Archive for the 'Family 2007' Category
eczema
Friday, December 7th, 2007We recently discovered a helpful lotion for eczema. Laura and Nathan both deal with eczema on their legs, and I know a couple friends are dealing with it as well. The lotion we found is made by Eucerin, and it contains 10% urine. :) We affectionately call it the “pee-pee lotion.” It seems to have helped Nathan a bit. Laci, I’d love to hear what has worked for you guys.
Mikulás Nap
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007As you know, December 6th is Mikulás (Nicholas) day, and we had a very special visit from Mikulás and the krampusz. We didn’t realize that St. Nick actually lives in our neighborhood here in Budapest!!! Thankfully, the boys received candy in their shoes this year instead of sticks or coals. Here’s some pictures: Our neighborhood Mikulás, the boys digging into their candy from Mikulás, Jacob decorating the Christmas tree, Thanksgiving dinner with Dori, Joanna, Krisztina, & Péter.
First Snow
Monday, November 12th, 2007Yesterday we woke up to a sunny day….the first we’ve had in a while. Later, we went to Margit sziget with some friends and played soccer with the kids. An hour later it started raining. Then sleeting. Then Snowing!! I don’t believe the boys saw snow last year, so they were EXCITED. We got out our three-kid sled, and I pulled them in circles. Yes, my arm is soar today. The kids built a snowman and named him Feri.
family visit, anniversary dinner
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007Laura’s mom and sister came to visit in September. We had a really great time! Here is a picture from our hike up to the top of Gellert Hill.
Laura and I had a wonderful tenth anniversary. We went to a free Jazz concert in the fine arts palace. Two students from the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy were performing (Sax + clean electric guitar), and they were amazing. Our friend Robert told us about a new restaraunt near the river, so I made reservations. When we arrived we discovered that it was opening night. They had a fancy card for us, a table overlooking the river, they gave us free desert for our anniversary and 30% off our bill because it was opening night. So it was almost free! :) We had a nice time reflecting on the last ten years and many of our favorite memories.
Ten Year Journey
Thursday, September 20th, 2007
My Dear Laura, on September 20, 1997, we were married in Blacksburg, VA. Today, Sept. 20, 2007, we have a wealth of wonderful memories, and I love you more than ever.
In the mountains of Virginia
We fell in love, and
Our journey began
We couldn’t have guessed
That before too long, we’d
Be driving a family van
It began in a kitchen
After Ané’s Turkish meals
“Innocently” washing dishes together
Remember the music room?
Wind Rock?
The drive-in theater?
You drew me in with your beauty, your sense of purpose, your depth of character.
And you couldn’t resist my pick-up truck, my guitar, my fancy beard.
We have shared the journey, traveling into unknown territories.
As citizens and sojourners, the destination has become clearer and clearer,
And we’ve been in it together.
You have been my companion, my treasure, my best friend.
And your faithful, gentle love has made me a better man,
continually pointing me toward the love and grace of God.
We’ve been given three gifts along the way
Who have taught us
The value, the quickness, the thrill of life.
I just cannot imagine the past ten years without you.
Laura, you are more beautiful, more wonderful,
more precious to me than ever.
I love you! Happy Anniversary!
-Mark
