Dear Elder Schenewark,
Good morning! I loved last week’s analogy of the Boston Hancock building. I’ve been there. I’ve driven by many times. But I never knew the story about the changing lights. Thank you. I'll share with you how the fall season is here. The trees are turning colors, the air is a bit crisper - and we need to get our chimney cleaned!
Have you found out why you can’t receive packages? Is there a way we can send one that has been successful? Does your President know?
Your father has finally taken your advice to heart, for which we’re all very grateful. For close to three weeks he’s avoided all sugar, most carbohydrates, and already has loose clothing. But his diligence to exercise more than once a day has made the biggest difference. He has access to a lab at work, where a kind co-worker will be drawing his blood weekly. Already there is a tremendous difference. So thank you for sharing your blessings with your father. The only thing he is concerned about, now, is his vision. He has an appointment on Monday to have his prescription adjusted. Rest easy on this.
Halloween began and ended with lots of rain, a rather soggy way to end the festivities. The kids forgot about the Bentwater celebration, and get no party at school, so the church activity was really the bonus this year. The mutual kids, since Halloween was on a Wednesday, tried to go to a neighborhood together, in costume, but it was too wet.
Friday your siblings had a half a day, at the end of their six week grading period. They came home, quickly collected necessary items, and headed out with your father for a scout camp out at the Dinosaur State Park. Even Breyer got in on the action as due to Sawyer and Miller having athletic events only Cooper spent the night. In his hammock. After a rousing game of Capture the Flag. Miller did pass off a few things, including preparing and cooking
Sawyer had another injury – middle finger on his right hand. He was doing partner sit-ups, passing a weighted ball back and forth. While in the down position, arms extended above his head, someone dropped another ball on top of his ball, crushing the tip of his finger. I spent 45 minutes trying to get him out of school for an X ray, which is a whole other matter. The X ray showed his finger was not fractured but displaced. Think of the tiny finger bone at the top tilted sideways. He’s been wearing a finger brace to protect it from getting bumped, but there’s not much else that will happen.
Sawyer was asked to play in the JV scrimmage Saturday morning, along with two other freshmen. We thought he was wonderful but of course we’re just a bit in love. He scored the first point of the game with a three pointer, and followed up with 3 out of 4 at the line, responsible for 6 out of the 8 points. The second quarter was unmentionable, but the third he kicked it back into gear and scored two more at the line, and a couple of points, including the last basket of the game on an impressive post up twist and turn fancy maneuver. His comments were that he’s a bit out of shape, even after playing all fall with the team, and indeed the varsity appeared a bit quicker. But there’s no doubt he was the high scorer of the match up, and the main point guard.
Sawyer and Cooper spent a bit of time and were able to fix my F piano key - it gets sound, just not normal sound. We all agreed it is better than it was. The boys have decided that the two side panels are coming out, and Cooper will cut a plastic see-through panel instead so they can watch the inner workings of the piano while playing. I think it's a fabulous idea. Stay tuned (ha!).
Because of all the rain outs Miller had to play three baseball games within 24 hours, and one Thursday evening. Thursday evening he caught two innings in 85 degrees, then was put in as pitcher and didn’t do so well. On Friday night where he came out pitching like his life depended on it. I think he had five strike outs in a row. He believes the key to his success was because of Dad’s taking him to a Ranger’s game. While there he noticed all the pitchers playing catch with a football. So he threw the football before he went to his game. I worked overtime and drove straight to his game, so I had no idea until we were talking after both his games Saturday. He caught the second game, and started the third game. He was so tired! They didn’t win any of the games, which was expected. They’re truly the Bad News Bears team. But Miller has learned a few things which would not be learned any other way. His thinking game has definitely improved, as he tries to prepare for the possibilities of any play. He’s done more talking to his teammates. He goes up to bat knowing he’s needed and he can make a difference, and comes through every time. He had two triples in his last game, multiple RBI’s. I think he had a triple in Friday’s game as well as a double. He has one regular season game Tuesday, and an end of the season tournament on Saturday.
Hunter fed your brother Tanner tonight at his house - trout. They then all Face timed over here. Family. Love mine so much! We talked about trout, trout flavor. Hunter's date this week, and how she won't make a second date. We laughed over Nora saying, "Hi," and her walking every where.
We talked of how Tanner is leaning towards Washington DC and Dallas for his first job after law school. He actually has to apply next year, in his second year. Moments like this when we're all gathered around the table, and they're all gathered in Hunter's room, is when I miss you the most. We're not quite complete. Thank goodness we know where you are, and what you are doing.
Love,
Mom
