Utah - Our Last Few Hours

Fathers have the unique opportunity to bless their sons

by bestowing a father's blessing when needed

as well as on special occasions, like sending off their son

to serve as a full-time missionary for 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This mom adores her boy!

The Greatest Family Ever!

Two thumbs up to Jake's soon-to-be home...the MTC!

(The Missionary Training Center)

Utah - The Final Packing Job

White shirts.

Ties.

Putting it all together.

The final product...

a proud dad!

Utah - The Beginning of Jake's Final Destination

The beginning of Jake's mission just had to include a gathering of

the Sudweeks Family.  Jake will be serving within 30 miles

of every member of his mom's family!

Such a temptation for everyone!!

Alexis is happily sandwiched between the two most handsome

men in her life, her big brother and her dad.

 

Crazy family pics...the Payne kids win!

It's Official - Elder Bramwell

Sunday, June 2 was a very busy day filled with a lot of emotions.

We tried to capture every minute of those emotions.

A few of the significant men in Jake's life (I mean Elder Bramwell's life).

This picture was taken just following 

Jake being officially set apart as a full-time missionary.

And here are some of the significant women in Elder Bramwell's life.

He is truly loved by his sisters and his mom!  Just look

at those tear stained faces.

Gathering to Wish Jake Farewell

Three

Generations

of

Handsome

Bramwell

Dudes

Family and friends gathered from near and far to wish Jake well and to say farewell for the next two years.  Jake is a friend to many and was truly overwhelmed by the support he received.  We are excited as his circle of friends will only grow over the next two years. 

Preparing to Serve - Part Three

Finally, after 10 months Jake was reunited with his best surf bro, Jeremy.

This meant he had three weeks to get in as much surfing as possible, and they did!
They even went on a mini surf safari down the coast of Southern Cal
 living out of Jeremy's white van.

Jake's last three weeks also included
transforming his surfboard with the help
of Alexis' artistic ability and with Desi's 
watchful eye.  They designed the pattern
of stripes along with the "psych" logo.  
Hours were spent working to perfect his 
board to be on display for the next two years. 
Jake also felt inspired to include a drawing
of the Savior Jesus Christ on the bottom of 
his surfboard.  At one time Jake made the 
comment that Christ would keep him afloat.  
I took that both as literally and figuratively as
only a mother would take it.  

Preparing to Serve - Part Two

Preparing to be away from family and the regular routine

of life included spending time with family, which most 

certainly included a Dodger game and a Dodger Dog.

Silly faces, but Judy the Beauty's face wins, hands down!

Fireworks!

Jake also prepared to serve in Utah by seriously shaking his hips at our Ward Family's Luau!

 A Beach Boys Concert at the Hollywood Bowl also seemed most fitting.  

But who is the guy off on the left?

Preparing to Serve - Part One

We needed a picture of Jake in standard missionary attire for his missionary plaque,

 which will hang in the foyer in our local church building for the next two years.  

Alexis was our photographer.

Tyler Lythgoe joined in on the fun of taking missionary pictures.

However, the real fun only began when Jimbo joined in! 

 Ummm, do I see a Superman leotard under those white shirts??!!**!?*!!

Mission Call in Hand - February 2, 2012

The Wait if Finally Over
At about 1:30p.m. on Thursday, February 2, Jake took a trip to the mailbox down the street.  He was gone for a while.  Did he get his call?  Did he open it by himself?  No, Jake just had to call his best buddy, Tyler, to let him know "IT" had finally arrived.  Jake was so excited he was giddy.  In fact he even smelled the envelope!

The Big White Envelope
Jim was in Spain when Jake's big white envelope arrived, so we had to WAIT for 8 LONG hours before the opening.  This was yet another test in patience.  The Lythgoes and Geringers joined us in our home.  Via conference call, which Jim set up through work, Jim along with Poppy & Becky, Grandpa & Grandma Suds, the Yuhas', the Slades, the Ords, the Ryan Sudweeks family, Shardae, and the Paynes were all present for the opening.  The big question was, where has Jake been called to serve?

The Opening...