New Look

It's been a while since our last post, which represents our life right now - some things are on hold. For a new start, we thought we'd change the template, and update the family pictures. We'll here's our life in a nutshell: I am struggling to finish my last semester at Sac State, while Tami goes to battle everyday with the kids at home. Life seems hectic, but then I think...August is just around the corner; at that time we'll be somewhere in Utah! I guess I ought to embrace the perceived chaos while it's still bearable. One thing that has me smiling (and I know Tami is too) is Corom's smile. He's to the age where interaction between familiar faces is increasing. His smile is so sweet! He has little dimples on each side of his mouth, which add a couple points of cuteness. It's hard to photograph because he's so sporadic with smiling. Noelle, well she is...definittely a two year old. Every time we turn our back she is smothering Corom, or endulging herself to his chupe (pacifier). I find myself switching my thinking to that of a two year old just to stay a step ahead of her. My favorite time of day, though, is when she becomes tired, and is all snuggles, because at that moment I am reminded that she is my little girl, and I love her so much. A new bedtime tactic we're trying is story time. Instead of reading books, we'll recap the days events in the form of a story. For example it could be of princess Noelle, and her royal ball-where all her friends (Lucia, Marco, Nixon, Mazzy, etc...) came from afar to eat hamburgers and hot dogs, and join together for a waterbaloon war... Noelle doesn't blink, it's like a film reel in her mind is replaying her fondest memories of the day. She is quick to interject what she remembers too. The stories only last about five minutes, and then she's falls asleep. It's a wonderful way for her to end her day. I'm glad that amidst the daily hoopla I have my children to help keep me grounded, so I can focus on what I consider the most important aspect of life: raising a celestial family.

Dan

Happy 6 Years!!!

On Saturday we celebrated our 6 year anniversary. Everyone says, "6 years! Can you believe it?" Yup, I can. We have been through alot together over these past few years and as I look back on our time since we've been married I can't believe how much has happened and how much we have grown up together. I am so thankful for such a wonderful husband and a beautiful family.

So, what has happened in the last 6 years? A few fun facts about us...

1. We have spent countless hours in the car listening to John Denver, Mana, Dave Matthew, Bob Marley, and Simon and Garfunkel. We have a shared love for music that has now been passed onto Noelle. We are always singing! (We inherited a piano last summer)
2.We have driven 8 vehicles
('89 civic, '86 supra, red ranger, '99 subaru impreza, Dan's 2 bikes, and currently mom and dad's camry and our '99 CRV)
3. We have lived in 5 different homes. (Fairway apartment, 2 little tiny houses in Old Roseville, a short period with Aldama parents and our current home in Carmichael.
4. We have traveled and camped all over California. (My very favorite thing about Dan is our shared passion for the outdoors and camping)
5. We have said goodbye to 3 of our dear grandparents. (Some of the most tender times in our lives)
6. We spent our first four years exploring life together as a married couple before giving birth to our baby Noelle. Parenting suprised us both to be more fulfilling than we ever could have imagined. I think this is what really bonded us together as a family. We love parenthood!
7. We have seen each other through completion of our undergraduate programs, having juggled school, work and parenting. Many nights have been spent waiting to put Noelle down to cram in a little study time or to write papers. Through it all, we have done it together!
8. We have consumed many calories together! We have a shared love for a good bowl of ice cream and an evening spent watching a good movie.
9.We just welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our home. Corom Bennett was born 4 weeks ago. What a wonderful addition to our family.
10. Together we have developed a home full of love and laughter! We have developed strong testimonies of the gospel and a love for the temple and the blessings that come from being sealed together as a family!

Happy 6 years! We look forward to many, many more!

The Decision Has Been Made

A new chapter is about to open in our lives. Wait, we just had a baby. I'm talking about Graduate school. After weighing the pro's and con's, praying, banging my head against the wall, and fighting some of the strongest urges I've ever felt, I feel an inner peace and a new excitement. I have chosen to attend the Occupational Therapy program at the University of Utah.

Okay, Pro's and Con's.

Con's

1.) Freezing, bloody snow! We've never been exposed to such a climate. I'm not looking forward to shoveling snow while running late to school.

2.) Away from family. This will be hard, especially for Noelle.

3.) It's not USC. This one was tough. I thought for sure I would be a Trojan. USC is ranked #1 in the nation for OT schools.

4.) Freezing, bloody snow!

Pro's

1.) The U is the Utah's University = Great reputation.

2.) Housing. Why rent when a mortgage in Utah is cheaper?

3.) Cost of tuition. Well, once at the graduate level, it's all the same, but for Utah it was one of the least expensive at around 50k.

4.) The Church. Great place for spiritual experiences, I hope. Tami and the kids will have more of an opportunity to develop a strong connection with the gospel.

5.) Family. Being away might give us an chance to really spread our wings and grow as our own family. We will also have the chance to draw closer to Tami's extended family.

6.) Great outdoor activities. Hey, I intend on playing a little, too.

7.) Most importantly, I feel a prayer has been answered, and that I ought to obey.

As you can see the Pro's outweigh the Con's. We're very excited to take another step toward attaining our dream. We're a young family and we have the potential to make this experience a positive one. We'll miss California, and everything is has to offer...drat there's another Con: the ocean! Oh well, it'll be there when we get back. Until next time...

Dan

Those Were...These Are the Days

Close you eyes and think, just for a minute, of your earliest childhood memory; where you spent your days running and laughing just to pass the time. Do you remember how simple and fun life was? I seem to be living my "second childhood" through three lively spirits who I adore: Lucia, Noelle and Marco. These little rascals are so fond of each other, and though play-time is usually broken up because of a stolen toy, or push down, these kids seem to light up whenever they see each other. These pictures were taken at the park just the other day. Lucia and Noelle insisted on playing at the "big kid park." Marco, I'm sure would've said the same thing. I told Noelle and Marco to stay with Lucia, and for Lucia to wait for the other two. It was like a little person train running around the park. At times the Caboose (Marco) was left in the dust. No worries, though. I'm very thankful that our family, both immediate and extended, have been blessed with such awesome children.

Meanwhile, back at home, Corom is doing just fine. Not much to report, other than he eats, sleeps, and poops! He is opening his eyes more, which is fun, because it allows more time for interaction. He is so mellow. He reminds me of Noelle when she was a newborn. Thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments. I, like Amanda, have become fascinated with blogging! Until next time...

Dan

The World Welcomes You...

Meet our newest addition: Corom Bennett Aldama. He was born at the South Sacramento Kaiser at 10:26 am on February 27th, 2008. He weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and was 19 inches long (11 ounces heavier than Noelle). He is a sweet little guy, who, like his sister loves to sleep, which makes feeding time a trial. We are on cloud nine right now, actually Tami's on cloud couch, and Corom is on cloud crib sleeping. Thank you for everyone's wishes and prayers!

A little about the name: for those of you who might not know, Corom is a name found in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Ether to be exact. We fell in love with the name immediately, and thought that not very many people would share the same name. I didn't anticipate the missionary opportunities I've had as I explain to others the origins of his name. It's a great tool to share the gospel! Bennett, as many of you know is a family name from the Shirley side.

What's most amazing is Noelle's immediate bond with her new baby brother. The first thing she asked was to hold him. She loves him so much! I was anticipating the worst when we brought Corom home for the first time. But I was set at ease by Noelle's loving, peaceful spirit (for those of you who know Noelle, you know what I'm talking about). She is so well behaved around Corom. We are mindful of the hair stroking, and cheek pinching, though.

We are thrilled to have our new addition safely at home. I feel we are being blessed with very special babies, and that is because Heavenly Father understands our current position in life. There will definitely be more to write about in the near future. Until next time...

Dan and Tami

A Huge Thanks to Everyone!!!

The poll was a hit! I wouldn't have thought that we'd get so many votes for the names. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions, too. I think my favorite suggestion was "Samuel Bennett Aldama." I have to admit, the poll was for a middle name. Because the name was leaked out, many of you know the actual name of our baby boy; however, under strict orders from "la jefa" (it's Spanish, look it up) we won't officially post the name until he is born (isn't this silly?). Well, he might come out and look like a Harrison, who knows? His middle name will definitely be Bennett, though.

Life with a 2 year old

Only two months into Noelle's third year, and already she has amazed us as to how much mischeif she can get into.

Episode #1: Grandma Shirley bought Tami and me a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. After almost devouring the contents, we put the box aside and went about our day. You all know where this is going. The house was abnormally quiet a few hours later, so I went to search for Noelle. To my astonishment I found her in the corner of our bedroom with her mouth covered in chocolate! Keep in mind, Noelle hasn't even had a lick of chocolate thus far in her life. We have kept all major sweets from her diet for obvious reasons. I couldn't get upset at her, because I was the one who left the chocolate in her reach. Instead, I asked her if the chocolate was yummy. She quickly responded "delicious, daddy!"

Episode #2: as far as I can remember Noelle has had a fascination with Tami while she applys her make-up. Just recently we painted her finger and toe nails a pretty pink. Noelle insists on removing her shoes and socks, just to admire her new colorful beauty. Just tonight, the same abnormal silence filled the house; we knew something was brewing. Tami, this time was brave enough to scout the house for any mischievousness. To her surprise, Noelle had opened her make-up bag, and had painted her face with eye-liner! Trying to explain to a 2 year old why her behavior shouldn't be repeated, while holding back laughter is almost impossible!

I can expect that those who are reading this entry, and that have older kids might be saying "you have no idea what's in store!" No doubt we have many more chocolate, make-up type episode ahead of us, what's important is that we don't forget the innocence of these youngsters, in our case, Noelle. Like a little scientist, she is exploring her world more and more each day. Just like a scientist, she will experiment with different things, and experience different outcomes as a result of her testing. What a wonderful time in her life. I am so glad I get to witness this part of her development, because it reminds me that the world is full of great things! I get so caught up with school and work sometimes that I fail to remember the simple things in life. So here's to all the two year olds! Love them, and encourage their curiosty.

Dan