Jennie's Texas Weekend

I am so glad that Jennie insisted on a quick trip to Texas after her finals and before her mission farewell to meet Olena and help her favorite sister (aka: me)! She is truly a superhero to my girlies. (Plus, she plays rugby). She is game for everything. She will jump on the tramp, run through sprinklers or play hide-&-seek. Meanwhile, she jumps up to do dishes, changes diapers and is so helpful; I wish she could stay with us always. We caught her several times reading scriptures to prepare for her mission. Stephen used her as an example during a mission prep lesson. She is truly a gem.

I admit now that I was a little too tired to be a wonderful hostess the week that Jennie visited. We spent most of our time inside the house. Jennie, in true rugby fashion, was game for wrestling and jumping on the beds. But, we did emerge a couple of times. We made it to Culvers to enjoy ice cream and to the splash pad and the donut shop. It may take me a LONG while to lose the baby weight!

Mother’s Day is truly the best day in the world. It is always especially beautiful when we have a new baby in the home. I love that all four of my girls woke me up in bed on Sunday morning to bring me a delicious breakfast. Plus, Jennie was there to help with the cooking (thankfully—plus she surprised me with the dvd “Impossible,” something I’ve been dying to see). I always request a nap on mother’s day and a day off from the cooking. Stephen complied with a delicious steak dinner and a hands-off policy for mom. Awesome!

I also received some very treasured gifts from my girlies. According to Kayla: I am the “nisist” mom in the “word.” According to Ella: The best thing about me is that I buy things she needs and make yummy food! It’s nice to be appreciated! We sent our appreciation to the many mothers we love in our area in the form of muffins and strawberry jam.

CALLED TO SERVE: SISTER JENNIE LEWIS

Bon Voyage Jennie!
I tried really hard not to cry. I really did. But, it was impossible not to get choked up when I wished my sweet sister Jennie farewell for the next 18 months. I am so proud of her for serving a mission and I know we will stay close through emails and letters, but I will miss having her present. The state of Alabama does not know how lucky they will be to have such a rocking missionary.

Jennie's Farewell (excerpt)
Brothers and sisters, once again I feel more than blessed to be standing in front of you here today. I could not have been more blessed to have been raised in such an amazing ward. This is truly the greatest ward family in the entire world.
As well as my ward family, I have been blessed by my amazing friends most of whom are all on missions. In fact I counted…57 are on missions now, 32 of those being my girlfriends who responded to the Prophet’s announcement last October. That doesn’t include my 26 girlfriends who all have their calls now who will leave shortly from now until August. I am excited to be following in their footsteps and am so grateful for the example they have set for me in preparing to serve.
And of course there is my own family. I have two of the most amazing parents…grandparents…siblings. I am so grateful for all their help and support in this whole process as well as their continued support throughout my mission. Thank you to all. This is an exciting time for all of us brothers and sisters. Missionary work is alive and well and continues to spread all throughout the entire world.

Jennie seems to have found a home in the MTC! Check it out!