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!