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