With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

Because the Sheriff of my agency has chosen to resign and run for the Democratic governor position, a new sheriff has to be sworn in. And technically, all sworn personnel have to be sworn in at the same time. Pulling units off the road, calling in units on holiday or days off, is not only inconvenient, but presents a weakness in covering jurisdiction. Adjoining agencies can be contacted for assistance, and pulling them out of their jurisdiction will also weaken their agency’s ability to respond in a timely or judicious manner. There are moments in our lives that will leave us in a weakened ability to protect ourselves from Satan’s nefarious designs to find the weak link in our defenses. How much more important our preparation becomes knowing we are and will be under siege. You have the privilege and opportunity to prepare each day, but you’re on the front lines. Your work, vital to the salvation of others’ is key to Heavenly Father’s plan, and stopping you becomes the greatest desire of our enemies.  Obedience then becomes the protectant that allows Heavenly Father to assist you when you’re in a more vulnerable or weakened state.

Speaking of protectant, we were furniture shopping before the holidays and came across a really white or light colored sofa I preferred. When we expressed concern over sticky fingers and spills, the sales lady told us for $40 more she would spray our furniture with a commercial grade protectant. I still don’t have the sofa, but we do have two new chairs, same color, and I will be spraying with my own spray I found on line.

And speaking of work? Favorite suspect description this week goes to a robber that fled the scene, described as wearing underwear on his face with black goggles. Underwear? Really? Try broadcasting that without twitching.

We missed your letter last week. Whether or not it was because you had just spoken to us, did not have internet access, or were not able to write, know we missed your communique. Because I was working 12 hour shifts on the 24th, 25th and 26th, I tried to leave little presents your younger siblings could open. On Sunday, church services included only sacrament meeting, so I left a bag of activities in which everyone could participate together or by themselves. Monday morning I left a basket of blankets, movies and games, as well as the kit to install the new basketball backboard. I don’t even know who did it, but when I came home the board was up, and well used. Christmas began at 7:30 that night, and I crawled into bed after 10:30 very tired. Tuesday was the day the presents were enjoyed like Christmas morning, as well as me coming home to find my tree already undecorated and outside.

Wednesday we loaded everyone up in two vehicles and drove to Grapevine, the upper, east side of Tarrant County. Grapevine hosts a vintage railroad, a visitor’s center with a miniature model train display, a clock tower that has two train robbers in a fight, a glass blowing shop, a blacksmith shop…lots of fun things to do. The weather has winterized and I think the day’s high was 34. It was so cold! We’ll have to go back when we can stand to be outside. Baby Nora was wrapped up tight. There’s an art walk with 25 statues, lots of museums, and fun eating places we’ll have to visit when the weather is warmer.  We were in the area to ride the train, for a merit badge requirement. Miller’s first. But the weather cracked the rail, and our tickets were refunded. We found a Fuddruckers to eat at, reminiscing a lot about historical Fuddrucker visits, and then checked into a hotel. We stayed there on points, which allowed us to take Tanner and his gang to the airport early the next morning quite comfortably.

Allow me to expound on Nora for a moment. Delicious. Addictive. Easy going. Delightful. I would wake up early for work and get to burp her. I still wake up early when I’m not at work, and could help as well. I miss all three. Lucky for me I still have Hunter at home.

In the morning we visited the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington.  One of those stops because you can’t find anything else you want to do and you want to do something besides go home. It turned out much better than all of our expectations. The highlight was the candlepin two lane bowling alley at the end, and of course lunch – this time at Torchy Tacos. The name lives up to its reputation. We were all feeling a bit burnt until dessert – their fried cookie dough balls. Yum!

And thus ended another portion of the continuous holiday vacation, per se. The Bachs left Friday morning. The rest of the gang headed up to Tyler, as Hunter hadn’t seen Evan in over two years. I stayed behind to do our wash – at the Laundromat – our dryer is broken – and shop for food. I had overtime in the morning, and couldn’t travel.

The Dallas weather changed for the extreme today, going from 35 last night to 19 today, with precipitation causing the roads to ice over. Work was crazy, the freeways were like ice skating rinks, and I am thankful to be home.

I hope you loved your box. We love you. Know of our love for you.

Mom