Elder Schenewark

 

With All My Love

 Dear Elder Schenewark,

We miss you! Often throughout the week, usually when a humorous situation occurs, I think of you. Also when I share poignant moments with Miss B. 

Last Thursday Sis. Young passed away, the Young of Porter's middle name. The services are obviously in Utah, so Dad has asked your three older brothers to attend on his behalf. I know Hunter and Porter were able to attend together. The Young family was a rock in the life of your father as he was navigating his baptism, preparations to go on a mission, and the only support while he was on his mission and when he returned. I will always be eternally grateful to them and their example of Christlike service to your father.

Spring has sprung in Texas meaning the backyard is a mess. We had purchased a new lawn mower in the fall, used it for twenty minutes, and stored it in the garage over the winter. I made two passes in the backyard on Tuesday, and a wheel came off. Only having a 90 day warranty, I called Home Depot and after telling my story five times, each time moving farther up the chain of command, the store manager finally agreed to allow the return with my receipt. I'm thinking I did not keep the receipt, thinking by the time it was used 90 days would have passed, but was able to locate it on the bank statement. Hopefully Dad will have luck exchanging the lawn mower. 

Tuesday afternoon Miller had his first track meet, in Stephenville. Normally Dad would be right there and able to attend but this semester he's teaching at the Fort Worth campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays so he returned to be with Breyer. He was also able to pick up Sawyer's boots that were resoled for his birthday, and drop mine off for new heels.

Miller's three running events were the 100 yard dash, the 4x100 and 4x200. Those were completed after he had finished his two field events, the high jump and the running long jump. Between those two events, he actually had done a bit of running, so after the first two running events, I could tell he had nothing left to give in his portion of the 200.

After three bar raises, I believe beginning at 4'10", then 5'0", 5'2", Miller won the event at 5'4" - the only one to go over, and the only one to have no misses. Because of that, they allowed him to try 5'6" three times. Almost. That height is also the school record. Coach Allen was very solicitous of me hiding near the equipment to shoot video. He stated that Miller is definitely a jumper, is very excited to be working with him, and believes he will soon pass the school record. You have three attempts at the running long jump. I missed the first, waiting at the wrong end of the track, near the triple jump. I caught the second on film, which was his longest, 18'1", and missed the third, 17' something. He received first place for that as well, and passed the 8th grade winner by an inch. Miller could technically be in the 8th grade, so there is that. There were two heats in each of the running events. But I believe he got second in the 100 yard dash, and the relay teams placed second in both events, Miller running the third leg in both.

Sawyer's game times changed to 4:30 from 7, so I wasn't able to go last night. Dad said he was told Sawyer had some great plays while playing third, and was the only player to have hits. But they lost.

Breyer is scheming and designing her plans for a bake sale - to fundraise for her tortoise.  Enough said.

She finally has her animal prints shellacked and hanging in her bedroom. There are a few more things to finish off her room, but she loves her own space.

Dad is tasked with buying two new mattresses for the twin beds, and the library will stop being a bedroom for Sawyer, and the old king mattress will be stored until we have visitors.

At church today it was announced from the pulpit that people wearing masks could sing. Oh.my.goodness! I was so excited, thinking my year of playing organ solos was over. It wasn't quite what I expected, as people singing through masks are very quiet. I could hear phrases here and there, but the organ pipes drown out the noises that might have been made. But having singing in church again is getting closer. I miss singing.

What joy to have you join us in our Come Follow Me tonight. I've been waiting since December for that to happen. Thank you! Even though you were traveling, riding, walking, knowing you were plugged in made such a difference. So wonderful to feel that sweet missionary spirit. I'm hoping tomorrow isn't a Tuesday I signed up to feed the missionaries only because Miller has a home track meet.

And, I'm glad you got to put your eyes on sweet Jules. Everyone else has met her. She's a doll. Such a sweet treat for Hunter.

Have a wonderful week! Keep up the good work. Saw you have written but haven't gotten to take a peek.

Love,

Mom

Missionary Moments

 Buenas!

It's been a hot minute and a lot has happened. I'm still in the same area of San Jose, but now with a new partner-in-crime. Elder Beus left for his original mission in Mexico and Elder Conaway is my new companion. But that is new news. 

Starting like in December, I paid $20 for a kit to patch up two bikes that were chained to our fence. We enjoyed them until last month when they got stolen. So back on the streets on our feet, but that didn't last too long thankfully since we cover about 200 square miles. We pulled two more bikes out of the storage shed at the mission office in need of some TLC and now once again have two beautiful bikes. 

At the start of March, March 2nd to be exact, I celebrated Texas Independence day in good fashion with steak and potatoes. And meat thermometer in hand, I made everyone in the apartment some grilled chicken. I'm wholly convinced the seasoning called "Slap Ya Mama" is the best out there. Its just salt, black pepper, red pepper, and garlic. A little spice, a lot of flavor. 

While Elder Beus was in Salt Lake, meeting with the Mexican consulate, we hiked to the top of the hills bordering the city to see the sunrise and like previous sunrise hikes I've been on, it was cloudy, though the sun managed to peek through. 

I have three, though kind of two, chile de arbol plants growing right now. The two I'm most likely going to keep are named Bud and Gary and the small one, Wesley, next to Bud is probably going to get picked. They were both planted at the same time, same conditions, so I'll give the small one some time, but I think he's gone. It reminds me of the Dread pirate Roberts in "The Princess Bride" saying to Wesley, "Goodnight Wesley, sleep well, I'll most likely kill you tomorrow". Hence the name. We'll see if they share the same fate.

I'm close to mastering Elder Gomez' rendition of "Master the Tempest is Raging". I have the piano solo version, though the sister missionary accompanying him on the cello is in my area. https://fb.watch/4y8hNJ0TdS/ I hope the link works. But since I've almost got Elder Gomez' song, I started a new one based on a recommendation from Elder Gordon. That's all from the west coast though so until next time, Party on Duuuudes!!!

The Wildest of Stallions,

Elder Schenewark

my address: 1336 Cherry Ave, San Jose, Ca 95112

Sunset Hike

 

Granbury High School National Honor Society Induction

 

Baseball Spring Banquet

 

Acton Middle School Track Meet

High Jump - 5'4"

 

Running Long Jump - 18'1"

Acton Middle School Track Meet

 

With All My Love

 Dear Elder Schenewark,

What a week! I am not sure if you received my message about your stimulus money. It was deposited in your account. Are you able to make arrangements to pay tithing out there? Please save. If it is not used for your mission it will be available for school. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

All your siblings over 14 were gifted as well. We're buying some food storage with ours. Times are exciting, and food is important. I saw that you were gifted with 72 hour emergency preparedness bags in one of your mission pictures. Yeah! Continue thinking of important things such as this to take care of you and your companions. Make sure you have a little extra food stored for a rainy day. Always be prepared to pack up quickly by keeping things neat and organized.

I was finally able to go to Sawyer's baseball game after work on Friday. Cold Texas wind. He was playing short stop, got a great bunt to the pitcher, which Dad filmed, and then I left.

I didn't get to go to Miller's first game Saturday. I heard he pitched for 1.5 innings, got hit, struck out and walked. Played first base as well. 

I talked with you on the phone a bit this morning. The highlight of my day working at home. Not that doing wash, or washing dishes, or picking up and reassembling an orderly house isn't a highlight. But you make the work seem lighter with your company. Excited to see the new things you can do with your new companion. End your companionship with your first companion with love.

The grass is long in the yard now, for two weeks. I need you back on the mower, or Uncle Ben's contract. Miller might do it but Sawyer does't want to relinquish tractor control. And the drizzle today is only compounding the jungle effect.

The search and rescue team was invited to search for a five year old murder victim in Kilgore, TX, near Tyler. The suspect is in jail for attempting to cover up a crime. He received ten years for removing the liner from his vehicle, when a drop of the victim's blood was found. He's stopped talking to law enforcement so when the case was reopened by the Texas Attorney General's Office, an informant was found that knew of the burial of the body, but was very evasive as to prevent being charged for a crime. We searched the area requested but nothing was found. It's always a somber affair to assist in a body recovery.

Today I'm thinking about a source of more wood for the winter. Wondering whether or not to landscape the side yard, which would squash the dreams of a pool. Thinking about landscaping the front yard, but then the tax people would value property taxes higher. Thinking about finishing my taxes. Thinking about what to schedule for meals this week. These thoughts are the busy thoughts of living. But I'm also thinking of how happy and proud I am of your service and sacrifice. Of your brothers who went before and continue to do so, and those who will follow behind. Of the decisions that have been made regarding school and occupation, of the hobbies and talents that have been developed. Of the love we have for each other through thick and thin. Family is eternal. That others choose not to cultivate theirs by choice is true heartbreak for those longing otherwise. And that's your message. Reach out.

Love,

Mom

Search One Rescue Team

 

Spring Baseball - The Cubs

 

California San Jose Mission Zone Conference

 

My Pet Peeves

 I lose my mind when I step in dog poop.

It drives me crazy when my brother uses up all the hot water.

It makes me nuts when my parents embarrass me in public.

I go bonkers when my parents wake me up early.

I get a headache when we are on long road trips and I get carsick.

I hate stepping in a pile of fire ants.

It makes me sad when I see pet owners abuse their pets.

With All My Love

 Dear Elder Schenewark,

Your sister had a fish and a frog pass away this week. I'm thinking it's because she likes to play with them, in the water, but the store thinks it's because the Ph level is too high. So Breyer's tank is down to one fish and one frog, but she hasn't asked to put more in it. Dad purchased some Ph testing strips, per the previous owner of the now deceased frog.

Miller and Sawyer visited the frisbee golf course and found eleven new discs. I do believe they like finding them more than they like using them. Miller entered a frisbee golf tournament in April. Rather than pay $40, and have no chance at winning prize money, as a recreational player, he entered intermediate, paid $70, and is eligible along with the professionals.

Miller has also read and watched videos about dying frisbee golf discs using clear Elmer's glue and Ritz dye. He's been quite successful with red / blue swirly discs.

I lost my Australian ferns on the back porch during the arctic week, and replanted the pots with Boston ferns. They made me quite happy that day. I also put some pale pink Impatiens in two small pots.

FYI, GHS art teacher Mike Tabor is featured in this NBC 5 story about a mural project along the Trinity River in Fort Worth.

Not included in everyone else's letter - your financial aid lender contacted me this week. Advised me that your grace period is up in November 2021. They are sending you a link to your gmail account. They said to apply for the income driven repayment plan, since you have no income. Before that application, your payments would be $50 a month. Biden's relief plan should give us $1400 for you. We'll bank it until we figure out if you need it for your mission or for this loan.

1-844-318-0167

Also, let us know whether or not you chose to be vaccinated.

Tuesday is our evening to feed the missionaries, and for the second week in a row, I prepare all the food and then slip out the door to take Miller to practice. When we come back - they're gone - except for the mess. We still have a threesome in Granbury.

Sawyer quietly celebrated turning 18 on Thursday. Even though it was their spring break he spent most of the day on two baseball games in Weatherford that neither of us attended. To my surprise, I came home and found Breyer had made him a chocolate cake. All by herself! I might have been a bit flabbergasted. And it was delicious. She had a bit too much butter in the frosting, but I can do that. We gave Sawyer the game Luke introduced to us, and will resole the bottom of his cowboy boots currently sporting a hole.

Friday Dad took everybody to Fort Worth for some fun errands: drop off Sawyer's boots for repair, pick up some arrows for Breyer to try her new hobby, the annual find the boys a cup song and dance, find Miller track shoes. That kind of fun. They visited a frisbee store for Miller, who found one sporting a plane; Tandy Leather for Sawyer, who had two koozies and a lanyard to finish for his frequent flyer hispanic buyer.

Saturday Dad traveled to see Sawyer play baseball in Weatherford. At his first up to bat, a smack to the outfield, and while running full speed around the bases, Sawyer received the stop from the coach after rounding second base, and sprained his ankle in an attempt to stop. So out of caution he missed the rest of that game and the second one that followed, although his team won both games without him. He had started at short stop.

Grampy's 80th birthday is this April. Your grandmother is asking for a written memory, which would need to be done today, three-four sentences, that would be included in a book. Jenny is asking for a short video clip of a birthday greeting, that will be shown at the zoom celebration on that Monday the 5th. I encourage you and your brothers to participate.

While at dog training yesterday, as we were leaving an actual search request came in. Most of the team were in Louisiana at a week long training event, so there were few of us that could actually deploy to find a mentally challenged 11 year old boy that had walked away from his home. He was safely located at the MacDonald's. It's good to serve. We pray for you, and are always so grateful for your willingness to serve.

Have a wonderful week - waiting for your call!

Mom

Single Student Life

 

Granbury High School National Honor Society Induction

 

San Jose Mission Zone Conference

 

Vaccinating Missionaries

Dear Parents,

I pray this finds each of you doing well and would like to thank you for the support you provide to your Sister or Elder. The missionaries are working diligently as they find and teach more individuals than during pre-covid times. They continue to outperform themselves week after week. This is the result of our Mission Leadership Council meetings with the young mission leaders and their zeal and desire to work closely with every missionary companionship. Each missionary is truly amazing!

The mission will be blessed with a mission meeting with Elders Kevin W. Pearson (North America West Area President) and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on Friday, March 12. This is a special treat for each of us as we will be privileged to learn from an apostle. We are all looking forward to Friday!

Recently the mission received a visit from Church News who published an article with an embedded video that was prepared for the Church World Report to be shown between April 2021 General Conference sessions. The 7+ minute video will be edited to approximately 4 minutes for the World Report. Please see the article and video below.

How Missionaries Are Comforting Californians During COVID-19

The California San Jose missionaries provide significant humanitarian relief as they serve in food banks. Because of this they are considered "food handlers" and therefore qualify to receive the covid-19 vaccination. The mission has made appointments for each of our missionaries to receive the vaccine on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week, and will require each missionary to accept or reject the appointment.

In a statement released by the First Presidency on 19 January 2021 it was recommended, "As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees, and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination."

The covid-19 immunization is not a requirement for missionary service. Please let me know if you or your missionary elects not want to receive the vaccine. All missionaries will continue to wear masks, use hand sanitizer, be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water frequently, and physically distance while outside of their apartments, attending mission meetings, attending church, and teaching the gospel. Receiving the vaccine is not a reason to became lax in the area of self protection.

The mission is merely making the receipt of the covid-19 vaccination available to all missionaries, but again is not a requirement.

Please do not reply all, but directly to me if you do not want your missionary to receive this vaccine and I will assist in removing them from the list of recipients.

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude to each of you.

With much love,

Gary A. Smith
Mission President
California San Jose Mission

With All My Love

 Dear Elder Schenewark,

The fact that you were able to wake up and go on an early morning sunrise hike this morning made my mother heart happy.  I know you have wanted to do something like this on your preparation day for a long time. I hope your entire day was wonderful. I'm sorry we missed your phone call, but I am glad Breyer was able to talk with you again, as she is on spring break, and show you her frogs, Humphrey and Harold.

We have no plans for spring break. Tarleton State University decided there would only be a half week, so there are classes through Wednesday, and I'm back to work. So we went hard and heavy today. Miller and a friend hit the frisbee golf course when Dad was heading to work. Sawyer had track practice. I went to the laundromat with the wash, and picked the frisbee boys up when I finished. When we got home, we had three more friends over for Miller. Sawyer went with his friend Matthew to his church to work in the food pantry for National Honor Society service hours. Miller spent most of the time on Bentwater's sport court. Monte burritos for brunch and Papa John's pizza for supper. Miller went bowling, and Sawyer hit with Matthew at the Edge, and met a girl friend for ice cream. 

We purchased a washer and dryer last weekend, and it wasn't being delivered until next Monday. Instead of having them take the machines away, we asked on the church Facebook group if anyone was interested, and Matt and Brittany Gammons took them away. Hence, the laundromat. It's soooooo creepy there. Frequent flyers typically have no teeth, no belts, no socks, no shower. So glad it's only for one week.

Sawyer played in his second baseball tournament Thursday through Saturday. The second game started at 5 and I pull into town just as the game is ending. Unbeknownst to all of the baseball coaches, Sawyer had arranged to also participate in the track meet at the high school in pole vaulting. He had one hour between the games and spent it qualifying in a 12 foot jump, hooking a second place result out of four schools. He's been able to sneak in a track practice here and there, so he's pleased with 2nd place.

Miller has begun baseball but his team has practiced without him for two weeks due to school conflicts, including track tryouts. The coach scheduled an extra practice Friday just to get him on the field with the team. He was chosen to run the 4x400, 4x100, and the 200. His field events are high jump and running long jump.

That's about the scoop for the week. Dog training consisted of the yearly physical fitness exam - five miles full packs, under 90 minutes. We fed the missionaries on Tuesday - all three. It's been a while since we've had them eat inside the home.

Send us a quick update! We'd love to receive a letter or even a note from you!

Love,

Mom

Missionary Moment

 

Church Donates $20 Million to Aid UNICEF'S Campaign for Two Billion COVID-19 Vaccines

NEWSROOM OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Latter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced a $20 million grant to support UNICEF’s historic efforts to supply 2 billion COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 200 countries and economies by the end of 2021. The initial 2 billion doses are intended to protect frontline health care and social workers, as well as high-risk and vulnerable people.

Amy Jo,

You should have seen Breyer last night.  She decided to do the Ninja class.  She was the only girl with 3 boys who were 12-13 and 3 boys who looked about 7-8 yrs old.  She was killing it!  She ran up the wall board and was able to get to the top and pull herself up on her second try.  During warm up she was doing the various exercises better than the older boys.  It was something to watch.

Her gymnastics class had her working on the trampoline and working on back flips.  She's so close to getting that back flip.

Anyway, just thought you'd appreciate knowing...

Love ya.

Dawn

Oakwoods Elementary School Teacher of the Year!

 Mrs. Herboldt's Fourth Grade Class

Dots and Dashes on a Canadian Coin

Breyer,

I found a special nickel for you in the basement. Luckily I hadn't packed all the important stuff yet. The Canadian wartime victory nickel had a Morse code message imprinted around the inside of the rim. The message reads: “We win when we work willingly.”

I just saw Mom is coming to visit in April, we’ll be sending it home with her if you can wait that long.  If not let me know and I can mail it sooner.

Here is a nice photo of a very good example.  You have to read the message right around the outside rim.  It’s hard to see, but when you find it you’ll go “Oh, there it is”.

Love you Breyer

Bro. & Sis. Bach

Funeral of Uncle Al Lamperti

 

Dots and Dashes Across the Brazos - The Hood County Texas History Fair

First Place, Fourth Grade Granbury ISD, Presentations

 Oakwood School Winners

1st Place Poster - Breyer Schenewark