Samson

I recently took Aaron to get his hair cut.  It was a sad day for Jonny.  Jonny would let his long locks grow endlessly.  Seriously.   Aaron does have great hair--true Frandsen boy hair.  It's stick strait, grows well, and swooshes from side to side while he's playing soccer.  I love Aaron's long hair too--I really do--but, there comes a point when enough it enough (like when his fringe impairs his vision and the back of his neck is entirely covered).  So, we took him in for a little trim.

The problem is, the day after we got his hair cut was the worst soccer game Aaron has had yet.  He refused to play the second half, complaining that he was "tired."  We didn't mind all that much, but I became concerned after Hannah's dad, Jack, said, "It's the hair cut--he's like Samson, and you took his strength."

There might have been some truth to that statement, so Jonny thought of a remedy last Saturday.  I didn't initially approve, but nonetheless he offered Aaron one dollar for every goal he scored during the game.  This was particularly appealing because Aaron has saved for three weeks to buy "Stevenson" the speed train from Cars 2 (a saving decision he made on his own).  We have "pay day" every Saturday: one quarter for every two smiley faces Aaron earned...and this week his was still a couple of dollars short.  So, Jonny offered him the dollar per goal deal.

During warm ups, Aaron was counting, and when he got to 10, he let Jonny know that he owed him 10 dollars.  Jonny clarified that it was only during the game, so Aaron went to work the entire game, scoring a total of 4 goals by the end.  Every time he scored a goal, he would immediately run back to Jonny with his arms outstretched to give him a huge hug.  Apparently, Samson didn't have Stevenson the Speed train to help him recover his strength.  But, in the end, I'm glad Aaron did.

Stealing the Show

Oh, my Jared.  You are such an important part of our family.  At times your young life seems painted upon the backdrop of our family's scenes: taking Aaron to school, going to the grocery store, packing boxes for the move, playing Cars with big brother, making meals, reading stories, cleaning house, making messes, etc. But, some of my favorite moments of the day occur when you take center stage.

For example: 

Today Dad and I had to get the oil changed in the car.  While we waited, you decided you could not wait to do your business...and you also needed a change.  So, there we were, at Jiffy Lube, with no changing table, and no baby wipes.  We made the most of what we had and wet down a few blue paper towels from the bathroom and changed you right on the grass adjacent to foothill village.  You took it like a man, hardly complaining about your uncomfortable dilemma, just happy to get up (after the ordeal) to throw a few more dirt clods.

 And, then there was the moment when we were eating, and you started to throw your food--like you always do.  I decided to try my "firm" voice and "serious" eyes on you, saying, "No, Jared, we DON'T throw food." You stared me down--waiting for me to smile like an owl waits for a mouse to dart across an open field.  Then, you cracked a grin of your own--baiting my smile out of it's hiding place.  And, I lost it.  You had me.  I completely, utterly, lost it--bursting out into a fit of giggles.  You giggled too (and Aaron and Dada).  Guess I have to work on my poker face. 

And, then there are your surprises.  You have SO many of them.  Dada and I have been concerned about your speech--or lack there of.  You're not quiet--you understand and usually respond appropriately by nodding and saying "uh huh" or "no" when we ask you questions (except for when Dada asked you yesterday if you wanted to eat poop and you nodded with a sweet "uh huh!").   But, when our questions require more words to answer, it is difficult to motivate the words out of your mouth.  Yes, you would much rather surprise us with all that you know.  Sunday night you said, "Drew" and "Zoey" (the dog) one right after another when we greeted them.  You constantly surprise us with your motor dexterity, climbing into your high chair (on your own) without anyone looking.  And, you always surprise us with your sweetness; giving unexpected and unsolicited hugs and kisses throughout the day

Yes, my "baby" JJ, you can steal our show any day of the week.

To the Point

Dear Jonny,

            It was nice dining with you on the living room floor last night (now last Thursday because it took me a while to finish this letter).  Our meal and time together was very worth the wait.  You're unofficially finished with Medical School.  The boys slept peacefully in their beds while we dined on fajitas and seven layer bean dip to celebrate.  Sometimes it is nice to eat without them.  It is much easier to enjoy what I have cooked when Aaron isn’t turning his nose up at it and JJ isn’t spitting it out.  Plus, I love that you love my fajitas.

            My mind is quite boggled, of late.  I’m going to blame it on the move, a little on you, and a lot on me.  For some reason it’s hard to keep my head on strait when everything in my house gets crooked.  Also, you are now done with class…which means you are home…which means that all I want to do is hang out with you.  What a good reason to be boggled.  Nevertheless, I want so much to keep track of all that is awesome and adorable events in our lives.  So, seeing that my mind is a scattered mess lately, here is a disorganized bullet point version of our lives lately:

• We went to Moab—loaded up Grandpa’s truck with everything we could possibly need to camp with a 4 year old and an 18 monther…including the port a crib, where JJ and I spent most of the night.  Aside from having a groggy momma, the weekend in the wilderness with the boys was awesome.  Jared loved hiking the backpack.  Aaron loved seeing just how far and high his legs could carry him.  It was always much farther and higher than I wanted him to go.  But, then I got my turn to spook the boys when I climbed Wall Street.  You did too, twice!  And, you biked Slick Rock.  But, I got to go to Arches and play in the slot canyon sand dunes with the boys, so I’m not jealous of your adventures.  In fact, I changed JJ’s diaper beneath Sand Dune arch.  If that isn’t awesome, I don’t know what is.
• Last week I learned that we can extend the warranty on Aaron’s cochlear implants.  It costs a pretty penny, but much less in the long run than replacing parts that occasionally go on the fritz (just the controller cost about $1500 and we have replaced three of them under warranty….costing nothing).  It was a fabulous day!  We won’t even have to worry about navigating whatever exclusions and excuses insurance companies throw our way.  Very good news.
• Aaron learned to ride his bike without training wheels.  And, he is SO proud of himself.  He is still holding his chin high, telling all his friends, teachers and acquaintances that he now rides on just two wheels.  He learned on Easter Sunday while we visited Paul and Amy.  The only bike available was Beckah’s (without training wheels), so you told him that was the only option.  He hopped on and you jogged along side, guiding him when necessary.  I looked out the window from the kitchen and saw you two on the side walk, then raced out with JJ to find my boy on two wheels.  A thrill shot through my whole body.  It was an awesome sight to behold.
• We are endlessly (it seems) exploring the Salt Lake Valley.  We know where we will be living for the next year, and we can’t wait for our lake-side “retreat.”  But, then we’re coming back.  Shall we come home to an apartment behind the Cathedral of the Madeline, or to a home of our own in Centerville?  Isn’t it fun to dream?!  Too bad it’s detrimental to packing plans.
• You and Aaron spent an afternoon last week rigging a bike rack onto my car.  And, you did a fabulous job.  Aaron loved being your assistant, and you both are pretty proud of your work.
• Jared throws things when he gets angry.  He throws his food when he doesn’t like it.  He throws toys when Aaron disapproves of the way he is playing.  And, when we take something away from him (toys shoved in the mouth, tortilla chips and other dangerous household items), he finds something to throw to express his biter frustration.  This is not news.  But, most recently, we have discovered how much he loves throwing for fun as well.  We broke the mini basketball hoop out of the storage room and he knew just what to do.  He darted for the balls in his room and dug out the “bababall,” climbed atop the foot stool and jammed in a few shots.  He was so proud of himself, and it is so much fun to watch his eyes light up when Aaron joins in the basketball madness.
• We are the proud owners of “Lewis Hamilton,” the rare Cars 2 car.  He was hard to find, and when you and Aaron spotted him on your trip to the grocery store, you couldn’t resist buying him—even though Aaron hadn’t quite earned enough money to buy him.  So, you struck a deal: you would buy Lewis, but Aaron had to leave him in the laundry room until he earned the full amount.  The next few days were the laziest and whiniest days of Aaron’s little life—spent lying down on the laundry room floor, holding the package in his hands, talking to Lewis, having play conversations with him, etc.  And, you and I found ourselves begging Aaron to do jobs here and there so he could open the darn package and resume normal life.  Finally, when Aaron dressed himself in his play clothes after church on Sunday, he earned the final quarter he needed to “buy” Lewis.  You have told me about the look on Aaron’s face when he came out of the building door, holding Lewis in his hands: eyes bulging, mouth stretching into a wide-open smile, arms raised victoriously.  He mouthed to you, “I earned Lewis Hamilton,” and you gave him a big two-thumbs up grin.  Lewis has been part of play time almost every day since.
• We are going to live in a lovely little lake house in Spartanburg, and we can’t wait.  Especially because we hope people will come visit us.
• We had the best Easter Sunday a few weeks ago.  We split the celebrations into “Bunny day” and “Easter Morning.”  On Saturday, I loved the fun of the egg hunt and the thrill of watching Aaron take a bite out of his chocolate bunny.  And, then I loved hearing his choice to save some for later.  I loved hearing JJ say, “egg!” with excitement, and then watching him shake it until it broke open.  And, on Sunday I loved spending Easter Morning at church with our little family.  They woke up to new Sunday bags and a new outfit for Aaron.  He was very proud of his Sunday attire—dressed handsomely in a new beige suit and vest.  What a heart breaker (out dressed only by you in your wedding suit).  JJ is always adorable, even in his hand me down sweater.  We had an Easter ham cooked by my dad (mom was in Canada and your parents were in Arizona), and then spent the evening talking and watching the kids play at Paul and Amy’s home.  That night Aaron resurrected his two-wheel courage and learned to ride a bike without training wheels.  We are so proud of our boy. 
• Last weekend we “took” your dad out for his Birthday dinner at Tepanyaki restaurant.  I say “took” because he didn’t end up allowing us to really foot the bill (ignoring all our protests).  Awe, some day.  But, it was so nice to have a night out to eat just with Dad.  (Amy took the boys and had a fabulous cousin night they are still talking about—JJ especially keeps repeating his cousins’ names at random).  I loved hearing of all your scouting adventures I had never heard before.  I loved listening to a few of Dad’s Japan stories.  And, I loved sharing a meal with you.  Then, we had a blast watching Hunger Games in the Mammoth theater afterwards.  Someday I want to write a cool book.  But, you already know that.
• On Sunday it started to sink in that we are leaving so many wonderful people we have come to know.  In primary on Sunday, the primary president said, “moving” during closing exercises and Aaron yelled out, “I am moving to South Carolina for one year and then I will come back!”  It made me tear up.  We probably won’t come back to the ward he has grown up in; the ward where he used to crash cars along the nursery table, where he used to wail for a little while when we left him in nursery, and the ward JJ was born into, etc.  But, we will come back to Utah, and that is a good thought.  Student wards are always changing, and things will never really be the same (even if we do come back), but we have been blessed to grow alongside the families we know here.  I’m especially sad we don’t have more time with the Nielsens.  I adore their family.
• We were an amazing packing team yesterday, putting our box count into the thirties....at least!  Go us.
• You are a very focused road biker lately—mapping out your rides, planning your way to being the fastest up this or that mountain.  You are awesome.  (And, I love seeing you in your tight bike gear).

I’m sure that more has happened, but I just can’t think of it now.  So, for the time being, this list must suffice.  I love you more than all the blossoms at blooming on the trees.

Love, Melinda Jill

Bike Rider

After Easter Dinner at the Francypants household, I looked out Paul and Amy's window, and this is what I saw:

My eyes were a little confused (as they frequently are when I try to focus on something far away without my glasses on), so I ran out to get a closer look.  And, there they were: Aaron riding a two wheel bike, and Jonny running right along side him. It was a completely unplanned, unexpected fantastic family moment.

So, I did what any mother would do; I started to cry.  I was so proud of Aaron for summoning his courage to try out Beckah's bike (the only one available at the time).  And, I was so proud of Jonny, for being there at that moment, and being the type of dad who says, "Well, it looks like this is the only bike left.  If you want to ride a bike, let's do it."

 And, so they did.

 Again,

 and again,

(and then pausing to take turns with the beautiful owner of the bike),

 and even after a knee scrape or two, hopping back up and riding it again.

This is what they thought of the first bike ride. (Believe it or not, the scratches on his nose are from a scooter injury that happened the day before).  So proud.  So happy.  So excited.  And, JJ and I watched with equal emotion.  Way to go, little bike rider.

The Alumni Ball

Jonny took me on a fancy shmancy date a few weeks ago.  It was a "match" celebration to remember.

We went with these lovely couples; The Harrises, The Blisses and the Merrills (plus adorable offspring).  They are great friends from high school. After a thirty + email chain, the husbands decided on a delicious lemon tree decorated restaurant in riverwoods. The food was good, but the company was better.

I love spending time with my man. It was fun to dig through the closets in our parents homes for something suitable. I went with Kaity's polka dot gown from when she was the dairy queen. Jonny was ravishing in a vintage Frandsen suit. (thanks to grandparents for tag team babysitting). I picked him up in my mom's how car.  Some day we will buy our own clothes and drive our own car for an event like this.  But for now, we are grateful mooches.

The dance was alright--Jonny and I really need to take a few ballroom lessons.  At one point we realized that the entire room was moving in unison around us--the nerds without fox trot training grooving in the center of the room.  But we didn't care. It was just nice to be together: to look at him, smile with him, and make "top ten" lists with him as we swayed from side to side.  I love him more than anything; more than ever.  Congratulations to my man.  You made it--but I always knew you would.  I'm so grateful that you're mine, and grateful that out lives continue to grow in joy.

Girls Night Out

I have made some great friends during medical school.  Not all of them were here tonight.  Each of these ladies are amazing and each is an inspiration to me in one way or another in the past four years.  It has been great navigating the ups and downs of board study, motherhood, personal goals, apartment woes, rotation schedules and life plans with these gals.  I am so lucky to know them.  So, we went out for a girls' night to celebrate.

 Our night out turned into a true adventure, beginning with the cheesecake factory's four hour wait.  We were hungry.  Our solution?  Simply hopping tracks and heading down to Gateway to eat (with the Cheesecake buzzer in tow so we could redeem our spot later for dessert).  Our idea ended up being a lot less simple than planned when there was an accident on the tracks and we decided to walk back to City Creek instead of waiting for it to be cleared.  We had all just drank roughly four glasses of water each.  And, most of us couldn't "hold it."  But, we're innovative city women...each finding her own solution. hehehe.

 This is my friend, Cami.  How do I know she's a true friend?  Well, she didn't even blink an eye when the store didn't my size for the dress I wanted to try on and I was too chicken to strip the mannequin for it.  She spent nearly 20 minutes working at it--even recruiting help from other shoppers.  I stood back and laughed until I cried, wondering when management would stop her.  She is awesome.

 All these ladies are, each for their own reason.  And, I am so lucky that I know them, and can call them my friends.

The night came to a poetic ending when we were finally seated at the Cheesecake factory (it did take four hours).  But, there we continued to laugh, indulge in the best cheesecake around, and remissness about the past four years.  Thanks gals.

Hello, Courage.

The Highlighters

Yes, we recently joined the leagues of soccer moms and dads.  Yes, Aaron is only four.  Yes, we made this decision mostly for our own entertainment purposes.  His team is called "the highlighters" for obvious, awesome reasons.  Watching him has been the highlight of our month.

Aaron looks awesome in his very own, "highlighter colored" jersey (we can see him from the opposite end of the indoor facility).  He can finally use the soccer shoes we bought him at DI two years ago for their intended purpose.   

 Being on a team is a good way for him to make friends.  It's also a great way for us to meet up with our friends.  His coach is one of Jonny's good friends from med school, and we have known many other kiddos on the team since they were babes in arms during our first year.

 Aaron sometimes looks like this on the field (examining this or that, usually nothing in particular associated with soccer).

 Sometimes like this (aggressively running in an exaggerated fashion toward a goal...not always the right one).

But usually like this (trying to decide where the ball went and what to do with it when it reappears).

 And, when the game is over they all attempt a line-up high five.  Cute.

Oh yes--one important aspect: little brother, copying his older brother's field "falling" talent.  Yes, Aaron already has his fake soccer injury roll down to an art.  JJ is working on it.

Face It

These

boys

have the cutest

darn faces

i have ever

laid eyes on.

Easter Home Evening

Aaron loves family home evening, and he often offers to be the teacher.  We love it when he teaches.  It's so awesome to see his wheels turning, and to influence his planning.  Today, we spent the entire day preparing for a special Easter lesson he planned to give--an Easter Play, directed by our one and only Aaron.

Jonny played Jesus, I played the Mary parts and the narrator, and Aaron was a soldier/apostle and stage manager.  It was nothing elaborate, just a retelling of Jesus' last week on Earth.  But, we got out the box of costumes, hung a clothesline curtain, and read the events of Jesus' last week from a childrens' book as we acted it out.  We were sincere, and the feeling was so sweet.

I loved the look on Jonny's face as he responded to Aaron's director cues, telling him how to appropriately act our the part of Jesus.  I loved how JJ wandered unknowingly around the living room "stage" in his toga-like costume.  I loved seeing Aaron soak it in, and take his role as teacher seriously.  He was even good at playing his dual role when Peter cut off the ear of the soldier.  It was touching to imagine that I was Mary, looking for the Savior in the tomb.

Our little Easter Home Evening helped me soak it all in.  Aaron is a great teacher.