HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM BEND, OREGON

Changes -  2013

Life begins where your comfort zone ends. If so, the Francis’ are livin’ the life. We’re learning the only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.

In January Brett changed jobs to Plant Manager, Certified Planes Division at Epic Aircraft in Bend Oregon.  He swapped autonomy and weekend climbing trips for manufacturing multimillion dollar planes and even flying them occasionally.

Since relocating to Oregon Jonell is changing her questions from “why are yoga pants so comfy?” to asking total strangers “would you join us for dinner?” and “so why are you in grief counseling, what happened?” or classic mom style, “You’re from Utah, are you Mormons? No. Oh (awkward pause), would you like to be?”

Lauren and Dallin (25) changed continents in August for jobs in Fusion I/O’s European office. In Egham England, many changes let them know they’re ‘not in Kansas anymore, Toto.’ Dal traded his Toyota Tacoma truck for a tin can on wheels and Lauren’s home décor changed from Shabby-Chic to ‘draped wet clothing.’ They’re looking into why clothes dryers are turned away at UK borders, especially during this cold winter season.

Tanner (22) is in that map-less phase of schooling where you learn that it’s good to decide, but it is also fine to change your mind. He’s changed majors from Sound Engineering to Business Management (after dabbling in Finance, Rec Management and Music Performance.)  Today Information Systems (web design) feels like home because he LOVES to create. Hey, change means ‘different.’ And until he hits that 4 year mark in college, different is good.

Megan (20) is changing lives in Salta Argentina by shedding the gospel of Jesus Christ abroad. This girl is on fire! She is stretching and growing into her true eternal self more clearly and defined each week. She doesn’t just believe in miracles, she relies on them, every day. We love that she’s there. She returns in July.

Nate (18) stayed in Provo to finish high school leadership commitments. Living with the Francis Grands changed his home life from chaos to quiet overnight. He fills the silence with mesmerizing oboe and English horn solos to the night as he prepares for auditions with the BYU School of Music next year. 

Lynley (15), exasperated said, “Tell me we are not going to be THAT family…that lets kids choose their own tacky clothes.” Because of her fashion influence we are all changing outfits more often than we did before. If we look good, it’s because Lynnie’s on task.

Isaac (13) changed sports uniforms. All club level sports in Oregon mean Sunday games, so to keep the Sabbath holy he’s playing anything city league he can sign up for... now basketball.  He also plays percussion in band and is playing hard to get with the Middle School girls. To which we say, “Good on ya, bro.”

Joslyn (11) is all over Unicycle Club at school. She can jump over objects, turn a tight circle and go up and down ramps on one wheel. Woot, woot! Mixing it up with family life at home means changing her “ride zone” often. Remember that one time Joss found out riding on the dining table was NOT a good activity?

Alex (8) thanks God for this planet and often prays that angels will help everyone who needs help across the whole earth. One time he threw in “And please bless Mom that she can get a calm heart again.” Thank you Alex. Actually she was getting a bit snippy and uncalm just then. Melting and changing hearts is one thing he does easily and who doesn’t need more love like that?

Ethan (6) got intense one day. “Mom, don’t say ‘corner,’ say vertices, okay? Instead of a not fancy work, than say it!” He’s enamored with words – reading them, understanding their meaning (“What means a nickel?”) and changing them up at will. He came tearing downstairs dressed like a ninja and belting, “Evy buddy is Kung Fu Friday.  Hoo. Haa!” and dove headfirst over the couch. He warned everyone, “Don’t try this. This really hurts” as he did it again. He can change the mood from neutral to high octane fun in a heartbeat.

We wish you JOY as we celebrate Him whose influence makes all change for good possible. We have a personal, powerful Savior, who is more powerful than the problems life will surely bring.

He changes souls, who then change their circumstances. And we praise Him for this miracle in life. He lives! He is Jesus Christ.

                                                      Our Love to you this Christmas,

                                                                             The Francis Family




New Address: 19766 Thimbleberry Way   Bend OR, 97702