Dear Elder Schenewark,
What a week! Sit back and relax, and enjoy your family’s adventures. Leaving work a bit early on Wednesday, I drove to the DFW airport, and caught a flight to SLC via LAX. Due to my screwdriver incident, the flight had been made a bit later than I planned, and I was unable to get a direct flight. I arrived about 9:30 p.m., and was picked up by Hunter. The area has changed dramatically, considering I haven’t been there since 1992!
Poor Hunter had to drive by a deceased pedestrian that was hit on his way. And jumping ahead a bit, on the way to bring me back to the airport, we drove by another body, this one dumped on the side of the road. Life has changed.
Early Thursday morning Nora was up and at it. She’s adorable. She was very friendly and eager to play. We got dressed for the day, ate breakfast, and went to Walmart to shop for her one year old birthday present, since I won’t be here in November. I got her a 4 in 1 Radio Flyer tricycle, that converts from 5 months to 5 years, with wheel guards, tray, pushing handle, and umbrella pieces that are able to be removed as the child gets larger. Best present ever. Might have to be a tradition for everyone’s first born at one year.
We ate lunch back at Tanner’s home, and I left for the Provo City temple. AnneMarie and Nora joined us after her nap was over. Originally I was told there wasn’t room in the sealing room for me, but I got in. So did Hunter. Grampy was spot on, and did a lovely job. Greg’s new wife is adorable. They both laugh constantly. They’ll be very happy together. Trevor and his companion actually got to come out of the Provo MTC for the sealing only, no photos. This was arranged when Rich met with Elder Gay, of the Presidency of the Seventy, for a new calling earlier this week. Watch Saturday morning session!! Your female cousins Emma from the U of U, Stevie from Snow College, and Abbey from BYU were all there. Uncle Zach drove in with two boys. It was a very warm day, and by the time we waited through the pictures, we had to rest a minute before redressing and going to the reception. Hunter and I stopped off at a store to get Greg (tools) and Hannah (crock pot ) their wedding presents. It was at a lovely castle in a vineyard that is rented for receptions. Greg had three pies to take bites from instead of cake, plenty of food, and a little dancing at the end.
Friday morning I took both your brothers to their early morning class, ate breakfast with Nora and AnneMarie, and went to mow two yards with Ben and Joy. They have very impressive equipment – a trailer they pull loaded with three lawnmowers, leaf blowers, edgers and weed whippers. Joy said what normally took her 90 minutes took us 20 minutes. I’ve waited many years to see Ben’s house, and to rub shoulders with them. Good times in the grass.
I finished just in time to pick up Hunter from his class, pick up the girls, and go to Café Rio for lunch. Yum! We brought Tanner’s to him after his class, and toured campus, for my benefit. We also stopped into the art museum. One of the traveling exhibits was Carl Bloch’s etchings. They were amazing. I can’t imagine carving with needles to get the detail he has. When I said good bye to TannMarie, Hunter took me to his first date standard, Rockwell’s ice cream parlor. Double yum.
I had a few airport adventures, such as not remembering where I parked my car in long term parking, not being able to wait with my parents traveling back to Boston, passing the dead body on the highway service road, my TollTag not registering to get me out of long term parking. Those kinds of things.
Saturday morning came early, and when we were finally ready to go, Miller’s game was cancelled, third week in a row. They’re going to have to double up on Saturdays and use days of the week to get the games in now. I of course had a bit of catching up to do, with wash and dishes, etc. but went to a funeral with your father. It’s always a good reminder how short mortality can be, and sometimes death comes unexpectedly. Around 2:30 am Dad was called by Bro. Point who asked for prayers, as his daughter Rachel had just died. She was traveling too quickly on a country road, and wrapped her vehicle around a tree. So sad! I haven’t heard what’s going on, but will when I get home.
Be careful! We want you home. Our Heavenly Father wants us all home, but in due time. We love you. We’re eager to watch general conference, knowing you’ll be watching as well. Have a most wonderful day.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Friday, September 28, 2018
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
Letter #57
We had a special event this morning in Campinas, and we just got back and we already have to go, just know that I am alive, doing well, and I'll throw in one picture.
Next week I talk about the all missionary special church video choir thing, which may or may not be the reason we were in Campinas.
Love,
Elder in the spicy red tie
Next week I talk about the all missionary special church video choir thing, which may or may not be the reason we were in Campinas.
Love,
Elder in the spicy red tie
Sunday, September 23, 2018
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
Good morning! Your letters take away the Monday morning sting often experienced as the new work week begins.
Breyer is a delightful lady. Her topic of conversation this week is her love of science. It’s her favorite subject. “I can hardly wait to go to school. Our teacher said today is the day we’re discussing matter and reaction.” Heady subjects for sure, for a second grader, but nonetheless, words that excite her enough to be an eager pupil. She confessed last week science was her favorite subject because that’s when they would get to talk about animals.
Miller has spent the second half of the summer, up to the present, reading all the books in the Harry Potter series. He is pages away from finishing the last book. And, he has been faithful in returning to school to take the AR tests for points. He leads his class handily. This is the year he’s working hard to lead not just his class, but hopefully his school, as the end-of-the year prizes are grand. He’s tired of the rain cancelling practices and games – going on two weeks-worth.
Miller and Sawyer repurposed my kitchen table to a ping pong table, and have played for hours. The things that get thought up when there's rain in Texas.
Sawyer has had two classmates in unfortunate incidents this week. One’s father, a Fort Worth undercover officer, was shot while trying to apprehend armed robbery suspects. Another, with her mother, was killed in a house fire. His golf was cancelled, and he opted not to participate in the 3-on-3 tournament this weekend because of the cost. We might have encouraged him otherwise, but were unaware of the event.
Cooper lost both his matches this week in tennis. He got invited to a paint ball party, and came home with multiple round bruises and a big smile. He’s taken over Hunter’s summer weed whipping job, and because of all the rain and sunshine, made headway into the now jungle-like growth. He’s finished two of the six modules for his written pilot license exam. And, instead of going with your father last night to the last Ranger’s game, chose to go to the stake dance. We're still waiting to see what Cooper scored on the ACT exam.
I fell asleep before everyone came home from their activities, with Breyer curled in my side. We had a nice girls evening, including painting toe and fingernails, making cinnamon rolls, cleaning bathrooms and folding wash, and watching – wait for it – Wild Kratts. She’s almost finished level 2 in her gymnastics class, and is so excited to move up and on.
Your father turned in his portfolio packet last Monday morning, the binder Monday afternoon, and can wipe his hands of it until April. That’s when he finds out the recommendation of the tenure committee. He’s in catch up mode a bit, but did find time to go fishing yesterday, as well as the Ranger’s game.
I was reading Small and Simple Things by President Dallin H. Oaks. He spoke on how over time the effect of our small decisions can be incredibly powerful, good or bad. “Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth.”
President Oaks quotes President Steven C. Wheelwright, who gave an audience at Brigham Young University–Hawaii this inspired description of Alma’s teaching: “Alma confirms for his son that indeed the pattern the Lord follows when we exercise faith in Him and follow His counsel in small and simple things is that He blesses us with small, daily miracles and over time, with marvelous works.”
Many years ago, President M. Russell Ballard described to a general conference audience “how small and simple things can be negative and destructive to a person’s salvation.” He taught: “Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality,” he said. “At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.”
Your missionary life is full of small and simple things, things asked of you to show obedience, things you do to be a better companion. May you, this week, especially notice your daily miracles and marvelous works.
Love,
Mom
Good morning! Your letters take away the Monday morning sting often experienced as the new work week begins.
Breyer is a delightful lady. Her topic of conversation this week is her love of science. It’s her favorite subject. “I can hardly wait to go to school. Our teacher said today is the day we’re discussing matter and reaction.” Heady subjects for sure, for a second grader, but nonetheless, words that excite her enough to be an eager pupil. She confessed last week science was her favorite subject because that’s when they would get to talk about animals.
Miller has spent the second half of the summer, up to the present, reading all the books in the Harry Potter series. He is pages away from finishing the last book. And, he has been faithful in returning to school to take the AR tests for points. He leads his class handily. This is the year he’s working hard to lead not just his class, but hopefully his school, as the end-of-the year prizes are grand. He’s tired of the rain cancelling practices and games – going on two weeks-worth.
Miller and Sawyer repurposed my kitchen table to a ping pong table, and have played for hours. The things that get thought up when there's rain in Texas.
Sawyer has had two classmates in unfortunate incidents this week. One’s father, a Fort Worth undercover officer, was shot while trying to apprehend armed robbery suspects. Another, with her mother, was killed in a house fire. His golf was cancelled, and he opted not to participate in the 3-on-3 tournament this weekend because of the cost. We might have encouraged him otherwise, but were unaware of the event.
Cooper lost both his matches this week in tennis. He got invited to a paint ball party, and came home with multiple round bruises and a big smile. He’s taken over Hunter’s summer weed whipping job, and because of all the rain and sunshine, made headway into the now jungle-like growth. He’s finished two of the six modules for his written pilot license exam. And, instead of going with your father last night to the last Ranger’s game, chose to go to the stake dance. We're still waiting to see what Cooper scored on the ACT exam.
I fell asleep before everyone came home from their activities, with Breyer curled in my side. We had a nice girls evening, including painting toe and fingernails, making cinnamon rolls, cleaning bathrooms and folding wash, and watching – wait for it – Wild Kratts. She’s almost finished level 2 in her gymnastics class, and is so excited to move up and on.
Your father turned in his portfolio packet last Monday morning, the binder Monday afternoon, and can wipe his hands of it until April. That’s when he finds out the recommendation of the tenure committee. He’s in catch up mode a bit, but did find time to go fishing yesterday, as well as the Ranger’s game.
I was reading Small and Simple Things by President Dallin H. Oaks. He spoke on how over time the effect of our small decisions can be incredibly powerful, good or bad. “Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth.”
President Oaks quotes President Steven C. Wheelwright, who gave an audience at Brigham Young University–Hawaii this inspired description of Alma’s teaching: “Alma confirms for his son that indeed the pattern the Lord follows when we exercise faith in Him and follow His counsel in small and simple things is that He blesses us with small, daily miracles and over time, with marvelous works.”
Many years ago, President M. Russell Ballard described to a general conference audience “how small and simple things can be negative and destructive to a person’s salvation.” He taught: “Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality,” he said. “At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.”
Your missionary life is full of small and simple things, things asked of you to show obedience, things you do to be a better companion. May you, this week, especially notice your daily miracles and marvelous works.
Love,
Mom
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Words from the Wingmen
Dearly Beloveds,
Welcome to the first installment of my Autumn letters, in which we: eat exorbitant amounts of (free) food; frolic with family; get sick from frolicking with family, losing aforementioned free food; frolic with friends; and cast our eyes towards the fires in the hills.
The last three weeks or so, the hills south of Provo blazed with fires kicked up almost overnight by strong winds. At twilight, the horizon glowed ochre and an overflowing wave of smoke swept out from the canyons and over the valley. Nearly every morning, when I walked outside for my bike ride to the law school, the air smelled like a campfire. Thankfully, a conglomerate of firefighters from surrounding states (almost 1000 strong at one point) stopped the flames only yards short of communities in Payson and Springville, and residents returned to their homes at the end of this week.
The law school and graduate studies society at BYU continue to treat us to dinner, lunch, and breakfast. This last week alone, I ate three free lunches, one breakfast, and one dinner. The week before: four lunches, a breakfast, and a dinner. One of the dinners celebrated all the BYU graduate programs, and AnneMarie and I enjoyed a night out together. They had food, and a speech or two, but being on a date with AnneMarie far-excelled both of those elements. The keynote speaker—who seemed like the nicest guy in the world—prepared a dissertation on the six years of his life he spent in graduate school, complete with a timeline, and ended his speech by saying “The one thing I can tell you is it’s going to be interesting. Thank you.” He was interesting, as were—alas—the small eggs on the underside of my lettuce. Unfortunately, we weren’t sitting next to any graduate entomologists that could help me identify them. This week, the graduate students’ society threw a picnic, so Nora got in on the free-food fun as well.
Last Friday, we had a BLAST at Josh Hutchins’ football game: Pleasant Grove vs. Bingham. The game was a thriller, especially since Bingham ranks in the top teams of the state, and Pleasant Grove fields a pretty good squad as well, in particular, a certain DE with American-flag socks. Josh gave the Bingham offense woe all night because he was faster than the big offensive lineman across from him. Before they could get their hands off the ground, he was already slipping through to chase the RB and QB. PG barely lost, but we enjoyed it nonetheless and loved spending time with Ben, Joy, and Sister Tenney.
Between Relief Society ministering interviews and activities, Law School Spouse Association book club meetings (Agatha Christie’s Mysterious Affair at Styles), and our nearly-walking Nora, AnneMarie stays BUSY, but busy is good. She helped throw a marriage panel activity this week where I heard the greatest entertainment was comments from the older sisters.
Last Saturday, we attended a surprise birthday party for my missionary trainer and good friend Parker Bennett. Nora got into it with one of the other infant attendees, but, to be fair, it was because the other girl kept taking her stuffed animal. Nora has zero fear of leaping on top of an older child to defend her territory. She literally growled at the girl... Advantage, wolf-baby.
We also recently played the most intense game of Murder in the Dark, in the dark. The bodies piled up, screams were let off (we won’t say by who) and it was a rollicking good time well into the night.
The Flu arrived early this year and took down everyone in its reach. Somehow, I escaped the worst symptoms, but AnneMarie and Nora weren’t so lucky the last couple of days. Thankfully, it mostly hit us on the weekend. Nora, waking up in her own vomit at one in the morning, didn’t seem to mind and was ready to play.
Lastly, since I do not have a calling, I called myself to sing in the choir. We have a marvelous, enthusiastic choir director, Brother Petersen who teaches Korean at BYU. We sang Phillip Bliss’s “It is Well with My Soul” in church this week. I’ve copied the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s story of the hymn and the verses below as a thought this week:
“Horatio Spafford knew something about life’s unexpected challenges. He was a successful attorney and real estate investor who lost a fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Around the same time, his beloved four-year-old son died of scarlet fever.
Thinking a vacation would do his family some good, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England, planning to join them after he finished some pressing business at home. However, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was involved in a terrible collision and sunk. More than 200 people lost their lives, including all four of Horatio Spafford’s precious daughters. His wife, Anna, survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to her husband that began: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”
Horatio immediately set sail for England. At one point during his voyage, the captain of the ship, aware of the tragedy that had struck the Spafford family, summoned Horatio to tell him that they were now passing over the spot where the shipwreck had occurred.
As Horatio thought about his daughters, words of comfort and hope filled his heart and mind. He wrote them down, and they have since become a well-beloved hymn.”
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul
Love,
Tanner, AnneMarie, and Nora
Welcome to the first installment of my Autumn letters, in which we: eat exorbitant amounts of (free) food; frolic with family; get sick from frolicking with family, losing aforementioned free food; frolic with friends; and cast our eyes towards the fires in the hills.
The last three weeks or so, the hills south of Provo blazed with fires kicked up almost overnight by strong winds. At twilight, the horizon glowed ochre and an overflowing wave of smoke swept out from the canyons and over the valley. Nearly every morning, when I walked outside for my bike ride to the law school, the air smelled like a campfire. Thankfully, a conglomerate of firefighters from surrounding states (almost 1000 strong at one point) stopped the flames only yards short of communities in Payson and Springville, and residents returned to their homes at the end of this week.
The law school and graduate studies society at BYU continue to treat us to dinner, lunch, and breakfast. This last week alone, I ate three free lunches, one breakfast, and one dinner. The week before: four lunches, a breakfast, and a dinner. One of the dinners celebrated all the BYU graduate programs, and AnneMarie and I enjoyed a night out together. They had food, and a speech or two, but being on a date with AnneMarie far-excelled both of those elements. The keynote speaker—who seemed like the nicest guy in the world—prepared a dissertation on the six years of his life he spent in graduate school, complete with a timeline, and ended his speech by saying “The one thing I can tell you is it’s going to be interesting. Thank you.” He was interesting, as were—alas—the small eggs on the underside of my lettuce. Unfortunately, we weren’t sitting next to any graduate entomologists that could help me identify them. This week, the graduate students’ society threw a picnic, so Nora got in on the free-food fun as well.
Last Friday, we had a BLAST at Josh Hutchins’ football game: Pleasant Grove vs. Bingham. The game was a thriller, especially since Bingham ranks in the top teams of the state, and Pleasant Grove fields a pretty good squad as well, in particular, a certain DE with American-flag socks. Josh gave the Bingham offense woe all night because he was faster than the big offensive lineman across from him. Before they could get their hands off the ground, he was already slipping through to chase the RB and QB. PG barely lost, but we enjoyed it nonetheless and loved spending time with Ben, Joy, and Sister Tenney.
Between Relief Society ministering interviews and activities, Law School Spouse Association book club meetings (Agatha Christie’s Mysterious Affair at Styles), and our nearly-walking Nora, AnneMarie stays BUSY, but busy is good. She helped throw a marriage panel activity this week where I heard the greatest entertainment was comments from the older sisters.
Last Saturday, we attended a surprise birthday party for my missionary trainer and good friend Parker Bennett. Nora got into it with one of the other infant attendees, but, to be fair, it was because the other girl kept taking her stuffed animal. Nora has zero fear of leaping on top of an older child to defend her territory. She literally growled at the girl... Advantage, wolf-baby.
We also recently played the most intense game of Murder in the Dark, in the dark. The bodies piled up, screams were let off (we won’t say by who) and it was a rollicking good time well into the night.
The Flu arrived early this year and took down everyone in its reach. Somehow, I escaped the worst symptoms, but AnneMarie and Nora weren’t so lucky the last couple of days. Thankfully, it mostly hit us on the weekend. Nora, waking up in her own vomit at one in the morning, didn’t seem to mind and was ready to play.
Lastly, since I do not have a calling, I called myself to sing in the choir. We have a marvelous, enthusiastic choir director, Brother Petersen who teaches Korean at BYU. We sang Phillip Bliss’s “It is Well with My Soul” in church this week. I’ve copied the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s story of the hymn and the verses below as a thought this week:
“Horatio Spafford knew something about life’s unexpected challenges. He was a successful attorney and real estate investor who lost a fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Around the same time, his beloved four-year-old son died of scarlet fever.
Thinking a vacation would do his family some good, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England, planning to join them after he finished some pressing business at home. However, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was involved in a terrible collision and sunk. More than 200 people lost their lives, including all four of Horatio Spafford’s precious daughters. His wife, Anna, survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to her husband that began: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”
Horatio immediately set sail for England. At one point during his voyage, the captain of the ship, aware of the tragedy that had struck the Spafford family, summoned Horatio to tell him that they were now passing over the spot where the shipwreck had occurred.
As Horatio thought about his daughters, words of comfort and hope filled his heart and mind. He wrote them down, and they have since become a well-beloved hymn.”
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul
Love,
Tanner, AnneMarie, and Nora
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Ledyard Legend
We Should all be inspired by the Gift that is Trevor
Hutchins
Published September 17. 2018 6:07PM
By Mike
DiMauro Day staff writer
Ledyard - The words of Cicero: "Non nobis solum nati sumus."
That means "not for ourselves are we alone born."
Really, though, not everybody is born with a heart wired for
helping others first. It is a gift to create joy. A calling.
And this is what makes Trevor Hutchins so boundlessly
inspiring. He is 18-years old, the textbook age of self-indulgence, a time of
sighs, eye rolls and knowing everything about everything.
Instead, Hutchins, a recent graduate of Ledyard High, a
strapping, 6-foot-5 soccer player and shot blocker, has exercised his option
within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to embark on a two-year
mission of service.
Trevor Hutchins, whose age belies his deeper sense of
obligation to things greater than his own self-interest, leaves Tuesday for El
Salvador.
"I've thought about it a lot," Hutchins was saying
Monday afternoon, the day before his life will change forever. "It's not
an easy decision. There are negatives, like leaving the people I've known my
whole life, knowing there won't be a lot of communication. But there are so
many positives."
To reiterate: Hutchins' church does not require a mission.
It is optional. He could be a college athlete somewhere right now. Somewhere,
though, there must be some room for his family, educational background and deep
faith to take a bow. Trevor Hutchins has been taught well. He's absorbed the
lessons. Now he becomes the beacon.
Hutchins is the sixth of nine children. Four of his five
older siblings have completed missions. This is a family who understands that
we all need each other here on the mortal soil more than we're willing to
admit. And they've personified the concept.
"Trevor invited me to listen to him speak to his
congregation (Sunday)," Ledyard assistant principal/athletic director Jim
Buonocore said. "He was so articulate, so passionate and so grateful. Just
a phenomenal human being. And one of our best three-sport athletes ...
ever."
Hutchins on his decision: "I have the ability to help
other people. Not everyone has the ability to do that. But I do. I understand
that at my age, I don't need to have everything figured out. So this gives me
extra time to mature."
Perhaps some of you just read that line and spit out your
coffee. This kid needs extra time to mature? Au contraire. He could be teaching
maturity lessons to folks considerably older.
"A lot of it comes from my dad (Richard),"
Hutchins said. "He's a pretty prominent member of our church. He's in
charge of several church buildings in southeastern Connecticut. I know he does a
lot to help other people. I've gone along with him."
Hutchins said his dad's local missions are about everything
from service projects to help with personal matters.
"It makes me happy to see others happy," Trevor
Hutchins said.
Hutchins' life is a monument to the inevitability of change.
It's non-negotiable. Everything changes. People change. So does their thinking,
attitudes, circumstances and outlooks. Imagine: A year ago at this time, Trevor
Hutchins went to school every day mostly trying to figure out how to score a
goal for Bill Glenney's soccer team.
Now he's headed to El Salvador for community service and
door to door propheting.
Even Hutchins chuckled at thinking about his life a year
ago.
"I always knew I wanted to do this between high school
and college," he said, "but yeah, a year ago, maybe I was thinking
about it a little, but surely not as much as when it started getting
closer."
Hutchins shows us all that it's never too late to make a
change. If you've been thinking about helping others more lately, maybe this is
the right time. And you needn't go to El Salvador. There's probably something
right in your town that could benefit from your time and care.
We won't be hearing from him much in the next two years.
He'll be doing God's work. Godspeed to Trevor Hutchins, who in his 18 short
years, has already inspired us to be better and do better.
A gift.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
College Correspondent
The title arises from the fact that earlier today I realized that I was wearing a home-made tie making pasta by hand. Pretty cool. I've also realized that there is a strong correlation between amount of flour used and happiness. Not simply because of the treats that go to me, but mainly for the fact that flour = service and kneading dough = therapy. So I gave myself a self-sufficiency "hallelujah!"
I should add, besides no dates, there was also no golf played this week, and thus begs the question, "is the world ending?" What will I write about?
 From Labor Day - with the windmills in the background.
The easy answer is no. Of course not! Even though Utah does in fact appear to be burning. (even the mountains have been obscured by all the smoke, and ash has sprinkled down on us at BYU - this is the closest I've ever been to a wildfire that I know of.)
 Photo courtesy of Taylor Yardley and LDS Living: In Payson, about 15 miles south.
The real answer I've come to, (after wondering how the prophets for millennia have truthfully been able to declare, "Repent! the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!") is that the world might not be ending, but ours is. Truth is, no matter how you do the math, mortality is a blink. And we best be preparing for the next life, because it's coming to claim us sooner than we might think. Ours is to act, and not to shrink.
My classes have been great. This week in Shakespeare we read some of his sonnets and interestingly many of them dealt with the idea of eternity and Mr. Bill Shakespeare appears to have with various sonnets preached the idea that kids yield some degree of immortality, and if that doesn't work, then written lines surely will.
We also read "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which although fantastical, was fantastic. I loved it. I have already become a committed fan.
I've chosen a couple family history projects: I am researching Horatio Gates and family, b. 1812 d. 1883. And for another one, I am researching Nancy Starbird Glass Wilson b. 1824 d. 1868 and her family. I was happy to see Horatio was a farmer and am truly eager to learn more.
Other notable news: I cut my head open with a door. No serious damage. Just an embarrassing/funny story to remember, and a current lump that looks like an award-winning pimple instead of a manly cut.
We mopped the floor voluntarily - without having a spill or accident compel us. Normally something happens before the floor actually gets dirty from just shoes. The last time we mopped was because I had inadvertently put in dish soap instead of dishwashing liquid. Didn't, and don't know the difference. The thing was a bubble machine and we just used all the overflowing suds to clean up the floor.
Tuesday, out of the many club choices available and appealing, I decided to go to the Family History one, where Jennifer Ann Mackley, author of Wilford Woodruff's Witness: The Development of Temple Doctrine lectured on exactly that, the development of temple doctrine.
Fast-forward to Saturday, and going to the temple was a little more significant reflecting on some aspects of what I'd learned.
First time cooking exploits this week include making cinnamon rolls for the first time. They were amazing! Hit the spot, causing a small sugar overload as I downed 6 or 7 before I gave the rest away. Also Maple Bavarian Cream. I still need to eat that though. It said to chill, and it's been chilling since.
Today at church I did nothing. No talks or lesson. No organ playing. No helping with the sacrament. I simply sat back and enjoyed the services and quite honestly, felt completely rejuvenated and refreshed.
Earlier in the week my I was in some pain and though my bottom left wisdom tooth was agitating like a toddler in church, causing a disturbance, and thought if it doesn't stop, he'll have to come out. Well, big blessing, turned out I only had a cut on my gum (from what I know not).
Work at Canopy continues. My bosses have been good at scheduling trainings and helping me improve. I've always been the person who would spend the whole day hacking at a tree without sharpening the saw and they've been good about scheduling time to help me improve.
I finally saw Tanmarie and Nora. It's been a couple weeks, and I decided to be spontaneous and show up unannounced Sunday afternoon. Sounds like law school is good and ms. Nora is getting close to walking!
On Sunday, Dad was busy and Mom wasn't home and after talking to Cooper for a while, Breyer came in and took over. That 15 minutes was perhaps the best part of the week for me. With her infectious laugh, innocence, and complete sincerity I was reminded once again why we are commanded to be like little children and felt brought down to real life. That's what's really important - and I left uplifted and with a refreshed perspective.
Another candidate for moment of the week was on Wednesday when as a presidency we redid most of the ministering assignments. My testimony was strengthened that we are involved in the Lord's work and he knows each and every one of us personally, as we repeatedly had names come to our minds for both companionships and who they needed to visit. It wasn't our doing - we were simply the instruments.
Saturday night I sat down with some homework and put on the Fiddler on the Roof. It's been years since I've seen it, and didn't remember much. I thought especially pertinent was the struggle Tevye had with tradition. Some changed, but others he would not, could not give up. Everything is liable to be questioned, and it is just as important for us to realize the traditions, some divinely instituted, that we can not give up or change.
I am grateful for the traditions that we have in our family. I have learned of Christ and his gospel since being an infant and I'll forever be grateful for that. Elder Holland said:
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Monday, September 17, 2018
Letter #56
Vai Palmeiras
For those of you preoccupy-eds about what I did to my two, let's just day that I put the pedal to the cheese grater to get a little extra flavor on the morning toast.
Had the chance to talk with a professional palm reader, not sure why but 1 Nephi 21:16 came to my head and I gave her a little rundown starting with "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." Apparently she thought it was interesting enough to accept a visit from us.
Also, apparently I'll have seven kids, three girls and four boys.
So, we spent the last rain spattered week, rain-spatteringly procuring rain speckled people in rain speckled houses. The results came pouring in. By Saturday night we had confirmed six people for church on Sunday. Unfortunately, only one of the six actually showed up, our dear Cearense, Neidiwagner. Just when I was feeling a little disappointed, the doors opened and in walked another five investigators, two who had said that they wouldn't be able to attend this week, two contacts that we made weeks ago but were never able to find at home, and one giant of a man named Rogério who is married to a member but has never come to church.
What can I say, the Lord provides when we do our part.
I was touched my a couple of things this week.
First, that strange dog on the street that always follows us around
Second, I was reading in the scriptures and I came across this in 2 Nephi 31:3
“For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.”
I thought it interesting the promise that the Lord makes this promise to let the gospel spread throughout the earth in the simplest of manners, allowing everyone to hear it in their own language. Even if it's a little more difficult for me, as a budding Portuguese student, I felt spiritually uplifted that even I can help fulfill one of the promises that we all have.
Love being sent from the rain spattered rain speckled streets of Paulínia, Brazil.
Elder Andre the Giant
(no seriously, you don't understand the size of my dude Rogério)
For those of you preoccupy-eds about what I did to my two, let's just day that I put the pedal to the cheese grater to get a little extra flavor on the morning toast.
Had the chance to talk with a professional palm reader, not sure why but 1 Nephi 21:16 came to my head and I gave her a little rundown starting with "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." Apparently she thought it was interesting enough to accept a visit from us.
Also, apparently I'll have seven kids, three girls and four boys.
So, we spent the last rain spattered week, rain-spatteringly procuring rain speckled people in rain speckled houses. The results came pouring in. By Saturday night we had confirmed six people for church on Sunday. Unfortunately, only one of the six actually showed up, our dear Cearense, Neidiwagner. Just when I was feeling a little disappointed, the doors opened and in walked another five investigators, two who had said that they wouldn't be able to attend this week, two contacts that we made weeks ago but were never able to find at home, and one giant of a man named Rogério who is married to a member but has never come to church.
What can I say, the Lord provides when we do our part.
I was touched my a couple of things this week.
First, that strange dog on the street that always follows us around
Second, I was reading in the scriptures and I came across this in 2 Nephi 31:3
“For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.”
Elder Jesus and I modeling in the backyard
I thought it interesting the promise that the Lord makes this promise to let the gospel spread throughout the earth in the simplest of manners, allowing everyone to hear it in their own language. Even if it's a little more difficult for me, as a budding Portuguese student, I felt spiritually uplifted that even I can help fulfill one of the promises that we all have.
Love being sent from the rain spattered rain speckled streets of Paulínia, Brazil.
Elder Andre the Giant
(no seriously, you don't understand the size of my dude Rogério)
Sunday, September 16, 2018
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
Good morning! We love you. We miss you. We see and remember your face and our love for it in many ways throughout the week.
I love these pictures I found on social media of your cousins. We have the best family ever, and you're such an integral part.
In terms of this week's update, it was pretty normal. Even the A/C unit dripping. I did my usual thing and climbed up into the attic to check on the overflow pan, and add some bleach to the line, as it was clogging a bit, and found little leaks around the PVC pipe elbow joints. I brought up a towel, until we could figure out what was going on, as the kitchen ceiling also showed it was leaking. And in the process of sliding the towel underneath the elbow joints broke off the PVC pipe right where it enters the A/C unit. Thank goodness for the Gammons family. We love them dearly. One brother is in the A/C business, and he came right out.
I immediately started making an apple pie or two, as I knew he would take one for us inconveniencing him and his wife on a Saturday evening. He informed us that codes have changed, and the unit we have should be a hanging unit, and ours is propped up in a drain pan on 2x4s that will eventually rot. The drain pan should be tipped, so the water drains, and ours is not, so it constantly sits in water. As the life of the unit is reaching maximum use, ten years old, we're not going to do anything about it. But when we have to replace the A/C unit, we'll have it hung.
He installed the new pipe, added a more convenient pressure release cap, and was on his way with water, as it's so hot up there in the attic, and a hot apple pie. Your father does cringe when he hears my ,"Oops."
Sawyer was invited to play in his first freshmen golf tournament on Wednesday, an all day event. He left at 6 a.m. with the team and my umbrella as the forecast included rain. I found him on the floor when I got home, exhausted from his golf expedition in driving wind and rain. My umbrella looked like it had tried to survive a hurricane. It's now in the trash. He scored a 99, which isn't great on a par 72, but it was 15 points lower than the nearest teammate. The coach was pleased, but it's unknown if he was pleased enough to include him on a varsity tournament.
Cooper had a home meet, and won again his single and double matches. He's still ranked 2nd in doubles, and he thinks 3rd in singles. I wish he'd tried singles in 9th grade!
Your father has worked all week on his tenure portfolio, and continued through the weekend. He's got to hit the enter button by tonight. He's so ready to move on to other things that have built up. And in the midst of all his angst he still continues to visit those in the hospital, those who need food, and those who need counsel.
Your sister told me Friday morning before school her ear hurt. The way she described her pain I was thinking perhaps a middle ear infection. I told her to remind me after school, if it was still hurting, and I'd take her to the doctor. She reminded me at bedtime. Saturday afternoon, when I was home, I brought her in and she has strep throat, with the inflamed lymph notes and tonsils radiating the pain to her ear. She's doing much better today.
I was sent to Houston for a one day training - Active Shooter. The instructor was from Massachusetts, very obvious from his accent, and knew your grandfather and my pseudo uncle Al Shaw. It was fun chit chatting with him during breaks. He was a retired Uxbridge police chief, which is very close to Sutton, where Shaw served, and because of the close knit police chief organizations, knew your grandfather. The class was great. The traffic to and from, compounded with driving rain, remember the golf tournament, made driving so tedious. I got home at 10:30, in bed by 11:00, and was back up at 4:00 a.m.
I met with attorneys regarding my dentist mishap in August. I won't go into details, but most medical malpractice suits are catastrophic incidents, of which I'm so grateful to have avoided, as it's not practical to otherwise due to expenses associated with a lawsuit. My voice cords have been impacted, whether or not it's permanent remains to be seen, and I'll need to meet with a specialist before we move on. They will be trying to settle out of court for costs associated with the whole incident.
And yesterday, Dad signed me up for the stake NRA class offered to youth. It was a fast paced class ending with seven guns to shoot at an indoor gun range, ranging from .22, .38, .357 and 9 ml. I loved it. You definitely use muscles not normally use while loading, holding and shooting large guns. I wanted to be more comfortable around weapons, especially while working in a secured facility where I have access to weapons, if necessary, but no know how. I have a long way to go, but am not as intimidated.
I was reading Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives, by President Russell M. Nelson, who quoted President Lorenzo Snow: “This is the grand privilege of every Latter-day Saint … that it is our right to have the manifestations of the Spirit every day of our lives.”
President Nelson then said, "Through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will assist us in all our righteous pursuits... In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
I think his thoughts are so applicable to us all, but tonight especially to you. Use your remaining time in the Lord's way. Seek to find out His will. Then your success is His. I love you. I am humbled that my boys are willing to give up two years of their lives, in such as your circumstances have been and will continue to be, and know that you're where you should be.
Love,
Mom
Friday, September 14, 2018
Letter #55
Normally when that warning comes up, I turn of the TV and hide under my covers, but maybe you're a little less squeemish than I. Congrats
For those of you out of the Brazilian political loop, the presidential elections are this year. The candidate the gives me the most hope, and definitely follows more of the church standards than any other candidate, is Jair Bolsonaro. At an event this last week, he was stabbed but looks like he'll recover.
https://www.today.com/video/brazilian-presidential-candidate-jair-bolsonaro-stabbed-at-rally-1314927171920?v=raila&
I had a piece of my toe torn off, but it looks like our protagonist will recover. Life goes on
And lastly (thanks to my poor planning of time, sorry Mom) is the kites. Last Monday, I put on my kite flyer outfit, which is suspiciously a lot like my truck driver outfit, and went flying kites.
What you don't know about kite flying in Brazil, is that it's like a sport. Everyone, in their own backyard, puts up their kite, some better than others. And then they go cutting.
To kep it simple, with your kite line, you cut the kite lines of other kites and then try to reel them in. We, my companion and I, started with two kites and finished wih 8. That's not terrible.
And that's the news.
One more. This week, I've been pondering a lot about what my Heavenly father's plan for me is.
Don't worry, not gonna spoil anything, you'll have to keep watching, but I was touched thinking about the love that He has to have for each one of us. Or just for me. I'm a little more than my fair share of problems and messes, and it's comforting to know that even when I mess up and rip half my toe off, He is still there to help out.
That's it
Love,
Elder Backyard Sports: Favela Kiters
For those of you out of the Brazilian political loop, the presidential elections are this year. The candidate the gives me the most hope, and definitely follows more of the church standards than any other candidate, is Jair Bolsonaro. At an event this last week, he was stabbed but looks like he'll recover.
https://www.today.com/video/brazilian-presidential-candidate-jair-bolsonaro-stabbed-at-rally-1314927171920?v=raila&
I had a piece of my toe torn off, but it looks like our protagonist will recover. Life goes on
And lastly (thanks to my poor planning of time, sorry Mom) is the kites. Last Monday, I put on my kite flyer outfit, which is suspiciously a lot like my truck driver outfit, and went flying kites.
What you don't know about kite flying in Brazil, is that it's like a sport. Everyone, in their own backyard, puts up their kite, some better than others. And then they go cutting.
To kep it simple, with your kite line, you cut the kite lines of other kites and then try to reel them in. We, my companion and I, started with two kites and finished wih 8. That's not terrible.
And that's the news.
One more. This week, I've been pondering a lot about what my Heavenly father's plan for me is.
Don't worry, not gonna spoil anything, you'll have to keep watching, but I was touched thinking about the love that He has to have for each one of us. Or just for me. I'm a little more than my fair share of problems and messes, and it's comforting to know that even when I mess up and rip half my toe off, He is still there to help out.
That's it
Love,
Elder Backyard Sports: Favela Kiters
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
College Correspondent
Here is the week's top 10:
10. BYU Football- I'm becoming increasingly apathetic with regards to sports. Long gone are the days of playground fun. The atmosphere is ridiculous with lots of people taking the game so seriously. I'm now a supervisor for the event staff. I learned that means I do whatever I want. But I'm there to work, and I will.
9. Date with Megan- I accompanied Megan Rowley to the Face- to face with Q. L. Cook (see #4) for a triple date with Lawson (and Andrea) and Kimball (and Aubrey). After, we went to my apartment for apple pie, ice cream and some games.
8. EQ Interviews - definitely one of the best parts of my calling. I enjoy continually meeting with my fellow quorum members in a spiritual setting to talk about life. Saturday was an EQ Super Smash Bros activity. I was absent, working the football game, but seems the activity went well, and a couple struggling elders showed up.
7. Labor Day Golf - Erin Hiatt came in from Idaho for the weekend; we had planned this outing a long time back. Philip Gebler played along with Mac, and all four of us enjoyed the perfect weather, and beautiful scenery of Spanish Fork. There are giant wind turbines nearby, and for the first time in my life, I thought they added a little to the scenery (albeit only from where we were. Driving through Spanish Fork before, I thought they were an absolute eyesore.) Philip's sister, Rebekah Ann walked with the entire time, and viewed each shot optimistically. I was a couple over par but the last few holes was driving better than ever before. My drives on #5,6,7 went 390, 375, 360 yards right where I was aiming. Incredible.
6. Gym - I'm back. Without a car, there would be no way this is happening, so its another blessing to chalk up to the Sienna and my parents+grandparents. Working out is something I enjoy, and a great stress reliever.
5. Date with Avery - From 12-3 I helped set up signs outlining the new BYU stadium bag policy (following the NFL, only clear bags allowed) and then ran to Mapleton to pick up Avery Bishop. We went to Sub- Zero Ice Cream in Spanish Fork. I've wanted to try the nitrogen blasted treat for a while, but was extremely disappointed. Not with Avery though, she was very impressive with her vision and goals. Friday she heads up to Idaho for school, and I am sure will do great things.
4. Face - to - face with Quentin L. Cook - The member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles answered questions from Nauvoo along with a couple church historians, Kate Holbrook and Matt Grow. Probably the most significant statement for me came from Kate Holbrook as she related how when she does something well, she thanks the Book of Mormon. It helped me understand better how the scriptures can be applied to my life.
3. Date with Maggie - I went with Maggie Bromley to the BYU Art Museum. She is a photographer and we especially enjoyed the Pulitzer Prize winning photos being exhibited, and then had ice cream at the Creamery.
2. Class Schedule - Crazy excited for my classes this semester. School started last Tuesday. Here is the lineup: Shakespeare - Northern US Family History Research - Family and Law in American History - Family Historian's Craft - Reason, Revelation and Politics - Writings of Isaiah. 17 credits total, all of the classes have been excellent so far. They are challenging and definitely expanding my mind.
Elder Schenewark- Porter is serving where the recently returned Elder Gabriel Bicharelli now lives, and Gabriel sent some updates and a picture. Good to see both of them.
10. BYU Football- I'm becoming increasingly apathetic with regards to sports. Long gone are the days of playground fun. The atmosphere is ridiculous with lots of people taking the game so seriously. I'm now a supervisor for the event staff. I learned that means I do whatever I want. But I'm there to work, and I will.
9. Date with Megan- I accompanied Megan Rowley to the Face- to face with Q. L. Cook (see #4) for a triple date with Lawson (and Andrea) and Kimball (and Aubrey). After, we went to my apartment for apple pie, ice cream and some games.
8. EQ Interviews - definitely one of the best parts of my calling. I enjoy continually meeting with my fellow quorum members in a spiritual setting to talk about life. Saturday was an EQ Super Smash Bros activity. I was absent, working the football game, but seems the activity went well, and a couple struggling elders showed up.
7. Labor Day Golf - Erin Hiatt came in from Idaho for the weekend; we had planned this outing a long time back. Philip Gebler played along with Mac, and all four of us enjoyed the perfect weather, and beautiful scenery of Spanish Fork. There are giant wind turbines nearby, and for the first time in my life, I thought they added a little to the scenery (albeit only from where we were. Driving through Spanish Fork before, I thought they were an absolute eyesore.) Philip's sister, Rebekah Ann walked with the entire time, and viewed each shot optimistically. I was a couple over par but the last few holes was driving better than ever before. My drives on #5,6,7 went 390, 375, 360 yards right where I was aiming. Incredible.
6. Gym - I'm back. Without a car, there would be no way this is happening, so its another blessing to chalk up to the Sienna and my parents+grandparents. Working out is something I enjoy, and a great stress reliever.
5. Date with Avery - From 12-3 I helped set up signs outlining the new BYU stadium bag policy (following the NFL, only clear bags allowed) and then ran to Mapleton to pick up Avery Bishop. We went to Sub- Zero Ice Cream in Spanish Fork. I've wanted to try the nitrogen blasted treat for a while, but was extremely disappointed. Not with Avery though, she was very impressive with her vision and goals. Friday she heads up to Idaho for school, and I am sure will do great things.
4. Face - to - face with Quentin L. Cook - The member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles answered questions from Nauvoo along with a couple church historians, Kate Holbrook and Matt Grow. Probably the most significant statement for me came from Kate Holbrook as she related how when she does something well, she thanks the Book of Mormon. It helped me understand better how the scriptures can be applied to my life.
3. Date with Maggie - I went with Maggie Bromley to the BYU Art Museum. She is a photographer and we especially enjoyed the Pulitzer Prize winning photos being exhibited, and then had ice cream at the Creamery.
2. Class Schedule - Crazy excited for my classes this semester. School started last Tuesday. Here is the lineup: Shakespeare - Northern US Family History Research - Family and Law in American History - Family Historian's Craft - Reason, Revelation and Politics - Writings of Isaiah. 17 credits total, all of the classes have been excellent so far. They are challenging and definitely expanding my mind.
Elder Schenewark- Porter is serving where the recently returned Elder Gabriel Bicharelli now lives, and Gabriel sent some updates and a picture. Good to see both of them.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Words for the Wingmen
Dear Family and Posterity,
We’ve moved again. I went to D.C. I quit my job. I started law school. AnneMarie passed her Pilates certification. She got called into the Relief Society presidency. We have a new brother-in-law. Nora got a haircut and wants to walk.
Now for the long version:
Right in the middle of August I said adios to Canopy, but not before one of my good friends, Mason, and my brother Hunter started working there. It brings me joy to help them find a job, and Canopy’s been a blessing to our family the last year and a half. And, also, before I left I took one last company trip to D.C. for a conference, setting some new company sales records on the way, eating, perhaps, too much shellfish. I checked in with Hunter last week and I think he’s enjoying it more than he thought he would. Mason’s wife Maddie described his new job as a dream job in a social media post. My last day, Mike put up a PowerPoint presentation on all the company TVs with pictures of my time at Canopy (mostly holding gift cards). I’ll miss the crew, but, in reality, so glad to be done with work and very happy to be in school.
Right after I quit, we moved into our new home here at 2043 Stadium lane. So far, just about a month in, it’s been wonderful. Plus, I am eternally grateful for the crew that helped us do this move in record time: Phillip Gebler and Hunter, the Pace gang, Parker and Claire came down from SLC (unreal friendship demonstrated) I love having a back yard. I love not being in an apartment complex. I love having our own driveway. I love the design and layout, and most of most of most of all—I love the real carpet. And we have a laundry room (heart eyes)!
AnneMarie’s sister Jessica got married to a guy (but not just any guy) named Trevor. Now he’s my brother-in-law-from-another-mother-in-law. Basically, that means we bond over frolfing outings in the park and other dude things. So glad to have him in the party, I mean, family.
I love law school. There are hard days and less hard days, but I enjoy reading the cases and my classmates are great. No, I do not know what I want to do yet, but I checked out two books on international law careers from the library to start that search, have lunch tomorrow with a former UN lawyer, and enrolled in a lecture series that brings in lawyers from all walks of life. Check back in December. I bike to and from school every day. The way there is downhill, eight minutes of pure speed. The ride back home is, conversely, all uphill and I arrive back home, a puddle. Thank goodness for carpet to lay on. Also, they have lunch almost every day, which is ridiculous. The other days I pack my own lunch, sometimes just to find out they’re bringing lunch in and I didn’t know it.
AnneMarie passed her mat Pilates certification and is excited to begin teaching some classes soon. So far, she plans to teach to a select few, golden-ticket kind-of-lucky people in the studio behind our house (forgot to mention that perk). If you’ve always wanted to do Pilates but don’t live in the area, maybe I can convince her to Facetime you in from your preferred workout area…
She’s also três-busy with her new duties as 2nd counselor in our Relief Society. The bishop, our new next-door neighbor, wasted no time in capitalizing on her many talents and kind/loving/accepting soul, and the chapel is now graced with her presence as well as lots of cute signs for upcoming activities that she helps arrange. All the elderly ladies in our ward (of which there are many) also know Nora’s name and come up to say hi by the hordes. She is well-loved and making an impact after only a handful of weeks.
Nora got a haircut. I think it’s because she’s secretly doing a piece for Baby Vogue, but she won’t say, or if she did I didn’t catch it. The only other hint is that she spends all day walking on her tippy-toes, pushing her high chair or one of the barstools around the kitchen as her walker. Practicing for the catwalk I’m guessing? Also, as you may have seen from AnneMarie’s video, she likes to sing. She sings while tapping on the piano. She sings along with me every night when I sing her a lullaby.
We love you, we miss you. Come visit and we’ll throw you a bbq,
Tanner, AnneMarie, Edna Mode
We’ve moved again. I went to D.C. I quit my job. I started law school. AnneMarie passed her Pilates certification. She got called into the Relief Society presidency. We have a new brother-in-law. Nora got a haircut and wants to walk.
Now for the long version:
Right in the middle of August I said adios to Canopy, but not before one of my good friends, Mason, and my brother Hunter started working there. It brings me joy to help them find a job, and Canopy’s been a blessing to our family the last year and a half. And, also, before I left I took one last company trip to D.C. for a conference, setting some new company sales records on the way, eating, perhaps, too much shellfish. I checked in with Hunter last week and I think he’s enjoying it more than he thought he would. Mason’s wife Maddie described his new job as a dream job in a social media post. My last day, Mike put up a PowerPoint presentation on all the company TVs with pictures of my time at Canopy (mostly holding gift cards). I’ll miss the crew, but, in reality, so glad to be done with work and very happy to be in school.
Right after I quit, we moved into our new home here at 2043 Stadium lane. So far, just about a month in, it’s been wonderful. Plus, I am eternally grateful for the crew that helped us do this move in record time: Phillip Gebler and Hunter, the Pace gang, Parker and Claire came down from SLC (unreal friendship demonstrated) I love having a back yard. I love not being in an apartment complex. I love having our own driveway. I love the design and layout, and most of most of most of all—I love the real carpet. And we have a laundry room (heart eyes)!
AnneMarie’s sister Jessica got married to a guy (but not just any guy) named Trevor. Now he’s my brother-in-law-from-another-mother-in-law. Basically, that means we bond over frolfing outings in the park and other dude things. So glad to have him in the party, I mean, family.
I love law school. There are hard days and less hard days, but I enjoy reading the cases and my classmates are great. No, I do not know what I want to do yet, but I checked out two books on international law careers from the library to start that search, have lunch tomorrow with a former UN lawyer, and enrolled in a lecture series that brings in lawyers from all walks of life. Check back in December. I bike to and from school every day. The way there is downhill, eight minutes of pure speed. The ride back home is, conversely, all uphill and I arrive back home, a puddle. Thank goodness for carpet to lay on. Also, they have lunch almost every day, which is ridiculous. The other days I pack my own lunch, sometimes just to find out they’re bringing lunch in and I didn’t know it.
AnneMarie passed her mat Pilates certification and is excited to begin teaching some classes soon. So far, she plans to teach to a select few, golden-ticket kind-of-lucky people in the studio behind our house (forgot to mention that perk). If you’ve always wanted to do Pilates but don’t live in the area, maybe I can convince her to Facetime you in from your preferred workout area…
She’s also três-busy with her new duties as 2nd counselor in our Relief Society. The bishop, our new next-door neighbor, wasted no time in capitalizing on her many talents and kind/loving/accepting soul, and the chapel is now graced with her presence as well as lots of cute signs for upcoming activities that she helps arrange. All the elderly ladies in our ward (of which there are many) also know Nora’s name and come up to say hi by the hordes. She is well-loved and making an impact after only a handful of weeks.
Nora got a haircut. I think it’s because she’s secretly doing a piece for Baby Vogue, but she won’t say, or if she did I didn’t catch it. The only other hint is that she spends all day walking on her tippy-toes, pushing her high chair or one of the barstools around the kitchen as her walker. Practicing for the catwalk I’m guessing? Also, as you may have seen from AnneMarie’s video, she likes to sing. She sings while tapping on the piano. She sings along with me every night when I sing her a lullaby.
We love you, we miss you. Come visit and we’ll throw you a bbq,
Tanner, AnneMarie, Edna Mode
Monday, September 10, 2018
With All His Love
My dear Porter and Sons + Family,
It is Monday morning, and I want you to know that I love you.
I'm glad that we get to speak to Tanner, Anne Marie, Nora and Hunter through face time. Think at times about the pioneers, whether within the church or out of the church, who traveled into the wilderness to create a new life. I am grateful for our ancestors who made that choice, especially to come to America. The sad parts are thoughts that they never ever heard from their families again (which is good if your family is horrible, but still sad as they never had a chance [in this life] to repair those relationships.)
I thought about your letter last week (Porter) when you mentioned about being homesick. On my mission, I cannot recall ever being homesick. Perhaps it was because I did not care about being home. If you're homesick, I'm kind of glad, we love having you at home. I'm also very glad that you are working and that you are safe. I'm grateful to hear that you have the opportunity to train a new missionary.
People within the ward and stake, seem to have so many questions about the "Ministering Program." It kind of drives me nuts because it seems so simple. I mentioned it a number of times in Ward Council, priesthood and individual meetings. What does ministering mean to me? It means to follow the Savior by "going about doing good, continually," and to follow the scout slogan by "doing a good turn daily."
Perhaps people have a hard time with this, because in so many aspects o,f their lives they are expecting someone to tell them what to do when to do it, how to do it, etc. My other thought that I share a relationship to ministering and other aspects of the church 's Doctrine and Covenants 58:26. "It is not meet that I should command in all things for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant."
Each of you have talents to do so much good. They are different talents. One is not better than another. They are all useful to bring joy and to help others.
I enjoy hearing of Hunter's dating. There are a number of fun stories. Please don't be pressured, just go about doing good at trying to be good.
There are number of things I would like to write about and need to. But I will send this off today. Have to get back to working on my tenure package which is due on Friday. I hope the committees are pleased. I will not leave agian from a tenured place unless I am granted tenure to come.
Have a great day.
Love Dad
It is Monday morning, and I want you to know that I love you.
I'm glad that we get to speak to Tanner, Anne Marie, Nora and Hunter through face time. Think at times about the pioneers, whether within the church or out of the church, who traveled into the wilderness to create a new life. I am grateful for our ancestors who made that choice, especially to come to America. The sad parts are thoughts that they never ever heard from their families again (which is good if your family is horrible, but still sad as they never had a chance [in this life] to repair those relationships.)
I thought about your letter last week (Porter) when you mentioned about being homesick. On my mission, I cannot recall ever being homesick. Perhaps it was because I did not care about being home. If you're homesick, I'm kind of glad, we love having you at home. I'm also very glad that you are working and that you are safe. I'm grateful to hear that you have the opportunity to train a new missionary.
People within the ward and stake, seem to have so many questions about the "Ministering Program." It kind of drives me nuts because it seems so simple. I mentioned it a number of times in Ward Council, priesthood and individual meetings. What does ministering mean to me? It means to follow the Savior by "going about doing good, continually," and to follow the scout slogan by "doing a good turn daily."
Perhaps people have a hard time with this, because in so many aspects o,f their lives they are expecting someone to tell them what to do when to do it, how to do it, etc. My other thought that I share a relationship to ministering and other aspects of the church 's Doctrine and Covenants 58:26. "It is not meet that I should command in all things for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant."
Each of you have talents to do so much good. They are different talents. One is not better than another. They are all useful to bring joy and to help others.
I enjoy hearing of Hunter's dating. There are a number of fun stories. Please don't be pressured, just go about doing good at trying to be good.
There are number of things I would like to write about and need to. But I will send this off today. Have to get back to working on my tenure package which is due on Friday. I hope the committees are pleased. I will not leave agian from a tenured place unless I am granted tenure to come.
Have a great day.
Love Dad
A
Sunday, September 9, 2018
With All My Love
Elder Schenewark,
Good morning! I’m happy to be alive and everyday wake up inhaling a few times, thankful to be breathing and in my own bed. Life is good when you have this privilege. And there are no rats nibbling on my toes. A bonus!
Your letters make all who read them comment on how much they enjoy them. This week it was Aunt Becky, Kaleb, and Aunt Shirley. We’re so grateful to be able to have this weekly exchange with you – makes our separation much sweeter.
Your father and I were in an adult session of stake conference last night, and President Harmer spoke of the tragic murder of the LDS girl, Zoe Hastings, while you were in high school, as she was returning a DVD to a Redbox. Do you remember this? He then spoke of a classmate who attended the funeral, joined the church. Zoe was on her way that Sunday evening to turn in her mission papers. Her friend is now on a mission in the Dominican Republic. But that’s not all. This Sister missionary had a dream in which she shook the hand of the prophet, and woke up sad, not feeling worthy. When she relayed her concerns to the wife of the mission president, she was told the prophet was coming to their mission, unexpectedly, to shake the hands of the sister missionaries.
You are not just a number out of the 71,000 missionaries serving. You are one of the missionaries whom the Lord loves. Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s April talk,“ Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” said, “Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem.” Feel enabled, ennobled, and know of His love for you. Always.
Your father is on his last week before his tenure portfolio is due. Pray! He’s worked so hard getting this ready, several years earlier than normal, as he was hired with tenure from Marshall.
Cooper took the ACT for the second time yesterday morning. He’ll get the results within ten days – pray!
Miller had one baseball practice this week. Sis. Dewey, who helps me babysit and transport kids as I need, was staying to chat with me at his practice. When I arrived she said, “Is it just me, or does Miller seem ten times better than everybody else?” That pretty much sums it up. He is blessed for his efforts. His second practice was rained out, as was Sawyer’s day on the greens. In fact, your younger siblings enjoyed the day yesterday in the rain on the long boards.
The assistant basketball coach, Weeks, always asks Sawyer about you.
Your beautiful cousins held signs for Uncle Aaron on a write in campaign for a lawyer position for the state of Massachusetts. Because he was a write-in candidate, the results are slow coming in.
That's the news for this week. Looking forward so much of hearing from you. Be good. Stay safe.
Love,
Mom
Good morning! I’m happy to be alive and everyday wake up inhaling a few times, thankful to be breathing and in my own bed. Life is good when you have this privilege. And there are no rats nibbling on my toes. A bonus!
Your letters make all who read them comment on how much they enjoy them. This week it was Aunt Becky, Kaleb, and Aunt Shirley. We’re so grateful to be able to have this weekly exchange with you – makes our separation much sweeter.
Your father and I were in an adult session of stake conference last night, and President Harmer spoke of the tragic murder of the LDS girl, Zoe Hastings, while you were in high school, as she was returning a DVD to a Redbox. Do you remember this? He then spoke of a classmate who attended the funeral, joined the church. Zoe was on her way that Sunday evening to turn in her mission papers. Her friend is now on a mission in the Dominican Republic. But that’s not all. This Sister missionary had a dream in which she shook the hand of the prophet, and woke up sad, not feeling worthy. When she relayed her concerns to the wife of the mission president, she was told the prophet was coming to their mission, unexpectedly, to shake the hands of the sister missionaries.
You are not just a number out of the 71,000 missionaries serving. You are one of the missionaries whom the Lord loves. Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s April talk,“ Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” said, “Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem.” Feel enabled, ennobled, and know of His love for you. Always.
Your father is on his last week before his tenure portfolio is due. Pray! He’s worked so hard getting this ready, several years earlier than normal, as he was hired with tenure from Marshall.
Cooper took the ACT for the second time yesterday morning. He’ll get the results within ten days – pray!
Miller had one baseball practice this week. Sis. Dewey, who helps me babysit and transport kids as I need, was staying to chat with me at his practice. When I arrived she said, “Is it just me, or does Miller seem ten times better than everybody else?” That pretty much sums it up. He is blessed for his efforts. His second practice was rained out, as was Sawyer’s day on the greens. In fact, your younger siblings enjoyed the day yesterday in the rain on the long boards.
The assistant basketball coach, Weeks, always asks Sawyer about you.
Your beautiful cousins held signs for Uncle Aaron on a write in campaign for a lawyer position for the state of Massachusetts. Because he was a write-in candidate, the results are slow coming in.
That's the news for this week. Looking forward so much of hearing from you. Be good. Stay safe.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
The Ace
GHS Team Tennis def. Mansfield Timberview 18-1 in district matchup on Tuesday afternoon. Next: JV at Timberview on Thurs., Aug. 30. (Cooper won his single and double matches.)
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
College Correspondent
The Drum beats on
I've been deeply touched by a scripture, quoted by Abinadi in Mosiah, and found in Isaiah 53:11, saying, "He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied."
To know of the Savior's love for us is so amazing! Seeing us, he knows that the Atonement, and all his suffering and sacrifice was worthwhile. Furthermore, thinking about the Savior's work, especially the Atonement, has made me question what work shall satisfy my soul. Can't say I really know. But I have been thinking a lot more of what it eternally important.
And talking about what is really important, I was surprised to learn that the word really is used in only one verse of scripture in the entire standard works. Jacob 4:13
"For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore these things are manifested unto us plainly for the salvation of our souls."
We based our discussion in Elders Quorum on that and talked about focusing on the eternally important things, how we can use technology to help us with that, and how we can be prepared to confront the challenges that will inevitably come in our lives.
Sunday was crazy. Besides teaching EQ, I tried playing a couple new hymns on the organ, and scraped through 165, Abide with Me tis Eventide. During Ward Council, Mimi calls, and I didn't answer, being occupied, but immediately after saw that she left a voicemail asking me to call immediately. I'd already been wondering what's up, as I always call them, not vice-versa. Needless to say the voicemail didn't assuage any fears, and I hesitated to think of what could have happened - someone is deathly ill, there is a problem with the car I'm driving, their house is on fire, etc. So I call back ASAP, and my dear grandmother lets me know that Avery Bishop is in Utah for ten more days, and that I need to go out with her.
An unforeseen tragedy did happen internationally - the National Museum of Brazil burned down. The government still hasn't shared the extent of the damage, but spectators filmed it being absolutely torched and I'll be surprised if anything survives.
Other news: Sunday night my roommate (a different one) left the toilet clogged. He's very responsible in general housekeeping, and I figured he must not know. However, turns out he was without medicine and thus very sick, so I figured the buck was passing to me, and I had a chance (unwanted) to serve. Twenty minutes later, having finished mopping the floor from overflow, I was done, and ready for bed. I've started using masks to help care for my skin (and mostly because it is incredibly relaxing.) This was definitely a night for that.
The BYU semester officially starts tomorrow. I am so excited! I'll be down to working only 20 hours a week, and I am beyond ready to go back to the classroom.
The Maeser Laser is one week from print. Stay tuned. I'm hoping we'll be ready, but there is a lot of work left to be done.
Wednesday I went out with Brooke Ferrin. Surprise - I went to Rockwell's Ice Cream. I'm not superstitious, but I am getting tired of going to the same place. Time for a new first date place. Preferably cheaper.
Friday after work I golfed The Ranches with Kimball and Lawson. This was their first time playing on a real course; we have completed the 7-hole executive course a few times before. Kimball's first two shots hit houses 150 yards down the right side of the fairway, and when we got there, a couple was waiting for him outside. Hilarious! Thankfully nothing was broken, but he was ready to quit the round right there and live at the range only for a year or two. The rest of the round went much smoother, and was very enjoyable.
Saturday Kara and I made chocolate chip cookies, lots of them, and that evening accompanied by the EQ presidency, SS pres., and Ward Mission leader, we visited men's apartments that we felt could use a little help and delivered them. Nearly every apartment was watching college football, and having decided to not watch any this year, after finishing our visits, I was persuaded to return to one of the apartments we had stopped by to watch the second half of BYU's game, which was way better than I expected. Looks like we'll have a team this year.
Sunday night was family dinner at Uncle Ben and Aunt Joy's house. Dinner, especially dessert (chocolate cake and ice cream) was delicious. Emma was there for the first time, and it's nice to welcome her to Utah/college life. Seems like everything is going well for her. Stevie and Abby are back as well - and that was my first time in two weeks to see Nora awake, and she continues to grow so fast! Walking is right around the corner now.
I've been deeply touched by a scripture, quoted by Abinadi in Mosiah, and found in Isaiah 53:11, saying, "He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied."
To know of the Savior's love for us is so amazing! Seeing us, he knows that the Atonement, and all his suffering and sacrifice was worthwhile. Furthermore, thinking about the Savior's work, especially the Atonement, has made me question what work shall satisfy my soul. Can't say I really know. But I have been thinking a lot more of what it eternally important.
And talking about what is really important, I was surprised to learn that the word really is used in only one verse of scripture in the entire standard works. Jacob 4:13
"For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore these things are manifested unto us plainly for the salvation of our souls."
We based our discussion in Elders Quorum on that and talked about focusing on the eternally important things, how we can use technology to help us with that, and how we can be prepared to confront the challenges that will inevitably come in our lives.
Sunday was crazy. Besides teaching EQ, I tried playing a couple new hymns on the organ, and scraped through 165, Abide with Me tis Eventide. During Ward Council, Mimi calls, and I didn't answer, being occupied, but immediately after saw that she left a voicemail asking me to call immediately. I'd already been wondering what's up, as I always call them, not vice-versa. Needless to say the voicemail didn't assuage any fears, and I hesitated to think of what could have happened - someone is deathly ill, there is a problem with the car I'm driving, their house is on fire, etc. So I call back ASAP, and my dear grandmother lets me know that Avery Bishop is in Utah for ten more days, and that I need to go out with her.
An unforeseen tragedy did happen internationally - the National Museum of Brazil burned down. The government still hasn't shared the extent of the damage, but spectators filmed it being absolutely torched and I'll be surprised if anything survives.
Other news: Sunday night my roommate (a different one) left the toilet clogged. He's very responsible in general housekeeping, and I figured he must not know. However, turns out he was without medicine and thus very sick, so I figured the buck was passing to me, and I had a chance (unwanted) to serve. Twenty minutes later, having finished mopping the floor from overflow, I was done, and ready for bed. I've started using masks to help care for my skin (and mostly because it is incredibly relaxing.) This was definitely a night for that.
The BYU semester officially starts tomorrow. I am so excited! I'll be down to working only 20 hours a week, and I am beyond ready to go back to the classroom.
The Maeser Laser is one week from print. Stay tuned. I'm hoping we'll be ready, but there is a lot of work left to be done.
Wednesday I went out with Brooke Ferrin. Surprise - I went to Rockwell's Ice Cream. I'm not superstitious, but I am getting tired of going to the same place. Time for a new first date place. Preferably cheaper.
Friday after work I golfed The Ranches with Kimball and Lawson. This was their first time playing on a real course; we have completed the 7-hole executive course a few times before. Kimball's first two shots hit houses 150 yards down the right side of the fairway, and when we got there, a couple was waiting for him outside. Hilarious! Thankfully nothing was broken, but he was ready to quit the round right there and live at the range only for a year or two. The rest of the round went much smoother, and was very enjoyable.
Saturday Kara and I made chocolate chip cookies, lots of them, and that evening accompanied by the EQ presidency, SS pres., and Ward Mission leader, we visited men's apartments that we felt could use a little help and delivered them. Nearly every apartment was watching college football, and having decided to not watch any this year, after finishing our visits, I was persuaded to return to one of the apartments we had stopped by to watch the second half of BYU's game, which was way better than I expected. Looks like we'll have a team this year.
Sunday night was family dinner at Uncle Ben and Aunt Joy's house. Dinner, especially dessert (chocolate cake and ice cream) was delicious. Emma was there for the first time, and it's nice to welcome her to Utah/college life. Seems like everything is going well for her. Stevie and Abby are back as well - and that was my first time in two weeks to see Nora awake, and she continues to grow so fast! Walking is right around the corner now.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Letter #54
How long should a haircut take? I think nomore than 30 minutes, if you're pushing it. Well, when my companion and I went to cut our hairs, the barber took two hours. On one peron. My head is numb, I took a nice thrre hour nap, one hour during mine and two during my companions. I even apreciated the extra effort he stuck in. Unfortunatley, it came down to the fact that my mans just did not know how to work a pair of clippers. We both left looking like Lon Chaney in The Phantom Of The Opera. Not a great look.
How do you kill an hour on a Monday morning? Teach your companion to play baseball. Unfortunatley, with no bad, we were forced to improvise. The broom caught too much air on the swing, so I opted for the long handled plunger. The first four hits or so, I was swinging nicely. On the fifth, I may have put a little too much effort into the plunge. The ball shaped, brown-motttled blue, rubber plunger head took off, bounced once on the neighbors roof, once more on the next neighbors roof, and settled into the lot of our next door's next door's neighbor. But, nobody knows where it came from, no problem. The only trouble is what we'll have to do when we bring the take home box home with us....
How do you stop from being homesick?? Well, one way is to not think too much about home, right?
That was hard this week, but in a miraculous sort of way.
We was walking, talking with the people, when we met Gidlei
Hi, what your name is?
Gidlei, my sister goes to your church
What her name is?
*Don't actually remember the name rn
Wow, we knows her, you her brudda then
Yep, i got deported from the US like two months ago
Where was you living?
Boston
Shut up, you already eaten sweet beans?
Yep
Been to Fenway?
Yep
Can I give you a hug?
No, get away from me
So, now we are teaching a brudda from Boston
And those are the highlights, surely some things \i'm forgetting and some others i'm exaggerating, but oh well.
Until next time,
Elder Moonlight Grahm with the Moon Shot Grand Slam
p.s. plz appreciate the insight to the name
How do you kill an hour on a Monday morning? Teach your companion to play baseball. Unfortunatley, with no bad, we were forced to improvise. The broom caught too much air on the swing, so I opted for the long handled plunger. The first four hits or so, I was swinging nicely. On the fifth, I may have put a little too much effort into the plunge. The ball shaped, brown-motttled blue, rubber plunger head took off, bounced once on the neighbors roof, once more on the next neighbors roof, and settled into the lot of our next door's next door's neighbor. But, nobody knows where it came from, no problem. The only trouble is what we'll have to do when we bring the take home box home with us....
How do you stop from being homesick?? Well, one way is to not think too much about home, right?
That was hard this week, but in a miraculous sort of way.
We was walking, talking with the people, when we met Gidlei
Hi, what your name is?
Gidlei, my sister goes to your church
What her name is?
*Don't actually remember the name rn
Wow, we knows her, you her brudda then
Yep, i got deported from the US like two months ago
Where was you living?
Boston
Shut up, you already eaten sweet beans?
Yep
Been to Fenway?
Yep
Can I give you a hug?
No, get away from me
So, now we are teaching a brudda from Boston
And those are the highlights, surely some things \i'm forgetting and some others i'm exaggerating, but oh well.
Until next time,
Elder Moonlight Grahm with the Moon Shot Grand Slam
p.s. plz appreciate the insight to the name
Sunday, September 2, 2018
With All My Love
Elder Schenewark,
We’re all anxiously awaiting your letter to see how your second week in your area fared. Loved hearing about your companion, his faith, and how you both were rewarded. Have you gotten your replacement box?
This week was fairly calm compared to our weeks of past. This summer has been one to not forget, traveling to Boston, having an appendix left behind in New Mexico, having your yard catch on fire, having a fish win the battle with Sawyer’s thumb, having Hunter home, and my adventure with the dentist. When you have a few quiet days in a row, life can be very peaceful!
Breyer is still enjoying her gymnastic class. She’s now dreaming of ballet. Dance lessons on top of everything else we juggle. She’s doing well on the piano, and is reading notes with both hands. She caught a little cold and was quieter this weekend.
Miller had his first baseball practice. It’s so hot out there! He went with a jammed middle finger, and still managed to look good. He’s in the have-to-stay-busy-or-I’m-bored stage, as well as the beg-me-a-million-times before he takes a shower.
Sawyer is still trying to find the balance in his life. He makes an effort to go to golf practice, and because they begin the last period of the day, while he’s in basketball, he hasn’t been able to play much golf. He’s going to try switching his 7th period classes, and go on the shuttle bus one time a week.
Cooper had his first tennis meet this week. He won his single match and his double match, and made the school’s social media feed..
Friday I took Miller and Sawyer to the driving range up the street. They hit a bucket of balls, and after the sprinklers were turned on, had to end with the putting and chipping. Sawyer wanted to try out a tweak to his grip, a suggestion from the coach. He liked it. I had spent the whole day cleaning and was ready to get outside.
Saturday Dad took the boys to a Texas Ranger’s baseball game – the last hurrah of the summer. It was against the Minnesota Twins, in last place, but still a fun night in Arlington. They came home with a bobble head of the Rangers’ mascot – a horse. That would have been the only reason your sister went. Miller desperately wanted a major league ball to add to his collection, and was almost devastated when they cancelled batting practice due to the heat.
Dad also took us to see the Granbury Lake Labor Day Lighted Boat Parade. It was awesome. We found a great spot, but we'll try to get closer next year. I love living by the lake!
We’re just entering September, nowhere near October, but it’s next. And October means General Conference. So ready for that! Elder Ulisses Soares’s talk, Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit, reminds us of the blessings we receive when we follow the prophet. “Isn’t it a blessing to have prophets, seers, and revelators on earth in these days in which we live, who seek to know the will of the Lord and follow it? It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the world, despite the challenges we face in life. Having prophets is a sign of God’s love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people. They represent the mind and heart of the Lord and are called to represent Him and teach us what we must do to return to live in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed as we exercise our faith and follow their teachings. By following them, our lives are happier and less complicated, our difficulties and problems are easier to bear, and we create a spiritual armor around us that will protect us from the attacks of the enemy in our day."
Hang on until October. Hang on tight to the gospel. Hang on to our love for you.
Mom
We’re all anxiously awaiting your letter to see how your second week in your area fared. Loved hearing about your companion, his faith, and how you both were rewarded. Have you gotten your replacement box?
This week was fairly calm compared to our weeks of past. This summer has been one to not forget, traveling to Boston, having an appendix left behind in New Mexico, having your yard catch on fire, having a fish win the battle with Sawyer’s thumb, having Hunter home, and my adventure with the dentist. When you have a few quiet days in a row, life can be very peaceful!
Breyer is still enjoying her gymnastic class. She’s now dreaming of ballet. Dance lessons on top of everything else we juggle. She’s doing well on the piano, and is reading notes with both hands. She caught a little cold and was quieter this weekend.
Miller had his first baseball practice. It’s so hot out there! He went with a jammed middle finger, and still managed to look good. He’s in the have-to-stay-busy-or-I’m-bored stage, as well as the beg-me-a-million-times before he takes a shower.
Sawyer is still trying to find the balance in his life. He makes an effort to go to golf practice, and because they begin the last period of the day, while he’s in basketball, he hasn’t been able to play much golf. He’s going to try switching his 7th period classes, and go on the shuttle bus one time a week.
Cooper had his first tennis meet this week. He won his single match and his double match, and made the school’s social media feed..
Friday I took Miller and Sawyer to the driving range up the street. They hit a bucket of balls, and after the sprinklers were turned on, had to end with the putting and chipping. Sawyer wanted to try out a tweak to his grip, a suggestion from the coach. He liked it. I had spent the whole day cleaning and was ready to get outside.
Saturday Dad took the boys to a Texas Ranger’s baseball game – the last hurrah of the summer. It was against the Minnesota Twins, in last place, but still a fun night in Arlington. They came home with a bobble head of the Rangers’ mascot – a horse. That would have been the only reason your sister went. Miller desperately wanted a major league ball to add to his collection, and was almost devastated when they cancelled batting practice due to the heat.
Dad also took us to see the Granbury Lake Labor Day Lighted Boat Parade. It was awesome. We found a great spot, but we'll try to get closer next year. I love living by the lake!
Hang on until October. Hang on tight to the gospel. Hang on to our love for you.
Mom
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