Sleeping In

Since having Eric twelve years ago, I have not slept in. He was often up at 5 in the morning. Then the next 3 kids came and none of them slept in either. I am lucky when they sleep until 6:30. But in their defense, I put them to bed very early. Even on Saturdays, sometimes the entire family is up and has eaten breakfast by 7 am.

But at the start of the kids' Christmas break, I was sick. So I slept in each morning. Zach gave up getting up early because he doesn't like being up by himself. The other 3 kids started sleeping in too. It has been so relaxing.

But yesterday we went to the temple. We decided to leave by 7 am because it is a 2 hour drive. I woke the kids up at 6:15. None of them complained (which I was expecting) but they did ask questions like, "Can I bring my pillow and blanket so I can go back to sleep in the car?" and "Will it still be in the middle of the night when we get to the temple?"

What a difference from 2 weeks ago! Tomorrow morning should be fun...first day back to school. I wish we could go back to sleeping in over the summer but it is light out at 5 am so that probably won't happen unless I buy them dark shades for their windows.

Trail Ride

Erin and Mario enjoyed a nice trail ride (thanks to Zach's Christmas present) through the Saguaro Desert last Saturday. They had a great time. Erin's only complaint was that her horse wasn't well groomed like the last time she went riding. But Grandma says horses usually don't look great in the winter. Erin continues to beg for a horse but Mario and find the trail rides a much cheaper alternative.

Happy New Year

To be honest, I have been dreading 2010 because of Mario's upcoming deployment. I jokingly was imitating Nathan (he frequently tells us things are the worst ever) and told Mario that "2010 is the worst year ever." I felt bad after saying that because that only makes it harder for him too. So now I am determined to make it the best year ever and focus more on the great things that will happen this year.

I printed out a 2010 calendar this morning and wrote on it the things we have to look forward to. I realized that if we just focus on a couple months at a time, that will really help time go faster and give us things to look forward to. In March, we get to go to Florida for a week. The big kids haven't been to Florida for 3 years, the twins and I for 2 years. In June, we will go to San Diego and stay at Camp Pendleton. I am already looking forward to boogie boarding with the kids and making smores. In August, Mario comes home and in late September or early October we plan to return to Florida for a big family trip. Then of course, Christmas next December.

Another thing that I have done to help me through the deployment is purchase a piece of artwork that really touched me the first time I saw it. It is called "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by Emily Dyches. I really wanted to buy it the first time I saw it, but I already was buying another painting (Simon Dewey's "His Name Shall be Called Wonderful") for Mario that he has been asking for. But when it came up on sale for 50% off this week, I couldn't resist. I have it hanging above the fireplace where I can see it while I am in the kitchen (where I spend most of my time with 4 hungry children.) This painting brings me a lot of peace. I am grateful for all those men and women that are fighting on the front lines to keep our country safe and free.

Christmas

Christmas started off at about 6 am. The kids gathered at the top of the stairs ready to tear down the wrapping paper that prevented them from getting a sneak peak. The kids each opened a gift and played with it while Erin, Mario, and I made donuts for breakfast (Eric's pick). Then after cleaning up, we opened another gift each and played with that. We stretched out the gift opening until about 11:30. Then it was time for our yummy Christmas dinner: ham, twice baked potatoes, and yummy Erin rolls.

This was our first year without Santa. Instead, we gave the kids money to buy more expensive gifts for each other. It was a success and the kids want to repeat it next year. They were very excited to give each other their gifts.

Opening up first gifts

Erin's new scarf made by Grandma

Erin's gift to Eric-Prince Caspian and Wii Super Mario Bros

Zach's gift to Erin...gift certificate to riding stable

Eric's gift to Nathan...Agent's Command Center

Nathan's gift to Zach...Didj game system

Zach riding new bike at 6:30 am...cold and dark

Nathan's new bike

Erin has turned into Eric...always reading!

Final gift...Wii Sports Resort

Adopt-A-Bairman

Last week, Mario went to a deployment briefing. I was supposed to go but wasn't feeling up to it. They briefed him on some of the special programs that they have for families of the deployed member. Some of these benefits include free oil changes, free dinners, and special events. One of these special events was called Adopt-A-Bairman. Our whole family was invited to go to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum yesterday so the kids could build a special bear. Each bear came with a chip in it so the deploying member of the family can record a special message to each of his kids that they can listen to while he is gone.

We got to the event a little late because we had the piano recital first. But the timing was great because our family was the only one left to build our bears. So the base Public Affairs office took tons of pictures of our family and asked to interview Mario for the base news. I got a little teary eyed when Mario had to record his messages to the kids. He asked each of the kids what they wanted him to say. Most said simply "I love you." But Eric wanted Mario to say a phrase that Mario frequently says..."Stand by."

I know we are one of the lucky families. We will get to communicate with Mario almost daily. My heart goes out to those families whose husband/father is deployed to remote parts of Afghanistan or Iraq and have very little contact.

Piano Recital

The big kids had their piano recital this morning. We enjoy these recitals because we see that we are getting our money's worth out of all these lessons. Erin has been asking for a baby grand piano just like her teacher's. I keep telling her to get a full ride scholarship to college and then we can talk about it. It doesn't make much sense for us to get one while Mario's in the military since we move so often. In fact, I have counted 6 piano teachers in 5 years. Wow! It is amazing to see all their different teaching styles. I think the kids' favorite is still Mr. Garcia from Monterey. But for the price he charged, he better be good. Their teacher now, Julie Izatt is very good too (and much cheaper even though she thinks she is expensive, almost half of Mr. Garcia.)

Sick of Being Sick

I have had this horrible cold for a week and a half now. Just when I think I am getting better, I get worse. Our ward Christmas party was last night and just before it started, I had to go lay down. Eric was very sweet and offered to stay home with me and make me dinner. He made some yummy burgers and fries. He even agreed to watch Super Nanny and Dateline with me. I know Eric doesn't like me to blog about him, but I had his permission on this one (I noticed he didn't complain about the Kirby blog either.)