Christmas 2012

Christmas 2012 was full of family and friends. We began our holiday with Christmas Eve services at church and had some good friends join us. Creekwood did an amazing job with the entire experience. The service began with the reading of the Christmas story, followed by carols, and the grand finale was the tour of Candy Land. They had transformed the children's area into a candy winter wonderland. The kids got tons of treats and the maze of Candy Land ended with live reindeer and Santa! Afterwards, we had some neighbors over for dinner and fellowship.

Among Angels

Maddison became fascinated with angels earlier this year while at Nona and Papa's house. Nona sent one home with her an angel. Maddi named her Priscilla. We have added a few Priscillas to her collection. Maddi sleeps better knowing her Priscillas are watching over her. Maddi was excited when she found Phineas among her Priscilla angels.

Hanging Around

Phineas has brought us so much fun this holiday season. Today, we found him hanging around our bedroom (since Maddi ends up in our room most nights). We will miss Phineas when Christmas comes, but we are so happy that Santa allows him to visit on special occasions (birthdays, first day of school, vacations, etc.). Those sporadic visits delight Maddison.
On a different note, our posts will soon be documenting the growth of our newest family members. We have decided to keep two of Bella's puppies:
Spot Light Rabinowitz (Maddi's dog)
Gigi Tardy Rabinowitz (my dog)

Music Expresses the Feelings That Words Can't Describe

Those close to us know that music has always been and will always be a part of our lives on some level. We discovered that this is true for Phineas too.

Girls Against Boy

Poor Jason! One of mine and Maddi's favorite things to do is gang up on Jason. Every time I am in the bath, Maddi insists on joining me. We will often call Jason into the room....where he will meet his fate with spray bottles, water squirters, etc. He is always a good sport about it...I think Maddi's giggles make it easier to be a good sport. He threw a wrench in our attack by climbing into the tub....fully clothed. Let me tell you, l don't know how the three men in a tub fit :) I quickly bailed. But the water fight inspired the idea for Phineas tonight. Maddi better watch out tomorrow when she is in the tub....Phineas is ready to even the score for the boys in our house.

Hide and Seek

Many people are disenchanted by the mischievous Elf on the Shelf. My personal thoughts:
The magic of the holidays comes in many different forms and evolves with traditions and age. In our house, the mischievous Phineas brings us laughter, giggles, gleaming eyes of excitement, and fun conversations between the three of us. Holiday magic is what you make it. This is just one way we choose to create the magic in our house....if you don't believe, you might only get underwear and socks for Christmas!

Finding Phineas is a fun way to start each day!

Cold Weather

I love when the weather turns cold enough to wear winter pajamas! Maddi looks so cute in her monkey jammas.

Post-Pregnancy

Remember how tired you were after having a baby? I think Bella has the right idea....she was eating and then laid down because she was so tired. However, she kept on eating!

Family Project

Legos have become a very popular thing at our house in the past few months. One of our projects has been to create a Lego table top. We wanted a hard surface that could go on the floor or a table. It quickly became a family project.

Back to School

Maddison has been fever-free for 24 hours! She is heading to school today. Phineas left her a treat this morning to get her day started on the right foot.

When You Wish Upon a Star

Phineas hangs out with Tinkerbell on top of our Christmas Tree.

Phineas Tries To Break Into The Castle

Rapunzel, Rapunzel.....let down your hair!

New Tree Decorations

Phineas redecorated the Christmas tree last night.

Fishin'

Phineas decided that being sick was for the birds and he decided to go fishing! Maddi has a lot of fun each day looking for Phineas and discovering his crazy antics.
She is still running a fever and we are trying to keep her in bed and entertained. She keeps insisting she isn't sick and that she doesn't need any medicine.

Flu

Maddi's fever returned last night and spiked at 102.8.....we took her to the doctor and the test for the flu was positive. We are home resting, or trying to rest. The electricity has been out for seven hours and they don't know when power will be restored. I guess I'm going grocery shopping, again :(

Fatty Fatty McButter Pants is keeping her company.