With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

What.A.Week.The flu is here. Extra bad strain this year, people coughing every where. The flu is overwhelming emergency rooms and has left 20 children dead. Yuck! We don't want it!

Early Monday morning I was at work when the news station playing at work announced the death of President Monson, and all I’ve felt is peace. It’s wonderful to know who leads and guides us today. Dad told me there’s a special broadcast Tuesday morning, and then a news brief. Other news worthy events this week include:

There’s a volcano in Papua New Guinea that’s become active, and now authorities have ordered the evacuation of some 3,000 people from Biem Island amid fears of a volcanic eruption.

Miller’s decided to do his science project on erosion. We were talking about the massive California fires that burned millions of acres, leaving behind a barren, charred landscape. Tuesday the area was inundated with rain, causing massive mud. Four days later they’re still searching for victims in Southern California after dozens of homes were swept away or buried. 19 bodies have been recovered.

Sis. Oscarson’s talk on The Needs Before Us is especially meaningful in light of all these natural disasters and the passing of our prophet, stressed the importance of serving family first, then those in our ward family and local community. “Changing the world begins with strengthening your own family.” How much more meaningful this makes your handwritten letters to us. Sis.  Oscarson said, President Monson said, “I believe…that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish and in effect save their lives.”

Sawyer is in braces.Jarrod took him for a records, molds appointment, and he came home covered. The top rack. He'll have to go back for more. He's excited.He says this is the age you should get braces,as every one else is in them.

Sawyer had a tournament in Stephenville this weekend. They won their game Friday night by one point, lost early Saturday morning by a point, and played for third place in the afternoon and handily won. Highlights were Sawyer making all 15 attempts at the line except 1; an underneath the basket lay-up that was done over his shoulder, backwards. The whole stand of waiting basketball players from other teams had their mouths hanging open, and looked at each other with awe over the shot. It was a beauty. When the game came down to one second in overtime, and their team was down by three, Sawyer was the one chosen to attempt the half-court shot. It lined up perfectly, just didn’t go in, a very respectable attempt.

Miller was back playing basketball as well. Did I mention we put up a new backboard on the driveway? So both boys have been shooting as much as the weather would permit. He had a double header, and was the leading scorer in both games. He too was given the shot to untie the game, and his ringed in and came back out. After double overtimes, the game remained tied, and his team still undefeated.

Since we feed the missionaries Friday, and were not sure if we’d both be able to go to Sawyer’s game, I ended up handing them their own chicken pot pie to take home and eat. I hope they didn’t mind. I know they enjoy sitting at the table and conversing with your father.

Breyer asked to take a picture of Nora to school. She had brought one in to show her teacher, and her teacher kept asking her to bring it back and show the class. When I asked her what everyone said, she remarked, “Oh, you know, lots of “She’s so cute!” and “Oh my goodness!”  Now read those again and imagine her big blue eyes, with her hands on her hips. She was chosen as “Good Kid” of the week, and brought home her Oak Woods School sticker. She was a bit disgruntled we didn’t let her stick it on a bumper. It’s hanging on the fridge, unpeeled.

Breyer went to her first gymnastics class. I didn’t get to go this week, but she couldn’t stop talking about it or demonstrating what she’d learned from the time she walked in the door to the time she went to bed. The class runs 7-8 p.m., so there’s not much time to eat a snack, shower, etc.

We learned recently that Tanner has started the Dad Dictionary. He's got such samples as "banko," "kabang,"and "kajinkies." And, he has them as used in context. Pretty funny. You'll enjoy adding new words when you get back. You can probably add a few entries as well ;-)

Speaking of Dad,he had to put on a new door handle on the front door, as it was difficult to get into the front door unless someone opened it from the inside. We could not believe how much a lock is, never mind a new front door. So glad he can help with the minor home repairs.

I couldn't help but think of the Savior's admonition to knock. What happens when you knock but the door can't open?

Stay safe. No more robberies, car accidents, or bus adventures. You're giving me gray hair.

Love,

Mom



Hello Porter,

We look forward to your letter. I think the world looks forward to your letter. I will be leaving here to go take Cooper to the Dentist. School starts for me tomorrow, but today every one but mom is home.

I need to write each week and will work to do so. I need to write a little each day. I never have any time on Sundays, plus I always let your mom have the computer to finish the letter she writes.

I have wanted to include a scripture each week. I got that walking stick that your Grandfather gave you from his mission (somebody made it for him and it has all these scriptures citations carved on it. I have had it hanging in the library for the past three months, but will start today. Perhaps the scripture will be helpful.

The first one is Jacob 1:19 -  And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

There is the first scripture. I have not counted to see how many are on the stick, but I have started from the top and will go down the stick.

Exercise and eating well. I am thinking of it. I need to have some good lunch ideas going back to school, that I need to prepare ahead of time.

Love you. Be safe. Be wise. Be Obedient.

Dad

Also, I want you to know how wonderful your written letters mailed home. They are a great treasure for me.