Why does the author say that her family witnessed lots of sunrises in 1974?

This was because of the energy crisis of 1973 and 1974. The 1973 oil crisis began in October of 1973 when OAPEC proclaimed an oil embargo that lasted until March of 1974. As a result, year-round daylight saving time was implemented from January 6, 1974, to February 23, 1975. This led to the family witnessing more sunrises.