Golf-n-Stuff

To finish off Spring Break, I took the kids to Golf-n-Stuff. I don't usually take the kids to parks like this but they missed out on going last week when it was free for families of deployed military. Nathan was scared at first to try the bumper boats and the go-karts, but he quickly got over his fear. All the kids loved the golf, bumper boats, and go-karts.

Then it was time to leave and meet Lisa Trawick so we could bring Jessie home with us while Lisa attended a wedding reception. I overheard Nathan saying he wanted to kiss Jessie. There will be none of that for my 6-year-old.

Email 3/19/10

Terri,

Hey, do you recall that I was asked to speak in Sacrament meeting today? Well, do you remember that High Council speaker in our ward a few months ago that misplaced his notes and got stuck and flustered. He kept repeating, over and over again that he lost his notes for about the whole time he was allotted to speak. Well, guess what happened to me... No, just kidding. I remembered to take them. I think the talk went well. I'll be sure to keep the talk and recycle it when I get back if the Bishopric asks me to speak. I've attached it if you'd like to read it.

So, when does Eric go on the temple trip? Many times I think of going to the temple with you and sitting in the celestial room. It's one of those things that I look forward to doing with you. I also like when I'm sitting in the endowment session and look over at you and catch you checking me out. Just like when you were checking me out at West Palm Beach 16 years ago. I remember it vividly.

I made my first purchase at the Camp Eggers bazaar today. It's a little pocket knife similar to the one I always carry back home. I brought that knife, but since it has sentimental value to me, don't want to carry it. I'm afraid that with the putting on and taking off my battle gear I'll lose it. The new one I got today says Gerber (it's a knock off) just like mine, but has a wooden handle. Pretty nice! I talked the vendor down to $3 and then he didn't have change for my $20 bill so he gave it to me for free. I insisted on leaving it and getting it next week but he was adamant I take it. Grant, my home teacher, says it's their culture to give you the item if they don't have change. Relationship is much more important that money. Next week I'll go with a $100 bill and see how much free stuff I can get. Just kidding. I plan to take the vendor his money next week.

I love you very much. Check out the picture of me with another dog. The Lt in the photo works for me... very good guy. There is also a picture of us checking our truck before we leave the compound. It looks like we could put some good captions on this one to make it funny.

Love,
Mario

Grand Canyon

I made reservations for a vacation to the Grand Canyon in early June. The kids are excited about a KOA cabin. They have such fond memories from the one we stayed at near Palmyra. Erin's dream is to go horseback riding at the Grand Canyon but the boys aren't old enough. So she may not get to do that, but I am sure we can find another fun activity. I wish Mario could join us but we can always go again with him.

Spring Break in Florida

The kids and I returned last night from our Spring Break in Florida. It was so nice to see the cousins get together. Unfortunately they don't get to see each other often since we live so far away. We chose the right week to go because the weather was beautiful most of the days. Unfortunately the water was still very cold but the kids enjoyed it anyway. We stayed at Melissa's home this time and she tried hard to make us feel at home. I am sure it wasn't easy having so many extra people in her home especially when Josh works nights and needs to sleep during the day. It is nice that Missy and my mom live on the same street and we can walk between the houses. My mom worked hard making meals for us every night. I am surprised I only gained 2 or 3 pounds during that 10 days. I don't usually eat such big meals and big desserts each night. Unfortunately, now I have to go back to doing all the cooking and cleaning.

The first night, we went to Billy's house for swimming (he heated the pool) and pizza. It was so nice to see his family since most of my kids haven't seen them for years. Zach was the only one that saw them last year at Poppie's funeral. Billy and Kristen spent a lot of time with us during our stay which I really appreciate since I know they are extremely busy. Erin got to have a couple sleepovers with Gabriella. That was a real treat since we don't do sleepovers. But we made an exception for cousins. Erin spent every night except one at Grandmas. I think she enjoyed helping Nonnie and Grandma in the kitchen and getting away from all the boys at Missy's house.

Tuesday we went to the Venice Beach and had some pictures taken. The kids didn't cooperate too well but they had fun looking for sharks teeth on the beach. Wednesday we went boating in Venice. I loved the boat ride because it was nice and slow. The kids got to play on a small island for a long time too. I miss not living close to a beach.

We went to the mall and Eric and Erin saw Alice and Wonderland. Nathan wanted to see it and when I told him that Eric said it would be too scary, he responded with, "Eric thinks Dora is scary!" He was trying to prove a point to me that Eric isn't a good judge of scariness. I didn't give in. Friday was pretty yucky weather and I don't even remember what we did that day.

Saturday we were supposed to go boating, but couldn't because of a small craft advisory. So we went to Ponce de Leon park and had a bbq with the whole family (minus Charlie, Margareth, and Mario) instead. The kids enjoyed running around the park even though it was pretty windy. Here is a picture of all 8 cousins.

On Sunday, we went to church and then took the kids to a little park to play. Then we had a big dinner together and celebrated Nonnie's 90th birthday early since we won't be there on her real birthday, March 20. Plane tickets were way to expensive to fly back any later than March 17.

On Monday, we went to Englewood Beach. Zachary has been looking forward to a long beach walk with Grandma. That was his favorite part of San Diego 6 months ago. So they walked over 2 miles collecting shells while Nonnie and I watched Nathan and Justin play at the beach. They played so nicely together. We found that 2 get along a lot better than 3. That statement that three is a crowd is definitely true when it comes to Nathan, Zach, and Justin.

On Tuesday, my Aunt Carol flew in. Billy took the kids, Nonnie, Carol, Grandma, and I back to Venice beach for a boat ride and tubing. Eric, Erin, and Zachary enjoyed the tubing. Nathan begged for Erin and Zachary to get off of it. He was very nervous for them. He never mentioned being scared for Eric. I found that kind of funny. Billy was a good sport and took the kids boating even though it was windy and cold. The kids had a great time even though they were thrown into very cold water.

On Wednesday, we endured 12 hours of travel time to get back to Tucson. All the flights went well and the kids were pretty good. It was nice to crawl into bed last night after rushing to get Buzz from the kennel, unpacking, paying bills, going through the mail, and waiting for Mario's call. I think I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow.

We appreciate all the sacrifices everyone made to make our visit enjoyable.

Soviet Bone Yard

Here's a picture to prove Mario really is in the military. For 12 years, we have been so fortunate to have Mario home with us. It was almost like he wasn't even in the military. But this picture is proof that he really is Air Force.

This picture was taken at a Soviet tank bone yard. These are the remnants of the tanks the Soviet Union rolled through Afghanistan in the 1980's when they were occupying the country.

A Crack on My Seat

Hi Terri,

I found a chair yesterday. There is an ironing board by the bathroom on which people put things they don't want anymore. Generally, there are books and magazines on the board. Occasionally I find snacks or toiletries. Well, yesterday there was a chair next to it. I took it.

It's a plain chair, made of wood with a maple finish. There is a small crack in the middle of the seat that threatens to compromise its structural integrity if it gets much bigger. I put it by my bed. There isn't much room for it and it makes it a little difficult to open my cabinet. I sat on it, lining up the cracks. Mostly I stack things on it, such as other items I've claimed from the donation area.

I also put the Ensign on it. Now I can see it and it will remind me to read. I should read the First Presidency message first. I've been assigned a home teaching route. Not even war excused the priesthood from home teaching. There is only one brother on my route. He works in my office. I see him about 12 hours a day, every day. To make sure I know how well he is doing, I will schedule an appointments with him, turn my chair about 90 degrees, and share a message with him. Interestingly enough, he is my home teacher as well. This should be easy. One month he makes the appointment and I give the message. The next month we'll switch off. We should both be 100% on home teaching.

I wonder if watching a movie together counts for home teaching. We're watching Miracle right now. I'm sure you've heard of this movie. It's about the 1980 Winter Olympic gold medal bid by a young US hockey team. I think I've seen it. The whole office is watching it. They're very excited. If I'm home teaching now and non-members are present I think this counts as missionary work.

Missionary work is important. I invited a guy in my tent to come to church. He said he has a friend that used to be a witch and worshiped the devil. Why do people think of witches and devil worshiping when I invite them to church? He respectfully declined my invitation. He moved out of the tent the next day. He never even got to see my new chair.

I love you,
Mario

Cereal for Dinner

Hi Terri,

I hope b-ball went well for the boys. I hope they were able to finally break the tie.

I wasn't terribly hungry for dinner so when I got there and saw the slop, I opted for cereal. They have small containers of soy milk and tons of pre-packaged cereal bowls. Most are sugar cereals, but I found special-K and honey nut cheerios. I happened to walk in at the same time the district presidency was there and they invited me to sit with them. Apparently they have their presidency meetings on Saturday nights (in lieu of dates with there spouses).

Two of the three have been here for years. They're contractors and not involuntarily sent. I don't get it. I would never leave my family for years voluntarily. Anyway, they are very cool and dedicated.

We met a dog in the parking lot. It wouldn't get out of the driveway when we were coming back in. So, I just rolled forward to shew him along. He moved, but slowly. At a couple points I couldn't see him I was so close. He finally moved. When we got out he came up to us and
he reminded me of Buzz. His movement, ears tucked back, sitting and begging while wagging his tail, and he was about the same size. Tell Buzz I miss him too.

It was a good day. I'll be sleeping in tomorrow morning just a bit. I'll call you at about 9:00 your time.

I love you and miss you very much.

I love you,
Mario