2010 Christmas Letter

Family and Friends,

It is that time of year when I've got to rattle my brain and recall all the new and wonderful things that have happened in our lives. It is really hard to do when my brain is half way frozen from being up here in Heber; I sometimes miss the hot, toasty weather in Scottsdale.

When school rolled around, Mark and I thought it would be "fun" to enroll the kids in school in Heber. Mark would stay in Scottsdale for work and I would stay with the kids. Every other weekend I would make the two hour drive home and on the other weekend Mark would drive up. Therefore, we did this and have stuck to this routine since August. We haven't quite decided if we will do this past the calendar year, but as for now, this is our life.

The kids have loved every moment of "this little village". I feel like they have been more involved in school, church and the town activities. In the middle of the heat, they can play outside. They even have cousins, around the corner. The town is small and everyone knows everyone, very different from Scottsdale. We even have visitors, which usually consist of Mogollon High School boys, but, according to Jacob, they are "Alyssa's brothers".

Alyssa, my 14 year old Freshman, has adapted well. She is playing basketball as a Mustang. She poof's her hair, wears cowboy boots and loves country music. She is as tall as myself and borrows all my clothes, although, she has given me one item back, my Joseph City Wildcat sweatshirt. The Wildcats and the Mustangs are rivals.

My 5th grader, Amber, has matured so much this year. She is not the shy little girl I once knew. She is very bright and takes pride in her school work, she never wants me to help her. She is playing the piano and practices ALL the time. Amber is also my best little helper, especially if it involves money.

Auti, my 9 year old, has taken her artistic dreams to a new level. I love listening to her ideas and thoughts on a project she is working on. She too wants no help from me. Auti has a beautiful smile, that I love, she wears it often. She looks forward to her piano lessons and quiet playtime with her Barbies.

My little 4 year old, Jacob, is a ball full of energy. Jacob is one of the brightest, tallest and happiest kids in his Scottsdale preschool class. He loves to talk and he always has something to say, if I can't hear him I wonder what he is doing. He likes to look at books and he has taken a huge interest in the Target Christmas Toy magazine.

Mark continues to report to work, and he must love it because I have heard him mention that he cannot wait to go to work where he can be boss. He continues to "tri", but, knee surgery this summer has slowed him down, along with a four year old little boy who wants a playmate.

As for myself, I continue to run around like a chicken with my head cut off; but, I enjoy it. I have a great family, my kids are happy and my husband is wonderful. Life couldn't be better; well, maybe with a maid.

Happy Holidays from our house to yours! Mark, Twila, Alyssa, Amberae, Auti & Jacob

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