With All Our Love

Dear Tanner,

I have been reading a book full of interesting Jewish traditions. I came across interesting book that described a few Jewish traditions. One was regarding the "mezuzah," not just a pretty piece of metal or ceramic affixed to the outside of a door. Inside each mezuzah is a rolled piece of parchment that states there is one true God, who has commanded us to write these words on the doorposts of our houses. It also states that our destiny is linked to our fulfilling of God's will. Figuratively speaking, be careful which doors you open in your own life, and be especially careful of what you invite inside. Good stuff from our neighbors.

Last Thursday was the Optimist golf tournament your father hosts for the Optimist club. He had no class this year helping him run the tournament, but felt he should do it one more year so your brother could golf. And he got third. Take away his one penalty and he would have won by far. Sawyer pulled in second. Sawyer was SO excited to go he had to stay home from school and get ready. You know, wash the clubs, clean the bag, polish the shoes...it was his big day out on the town ;-)

The stake had their commemorative priesthood camp out. The boys all went Friday evening, and came home Friday evening - no camping this year. Porter had an early morning track meet, and two had baseball games...too much work for so little time in the tent. But did I ever enjoy my Friday evening ;-) Your sister had played hard all day, and was asleep before 8 p.m. I think I read a couple of books - all by myself! (This is Hunter dressed for his "Soggy Bottom Band" camp-out appearance ;-)

Saturday was the annual Relay for Life. My involvement this year has been so much less, with our neighbor no longer in charge. I helped here and there throughout the year, and this weekend showed up to set up chairs and tables, and serve at the lunch for cancer survivors. The overall event and participation were much lower, but those that were there had very contagious spirits. The boys were all there, had a great lunch, and enjoyed playing the games the teams sponsored. I don't even think I have one picture!

This past week has been busy with ceremonies befitting the end of the school year. Miller's reading award, Cooper's academic and athletic awards (including band), then Porter's and Hunter's academic awards. I'm choosing not to go to Miller's field day. It's more games than anything else. Loved my athletic competitions held during my field days so long ago. Loved earning ribbons, and competing. So much has changed in that regard in an effort to not make someone feel badly for not winning. I digress.

Hunter's last day of school was Friday, so he has been golfing, mowing and weed whipping, and tomorrow will be working in a cemetery, getting ready for Memorial Day. I'm hoping you have a few of these jobs when you come home to put some spare change in your pocket. You were blessed in this regard during the time you came home from BYU and the time you left. Work always seemed to be fairly steady.

Miller still loves baseball. No surprise there. His coach loves Miller. Miller loves his post game updates. Saturday's read, "What a game! Eastham Black comes back from an early 3-2 deficit to beat Ohio University 11-6 to move to 12-0! Very proud of every single player on this team today!...Miller added 2 hits apiece." Monday's game: "Lucky #13 is in the books as Eastham Black takes out Navy 17-3 tonight!..."

Cooper still loves his legos. He's made two more airplanes this week, the retractable wings are pretty cool! He's very excited for you to come home.

We invited the Bishop to Monday's game, and I believe he wants to announce Miller's success in church next week. He's very good about announcing accomplishments such as this for all the teenagers, and Miller will be thrilled. It was nice to have a cheering section for him, and very thoughtful of them to go to his game. They also bought him an ice cream cone after the game.

Hunter wore your cap and gown tonight, and again Friday evening at graduation, thank you in advance for sharing ;-) Tonight was class night. He received the exemplary character award, as you did, and the teacher's awards in math and social studies. He also received $300 from math club, $500 academic boosters, $1000 Friends of Fairland, and $500 women's club.  (Still sad your class is the ONLY class not to get senior athletic pictures!)

I think that's the week in a few words or so. We're all SO excited you're finally coming home! Get your account information figured out so we can send money. It will be a wild and crazy summer! We're collecting clothes for a new wardrobe '-) We're talking menus! We're planning trips. Can't wait!!!!

Love,

Mom and Dad

P.S. Sis. Bach left a sweet comment from your last letter that I know will help you feel the love: "As usual, I find your testimony growing ever stronger. Thank you so much for the heart-felt letters. As I read them, I can 'feel' like I'm actually there beside you, learning right with you. Sooner than soon your mission in the Brasilian field will come to an end. Who knows, perhaps the good Lord will return you as a Senior missionary down the road. I already know that you will, but just a reminder to Keep up the Good Work!"