A Day in the Life of the Wood's

Snapshot #491: Hazel's Blessing Dress

2012-02-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

February 14, 2012. San Jose, California. Today I am washing and ironing and packing to get ready for our early morning flight to Utah tomorrow. After Hazel is sealed to us in the temple Saturday morning, she will officially be given her name and a blessing in this dress. It will be a beautiful day!

Snapshot #490: Friends

2012-02-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

February 13, 2012. San Jose, California. Zazu is such a good cat. He not only tolerates Hazel's interest in him...he also comes to give her loves when she's crying. I think this is the start of a good long relationship.

Snapshot #489: Almaden Lake Park

2012-02-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2012. San Jose, California. Today our little family discovered Almaden Lake Park in South San Jose (a great find!), then went out to dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

Snapshot #488: Hello Self

2012-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

February 10, 2012. San Jose, California. Hello self...it's nice to meet you.

Snapshot #487: Hazel's First Kiss

2012-02-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2012. San Jose, California. The sequence of events went something like this...

They started out as just friends...then Hazel reached out to encourage him.

He responded by holding her hand (she pretended not to notice).

Then, he came in for the kiss...

*@#*!! He was floored...she couldn't stop smiling.

Snapshot #486: More Vaccinations

2012-02-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

February 8, 2012. San Jose, California. Today was Hazel's six month checkup with her Pediatrician. It was scheduled during her naptime, so all she wanted to do was sleep...despite the half dozen people doting on her. She received another dosage of vaccinations; if it's anything like the last time, she'll be running a high fever the next 48 hours. Poor girl.

Snapshot #485: Sleep Training

2012-02-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2012. San Jose, California. "They" say sleep training only takes 3 nights...but our experience has been more like 3 weeks. Days 1-3 we weaned her off her overnight bottles. Days 4-6 we weaned ourselves off of responding to every little cry. Days 7-9 she slept 11-12 hours straight (something I didn't know was possible). Days 10-12 were hit and miss; maybe she'd wake up maybe she wouldn't. Day 13 she woke up every two hours (is she teething? is she cold?). Last night, Day 14 she slept 12 hours straight. Hopefully by the end of this week we will have had a miraculous week of continuous nighttime sleep--just in time to travel to Utah/Idaho and throw everything off again. (Parenting...perhaps there's no such thing as figuring it out.)

Snapshot #484: Oh My

2012-02-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2012. San Jose, California. Oh my, look what Hazel can do. (Not for very long though.)

Snapshot #483: Hazel's 6 Month Photo Shoot

2012-02-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

February 4, 2012. San Jose, California. Today Hazel is 6 Months. She is our joy!

Snapshot #482: "The Paper Garden"

2012-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

February 3, 2012. San Jose, California. As slow a reader as I am, I am happy to report the completion of another book, "The Paper Garden" by Molly Peacock. This one, I would like to purchase and add to my personal library. I will be thinking about it for days, weeks, months, and years to come. The writing was sophisticated, the true story of Mary Delany captivating, and the Flora Delanica inspiring; the culminating point being that "Some things just take living long enough to do." I truly appreciated the examination of the nature of creativity. The effect on me has been increased respect and optimism for the aging process. Another benefit...I have discovered my preferred genre to read...biographies.

Snapshot #481: Uh-Oh

2012-02-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2012. San Jose, California. We're in big trouble now...she's about to start crawling.

Snapshot #480: Itty Bitty Hands & Feet

2012-02-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

February 1, 2012. San Jose, California. Remember when I had imprints made for Hazel? Well, here they are; age 2-1/2 Months.

Snapshot #479: Sewing Machine

2012-01-31T07:58:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2012. San Jose, California. Look what arrived for me over the weekend. Yeah for more projects! (I had to promise Dave I would finish two 'in-progress' projects before starting another, lol.)

Snapshot #478: Baby Saucer

2012-01-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2012. San Jose, California. A neighbor invited us over for lunch last Friday and Hazel got to play in her son's saucer. Good times.

Snapshot #477: Shopping with Mom

2012-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

January 28, 2012. San Jose, California. Hazel is a good little shopper; she is SO inquisitive about everything around her (wicked smart, quoting our Home Teacher). For the first time, she was perfectly capable of sitting in the cart. Makes me kinda sad...I remember walking around stores with her in the moby wrap thinking it would be ages before she could actually sit in a cart. Sigh.

Snapshot #476: Morning Jog

2012-01-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2012. San Jose, California. I had planned to share a photo of Hazel sitting snug in the jogging stroller--where she's become accustomed to taking her morning nap--but this close-up of her eyes is just too beautiful to pass up.

Snapshot #475: Enchanted

2012-01-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2012. San Jose, California. This picture is for my sister. I keep telling her how captivated Hazel is by the mobile we made...here's some proof.

Snapshot #474: Gently Used

2012-01-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2012. San Jose, California. A friend of mine is having a baby boy, and therefore de-cluttering her home of all baby girl clothing. She thoughtfully invited Hazel and I over to stock up on hand-me-downs. It was a clothing feast. (Thank You!) Her daughter was SO cute with Hazel and insisted on feeding her too.

Snapshot #473: Army Crawl

2012-01-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

January 24, 2012. San Jose, California. These days, every week has a new first for Baby. This week it's an army crawl. AND I'm learning how to put music to video...how about that.

Snapshot #472: Origami Rocketship Mobile

2012-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2012. Sunnyvale, California. I spent a good portion of the day at a friends in an attempt to create an origami rocketship mobile for her son's bedroom. It needs some fine tuning and a few more items, like a UFO...but it's quite captivating when everything starts spinning round and round.

Snapshot #471: The Gift of a Family

2012-01-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

January 21, 2012. San Jose, California. The last couple days I have been overwhelmingly grateful for the gift of becoming a family through the miracle of sweet Hazel. Dave and I have become a tag-team in providing for her needs; I don't know what I would do without either one of them.

Snapshot #470: Baby Reflections

2012-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2012. San Jose, California. Hazel has recently become intensely fascinated by her own reflection in the mirror. Watching her discover how things work is such a joy.

Snapshot #469: Baby Quilts

2012-01-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

January 19, 2012. San Jose, California. One of my very best friends found out today that she is going to be having a baby boy. I got crazy excited about assisting her in the decoration of her nursery. Really charming baby boy articles are really hard to find...perhaps I have found a new creative outlet. I pictured nurseries in the following themes: #1: Baby Blue Argyle or #2 Dr. Seuss or #3 Camouflauge.

Snapshot #468: Binky Thumb

2012-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

January 18, 2012. San Jose, California. Hazel and I met up with Dave at Cisco for lunch. She has figured out a way to chew on her binky and her thumb at the same time...smart girl.

Snapshot #467: A Sitting Hazel

2012-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2012. San Jose, California. Hazel can sit up unaided. In addition to sitting up, just today she started scooching herself across the floor on her tummy, reaching whatever she wants.

Snapshot #466: First Food

2012-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2012. San Jose, California. Really, it was our third attempt at giving her rice cereal; but the other two attempts didn't seem to take. As of late Hazel has expressed intense interest in food so we decided to get out the high chair and give it another try. She may have actually swallowed something this time. (Can you believe how much older she's looking!)

Snapshot #465: First Teeth

2012-01-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2012. San Jose, California. Look close, there are already two little teeth on the bottom gum.

Baby's Best: Top Ten Most Useful Baby Items, Ages 0-6 Months

2012-01-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

I am interested in learning about other mom's and dad's favorite baby gadgets. Mine are as follows. What are yours?

Couple my love of good design with a financially wise husband and you get a list of the top ten most useful baby items, according to the Woods. I like to have only the basic essentials around, rather than numerous fancy gizmos and gadgets that don't see a lot of use. Are these products absolutely necessary? No; babies don't 'need' a lot besides loving parents and food--but I do use these products on a daily basis. Are these products the least expensive? Most likely not; but they are a good value.

Baby's Best #1: Puj Tub

I highly recommend the Puj Tub to all my friends. It takes up zero space for storage; I need only one hand to pick it up and put it away with zero clean up time; it functions in my tiny, counterless bathroom; I don't have to bend over and injure my back; and Baby loves it. Price $40. Made by Puj.

Baby's Best #2: Moby Wrap

The Moby Wrap distributes weight on my shoulders and back better than any carrier I have tried. It's easy to transport, easy to clean, keeps Baby close and comfortable, and has the option for either inward or outward facing baby. I use my moby while doing chores around the house, shopping, traveling, for walks and hikes. Price $45. Made by Moby.

Baby's Best #3: Diaper Caddy

I was introduced to this diaper caddy by my cousins. It's great because it keeps diapers, wipes, ointments, and changing pad all in one compact location. It also transports super easy. Love it. Price $30. Made by JJ Cole Collections.

Baby's Best #4: Microfleece Sleep Bag

A sleep bag keeps Baby's toes warm and also eliminates the snapping guess work out of a middle-of-the-night diaper change. I like microfleece because it's soft and cuddly. Price $8. Made by Carter's.

Baby's Best #5: Binky Clip

A binky clip is indispensable if you want an easily accessible, clean binky. Price Varies. This one is homemade by my sister.

Baby's Best #6: Emery Boards

I found baby nail clippers to be intimidating, always worrying about whether or not I would also clip Baby's skin. These little emery boards do the job without injuring Baby. Price $2. Made by Safety 1st.

Baby's Best #7: Finger Toothbrush

The finger toothbrush gives me the control I want without worrying about choking the baby. I first used it to remove milk from Baby's tongue and now use it to clean Baby's teeth. Price $2. Made by Summer.

Baby's Best #8: Crib Mobile

I didn't get a crib mobile until Baby was over three months old. I wish I had had it since birth. It makes naptime easier for both Mommy and Baby, giving Baby self-soothing amusement before putting herself to sleep. Price varies. Mine is homemade by my sister and I.

Baby's Best #9: Lightweight Waffle Weave Swaddling Blankets

These lightweight waffle-weave swaddling blankets are nice to have. The lightweight natural cotton muslin is breathable--prime for use year round; the waffle weave is flexible, enabling a tight swaddle around Baby; and the blanket dimensions are generous enough to accommodate a rapidly growing baby. Price (4 pack) $35. Made by Aden + Anais.

Baby's Best #10: Baby Bee Shampoo + Wash

I'm a fan of the all-in-one shampoo + body wash for Baby. I value the natural ingredients and who doesn't want a baby that smells like honey and coconut...yummm. Price $9. Made by Burt's Bees.

That's my list. Now it's your turn!

Snapshot #464: Faceplant Sleeping

2012-01-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2012. San Jose, California. Hazel is so active now that swaddling her for sleep is no longer an option. I always put her down on her back but she rolls and rolls around her crib until finally settling into sleep; which these days looks more like this.

Snapshot #463: The Glass Castle

2012-01-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

January 11, 2012. San Jose, California. I hosted book club at my place today. I was so busy hosting that I forgot to take photographs of my packed living room. We reviewed the book "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. It looked interesting enough to add to my reading list (I do book club a little backward than most...waiting until after the review--and the high demand from the library--to read the book.)

Snapshot #462: Books for Hazel

2012-01-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

January 10, 2012. San Jose, California. I'm excited...Hazel's Christmas books arrived today. (Hazel and I thank you Lindsey!) Her bedtime routine will now get more interesting because we won't be reading the same book every night any more. My next task? Order some books in spanish.

Snapshot #460: Eat, Play, Sleep

2012-01-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2012. San Jose, California. After five months of sleepless nights a friend of mine loaned me the book, "On Becoming Baby Wise" which I finished reading today. In my opinion, the book has several outlandish general statements--nevertheless, the tools for mastering continuous nighttime sleep are encouraging. I have been gradually working Hazel into the routine Eat, Play, Sleep on an approximate 3-hour cycle for five days now. Magically, Hazel has started to predictably wake only once during the night to feed; rather than three times nightly. Her daytime naps are also stretching to 1-1/2 hours rather than her typical 20-40 minutes. According to this book, my biggest mistake was to be on a schedule of Play, Eat, Sleep rather than Eat, Play, Sleep. Who knew?! I am looking forward to less fatigue.

Snapshot #459: Our Sweet Hazel

2012-01-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

January 7, 2012. San Jose, California. More sweet Hazel photos; age five months.

Snapshot #458: Growing Pains

2012-01-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

January 6, 2012. San Jose, California. Our sweet baby is teething. This morning I discovered two little white ridges breaking through the bottom gum. This means she is very drooly, slightly more irritable, and chews on anything from blankets to stuffed animals to teether rings.

Snapshot #457: Barrel Rolling

2012-01-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2012. San Jose, California. Not only can Hazel roll from her tummy to her back, she just figured out how to roll from her back to her tummy. Today she pretty much barrel-rolled halfway across the room. Uh-oh...here we go!

Snapshot #456: Hazel's 5 Month Photo Shoot

2012-01-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2012. San Jose, California. Today especially when I looked at Hazel I could see her angel mother in her adorable features. I will be forever grateful for the gift of adoption.

Snapshot #455: Beautiful Hazel

2012-01-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

January 3, 2012. San Jose, California. Tomorrow she turns five months. I love her so much.

Snapshot #454: Consistency

2012-01-02T22:38:00.001-08:00

January 2, 2012. San Jose, California. My resolution for this year is consistency. Despite the ebbs and flows around me, I want to consistently pursue my ideals.

Snapshot #453: Hazel Laughs

2011-12-31T22:37:00.000-08:00

December 31, 2011. San Jose, California. Her laugh is one of the sweetest sounds in the world.

Snapshot #452: Hazel Rolls Over

2011-12-30T22:34:00.000-08:00

December 30, 2011. San Jose, California. This video is from December 15th. Hazel just figured out how to roll over but isn't quite sure what to think of it yet.

Snapshot #451: First Book

2011-12-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

December 29, 2011. San Jose, California. In an effort to establish a consistent bedtime routine with Hazel, Dave and I have started to read her a story each night before bed. If we keep the pages turning we can usually keep her attention.

Snapshot #450: Meat Pie Tradition

2011-12-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

December 28, 2011. San Jose, California. Dave's family has a Christmas tradition in the preparation and consumption of a family recipe for meat pie. This year's pie we made while in Utah over Thanksgiving and brought back with us.

Snapshot #449: New Game Tradition

2011-12-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

December 27, 2011. San Jose, California. It is becoming tradition for the Wood Family to get a new game (or two, or three) for Christmas each year. Dave only has to work one day this week so we've enjoyed staying up late playing our new games.

Snapshop #448: My Blessings

2011-12-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2011. San Jose, California. Ohhhh...they're so darn cute.

Snapshot #447: Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

December 25, 2011. San Jose, California. Hazel sitting in the pew at our church service on Christmas morning.

Snapshot #446: Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2011. San Jose, California. It's a quiet Christmas Eve at home for Dave, Hazel and I. I am thankful for my many, many blessings.

Snapshot #445: Jenny Jump Up

2011-12-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2011. San Jose, California. We let Hazel open one of her gifts early in hopes that she would get some good use out of it this weekend...but she doesn't know what to think of her new toy. So far it's just been a "Hazel Sit Still" rather than a "Jenny Jump Up".

Snapshot #444: Joy to the Woods

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

December 22, 2011. San Jose, California. With a couple toys within her reach, Hazel is able to entertain herself for a little while. She is our Joy this Christmas season.

Snapshot #443: Baby Discoveries

2011-12-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2011. San Jose, California. Hazel has recently discovered her ear. Cute.

Snapshot #442: Christmas Wrapping

2011-12-20T23:13:00.000-08:00

December 20, 2011. San Jose, California. This afternoon I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped, then rushed to the post office. I was in such a hurry to make it before they closed, that I didn't take the time to photograph the beautifully-wrapped gifts. Mah. I guess this will have to do.

Recipe Diaries: Snapshot #441: Sweet Potato Burritos

2011-12-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2011. San Jose, California. I was in a recipe slump last week, so I called my mother-in-law for inspiration. True to character, she sent me away excited once again by the artistry of good food creation. Borrowing her recipe, I served sweet potato burritos for the young women who came to my house on friday night. Several have asked for the recipe, so here it is:

Sweet Potato Burritos

Sweet Potatoes
Salt
1-2 Tablespoons Butter
Cooked Rice (white or brown)
Yellow Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Cheese, grated (I used Monterey Jack)
Flour Tortillas
Cabbage, chopped
Pico de Gallo (diced tomato, white onion, green onion, salt, garlic, cilantro, with lime juice)
Green Salsa
Extra Cheese, grated
Sour Cream
Ground Pepper

First, peel, chop, and boil the sweet potatoes with a little salt until soft. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with the butter; add salt to taste. Lay out a tortilla and fill with several spoonfuls of the mashed sweet potatoes, cooked rice, corn, and grated cheese. Roll like a burrito then place on a bed of cabbage. Garnish with Pico de Gallo, Green Salsa, Extra Cheese, Sour Cream, and a little pepper.

This recipe is highly adaptable. Other recommendations include:
black beans
pomegranate garnish
mango salsa

Exploring California: Snapshot #440: Manchester Mystery House

2011-12-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

December 17, 2011. San Jose, California. Somehow, California has managed to turn some absurdly rich, short, and crazy old lady's house into a popular tourist attraction. The premise is that a superstitious widow used her inheritance to hire carpenters to renovate her home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 38 years--in order to create rooms sufficient to house the many ghosts killed by the winchester gun. Dave and I finally gave in to requests and toured Sarah Winchester's Mansion last Saturday. I was not impressed by the tour; price was too high, tour was too crowded, and tour guide was not very interesting. I was looking forward to hearing all the ghostly rumors about Sarah and the mansion, but instead we just got facts of the house and its construction. There were more spooky details in a book at the gift store. The stairs to nowhere? Mere renovations that rendered them useless. The window in the floor? A simple skylight. The marketing team for this mansion has done a very good job capturing attention. Visiting the mansion, not highly recommended...unless maybe on Halloween night when the tour guides are less likely to disappoint.

Snapshot #439: Christmas Get-Together

2011-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2011. San Jose, California. I invited a small group of young women for a fun get-together at my house last night. I feel like an old lady...they have so much energy!

Snapshot #438: Lemon Tree

2011-12-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2011. San Jose, California. One of the joys of California is the fruit trees. I love that my backyard has a lemon tree. (There is also an orange tree, but it got trimmed back so far that it currently does not bear any fruit)

Snapshot #437: Book Club

2011-12-14T17:50:00.005-08:00

December 14, 2011. San Jose, California. Hazel and I had a good time at book club today.

Recipe Diaries: Snapshot #436: Puffy Eggs

2011-12-13T17:20:00.021-08:00

December 13, 2011. San Jose, California. With Shelli here, I made one of my family favorites breakfast...Puffy Eggs. It was my personal favorite growing up, so to this day my siblings call me for the recipe. Here it is for the record:

Puffy Eggs (also known as German Pancakes)

2 Tablespoons Butter
9 Eggs (blended first)
1-1/3 Cup Milk
1-1/3 Cup White Four
1/2 teaspoon Salt

First, preheat the oven to 375, then place the butter in the pan (9x13 or 8x8) in the oven and allow it to melt. The secret to the recipe is next. Blend the 9 eggs in the blender all by themselves...blend it real good. Then add the milk, flour, and salt and blend well again. Pour the egg mixture into the pan in the melted butter and cook for 20 minutes, or until sufficiently puffy.

Snapshot #435: Graham Cracker Houses

2011-12-12T17:40:00.001-08:00

December 12, 2011. Sunnyvale, California. Dave and I spent the evening with friends and made Graham Cracker Houses. Can you guess which house is Dave's and which is mine?

Snapshot #434: Bye Bye Sister

2011-12-11T17:14:00.001-08:00

December 11, 2011. San Jose, California. So sad...we had to take Shelli to the airport today and see her off. Thanks for coming Sis. Having family in my house turns it into a home.

Snapshot #433: Butterfly Mobile

2011-12-10T16:54:00.002-08:00

December 10, 2011. San Jose, California. My sister and I spent 11 hours over the last two days making a butterfly mobile for Hazel's bed. It was totally worth it.

Exploring California: Pezzini Artichoke Farm

2011-12-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2011. Castroville, California. On Hightway One, just outside Monterey Bay, lies the artichoke capitol of the world...home of Pezzini Farms. My sister had seen the farm featured on a television broadcast in Boise so we stopped in for a visit. What a great find! The store is fabulous; also available online. And don't forget to sample their fried artichoke hearts.

Snapshot #432: Leafy Sea Dragon

2011-12-08T16:47:00.001-08:00

December 8, 2011. Monterey, California. My sister came to stay with me for my birthday. Yeah for sisters! We drove down to Monterey today and spent time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the world. My favorite? The Leafy Sea Dragons. Now you see me...now you don't.

Snapshot #431: Happy Birthday to Me

2011-12-07T16:45:00.002-08:00

December 7, 2011. San Jose, California. Happy Birthday to me. My in-laws got me these fabulous boots. I LOVE them!

Snapshot #430: Hazel Can Laugh

2011-12-06T16:42:00.002-08:00

December 6, 2011. San Jose, California. While in Idaho my sisters got Hazel to laugh for the first time and I've finally figured out how to duplicate it. It's SO sweet!

Snapshot #429: Hazel's Four Month Photo

2011-12-05T16:31:00.004-08:00

December 5, 2011. San Jose, California. As of yesterday, Hazel is four months old. She has brought incredible happiness and laughter into our lives. We are so very grateful for our little Hazel.

Snapshot #428: Home Again

2011-12-03T16:25:00.001-08:00

December 3, 2011. Airspace, USA. On the flight back to San Jose the stewardess passed Dave, Hazel, and I all asleep; she said it was so cute she couldn't resist snapping a photo.

Snapshot #427: 90th Birthday Celebration

2011-12-02T16:16:00.001-08:00

December 2, 2011. South Jordan, Utah. Tonight was a festive gathering celebrating Dave's Grandma's 90th Birthday. Dave's sister made the most incredible german chocolate cake featuring one of Grandma's favorite pastimes, crossword puzzles.

Snapshot #426: Good Times

2011-12-01T16:09:00.003-08:00

December 1, 2011. South Jordan, Utah. I was having such a good time with family and friends that I forgot to take many photos. It felt good to just chill for a few days and catch up with friends.

Snapshot #425: Dave the Grand-Daddo

2011-11-30T17:20:00.008-08:00

November 30, 2011. South Jordan, Utah. Today I enjoyed my second Thanksgiving feast of the year...this time with the Wood family.

Snapshot #424: Lights at Temple Square

2011-11-29T15:36:00.005-08:00

November 29, 2011. Salt Lake City, Utah. My mother took the day off work and drove me to Utah to meet up with my husband and his family. Sherman and his gorgeous Antoinette came along to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square.

Snapshot #423: A Pencil Artist

2011-11-28T17:09:00.024-08:00

November 28, 2011. Wendell, Idaho. My father is a very creative and skilled man. His latest ambition is pencil artistry for which he has been training himself using tutorials from the internet. I think it's incredible! Here are two of his sketches; the first of my niece Freya, the second of Hazel.

Snapshot #422: Wendell, Idaho Sunset

2011-11-27T17:06:00.003-08:00

November 27, 2011. Wendell, Idaho. I never tire of Wendell, Idaho sunsets at the House of Kings.

Snapshot #421: Hazel with Grandpa King

2011-11-26T17:02:00.000-08:00

November 26, 2011. Wendell, Idaho. I am so glad that I was able to come home so that Hazel could spend some time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Snapshot #420: Open House for Zack & Melissa

2011-11-25T16:52:00.010-08:00

November 25, 2011. Wendell, Idaho. My parents hosted an open house for Zack and Melissa this evening. My brother's adorable little girls crashed the party as gypsies.

Snapshot #419: Airman King Home for Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T16:43:00.001-08:00

November 24, 2011. Boise, Idaho. Instead of having Thanksgiving dinner at the usual time, we all drove to Boise to welcome home Airman Sherman King. I love this picture of my four brothers...it's been nearly two years since they were all together.

Snapshot #418: A Visitor from Wales

2011-11-23T16:37:00.001-08:00

November 23, 2011. Wendell, Idaho. My sister's mother-in-law from Wales drove through Wendell today, visiting family for the holidays. This picture is for Jana.

Snapshot #417: Shelli's Salad

2011-11-22T16:32:00.001-08:00

November 22, 2011. Boise, Idaho. My sister left work early and picked up Hazel and I from the airport yesterday, then drove us most the way to Wendell. To say thanks, I made Shelli a delicious salad.

Snapshot #416: Hazel's First Flight

2011-11-21T16:29:00.001-08:00

November 21, 2011. Somewhere in the Air, USA. Hazel and I flew to Boise today. Happily, it was smooth sailing. Boy, is she a charmer.

Snapshot #415: My Dave and My Hazel

2011-11-20T16:24:00.001-08:00

November 20, 2011. San Jose, California. Hazel and I get on an airplane in the morning to spend the next week in Idaho with my family. We sure are going to miss our Dave.

Snapshot #414: Zack & Melissa's Wedding

2011-11-19T16:02:00.011-08:00

The Bride & Groom

The Groom

The Bride

Father-of-the-Bride

Mother-of-the-Bride

Brothers-of-the-Bride

Sister-of-the-Bride

Father and Mother-of-the-Groom

Sisters-of-the-Groom

Nephew-of-the-Groom

November 19, 2011. Oakland, California. Today was my cousin Zack's Wedding. Zack is like a brother to me because he came and lived with me and my family during his high school years. I took these photos to share with family. Congratulations to Zack & Melissa! The wedding ceremony was one of the most memorable I have ever attended.

Snapshot #413: Zack & Melissa's Wedding Dinner

2011-11-18T15:52:00.004-08:00

November 18, 2011. Pleasanton, California. Dave and I drove up to Pleasanton this evening to celebrate with my cousin and his family. Lucky for me, he's marrying a girl from the Bay Area.

Snapshot #412: Swaddle Me

2011-11-17T15:46:00.004-08:00

November 17, 2011. San Jose, California. I may get in trouble for posting this, but it's just too cute not to. Dave swaddled Hazel tonight; but somehow the blanket got awry exposing two little feet.

Snapshot #411: Day at the Park

2011-11-16T15:43:00.003-08:00

November 16, 2011. San Jose, California. I don't make it every week, but I did this one.

Snapshot #410: Baby Hazel's First Toy

2011-11-15T05:12:00.012-08:00

November 15, 2011. San Jose, California. Hazel has started to grab onto things with a very tight grip so I thought I would see how she would react to a toy. I handed this teether to her and it took no less than 3 seconds for her to get it into her mouth. That was easy.

(Smiles and Thank yous to Elise for the teether!)

Snapshot #409: My Dad's Birthday

2011-11-14T05:28:00.018-08:00

November 14, 2011. San Jose, California. Today is Dad's birthday so Hazel and I wanted to say thanks again for the most amazing cradle and show you how much Hazel has grown since she first started sleeping in it. Thanks Dad! We Love You!! We're excited to see you in a couple weeks.

Snapshot #408: True Beauty

2011-11-12T18:40:00.002-08:00

November 12, 2011. San Jose, California. I had a small group of young women over to my house last evening. We enjoyed some good food and then had a little discussion on the subject of beauty. Dave started the discussion with a presentation of this film by Dove and we talked about the media's definition of beauty. I concluded the discussion with a presentation of this message by Stephanie Nielsen--a true example of real beauty as God sees it. I think the girls had a good time and hopefully they will come back again next month.

Snapshot #407: Sweet Dreams

2011-11-11T05:06:00.005-08:00

November 11, 2011. San Jose, California. I always wonder what she dreams about.

Snapshot #406: Just Because

2011-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

November 10, 2011. San Jose, California. I took these pictures a week or so ago and haven't found a day to post them...but they're just too cute to pass up.

Snapshot #405: Baby With Bottle

2011-11-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

November 10, 2011. San Jose, California. She just started doing this. Next thing I know, she'll be wanting to mix her own formula too.

Snapshot #404: Package from Wales

2011-11-09T15:20:00.002-08:00

November 9, 2011. San Jose, California. Happy day! A package arrived from my sister in Wales. That was fast.

Snapshot #403: Park Day

2011-11-08T15:11:00.002-08:00

November 8, 2011. San Jose, California. It was a beautiful day at the park where I met up with a small group of friends.

Snapshot #402: Baby Face

2011-11-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2011. San Jose, California. I cuddled with Hazel all day while reading a book. She is so very aware of her surroundings.

Snapshot #401: Hazel's Three Month Photo

2011-11-05T13:29:00.008-07:00

November 5, 2011. San Jose, California. This one shadowy photo is all I've got to show for multiple efforts to get some three-month photos of Hazel. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow when she and Dave are both less tired.

Snapshot #400: Murder Mystery Party

2011-11-04T22:37:00.007-07:00

November 4, 2011. San Jose, California. Tonight I hosted a five-course dinner for eight friends; all in costume. We played a murder mystery game over dinner. It was a lot of work...but still fun.

Snapshot #399: Hazel's Photo Progression

2011-11-03T13:08:00.004-07:00

November 3, 2011. San Jose, California. Tomorrow is Hazel's 3 Month Birthday. Stealing an idea from a friend (thanks Laura!) I am adding a new little feature to my blog...a photo progression of Hazel's physical features. You will find it if you scroll down the right sidebar. I'm excited to watch her grow!

Snapshot #398: Discovering Hands

2011-11-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

November 2, 2011. San Jose, California. One of the cute things that Hazel spends a lot of time doing is staring at her hands; close up and she stretches her arm out as far as it goes to observe her hand from a distance. Also, she has started to interlock her fingers and holds her hands together whenever she is eating or relaxing. SO cute.

Snapshot #397: More Baby Faces

2011-11-01T10:57:00.002-07:00

November 1, 2011. San Jose, California. A succession of baby faces...back by popular demand.

Snapshot #396: Trick? or Treat?

2011-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

October 30, 2011. I think Dave had even more fun than the children tonight finding ways to make them and their parents scream. Our home tonight was filled with shrieks and screams and laughter. He's a fun dude.

Snapshot #395: Sleeping Booty

2011-10-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

October 29, 2011. San Jose, California. I personally think it's odd that a church would host a halloween party...nonetheless, they did and the Wood family decided to show up in style. This year the pirate's luck yielded them a handsome booty...a darling little treasure who slept through the entire party.

Snapshot #394: Sleeping Beauty

2011-10-28T13:03:00.001-07:00

October 28, 2011. San Jose, California. The last few nights Hazel has only woken up once during the night. Hallelujah!

Snapshot #393: Airman Sherman Coming Home

2011-10-27T05:58:00.003-07:00

October 27, 2011. Somewhere in the Sea. My brother Sherm, living aboard the USS George Washington based in Japan, is coming home for Thanksgiving! (You're welcome for finding you a flight man!) I guess that means that I am going home too. It's been over 2 years since I've hugged my bro...it's time. The USS Georg Washington Facebook page posted this just a day or two ago about Sherman King from Wendell, Idaho:

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 24, 2011) – Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Sherman King from Wendell, Idaho, tightens a jet engine’s afterburner to the exact torque specifications in the jet shop aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Sailors working in George Washington's jet shop maintain and repair damaged jet engines. George Washington pulled out of her forward-operating port of Yokosuka, Japan Sept. 19 to continue her 2011 patrol. As the Navy’s only full-time forward deployed carrier, George Washington’s mission is to help ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean.