marticus tortipus

my adorable brother arrives from germany tomorrow afternoon from a 2 year mission for our church. I cannot begin to express my excitement. last night, I washed his sheets and scrubbed his bathroom which is gross after 2 years of not being used - who am I kidding? boy's bathrooms are always gross. I even sprayed his sheets with my ultra special vanilla linen spray since that room has a severe case of terminal stinkiness. no joke. marcus (aka "marty") is the best of brothers. when marcus was a little guy, he once asked my mom why she named him marcus? she told him she named him after the great roman emporer marcus aurelius antoninus augustus (you get a prize if you know the real reason). we thought that was funny and somehow his nickname became "marticus tortipus". maybe that's why he loves the movie gladiator so much. we were the last two at home and naturally went on many vacations together with my parents.

marcus is very funny - in a very quiet, non-show-off way. in fact, I doubt he thinks he is funny at all; therefore, making him very funny. for example, when we were in ireland he bought a flute/recorder thing. he walked around ireland playing "scarborough fair" and as many "irish sounding" songs he could think of. then he jumped like a flaming flute player (see below). it was very funny indeed and provided me much enjoyment. marty - I've missed you. welcome home, little buddy.