Dear Elder Schenewark,
Good morning! How are you? It was so good to see your face, and hear your voice. We're still talking about your visit. And we're so thankful you called back. I was in tears thinking our tradition of ending with prayer was about to be broken.
I want to go backwards a bit, because today is fresh in my mind. We had Cooper's Eagle Scout ceremony at the church today. You were mentioned by your brothers and father, and were not forgotten. How wonderful it would have been to have had you join your brothers in the Eagle nest. There were nine in the nest. There was a sweet spirit there today because of the thoughts of your brothers and father. I hope they write about their talks because I've tried to put a few thoughts down tonight, and because I didn't take notes, I am not able to do their talks justice.
We had a lovely lunch before the ceremony that began right after church. Wade and his mother came. They helped me hang the BIG flag before we began. Wade just has his project to do, and we're on it. We want him to be back in the church before April, which is when he turns 18.
The help we received was wonderful. Family just knows what to do and when. Sis. Bach knows she has the decorations, Bro. Bach knows his way to the stores, and how to get the program copied. You get the drill. We're a well oiled machine, whatever the event.
Saturday was spent getting ready for the ceremony, filling coin books, playing games, and visiting Babe's. How fun to be able to go there when you come home! I heard there was a basketball competition, but I wasn't around to see it. The plan was to ordain Miller, which happened, and then go to the temple. While driving Bro. Bach called the temple, and found out they were so busy they didn't want us to come. So everyone drove back home. I was with Nora and Breyer, but not alone for long. Miller chose Hunter to ordain him a deacon in the Aaronic priesthood. We forgot to take a picture! Tanner, Hunter, Dad, Bro. Bach, Cooper, Bro. Gammons and Wurz.
Friday Dad and I made an airport run. We swooped in, scooped up, and scooted home. Miller and Breyer had been waiting a bit for their Christmas morning, but Friday evening was well worth the wait. Laughs galore, smiles by the mile and Christmas festivities abound. I decided to have a little Thanksgiving dinner, which was inhaled by all.
Wednesday of course was your phone call. We waited and waited and waited all morning, wondering if we'd get a heads up or if you would just call. We had early morning eye appointments, and were ready to flee if we got the word. You looked wonderful! It's so hard for me to sit there and see you and listen to you, and know you're still not coming home! You're where you need to be doing what you need to be doing, and I'm so proud. I know you don't share with me all that you endure, but know that the love a mother has for her son transcends our distance. I pray for you every day all day long, as do your other family members. We might already be planning your July reentry.
We had Dawn Dewey and her mother over for dinner. So fun to have others in the home when the Bachs are visiting. They make all they meet feel so loved. And the homemade chicken pot pie was spot on.
Tuesday, Christmas morning, I was back at work and while driving there in the morning, hit a deer - a very large Texas buck. He jumped out from the center median right in front of me, and I knew enough to hit it straight on and not try to swerve going so fast. I would have rolled. I’m chalking my safety to one of those blessings from you serving a mission. I filed the report on the phone while I continued on to work, after tying the head light housing and frame assembly to the vehicle. I’m lucky my air bags didn’t deploy, and that the car is drive-able. It will need to be repaired soon though. And I still cry for the deer. And Bro. Bach put the car back together one day, so it could be driven until it is repaired. The estimate came in at $6,000.00. So thankful for insurance!
Your siblings were left a few items in their stockings Christmas morning, including one very magnetic magnet. The plan was to attach them to the fishing poles, and go diving for items underneath the waters of the Bentwater ponds. There were a few success stories, mostly old lures that had fallen off, were retrieved. If one was not aware it was Christmas it is really just another day, as you said. It's up to us as to how we make the day into Christmas
Monday for FHE we watched the remaining #LightTheWorld videos produced by the church. Our favorite by far is #3 where the brother stays up all night to make a paper Christmas tree for his family. I had spent the day at work, and everyone else had spent the day serving me. It was a humbling experience to acknowledge their efforts on my behalf to #LightYourFamily. Windows were washed inside and out, the entire house; wax scraped off the bathroom window that was there before we arrived, top cemented on the fire pit, snowflakes made and hung up on windows, flowers for my table, groceries from the store, and a fresh blackberry pie. You get the idea. After working 12 hours and driving two more, it was nice to come home and find such love. We finished off FHE by caroling the Counts with homemade caramel sauce and candles.
I'm grateful for those in your area who share with you. Please thank them for me. Dad found another picture of you on the President's Facebook page. We're so lucky.
With all my love,
Mom
Here's just an example of what makes us laugh. Cooper and Sawyer were in Walmart, and said they found beta fish for $2.00. In the clearance aisle!
Hunter jokes about himself having commitment issues. He's practicing on his sourdough starter.
And, I forgot to mention Miller hit a pole and fence while playing Capture the Flag. We're grateful he's alive.
