With All My Love

Elder Schenewark,

I was reading Sis. Durham’s talk on “A Child’s Guiding Gift” today, and came across this quote she used by Elder Wirthlin: “We live in a noisy and busy world. If we are not careful, the things of this world can [drown] out the things of the Spirit.” Sis. Durham poses the question, “How do we…kick off some of the weight of the world we carry, so we can keep our children’s heads and our own worried minds above the water?”

This week your letters to our family became like life jackets. A buoyancy to relieve the weight of the water dragging us down, a much needed lift. Your sweet spirit shines through your words.

Speaking of sweet spirits, your sister turns seven today. She’s been planning her party all year long, including invite lists, party colors, food, games to play, etc. You get the idea. She’s had to be reminded all year long that until Miller has his first party, I won’t be doing her second - up until yesterday! She did get invited for a surprise lunch with Sis. Roberts, and she and I went there yesterday. We swung by Sis. Counts new bakery shop that was built for her by Stumpy’s to manage and picked out a few delicious cupcakes to bring. Small and simple was a good way for us to celebrate her sweetness. We also made her ice cream cake that we enjoyed tonight. She has expressed a desire to wait for her baptism until you’re home, just a month or two, but all the more special with you there.

Sawyer finished his basketball undefeated in his district, second year in a row. I’m so excited to see him play next year at the high school. He wanted you to know he consistently can slap the box on the backboard. He's excited to be thinking about getting to drive.

Miller had a prime team basketball game and a pinewood derby at the same time yesterday. Since his car was made, he chose to play in his game, scoring 9 of their 23 points. We didn’t go but his coach said he had a great game. Usually he plays two quarters but he was left in the whole game.

Cooper won his first match, and lost his second, to the duo who ended up winning the whole tournament. He said they played great, though.

Steven Welch comes home from his mission this week. I’m supposed to meet them at the temple on Friday.

Still enjoying pictures from last weekend. Uncle Ben wrote this about Nora: :Loved being part of Nora’s baby blessing yesterday. I think we might have increased the ward’s sacrament attendance by 40%. Nora was great during the blessing and Tanner did a beautiful job. It was great to see Jared and Hunter - yes Hunter is at BYU but we never see him - and the Bachs." (Mitchell, serving in Pennslyvania, had fire works, street crowds, and mandated inside time because of the SuperBowl, just like you and Carnival.

We try to face time Nora often, usually at night. Tonight she was in adorable baby mode with her fly away hair, her wiggles and coos,and her smiles and gasps. She has all of us wrapped around her little finger, that is now starting to grab her mother's hair. AnneMarie said she enjoys watching any one dance, and listening to singing in church.

Thank you again for your wonderful letters.

Stay safe.

Love,

Mom