitely Darla. She misses Tanner's music, and functions best while sleeping, and wearing lots of pink.

Shouting loudly and filled with lots of love - Merry Christmas!

The Schenewarks
2013