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