L O V E

❤️

mY mOnStEr

If I had a monster under my bed it would be a dark hippogriff. When she sings it would sound like a siren mermaid. It will certainly keep me in bed! Her hoofs would be dark and shocking. EEKK!!

Even though her mane looks lovely she has a horn with  magic.

I know one thing - that she is my monster.

LETTER #68

Don't call it a come back, I've been here for years.

I love telling everyone what my dad's name is because they don't say it Jarrod, they say it .....
Jhahhodge

Another big year for my mains man Miller, 12 gauge. Watch out, the halls of Granbury Middle School about to be overloaded by that priesthood power.

Apparently I have to work on getting back into BYU, and I'm lost but we've got that Darby Dan tech support squad to help us out.

Arrived at church ready to give that 20 minute impromptu talk. Thankfully, the Primary also had a little program and so, one more time, I am saved by the voices of the Primary teachers while the children watch lost. AMEN

One of the men we were teaching took a little trip to Germany. Surprise when we got a call from our Ward Mission Leader telling us that he wasn't coming back. Later he showed us the headline.

BRAZILIAN VW PASSENGER CARRIER FOUND WITH 100 KILOGRAMS OF 'ULTRA PURE' COCAINE, BRASILIAN ARRESTED

So long my amigo, my friend Marquinho, maybe I'll visit you one day in Germany.

And lastly, I had the privilege of conducting a baptismal interview for Elder Cândia, our district leader in Amarais, where I served over a year ago. Imagine my surprise when I entered in that old chapel to be greeted with a hug from Thiago. My companion and I started teaching Thiago over a year ago and had marked his baptism for October 28th of last year. Unfortunately, some stuff about his past came out and he turned himself into the police. Because of good behavior and some friends on the inside, he was released two weeks ago. The first thing he did was find the missionaries to pick up where he left off.

One of the things that he said that caught my attention was his testimony of the Book of Mormon. While visiting the ole jailhouse, apparently he had quite a bit of time on his hands. He, a young man of 19 years who never even finished school, read this wonderful book six times. When he showed me his copy of the dog-eared, marked up blue  covered book, it touched my heart.

How many of us, members of the Church of Jesus Christ, have that same devotion to our beliefs? When when the last time that I had a truly spiritual experience through the scriptures? One thing that I have learned is that the holy words of prophets, modern and not so modern, have the spiritual answers that we seek. Why do we put off receiving these answers by procrastinating, dIminuishing, or even eliminating our personal study?

I know that Thiago doesn't have a doubt about the truthfulness of these words. Because of a desire to receive answers, he was able to change his life. He's not alone, we all have this capability. If it didn't go so well this year, make the change. The book doesn't change, but what we get out of it does.

Don't call it a come back,
I've been here for years.

Until next week,
Elder Lil LL Cool Dr J(hahodge Schenewark)

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark

While perusing the store aisles Cooper passed the Hot Wheel bin in Krogers, and saw a hot wheel configured to hold a go pro camera. So for family home evening I think it will be fun to give everybody three minutes to build a track, and then let Cooper's car go. It's also the week of Hanukkah so I think we'll also light the first candle. Even though this Jewish holiday began when the destroyed temple was rededicated - it's a good reminder to remember and celebrate temples. It might even be a new family tradition!

We still have yet to put up a Christmas tree. And, I've heard this is the year of Christmas tree shortages, due to Christmas tree farms closing, so we might be out of luck! I was waiting until my rugs were cleaned, which finally happened this week. Even though there's considerably less traffic than when everyone was in the house, it still gets grungy here and there. We're baby proofing the house for Nora's visit, hence the rug. Moving the glass up and the plastic down, in the kitchen, is done as well.

Miller's games yesterday were uneventful so to speak. Until he shoots his three point shot - top of the key 2-3 feet back from the line. No rim, no backboard, just net. His prime team played at night so he didn't join us at the ward Christmas dinner, but Sawyer's friend did. Miller turned twelve this week on his quiet Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It suits his personality. There wasn't much of a fanfare. No one was around to celebrate. He finally chose me he's done with cakes and moving to pies: Chocolate cream this year. Hopefully that will be our FHE dessert tomorrow. Your grandmother made him a Boston Red Sox quilt he's been wearing nonstop. We opened it a bit early when it got chilly here and I needed more blankets. He needed a pair of basketball shoes so he got those early as well. So the new Dairy of a Wimpy Kid book and a pair of gloves was left. He's so loved. He had a box of corn dogs given to him by the Gammons gang, a Lego box from his Bohney friend, and a massive dart gun with darts from the Smiths.

Nathan and his mother asked if Sawyer wanted to go over to play ball, so I said yes, and told them they could meet us at the church for dinner, free, where they could drop him off, and they came. So fun to have a friend join you at church. She said the Primary children singing was her favorite act of the evening, with Cooper's Hawaiian themed version of Bing Crosby's Mele Kalikimaka. The young men all wore Cooper's buttoned up hilarious print shirts, used our red Santa hats, borrowed our ukuleles, and hummed on kazoos.

I didn't get to go to Sawyer's game this week. Freshmen start early and I won't always make it back into town in time. That being said, they won handily, over 70 again, and are 8-0 for the season.

Cooper is enjoying his part time in the knife business. Sawyer is eager to be his replacement next summer. They even bought a torch to assist their own efforts on the home front, and are now using my oven to harden the steel. It's crazy being the mother of boys!

Dad and I spent some time together visiting the local nativity display in the city's Langdon Center. Dad is well known in Granbury as the Bishop of the Mormon church. It's fun to watch him in action. This lady attributed her contribution to the community to the LDS Church, as she began in a stake center up north. She continued when she retired here in Granbury. My favorite is the expensive Spain figurines by Lladro. He pulled over on the side of the road for me, so I could pluck some local mistletoe. It's now hanging in the front entryway, and has already been tried out.

I think my LIGHT THE WORLD Community will be at work. I'm trying to get the ladies and gentlemen to help me put together homeless kits that the traffic units can hand out as needed. We'll see. There's a bit of red tape to go through when it's done in an official capacity.

Are you encouraged to participate?

My favorite quote of this week is from Elder Uchtdorf, "There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it." Look for Merry everything! this week.

Love,

Mom


Dear Porter,

I hope I did not miss you for the day. I (as Always) pray you are doing well. On the missionary home front, Sawyer had a friend and his mother come to the Ward Christmas Party. I hope they may come back to church, perhaps before Christmas on the 23rd. We only have sacrament for December 23rd, I expect that is the same in Brazil.

Your mission presidents wife placed some pictures on Facebook, that they took during apartment checks. I checked through them all and did not see any pictures of you as of yet. Did they come by?

We look forward to you phone call. How are you going to do it? and on what day? I believe your Mom is working on Christmas day.

I will send this off and hope you get it for the day. I love you. Be safe. And no Neti Pots, ( I will say more about this later).

Dad

Granbury Pirates Freshmen Basketball

Granbury High School freshman boys won the Jerry’s Kanga Klassic basketball tournament on November 29-December 1, 2018, at Weatherford High School.

The Pirates won first place with victories over Fort Worth Western Hills, Decatur, and Cleburne.  The boys are 8-0 on the season, following a win over Weatherford on December 4.

Team member are Ethan Armstrong, Hunter Bright, Corbin King, Tyler McCalip, Payton Plash, Elijah Riggio, Anthony Salgado, Sawyer Schenewark, Luke Stettler, Elijah Verrett, and Nathan Wisely.

The coach is Jason Shahan.

Christmas Concert

College Correspondent

Hallelujah!

The Hallelujah chorus was sung at the end of the Christmas Devotional, and was the most majestic ending I could have imagined. Immediately prior, Pres. Nelson had spoken and touched us all with his tale of a young girl struggling with cancer, and needless to say emotions were close to the surface. I brought McKinney, and was joined by Lawson and Kimball together with their dates. Having barely had time beforehand in the rush to get to our seats, upon leaving, we slowly meandered through Temple Square, admiring all the Christmas lights and feeling the spirit of Christmas, and of Christ throughout. Snow was again falling, and we endured a 90 minute ride back from SLC,  in which I am thankful to have arrived without incident, passing many accidents on the way. Even though we shall not be going on another date, I had an incredible time, and will never forget this night, and treasure the experience. This is year three for me, and the Christmas Devo never disappoints.

In other news, what a week! I spent part of my Sabbath morning sitting in the SLC airport. My ride accidentally forgot me, and the reason I mention it is because of that wonderfully comforting scripture, Isaiah 49:15-16:

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”

I’ve personally forgotten many things and commitments, but know that the Lord, with his infinite love, and despite his many children and many concerns, will never forget us. He is the Savior of the world.

And needless to say, upon realizing the error, my ride did quickly come pick me up, braving the snow that was heavily descending.

Tuesday I called off of work to go to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City again. My fh projects are due soon, and work remains to be done. Once more, I was sucked into the lives of my ancestors. I found out one of them, who I mentioned a while back, George A. Kingsbury, served in the Civil War. He enlisted in August 1862, and went by train to New York. After training there for a couple weeks, his regiment shipped down south, going around the eastern seaboard stopping in North Carolina, Key West, and New Orleans briefly before arriving to participate in the Battle of Galveston. From there he served in Louisiana and the record states, "Before he ordered his men to take care of themselves, Sergeant Ballou was severly wounded by a rifle ball in the left arm, near the wrist, and Private Cook reveived his fatal wound. Ballou asked Private George Kingsbury, Company B, to assist him in binding up his arm, and while doing so about twenty Texans made a rush upon them, with a demand for their surrender. A Confederate lieutenant gave orders to shoot them down, because their was a flag of truce displayed while the firing continued. An appeal to Major Hunter was necessary to prevent this barbarity, the sergeant not being aware of any flag of truce having been raised, and informed the major that he did not raise one. This was settled satisfactorily, and the few men left with Ballou were taken prisoners." After spending some time in prison, and being released on parole, the record continues, “Many convalescent and sick soldiers not able to march, but anxious to reach the federal lines, attempted to do so with their fellow prisoners. They gave out day by day from sickness and fatigue, caused by debility, hot weather, poor drinking water, and insufficient rations, to be left on the line of march all the way from Brashear to new Orleans. Quite a number died. Many were in a condition to give out any moment, but pluckily kept on and reached the lines. From the 42nd detachment Privates Henry Richardson and George Kingsbury, Company, sickened, and had to be left at Thibodeaux.”

For some context they made it 30 of the 80 miles to New Orleans. Eventually George made it back and his regiment was mustered out August 1863. Incredibly, when Pres. Lincoln asked for more volunteers one year later, George again enlisted, serving in Maryland and Virginia.

Could you imagine negotiating with confederates for your lives? Begging not to be shot? While flying back from Arizona, I realized that almost certainly, he never would have flown, having died in 1911. And its something I take for granted - a normal part of life.

Thursday I was invited to a “President’s Dinner” in the Hinckley Center. It was for all the presidents of school clubs, and was a formal, catered event. It didn’t especially appeal to me with a lot going on, (and I’m tired of going to these events SOLO!!!!) but due to the price of lettuce decided to go. A single head of lettuce is up to $2.50 here, and I couldn’t make myself buy one but have been craving salad. So after work I dressed up and went. I was blessed - I ended up sitting at a table with the presidents of the Shakespeare club, golf club, and Amateur Radio Club. None of which I knew existed but all of which I conversed with, and hope to sneak off to some of their events in the future. And the food, including lots of feta salad, was delicious. Entertainment was provided by an a cappella group, and a magician, with more acts coming before I made my exit. Definitely exceeded my expectations.

Friday morning I rode the frontrunner to the airport and departed for Arizona. It was timed perfectly. Without rushing, I left the train, caught my next one, arrived at the airport, went through security, and right to the line for boarding. The flight was easy - only about 75 minutes, and without any problems. A transgender woman was waiting for me, and she drove me to the hotel, the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. I mention that as I couldn’t help but notice that that was what I noticed first, and in my mind was her defining characteristic. I wondered, What is my defining characteristic? We had a nice conversation and she filled me in on some Scottsdale happenings.

I was the first one to arrive, and would be for a few hours. I enjoyed walking around the massive complex, with blue skies, the sun out, 65 degrees, and lots of palm trees and immaculate grass. I cranked out an essay that would be due, and hit up their exercise room before getting ready for the conference to start. This is the Collegiate Network’s (CN) annual Editor’s conference. About 35 schools were represented. Amazingly, the keynote Friday night was Peter Thiel, who I never imagined I’d meet. I was at the table over from him (dang assigned seating!) He gave a great, if somewhat scattered talk, before taking part in a discussion, moderated by Charlie Copeland. One of the good parts of being with a group of political junkies is that they are much less interested in business, so I waltzed over to Peter, and we had a good conversation. He had a couple security men there, ……

Hospitality ensued, and while snacking on popcorn networked a lot with the other students. That concluded the night for me.

Waiting for your seat mate on the airplane is a little like waiting for a new dorm roommate, but obviously lower stakes. Well my comps on both plane rides turned out great, but my luck didn’t hold for my roommate at the conference. Frankie, from the University of Pittsburgh, is a hospitable and amiable chap, but I worry when his first question is if I like to party. He wandered into our room sometime in the early morning hours, apparently drunk, knocked over the ironing board and iron, and when once safe in bed proceeded to scare any monsters from under the bed with his ferocious cannon fire combo of farts and non-stop snoring. I’m glad he didn’t get there earlier because it was tough to sleep after his arrival.

Nevertheless, I awoke with sufficient energy and enjoyed the day's events. Honestly, I didn't think that the trainings helped terribly much, which could be youthful egotism, or perhaps a reflection of today's journalism standards. They didn't help except for one by Rudy Bush of the Dallas Morning News on investigative journalism. I quite enjoyed that breakout. The main benefit of the conference for me was definitely networking (and the fact that it was like a free vacay). I met lots of nice students from across the nation and numerous professionals in the field.

Not wanting to miss church, I asked for a ticket back in the morning. So my plane left at 6 am. I brought my work computer to the conference, but our new work security system does not allow it to connect to open internet so I could not use it all weekend. Which was wonderful. And the "business center" at the hotel was outdated, now that everyone has internet on their phone and laptop (except me) so I arrived at the airport without a boarding pass. The driver this time used to be an umpire for college and mlb spring-training baseball before recurring bouts of heat exhaustion forced him out. So when I arrived at the airport at 4:45 am, I thought, who might be up? I calmed my grandmother, she answered on the first ring, assured me that she'd been up since 2:30 EASTERN TIME! and proceeded to log onto my email and get me the needed info. The plane ride was fine, and for the first time that I know of, I slept soundly enough to miss the complimentary beverage and snack.

For Sunday's priesthood discussion, I borrowed Uncle Rich's idea from his letter a few weeks ago. After talking for awhile about what is going on in our lives, we all wrote down ten things that we are most thankful for, talked about why, then crossed off three that we could without if forced to. The wailing started, as jobs were left, tv's, etc. When I asked for three more items to be crossed off, we all struggled as this time, parents were pitted against siblings, and friends and health were both given the boot. Finally, I asked for two of the last four to be marked off. The Spirit was strong as we realized what really meant the most to us, and saw how we needed to adjust our lives to make them a priority in time as well. Something that really helped make it a special lesson was at the start, before even forming our lists, I asked for a couple volunteers to share their testimonies on gratitude, and then someone else on priorities and how putting God first in their lives has blessed them. To close, I shared two examples from Pres. Nelson's life. First, as a young married couple,  his wife and him decided to always follow Matthew 6:33:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

In addition, as a prominent medical doctor, and father of (i believe at the time) 9 children, he was interviewed by Pres. Kimball to become a Stake President. Pres. Kimball related to him how everyone called in previously had recommended Russell Nelson, saying he was the man, but expressing reservation about his time, knowing that he was extremely busy. Pres. Kimball basically said, you're the man, but do you have the time to do this calling? To which Pres. Nelson responded, "No, but I have the faith."

MAY WE ALL HAVE THAT FAITH!

Letter #67

Another interesting week, some solid work, some solid sun, some solid stuff, and thankfully some solid defecations (not a novelty, just thankful).

Unfortunately, I have little time, without the capacity to send pictures or anything of the kind. To make matters worse, all of our notes were left at home so we are a little lost in our thoughts here.

Good thing that we'll manage to whip something out.

We were able to participate in the baptism of Alexandra this last week, photos to come, lots of interviews to happen this week, we'll be sure to have some news about the week in front of us. Have to take care of some BYU stuff.

Love you

Bye

With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

How was your week? Did you get to help the areas that were flooded? Are you well? Inquiring minds want to know.

Your father had a six week follow up appointment on Monday, and was pleasantly surprised to find out his doctor would support him in his efforts to not handle diabetes through medicine. He was thrilled. He's down 35 pounds, still walking multiple times a day, or double laps if he can't, and actively involved in adjusting meals to help him keep losing weight. The doctor said he would love for all patients to be as involved in their health as Dad is now. He's committed, and has almost shrunk out of his belt. He's now to the point where everyone has started to notice, and will approach him with questions.

Cooper on a WIT field trip to the Fort Worth Zoo

We spent the yesterday in basketball games. Sawyer's team had a tournament in Weatherford. I drove straight from work Friday via Trader Joe's to his game as the family representative. His first game was at 10:30 a.m. The second game that I saw was at 5:00 p.m. He was 9 out of 10 at the line, and walked away with 20 something points, including a beautiful 3 point shot. Saturday's game was at 2 p.m. for first or second place. They won handily. He contributed 11 points. All three of their games had their score at 70 points. All of the other Granbury teams - varsity, junior varsity - and the 9th grade B team - had losses. His team remains undefeated since the beginning of their seventh grade year. I was commenting to your father that it's wonderful to watch Sawyer in action on the bench. He encourages the players on the floor with cheers, he refills and picks up water bottles, he reminds players to pick their man, he's on his feet when they succeed on the floor, he sincerely comments to members of the opposing team when the game is over, and is the first to thank the referees. He's a joy to watch in motion, and has affected the cohesiveness of the team in the manner Coach B attributed to you. Merging two middle schools together doesn't always work if there's pride involved, and to see them coming together in 9th grade is wonderful.

Sawyer's friend spent some time with us again yesterday before and after his game. We've grown to love him and his mother.

Miller was asked to be on the prime team representing Granbury. His coach for the recreational league will be the same, so his practices are back-to-back, which is very convenient. Their first game was in Burleson, which normally isn't that far. But your father and I had to drive through two cities setting up and getting ready for their annual Christmas parades. We barely made it out before they both began. There were a lot of people on the road yesterday. Miller walked away with a win, 11 points, from 3 threes and 2 at the line. That's all he tried to shoot, and made them all.

I've picked up two more piano lessons - the two Smith girls. Now I'm up to six young women in as many weeks. Crazy! But your grandmother gave me a gift, one I've tried to share. Music blesses so many lives when shared.

I've enjoyed the Church's media campaign for #LightTheWorld. The global initiative for this week was a bit daunting, but I will be following their suggestion to post on social media. The tabernacle choir has a lovely Silent Night video. Their clip announcing their devotional for tonight was sweet. And they've been featured on all the major news stations for their vending machine giving box.

Breyer was invited to a slumber birthday party except without the slumbering part. More like a big pajama party. She has talked non stop all day, came home with a new pillow and a decorated sleep mask. She's still so very sweet, and is very excited for you to come home. She's waiting until you're back to be baptized.

A new version of the iconic Disney movie, Mary Poppins, comes out this week. Movies like this make me think of taking Miss B on a girl’s night out. Elder Renlund, in his “Choose You This Day” talk, quoted from this movie.  Mary answered Bert saying, “I can’t help them if they won’t let me, and there’s no one so hard to teach as the child who knows everything.” Bert asks, “So?” Mary answers, “So they’ve got to do the next bit on their own.”

“Brothers and sisters, like Jane and Michael Banks, we are “good kids” who are worth bothering about. Our Heavenly Father wants to help and bless us, but we do not always let Him. Sometimes, we even act as if we already know everything. And we too need to do “the next bit” on our own. That is why we came to earth from a premortal, heavenly home. Our “bit” involves making choices.”
As your mother, especially in this Christmas season I would say choose Christ. You’re in Brazil because you chose Christ. I let you go because I chose and continue to choose Christ.

Love,

Mom

P.S. I'm off on the 26th. Tanner flies in the 28th. Considerations for your phone call arrangements.

Granbury Pirates Freshmen Basketball Team