For Mark: A little housekeeping

This week in Germany the sun is shining down on us!!! We were starting to wonder if the sun was some mythical entity that you only read about in fiction. But it is here and it exists and we are basking in it. Maybe that is why on Saturday we did a little housekeeping, the weather was a huge change which was a catalyst to more change: We all got a new haircut.




McKenna's was the most dramatic, we cut off about 4-5 inches but what we got in return were more curls! She looks like a little pixie and we all can't get over how much better it looks and how it shows off her curly hair. I was not planning on cutting my hair any different, just a trim. Then on a whim I said, "Eva, I want your hair". Do women ever learn that it doesn't work this way? Haven't we all taken in a photo of a famous beautiful person and said, "I want that", you never got it. Well, as I'm sitting in the chair I look down (another thing you're not supposed to do when you are barely balancing in a situation) and see HUGE pieces of my hair falling down, down, down and I think, "Crap, crap, crappity crap" But after shampooing it and doing it myself it is actually one of the easiest cuts I've ever had, blow dry and go! That is the best part!

Here is something else that Mark will not recognize since he left. Yes, that is OUR daughter McKenna, I assure you I have not traded her in for a new one.

Three weeks ago the picture was much different (but I didn't have my camera). These were the rules of swimming for McKenna (self imposed by the way) don't get my face or hair wet, please carry me into the pool and then I will relentlessly cling to you until you feel you have grown an additional limb, I can't do that, and I can't do that either and don't even think about putting me in the pool with out a life vest. Now she spends as much or even more time under the water than above and she is so stinkin' proud of herself. Underwater is a whole new fascinating world that she must conquer.

We have had contact with Mark since he left via email, short 15 minute calls (they are only allowed 2 fifteen minute calls per week) and our new favorite thing Skyping. Last night we saw and heard Mark on Skype. I can't tell you what a relief it was to see that smile and hear that laugh, it's a one of a kind. He is doing well, working very hard on very little sleep but tells me he is having one life changing experience after another. He describes it as humbling and eye opening and now has a new appreciation for running water, electricity at all times and more than one pair of shoes. Indeed, our little family is one that has been repeatedly blessed in the years we have been together. I'm so proud of Mark and I'm happy that he is having such a fulfilling experience. Rock on then get back here!

Here are some images I got from Frank Gorley's album, one of the bandsmen!



These next two pictures are from an orphanige gig the guys did. I LOVE this picture, mostly because of the little girl that is clinging to his arm. That is Mark, approachable, someone you want to be near. Plus, he's hot!

This is John, the keyboard player: John's wife Jamie told me that the little boy that John was helping was so overwhelmed with excitement that he was "picked" that he got emotional.