Play Ball!

A few months ago, Alex expressed an interest in playing football. We were like, "Huh? Where is this coming from?" Despite the love of sports and watching it in our household, our oldest is not the athlete of the year by any means.

So... who's to say no to that little burning desire in his heart?

Why not? His best friend from school also wanted to play, so his mom and I signed them up.

We are not looking for the next Joe Montana, John Riggins, or Jerry Rice. We are just hoping that he has fun and enjoys his time playing flag football this season.

Things, as of yesterday, were not too organized with the league we signed the boys up in. Jerseys are not yet in. The boys played in practice jerseys. The games were running late, so we didn't even begin our game until 45 minutes after it was scheduled. Our team didn't even have a head coach until yesterday, the day of the game. Wow!

A couple of parents were overheard saying that the team was stinky, but what do you expect when no one steps up to the plate before the first game to head coach? Our new head coach doesn't even have a child playing on the team (Now that's dedication!), but he seems eager to teach the kiddos some football. We were not the best team by any means, but now with three practices a week (Ugh!)... I'm sure that they will only get better. Alex and his friend will only be able to make it to two practices a week since scouts is on the same day as one of the practices, and it means more to Alex and the family that he continues with his growth in scouting. But... we are looking forward to not necessarily marks in the win column but a boy who learns more about football, begins to enjoy playing more sports, learns good sportsmanship, and grows even more to be the good, young man that he is. And... this was evident when I observed him, on a couple of occasions, patting his teammates on the back saying things like, "Nice job!" or "Good try!"

Play Ball!

Go, Scorpions!

Now That's Love!

As I contemplate going back to school tomorrow, I have to relay a cute story...

A couple of days ago, I stated, "I so do not want to go back to school on Monday. I'm not ready!" I actually said this out loud, and Alex listening replies, "That's okay, Mommy! You can take the day off. I'll stay home with you. I'll try to make myself throw up on Sunday night."

What more could a parent want!

Happy New Year!

We, in the Wood household, wish each and every one of you a very happy and safe new year!

14 Years and Counting...

Wow! 14 years seem to have flown by. It seems like just yesterday when the butterflies were building in anticipation of Grace's response to my marriage proposal. Now after four states, nine homes, and three beautiful children, we can say, "Wow! What a wonderful life!"

In commemoration of our 14th wedding anniversary, here are fourteen reasons why I love her.

1. She is thoughtful and kind.

2. She is faithful and dependable.

3. She puts up with my many imperfections.

4. She is a loving mother.

5. She is a wonderful teacher.

6. She is organized.

7. She is intelligent and welcomes open communication.

8. She is a great listener.

9. She is easy to talk to.

10. She keeps the house in order.

11. She is as beautiful today as the first day I met her (maybe even more so).

12. She is respectful to her parents and others.

13. She follows her heart.

14. She chose me. (I'm the lucky one!)

Here's to fourteen years and counting!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!

Richard and I recently celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. So... I have decided that this would be a great opportunity to think about all of the reasons I love my husband and list 14 reasons. (*These items are not listed in order of priority.)

1. He is a wonderfully loving father.

2. He is a very helpful and involved father.

3. He is a caring and compassionate spouse.

4. He is passionate about his profession.

5.He is a very caring person.

6. He is a very spiritually in tuned man.

7. He makes me laugh every day.

8. He knows how to have fun.

9. He listens (most of the time!).

10. He is considerate in his advice.

11. He is very handy around the house and with cars.

12. He is healthy.

13. He takes his responsibilities seriously.

14. He married me!

These are only a few of the reasons why I love Richard and have treasured our 14 years together as man and wife.

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)