Who Doesn't Love A Good Bargain?

I LOVE garage sales and shopping for bargains. Really, I don't buy anything unless I can get it for an amazing deal. Before Aliyah was born we had spent $55 on everything...crib, carseat, bouncer, swing, clothes, diapers, etc. Now that she is growing and needing more, I wanted to get the best deals possible. Since there are no garage sales during the winter, I found what I needed on Craigslist. I love it because people around our area have one or two kids and then just want to get rid of their stuff, so it is not only in good condition it is also really cheap! These are the two newest additions to Aliyah's stash....

Recently, I have been finding Aliyah in all sorts of weird positions when she is sleeping. She is fun to listen to when I put her down for a nap. She will just talk herself to sleep and usually wake up talking.


I have found out that I need to be a little more observant of her lately. Aliyah has found ways to move to what she wants that aren't toys but rather things like paper and pens. I have had to rescue her a couple times from choking when she finds little things to chew on.


She sure is growing too fast!

Look what I can do!

This past week we have been sick. Luckily, Jason seems to have missed it and Aliyah has only been congested with a small cough. I on the other hand got it pretty good. I have felt like a lazy mom lately because I didn't have all the energy Aliyah wanted from me. One day I just needed to have a moment to lay down, so I put in a movie for both of us to watch. Aliyah was glued from the beginning. Hopefully, we aren't starting an addiction here. No, she really only lasted about five minutes.



We are feeling better each day, so hopefully we are back to ourselves here really soon.
For some good news, look what Aliyah can do!


She has been sitting by herself for quite a few days now, and thinks that it is the greatest. She makes us laugh when she gets really focused on something so she can stay sitting for a long time. If one of us distracts her she topples over.


We had such a nice day Sunday and had our first grilled dinner of the year. Oh so good! We really have had some warm weather this year. Kind of strange from the past three winters. Aliyah loves going outside and I can't wait until we are able to get out more.

And finally, just some more pictures of Aliyah in her cute spring dress!

A Trip to Utah

Aliyah and I went on a week long trip to Utah. She slept the entire plane ride both there and back which I was grateful for, and luckily I was able to get a picture of us just after she woke up.



She entertained everyone with her addiction to cups.



Aliyah was able to meet all her living great-grandparents while on our trip. I personally didn't get a picture of her and my Grandma Thomas, but here she is with Grandpa and Grandma Winkel. It was great to visit with all of you.



We had a fun lunch with some friends. Such great food. I am definitely missing that.


We worked on some fun projects while I was there and one of them was Brooklyn's tutu for her ballet class. We use what was left to make a mini one for Aliyah. So cute!



It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. We were grateful to see everyone except my brother who is on a mission. I wasn't able to get a picture with all her aunts and uncles, but I got a few.

Uncle David and Aliyah


Cousin Cooper sharing his music with Aliyah


Aunt Hannah and Aliyah. She had so much fun with Hannah.


One last moment with grandpa and grandma.



It was a great visit and we hope to come back soon. Jason is glad to have us back home. Aliyah has definitely missed him. She can't get enough of him right now. Thanks again family for letting us come!