Nora N'Updates

With All Our Love

President Monson gave a great talk on the Finishers in life. "In life, as in business, there has always been a need for those persons who could be called finishers. From the very beginning to the present time, a fundamental question remains to be answered by each who runs the race of life. Shall I falter, or shall I finish? On the answer await the blessings of joy and happiness here in mortality and eternal life in the world to come.

David commenced well the race, then faltered and failed to finish his course. So it was with Judas Iscariot. He commenced his ministry as an Apostle of the Lord. He ended it a traitor. Job did not falter. Job became a finisher. Paul, at the conclusion of his ministry, could say: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7.) Like Job, Paul was a finisher.

Times change and circumstances vary, but the true marks of a finisher remain. Note them well, for they are vital to our success. The Mark of Vision. The Mark of Effort. The Mark of Faith. The Mark of Virtue. The Mark of Courage. The Mark of Prayer. These, the marks of a true finisher, will be as a lamp to our feet in the journey through life."

These past two years you have lived by those marks of a finisher. You have fought the good fight, and have finished your course. You have kept the faith, and it's indeed time to come home. Well done.

 OOPS!

Got a sweet note from Fabio Pereira, "Thanks Sis. Schenewark...This last week it will be a sad week... Love your son so much! Thanks for him! Love all of the Schenewark family!"

You've been asked to speak in church next Sunday, on "the Christlike attributes you've developed on your mission." (This should be great, as it could be different than everything else you have to talk about, yet can be the same!)

Hunter's been helping the Israelsens get their house ready to sell, mostly working on the deck, and painting inside. He and his trusty sidekick Cooper bring home unwanted leftovers, such as luggage, BBQ sauce, pens, white surgery coats labeled "Dr. Schaff, Cabell Orthopedic Surgeon, etc. So today in church Hunter leans over and points to the pen Miller's using, advertising, "When you need a Houston fertility specialist." Could NOT stop laughing!

Dad and your brothers got to go to a fireside tonight given by Elder Bednar. He said he likes to keep coming back to this area because it has the least percentage population of LDS youth. He said this area and Arkansas, where his kids grew up, need him the most.

I found an article from a May 2014 visit to Brazil. Elder Neil. L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the Church’s growth in Brazil. “It’s amazing to see the progress of the Church,” he said. “The Church is expanding and growing every year. This has been a great blessing for us to be eyewitnesses.” Elder Russell M. Nelson also adds his excitement at the Church’s influence in Brazil, calling Brazil “part of the heart of the Church.” He added that when he comes to Brazil he “sees the future of the Church.”

You're now a part of our future, beginning this Thursday! Come home, Tanner!

Love,

Mom and Dad

With All Our Love

Dear Tanner,

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm counting down the days. I'm not. I just know when you'll be here, and I'm waiting until then. Next week might be a different story! I have a few messages I found on your Facebook this week. From your lovely Spanish high school teacher, "Thought of you this morning when a team of Elders boarded our plane in Panama to head home! Safe travels!" And from Woodmansee, "Exciting! Please tell him I'm proud of his hard work!"

Your last letter was wonderful! The news of your mission breaking its record is fantastic. You're right about it being a great way to leave. You also left me in tears with your last sentence, "There is no good way to leave a mission. It is a death, and painful, but just as death is not the end, and heaven is on the other side, I can't wait. It's the same for us here. You've brought many blessings into our lives by being on a mission, and we know you needed to go, and experience all the amazing things that have happened to you, but it does come to an end, for which we're very grateful.

The official title of your youth conference presentation, following their theme of "Catch the Wave," is "Life Guarding: A Search and Rescue Operation - Important Principles for being an Effective Missionary." I love it! We'll have to come up with some really cool take-away for them. The theme and title will make designing your prezi fun!

Your fireside is official as well. It was announced in church today, We'll be doing a pot-luck type lunch first, then the fireside.

What else is on your calendar? Garage sale on the 19th, proceeds for the "Tanner Needs to go to School Fund." Also, an eye appointment, and two dentist appointments (just in case you need more than just a cleaning!).

Miller finally lost a second game in the all star tournament, and finished fourth in the district, out of 16 teams. Not too shabby! Especially since they had 8 seven year olds, and most teams were almost nine year olds. He's playing in the Ironton tournament this week, starting tomorrow, and then he'll be done. Sawyer won his first all star game, and then lost the next two, so they were bumped out quickly. But, they were the first team to play under the new lights on the Fairland team. They stopped the game when the lights needed to be turned on, and had a quick ceremony to thank those who helped the league get the lights done.

Friday was the ward's annual Fourth of July picnic. We came loaded with potato salad, Boston baked beans with bacon, and a cut-up watermelon. Kind of sad you missed the shing-ding, but perhaps next year ;-) We played lots of silly games, my favorite the three-legged race where I ended up on the ground laughing. Hunter and Dad spent a lot of time at the horse shoe pit, Miller and Sawyer were everywhere, and Breyer was everybody's favorite lap child. She just likes to sit and chat. Enjoy the pictures! The state park had a swimming pool, so we stayed later than most others, and let the boys swim for a while before we came home.

Later, we found out that a local business man puts on a fireworks show at the ball fields (second year) as Huntington was charging him too much money to use their parks. It was a great show! Thirty minutes of continuous fire works! Again, we were only missing you!

(Hunter opening a hand-drawn card from Cooper, Super Hero style ;-)

 Last night Dad lit up the fire pit, and soon Larry's grandkids joined us. We love them dearly. The last few nights have been cool, so sleeping has been enjoyable. Today after church we had them all over to celebrate Hunter's birthday. Can you believe he's 19? I can't. I guess I thought he was turning 18! Can't believe he's such an adult! He wanted apple pie instead of cake. After church we had exactly two hours to get the pies made before the grandkids had to go home, but the boys were motivated. Twelve LARGE apples were peeled quickly, and cut up, and baked to perfection just in time. They brought the ice cream and ice water. We make a good team. Fourteen people make quick work of two pies, but everybody's tummies were happy, and there was a piece left over for Hunter's breakfast.

 

Today in church Dad was released from the bishopric. They actually released the whole bishopric (Mazon and E. Lewis), and called Jamie Wolfe as Bishop (after ten years in the stake), and Frank Kirby as 1st counselor. He'll be wonderful. Wish we were staying so I could work for him! Cooper was also ordained a teacher today. Hunter AND Porter were able to stand in with Dad. I am so looking forward to one Sunday when you're here, having all four of my eligible boys assist with the sacrament ordinance. That's what being a mom is all about.

That's about the week! You'll have to listen to your sister Breyer converse with Siri on Dad's work ipad. (The name is Norwegian, which means beautiful woman ;-) She asks such questions as, "What are you? How old are you? Okay, are you three, or six or seven?" Sometimes she gets a response, such as when Breyer says, "Goodnight" she gets a "Good night" back. Most times Breyer just confuses her. The younger boys go to the two free movies on Tuesday and Wednesday with Nathan Welch. The boys have been watching the World Cup when they can. We're still packing, mostly sorting, now.

I was thinking of you today while playing the closing hymn, "The Star Spangled Banner." The second verse always makes me stop and reflect...

On the shore, dimly seen thru the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream;
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
But today I was thinking of an airport, seen through the teeming masses of people, half concealed, half disclosed, now in full glory, my missionary son stepping off the plane. What a glorious thought! It will be good. Love you! Have a wonderful, wonderful, last full week in your mission.

Love,

Mom and Dad

With All Our Love

Dear Tanner,

I think I'm ready to officially begin your official count down. Time is drawing close! Breyer keeps asking why we can't go to the new house, and I have to keep reminding her that we have to wait for you to come home. She does understand not wanting to be left behind. It's happened to her a few times this week, as well as when I went to girls camp. You will be relieved to know I finished your thank you letter for you ;-) Piece of cake!

The beginning of the week began with a tornado of activity related to buying the house, working with the realtor, talking to the mortgage lender, arranging to rent in between, finding out about utilities and insurance, opening and canceling accounts...you name it the phone handled it. I felt like it was glued to my head. Escaping to baseball practice at the end of the day was such a relief. No phone! By the end of the week the activity level had dropped considerably. There were a few issues with the roof, that the seller needs to handle, but by tomorrow the 30-45 waiting period to close on the house officially begins. The realtor has been great to work with. Aunt Shirley is also going through the process, and didn't even have to put her house on the market - will be moving shortly to Walpole!

The boys went to Imogene's house again for their weekly Scrabble game. Hunter pulled out the wins this week, with a FEW Scrabbles to boot. She's itching to add you to the fray. 

Summer days bring out the creative beasts in your brother. Cooper has been doing his computerized Lego robotics. 

He also makes a mean nutella strawberry banana sandwich.

Hunter being artistic with his hairy arm ;-)

Cooper erasing Sawyer's freckles off his face!

Porter going neon in his cross country clothes.

Breyer has been potty training all week. She began on Monday, and has not looked back. Even started waking up dry in the morning as well. She's had a few accidents, but gets a diaper on when Dad's in charge. We've had some problems getting shorts on her, as she doesn't want to cover up her Wonder Woman pants (underwear). Too funny. Sometimes she runs around with Miller, and they "train" together. Look what you have to look forward to!

Yesterday, Elder Bednar joined 6 other living apostles with "great pitch"--and threw the inaugural pitch across the mound at Dodger Stadium. An estimated 4,000 Church members were in attendance at last night's Dodger's game. The event, known as "Mormon Night," is the longest-running community event held by the Dodgers, and has gone on for more than 25 years. Bednar joins six other living apostles who have had this same honor. Last year, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland threw the opening pitch.

Yesterday was also Miller's third all star baseball game. He had a win on Tuesday, and a loss on Thursday, which made yesterday's game a make-it or break-it game. They made it. Miller actually changed the 0-2 disadvantage in the third inning by hitting a homerun. Line drive shot right down the right field line. He slid into third, but the throw was delayed, so he got up, ran, collided with the third baseman standing in the base path, got up again, and ran across home with the catcher then getting the ball. He tied the game with his one RBI, and broke open the floodgates for the 10-6 win. That win required them to play the next game, which they also handily won 16-4. Playing a second game in 90 degree weather definitely began to take its toll by the end of the second game, and when Miller fell asleep on the way home I was not surprised. They resume play tomorrow.

(Front row, far right)

Sawyer began his tournament with a home field advantage, but I was not there to watch. On the way home from Rock Hill, and after cell reception was restored we found out the game was tied 4-4 and going into extra innings. We drove straight to his field and found out they had won 6-4. Sawyer's playing center field for Mr. Sowards. He also plays tomorrow night.

Last night Breyer asked Dad to go outside with her and catch fire flies. It's one of his favorite features of West Virginia summers. Growing up in California, and going to school in Utah, he had never seen one until he was on his mission in the pan handle of Florida. He shared in church today that he had fallen asleep, and woke up, with no contacts or glasses on, and saw a bright light above his head. He thought for sure he was having some kind of heavenly manifestation. When he finally was able to put on his glasses, he discovered a small fire fly above his face. Perspective ;-)

Porter is on the tri stake youth committee, and had a little retreat Friday night-Saturday morning in Ashland. He is looking forward to working with you on this event. (**Definitely share your "I dreamed about you," glowing in the hallway, and "we're angels" stories, even though you're talking about preparing for a mission ;-) This is his hat he has to decorate as part of the youth leadership committee.

Porter has also begun his driving portion of drivers education. He is very hesitant about driving with others, perhaps that's something you could do just with him ;-) One Sunday he came home and changed his clothes, into his "driving" clothes, and took Dad out for a spin.

Hunter? Just busy. He comes to me every Sunday evening to let me know his schedule. We have to make sure we have no van conflicts ;-) He helps me with all the driving needs (appointments, library books, store) and I give him have the car. It's a win-win situation. Few lawn appointments, a couple of golf course mornings, having lunch with the missionaries...it's a good life.

Speaking engagements? They're piling up ;-) We'd like you to think about doing a fireside your last Sunday here. You have one when you get home, and then one after the youth conference workshops. Then we're gone. We're thinking of having a pot luck after church, and then you. A chance to talk about your mission, Brazil, customs, people, experiences...we'd like to invite neighbors, friends, classmates, Optimists...kind of like a glorified going away party. Are you up for it? You'll just need to work on your slide show when you come home, but work on the presentation now. Kind of a long version of youth conference ;-) You're great!

Well, I think that's it. We love you! Looking forward to hearing about your crazy week, World Cup action, and such. Stay safe.

Mom and Dad

With All Our Love!

Dear Tanner,

I tried to log into your LDSmail account to see if you were able to view last week's letter after your preparation day, but couldn't. I don't think I'm using the write user name, or you changed your password. Were you able? (Now I'm afraid not to write on Sunday!)

I also checked your BYU account and saw that you were awarded a BYU scholarship? Congratulations! Not sure if it's semester by semester, but we'll take it!

Clint asked Hunter if he wanted to do a Tough Mudder run in the fall in Utah. Hunter wanted to know if you are in ;-) Hunter also was invited to play in his golf scramble. Speaking of Hunter, he had been asked to teach the Elder's quorum today in church, on family history. He and I had spoken about some of our family stories. When he was told it would be a combined high priest, elders quorum, relief society meeting, he was a little nervous, and asked me to share the stories. He did a fabulous job! He was very encouraging of others to share ;-) and they loved him because of this.

Dad left Thursday morning on a house hunting trip in Texas, with his trusty sidekicks Porter and Cooper. He rented a car so he didn't have to worry about any car problems, and got to work early Friday morning. We've already sent you a few pictures of the house...Dad will have a few more when he returns, which will be fun to see. We feel very blessed we could find one (hopefully) within our budget without too much difficulty. He went with a list of five, and picked one we knew about but wasn't on our list. What you think you see on the computer and what you actually see are VERY different! Never buy unseen! And the one we bought is SO much nicer in all ways than what we thought. They are still there. They have enjoyed their time there, Today is your father's birthday, and the first spent in Texas this year ;-) Evan graduated from paratrooper school this week, and after your aunt visited him, was able to bring him home so there was a full house! While attending the church in Tyler, he saw on their board that there was a missionary serving in your mission since March, an Elder Colton Price...probably arrived in Londrina this month? Anyway, your father wanted you to know!

Your brother Porter got his braces off. He commented that you had never seen him in braces! I have yet to get a picture, but I will! Cooper loved your birthday message. He's been celebrating turning 14 here and there...asked for a machete for his birthday present. $8 at Walmart with an adult i.d. He loves that thing. He's cut up the father's day cake, a watermelon, and ice cream, weeds, bushes and the field. He's a man on a machete mission.

 Mrs. Shiner is back for the summer, decided not to retire in VA. I ran into her on a bike ride, and offered Hunter and the van to help her get her belongings back to OH. He'll be making the trip on Tuesday. She called me tonight and invited me to come over tomorrow and make gooseberry jam, after she invited the sister missionaries.

Most of the week we spent sorting and packing, doing small jobs and regular household stuff. Your siblings keep me busy! Sawyer and Miller had practice for their teams most of the week. I usually go down in the evening and sit to watch. It's a fun time I set aside for myself to enjoy the beautiful evenings, your brothers playing baseball, sometimes Breyer, sometimes a book. This week Sawyer was rotating through short stop, and had a hard hit in his direction. He ran, leaped, twisted, and caught the ball, which pulled him to the ground. It was spectacular. I gave a good honk from the parking lot, and the coach made everyone go over and give him a high five. Miller's all star tournament week started Saturday and goes through next week. They won their first game. He loves baseball!

We were reading the story of David and Goliath this week. When everyone wondered why he was on the battlefield, and their anger kindled against him, he said, "Is there not a cause?" You have a great cause, and are using those "five smooth stones" in your bag to fight the good fight, and do so "in the name of the Lord." We love you, and are so thankful you're slingin' the stones.

Mom and Dad

With All Our Love

***You have to answer today!!!! Uncle Roger would love for you to join him at summer camp. It's a week and a half after we've arrived in New England...up to you. Dad, Cooper, Sawyer and Porter are going. Hunter might be swayed if you go, but he also wants more time with Grampy. Let me know. He wants you to teach the trail to first class with him, which Sawyer will be attending.***

Also, we are committed to getting money into your bank account THIS week ;-) With a little extra for being so patient!

Dear Tanner,

I'm writing this a little sooner this week as I'm off to girls camp in the morning. Sometime earlier this year I felt generous and said yes, and I've been kicking my backside all day. It's too much, but I can't back out now. Our group (2nd years) is the biggest, and there was a need for a second leader (me), but it was under the condition I didn't have to do anything during the year, as I was teaching seminary. Now I'm doing it all - today ;-) Hopefully someone will write you a few words as to their survival condition while I'm gone. Multiple siblings have come to me to tell me they won't be able to survive. :-)

Sunday I was released from my calling as seminary teacher. The high counselor jokingly said I was so good that they had to replace me with two teachers (Sisters Sherry Lewis and Lim). It is a relief to no longer carry that burden but it was a calling I loved, and am so thankful I had as an answer to my prayers of how I was going to keep up with you and offer any kind of thoughtful weekly advice.

Porter also received his patriarchal blessing recommend, and has an appointment with Grampy the Sunday after we arrive. I can't believe he'll be my third to do so! What a wonderful blessing these words of guidance can be.

We celebrated Larry's birthday on Sunday. Breyer and I made a chocolate-chocolate cake, and brought it over. Everyone got to put in a candle, light it, and tell Larry why they loved him. I think his favorite was when Hunter said, "I love you because you don't get too upset about the scratches I put on your truck." Of course he was just joking. Larry would not be anywhere near laughing if that happened. This was the first time Larry's taken "the bite," and it was a first for us with a mustache in the frosting! We do love our neighbors. 

I was reading that the Pont des Arts footbridge over the Seine in central Paris was closed for a few hours on Sunday after a metal grill laden with padlocks left by amorous couples collapsed onto the walkway. Padlocks began appearing on bridges in Paris and other European cities more than five years ago left by people seeking to symbolise their enduring love - often inscribed with couples' names. Lovers typically throw the keys into the river. Nobody was hurt by the "love lock" incident, a city. I've always wanted to put a lock on and throw the key, but perhaps by the time I get there it will no longer be allowed. They're taking suggestions as how to curb lovers' symbolic enthusiasum.

I was also reading today in the news that Google sent letters to all their advertisers informing them that no longer would they be accepting or allowing pornographic material / explicit photographs or subjects in advertisements. Hip Hip Hurray! What a great thing! Hopefully many others will follow in their footsteps.

Miller has spent the entire week practicing for all stars, and he is in heaven. He spends the whole day asking me how much longer until practice! That kid can't get enough! And he'll be playing all week while I'm gone. Sawyer found out he made it as well. He'll have a later season, perhaps you'll get to see him play. Mr. Sowards had the winning team, so he's the coach, first time he's accepted as he's always had to refuse due to him also being league president. As this is his son's last year, he's done being president (next year), got an exemption, and will be coaching. He's so happy Sawyer can play. We love the Sowards family. Your father helped Tanner with a nationally advertised weight lifting graduate assistant position at Marshall, so they love as as well ;-)

I found this picture from Miller's kindergarten papers, and thought it fitting he loves Texas. He was born there, and now gets to go back. This week in preparation for that move I found a realtor, found a lender, reserved a moving truck, thought about how to get you to school and am still thinking on that, met with a lawyer...it's been busy! The boys are still helping take stuff down, repair when needed, and pack boxes.

Sawyer met with his neurologist. His results look good in the fact there has been no noticeable growth. Yeah! (You can see the white spot near his eyeball, that's the large cyst.) His headaches have actually decreased in frequency, although when he does have one it's pretty bad. We got copies of all our records and MRI's, and will find a new neurologist, and get a follow-up MRI in a year, unless he's more symptomatic. 

That's all the news over here. I think. It's late! I heard there might have been some rules issued for you and your missionaries regarding the World Cup and how it might affect your routines. It would be interesting to hear what's different. The only headline regarding the World Cup I heard today was that the USA coach didn't arrive with his team.

We're excited to hear about your week, your new missionaries, and your awesome adventures! We LOVE you dearly!

Mom and Dad

P.S. We found lovely pictures of you greeting and eating with new missionaries...I'll share with your letter...you look wonderful!

With All Our Love

I can't remember if I asked you last week or not, but Uncle Roger would love for you to join him at summer camp. It's a week and a half after we've arrived in New England...up to you. Dad, Cooper, Sawyer and Porter are going. Hunter might be swayed if you go, but he also wants more time with Grampy. Let me know. He wants you to teach the trail to first class with him, which Sawyer will be attending.

Also, we are committed to getting money into your bank account this week ;-)

Dear Tanner,

It was wonderful to read your letter last week, and feel of your sweet spirit to build up the kingdom. Your mission has climbed the ladder, so to speak, and I know you're a major driving force. Your presidents have been outstanding, as well as the quality of missionaries that have surrounded you during your two years in Brazil. How fun to begin to finish, and know you're finishing so strongly.

This week was crazy in the sense that there is no more school! No more schedule, no more lunch making in the morning, or requiring matching shorts and shirts; no more breakfast time (they just eat all day ;-)...so today at 11 p.m. I realize it's a Tuesday, and I need to be typing!

Miller enjoyed his last regular season baseball game. He had one player on his team hurt his hand, so it was more difficult than usual to get the win! They were down one until the bottom of the sixth (last) inning, and they were able to tie the score 3-3. Four more innings of play, and it's still tied, the bottom of the tenth, two outs, and your brother comes up to bat. I yell from the outfield, "Miller, I want to go home! Hit me a good one!" He gets two strikes on him, and then smacks the ball into the outfield over second base, and the runner on second scores. Game over. Miller didn't know he could stop running, and as he was rounding first his coach picked him up and hugged him. They remained undefeated 16-0, and he got an other game ball. He posted, "I expected nothing less than a shoot out tonight in the season finale. The game went 10 exhaustive innings and in the end, Eastham Black prevails 4-3 with Miller Schenewark providing the walk off hit scoring." He has been invited to the all star team, and I have listened for days now to him asking when his practice is, and when somebody is going to call. He's in serious withdrawals. Sawyer got the call tonight. He's very excited as well.

Now that Hunter's out of school, he is helping to feed the missionaries weekly as well. Dad takes one pair, and he'll take the other. His favorite place in the west end is now Hardees. His favorite hamburger now is their 1/2 pound western - bacon, BBQ, cheese, onion ring, freshly made bun... . You'll have to join both of them in their lunch excursions ;-)

This Saturday was the regional oratorical contest. Porter thought he should relinquish his first place position, decline going, and let Hunter go in his place as second place winner. Since Hunter is going to school and on a mission Porter thought Hunter should get the money, as well as him having been there last year had a better chance this year. It was a very magnanimous thing for your brother to do, although Hunter offered to pay him $20 for letting him try, and $500 if he won. And he did. He received $2500 for his speech, and $500 for the district senior scholarship he had applied to and had already been invited to receive. Don't feel badly. We'll help you when you get home. He's developed quite the list of jobs, and you'll be his wingman upon your return.

This week Sawyer and Miller are going to the little basketball camp run by Speed. It's from 3-6 p.m., and they come home tired! Love it! Today Sawyer had another check-up MRI. We'll go to the doctor appointment Monday to see if anything has changed. He also had dye contrast, which means i.v., but he did great. It's SOOOO loud in there and for so long (45 minutes!) we both leave feeling a little shakey and headachey ;-)

This weekend was also seminary graduation. Both Hunter and myself were asked to speak. Hunter did a good job. He said that one of the things he learned in seminary was that girls liked Elder Holland quotes, so of course he used one at the end of his talk! I began mine with a David Letterman top ten list. I called Grampy for some help, and he contributed funny ones, right then and there!

Top Ten Reasons You Love Going to Seminary

10. After finishing all the indexing requirements, you could minor in a foreign language!

9. Free breakfast Friday!

8. You get an extra hour to put on make-up ;-)

7. Because you have a great excuse to end those really bad dates!

6. Friends think you're training to be an Olympian...Your other friends think you're training to be a monk.

5. You get to see what everybody REALLY looks like!

4. You have the most spiritual naps ever!

3. You can finally say the whole name of the brother of Jared.

2. You don't have to wait until you're 16 to group date!

1. Understanding that sharing on your wall is a whole lot easier than it was for Samuel!

I also spoke of things I learned again this year:

• You learn Heavenly Father truly loves you (Ether 2:25)
• You learn how truly unique and special you are as a member of the Church in these latter-days (Jacob 5:70)
• You learn what your purpose truly can be (Moses 1:6)
• You learn about the type of person you can become (Alma 48:17)

 We can talk more when you come home ;-) We love you! We're busy over here. The boys are helping me pack, take apart things, and fix other things. It would be great to finish before you come home so we won't have THAT hanging over our heads. Have a wonderful week - be safe! Your letters arrived this week - April/May - thank you so much! Sawyer had been asking over and over again when it was going to arrive.

Love,

Mom and Dad

With All Our Love

We received a letter from the Dean's office, College of Engineering and Technology, inviting you to a math refresher course to "assist you on your return to BYU." I assume, even though it is free, you're not registering for this event?

Dear Tanner,

What a week! One for the record books! the Bachs arrived in town, Hunter graduated from high school, we placed 850 flags on graves of veterans, Porter held his Eagle Court of Honor...those are some of the activities. Lots of red, white and blue with a sprinkling of green ;-) Let's start with Friday. The German friends arrived at lunch time, and we scooped the brothers skipping school (Porter and Cooper) to drive straight to Hillbilly Hotdogs. We figured one more time there would be fun! Hunter met us there after a mow job.

We also picked up Porter's scout awards, and our new double paned window newly repaired for $100 after Miller put a baseball through your bedroom winter. After a quick trip to a summer league basketball game by Sawyer, where he scored 9 out of the 19 points, we ran to graduation. It wasn't as good as yours, as the speaker wasn't you or your brother ;-) But, Hunter graduated second in his class, and represented the family well. They also handed out the sum cum laude awards. Your sister wanted to wear her party dress, and promptly fell asleep, after deciding Hunter was too far away to see (we were on the upper deck - nosebleed section!).

Saturday, due to the Bachs generosity and forethought to pack 850 flags in their car trunk, we got to put a lot of flags out on the graves of veteran soldiers. The boys had a great time finding the stones, and we actually ran out of flags before we finished! We handed out a lot of flags to other scouts there, and even went to Bro. Overby's family cemetery to do his as well. That's a fun tradition I'd like to continue to do on future Memorial Days. We also visited the Museum of Radio and Technology, a Huntington treasure ;-) It has SO much stuff! you could get lost there for days - look forward to those pictures in your email!

We visited Fat Patty's for a really late lunch, always a culinary delight. At 6:30 p.m. we had a few folks over to celebrate Hunter's graduation - Sis. Parrish, the Mazons, and Larry and Sandy. It was a delightful group, love for us and them was very palpable. Everyone has been very generous to Hunter because of his graduation. He is very loved as well. I couldn't be prouder of you two boys.

Sunday morning we took two very loaded cars to church - patriotic flowers, balloons, programs, flags, decorations, table cloths, paper products, cake, cupcakes, potato salad, Boston baked beans, chips, veggies, BBQ pork, macaroni and cheese, homemade rolls, watermelon, lemonade with strawberries...miss me? It was very good. Took us about 20 minutes to get the tables and chairs set up in both rooms, decorate, and get the food ready - record time because of all those willing to help. Hopefully it was well worth their efforts. There were close to forty that stayed after church to support Porter. He desperately wanted to wait until you were home, but you're not here long enough for us to wait. Dad did a nice job talking about scouting, its history with the Church, and its importance as the activity arm of the Priesthood.

Monday morning we went to Gallipolis for their Memorial Day parade, our stopping was actually spontaneous ;-). It was short and sweet, and perfect. 

There was also a vain attempt at a famous local hot dog eatery. With their burlesque theme, dancer named hot dogs, vintage strip tease posters, and "weenies that wiggle," we couldn't run fast enough out the door!).

We moved onto our 100 minute train ride in Nelsonville, OH. The trains were great, the vistas beautiful, the history very interesting, and the company the best!

We finished with buffalo burgers, and a visit to mothman and the museum. The day couldn't be beat! Filled with enough Ohio oddities to scare any sane person from returning to visit! We topped off our most excellent Brown Sign day by celebrating an early birthday cake for Cooper.

 

The Bachs left early this morning, and are just about home while I'm typing your letter. We're off the holiday schedule, and are back to orthodontic appointments, lawn mowing, wash, trash, dishes...the stuff of which make summer vacations.

We're getting a little trunky over here. Today Breyer spoke with your grandparents, and then wanted to call you. And she didn't want to take no for an answer! Miller wanted to know if you'd be back in time to see him play baseball. Cooper doesn't want me to put away his Legos because he has play dates planned with you. Feel the love! We love you! We're ready!

Love,

Mom and Dad