Fidel Mark...

...see Rebecca's post below.
: )



















Posted by Mark.

Mark Pins Colonel in Wrestling Match

So Mark comes quietly into the kitchen this morning in his BDUs. (Which are the old forest-colored uniforms, not the new desert-colored ones.) Mark was sweaty and looked a little tired.

"How was your training?" I asked, chuckling.

"Great," he smiled, nonchalantly.

"It's weird to see you in BDUs. It must have been dirty training. It's really weird to see you in BDUs. You look like Fidel Castro."

Smile. Courtesy laugh.

"So what kind of training was it, anyway?"

"Combatives training. Wrestling."

"Like hand to hand combat with terrorists?"

"Yes." Another nonchalant smile.

"So how did it go?"

"I pinned Colonel Giacoppe." (Note: Colonel Giacoppe is the hospital commander.)

"Good work, Fidel!"

This afternoon, Mark forwards an email that Colonel Giacoppe sent to the entire hospital staff. It's a fictional conversation between the Colonel and "Mildew Man." Not sure who Mildew Man is, but it's still a funny read. Here is the important part:

Mildew Man has been getting an attitude lately. He loves hurricane season. His beard is getting wide and shaggy, and his upper body is practically rippling in the condensation.

"You don't look so good this morning," he told me. "You're limping."

"Combatives training," I told him. "Not only did I get crushed by 1SG Alphonso-it was like the Terminator versus Hello Kitty-but then some pediatrician put me in a face-down choke hold . . . I thought they were supposed to be gentle souls. With guys like that around, the nation's children aren't safe."

"You're just weak. He wrestles four-year-olds tougher than you."

So our gentle-souled Mark has gained greater respect (fear?) from his witty Commander.

Just another surreal day in the Army.

Random Fam Reunion Pic

Rebekah Ruth, Andrew, Christopher, Rachyl, Katie, Jason, Jessika and Emilae

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too

When the Army was planning to deploy Mark for 15 months, they let him take two weeks of leave, which we spent in Utah. We were able to mark our 10th Anniversary in the Salt Lake Temple where were married, attend a historic LDS general conference, participate in the annual Devenport family reunion, and hang out with my side of the family, as well.

Providentially, we found out while we were in Utah, that Mark would not be deploying. That's right, after a total of six weeks training over a period of six months, Mark's assignment was given to another hospital. We don't know the reason for sure, but one theory is that the shortage of docs at Fort Polk demanded that the assignment be filled by a fully-staffed post. Apparently, there are perks for being assigned where no one wants to be. Of course Mark is on the short list for the next assignment his hospital receives. But, for now, we're counting our blessings and taking each day as it comes.

The cake pictured above is the one Mark's family ordered for the reunion. We deeply appreciate their support and prayers, as well as the support and prayers of my family and other dear friends. We feel sure that God has a plan for our family, and that this change, for whatever reason, reflects His will. Over the years, His will hasn't always been what we would have chosen at the time. For instance, we didn't choose to wait 3 1/2 years for Hyrum. But looking back, we are thankful for that trial. We know that God's plan is the best plan. We are so thankful that this unexpected turn of events is a happy one. This time around, we're so thankful we get to eat the cake, too.

Cousins!

What's the best thing for the kids to see in Utah? Cousins!

Samuel, Hyrum, Cari, Sarah and Cynthia pose after a tour of the Humanitarian Center in Murray.

Hyrum, Ruthie and Sarah muck about the stream near Grandma and Grandpa Devenport's house.

Jackson, Hyrum and Ruth jump and tumble inside of Aunt Kelly's Princess bounce house.

This is an older picture Jackson, Ruthie and Hyrum, but isn't it cute?

Jolly good cousins sing "He's a Jolly Good Fellow" to Mark. The "big" Devenport cousins include Jessika, Emilae, Christopher, Katie, Rachyl and Gregory. Jolly Good Erik is on a mission.

Ruthie, Cari, Samuel and Hyrum on the kickball field. See those beautiful, snow covered mountains?
Cool weather, mountains and family.
Life doesn't get any better than this.

Utah Snow, Utah Flowers

As soon as we arrived at my mom's place in Utah, she took us out back and let the kids play in her snow bank. What a rare treat for children of the rain forest! It felt so good to be cold. : )

The next morning, I took these pictures of mom's daffodils, hyacinths and violets. I love Utah in the Spring!

Package from Aunt Kelly

My sister, Kelly, sent a birthday package for Ruthie at just the right time. One day while Mark was at JRTC, Ruthie woke from a nap really missing Daddy. Princess presents brought a much needed smile. Aunt Kelly even put Wilbur and Maisy stamps on the package. Thanks, Kel'!