With All My Love

Dear Children,

So much happier having two more children under the roof. Hunter and Cooper arrived late Saturday, early Sunday morning. We let them sleep in a bit before we had our Sunday morning meeting. Still having hope for the remaining few holding out. To entice, I need to record the daily entertainment, at an all time high. We laugh all day. When I went back to work yesterday, I walked in the door and started up again.

Hunter was very thoughtful to volunteer to make the dinner. I always appreciate help in the kitchen. Dad told me he had roasted vegetables and made scalloped potatoes. Nice! What Dad didn't know was that Hunter blended up my beans I cooked in the crock pot, added cheese powder from boxed macaroni and cheese, and poured on top of his potatoes. It was slow in coming, but eventually they were tasted, and finally consumed. I was surprised. They were tasty! and mostly tasted like beans. But the butternut squash and beet roast was my favorite.

Hunter, after one half day in my bedroom, moved his office, including two large monitors he brought with him, to the garage. Using a dresser, he mostly stands for his phone calls or sits on a high chair. He loves being outside. The weather has fully cooperated, providing cooler breezes and warm sunshine. When he's done, he challenges his brothers to fooz ball, dart board and ping pong tournaments. Miller is in heaven. Hunter is also a HUGE help in reminding us to hold Come Follow Me. Nightly. We should schedule some screen time and share our gatherings with you. They're fun.491

Cooper does not want to work in the grocery store at the moment, as they are the only ones hiring, and instead visits his classes on the computer and does homework. Granbury ISD distributed Chromebooks to the three students in the house, which we picked up last week, and Cooper is able to use one when he has need. He was tasked with fixing the ping pong table. Needs a few screws reattaching the metal bracket to the table itself. He was also tasked with turning my two wood nightstands, in the garage, and formerly from your aunt in Tyler, into porch chairs. Saw the possibilities on social media and became inspired. Cooper brought home and taught us his Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza game. Fun! I had to pull out after my fingers were twisted and mashed, as I needed them to be typing the next morning. Hilarious!

Sawyer has the most homework, and is diligent in getting it all done first. He mows the grass and weed whips when he needs a break. Never thought I'd experience that. He is also diligent about his daily work outs. He's added throwing with Miller to his regiment. He also bakes weekly Sourdough loaves that are devoured quickly. He's getting good! His 17th birthday was celebrated with a pair of cowboy boots and a pair of boot flared jeans.

Breyer loves going back to school, even if on line. Her teacher zoomed all the students together yesterday, and again on Friday. Obviously remembering to raise your hand before speaking assists in keeping order. The teachers from her school also did a drive-by parade, with a long line of vehicles waving signs, balloons, streamers, through the subdivisions, to show their love to their students. It was very sweet and much appreciated. Unfortunately, she missed it, but I caught it as it was leaving the subdivision.

Breyer and Wagner spend a lot of time together, whether or not she's in the grooming mood, the chase me on my bike mood, or follow me while I'm on Cooper's long board, he's a faithful companion. Not always willing but easy to persuade. She and Hunter joined me while he was being evaluated by the search and rescue team.  Obviously he's not a hound, so I'm confused as to why they want him to act like one. Because he has no ball drive, I asked for the hound test. He finishes the task, just differently than a hound ie nose up off the ground sometimes, and using eyes to look around as well as his nose. If you find the person, what technique is used shouldn't matter! But we both have a lot to learn and will persevere in our efforts.

We appreciate all the family members that have reached out and continue to reach out. Social media is a blessing.Stay safe! Stay healthy! Stay in touch!

Love,

Mom

Genealogy Virus at Work

Tell me you can see the resemblance in your father - same high cheeks, cleft chin, full lips, small widows peak..he's a first cousin three times removed - son of Cornelius, brother to Frank, Frank August Schenewark (1893). Those genes are strong!

With All My Love

As you know, I've reached out to my children, expressing interest in having all my chicks return to the nest. Since it's becoming readily apparent all activity is halting, consider waiting at home.

We spoke at length with Hunter and Cooper last night. Either Hunter will drive or Dad will drive up and pick up - but they will be coming to Texas.

Tanner and AnneMarie have obligations they're trying to square away - and will keep us in the loop.

As of now Porter is remaining out because of his employment. If not, Southwest flights are $80. So cheap to fly at the moment.

The younger children and Jarrod are just finishing their spring break week, and are now officially off next week as well.

In terms of work, I am considered "essential personnel" and am unable to telecommute, as Hunter, Jarrod and Bro. Bach are able to do. Our code word for the Corona virus is "level 3." The jail has temporarily halted visitation rights, and weekend only inmates. All civil and class C court cases have been postponed. The street traffic is light - the commute to and from Dallas is quickening.

Our stores are just as empty as seen on social media. We are stocked up. I felt impressed to do so when we got our tax return back. So grateful to have followed through on the prompting. I did stop by Trader Joe's one day this week and was amazed at how many people were there and how empty it was. I still was able to obtain a lot of freezer items, which is why I went.

I love that our church promotes food storage. I love that our prophet implemented the Come Follow Me program emphasizing home learning. I'm especially excited that General Conference is so near.  Our tent door faces the Lord.

Amy Jo

With All My Love

Dearest Children,

I love you! Today we celebrate the birthday of my fifth son, Sawyer. I cannot believe he's 17! Being in 10th grade is mostly why, but also I don't want another child to leave the nest. I'm grateful for your continued efforts to stay in touch through your phone calls. Know your efforts are like a balm to an open wound.

Speaking of wounds, I received a few while traversing through the compass course at DFW airport.I did not pass this portion of the test - again. I don't feel bad, or discouraged. Most people train for two years before taking the national exam. I've been inside the maze three times, and missed by one leg. Point M is a wall of briers, thorns, vines that have me tripping, falling, unhooking, hence the new wounds. I was thinking as I was working my way through difficult terrain, trying to stay on a specific course, say 111 degrees, that just a one degree variance can alter the outcome at the end of the journey in a significant manner. So too can our hold on the iron rod affect our journey through life. Are we gripping tight, or reaching for help when we stumble? Do we step away just to peek, or keep our vision sure and strong on the narrow path.

I'm also grateful for your efforts to reach out to your grandparents. I know they appreciate your efforts, and are so proud of the lives you're all leading. (Hunter, they do need some help with unfinished projects while we're there.) I will be visiting them Easter weekend, per my mother's wish to have her children gather near Grampy's birthday.

Miller got to play in one more prime basketball tournament. He is the backbone of the team, and when he's not there they usually don't win. Miller had committed to a scout camp out, including shooting with pellet guns, and was welcomed back when he was able to make it to the game.

Sawyer has baseball practice even though it is spring break, and will end this week with a tournament. He participated in track practice on Monday, and after not having pole vaulted for two years, came in a foot higher than his previous record, and higher than anyone on the track team. They're excited to have him join, after he checked with the baseball coach about his intentions to participate when he could.

Breyer was a big help to me this week as we tackled spring cleaning at the speed of two days off. Wagner was sick three days in a row, so I had all the carpets cleaned. We took all the wash down to the laundry mat, as I had decided to wash all the sleeping bags. She put in the quarters, fed the $20 into the machine to get the quarters, loaded washers and dryers, and helped fold clean clothes. We were parched when we were finished. We also took advantage of their car vacuum center and car wash. She and I were pros at handing the hose back and forth, and taking turn with brushes, sprayers, and pushing the buttons. So much easier when you have help! Except expect to get wet! In exchange for all her hard work, she came home and found a neighborhood friend asking to take her on the safari ride in Glen Rose.

Dad is still making good waves at Tarleton, and becoming more brave in letting his ideas be known as his ideas. Even down to handling the corona virus. Everyone comes to him for assistance, and runs with his wisdom, offering no credit in return. We enjoyed a wonderful stake conference together. Saturday night session is the best kept secret in the church. Even though I played the organ Sunday morning, met Elder Ringwood, well acquainted with Uncle Rich and in his stake when he was stake president and having heart procedures - sitting with Jarrod - and telling him he's my sacred place - was the highlight of my weekend.

Love,

Mom

The Working Man's Words

March 2-8: Buongiorno Principessa! by Hunter Schenewark

Notwithstanding a few hours of turmoil Saturday evening, this has been an amazing week.

WeWork opened another building, right next door to ours, and we were invited to participate in the grand opening on Monday. Similar to when ours opened, there was lots of swag (t-shirts are still hard to pass up) and free food. They had advertised korean bbq, but when I got to the line, I saw that it was self-serve with a bunch of rice and veggies available. And a fried egg. There was no meat! I'm cutting back on meat, so it was ok, but it did seem like false advertising to say come get your bbq, and then walk away with a fried egg. Some of my co-workers were not thrilled to say the least. We had all forgotten that WeWork doesn't pay for meat to be served. They allow food trucks to sell and companies can cater anything they want, but when WeWork is paying, there will be no meat (for environmental reasons). Here's the real takeaway: WeWork stood up for their values. And that is always impressive. They don't do what is convenient and serve meat to help people feel more welcome/comfortable. This was an inspiring example of living at all times what you believe, and made me think of times I focus more on convenience than values.

Later that night, I went to the gym for the traditional post-FHE lift with Dillon and David. And set a record I didn't see coming. My goal has been 250 for bench press, and I'm happy with that, as I'm just trying to stay fit not be huge or an unnaturally weird looking bodybuilder. This is veggie power we're talking about, not creatine or protein powder induced strength. Monday though, I benched 265 twice, unassisted, before needing help to finish the 3rd rep. I was ecstatic!

This photo was taken doing deadlifts Friday (always the least busy day), and it serves to show what the gym looks like.

I love Super Tuesday. The excitement over politics runs deep. Watching results trickle in is a blast, but I tried to stay productive, and helped Emma B. with her stake RS meeting prep., and we had our EQ meeting that night as well. Biden swept the night, and it was ridiculous the bias showed by the broadcasters, but I still think Bernie is alive and well. I can't imagine Biden being able to survive one round of debates with Bernie mano-a-mano. Biden's looks young but really does seem to have lost his mental acuity.

Wednesday was book club and our discussion of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. I hadn't read this one before, and enjoyed it immensely.

It had been a long day, I didn't get home until 10, and I decided to cook some rice and prepare for my lunch the next day before going to bed. And I started reading and completely forgot about the rice on the stove. I went to get ready for bed some time later, and the entire house was filled with smoke. I ran to the kitchen, pulled my now blackened pan off the stove and started opening all windows and doors. It was the worst burning I've ever done, and needless to say, I ended up having to cook a new batch of rice the next day. Finally, after two days of airing out, the house smelled smoke-free again.

For the second week in a row at institute, we were graced by the presence of James Allen, former assistant church historian. This week, we spent the entire hour doing a Q+A with him, which I loved.

Immediately after, I went with Dillon to visit J. He texted us that morning at 4 am, and was struggling. Thankfully, a good friend was awake and able to go over at that hour, and when I awoke we texted and set up a time to go over at night. We talked for close to an hour, and I left feeling uplifted myself and having learned much from him.

I started reading a novel dealing with life in Parma, Italy, including much about pizza, and by 9pm Thursday night, I said enough is enough, its time for a pizza party! Scheduled to go from 6-7 pm on Friday, (at 7 I was supposed to go to the monthly concert next door), 11 people showed up, we made four pizzas and played a few games until 8:30. This is pizza number 4, with pepperoni, purple onion, spinach, and sauteed radishes. Delicious!

I tried a new veggie type (I hadn't planned the best, so it was kind of just making do with what I had) that included potato slices, radishes, onion, spinach and tomato slices and it turned out well.

Kobe and Reigen Jensen were two of the people there. They mentioned how they were trying to decide between going to a movie night or a pizookie party. I wished them well, and having missed the concert headed to the gym for a quick workout and content to spend the rest of the night reading. Not 15 minutes later, right when I'm doing deadlifts, and honestly not feeling the energy, Kobe calls. Reigen went to the movie night, and Kobe wanted a wingman for the pizookie party. These are the invites I normally turn down. I wasn't feeling any desire to talk to more people or have pizookie and ice cream. But, I hadn't met many new people, thought about my goal to set a new high in my personal wellness stats, and said what the heck, I'm in. I hustled home, quickly showered and changed, before walking a few blocks with Kobe to the apartment that was hosting. The organizer is named Brielle, and she and Kobe were part of a volleyball intramural team in the fall. The invite was unexpected for Kobe, as she had been dating someone then, but apparently broke up with her boyfriend and now, a few months since seeing him, wanted to get to know Kobe better. The party started with a bunch of dumb games (to each his own, but I thought the games weren't interesting or useful at all), and most people there were with a significant other. We got there on time, and there was a group of 8-10. It started at 9:30, and about 10, hordes started showing up, and I'd guess there was 25-30 people all talking in this small apartment. It was exactly the situation I'd dreaded. I saw one lady I wanted to talk to, and as luck would have it, she ended up a few feet away. For a time, both of us mostly just sat watching the chaos and eating our pizookies. Finally, I thought, she is the one in the room I do want to talk to, and it just takes a little courage. And it was wonderful! Our conversation couldn't have been more perfect. We talked for 10-15 minutes, and I thought that was enough to see if she would be interested in going out, and then I could get the heck out of Dodge. S.P. served in Cape Verde so we both speak Portuguese, and she is currently a teacher in the MTC. She is a junior, majoring in English Education and minoring in History. I thought, 10 more seconds of courage is all it takes, and sure enough, it looks like I will be seeing her again! At 8:45, I was at the gym without energy. At 10:45, I was running around the neighborhood, stoked, trying to burn off some energy so I could sleep.

Saturday morning, Cooper and I were unable to get a tennis court, so I dropped him back off at his apartment, that plan shot, and after quickly doing some shopping, went into my backyard, sat in a camping chair and read while enjoying a smoothie and breakfast croissant. The trees were gently blowing and creaking above me and most of the world seemed asleep still. It was a beautiful time!

At 2, I met with M. B., my next door neighbor. Last year in the fall, we had talked about gardening and she offered her yard if I wanted to use it. Her family owns the house and had rented it out in the past. A previous tenant gardened until leaving one year ago. The before photo:

We spent a few hours working the soil and digging up the weeds. The previous tenant composted a lot, and the soil was wonderful. My shovel went 18 inches deep and it was all pure soil that turned over easy. I ran over to Home Depot and purchased some seeds, and we planted four rows of spinach, three rows of lettuce, three of beets, three of onions, three of carrots, and two rows of radishes in the two plots on the right hand side. In the back along a cast iron fence, we planted two long rows of peas and one of broccoli. I felt so good, and loved every second tilling the ground and pulling weeds and getting dirt under my fingernails. At 4:45ish, we called it a day, and I returned next door to my house. The after photo:

At 5:30, M. B. came over, sobbing. I had been with my roommate in the kitchen, and when I opened the front door, she just immediately unloaded. My roommate was still in the kitchen listening, as surprised as I was. One thing I found out was that her ex-boyfriend knew I had been over, (I had no idea this was a problem) and had sent me a message on facebook messenger, and she was so sorry he did that. For purposes of confidentiality, and to keep this short, I'll wrap this up quick. Here is the message I received:

"Stay the &*^&*&^#& away from my girlfriend! (her name)

I don't care if she told you, you could use her garden, you go back there again or so much as look at her again you and I are going to have a problem."

After discussion yesterday, and further discussion today with pertinent trusted adults, I'm submitting a police report, and that's the end of my involvement. I am perfectly safe, and am going to abandon my investment in the garden. That's finished for me. A lot of the story is left out, but hopefully that is sufficient to understand the gist. Who knew trying to grow some radishes would lead to this!

Nora N'Updates

The Working Man's Words

Feb. 24-March 1: Do you remember when we met? by Hunter Schenewark

The week started off incredibly. At 4:30 pm on Monday, M. came to my work and picked me up in her fire-red toyota. This was our first time seeing each other in 5 years. As freshman, in 2014-2015, we had worked together, shared many similar interests, and gone on one date to see the Count of Monte Cristo performed as a musical (quite good for the record). Soon after, I left for Texas and then on my mission. She stayed at school longer, and then went to Argentina for her mission. We hadn't even spoken at all until a few months ago when we communicated briefly over facebook. So I was quite surprised to receive a message inviting me to go with her to salt Lake City for a law school event.

M. also applied to BYU Law School and has been accepted already. This event was to wine and dine those students who have been accepted but haven't committed. And we were schmoozed alright. After a little trouble finding some parking, we made it to the Federal Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake, where a judge and BYU law alum, gave us a behind the scenes tour of the building and talked to us about how awesome BYU is and what at he does as a judge. He was part of BYU's first class in the 1970's, and h e showed a perfect mix of humor and humility. We then strolled across the street to a restaurant called, Caffé Molise, to enjoy a splendid four course Italian meal. The goat cheese appetizer had me swooning, but the rest of the fare was noting to write home about. (literally). Nevertheless, if the food was blander than I expected after tasting the appetizer, (which will inspire culinary adventures for weeks to come) the conversation was anything but, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we were there. M. also coaxed the Dean of admissions, Dean Stewart into sitting next to us, and while it wasn't the reason I went, I do think by the end of the night, Dean Stewart would remember my name and I had left a favorable impression. Which, given the uncertainty of my application, could be a huge blessing. Thank you M. And if the night could somehow be any better, the drive back was just that. This is one of only two dates I think I've ever been on, where I genuinely felt uplifted and wanting to be a better person. It was a great feeling, and even though our time lasted 5 hours together, I could have stayed longer. It was a truly fantastic night. M. talked about her family in a very touching manner, but also shared how sitting in class a few weeks ago, she had received the invite to the event, and hadn't planned on going. But, my name popped into her head and she felt like she needed to invite me. I am both honored, and very grateful that she did.

I just wish that we had taken a picture to remember the night better. In my defense, we were asked to leave our cellphones behind as were in the presence of confidential documents while touring the judges chambers in the courthouse.

Tuesday couldn't compete with Monday's adventures, but it was a solid day by any standard. Work was very productive, and our EQ meeting was both that and a blast. I also snuck in the last debate before Super Tuesday. I've joked for years now about Bernie Sanders, but seeing him so close is scary and not funny at all anymore. I can't believe he has gotten so much support. I've admired his passion and sincerity, but am past that now. He aims to fundamentally change what it means to be American.

On gratitude: Thursday, I was sitting on the balcony eating my lunch and I realized that I had eaten a lot of fruit that day. breakfast was brought into the office and included raspberries and blueberries. I snacked on an apple, and at lunch had a peach, nectarine, orange, and plum. I reflected back to a biographer about Horatio Nelson (disclaimer: I believe it was him, it might have been about someone else, but it was definitely a British kid around the turn of the 19th century) who 200 years ago was overjoyed to receive an orange. For Christmas. Even 200 years ago, oranges were considered exotic and the household economy was such that an orange made a worthwhile gift. It's amazing how blessed we are. I eat a couple of oranges a week and never pause to even think about it.

Thursday was also institute. We had a visitor, James Allen, who was assistant church historian, and has written several books. He talked about why history is important, what the church historian does, and some of his experiences over the years. He is 92 years old, and in the 1950's worked at the institute at USC in California. The stake president at the time was Howard W. Hunter, my namesake. I think this is the first time I have talked with someone who knew President Hunter to the degree that James Allen did. It made the night extra special and I had to get a picture to memorialize.

Last week, I met with Mark "America" Smith. I had offered to help him collect signatures so he can be put on the ballot for governor. He works only one floor up from me, and when I met him to pick up clipboards and forms, he gifted me a brand new suit. The next day, he informed me that he doesn't need any help anymore, but I've been impressed so far with nearly all of his platform and he took the time to explain some points that we disagreed on. And I like the suit.

Here I am leaving the temple on Saturday. It's a nice dark blue color, and fits perfect. Mark somehow got the right size without even asking. This was a ward temple trip, and it was good to be with friends standing on holy ground.

Sunday was stake conference, and thus a very busy day. It started off with a leadership session from 9:30-11:30 am. After a quick dash home for a snack, I did a ministering interview with the Jensen brothers, and headed to the general session, from 1-3 pm held in the Wilk Ballroom. Attendance for the stake was 60ish%, at about 1100 people. I met Bro. Ken Wade, a member of the Bishopric of the 91st ward, and for some reason he took an immediate liking and started trying to set me up with all these people in his ward. I asked out one of the choir members, but alas, that was not to be. He introduced me to some other ladies, and we'll see what happens. Our ward held a munch and mingle from 3:15-4, and then it was back home, accompanied by David Kaiser. We threw together a shepherds pie, and were then joined by Porter and Cooper. This time Cooper won Settlers of Cataan, albeit a shortened version, as David and I were off to the adult stake conference session from 6-8. (attendance for this session was at about 25%) I said the opening prayer, and then sat back and took in the good word, which leads to the good life. One of my key takeaways came from the stake president who said that he has realized, every time something bad or just not what we want happens, its because Heavenly Father is preparing us to serve someone down the road. We need these experiences to be understanding and empathetic, or just to know how to help. I reflected on such times in my life, and have to agree.

3rd Nephi 18:17-21- growing up in a culture of prayer.

This week, I finished reading Clayton Christensen's book, How Will You Measure Your Life. The idea of living more intentionally and with written down goals has been something I've worked on this year, and this book strengthened a lot of those desires. Here is a quote I liked from Edgar Schein that was in the book:

culture is a way of working together toward common goals that have been followed so frequently and so successfully that people don’t even think about trying to do things another way. If a culture has formed, people will autonomously do what they need to do to be successful. 

This doesn't apply to a culture in a country, or a business. It applies to all culture, such as the culture of a family.

I am blessed to have been raised in a culture of prayer. I can remember many times walking into a room at night to find my parents praying. 3rd Nephi 18:17-21 admonishes:

17 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto his disciples, he turned again unto the multitude and said unto them:

18 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

19 Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;

20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

21 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed."

I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father, and he wants to hear from us. I have had so many prayers answered, and I know that as we pray to God, we will have greater strength to resist temptation and greater understanding as to what we should do in our lives.