Mr. Picasso Head

The boys love Mr. Potato head, especially Davis. He puts them together with one intent: to fill every hole. No facial structure whatsoever. So the other day we were playing and Dane wanted to pretend we were a family. So his potato was the son and mine was the mom. Davis had a potato as well, but Dane said "Um, can we pretend Davis is the brother - but he's an alien?" Sure. He's got three arms on one side, so it only seems fitting that he's our alien brother.

Paper Guns

Lately Dalton has been making lots of paper guns. Who needs the DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS? He's so cute (no bias here). He asked me to record him making a gun and he wants to put it up on YouTube. There's a niche audience for such things, apparently. It's pretty long, so don't feel obligated . . .

Dr. Renegade

The other day one of Darren's patients, an old lady, thought his name was Dr. Renegade. She was probably having palpitations at the thought of a dentist with that name or that reputation. (like um - Steve Martin, the crazy dentist in Little Shop of Horrors)

He's a renegade dentist - throwing crowns on everything! root canals on a whim!

no topical? no problem. He's Dr. Renegade.

Why does this make me laugh? A dentist run amok, with a leather jacket and rubber gloves, huffing on laughing gas in between exams. Hmmmmmmm . . . I guess that's enough. I will be forever grateful for a new nickname for Darren.

Boycott Best Buy

K - Best Buy sucks. Truly.

The place is full of money-grubbing liars and scoundrels. Workin' their angles. Deceiving the technically impaired and computerally (I know I'm making up words) naive, luring us into their web, gaining our trust and then tricking us into buying their CRAP!

I am not over-reacting. And I take no, I repeat NO - NONE - ZERO, responsibility in the following narrative. Bam.

Once upon a time a nice 2 year old desk top computer stopped working. It's owners were so sad. They took the computer to Best Buy - to the all p0werful Geek Squad, the one place they thought could solve any computery problem. The powers at the techno Mecca told them, after thorough examination, that the computer was gone - beyond salvation, and that they should say their good-byes. Astonished, the owners pressed the geeks - could she really be dead after such a short life? Is there nothing more we can do? Not even a transplant? No hope left, they said. She outlived her life expectancy, they said, and it was over.

Devastated, they consented to a harvesting of viable parts (pictures, music, etc.) and shopped reluctantly for a replacement. After a couple of days, a choice was made - a Macbook purchased. They took the notebook home and began the transition from the HP to the MAC. Bumpy, but worth the effort (we love it, but THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT I'M MAKING HERE). Yet, they still couldn't believe their desktop dead. (And they were really frustrated that the lame-o's at Best Buy only transferred the sample pictures instead of all the jpg and photo format files that they said they would and got paid mucho dinero to do.) So they sought to resurrect their machine by alternative methods, old school style.

A little voo doo? No. A mom and pop computer shop. Genius - they should have gone to the small business first. They showed their deceased comp to the man and a miracle occured. He told them it was only a fan that needed to be replaced. "Best Buy told you that it couldn't be fixed? HMMMMM." That's odd, considering they sell hundreds of NEW computers. NOT!

45 minutes and $36 later she was a-purrin' again. And the moral of the story is:

1. Best Buy sucks. I said it again. The Geek Squad is full of legit geeks, not the kind that are suddenly cool because they possess skills that those of us born before 1980 have to work for.

2. Never have a wagon dealer serve as your wagon repair man. You know what I mean. The agenda is too clear. They got new, so why fix old? Why not tell the lady that it's OVAH for the computey and she needs a brand new one? Dang, Gina - that's smart! I feel dumb.

Busted

This is the price I pay for 15 minutes of hands-free time. (I'd better check and see what they're doing right now. )

The other day I discovered Davis quietly enjoying this hoard of gum - his cheek bulging and his lips dripping - and just shook my head.  Not in surprise, but in the exact opposite sentiment. So typical. These guys really keep me on my toes.

He's like "What? It's just a couple pieces of gum." What an attractive wad he's got tucked into his cheek - he looks like he needs a spittoon. 

THEN . . . 

merely 2 days later I found myself with too little distraction from my entourage  and began looking around for them.  I found them giggling and wet in the bathroom as they (mainly Dane) hurriedly attempted to scour his skin free of the PERMANENT BLACK MARKER!  Davis was merrily splashing in the water, oblivious to the fact that he was all tatted up.  So oblivious, in fact, that he'd crawled up the stairs with the offending marker still in hand - capless, of course - and leaving a trail of black spots on the carpet (on each step)  that would make Hansel and Gretel proud.  Luckily the kitchen floor, the bathroom vanity, the sink and the wall are all mark free now - thanks to every mother's secret weapon (besides dark chocolate) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!  The carpet came miraculously clean due to Folex, the best cleaner I've discovered for carpet. As for the kiddos, some fading has taken place - but it's slow enough to give us a good laugh. (Not for them to see).  

Okay, I messed up the red-eye reduction and couldn't recover the original, so Dane looks a little funky.  

It's in his hair, his ears, on his neck, his hands - everywhere. 

And he's right, Dane did it.

Growing up

The little man is "growing like a weed", "changing right before my eyes", and whatever other cliche conveys the fact that I am amazed and delighted every time I look at him - finally grasping that desperate plea from seasoned moms: "Appreciate every moment when they're little because it goes by so fast."  

He turned 18 months last month and it's like his social switch was flipped. He is funny and smart and compassionate. K- obviously I've got a serious bias, but isn't that a prerequisite for motherhood?  

Some stuff he's doing - calling daddy "mommy", which I truly enjoy because I was "Daddy" to Dalton for a long time; wearing Mr. Potatohead's glasses and the Build-a-Bear's sunglasses; reading "Goodnight Moon" over and over and over; putting 3 binkies in his mouth at once; and pulling mad tricks on his 4 wheeler. 

What a goof.

Women

My wise, oldest sister Christy sent this poem to me. It's clever . . .

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...


As I read these things I can't help but think of all the things I've learned in only the last ten years, from age 20 - 30. It's so liberating to mature and grow up. I wonder what I would I would have told my 20 year old self?
What do you think every woman should know?

Yesterday the boys said a couple of things that struck me as funny/interesting. They're always saying zany stuff, but these quips made me laugh a little more than usual, and stop to ponder. Hhmmmmm.


Dane is going through a contrary and independant phase, exploring the boundaries of obedience. He's been experimenting with "I don't want to" and "Why?" in response to my commands, I mean requests. Well yesterday he pulled out the "NO". The flat out refusal to comply obviously wasn't successful, so it quickly turned sour. He threw up his arms and slackened his posture in defeat and looked at me sincerely and said:

"I am so tired of always having to do what you say."

AAAaaaahhhhhh . . . truth. I laughed heartily, then sat back and appreciated his honest self-awareness and articulation. He stripped away any potential screaming and crazy futile frustration (brought on by his lack of control over most of his circumstances) and simply stated the truth, the motivation for his behavior. He wants to make more choices for himself.

He's 5 on Sunday and maybe I need to give him more opportunities to feel some control in his little life. But dang - that was funny.

-----------------------------------

Dalton is a picky eater, no bones about that. Well last night at dinner he told me something that I actually wasn't sure about.

The setting: dinner, where I had prepared spaghetti squash as a side and was attempting to coerce the chillins to partake. I was shameless and Dalton looked at me with a matter-of-fact tone and said:

"You know, Mom, as you get older you lose taste-buds, so you don't mind eating vegetables as much. "

I actually paused and had to think. Is this true? Darren says heck no - you don't lose any, just maybe some sensitivity loss, but I have yet to look it up. I mean I have had my tastes change quite a bit as I've gotten older to include a lot more veggies, legumes, etc. He may be on to something, but I still won't let him off the hook at dinnertime.

It was pretty smooth if it was totally fabricated. Scary. And if not, where did he learn this? He didn't remember.

Christmas Greetings

Here is our Christmas card and picture this year. I'm sure it won't get to everyone we know and love, so I thought I'd put it up here for fun.

It was the best of times. . .
It was the worst of times.
2008

This year held lots of changes for our family – primarily Darren’s anticipated graduation from USC Dental School in May! Lots of family joined us on this special day and we were all so proud of Darren.
Mostly we were just happy to stop paying tuition and finally, finally be “making” money instead of “paying” money.

We were so sad to leave all of our wonderful friends in Los Angeles (we miss you still), so we drove away in late May with our eyes full of tears and our hearts full of memories.
The tears could’ve been from the inland smog or just frustration from the downtown traffic on I-10 at the 110, it’s a toss up.

We spent a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in June with Stacie’s family – enjoying the scenery, white-water rafting, Yellowstone Park, horseback riding, wildlife, alpine slides, hot springs, trams, and all kinds of fun with the cousins.
The best part was seeing all the grandparents in their wetsuits. Priceless.

In July, after a month of enjoying the perks and fun of living by family in Arizona, we made the exodus to our final destination – beautiful Boulder, Colorado – where we’ve settled and Darren has bought into a dental practice. We love Colorado – the “family-land” lifestyle, the outdoor activities, the mountains, and the great weather. We’re sold.
Last week it was 13 below zero. 13 below zero. They tell me it’s abnormal, but I don’t know.

Sweet little Davis turned ONE on July 11th, and we celebrated with all our family. He’s walking and talking (“No”, “I want”, “Bye”, and “What’s that?” being the favorites)
Stacie proved what a great mom she is by putting his birthday cake right in front of him as everyone sang to him – only to have him curiously reach out and grab his flaming birthday candle. Let me tell you – it was party OVER! Call C.P.S.

Darren became a legit and licensed dentist in June and began seeing patients in July. He really enjoys finally practicing and being a partner in his own practice.
He’s had some interesting experiences – like when one patient came in wearing dentures he bought off e-bay, sold because the owner died. True story.

This fall Dane started preschool with great enthusiasm. He attends a cute little Presbyterian Preschool where he’s made new friends, learned to do the monkey bars, is starting to read, and has picked up the habit of saying an abbreviated version of the Lord’s prayer over his snack.
Now his belief that our prayers are WAY too long have some confirmed validation.

In September we took a road trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota – a very fun and educational destination. Did you know there are crystal caves all over the Black Hills?
Poor Dane threw up all over the car as we drove through Custer State Park, attracting buffalo from miles around.

We traveled to Canada for Halloween weekend to surprise Darren’s parents on their 45th wedding anniversary. All 9 siblings, spouses and offspring (minus 3) were in attendance and the surprise was successful.
The kids favorite part was the new kittens in the hay shed. We don’t know why the kids’ forearms were covered in scratches. Could it be because they kept putting the kitties in pots with lids? Hmmm.

Dalton turned 8 in November and chose to be baptized a member of our church. He was so earnest in his desires and we enjoyed helping him prepare. Lots of family traveled to attend and it was wonderful to share the experience.
Deep down Stacie truly believed/hoped that he’d forever be more obedient and never trip his brother or say “stupid” or “fart” again. Wrong. But he is a great kid.

Darren got to take a 5-day unlimited golf trip to Palm Spring, CA, with some colleagues in November. He seriously golfed 2-3 rounds a day (that’s 18 holes per round?!). He was in heaven. This was his reward for such hard work in dental school . . .
at least that’s what Stacie kept telling herself as she slipped into the depths of insanity. That, and “I am earning one sweet girls’ trip.”

Darren and Stacie took a trip without the kids to New York City to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary. They packed it all into 4 days and made wonderful memories.
Stacie realized that she can leave her children and they’re OKAY! (thanks Grandma!) They don’t die without her. Isn’t that amazing?

Well, after this eventful 2008, we’re hoping our 2009 is full of peace and happiness. We wish the same for you and extend our love at this special time of year.

Thinking of you,
Darren, Stacie, Dalton, Dane & Davis Rennaker

Shock . . . a new post

There's a little pressure when you don't post for say, two months or so, because it feels like the ice-breaking post should be significant. Well I'm going to buck a trend and just write pretty much nothing. Blah blah. It's two days til Christmas and we've had tons going on. Living life, not blogging it. Blah blah.

I'm so lame. Does anyone even check this anymore with my infrequent posts?

If so, you're in for a treat . . . here's some significance:

MY LITTLE SISTER ELIZABETH HAD HER 1st BABY TODAY!!!!

Hooray!

Welcome Brogan Ray,

son of Beth and Darrell.

I can't wait to eat him up, he's so adorable! Congratulations guys, and don't worry I won't let my kids touch him. As a matter of fact, I'll bring some face masks, okay?