Renae Today: January 2015

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After months of debate with myself, and a very unsuccessful balancing act, I've decided to stop posting on my personal and private blog, Renae Today.  Once I've finished blogging about December 2014, all other posts will be written here at Every Star Is Different.  My readers can now look forward to a more intimate look at the daily grind of our lives, the ups and downs, the good and the bad, etc, as well as continued unit studies, tot activities, and more.  I'm super excited about this transition.  I feel that the purpose of Renae Today has ended.  A new phase of our lives has started!

My boys are the best of friends.  They are always together, except when they can't be.  Sometimes, when I go to brush my teeth at night, I'll peak into their room and notice that Bulldozer is in Dinomite's bed with him, cuddled together under the blankets.  When one goes to run errands with me or to a play date with a friend, and the other can't go, they always mention how they wished the other could be there with us, and that they can't wait to go home to see them.

Over the past year, they've become even closer as they've shared the same obsessions at the same time.  Bulldozer is now interested in ALL of the things that Dinomite is passionate about.  Don't get me wrong, they still have their arguments and fights, but two seconds later they're back to playing, laughing and getting into trouble together.

The picture collage above is an example of just a few moments I captured during the month of January.  I can't help but smile every time I look at them.

Sunshine enjoying her new easel!

January was a very big month for Dinomite.  He turned 8 years old.  Nothing elaborate happened on his actual birthday.  He picked the meals for the day.  He picked out his one big birthday present ahead of time.  Then he chose a special dessert.  With four kiddos, I've learned that keeping birthdays small and uneventful is definitely the way to go!  You'll notice Dinomite is in his pajamas in both pictures.  The kid loves pajamas.

The day after Dinomite's birthday was the opposite of uneventful.  It was his baptism day!  We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We believe that children are baptized at 8 years old by someone who holds the priesthood. In this case, Dinomite was baptized by his father.

Dinomite wanted the baptism to be a small intimate affair.  Little did we know that everyone he invited would attend.  Fifty people were there to be part of his special day.  He was glowing.  The program was beautiful.  Dinomite planned it himself.

Our family after the baptism.  Photography by Alexa Ferris.

After the baptism and confirmation, Dinomite wanted to invite everyone back to our home for soups, breads, and pies.  To say I was busy the few days before the big event was an understatement.  With so many RSVPs, I ended up making five large crock pots of soups, 8 loaves of bread, and 7 pies.

My new favorite picture of Princess taken at Dinomite's Baptism Celebration by Alexa Ferris.

As it turned out there were only about 20 of us back at the house.  When we walked out of the church building we noticed a layer of ice on everything.  Rain had started freezing, making travel a bit tricky.  Jason and I lived off of soup for a week, which I LOVED!  We were also able to give away some pies and soup to some of our favorite people.

Best Friends Forever-Dinomite & Bulldozer

Not only had I been preparing food all week, but I had made sure the upstairs and downstairs of our house was clean.  If all 50 people ended up here, they'd have places to go and things to do.  (Mind you I completely forget to clean the upstairs bathroom.  Go figure.)

Meet my mother and sisters.  And yes, my sisters are identical twins.  Photos taken by Alexa Ferris.

It's one of my parenting goals this year to have the kiddos participate in one social event each month, whether it be a play date or a big event like a baptism etc.  This event was the first of the year and it went so well.  Dinomite was amazing. He was social.  He was laughing and joking.  It made such a difference for him to have others come to his home to celebrate.  It's where he feels most comfortable and safe.  So many people commented on how fabulous he did that night.

Our family!  Photo taken by Alexa Ferris.

Part of me wishes I could have enjoyed the celebration more.  Preparing for a baptism was much more difficult and stressful than I thought it would be.  Thankfully I had hired a photographer to capture some special moments.  I knew I would be unable to do so, while playing hostess, and making sure all four kiddos were okay through the baptism and festivities.  The idea of a photographer was a very last minute thing.  She was unable to be at the actual baptism, until after it was over, but she did come to our home afterwards to try to sneak in a few great pictures.   I am so thankful she was willing and able to do so.

It's been a month and I still can't believe Dinomite is 8 years old.  It seems like yesterday they put him in my arms, all 5 lbs. 15 oz. and 17 1/2 inches of him.  He was so tiny.  Time passes so quickly.

Princess, Dinomite, Bulldozer, & Sunshine sledding for the first time.

Our other BIG adventure during the month of January was taking the kiddos sledding for the first time.  They had the time of their lives. The evening was definitely a family night to remember, and one of my happiest memories from this winter.  When we returned home I made hot cocoa to go with a late dinner.  Jason introduced the kiddos to Superman the Movie.  Bulldozer had given it to him for Christmas, with the intent to be able to watch it with him.  All of the kiddos loved it, Princess especially.  I do believe she has her first crush.  Go figure it's Superman!  She can't get any better than that.  Lol.

That's Renae today!