New Beginnings.

Lewis Family

January 2013

“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”

Happy New Year family! We are so excited to start this new family journal with you all and know it will be a great way to keep up on everyone’s news and happenings!

The first month of a new year, a new house in a new city, new neighbors, new friends, a new school for Jensen, a new commute for Jeremy, a new ward with new callings, a renewed commitment to documenting our family’s happenings … seems only appropriate to title our first entry “New Beginnings!”

Ringing in the New Year with pots and pans.

Our new house.

We have had a busy month adjusting to life here in California, but seem to be settling right in. Jeremy is really enjoying his time at work in the office, and feels positive and excited about the opportunities that will come as a result of our relocation. Now if we could just figure out how to get around the two hours he spends on the road each day!

So far our new ward feels like a great fit for us. It seems to be a nice mix of older, established families along with a lot of younger ones like ours. The primary is quite large and Jensen has been sparking up some friendships with the cute kids in his class. I just got called to be a primary teacher, so it will be fun to be in there with him. Jeremy has been called to be the Assistant Ward Mission Leader and will be a part of the big “rescue” effort our stake is focusing on right now.

Jensen got started in a new preschool that is just blocks away from our home. He seems happy with it, and the best part about it is that it’s right next to a large, city park, so we get to spend our afternoons there after he’s done with class. The preschool requires parents to volunteer several days throughout the quarter, so I’m excited to be able to work with and observe him in his school environment. Peri and Bennett are doing great. They are still so much fun and really just love being together. Bennett’s favorite phrase right now to any and all of us is, “Can I tell you a secret? You’re my best friend and I love you soooo much.” It’s pretty sweet. Peri is still all girl in many ways, especially in the art of communicating. Just today during lunch she said to me, “Mom, the fairy godmother turned Cinderella into a woooman!” I’ve been cracking up about it ever since.

Jensen's new school.

Bennett flowering his Great Grandpa's grave in San Francisco.

Our cowgirl in shining armor.

One more highlight of the month was a visit from Jeremy’s parents. We had them here for a few days and enjoyed revisiting some of Jeremy’s mom’s old stomping grounds. She grew up in San Francisco, so we spent a day driving through some of the places close to her heart, including her high school, her dad’s old home, and his burial site. It was neat to see and hear about some of her past and know it meant a lot to her to be able to reminisce and share some of these special memories with her grandkids.

Visiting Great Grandpa's gravesite.

We hope this new year has started well for all of you. We love and miss you to pieces. So glad Mom is spending time in sunny Florida with our favorite Floridians, or Floridites?? Happy late birthday to big kid Weston, and early birthday wishes to three sweet girls … Haillie, Lauren and Logan! Hope your celebrations are sweet too!! We love you all and are thankful everyday to belong to such an amazing family. Until next month … Keep the Faith! 

Love, The Lewis Family