2009 Christmas Letter

Family & Friends,

Many nights I lay awake worrying about the hours I waste while I sleep. Time is so precious and I wish I never had to sleep. My kids are growing so fast that I feel like one day I am going to wake and weep because my time with them under my roof will be gone. I hope when I am an old lady that my mind will be fresh and that I can remember every precious moment I have spent with my kids.

This year has been extremely eventful for everyone in our household. Jacob turned three in October. His vocabulary is huge and he understands a lot. He repeats and mimics everything. He was asked last night if he wants mommy or daddy to cut his hair, his reply, “I don’t want anyone to cut my hair”. Jacob has a best friend, his daddy; and he will tell his daddy, “I want to be just like you”.

My little 8 year old, Auti, has been busy with art, camp, diving, tennis, achievement days, play dates and voice lessons. Auti loves weekends and holiday breaks, she looks forward to them, starting every Monday morning that her alarm goes off for school. Auti gives the strongest, best little hugs, she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes just as tight as she can; there are times I almost fall down.

Amberae, is in the 4th grade and is doing wonderful. I am extremely impressed with her desire for good grades, at an independent level. Amber is talented in almost every sport she plays; she is dedicated and understands what it is to be on a team. She never missed a single soccer practice even when we tried to bribe her (except for when we were basking in the sun, in Hawaii) with flashy green money.

Alyssa Brook, 13, a typical teenager, or so I would imagine, keeps me behind the wheel of my car. Alyssa loves softball; she has been playing 3rd base and short stop. I am way too scared to play catch with her; she throws the ball, hard! Alyssa has been a pleasure to hang out with, she is happy, and she says some of the funniest things. She has more friends than I ever could have imagined, and she even has a great fan, her little brother, Jacob.

Mark continues to multi-task between his family, work and training. Sometimes I think he is overwhelmed with everything he would like to accomplish. We also purchased a second home in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona, and I know he is excited about the many projects that will entitle.

I enjoyed our vacation in Hawaii. It almost seems like it should become a tradition, but Mark has no desire in beating himself up on that Ironman course in 2010. I have come to the conclusion that I enjoy Ironman day and luckily there were two Ironman days this year, the World Championships in Hawaii and six weeks later the Ford Ironman in Arizona. I like the inspiration and I love the cheering, the athletes need the support.

Life and time is truly of the essence. I hope this Holiday Season we can all embrace the ones we love.

From our house to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mark, Twila, Alyssa, Amber, Auti & Jacob

First Day of School

Gosh, summer comes and goes so quickly, and at the end I always have to send my kids back to school. I so wish summer days were longer.

My girls (Amber & Auti) were up and ready to go to school this morning. In fact, they were up so early I could spend almost thirty minutes a piece on their hair. But they looked like beautiful little divas.

Amber has Mrs. Antol for her 4th grade teacher and Auti, in 2nd, has Ms. Swann. I think they were both very pleased. I just hope and pray they are still as pleased come May.

Jacob started school today too at La Petite Academy. He will be three in October but his teacher Miss Stephanie felt he was ready to be in with the three year olds. Jacob is not a fan of school, he whines almost everyday when I drop him off. I was hoping today would be different, since he watched his sisters get on the school bus. O'well, I guess I can say he likes to be at home.

Alyssa was up and ready for school to, but she doesn't have to get on the bus until 8:35 a.m. So, I would hope she could be up and ready. She is so pretty and with her new black Juicy glassess, she looks even older than she is. I'm not sure that this is a good thing. I hope I'm not the "mean mom" at the end of the school year.

Julie & Julia

Mark and I loved the movie Julie and Julia. We both would RECOMMEND anyone to watch it. Extremely wonderful. It makes me want to pull out a cook book and cook, then blog about it. But, since that has already been done - I do not have to worry about it. ;)

Scorpion

It's been two days since I was stung seven times by one mid size Arizona Bark Scorpion... In the early morning hours of July 14 Mark had gone outside to ride his bike (on the trainer) and watch TV. I could hear him spinning and the TV in the background, so I went to our spare room and sprawled out on the top of the bed and fell asleep. Around 5:30 a.m. I rolled over on my back and I suddenly felt a sting. I jumped up screaming and I threw off my night shirt. I ran out the back door, yes, without my shirt, to find Mark. I knew this was not a normal seen he would be use to so I apologized for coming out without my shirt. I was in a panic and I wanted him to get whatever it was off my back. Interesting enough, he said there was nothing on my back. But I could feel something so I had him look closer and then I heard him say, "you have a few red spots, you were probably stung by a scorpion or a spider". I could tell he had no desire in getting off his bike, but he could tell I looked someone concerned. He got off his bike, a little grudingly, and trapesed on into the house. We walked back in the spare room and we moved a couple pillows and behold there was my little stinging friend, a mid size scorpion. Mark killed the little thing. He checked my back again and found five swollen spots. Mark informed me that I would feel a little tingling sensation around the infected areas. He suggested that I come outside while he resumed what he set out to do earlier, spin on his bike while enjoying the Tour de France. I did join him, but not much time had passed before I noticed my nose and lips tingling, goose bumps appeared on my legs and arms, my fingers and toes also began to tingle. Mark had suggested that I go inside the house and take a Benadryl. I did as he suggested, but it was difficult to swallow the little pill. I resumed my spot on the couch and continued to watch the Tour. It appeared that the TV screen was moving and I assumed since I couldn't focus on the TV that it was making my stomach queasy. I told Mark I was going to throw up and I went to the edge of the patio and leaned over, heaving. Mark asked me if I was OK, and I told him I'd be fine. I sat back on the couch and I noticed my eyes where getting worse and extremely itchy. Mark told me not to worry about my eyes because he was sure something was in the air. He then suggested that I take a shower to get the blood moving around in my body. I did, just as he suggested. While I was in the shower I felt dizzy and I remember looking down at the floor and seeing what appeared to be a tiny black bug, but I couldn't seem to zoom in on it to take a good look. I wanted to cry, my emotions were acting a little off. I then noticed my soap dish, which is a tan/stonish color. It appeared as if someone broke my dish, I could see a tan object next to it. I wanted to cry because I couldn't really tell were the dish broke, although I could see what I thought was the broken piece (which later I realized was just a bandaid). Mark did poke his head in to the shower to check on me and I realized I couldn't focus on him. It was as if he was jumping around on me. I also remember asking him if the spot on the floor was a bug, and apparently he couldn't see it. The spot was scary and I remember being anxious and extremely nervous about it (I do not know what it was, or if I was really seeing something). I got out of the shower and pulled some black shorts and a blue tank top on. I remember walking over to the sink and spitting because my mouth was so watery, but I found the taste gross and plus it was easier to spit it out than to swallow it. I did not brush my hair, my arms where extremely tingly and I did not want to use them. Mark then suggested that I lay down. I did not lay down, I was too scared to lay down. I told Mark I was not laying down because my body felt strange. I was tingly from head to toe, as if my whole body had fallen asleep to the tingling sensations all over. Mark then went to check the Internet, I could soon hear him on the phone. I walked in to the computer room and sat in the blue chair and he handed me the phone. There was a lady on the other end and she asked me several questions and she told me there was nothing anyone could do about a scorpion sting and I shouldn't waste my time by going to the hospital. She also said the symptoms would peak between four and six hours after the sting. I remember her asking my age. She then said, "it sounds like you are uncomfortable". I told her I was and before I handed the phone back to Mark I could tell my speech sounded a little strange. The operator told Mark to get me to the hospital within 5 to 10 minutes and if he couldn't get me there to call 911. Mark drove me directly to the hospital. By the time we got there I had completely lost control of my arms, hands, legs and toes. They were moving as if I was having a seizure. My head even jerked around a little. My eyes hurt, I couldn't hardly open them and when I did, I couldn't focus at all. Mark was laughing at them, he said he so in hopes it would keep my spirits up. I obviously didn't get the humor in it. I remember sitting in a wheelchair and having muscle spasms, I wondered how many people were looking at me. I even remember trying to look around the waiting room, but I couldn't focus and opening my eyes was too hard to do. Therefore, I figured it didn't matter who was looking at me because I couldn't see them anyways. I was also worried that I hadn't brushed my hair yet from my shower. I was sure I looked like a crazy person. I remember being pushed in to a room. I had been in the ER several times with Mark and never once had I seen a room with a door on it, but this room had a door. The nurse helped me up on the bed because I couldn't hardly stand and when I put any pressure on any part of my body it felt like someone was stabbing me with needles. I changed into their special ER gowns. I didn't want to lay down, I didn't know if I would be pushing venom in further. (I don't think my "thinker" was working clearly). A lady nurse, with black hair, came in and took my vitals and it was then that I heard I had been stung seven times, not five. I remember asking Mark, "seven?" and he said, "yes". The lady nurse took some blood out of my arm. I was scared that my arm would be moving all over the place and that the needle would poke out the other side of my vain and I would bleed to death. I was trying my hardest to control the movement in my arms. I don't know how well I did, I don't remember. I do know I didn't bleed to death. When the doctor came in I thought I remembered him saying that they save anti venom for the children with severe symptoms. I couldn't respond to well, I just listened. At that moment I remembered what the Poison Control lady said, "it will peak somewhere between four and six hours". Oh my, I was so scared inside, I didn't know how much more I could handle. The doctor examined me and then he said he was going to go call Poison Control. He eventually came back and said that my symptoms were so severe that he would order some anti venom for me, if I would agree to take it and be a "testing patient". The anti venom is made in Mexico, and the United States does not currently have an FDA approved anti venom, therefore they are "studying" this antidote made from horse serum. 100 people in the State of Arizona will be studied and only 35 from this particular location. I was under the impression that once I take the anti venom that I "could" become allergic to it. Therefore, if I were to ever be stung again (which could be worse the next time) the doctors would have to treat me for an allergy to the anti venom before they treat me with the anti venom. I gave the doctor a thumbs up, meaning I wanted the anti venom. I hated the way I felt, I kept thinking of my brother Bruce and what his 2 year old body must have gone thru when he got bit by a rattlesnake. (Unbelievable that he is alive today). I had to sign some paperwork, which I read today, before they would treat me with the anti venom, my signature is ...well, it doesn't look like my signature, you can tell I was completely out of it. I do remember initialing and signing, and it was hard to hold the writing pen. I couldn't focus, so I couldn't read, I think someone read it to me, but I have no idea if they read everything because I couldn't see. Actually I don't know that I even cared what they were telling me, I just wanted them to hurry up. I remember when they gave me the first dose of anti venom. I don't believe I noticed a single difference because I remember thinking it didn't work. The second dose worked. I stopped having muscle spasms and shortly thereafter I could open my eyes. I still couldn't focus, but I could open my eyes. The doctor released me and I returned home with Mark. I could feel the tingling for a few more hours before it vanished into nothing at all. My back was numb in the spots were the scorpion stung for another couple days. Funny, I was afraid to touch my back, I was afraid I may push something deeper into my skin and then I'd die. I feel lucky to have gotten the antiscorp otherwise I would have ended up in ICU.

Today...

Mark had me up and out of bed at the crack of dawn. I am not sure he intended to, but Jacob was up already and I am assuming Mark was hungry because he wanted to know where I wanted to go eat. Needless to say, I did get up and we did get ready and we went to breakfast.

After breakfast we let Jacob swim for a while, well, until he started to turn a little pink.



The remainder of our day was somewhat "slow", which was great for me because I was able to do some much needed housework and laundry.

The girls got home about 6 p.m. I was so happy to see them, but they were so happy to see Dozer, the dog.
He does have a cute little face, I guess I'd want to see him too!

Amber and Auti shared so many camp stories, it was awesome. Amber even learned a couple card tricks.

The kids (and Mark) are in watching "Horton Hears a Who", therefore I should go join them.

/twi

My Sisters Keeper

Mark, Jacob and I just saw "My Sisters Keeper" in the theatre. What an amazing movie, I cried almost the whole time.

/twi

Today... and the return of my girls.

At noon I drove on down to Central and Bethany Road in Phoenix to greet my girls as they got off the bus from camp. I felt like a ten year old waiting for an ice cream cone. I was so excited to see my girls. I stood directly in front of the bus as the kids were unloading. Amber saw me through the window and her face lit up like a light bulb. Auti did not see me, I had to call for her, but she came right over and gave me the biggest hug in the world. Auti was concerned, immediately, about Dozer, Alyssa and Jacob. She wanted to know how everyone was. I thought that was cute, sweet and extremely loving.

After we got in the car, the girls took turns in telling me every detail of camp. I loved it and I asked many questions. Amber hated the food, except for a "bun" she apparently had for dinner last night. Auti did not express any type of food that she enjoyed, but that doesn't surprise me. The girls did not have to bunk together but they saw each other during every activity. They kayaked, swam, did a little horseback riding, sewing, and much more. They thoroughly enjoyed their experience and they already "can't wait for next year".

Auti informed me that she used her whole camera up on the first day. I can't wait to see what she took pictures of. Amber has pictures to spare.

I dropped the girls off with their dad in Mesa and then I brought their belongings home to wash. Talk about stinky!!! But what I found interesting is the difference between the two girls when they packed up their things to come home. When I opened Auti's suitcase everything was just thrown in, laying every which way. She saved every wrapper and item she could find. When I opened Amber's it was all in order. Her dirty clothes in one bag, clean in another. Her papers were carefully placed on the top, wherein they could not bend. Her soap was still in a bag and her tooth paste in another. My girls are truly different, and different is very good. I enjoyed unpacking their things and I did notice that they brought home everything I sent, not a thing was missing. Neither daughter had to use another bag to pack, they were able to repack everything back in the same bags I packed them in. I was impressed with that too!

I heard from my brother Scott (and Amanda) today. He called, just to call. Actually he told me that Amanda needed to ask me a question... but really Amanda did not need to ask me a question, Scott just wanted to call. :)

I have been feeling really good lately; in fact, well enough to run in our 107 degree weather. I have gone out about 5 days in a row, it has been nice. It's too bad the stock market did not feel as good as I did, it was in the dumps today.

Jacob and Mark have been asleep for almost two hours. Dozer too for that matter. Mark's knee does not feel any better today. I am really bummed for him.

/twi

Today...

I am not sure how to "Title" each blog entry, especially if I am trying to convert it into my journal. Each day is "Today".

I love the reality TV show "So you think you can dance". I sure wish I could dance like that, but I can't imagine my 35 year old body jumping around and being tossed like a ball and landing like a feather. I would look, sound and feel more like the crashing of a raw egg.

We (Alyssa, Jacob and I) saw Jennifer today, Jacob's birth mom. She is such a sweet person. I think I am very lucky to have such a great birth mom. She is happy and never looks depressed. I like that about her. Alyssa thinks that Jennifer looks like my sister, therefore, she told Jacob to call her Auntie Jennifer. Jennifer liked that.

I get to pick up Amber and Auti tomorrow, I am so excited. I hope they took pictures with the portable camera's I gave them. Actually, I am interested in seeing what they took pictures of.

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died today. Tragedies in both and both will be missed by many.

Mark is sound asleep and before I wake him I better stop typing and crawl in to bed.

Oh, the stock market was up today! Woo hoo!

Night...

/twi

Today...

Wow, what a great day! I have kept myself completely busy and I did not even need a nap. Yes, there are days I sneak in a little nap.

I haven't heard from Amber and Auti. I suppose that is a good sign, but I sure do miss their little voices. I am sure they are having the time of their life at Camp Wamatachick, or so I can only hope.

Alyssa and I spent the day together, running around to different stores pricing computers and cameras. I found a computer at Sam's Club, we bought it and brought it home. But, yes, it is still in the box. I have no idea where I am going to put it. I really wanted a new one that I could put some graphic software on, such as photo shop, elements, etc... I didn't find a camera, so tomorrow I am going to take my camera to a repair shop in Tempe. I figured if they couldn't fix it, then I'd buy a new one.

Jacob played with his friends today. He likes his friends.

Mark, he injured his knee last Thursday, and it still hurts him. He is afraid his Ironman days are over, I hope for his sake he can race many more. He had an MRI last week and now he is waiting for July 1st to roll around so he can see Dr. Dean Cummings. We are afraid he is going to need some sort of surgery. Time will soon tell.

I must go to bed.

/twi

Oh, I am attaching a picture that I took of Alyssa and Jacob, yesterday, before my camera died. I am not exactly sure what happened to my camera, Alyssa was playing with it and the next thing I knew - it was no longer functioning properly.

Missing my girls, already...

I drove Amber and Auti to Prescott this morning for their week of camping. I wanted to take a picture in front of the camp sign, but, my batteries were dead in my camera. Unfortunately, I did not know that until I had the car stopped and the girls posing so nicely. Hopefully, I can keep that image in my mind for the rest of my life.

It took me less than two minutes to check the overly excited girls in; they hardly said goodbye and I watched them as they ran off with one of the counselors.

Now, that the sun is setting I am worried sick. I am hopeing I packed enough clothes to keep them warm. Nightfall will be cool in the mountains. I also hope my picky little eater, Auti, has a full belly, I was not allowed to pack snacks although they have store money available.

Camp will be over on Friday, I will know how camp was then. I am praying that they will be safe and secure. I do not believe they will get homesick, but if they do, I hope they can call me. I am missing them, I wish I could call them.

/twi

A New Concept

I have kept a written journal since I was 7 years old. I think I am on number 19 now. I have often wondered how I could transfer them on to the computer, and I guess it is time for me to spread my wings and figure it out. But in the mean time, I am going to try a new concept- Blogging. Hopefully, in time, I can add everything from each one of my journals. According to my sister-in-law, Shawna, I can print my blogging entries into books. So, in short, I'll transfer what I have written into digital format and then back again into legible material, with pictures. Sounds like a win win opportunity especially because I can utilize the spell check button.

I guess my biggest issue will be trying to figure out how to back date. It may be easy, I am just unfamiliar with this program.

...and the gate was for what?

We did put in a gate, but for what? My little Auti can climb that gate and hop on over. She has been able to do that ever since we put it in (April 2007).


On this particular occassion, Auti climbed the gate to let Jacob ride his tricycle around and around. She proped the other gate open with a rock, but as you can see, I was out side with the camera. The kids laughed, a lot.


The outfit that Auti is wearing is from an old dress up box that Heather (Law) Record gave me back when Alyssa was much younger. The girls have just about worn all these outfits out.

/twi