With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

Good morning! I still haven’t had a chance to listen to your pod cast. When I’ve been home, the computer has been missing or occupied. Thank you for thinking of us so consistently. The boys cherish your letters. Cooper has at least a two page missile that I haven’t received, but will be forthcoming.

Cooper was hired to take care of a yard and pool while the owners are on vacation. We’ve been enjoying the pool. I snapped a few photos for your enjoyment. Your brothers all worked on diving since no one was around, and it was deep enough. They were going to show off at the Smiths, who were hosting a stake swim activity last night, but it was cancelled due to the weather. We’ve finally received a bit of rain! California, which now has their largest fire ever recorded, needs it. Utah is getting all their smoke, and Tanner said the air quality is so poor everyone was asked to stay indoors.

Cooper had a driver’s license exam scheduled on Friday, and arrived 30 minutes early. Unknown to he and Dad, they were supposed to have been here an hour early, so had to reschedule to Monday. Painful! I did finish registering the van for Hunter, and got the plates in the mail. It’s official. We own four vehicles. We’ve let Abbie in Utah know she can use the van when she needs it. It’s so helpful to have access to a vehicle when you don’t have one! You’ll enjoy using it upon your return as well. Cooper was also registered for his second shot at the ACT in September.

Cooper’s tennis team had their first pre season match in McAllen. He won his singles match 8-6, as well as his doubles, which was the last game of the meet, and gave his tied team the win. He’s ranked 2nd overall for Granbury.  Cooper also mowed the lawn of a paraplegic, and will be working on staining the wood benches for the fire pit. He also joined Dad in a move yesterday morning

Thursday Sawyer went to golf try outs at the smaller DeCordova golf course. There were about four non freshmen who were sent on their way to hole 1, while the eight or so freshmen remained on the tee. They putted for a few minutes while the coach made the rounds with the players, then they chipped, while he spoke with the parents. Due to incoming weather, he had them go to the ninth hole, hoping to at least hit off nine, eight and seven, but the lightning began, so he was done. The coach is very pleasant. He’s a PE teacher, thought he had heard of your name, but wasn’t too sure. Either way, he was very impressed with Sawyer. You could tell by the way he watched him, and used him to start off his requests. Sawyer has a confident, imposing athletic presence that was visible to at least me and the coach. The coach is very willing to work with Breazeale in regards to taking into consideration basketball practices. They play every day after school at courses all over Granbury, including the one by us, one at Hidden Oaks, and two at DeCordova. Golf is not possible during the spring if Sawyer chooses to play baseball, but we’ll give the fall season a go.

Even though my boys have never had private lessons, their efforts to practice at home, and with each other, are contributing factors to all the success they’ve enjoyed and will continue to enjoy in sports.

I took Sawyer and Miller to the driving range Monday and Saturday, and once with just Miller and Breyer on Wednesday while everyone else was on a boat for young mens. The golf course was hosting their weekly tournament, and everyone stopped to watch and gawk at Miller. His chips were picture perfect, and the three balls he would chip always landed within inches of each other. I didn’t know if I should be uncomfortable for him because they were in awe, or because he was so young, or both, but he finally caved under pressure and chose to leave.

Sawyer has decided to do his eagle scout project for Acton Middle School and will be working with science teacher Scott Carpenter on his outdoor lab area. He’s supposed to be working on the papers today ;-) Yesterday Sawyer and Miller were asked to go with Mr. Hughes, a neighbor in Bentwater, and his two boys, to a basketball clinic in Fort Worth. They liked it. They learned a bit with the drills. The team tried to recruit Sawyer for their team. Sawyer also was invited by a friend to assist at a school in classroom preparations.

Back to school night for Breyer and Miller is tomorrow. She’s very excited to find out who her teacher might be. Miller as well, but we still don’t say the “S” word when he’s around. He’s been reading the Harry Potter books, and is on the fourth, hoping to take the AR test to earn points when he goes back.

Breyer and I got up early yesterday morning to go school supply shopping. We beat the crowds, and didn’t get out of the house until 9 a.m. We only had to get one thing at a 2nd store to finish. We also purchased items to use to make lunches for school.

In the talk, “Ministering as the Savior Does”, Sis. Bingham says, “What a wonderful blessing to live in a time of continual revelation from God! As we look forward to and embrace the “restitution of all things,” which has and will come through the prophesied events of our time, we are being prepared for the Savior’s Second Coming. And what better way to prepare to meet Him than to strive to become like Him through lovingly ministering to one another!

“Simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves. What did the Savior do? He smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave. He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel. Those “simple” acts of service and love provide a template for our ministering today.  As you have the privilege to represent the Savior in your ministering efforts, ask yourself, “How can I share the light of the gospel with this individual or family? What is the Spirit inspiring me to do?”

We'll have to think about how we can serve our neighbors, especially in light of the fire last week. Dad, in order to be more prepared, bought a quality hose and nozzle, to fight future fires.

May your week be ever bright!

We love you,

Mom