Cherishing the Moment

I've been contemplating how different each of my children are and how my parenting changes with each child. I definitely can't parent Isaac the same way I parented Addie. I have much less free time on my hands and, to be honest, I seem to have less energy. Or at least my energy is spread thinner. I remember getting down on the floor and playing with the other kids almost, if not, everyday or taking them to the park frequently. Isaac almost never gets that. He's often left to his own devices and the other kids give him so much attention, I try not feel guilty about it. But today I left the dishes undone, my email unchecked and took a moment to cherish Isaac.

Fun in the sandbox.

Isaac's signature dimple.

Surprising mom from the playhouse window.

Isaac loves the slide and it's the first place he'll go when there's a playset around.

Finding joy in collecting rocks.

See how neatly he lines them up.

January

After getting a large stock of Beanie Babies from Mom and Marmie for Christmas Maycie and her friend, Audrey, did exactly what I hoped they would do... Play zoo.

 Toys from my childhood.

I remember playing with Marble Works when I was a child. I debated whether to get them for the kids for Christmas this year, but opted not to since there was plenty under the tree. Imagine my delight when a friend was getting rid of hers and passed them on to me. It kept the boys busy for several hours.

Movies on the couch.

Eat your greens....

...and if you don't like them hide them in your drink. No one will notice.

Eating with Isaac is always an adventure. You never know how long he'll sit at the table before throwing a fit to get down and disturb the meal. He refuses to wear a bib so he either eats topless or wears his food around all day. You have no problem knowing when he's done with his food because he'll usually throw it across the table or dump it on the floor. Greek yogurt is particularly fun. After eating a handful or two it makes a wonderful finger paint or a great facial mask.

In the middle of January I got the great privilege of going to Utah to visit family and specifically to see Marisa take out her endowments before her mission to Poland. The best part was - I got to go childless. I had planned on taking Isaac and Grandma Marilyn was so kind to offer to help me with him, but at the last minute I had a bit of a panic attack anticipating the travel with him. Mostly because of how difficult he was when I flew out with him in October. Screamed for nearly 4 hours. So after a meltdown, my generous dad offered to pay for a babysitter for him. I cried tears of joy for the much needed break from my sweet but extremely demanding little guy.

At the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

From left to right:

Aunt DeAnn, Grandma Rabiger, Kristen Buchanan, Carrie, Me, Mom, Liesl, Marisa, Caitlin, Trevor, Tiffany, Paul, Uncle Marv

That Sunday Paul and Tiffany blessed their new baby girl, Tess. 

Happy 36th Birthday, Rob!

For Rob's birthday HE took the kids to "Bounce U" for a fun morning of bouncing.

Isaac giving the best present of all. Hugs!

Rob bought himself a router for his birthday and also booked us dinner reservations to Morton's Steakhouse with the Worths and Fannins, which left me very little to do. I did make his favorite breakfast, though. Creme Brulee French Toast.

A couple of cool dudes!

December

December 2012

 Merry Christmas! From the Macdonalds.

For the first time, possibly ever, I sent out Christmas cards. This was our family picture we sent out.

For a family activity we drove through McAdenville which is officially "Christmastown, USA". All the homes in town are decorated on some level as well as all the public areas. People drive through the small town with their windows down admiring the lights and shouting "Merry Christmas" to each other. 

Isaac's favorite toy is a dollar store soldier helmut, sword and shield. He runs around the house making sword sounds and looking intimidating. 

I really liked the neighbor gifts I did this year. I have a feeling these "cookies in a jar" are going to become popular (darn it). They are so cute and easy to make. Plus they store well, deliver well and they are delicious. 

For the past 6 (I think) years we've gotten together with our "North Carolina Family", the Abbotts and Smiths, for Christmas dinner. This year it was my turn to host and I choose to do it Christmas Eve. 

I love decking the house with candles and lighting them all.

My "sisters". Kristin and Sandy.

After dinner the kids decorated cookies for Santa.

Sandy, Kristin and I gathered round the piano to sing some carols. Addilyn even accompanied us on the piano while we sang "The 12 Days of Christmas". She did amazingly well.

After, we all gathered round while Rob read from Luke.

The kids acted the story out with the nativity figures.

When friends went home we opened our Christmas pajama's and hurried off to bed .

Here's the before picture.

Christmas morning.

Isaac opening his stocking.

Alex got his guitar from Santa and some Walkie Talkie's from dad.

Addilyn got the password journal she requested and a CD player that she didn't request but was thrilled to have.

Maycie got her art supplies.

Isaac got some Imaginex planes.

Maycie gave her first oil on canvas painting to dad. 

The girls also got rollerblades.

The kids' favorite part of Christmas (besides the presents) is Christmas breakfast. They look forward to the cinnamon rolls, breakfast meats, egg nog and hot chocolate with candy canes.