Montana, Memories, Mom and Men

Moriah Merritt's Wedding

 

The Working Man's Words

Prelude to Paradise by Hunter Schenewark

(Note: events happened Dec. 16-21; I didn't finish writing before I left for Texas, so here we are, one month later. Much of the delay can be blamed on Mr. John Grisham.)

There is a fine line between looking forward too much to the future, thereby not enjoying the present, and alternatively living too much in the present and not looking forward with an eye to the future. Both can be dangerous. This was a week where I was decidedly in the future. Saturday  I would fly home and be with my family again.

Of course, there is also the past and this is the perfect time to resurrect this classic.

Ah, yes. That era when my favorite word was paleontology and as long as I had dinosaurs in my front "pockets," I was invincible. 'Twas a simpler time. Of course, you could say not much has changed. I am still fascinated by dirt and the wonder of life that it conceals and helps produce.  Looking back at my scrapbook, I laughed seeing the same vest in so many of my pictures. It was my favorite outfit.

 We had our work Christmas party at Top Golf where the food was greasy yet good, and we did a white elephant in between shots. I brought a CanopyTax hat and a tie. Mason picked my present, and I walked away with 60 double A batteries. My original choice had been a crystal serving bowl, but when that was stolen, I went with the batteries. Although I currently don't have a single thing that uses batteries, I figured they were my best option.

I received my LSAT score from the first test. It was exactly what I thought I'd get, judging from my performance, so no surprise but some disappointment. I'm glad I signed up to take it again and won't have to wait long until the test in January.

The trip home was relatively uneventful. I flew out of Salt Lake City at 5:30 and met TannMarie in the Phoenix airport for the second leg of the journey. Nora is always a hoot. She pushed her little stroller all around the airport, before reluctantly boarding when the time came. We made it into Dallas close to midnight and after Dad brought us home, there were some quick hugs and hellos before we all hit our beds exhausted.

Dallas County Sheriff's Office

Pregnant nanny goat that needs a ride

Christmas deliveries that might be a bit late

The Words of the Working Man

Ich bin ein Schenewark: Dec. 9-15 by Hunter Schenewark

I'm committed to going to Germany this summer. My itinerary is slowly shaping up. My language skills are progressing. The plans are coming together. Initially, the idea was to be more of a tourist. Now, I am set on doing family history. I will travel to the hometown of the Gerken's, the Hesse's. And, I hope beyond hope, to find where the Schenewark's come from. Exciting update: I believe my father will come along!

Finals have descended upon BYU and the student populace is preparing to leave for break. Which meant this past week was mostly quiet on the social front. I read and read. Attended the last week of institute, went to book club, and worked out.

The cinnamon roll factory was firing on all cylinders this weekend.

Deseret Industries saw me coming from a mile away. What a book!

My propensity for wearing my bathrobe to evening events is spreading. Here I am with my friend Maddie H. Sunday night at ward prayer.

Dinner on Sunday was with Tanmarie. We ate good food and I relished my time with them and on their magic carpet. When I'm over there, inevitably, I wind up on their magic carpet rug. Nora was a lot of fun and kept coming back for more tickles. I think Cooper is still the favorite uncle though.

This week I've been researching and writing on economic inequality. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world, and I think there always will be. Impeachment might be shelved, trade deals could be made, sweeping policies enacted, yet uncertainty will always be part of life. I am not even sure where the Schenewark line comes from. Nevertheless, if there is one thing I do know, it is that we are all children of our Heavenly Father. I love Psalms 82:6, "Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High." And we truly are. I know that a firm testimony of this truth will help us navigate the challenges of life, and add more truth to that foundational precept.

Sophomore Scene, Jr.

With All My Love

Dear Children,

I know of late I haven't been consistent, but have not stopped sharing tidbits with you either. Just at a more relaxed pace. Until next year.

I peeked at Breyer's Christmas list, and felt an undeniable need to share my joy at reading her list. Not that we would have items in common if I had a list. But her sweet spirit shines through.

Item #1 - the laugh-out-loud item on the list - a "Girls Floral Satin Robe - Getting Ready Kimono Robe for Wedding Party." How did she even find that? And that she wants it?!? This is why I often explain to others that raising Breyer after six boys is like learning to speak a new language: foreign.

Item #2? Fabulous Fur Sleeping Bag Unicorn Design. For $90.
Item #3? Mountain Warehouse Festival Fun Four Man Tent. In purple. Of course.

You get the idea. Enjoy her while you're home for the holidays. She is the third wheel most days in the brotherhood bond of Sawyer and Miller, boys vs. girls, and older vs. younger.

We celebrated Miller's birthday very quietly. I still owe him a cherry pie. My sitter bought him an apple pie. He asked for a hammock, and the new Diary of A Wimpy Kid book. Can't believe he's a tween at thirteen. He is excited his basketball season has finally begun. He played in the recreational league in the morning, scoring 20 points and helping the team to pull off the win. This is the league where the coaches can pick players from the opposing team to sit in the second quarter. And the score went in the opposing team's favor with him on the bench.

Jarrod took him to Joshua for his prime team, a smart group of boys playing so much better and more together than last year's team. A different coach makes all the difference. He said it was like "real basketball." Miller put down a twenty towards the score there as well, walking away with a little wrist sprain from landing hard.

Sawyer played a game, and is now in the middle of a tournament in Glen Rose. Both days thus far he's not seeing too much playing time. I personally think the coach is trying to keep him healthy. He's still working on his dislocated finger and the change in his shot. But he's also got a little case of nerves. The coach pulled him aside after the game yesterday and told him to just go in and play.

Your father is now required to go to both graduations, so today and tomorrow will be sparse sighting. Hopefully Miller will have a ride to at least one of his games tomorrow.  We spent some time decorating the tree last night, and it's wonderful. The sight of lights and bows, and the smell of pine - making me anxious for your returns. Travel safely!

Love,

Mom

'Tis the Season

Sophomore Scene - Ultimate Frisbee Championship

Nora N'Updates / Luck O'The Lawyer