Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
College Correspondent
May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung, and may you stay, may you stay forever young
I mailed something to Tanmarie's house, as the mail service is spotty at best, unfortunately and inconveniently, at the Crestwood. On my way to pick it up, I called to see if I could do a quick wash before my trip, at their house. Sure they said. Then I asked if Tanner could read my paper I was writing. Oh, and how about a ride from the airport on Sunday? Mwahahah.
The only thing more dangerous than giving a mouse a cookie, is trouble with a capital T, that rhymes with P, that stands for Pool! Yes, family is wonderful.
My tires have been having some issues all winter, but this last week, I awoke to another flat tire, on my return visit to the DENTIST no less. I noticed some screws around my TWO flat tires, and having parked near the Crestwood's maintenance shed, I couldn't take any more. Steamed, I stormed in, to discover that management hadn't arrived yet, even though they should have. I was now already late for my dentist appointment, but I waited until someone showed up a few minutes later to show what I found. He acknowledged their complicity in allowing the screws to be left loose, but offered no resolution, so I left to confront another nuisance. Aye the teeth. Cue the pain.
This chain of dental offices has billboards all up and down the valley and most advertise their willingness to sedate you for your anxiety. If only I could trust them enough for that. But I can't, and I don't want to be put under in any case, so eyes wide open I went in. Knowing that there was literally no place I'd rather avoid as much as the dentist, I asked him where was his least favorite place to go. The DMV. PUHLEEEEEEASE. Tell me if the DMV has ever dropped a screw down your mother's throat. Disregarding my hesitance, the dentist tells me it'll be a quick and easy fix to fill those high falutin cavities, shoots some numbing agent that makes my cheek bones tickle, and turns me over to the young, inexperienced hygienist who calls a veteran over to help ratchet my mouth open to attack these side holes. The dentist must have shot me with some elephant tranquilizers as I couldn't feel anything, but being fully aware mentally, I was annoyed to no end to be the guinea pig for this hygienist, working on her technique. Laying near helpless with light shining in my eyes I impatiently pondered big questions. A visit to the dentist always turns existential.
Finally, the wedges were in and the hygienist went to get the dentist again. My face felt like a slug taking a nap, and as if on cue, the music switched from Elton John to American Pie. Yes Doc, I'm ready. I don't feel anything. If you don't have dental anxiety already, go when Don McLean is singing the chorus. "This will be the day that I die, This will be the day that I die!!!!!!!!!!!"
Everything turns out alright, and I'm sent on my way. He tells me not to eat for a while, and I try to ask about drinking water, as all my saved hydration from 6 months exited my sweat glands in 20 minutes, and he seems to understand, gives a chuckle, says maybe from a water fountain, but good luck. Sure enough, this slug isn't quite ready to wake up, and I walk curiously to the bathroom. I look normal, maybe some slight swelling, but the muscles have gone on strike and don't respond to the simplest command. I head over for a scheduled meeting with a professor, after slurping from all the water fountains on the way and force a few sentences out with tremendous effort, mentally making my lips do the harlem shake to get any movement. That done, time to go home. I'll be upping my brushing and flossing to new levels.
In all seriousness, I felt great empathy from my two hour experience of facial paralysis and could not imagine enduring more than that. It was completely foreign not being able to control something so normal, and I did not enjoy the frustration.
The next day, Wednesday, I went on a date with Camilla. She is from a small-town (like under 300 people small) in northern Wyoming. We went and got ice cream at the Creamery, and were joined by Lawson, his date, and Kimball and his fiance. Camilla is studying dietetics, and served in the Riverside California Mission. I had a great time, and our schedules didn't work out this week, but next Thursday we're going to the Bean Museum together. Which I've never visited before.
Upon learning that I live in the Crestwood, she asked if I knew a McKay. I said only by name. Turns out he is from her town, and was one of the 20 kids she graduated with. I look him up, trying to remember if I've met him before, but its a negative. Then, on Saturday, while waiting for pizza orders, I run down to check the mail and run into him! We chat and on Sunday he came to church with me, his first visit in almost a year. McKay is studying film at BYU, and was incredibly nice, full of character, and will hopefully continue to come to church now.
Pizza was slow, as I expected. I only passed out a handful of flyers, and thus only got a handful of calls. I did this because turns out I'll be going to BRAZIL!!!! This was an unexpected development, as I had applied for a grant on more of a whim than anything. I'm finalizing plans, but will be leaving in March to go do research in Rio de Janeiro. So, pizza is on a bit of a pause. In addition, I'm leaving tomorrow morning (Thursday) for a conference in Philadelphia.
Saturday morning, I went to Wal-Mart and was dismayed to discover the tires couldn't be fixed, but would need to be replaced. Of course, after a week of pumping them up every time I needed to go somewhere, I knew the only option would be to bite the bullet and buy them. Even for the cheapest option, the total for two new tires came to just over $200. Ah the joys of adulthood. I don't know if spending money makes me upset because I'm too attached to money, or because I feel like I'm overpaying. I returned home, went again to the Crestwood, and this time they ponied up $150 for me, which greatly helped, and made me keep my generous online rating of them.
Yesterday I attended a speech given by Ryan Anderson, a renowned defender of the family who works with the Heritage Foundation. I ran into Deseret News columnist Hal Boyd, and he fondly recalled his scouting days with my dad as his scoutmaster.
I was surprised to realize that there are no institutions besides religious ones that really help people get and stay married. I appreciated Anderson's rhetoric, that marriage should be viewed as a cornerstone and not a capstone. In his speech, he went through the cycle of life twice, walking us through an idealized version (i.e. conceived in a marriage to loving parents, etc.) and then through a realistic one, where not only is early life affected, but so is later life, which I admittedly have not thought about much. He attributed the lack of children and loneliness to the push for assisted suicide, and noted only with the advancement of medicine society has pushed for this, and said that is because this is not a medical problem, but a community issue.
Interestingly, there are now places in Europe where the birth rate has been so low for years that there is a generation of people who do not know what it means to be a brother or sister. They have no aunts or uncles, and thus no cousins. I could not imagine growing up without an extended family, but I also thought of the scriptural implications, and perhaps because of my reading of East of Eden this last week, my mind fixated on Cain's question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
I am so thankful for family, for its eternal nature, and for the truths we know to be true, in accordance with The Family: A Proclamation to the World that we are all a "beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny....The Family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and woman is essential to His eternal plan...Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."
I mailed something to Tanmarie's house, as the mail service is spotty at best, unfortunately and inconveniently, at the Crestwood. On my way to pick it up, I called to see if I could do a quick wash before my trip, at their house. Sure they said. Then I asked if Tanner could read my paper I was writing. Oh, and how about a ride from the airport on Sunday? Mwahahah.
The only thing more dangerous than giving a mouse a cookie, is trouble with a capital T, that rhymes with P, that stands for Pool! Yes, family is wonderful.
My tires have been having some issues all winter, but this last week, I awoke to another flat tire, on my return visit to the DENTIST no less. I noticed some screws around my TWO flat tires, and having parked near the Crestwood's maintenance shed, I couldn't take any more. Steamed, I stormed in, to discover that management hadn't arrived yet, even though they should have. I was now already late for my dentist appointment, but I waited until someone showed up a few minutes later to show what I found. He acknowledged their complicity in allowing the screws to be left loose, but offered no resolution, so I left to confront another nuisance. Aye the teeth. Cue the pain.
This chain of dental offices has billboards all up and down the valley and most advertise their willingness to sedate you for your anxiety. If only I could trust them enough for that. But I can't, and I don't want to be put under in any case, so eyes wide open I went in. Knowing that there was literally no place I'd rather avoid as much as the dentist, I asked him where was his least favorite place to go. The DMV. PUHLEEEEEEASE. Tell me if the DMV has ever dropped a screw down your mother's throat. Disregarding my hesitance, the dentist tells me it'll be a quick and easy fix to fill those high falutin cavities, shoots some numbing agent that makes my cheek bones tickle, and turns me over to the young, inexperienced hygienist who calls a veteran over to help ratchet my mouth open to attack these side holes. The dentist must have shot me with some elephant tranquilizers as I couldn't feel anything, but being fully aware mentally, I was annoyed to no end to be the guinea pig for this hygienist, working on her technique. Laying near helpless with light shining in my eyes I impatiently pondered big questions. A visit to the dentist always turns existential.
Finally, the wedges were in and the hygienist went to get the dentist again. My face felt like a slug taking a nap, and as if on cue, the music switched from Elton John to American Pie. Yes Doc, I'm ready. I don't feel anything. If you don't have dental anxiety already, go when Don McLean is singing the chorus. "This will be the day that I die, This will be the day that I die!!!!!!!!!!!"
Everything turns out alright, and I'm sent on my way. He tells me not to eat for a while, and I try to ask about drinking water, as all my saved hydration from 6 months exited my sweat glands in 20 minutes, and he seems to understand, gives a chuckle, says maybe from a water fountain, but good luck. Sure enough, this slug isn't quite ready to wake up, and I walk curiously to the bathroom. I look normal, maybe some slight swelling, but the muscles have gone on strike and don't respond to the simplest command. I head over for a scheduled meeting with a professor, after slurping from all the water fountains on the way and force a few sentences out with tremendous effort, mentally making my lips do the harlem shake to get any movement. That done, time to go home. I'll be upping my brushing and flossing to new levels.
In all seriousness, I felt great empathy from my two hour experience of facial paralysis and could not imagine enduring more than that. It was completely foreign not being able to control something so normal, and I did not enjoy the frustration.
The next day, Wednesday, I went on a date with Camilla. She is from a small-town (like under 300 people small) in northern Wyoming. We went and got ice cream at the Creamery, and were joined by Lawson, his date, and Kimball and his fiance. Camilla is studying dietetics, and served in the Riverside California Mission. I had a great time, and our schedules didn't work out this week, but next Thursday we're going to the Bean Museum together. Which I've never visited before.
Upon learning that I live in the Crestwood, she asked if I knew a McKay. I said only by name. Turns out he is from her town, and was one of the 20 kids she graduated with. I look him up, trying to remember if I've met him before, but its a negative. Then, on Saturday, while waiting for pizza orders, I run down to check the mail and run into him! We chat and on Sunday he came to church with me, his first visit in almost a year. McKay is studying film at BYU, and was incredibly nice, full of character, and will hopefully continue to come to church now.
Pizza was slow, as I expected. I only passed out a handful of flyers, and thus only got a handful of calls. I did this because turns out I'll be going to BRAZIL!!!! This was an unexpected development, as I had applied for a grant on more of a whim than anything. I'm finalizing plans, but will be leaving in March to go do research in Rio de Janeiro. So, pizza is on a bit of a pause. In addition, I'm leaving tomorrow morning (Thursday) for a conference in Philadelphia.
Saturday morning, I went to Wal-Mart and was dismayed to discover the tires couldn't be fixed, but would need to be replaced. Of course, after a week of pumping them up every time I needed to go somewhere, I knew the only option would be to bite the bullet and buy them. Even for the cheapest option, the total for two new tires came to just over $200. Ah the joys of adulthood. I don't know if spending money makes me upset because I'm too attached to money, or because I feel like I'm overpaying. I returned home, went again to the Crestwood, and this time they ponied up $150 for me, which greatly helped, and made me keep my generous online rating of them.
Yesterday I attended a speech given by Ryan Anderson, a renowned defender of the family who works with the Heritage Foundation. I ran into Deseret News columnist Hal Boyd, and he fondly recalled his scouting days with my dad as his scoutmaster.
I was surprised to realize that there are no institutions besides religious ones that really help people get and stay married. I appreciated Anderson's rhetoric, that marriage should be viewed as a cornerstone and not a capstone. In his speech, he went through the cycle of life twice, walking us through an idealized version (i.e. conceived in a marriage to loving parents, etc.) and then through a realistic one, where not only is early life affected, but so is later life, which I admittedly have not thought about much. He attributed the lack of children and loneliness to the push for assisted suicide, and noted only with the advancement of medicine society has pushed for this, and said that is because this is not a medical problem, but a community issue.
Interestingly, there are now places in Europe where the birth rate has been so low for years that there is a generation of people who do not know what it means to be a brother or sister. They have no aunts or uncles, and thus no cousins. I could not imagine growing up without an extended family, but I also thought of the scriptural implications, and perhaps because of my reading of East of Eden this last week, my mind fixated on Cain's question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
I am so thankful for family, for its eternal nature, and for the truths we know to be true, in accordance with The Family: A Proclamation to the World that we are all a "beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny....The Family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and woman is essential to His eternal plan...Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Monday, February 25, 2019
Letter #79
The condominium in which we live is called Condominium Resedencial Ana Paula.
Which is hilarious b/c everyone walks around with shirts that say CRAP on them
Gave a talk. However the first speaker got up and then decided he couldn't give the talk and left without a word. Then the second speaker gave a three minute talk.
Which left about 35 for me. Somehow we got through it and it seemed like the people enjoyed it, the reactions were positive.
Got my mugshot taken to renew my visa. Official release date will be July 9th.
The doctor said that my leg tendon has come off the bone, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.,
Onward ever onward, until next week.
Elder Oxygen Tank
Which is hilarious b/c everyone walks around with shirts that say CRAP on them
Gave a talk. However the first speaker got up and then decided he couldn't give the talk and left without a word. Then the second speaker gave a three minute talk.
Which left about 35 for me. Somehow we got through it and it seemed like the people enjoyed it, the reactions were positive.
Got my mugshot taken to renew my visa. Official release date will be July 9th.
The doctor said that my leg tendon has come off the bone, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.,
Onward ever onward, until next week.
Elder Oxygen Tank
Sunday, February 24, 2019
With All My Love
Good Morning, Elder Schenewark!
Well? Will we be hearing from you today? Just for a minute? Just to see your smiling face live?
Sawyer picked up a bat yesterday for the first time in a bit. Dad decided to clean out the garage, and along the way taped down the hit away on the just-a-bit-too-wide basketball pole. Sawyer took a few swings, and decided he wants a new doctor's note that clears him for practice. He had no problems swinging the bat. He has practice until inconveniently late in the evening, and first thing in the morning, as well as Saturday mornings. But we're all eager for a good view of a ball game.
Miller began baseball this week. He's so done with basketball. He got asked to play in a weekend tournament. We're all thankful they lost two in a row so we'd be done as well.
Breyer had a little birthday celebration Thursday after her gymnastics class. Sis. Roberts opened her house, and we invited a few to eat a piece of ice cream cake she commissioned. I spent the day making a strawberry one with crushed coconut cookies as the crust, and a cookies'n cream cake with chocolate wafers as the crust, and homemade fudge sauce. Your sister is so loved. She had mostly adults present, received bags of gifts, and came home a very happy girl.
Cooper had a six school tournament Thursday in Burleson, and he and his partner came home with the first place trophy in men's doubles. There has been no write up, no social media posts, no pictures. But he has the trophy!
Cooper also spent some time on the rock wall in Fort Worth with his Weatherford area friends. His only requirement was to finish a cooperative electric scholarship entry. What?!? I'm always good for such random requests.
Dad and Sawyer were looking forward to being the umps for a baseball game, in which they'd be paid, but it was called off because of rain. Dad even borrowed equipment from Tarleton, as he was going behind the plate.
Well? Will we be hearing from you today? Just for a minute? Just to see your smiling face live?
Sawyer picked up a bat yesterday for the first time in a bit. Dad decided to clean out the garage, and along the way taped down the hit away on the just-a-bit-too-wide basketball pole. Sawyer took a few swings, and decided he wants a new doctor's note that clears him for practice. He had no problems swinging the bat. He has practice until inconveniently late in the evening, and first thing in the morning, as well as Saturday mornings. But we're all eager for a good view of a ball game.
Miller began baseball this week. He's so done with basketball. He got asked to play in a weekend tournament. We're all thankful they lost two in a row so we'd be done as well.
Breyer had a little birthday celebration Thursday after her gymnastics class. Sis. Roberts opened her house, and we invited a few to eat a piece of ice cream cake she commissioned. I spent the day making a strawberry one with crushed coconut cookies as the crust, and a cookies'n cream cake with chocolate wafers as the crust, and homemade fudge sauce. Your sister is so loved. She had mostly adults present, received bags of gifts, and came home a very happy girl.
Cooper had a six school tournament Thursday in Burleson, and he and his partner came home with the first place trophy in men's doubles. There has been no write up, no social media posts, no pictures. But he has the trophy!
Cooper also spent some time on the rock wall in Fort Worth with his Weatherford area friends. His only requirement was to finish a cooperative electric scholarship entry. What?!? I'm always good for such random requests.
Dad and Sawyer were looking forward to being the umps for a baseball game, in which they'd be paid, but it was called off because of rain. Dad even borrowed equipment from Tarleton, as he was going behind the plate.
I found this picture of your cousin and her Snow College Badger basketball team.
We spent the night together playing a game. I love being together as a family. The times are too far and few in between. Your brothers are all hysterical. Miller showed up in game mode with his hat and sunglasses on. Cooper joined the fun and not only put on his sunglasses, but did fancy dance moves when card fates went his way. He was up on his feet in between turns cooking tortillas for an after dinner snack, which facilitated his dance moves. We laughed the entire game. And Dad had the win.
I found out our Prophet visited Paradise, California, where he and his wife, Wendy, ministered to those affected by the devastating Camp Fire. This fire is the deadliest in California history, with 86 deaths attributed to the fire, and the sixth deadliest in the nation. "The Nelsons found that the very people they tried to comfort were comforting them in the wake of losing their daughter Wendy to cancer only 40 hours prior to their visit. The shared bond of faith between the Nelsons and those Latter-day Saints in California — a faith that God can heal hearts — led to President Nelson flying home “comforted by the reassurance that God watches over His suffering children.” That we have access to the power of the atonement, a sustaining, comforting source of power in our time of need, helps me know you're where you're suppose to be doing what you need to do.
I love you!
Mom
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Felt Board Funnies
Challenge: February 21st is national card reading day. Do with this what you will.
Do you have a favorite greeting card you’d like to quote? It can be any type.
IF YOU WERE STUNG BY A JELLY FISH
I WOULD TOTALLY PEE ON YOU
I'd walk through fire for you..
Well, not fire cuz it's dangerous.
But a super humid room.
But not too humid because my hair.
Do you have a favorite greeting card you’d like to quote? It can be any type.
It’s an obscure holiday, but celebrated on 2/21 every year.
IF YOU WERE STUNG BY A JELLY FISH
I WOULD TOTALLY PEE ON YOU
I'd walk through fire for you..
Well, not fire cuz it's dangerous.
But a super humid room.
But not too humid because my hair.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Monday, February 18, 2019
Letter #78
So, we're a little busy trying to get all of the kinks worked out on our end, so the letter might be a little short.
We have started a capoeira class (a system of physical discipline and movement originating among Brazilian slaves, treated as a martial art and dance form) in our ward, cool stuff..
I ate cambuqueira, which is like the stem of squash and the flower mixed together.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BREYER THE BIG 8
Marcos Vinicius has become one of our biggest teaching assets, He has started telling all of his clients about us, which means that we're getting stopped in the streets a lot.
Looking for a miracle on Saturday, news next week.
Love, until next week,
Elder Hangout
hello breyer jane, yes i know, i ate a cake here for you, love you
We have started a capoeira class (a system of physical discipline and movement originating among Brazilian slaves, treated as a martial art and dance form) in our ward, cool stuff..
I ate cambuqueira, which is like the stem of squash and the flower mixed together.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BREYER THE BIG 8
Marcos Vinicius has become one of our biggest teaching assets, He has started telling all of his clients about us, which means that we're getting stopped in the streets a lot.
Looking for a miracle on Saturday, news next week.
Love, until next week,
Elder Hangout
hello breyer jane, yes i know, i ate a cake here for you, love you
Sunday, February 17, 2019
With All My Love
Dear Elder Schenewark,
I've never enjoyed Monday mornings, but knowing you are now accessible by phone and Skype and I'm not makes me grumpy! I don't whether or not you'll want to participate, but I welcome the reason for this new change that allows missionaries to call home: "One of the major purposes of this adjustment is to encourage families to be more involved in their missionary’s efforts and experiences." We'd love to hear your thoughts on this new change, and your possible options. I'll have my phone on at work - feel free.
Sawyer spent the early portion of Tuesday morning at the orthopedic office of Cook Children's Hospital. He had indeed broken his finger, in three places, two finger bones of the same finger. Because almost two weeks had passed, she gave him the option of cast, brace, or bands. He chose bands. He also chose to play in his last basketball game that night to finish the season, but will wait three weeks to bat or catch a ball in baseball. He is pitching, and yesterday he worked a baseball clinic, two sessions, for younger baseball players.
Dad left for a conference Friday morning, to Austin, and returned home Saturday afternoon. The plan was to bring home our Hutto hippo, but because he was not feeling well, he did not make the drive. He did bring home pies, which the boys always enjoy, from Marble Falls.
Cooper stayed home from school a few days with a fever and sickness, a virus or Cedar fever allergy, Breyer and I also are suffering. Cooper found out this week that he was accepted into BYU. There was much rejoicing on the home front. He might have given a shoulder shrug, like, "Duh." Your cousin Emily was also admitted.
President Hiers and his wife, traveling from MA to AZ to handle her mother's estate, spent the night Friday, leaving early Saturday morning. President Hiers replaced your grandfather as Bishop of the Marlborough Ward, when he was called to serve as a counselor to Mitt Romney in the Stake Presidency. He was then called as your grandfather's counselor in the stake presidency when Mitt Romney was released, and your grandfather sustained as the new stake president of the Boston Stake. We spent the evening playing games, and they actually had brought a game that we loved, Covering Your A$$ets. When the Hiers were leaving, and taking Sawyer to his clinic, they informed us that our own game would be arriving in the mail shortly.
Wagner went to the vet yesterday for a check up, to get the heart worm and anti-flea medicine. That can be expensive. He's healthy but underweight. Duh. He does love a good car ride, though and sometimes we have to tug a bit to get him out of the car.
I'm back. We spent my evening home playing the new game that has already arrived in the mail from the Hiers. It's so fun. And your letter might be a tad shorter than normal, but my love, especially in the week of love, is eternal.
Mom
Dear porter guess what tommarow is my birthday. Breyer
I've never enjoyed Monday mornings, but knowing you are now accessible by phone and Skype and I'm not makes me grumpy! I don't whether or not you'll want to participate, but I welcome the reason for this new change that allows missionaries to call home: "One of the major purposes of this adjustment is to encourage families to be more involved in their missionary’s efforts and experiences." We'd love to hear your thoughts on this new change, and your possible options. I'll have my phone on at work - feel free.
Sawyer spent the early portion of Tuesday morning at the orthopedic office of Cook Children's Hospital. He had indeed broken his finger, in three places, two finger bones of the same finger. Because almost two weeks had passed, she gave him the option of cast, brace, or bands. He chose bands. He also chose to play in his last basketball game that night to finish the season, but will wait three weeks to bat or catch a ball in baseball. He is pitching, and yesterday he worked a baseball clinic, two sessions, for younger baseball players.
Dad left for a conference Friday morning, to Austin, and returned home Saturday afternoon. The plan was to bring home our Hutto hippo, but because he was not feeling well, he did not make the drive. He did bring home pies, which the boys always enjoy, from Marble Falls.
Cooper stayed home from school a few days with a fever and sickness, a virus or Cedar fever allergy, Breyer and I also are suffering. Cooper found out this week that he was accepted into BYU. There was much rejoicing on the home front. He might have given a shoulder shrug, like, "Duh." Your cousin Emily was also admitted.
President Hiers and his wife, traveling from MA to AZ to handle her mother's estate, spent the night Friday, leaving early Saturday morning. President Hiers replaced your grandfather as Bishop of the Marlborough Ward, when he was called to serve as a counselor to Mitt Romney in the Stake Presidency. He was then called as your grandfather's counselor in the stake presidency when Mitt Romney was released, and your grandfather sustained as the new stake president of the Boston Stake. We spent the evening playing games, and they actually had brought a game that we loved, Covering Your A$$ets. When the Hiers were leaving, and taking Sawyer to his clinic, they informed us that our own game would be arriving in the mail shortly.
Wagner went to the vet yesterday for a check up, to get the heart worm and anti-flea medicine. That can be expensive. He's healthy but underweight. Duh. He does love a good car ride, though and sometimes we have to tug a bit to get him out of the car.
I'm back. We spent my evening home playing the new game that has already arrived in the mail from the Hiers. It's so fun. And your letter might be a tad shorter than normal, but my love, especially in the week of love, is eternal.
Mom
Dear porter guess what tommarow is my birthday. Breyer
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Felt Board Funnies
Your Aunt Alana gave all the girls in the family a felt board Her challenge was to post something for Valentine's Day, and she would pick the winners. Unfortunately, I wasn't on the ball in terms of gathering all the entries, but here are a few, and Aunt Jenny's won - the final picture.
We love that you are always
on our side of the wall.
(NO PICTURE AVAILABLE)
I want you to have my children
In fact, you can have them right now.
They're out in the car.
WINNER:
Roses are gray.
Violets are gray.
I am a dog.
Have a good day.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
College Correspondent
Merry February
Monday for FHE we had a family history scavenger hunt. The activity was fun, and turnout was fantastic. Talking about family history... my ancestry DNA results are in! My ethnicity snapshot is:
-61% England, Wales, and Northwestern Europe
-24% Germanic Europe
-13% Ireland and Scotland
-2% Norway
Interestingly, this is quite different from Tanner's results.
On Tuesday per usual, I attended the weekly devotional, this time given by Elder Ulisses Soares (from Brasil!). Upon concluding, I went to the Wilkinson Center to see if my black leather right-handed glove had been found. Alas it hadn't, but from Lost and Found only twenty steps separated me from the bowling alley and faster than prune juice makes its exit, I had made my entrance. Not having bowled in 11 months, I was pleasantly surprised with a score of 156. This was my free game of the year, given to students, but with shoes already on, the temptation to score higher was too much, and I bowled another two games, my score successively creeping lower. I had a really good time.
Strike!
Tuesday I also went to Costco to look at potentially getting a card. Turns out their mozzarella and pepperoni are not cheap, so it doesn't make much sense to. But I walked around (and around) looking as that day their samples were fine. Traditionally I haven't been a sushi guy, but even that was delicious then.
Wednesday I had Jeni over for a dinner date (only my second time ever doing dinner for a date) and we were joined by ex-roommate Derik and his fiance Mandy. We had corn chowder, rolls, salad, and chocolate pie for dessert. Jeni kindly brought lemonade, limeade and croutons.
The Dentist. Visiting is when I feel like I'm actually adulting, as it's still hard to do without my mom or someone supporting me, BUT I DO IT! My appointment was on Thursday. Unfortunately, and unbelievably, as I know not a single person more fanatical over mouth care than me, I had 3 cavities. Which means a return visit. Ah the joy.
Saturday morning, after a slow night of pizza on Friday, I drove the 260 miles to St. George to attend Derik and Mandy's sealing. I could only stay for about an hour, but it was worth every second. The sealing was at 12:40, and was beautiful and inspiring. This was a small turnout, as their families couldn't attend, and I knew that it was the right place for me to be. They had planned a ring ceremony at 4:30, but I left right after the sealing. Needing to get gas, I ended up taking the smallest of detours to visit the Pioneer Museum in town. I rushed through, and would enjoy visiting again. Best artifacts that I saw? Both coincidentally involved weddings. The first was a hair wreath. Made to be worn by the bride, the wreath was made of human hair. And while perhaps it looked better 140 years ago, I felt nauseous. There was a slightly younger wedding fruitcake preserved there as well. I've heard said in jest that only one fruit cake exists in the whole world and is simply passed around because no one wants it. This exhibit refuted that, but I'll admit 1- I don't like fruitcake. 2- 100+ years the cake was going strong and makes the McDonald's Big Mac and fries look utterly lame when it comes to preservation.
Sunday night I attended a devotional by Doug Callister, emeritus member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. This was without a doubt one of the best firesides I've ever heard. He ran a law firm with his brother Tad, in Glendale, Arizona, and they would serve concurrently as General Authorities, before Doug's release 10 years ago. He spoke humbly, yet powerfully, with rhetoric of yesteryear, speaking eloquently with plenty of literary quotations and the like. Oh, and without any notes. My favorite lines he quoted from an Elizabeth Browning poem, Aurora Leigh:
Earth's crammed with Heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes.
The main theme revolved around prayer, and he promised that if we would choose only one blessing we would like, and one blessing we are grateful for, and follow that pattern for 40 days, choosing something new each day, each time conversing with our Father in Heaven about only those two things, then the way we prayed would change and we would draw closer to our Father.
He talked about being called as a stake president at age 31, by then Apostle Spencer Kimball. Elder Kimball called him in, said he was called, and said he'd leave for 10 minutes so Pres. Callister could choose his counselors. The lesson: The Lord can inspire you in 10 minutes as easily as two months, but you must get on your knees.
Of everything I miss from my mission, most of all, I miss testifying of eternal truths constantly. Elder Callister noted that Heavenly Father has only spoken a handful of recorded times, but every time He bears testimony of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are never as near to our Heavenly Father as when we bear testimony of our Savior.
Monday for FHE we had a family history scavenger hunt. The activity was fun, and turnout was fantastic. Talking about family history... my ancestry DNA results are in! My ethnicity snapshot is:
-61% England, Wales, and Northwestern Europe
-24% Germanic Europe
-13% Ireland and Scotland
-2% Norway
Interestingly, this is quite different from Tanner's results.
On Tuesday per usual, I attended the weekly devotional, this time given by Elder Ulisses Soares (from Brasil!). Upon concluding, I went to the Wilkinson Center to see if my black leather right-handed glove had been found. Alas it hadn't, but from Lost and Found only twenty steps separated me from the bowling alley and faster than prune juice makes its exit, I had made my entrance. Not having bowled in 11 months, I was pleasantly surprised with a score of 156. This was my free game of the year, given to students, but with shoes already on, the temptation to score higher was too much, and I bowled another two games, my score successively creeping lower. I had a really good time.
Strike!
Tuesday I also went to Costco to look at potentially getting a card. Turns out their mozzarella and pepperoni are not cheap, so it doesn't make much sense to. But I walked around (and around) looking as that day their samples were fine. Traditionally I haven't been a sushi guy, but even that was delicious then.
Wednesday I had Jeni over for a dinner date (only my second time ever doing dinner for a date) and we were joined by ex-roommate Derik and his fiance Mandy. We had corn chowder, rolls, salad, and chocolate pie for dessert. Jeni kindly brought lemonade, limeade and croutons.
The Dentist. Visiting is when I feel like I'm actually adulting, as it's still hard to do without my mom or someone supporting me, BUT I DO IT! My appointment was on Thursday. Unfortunately, and unbelievably, as I know not a single person more fanatical over mouth care than me, I had 3 cavities. Which means a return visit. Ah the joy.
Saturday morning, after a slow night of pizza on Friday, I drove the 260 miles to St. George to attend Derik and Mandy's sealing. I could only stay for about an hour, but it was worth every second. The sealing was at 12:40, and was beautiful and inspiring. This was a small turnout, as their families couldn't attend, and I knew that it was the right place for me to be. They had planned a ring ceremony at 4:30, but I left right after the sealing. Needing to get gas, I ended up taking the smallest of detours to visit the Pioneer Museum in town. I rushed through, and would enjoy visiting again. Best artifacts that I saw? Both coincidentally involved weddings. The first was a hair wreath. Made to be worn by the bride, the wreath was made of human hair. And while perhaps it looked better 140 years ago, I felt nauseous. There was a slightly younger wedding fruitcake preserved there as well. I've heard said in jest that only one fruit cake exists in the whole world and is simply passed around because no one wants it. This exhibit refuted that, but I'll admit 1- I don't like fruitcake. 2- 100+ years the cake was going strong and makes the McDonald's Big Mac and fries look utterly lame when it comes to preservation.
Sunday night I attended a devotional by Doug Callister, emeritus member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. This was without a doubt one of the best firesides I've ever heard. He ran a law firm with his brother Tad, in Glendale, Arizona, and they would serve concurrently as General Authorities, before Doug's release 10 years ago. He spoke humbly, yet powerfully, with rhetoric of yesteryear, speaking eloquently with plenty of literary quotations and the like. Oh, and without any notes. My favorite lines he quoted from an Elizabeth Browning poem, Aurora Leigh:
Earth's crammed with Heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes.
The main theme revolved around prayer, and he promised that if we would choose only one blessing we would like, and one blessing we are grateful for, and follow that pattern for 40 days, choosing something new each day, each time conversing with our Father in Heaven about only those two things, then the way we prayed would change and we would draw closer to our Father.
He talked about being called as a stake president at age 31, by then Apostle Spencer Kimball. Elder Kimball called him in, said he was called, and said he'd leave for 10 minutes so Pres. Callister could choose his counselors. The lesson: The Lord can inspire you in 10 minutes as easily as two months, but you must get on your knees.
Of everything I miss from my mission, most of all, I miss testifying of eternal truths constantly. Elder Callister noted that Heavenly Father has only spoken a handful of recorded times, but every time He bears testimony of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are never as near to our Heavenly Father as when we bear testimony of our Savior.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Letter #77
Titanic. That’s my icebreaker. What’s up?
Quick story, we were teaching a man called Josélio. During the whole
lesson, he's just citing scriptures that didn't contribute anything.
Let's talk about prophets....
Oh, I know a scripture about adultery, lemme find it real quick.
That's about how it went
We ate lunch with the patriarch. Probably the best lunch I have had yet on my mission. Not because of the food, but because of the conversation. What a couple.
He and his wife (who remember a little the Boston grandparents) spent an hour and a half cracking jokes, telling stories. My personal favorite came from the wife.
"When I was a kid, my dad made moonshine. A LOT OF MOONSHINE. He was the biggest moonshiner in the northeast (which, if you know Brazil, that's a big deal). Our house had a swimming pool in the back yard, which would have been a big deal if we could have swum in that. It ain't water! One time I fell in and I almost died because even holding your breath, you can feel the alcohol entering your body and burning you. Elder, I swear, I was drunk for like three weeks."
Or the patriarch's story about accidentally making pancakes with cement powder. lol
We starting teaching a lady called Lourdes. Her son is the big man on the street. The chief. The boss. The drug lord. One time, we were teaching her and he got a visit about the dude who tried to enter in his drug storage house. My mans gets the work done.
Anyways, we try to visit her but she wasn't there. He came out and we started chatting. He said that he ran out of seda (which is what you use to roll joints, right) and went looking for more. He started
looking around the house and stumbled upon his mom's Book of Mormon (which is made of a similar substance #inspired) and when he went to grab a sheet, he felt inspired to read it first.
In his words, upon reading the first page, the desire to smoke left him for two days. He asked us to come back to talk with him.
Also, just imagine. Us, The Drug lord, shirtless, drinking 100% grape juice out of a beer can and 100% beer out of a wine glass. The cops show up. "Hey Marcos, good to see you're tryna' change, keep up the good work." True Story
The gospel makes miracles, even when you're not expecting them, it's just a fact.
Until next week, love you all -
Elder Mind the Pot of Oregano
Quick story, we were teaching a man called Josélio. During the whole
lesson, he's just citing scriptures that didn't contribute anything.
Let's talk about prophets....
Oh, I know a scripture about adultery, lemme find it real quick.
That's about how it went
We ate lunch with the patriarch. Probably the best lunch I have had yet on my mission. Not because of the food, but because of the conversation. What a couple.
He and his wife (who remember a little the Boston grandparents) spent an hour and a half cracking jokes, telling stories. My personal favorite came from the wife.
"When I was a kid, my dad made moonshine. A LOT OF MOONSHINE. He was the biggest moonshiner in the northeast (which, if you know Brazil, that's a big deal). Our house had a swimming pool in the back yard, which would have been a big deal if we could have swum in that. It ain't water! One time I fell in and I almost died because even holding your breath, you can feel the alcohol entering your body and burning you. Elder, I swear, I was drunk for like three weeks."
Or the patriarch's story about accidentally making pancakes with cement powder. lol
We starting teaching a lady called Lourdes. Her son is the big man on the street. The chief. The boss. The drug lord. One time, we were teaching her and he got a visit about the dude who tried to enter in his drug storage house. My mans gets the work done.
Anyways, we try to visit her but she wasn't there. He came out and we started chatting. He said that he ran out of seda (which is what you use to roll joints, right) and went looking for more. He started
looking around the house and stumbled upon his mom's Book of Mormon (which is made of a similar substance #inspired) and when he went to grab a sheet, he felt inspired to read it first.
In his words, upon reading the first page, the desire to smoke left him for two days. He asked us to come back to talk with him.
Also, just imagine. Us, The Drug lord, shirtless, drinking 100% grape juice out of a beer can and 100% beer out of a wine glass. The cops show up. "Hey Marcos, good to see you're tryna' change, keep up the good work." True Story
The gospel makes miracles, even when you're not expecting them, it's just a fact.
Until next week, love you all -
Elder Mind the Pot of Oregano
Sunday, February 10, 2019
With All My Love
Good morning, Elder Schenewark!
How are you ? We were very glad to see pictures from your President on line this week at the Flamboyant Zone Conference. Is that a real city?
It's been a cold week, and today is extra cold with the rain. We're so thankful we have a fireplace to use, and that we've been gifted with wood to add that extra touch of warmth in our living room.
I don't know a lot about your older brothers' lives. Tanner is busy trying to get his reading in while helping with Nora. AnneMarie's classes appear to be doing well. I'd be enrolled if I could. Nora is still adorable, talking up a storm, and very, very busy.
I don't even try to keep up with Hunter. I didn't know he had talked to Uncle Rich's kids about using the kitchen in his Utah house until I read Uncle Rich's letter. I just know he makes me smile. Except this week. He went to the dentist and has a few cavities to fill. He wasn't happy. I don't blame him. I loathe dentist visits now.
When the boys call, Dad walks into his library so he can hear, and I'm left out of the conversation as I try to carry on with life, but I try to listen to their snippets.
Sawyer's finger, that was hurt last Friday, was x-rayed on Thursday morning. You know there might be an issue when you get a call. The issue is a nondisplaced buckle fracture on the "proximal phalanx", or left hand pinky, where the last finger bone meets the first hand bone. We have a meeting with an orthopedic hand specialist in Fort Worth on Tuesday. Compared to Cooper's two pinky injuries this seems so minor but we'll go to see what they say. He hasn't stopped playing ball, he just tapes his fingers together very low, and wraps a piece around his hand. I didn't go to Tuesday's game, which they had no difficulty wining, but got to see him play Friday. Due to inclement weather, and wanting Everman to leave as soon as possible, they cancelled all freshmen games, but bumped up three to JV, of which one was Sawyer.
He played great. The last time JV played Everman they lost by 40. That night it was by 2. Sawyer and gang went in early in the first and gave them a 25 point lead. Seriously. And little by little, over the four quarters they lost the lead. Sawyer played great. His friend Nathan hit the floor really hard, hitting his elbow and back, and took a bit to shake it off, otherwise I don't think there would have been a problem pulling ahead. Sawyer has one game Tuesday, away, and the season is over.
Miller had one prime game yesterday, and now his season is over as well. He lost by 2 as well, but had a spectacular game. I really love how each coach adds something to his repertoire, and am thankful I have one more boy to play for me. I love watching you boys play. I love watching the boys Miller plays with now defer to him for the shot. He has a beautiful three point spot on the sidelines, and when the T was thrown, he was chosen for the shot. On the way home, with Sawyer in the car, he asked me how old you had to be to coach. I told him I didn't know, but asked why. Because he wanted Sawyer to coach him next year. It was very sweet.
Cooper went on a WIT field trip Friday, over night through Saturday, to visit the Texas A&M campus. His doubles partner decided to go, so he went, so no meet this week for the dynamic duo. I haven't even seen him yet. He got home while we were at Miller's game, changed, and went out the door to the stake dance. He had a very creative proposal to the prom. I don't even know when he thought of it never mind made it, as we pass like ships in the night, but it's adorable, and probably printed on his 3-D printer at school. He's taking one out of a pair of identical red haired twins.
Wagner is still adjusting. So are we. We've called him Wrangler, Ranger, Wheeler. He's still very, very picky about food, and is still losing weight. He doesn't know how to play ball or tug. We found out he loves to obey commands, and will come bounding when you call, sit when you ask, and go looking for you when you call. Those are good starts, and he is so very, very sweet.
And of course, Miss B. Her birthday is next Monday, and she talks about it every day. She knows the dog is a big part of it, for which she agrees. But we'll think of something fun for her to do involving pink. She's already requested an ice cream cake. I thought you would enjoy a throw back picture from four years ago. She went on a school field trip this week to Bass Hall in Fort Worth to see a play, always living such a charmed life. She's continuing on in her gymnastic skills, and has become our dog groomer, dog dentist, dog nutritionist, and doggie roommate.
Brigham Young, for whom your partially named, began a long westward exodus from Nauvoo, IL to Utah on this date in 1847. The trip took a little over three months. I will be contemplating their journey as you finish your journey back to us. It is a fitting contemplation as earlier this week, when my trash can blew over in sub arctic temperatures, and I was outside reclaiming our trash blowing in the wind, I was painfully aware of how cold they must have been. I was only outside for a few minutes, while they had weeks. Walk straight and safe in your dangerous urban area.
Love,
Mom
How are you ? We were very glad to see pictures from your President on line this week at the Flamboyant Zone Conference. Is that a real city?
It's been a cold week, and today is extra cold with the rain. We're so thankful we have a fireplace to use, and that we've been gifted with wood to add that extra touch of warmth in our living room.
I don't know a lot about your older brothers' lives. Tanner is busy trying to get his reading in while helping with Nora. AnneMarie's classes appear to be doing well. I'd be enrolled if I could. Nora is still adorable, talking up a storm, and very, very busy.
I don't even try to keep up with Hunter. I didn't know he had talked to Uncle Rich's kids about using the kitchen in his Utah house until I read Uncle Rich's letter. I just know he makes me smile. Except this week. He went to the dentist and has a few cavities to fill. He wasn't happy. I don't blame him. I loathe dentist visits now.
When the boys call, Dad walks into his library so he can hear, and I'm left out of the conversation as I try to carry on with life, but I try to listen to their snippets.
Sawyer's finger, that was hurt last Friday, was x-rayed on Thursday morning. You know there might be an issue when you get a call. The issue is a nondisplaced buckle fracture on the "proximal phalanx", or left hand pinky, where the last finger bone meets the first hand bone. We have a meeting with an orthopedic hand specialist in Fort Worth on Tuesday. Compared to Cooper's two pinky injuries this seems so minor but we'll go to see what they say. He hasn't stopped playing ball, he just tapes his fingers together very low, and wraps a piece around his hand. I didn't go to Tuesday's game, which they had no difficulty wining, but got to see him play Friday. Due to inclement weather, and wanting Everman to leave as soon as possible, they cancelled all freshmen games, but bumped up three to JV, of which one was Sawyer.
He played great. The last time JV played Everman they lost by 40. That night it was by 2. Sawyer and gang went in early in the first and gave them a 25 point lead. Seriously. And little by little, over the four quarters they lost the lead. Sawyer played great. His friend Nathan hit the floor really hard, hitting his elbow and back, and took a bit to shake it off, otherwise I don't think there would have been a problem pulling ahead. Sawyer has one game Tuesday, away, and the season is over.
Miller had one prime game yesterday, and now his season is over as well. He lost by 2 as well, but had a spectacular game. I really love how each coach adds something to his repertoire, and am thankful I have one more boy to play for me. I love watching you boys play. I love watching the boys Miller plays with now defer to him for the shot. He has a beautiful three point spot on the sidelines, and when the T was thrown, he was chosen for the shot. On the way home, with Sawyer in the car, he asked me how old you had to be to coach. I told him I didn't know, but asked why. Because he wanted Sawyer to coach him next year. It was very sweet.
Cooper went on a WIT field trip Friday, over night through Saturday, to visit the Texas A&M campus. His doubles partner decided to go, so he went, so no meet this week for the dynamic duo. I haven't even seen him yet. He got home while we were at Miller's game, changed, and went out the door to the stake dance. He had a very creative proposal to the prom. I don't even know when he thought of it never mind made it, as we pass like ships in the night, but it's adorable, and probably printed on his 3-D printer at school. He's taking one out of a pair of identical red haired twins.
Wagner is still adjusting. So are we. We've called him Wrangler, Ranger, Wheeler. He's still very, very picky about food, and is still losing weight. He doesn't know how to play ball or tug. We found out he loves to obey commands, and will come bounding when you call, sit when you ask, and go looking for you when you call. Those are good starts, and he is so very, very sweet.
And of course, Miss B. Her birthday is next Monday, and she talks about it every day. She knows the dog is a big part of it, for which she agrees. But we'll think of something fun for her to do involving pink. She's already requested an ice cream cake. I thought you would enjoy a throw back picture from four years ago. She went on a school field trip this week to Bass Hall in Fort Worth to see a play, always living such a charmed life. She's continuing on in her gymnastic skills, and has become our dog groomer, dog dentist, dog nutritionist, and doggie roommate.
Brigham Young, for whom your partially named, began a long westward exodus from Nauvoo, IL to Utah on this date in 1847. The trip took a little over three months. I will be contemplating their journey as you finish your journey back to us. It is a fitting contemplation as earlier this week, when my trash can blew over in sub arctic temperatures, and I was outside reclaiming our trash blowing in the wind, I was painfully aware of how cold they must have been. I was only outside for a few minutes, while they had weeks. Walk straight and safe in your dangerous urban area.
Love,
Mom
Saturday, February 9, 2019
College Correspondent
Goodbye Rockwell’s
This week was signing day, and I'd like to announce that I've signed with Victory Pizza. That's right, I've stopped looking for a job post-graduation and I am going to give this a real shot. Friday was our first real day selling, and while it didn't go as I hoped, Saturday was a hit, and I stayed busy, making and delivering and ironing out the bugs in the system. Friday afternoon I had canvassed my apartment complex with flyers, putting one on each of the roughly 90 apartments. I had put that flyer together on Friday afternoon in 30 minutes, and while I was pleased with the end result, Tanner redid it and this week I plan on putting out 500. And if this weekend goes well, (my goal is 30 pies a night) then I'll have a quick turnaround and be ready with a heart shaped pizza for Valentine's week. I'm already making a profit, but beyond that, it's been so much fun learning and solving problems and legitimately running my own business. I don't think I'll ever forget the first time someone called, asking, "Hi, is this Victory Pizza? I'd like to place an order."
Part of the preparation in passing the inspection as a "cottage food" producer required that I have a separate fridge to keep ingredients just for pizza. I found one on Facebook for free and I went with my Tocqueville friend Henry Wright to pick it up in Pleasant Grove. I've cleaned it, and it works like a charm. Moving it up to the third floor was horrible, as the fridge was perspiring, we were all freezing, and the fridge was so hard to grip. But we did it.
Tuesday was the College Republican's Opening Social, which I attended. The club president, Tyler Clancy, has done a fantastic job and gave a great speech on this night. I left early to go make visits with the Bishopric again.
Wednesday I had Aunt Joy and Uncle Ben over for dinner. They asked that it be gluten free, and we had yams, rice, delicious steak cooked with tamarind sauce, and a fruit bowl. Fudge was for dessert.
On Thursday I had a mutual date, going out with Colleen from Colorado. For whatever reason, I really struggle to say that name. We went to Rockwell's, and talked for a while but I think both of us weren't really feeling a connection. I've decided that this was my last visit to this place. It's served me well, but I'm tired of going there, and think that in the future when I want an ice cream date, I'll just make it.
This week was signing day, and I'd like to announce that I've signed with Victory Pizza. That's right, I've stopped looking for a job post-graduation and I am going to give this a real shot. Friday was our first real day selling, and while it didn't go as I hoped, Saturday was a hit, and I stayed busy, making and delivering and ironing out the bugs in the system. Friday afternoon I had canvassed my apartment complex with flyers, putting one on each of the roughly 90 apartments. I had put that flyer together on Friday afternoon in 30 minutes, and while I was pleased with the end result, Tanner redid it and this week I plan on putting out 500. And if this weekend goes well, (my goal is 30 pies a night) then I'll have a quick turnaround and be ready with a heart shaped pizza for Valentine's week. I'm already making a profit, but beyond that, it's been so much fun learning and solving problems and legitimately running my own business. I don't think I'll ever forget the first time someone called, asking, "Hi, is this Victory Pizza? I'd like to place an order."
Part of the preparation in passing the inspection as a "cottage food" producer required that I have a separate fridge to keep ingredients just for pizza. I found one on Facebook for free and I went with my Tocqueville friend Henry Wright to pick it up in Pleasant Grove. I've cleaned it, and it works like a charm. Moving it up to the third floor was horrible, as the fridge was perspiring, we were all freezing, and the fridge was so hard to grip. But we did it.
Tuesday was the College Republican's Opening Social, which I attended. The club president, Tyler Clancy, has done a fantastic job and gave a great speech on this night. I left early to go make visits with the Bishopric again.
Wednesday I had Aunt Joy and Uncle Ben over for dinner. They asked that it be gluten free, and we had yams, rice, delicious steak cooked with tamarind sauce, and a fruit bowl. Fudge was for dessert.
On Thursday I had a mutual date, going out with Colleen from Colorado. For whatever reason, I really struggle to say that name. We went to Rockwell's, and talked for a while but I think both of us weren't really feeling a connection. I've decided that this was my last visit to this place. It's served me well, but I'm tired of going there, and think that in the future when I want an ice cream date, I'll just make it.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Whispering Sweet Nothings
Miller,
I am so proud of how hard you have worked this year to maintain straight A's!!
You are a top-notch student and one of our class leaders.
Thank you for always being kind to others.
Let's have fun and finish the year strong!!
Love,
Mrs. Logsdon
Fifth Grade
I am so proud of how hard you have worked this year to maintain straight A's!!
You are a top-notch student and one of our class leaders.
Thank you for always being kind to others.
Let's have fun and finish the year strong!!
Love,
Mrs. Logsdon
Fifth Grade
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Tarleton State University
Last week, several members of #TeamKINE had the honor of attending the signing ceremony for The Daniel Jones ‘Never Give Up’ Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Daniel was a #Kinesiology major who loved the game of baseball and truly loved Tarleton! His “never give up” attitude has and will continue to serve as an inspiration to current and future Kinesiology majors.⚾️
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Monday, February 4, 2019
Letter #76
Wild week in the wilder wilderness of the concrete jungle.
You heard right (even if you may not have understood).
I've been transferred to the inner city Campinas, serving in the city for the first time. Can I hear a "FAVELA"?
That's right, in the area Proença, we are surrounded by the four largest ghettos in the western part of the state of São Paulo. Exciting.
My new companion is Elder Artur Barros (who's brother may have served with Hunter in Vitória, we don't know yet, and who will finish his mission following this transfer. #BackToRecife
Leaving PaulÃnia was normal, nothing too emotional, we knew it was coming. However, at the going away party in the chapel (because I guess we have those) I was gifted with a Paul Pierce #34 Celtics Jersey and a Bobby Orr #4 Bruins jersey. Not too bad
Tuesday morning, went to go to the bus station, went to put on my shoes. The shoe felt a little heavy, so I banged it out before putting it on.
SUPRISE! Two whitish-yellow scorpions, sleeping comfortably in the comfortable smell of the Bostonian slip on dress shoes. They woke up a little groggy, which gave me time to slip on the slip-on and teach the little stingers how to tap dance, tall awkward white guy style. An experience that they will not forget.
Arriving in the new area, unpacked, etc. Wednesday, after our district meeting, went to lunch. For desert, she told us that she would give us some sort of sweet liver. I wasn't really sure what she was trying to say, but I wasn't gonna judge before trying. She brings out a jar of sweet figs, and I busted up. She thought, sincerely, that liver and figs were the same things and we had to explain to her what exactly liver is, where it comes from, and a couple of reasons why we should NEVER eat sweet liver.
And that's been about my week, another phenomenal experience in the harvest. I will even include a picture for y'all to enjoy - Me and Elder Barros and the newly arrived Elder Loveridge, from Sacramento. If he doesn't look like Ken from toy story, I don't know who does.
Peace, love and missionary work!
Until next week,
Elder I Guess that Makes Me Evil Dr Porkchop
You heard right (even if you may not have understood).
I've been transferred to the inner city Campinas, serving in the city for the first time. Can I hear a "FAVELA"?
That's right, in the area Proença, we are surrounded by the four largest ghettos in the western part of the state of São Paulo. Exciting.
My new companion is Elder Artur Barros (who's brother may have served with Hunter in Vitória, we don't know yet, and who will finish his mission following this transfer. #BackToRecife
Leaving PaulÃnia was normal, nothing too emotional, we knew it was coming. However, at the going away party in the chapel (because I guess we have those) I was gifted with a Paul Pierce #34 Celtics Jersey and a Bobby Orr #4 Bruins jersey. Not too bad
Tuesday morning, went to go to the bus station, went to put on my shoes. The shoe felt a little heavy, so I banged it out before putting it on.
SUPRISE! Two whitish-yellow scorpions, sleeping comfortably in the comfortable smell of the Bostonian slip on dress shoes. They woke up a little groggy, which gave me time to slip on the slip-on and teach the little stingers how to tap dance, tall awkward white guy style. An experience that they will not forget.
Arriving in the new area, unpacked, etc. Wednesday, after our district meeting, went to lunch. For desert, she told us that she would give us some sort of sweet liver. I wasn't really sure what she was trying to say, but I wasn't gonna judge before trying. She brings out a jar of sweet figs, and I busted up. She thought, sincerely, that liver and figs were the same things and we had to explain to her what exactly liver is, where it comes from, and a couple of reasons why we should NEVER eat sweet liver.
And that's been about my week, another phenomenal experience in the harvest. I will even include a picture for y'all to enjoy - Me and Elder Barros and the newly arrived Elder Loveridge, from Sacramento. If he doesn't look like Ken from toy story, I don't know who does.
Peace, love and missionary work!
Until next week,
Elder I Guess that Makes Me Evil Dr Porkchop
Sunday, February 3, 2019
With All My Love
Elder Schenewark
Good morning! Five months to go! And always counting. The big news of the week is our newest family member, all of about 36 hours by the time you read this letter. Packages of all sizes have been arriving during the week.
The German Shepherd we met a week or so ago, and had the necessary neutering procedure, was ready for pick up yesterday. Everyone that was home went, which included all except Dad and Miller, who had gone to his prime team game. We brought him home sandwiched between myself and Breyer in the backseat. He was very happy to climb in the car. We brought half of a stale peanut butter and jelly sandwich for him to nibble on, which he devoured. He's very skinny, which is Rangeresque.
The kids have already called informing me that he has had an accident inside the house. Sigh. Knew this might be part of the transition. And how could I forget? His name - Wagner.
The pictures might give you a glimpse into how well he's been received, and enjoyed in such a short time. Dad took him on his walk last night. He slept through the night. He was very eager to be up and about with me. We are hoping he'll pick up his eating habits a bit. He was found wandering, sheltered for a period waiting for an owner to claim, and then sent to the rescue ranch. I believe his circumstances were good. He doesn't seem to have issues, like so many of the other dogs did. We're keeping the library dog free for AnneMarie's visits. Unfortunately she is already experiencing allergies in our home, because of the previous owner's dogs.
Miller and Breyer spent this week after school scrambling to finish their science fair projects. A "Why Do Duck Feathers Stay Dry?" and "Does Helium Make a Soccer Bounce Higher" kind of projects.
Sawyer had a game Tuesday and Friday. Tuesday was away, and beginning at 8 p.m., so I came home instead of waiting for the game to begin. Friday was a home game, and they lost to the #17 in the state team by 1 basket. Sawyer fell on his hand and jammed/broke his lowest pinky joint, and was out a bit getting taped. When he went back in they were down 23 points. He and his team were within one basket when he pulled him out of the game for the last three minutes. Darn. It would have been nice to have pulled off the win. A lot of parents approached Coach B about the 9th grade coach. He is monitoring the situation, beginning by being at the game Friday. He watched them fall to 23 under, and was about to leave the game when the turnaround began. He was on the sidelines with the other coaches enjoying the comeback, the three point shots, disagreeing with a few referee calls - and the other coach behaved. Sawyer and his friend Nathan, and one other boy were invited to the varsity spring and summer league practices and games.
Cooper spent his Friday evening cheering on Hunter Dewey at the home soccer game, ala Cooperesque.
While I was driving from the Smith piano lessons to Miller's basketball practice, on highway 377 in the lane to exit to 144 Glen Rose, I was hit from behind. The lady looked down at her phone, and did not realize the ramp to exit was backed up - all the way over the bridge. She followed us off the exit, and pulled over with me into the gas station, for which I'm grateful. She gave me all her information, and only having had my vehicle one week, will have to put it back in the shop for the bumper damage. At least there's no deductible expense. Your two youngest siblings were a bit shaken but we continued on to what was left of Miller's practice. I called her insurance company Saturday morning, and have already begun the process.
Sawyer had been invited to a baseball scrimmage Saturday morning but stayed home because of his finger. The coaches have been very understanding with his schedule, as he is the only boy coming from basketball to baseball. I don't think this is normal behavior, but he has one coach as a teacher, and a lot of boys that have spoken up for him.
Miller had two recreational games in the morning I watched. He scored 16/30 and then 19/28 respectively, one buzzer beater three point shot, lots of blocks and assists. I squeezed one piano lesson in between, so I could go home when he was finished.
In celebration Friday of National Bubblegum Day:
The Super Bowl is today, between the New England Patriots, and the Los Angeles Rams. The World Series this year was between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first time both events are from the same state. Dad and I, of course, are very competitive people, and the bet is on. He was invited to a member's house tonight to watch the game. Think Reed Nixon. He'
I've been home and just remembered about my son number three. That would be you. Know of our love for you. Always. Finish strong.
Mom
Hello Porter,
We miss you and we love you and hope you had a good week. From these sporting world you probably already heard that the Patriots won the Super Bowl. Even though they were playing the Los Angeles Rams I was in favor of the New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl. I think that the Rams have a great uniform but, that is it.
Had to go and visit a member who was in the hospital last night. He is a long story, but I was surprised that he was not Super Bowl. It was not because he was trying to keep the Sabbath day holy, because that would be the least of his problems. But he indicated that the Super Bowl was from the devil, that the Rams uniform was a symbol identifying them was Satan, and a number of other things including governmental mind control from the halftime show.
Miller and I went over to a member's home last night, because they invited us to watch the Super Bowl with them. Which we did to spend time with them and hopefully help them feel loved. We ended up leaving early so that I can go up to Fort Worth and visit the member in the hospital.
Obviously the biggest news of the homefront is the acquisition of a new dog. He seems to be a good dog. Took him for a walk on Saturday night and I took him for a walk this morning. I need to get back to walking every day, the weather has been cold but, today it is supposed to be 82°.
Hunter is looking to graduate now in April. Have not heard of Cooper has made it into BYU. Each check on Sawyer's finger today to see if it was broken from the basketball game he played it on Friday. He was supposed to play baseball on Saturday but because of his finger he sat out. Breyer and Miller both totally love the the dog.
I hope that Tanner, Anne Marie and Nora, may have the opportunity to live and work here this summer.
Work hard, work smart, be about doing good each day. Remember to ask follow-up questions.
Our last couple of sets of missionaries can't seem to ask any kind of follow-up question when they visit people. I try not to give them a hard time in Ward Council and try to show them love. However they are not too quick o n there feet.
Love you, Be safe,
Dad
Good morning! Five months to go! And always counting. The big news of the week is our newest family member, all of about 36 hours by the time you read this letter. Packages of all sizes have been arriving during the week.
The German Shepherd we met a week or so ago, and had the necessary neutering procedure, was ready for pick up yesterday. Everyone that was home went, which included all except Dad and Miller, who had gone to his prime team game. We brought him home sandwiched between myself and Breyer in the backseat. He was very happy to climb in the car. We brought half of a stale peanut butter and jelly sandwich for him to nibble on, which he devoured. He's very skinny, which is Rangeresque.
The kids have already called informing me that he has had an accident inside the house. Sigh. Knew this might be part of the transition. And how could I forget? His name - Wagner.
The pictures might give you a glimpse into how well he's been received, and enjoyed in such a short time. Dad took him on his walk last night. He slept through the night. He was very eager to be up and about with me. We are hoping he'll pick up his eating habits a bit. He was found wandering, sheltered for a period waiting for an owner to claim, and then sent to the rescue ranch. I believe his circumstances were good. He doesn't seem to have issues, like so many of the other dogs did. We're keeping the library dog free for AnneMarie's visits. Unfortunately she is already experiencing allergies in our home, because of the previous owner's dogs.
Miller and Breyer spent this week after school scrambling to finish their science fair projects. A "Why Do Duck Feathers Stay Dry?" and "Does Helium Make a Soccer Bounce Higher" kind of projects.
Cooper spent his Friday evening cheering on Hunter Dewey at the home soccer game, ala Cooperesque.
While I was driving from the Smith piano lessons to Miller's basketball practice, on highway 377 in the lane to exit to 144 Glen Rose, I was hit from behind. The lady looked down at her phone, and did not realize the ramp to exit was backed up - all the way over the bridge. She followed us off the exit, and pulled over with me into the gas station, for which I'm grateful. She gave me all her information, and only having had my vehicle one week, will have to put it back in the shop for the bumper damage. At least there's no deductible expense. Your two youngest siblings were a bit shaken but we continued on to what was left of Miller's practice. I called her insurance company Saturday morning, and have already begun the process.
Sawyer had been invited to a baseball scrimmage Saturday morning but stayed home because of his finger. The coaches have been very understanding with his schedule, as he is the only boy coming from basketball to baseball. I don't think this is normal behavior, but he has one coach as a teacher, and a lot of boys that have spoken up for him.
Miller had two recreational games in the morning I watched. He scored 16/30 and then 19/28 respectively, one buzzer beater three point shot, lots of blocks and assists. I squeezed one piano lesson in between, so I could go home when he was finished.
In celebration Friday of National Bubblegum Day:
The Super Bowl is today, between the New England Patriots, and the Los Angeles Rams. The World Series this year was between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first time both events are from the same state. Dad and I, of course, are very competitive people, and the bet is on. He was invited to a member's house tonight to watch the game. Think Reed Nixon. He'
I've been home and just remembered about my son number three. That would be you. Know of our love for you. Always. Finish strong.
Mom
Hello Porter,
We miss you and we love you and hope you had a good week. From these sporting world you probably already heard that the Patriots won the Super Bowl. Even though they were playing the Los Angeles Rams I was in favor of the New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl. I think that the Rams have a great uniform but, that is it.
Had to go and visit a member who was in the hospital last night. He is a long story, but I was surprised that he was not Super Bowl. It was not because he was trying to keep the Sabbath day holy, because that would be the least of his problems. But he indicated that the Super Bowl was from the devil, that the Rams uniform was a symbol identifying them was Satan, and a number of other things including governmental mind control from the halftime show.
Miller and I went over to a member's home last night, because they invited us to watch the Super Bowl with them. Which we did to spend time with them and hopefully help them feel loved. We ended up leaving early so that I can go up to Fort Worth and visit the member in the hospital.
Obviously the biggest news of the homefront is the acquisition of a new dog. He seems to be a good dog. Took him for a walk on Saturday night and I took him for a walk this morning. I need to get back to walking every day, the weather has been cold but, today it is supposed to be 82°.
Hunter is looking to graduate now in April. Have not heard of Cooper has made it into BYU. Each check on Sawyer's finger today to see if it was broken from the basketball game he played it on Friday. He was supposed to play baseball on Saturday but because of his finger he sat out. Breyer and Miller both totally love the the dog.
I hope that Tanner, Anne Marie and Nora, may have the opportunity to live and work here this summer.
Work hard, work smart, be about doing good each day. Remember to ask follow-up questions.
Our last couple of sets of missionaries can't seem to ask any kind of follow-up question when they visit people. I try not to give them a hard time in Ward Council and try to show them love. However they are not too quick o n there feet.
Love you, Be safe,
Dad
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