Where Does The Time Go?

Aidan Christopher Wood

I can't believe it! Our little baby is now a one year old! Where does the time go?

On the same day Richard and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary, we celebrated our little one's first birthday. :)

He has achieved so much in the one year he has been with us.

Aidan has always slept and ate well. (Mom and Dad are truly grateful!)

He is quite the talker, and sometimes he gets a bit angry when he doesn't get what he's asking for. ("Don't you know what I'm saying, Mom and Dad?")

He has been cruising along furniture since the age of eight months. This concerned Mom a bit about having an early walker, but Aidan is still only taking a few steps at a time. Mom thinks that maybe there's a bit of a lazy streak in him. ("It's just faster to crawl, Mom!")

He is just about to start on whole milk (Hallelujah!). Why is formula so expensive? A baby's gotta eat, right?

He is now forward facing in the car seat and enjoys traveling all the more now that he can see what's going on.

He smiles a lot!

He is very ticklish! (He'll even start laughing before you touch him.)

He is a very happy baby.

He loves blowing kisses to anyone who asks.

He has been a great addition to our happy, little family!

All of these things we are truly grateful for. We have been blessed with easy going babies, and Aidan is no exception!

Happy Birthday, Aidan!

Christmas 2008 - Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: Some may have already received or will receive a copy of our Christmas letter for this year, so I apologize in advance.

Dearest Family and Friends...

Seasons Greetings from sunny Gilbert, Arizona! We hope this letter finds you all well and able to enjoy the spirit of the season. We have had a busy year in 2008!

Richard has now been working in private practice as an optometrist for a couple of years. He is enjoying the benefits of private practice. He had a couple of health scares this summer; however, he has received a clean bill of health. We are truly grateful for this!

Grace is still surviving as a second grade teacher! She has had many challenges this year, but she enjoys her time with her class. She is enjoying her time as a mom to a new baby. It brings many adventures and experiences, but Aidan makes it quite fun, exciting, and enjoyable! With all of her free time (NOT!), Grace has also begun blogging. Check out our family blog at woodfamilyaz.blogspot.com!

Alex is doing very well! He is now ten years old. He is in the fifth grade and is an excellent big brother to his younger sister and baby brother. He has been a great caretaker to Aidan and is awaiting the day he can really play with him. He has shown us that he is still quite the responsible young man. He continues to enjoy school, video games, and friends. He also loves reading! Grace affectionately calls him “Nerdo”. Alex continues with his piano playing, and he has even started the violin at school. He is actually quite good with both instruments! He even throws an impromptu concert for the family on occasion. Mom asks him to play thirty minutes of piano and twenty minutes of violin each day with only Sundays off. What a mean mom, huh?

Addison is now seven years old! She is enjoying the second grade and being next door to mom during the school day. She is still quite energetic and enthusiastic about life and learning. She is a very good big sister and is an amazing caretaker to her baby brother. She still enjoys her status as the princess in the family. Addison is quite sociable, loves drawing and coloring, and is very musically inclined. She began violin lessons this year, and she is quite a good violinist!

Aidan is now almost one year old. We welcomed him into our family on December 28, 2007. He came quite a bit earlier than expected, but he has thrived ever since entering into this world. He is a very smiley baby who is full of life and much energy. He is quicker than Speedy Gonzales! While Richard and Grace had to make some adjustments to parenting a new child, we are truly enjoying our new addition to the family!

We are grateful this season for our many friends and family members. You all have been such a great support to us, and we miss you all very much! As we reflect on our Savior’s birth this Christmas season, we hope all is well with your families and homes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Love, The Wood Family (Richard, Grace, Alex, Addison, and Aidan)

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for so many things this holiday season! We are taking this opportunity to list five things we each are grateful for.

Richard - "I am thankful for beautiful children and a beautiful wife. I am thankful for my Savior. I am thankful for health. I'm thankful for friends."

Grace - "I am grateful for my family members and friends. Health, freedom, and the love and patience of our Heavenly Father."

Alex - "I am thankful for video games, football, fun, family, and friends."

Addison - "I am thankful for my family and the earth. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father. I am thankful that I am a kid. And I am thankful for my friends."

Aidan - "My mom for bringing me to my family; my dad for taking awesome care of me; my big brother for looking out for me; my big sister for making me smile; and my awesome babysitter for taking care of me when my family is away!"

The Saga Continues...

On Monday morning, Richard, being the dutiful husband that he is, took my tire into Costco to have it checked. They said, "Sorry! You didn't purchase the tire here, so we can't look at it." Bummer!

So.... he continued with his quest. He took the tire into Sam's Club. They ran a battery of tests. They couldn't detect a leak in the tire. What the heck? Do they not realize that the tire was super flat just the day before?

I didn't believe this, so I had Richard take the tire into yet another tire shop. They ran the same battery of tests. They also couldn't detect a leak.

The two places recommended that we watch the tire for a day or two to determine where the leak may be coming from.

It's been almost a week now, and we are not detecting any leaks in the tire. The tire looks perfect. Go figure!

I guess that the adversary needs to come up with more than a flat tire to keep us from going to church!

Sunday Morning Flat

Yesterday, we noticed that my tire was flat according to my car's sensor system.

We didn't notice any flat tires; however, we went to the local gas station anyway to fill up my tires.

The sensor light went off. Yippee!

We celebrated too soon! This morning, Richard went into the garage for I don't know what, and he noticed that the tire was not just a little flat, it was so low in air that the rim touched the garage floor. Oops!

I strongly feel that this is the adversary's way of trying to hinder our eternal progression. He did want us to go visiting teaching and home teaching this morning, let alone go to church.

But staying true to what we believe... Richard changed the tire, and I was off to go visiting teaching with Addison. And... we were still able to attend our church meetings.

Yee Haw!

What Do People Really Think?

As a teacher, I like to tell my students that I am seventy seven years old. Wow! Even my seven year old daughter believes this. Scary, huh? What makes it even funnier is that my ten year old son plays along with it all.

Anyway... a few weeks ago, my daughter got a new girl in her class. Being that her mother is a teacher just next door to her classroom, she was at school early that day. So, being the social butterfly she is, she introduced herself to the new girl and her mom.

Addison: My mom is seventy seven years old.

Mom: Really?

Addison: And my dad has a pacemaker.

I wonder what that poor mother was thinking. Was she thinking that Addison was making this story up? Does Addison live with her grandparents? Or was she thinking that Addison's parents were crazy to have children at such an old age?

I wonder... What do people really think?

It's Been A Very Long Time!

I know! I know! It's been a very long time!

Now that school has begun, I feel like I have fallen off the face of the earth. So... I've decided to do what so many of you have done recently. An update on the Wood family!

School is going along fairly well. We have now been in school for almost a quarter now. This new year has brought about some amazing challenges but many awesome rewards. I have some great students in my class this year, and they are now beginning to understand the routines and procedures of the classroom and school now. Our principal kept stating that September 23rd was the magic date where something finally clicks in the students' heads to where the routines and procedures have become ingrained into their brains. We anxiously awaited that date! :) (The date has now come and gone. So what's the verdict? We are doing better! Thank goodness!)

Richard's health has been a challenge this summer, but we feel that we are getting to the bottom of it all. (He has another doctor's appointment tomorrow, so we shall see.) So hopefully, his health will be much improved very soon. Other than his health, his practicing of optometry continues to go well. It is so nice to see your spouse enjoying his profession and waking up each morning eager to start the new day!

Alex is doing very well in the fifth grade. He is enjoying his teachers, school work, and friends. I can't believe how quickly children grow up! He is anxiously awaiting the start of Oceanography. Alex is quite the trooper! Why you ask? He is continuing with his piano lessons and has started up with the violin at school. This means that he continues to practice thirty minutes a day of piano and an additional twenty minutes of violin every day except for Sunday. And... he doesn't even complain (too much)! Are we mean parents, or what?

Addison is also doing very well in second grade and loves that her mommy is just next door to her in school. She is quite the social butterfly and has made so many new friends. She has even become very good friends with a blind girl in her class. I love the many learning and teaching opportunities this brings to her. (She has even learned to type in braille!) She is also doing very well with her violin playing. It is so surprising to me how quickly she can learn the instrument and play her songs!

Aidan is growing into a happy and healthy young lad! He is now nine months old (today!) and reaching each and every milestone WAY too quickly. He is already crawling, cruising (walking) along furniture, and climbing up stairs (We've already had a tumble down the stairs last week.). Boy! Are we in trouble! He is a very happy baby! Aidan is always smiling. We are just working on laughing more. We were a little apprehensive about finding a new sitter this school year (We miss you, Amiee!), but he loves his new sitter! So much so that he is saying her name already but not so much with the "MaMa". How dare he?! Does he not know that I am his mother and that I carried him in utero and gave birth to him? :(

We hope that this helps those of you out there feel a bit more connected to our family. Keep checking us out! I'll continue to do my best at keeping things updated.

Back To School

Well... yet another school year has started! Is this good news or not so good news?

Seriously, though... I am WAY excited! Our profession (teaching) is one of very few where we can start over with different kiddos each and every year. It is so exciting to see the new bunch of students at Meet the Teacher Night. They are still so innocent and intimidated! Yet... they come back to school, and they're eager to learn. They may not know a whole lot because they are still young; however, as the school year goes on and as they mature, the little light in their eyes shines brighter and brighter. This is probably the best part about being a teacher!

My students seem excited to be in the classroom. And I have a bunch of cute kids! I am just looking forward to this next week, when we can forego all of the "getting to know you" activities and move onto the actual curriculum aspect of school and return to a more normal routine.

All I know is that I am wiped out these days! I'm not used to working so hard! This summer has actually been nice and relaxing.

I know, I know! Poor, baby! Right?

I also want you all to know that because school has started up again for the new year, I will probably not have as much of an opportunity to update my blog. It's been fun this summer keeping up with you all and catching up with old friends! All I can say is that I'll continue to try!

I'll do my best! Wish me luck!

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other!

Just like this one lone, white duck... Addison is also unique and wonderful!

She knows how to make others laugh.

She is in tune to those needing "loves".

She is always happy (except early in the morning).

She has an ear for music.

She is a great helper.

She is an awesome big sister.

She is a friend to many.

There are so many things that make Addison unique and wonderful!

But... all she needs to know is that we love her for who she is!

Making A Run For It!

All I have to say is : "Oh, my goodness!" Aidan is so squirmy wormy I get tired just watching him. He is not only jumping up and down and rolling around all over the place, but he has been doing the army crawl for over a week now, and... he is only six months old! Gone are the days of being able to leave him alone having all the confidence in the world that he'll stay put. Here are the days where he falls off the bed (The current count is now up to three. Are we horrible parents or what?), gets into whatever items are left on the floor or near it, and where Mommy and Daddy now need to vacuum the floor more frequently.

Ugh! What are we to do?

And... oh, yes! Those are socks on his poor hands. He is trying very hard to break his habit of scratching his poor little head and ears bloody. Is there a support group for that?

Thanks For The Memories!

The photos are finally here! Can you believe it? I ran out of juice in my digital camera, so heaven forbid... I had to purchase a 35mm disposable camera!

Here are some photos from our recent trip to San Diego. Aidan loved the beach! We went to Pacific Beach in San Diego. And how much cuter can it be than seeing your family walking on the beach with the water tickling their toes? Ahhh... the memories which will always be treasured!

Carpe Diem!

Our family has gone through a lot recently. With Richard having spent some time in the hospital, this has given us opportunity to pause and reflect on those things that are most important to us in life.

The more we (Richard and I) thought about these experiences, we realized what matters most are not material things but those which are spiritual in nature.

Some of these things are the following:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Life's trials and experiences
4. Memories made with loved ones
5. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father (including personal and family prayer)

We are truly grateful for each and every day! We are thankful for the opportunities we are given to grow and learn, to love and appreciate, what life presents.

We are also very appreciative for the many people who called and expressed concern and kept our family in their prayers. We just wanted you to know that your prayers were heard and answered! Thank you again for everything!

San Diego on the Fourth of July

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

In the midst of Richard's recent health issues, we decided that our family needed a much needed vacation, so... with the doctor's permission, we decided to take a trip to San Diego, California. We woke up on the morning of the Fourth of July and told the children that we were going on vacation.

"Where are we going?" asked the two older children.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if we told you, would it?" Some of you may already know, but Richard and I like to surprise our kiddos with our vacations. So off we went! And... the suspense was killing them!

It was nice to get away from the hot Arizona sun. It was thirty to forty degrees cooler in San Diego. It was nice, but I forget how much I dislike humidity!

We went to Sea World with the kids on the Fourth of July and the next day. We got a smokin' deal! Three adults (Alex is now considered an adult. Bummer!) and one child (Aidan is still young enough to be considered free. SCORE!) for the price of children's admissions, and we paid for two days for the price of one. AWESOME! We enjoyed the rides and animal shows and the awesome fireworks, not only at Sea World, but in the outlying areas as well.

We also were able to go to Pacific Beach. This was Aidan's first experience at the beach. He loved it! (Photos, hopefully, to be posted later.)

After attending a local ward's sacrament meeting on Sunday, we drove up to see the beautiful San Diego Temple.

Then reality hits! We're heading back home to sunny and HOT Arizona. It was a nice vacation where we, as a family, were able to spend some quality time and fun together! Who could ask for anything more?

Kids Grow Up WAY Too Fast!

I can't believe it! Not only is my oldest child now ten years old, but my youngest child is already six months old. And my little girl (almost seven years of age) is carrying a purse and wearing higher than desired flip flops to go shopping with Mommy. Children grow up WAY too fast! Gone are the days where they need their mommies and daddies like they once did! How can we slow our children from growing up too fast, or... make us not age quite as quickly?

Whoa! My Firstborn Is Now Ten!

I can't believe it! My firstborn has now entered (without too much trauma from Mom, Dad, Addison, or Aidan) into the double digits of life. Alexander Reilly Wood turned ten recently! Because of this amazing milestone, I have recently had an excellent opportunity to ponder and reminisce on many thoughts and memories of why I love my ten year old son.

Ten Reasons Why I Love My Ten Year Old

1. Alex is a very good helper. He "usually" is willing to help without much complaint.


2. Every time I call his name, he answers promptly, "Yes, Mommy!" (I LOVE THIS!)


3. We've ALWAYS said that Alex is an old soul in a little body.


4. He is a very bright boy. Alex is like a sponge. His brain takes on so much information. It's amazing! He's even started designing a working website. What a "nerdo", huh? (You know that I love you, Alex!)


5. Alex is very kind.


6. He is so funny! He has and understands the mature sense of humor. (Kids may not get him, but adults find him hilarious!)


7. Alex is a great big brother to Addison and Aidan. (I wish I had an older brother like him!)


8. When he sees new words, he says funny things like "Ray-dish" for radish and "Baby-lon" for Babylon.


9. Alex loves to read! He gets lost in his books. He read the last "Harry Potter" book in less than 24 hours.


10. He is an amazing young man destined for many great things!
    

This is only a small sampling of why I love my son! I am certain if I had more time, I could have come up with many more reasons why I love being Alex's mom!

Blogging?

I was recently challenged by a friend of mine to create a blog this summer. It has now become my summer project while on hiatus from school. I have found it quite difficult to think of anything to write about, but... I am up for the challenge. I will start blogging!

So... here goes!