Ever so quick family update...

What a crazy few weeks it has been since my last post. I think only a mother who has raised three children as close in age as my three can appreciate how busy and exhausting it can be when you are trying to parent well. The reality is, that it could be really easy if I let my children sit in front of the TV all day. They are happy there- especially with good morning cartoons! I was telling Dan last night that the days when he comes home to a messy house are the days when the kids and I have played, when I have been more of a hands-on mother and less of a housekeeper. Today, I actually rolled up my sleeves and did sugar cookies with the kids. Messes like this usually really stress me out, but I had set a goal for myself to just enjoy this activity with my children and to live in the moment. It turned out to be one of my favorite activities. We had so much fun! The secret is finding balance as a fun mother can turn into a crazy mother when houses get too messy!

Back to recapping our weeks...the weather has been trying to be spring. For a family with small children this means that we have the opportunity to go outside and run and play! Our community in the spring comes to life again. We have come back to visiting with friends, letting the kids play, blowing bubbles, BBQing, going for walks. Its magical I tell you! I feel like I am coming back to life again. Those winter months can really get you down! Last week we had the chance to go to the airport too see my sister Callie and her baby Eden. We hung out in the baggage claim as she was just in between flights on her way home. It was so fun to see her and to catch a glimpse of what Eden looks like at 6 months-she's adorable! We did a planetarium trip with Noelle's preschool and a zoo day this last Saturday. We try to slip outings like that in when possible. For the most part, we are just living our daily, exciting routine! Elijah is growing so fast. He is one of the gang now- right in the mix playing with siblings and laughing at everything. Noelle has taught him how to shake his head from side to side and how to click his tongue. Both tricks he thinks are hilarious. These kids are growing so fast. As for Dan and I, Dan is counting down one more week until his semester is done. He will be interning over the summer. I was called on Sunday as the Stake Primary President and am looking forward to a new challenge and to being able to serve where my heart is- with the children of the stake. This is such a great place to be!

I can barely keep my eyes open and am not so sure this is making much sense, so I better wrap this up. I have been wanting to update a little. I'll post more when my thinking cap is on again.

Zoo day!

Visiting with Auntie Callie and Cousin Eden at the airport

My new obsession...

Well, my new obsession started with a simple question, "Callie, (my sister in Phoenix) do you know of any good sewing blogs?" And there you have it. She opened my eyes to an amazing and big new world I didn't know existed. Crafting blogs, tutorials, fabric sights, etc. There are so many creative people and one blog seems to lead to another and another. 3 twirly skirts this week and I am now on the hunt for a great tote/diaper bag pattern. Here's to my crafting pursuits!

WARNING-long post ahead!

As promised, I will recap our WONDERFUL Easter weekend. My parents and brother Brandon drove out to visit. Highlighted below are pictures from our visit with the Coles in Alpine- my aunt and uncle- Chris and Julie and their kids Matthew, Krista and Krista's husband Nathan. Jules had prepared activities for the kids. We colored eggs and decorated cookies- such a treat! On Easter Sunday we had dinner with the Shirleys- my Aunt April and Uncle John and all of their kids/spouses/grandkids !!!! Such a great weekend! We enjoyed every minute with my family. Below the pictures I have posted an update from the week! Thanks for checking in on us- I try to keep this as up to date as possible as life is eventful and the kids are growing! Have a great week!

This is his expression most of the day- isn't he sweet? We are crazy about this baby!

Easter Sunday with Grandma and Grandpa Steve

All of the Shirley cousins preparing for their awesome egg hunt in John and April's basement

Noelle's version of ROCK BAND- Grandma on electric guitar, Corom on the Leap Frog piano and Noelle on her famous pink piano- what a sight!

My cousin Krista and brother Brandon

My dad helping me with the baby!

We need to get a dog for Corom- he loves them. This is Chris and Jule's dog Shelby. Such a sweet and patient dog!

Hopefully the next Aldama baby will look like Shelby - can't wait to get a puppy for these kids someday!

I only stepped out of the room for a second...

Aldama Week in Review:

-Crazy weather (one of the parents in Noelle's class compared it to Narnia) One minute its snowing, the next its sunny. A few days ago we woke up to sunshine. My kids insisted on wearing spring clothes and by the time I went to pick up Noelle from school a cold front was moving in and it snowed later that night. This weather is driving us bonkers!

-On Thursday night Corom woke up with a really high fever and was having trouble breathing. Dan took him in to the ER to discover that it was RSV. (a nasty virus, highly contagious- causing respiratory trouble, high fevers, a lethargic and grumpy boy and the use of many, many Kleenexes. We have been trying to take it easy. Easier said than done- I can't stand being cooped up in the apartment. We went to the doctor today and he is looking better. The doctor said it may take another week or so to get his energy back. My poor little guy- it is so sad watching your kids be sick and feeling so helpless.

-Dan is on the countdown- 3 more weeks of the semester. Anyone who has attended college knows what the last few weeks of the semester are like- my other poor guy! I would be a crazy lady if I were the one in school- he handles it well!

-Noelle and Elijah have remained fairly healthy other than having slight colds. Noelle is doing fabulous at school. Her teachers said that the switch went off this week and she FINALLY started to talk at school. (It's been 31/2 months- that's my girl- I was always that shy) There is no better news to a parent than to hear that their child is comfortable and confident in social settings. GO NOELLE!

-My little Elijah is now a sitting pro! He will happily play on the floor all day. (Especially with the company of siblings) He is now 7 1/2 months and at such a fun, fun age! He laughs and will give you a smile about 99.9% of the time. He loves to eat and adores his siblings. Most of our day is spent playing on the floor with our squishy baby!

Will life ever slow down? I doubt it! We are looking forward to a sunnier, healthier week. Thank you to all my wonderful neighbors who have offered assistance to us this yucky week- we love you!

Just a Preview....

What a wonderful weekend it has been...My mom, dad and brother Brandon drove in from Sacramento to spend Easter weekend with us and to visit with all of the family we have out here. I am feeling pretty yucky today and am not up for a full post, but wanted to wish everyone a belated Happy Easter. This has always been my favorite time of year as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and the new life that comes with Spring. I am so grateful that because of Christ's sacrifice, death and resurrection, we too can look forward to the blessings of eternal life. We watched conference this weekend and listed as our general authorities testified of our Risen Lord and listened to beautiful Easter music. I love that I now am able to teach my children of the importance of this event. (As well as the fun traditions that accompany this day) We received a phone call that Dan's grandmother's dog passed away on Easter, a reminder to me of how fragile life is and how grateful I am to be reunited with my loved ones again someday. (I believe our animals will be amongst this group too) Our prayers are with her as we know how much this loss affects our lives.
It was a beautiful day. Again, more later on the fun events of the weekend. Thank you to everyone who came to my aid today while I was down with a migraine. (You know who you are) I had said a prayer that I could figure out how to tend to my children. Immediately a neighbor called asking if she could take my kids and another came and took my other 2. My mom, dad and brandon came and helped as well. Our prayers are often answered by the kind acts of others.