Memorial Day: Barnett's Visit

I was going to wait until I got the pictures Janna took (as she took TONS more than I did), but decided I would make this post, then add more pics later.

Janna came bearing gifts, besides the wonderful toy chest that would have been enough. She brought him some cute little books and a Book of Mormon Activity book for church.

The girls headed out for some shopping on Memorial Day, while the boys finished the railings on the deck. Janna got Braden a cute new pair of church pants, a hat, jean shorts, and some winter shoes for next winter. We tried to find sunglasses for him, but to no avail. Does anyone know where to get infant sunglasses?

We came back and relaxed in preparation for our BBQ that evening. We spent a lot of our time playing the Wii (which Amber brought). She had a fun 'Party Time' game that had Boggle. We played as a family trying to get the most difficult words. We missed triple as many as we got. Can you blame us for missing such words as doitit, quoitiers, osieries, attentat, and fetiales? These are in the dictionary. Anyways, we had a lot of fun.

Later that night the Sorensen's joined us for our first, of many, BBQ on the deck. Alan's just relaxing in the chair while Blake's in the background playing a game with his sister. How long can they keep the big ball from touching the ground, by only using their heads.

The BBQ was a lot of fun. Avery took to Amber like peanut butter does to jelly. They swung forever. Braden tagged along too, but took to the swing when Dane was with Avery (as you can tell from the picture from the previous Sorensen post).

Janna and I enjoying our conversation.

The BBQ was nice and relaxing. We decided the deck passed our test of adults and kids. After the Sorensens left we wanted to take some pics with Aunt Amber. Braden was uncooperative. He was exhausted, but we needed to have FHE first.

After our song and prayer, Braden was the happiest little boy. I am sure it's because of the spirit that was there. We taught him about eternal families and the temple. He just kept kissing the temple picture. It was so cute. We ended with a rousing round of 'Ring Around the Roses' and then he kept snuggling grandma. Janna got some cute pics that I will have to post later.

Overall, it was a fun trip. We all had a great time. I know Braden enjoyed showing off to them. They left us with a beautiful deck and toy chest. Thanks so much. We look forward to seeing you all in August.

Mother's Day Ride

I thought it was about time I posted about my Mother's Day Ride. It took place in Heyburn State Park. There were 12 women, a clear sky and beautiful scenery.

As we rode, we had great conversations. I rode and spoke with different people the whole way. The last 30 minutes, I rode with my friend Collette. And the last 15 we decided to run (aka: ride really fast). Because of this, I was able to ride about 50 miles.We rode by the river.
Through the swamp lands

And by mountains

Riding with a true biker. I think her bike was like $1500 (left)

The bridge we started and ended with

Here's the view from the top of the bridge

I felt great after I was done. I was tired that night, but I think it was because I was out in the sun. I look forward to doing this again in the fall. Or maybe this summer with Blake and Braden.

Dear Sorensens

As I told you yesterday, I bawled like a baby on Wednesday night. We know moving will bring bigger and better opportunities, but we are still sad to have you move.

Jessica, you were there for our first Lentil Festival, to teach me how to can & sew a blanket, you let me complain about motherhood, but pointed out the blessings, you helped me teach Braden how to sleep through the night and so much more. I am going to miss hearing, "Hiiii, is this Maren?" every time I call. I will also miss knowing there is someone I can call to ask for random things, as you are right down the road. Dane, you have taught me that husband's really can know their child's feeding times, being a true Cougar fan is not seasonal, but a lifestyle and you have mastered juggling 3 kids. Braden just adores you. You are one of the only other adults (besides Blake and I) that can get Braden to sleep.
My little Avery. I saw you go from using signs to speak now to telling me every detail of something that happened the other day. You are Braden's best friend. I am going to miss hearing about your 'dry' panties and funny quotes. I love you!

And Beth. I think I was one of the first people to see you in the hospital. I have seen you roll, head scoot, eat food and start playing with Braden. I am sad that I won't get to celebrate your first birthday with you. I am sure within the next couple of months you and Braden would have been even better pals. I guess there is always college (after Braden's mission). I fear if he met you before he would fall in love.
More than anything, we will miss the huge smile Braden gets on his face while we wait for you to answer your door. You have been great friends. We look forward to stalking your blog, so please make many posts.

Love,
The Barnett's

Surprise Visit from Uncle Dale

Yesterday, Braden had just woken up from his nap when the phone rang. Blake's Uncle Dale was in town and wanted to stop by. We couldn't be more excited to have him over. He is from the Ogden area and travels up to Spokane for business. He happened to have a meeting in Pullman, so we had him over for dinner.

I don't know if it's because Dale looks like Grandpa Barnett or if he is just so much fun (I kind of think it's both), but Braden just adored him. He wanted to show him all his toys and sit with him on the swing. It feels like we are being bombarded with family and WE LOVE IT. Anyone else in this area is welcome to stop by, even if it's last minute.

Braden Building the Deck

As promised, here are pics of Braden 'helping' build our deck.

We sure love our little boy. I have a feeling he is going to take after his father and Grandpa and be pretty crafty. He loves getting his hands dirty.

Happy Birthday Mallory

It's my little sister's birthday today. It feels like just yesterday I was 22, well, I am not anymore, but Mallory is. I will be honest, we HATED each other growing up. I come from a family of very honest, open and blunt individuals and Mallory new just how to make those 3 things bug me (and vice versa). I remember putting tape down the middle of our room and punching her in the arm every time she crossed onto MY side. Sorry about that Mal. When it comes to the game, 2 Truths & a Lie, she would have everyone beat. She's broken her arm twice from doing a simple handstand, had a javelin stuck in her foot, fingers stitched because she got them stuck in a bike gear, had to have her toe drilled because she dropped a half empty pop can on it, as well as many trips to the hospital to have her arm socket put back in place (this was mine and Toren's fault though). These are just a few of Mallory's Mishaps.
We continued our fighting even into college. The good thing about us (with help from our mom), is we were able to fight and make-up really quickly. I think we went all of 1-2 days of not talking to eachother.
Just when we thought there was no hope, Brent Huntley walked into her life and we have been great friends ever since. Thanks Brent! We talk almost everyday. I have researched jobs for her, listened to complaints and even confided some of my most deep dark secrets. (I don't know how deep or dark they really are, but she still knows.)
The thing that stinks is that she is so far away. (Provo) She is a great Aunt and curses me everyday for not living closer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAL SAL. I LOVE YOU! and Braden misses his Aunt.

Building a Deck & Riding

A big thanks to Alan for building our deck. Blake helped a whole lot, but it probably would have taken triple as long. It looks beautiful. I will post pictures of Braden helping at a later date, this is just the 2 men at work.

I left at 7:30 that morning and headed to Heyburn State Park for my Mother's Day ride. There were 12 women and 60 miles to cover. Heyburn State Park was a beautiful state park. I will post more about this ride later. I did only go about 50 miles because I wanted to get back to spend time with the family.

Home Depot delivered our materials on Monday.

Alan cutting the wood

Blake & Alan securing the joist

Blake finishing the joist
Braden passing his dad screws

The BEFORE picture

The AFTER picture

Home Depot sent us the wrong boards for the back railing. They will deliver the proper ones tomorrow. Although it sets the final completion back a day, it actually helps us because we were 4 boards shorts for the sides and now they are putting them in the order for free (well, no $79 delivery charge). The deck looks beautiful. We just need to let the redwood dry out in the sun for 2 weeks and then we will stain it.

Braden's New Toy Chest

Blake's parents and sister, Amber, are out here for Memorial Day weekend. Blake and his dad are going to bond over building our deck, while Braden will get tons of Grandma and Aunt time.

They rolled in around 5:30 pm and we weren't home yet because we were picking up a bike. Sorry guys! After playing with Braden for a little bit and eating dinner, Janna announced she had a surprise for Braden. She chose a beautiful toy chest that she wanted Alan to custom build. And this is the end result...
Braden's Grandpa Barnett is a master carpenter. And this toy chest shows us why. It almost brought me to tears. It is SO beautiful and a one of a kind. I have been wanting a toy chest forever, but haven't found the perfect one. I am so glad I didn't, because this exceeds my expectations. Thanks SO much Janna and Alan. It is perfect.

Braden is just telling his Grandpa how to put it together.

Playing in the toy chest

Getting a feel for the bench

Braden with his Grandpa Barnett (all his hard work paid off)

We are so excited to have the Barnett's out. We plan on just playing a whole lot. Braden sure is fascinated by these new people in our home. I am sure he will be upset when they leave.

American Idol Finale

I'll admit it, I voted for Kris Allen (although my sister, Kalen, may disown me because she LOVES Adam Lambert) during the whole performance show on Tuesday. My phone was on automatic redial. (I had it recorded so I could fast-forward thru commercials.) I know I am pathetic, but I like him so much more than Adam, although he was a great performer.

I tend to hate the American Idol Finale's. They are long, drawn out and just plain boring. I CAN'T and WON'T say that about tonight's show. Blake and I were glued to the tv. The performances were amazing, not to mention all the outstanding artists they managed to book. I laughed, cried, and had the time of my life wrapping up Season 8 with Ryan Seacrest. See you next year Simon, Kara, Randy and Ryan. (I think Paula's not returning.)

Kris, thanks for making my winter a little more enjoyable.

Our Productive Day

Blake finally broke down and let me buy Braden 2 new pair of shoes. (They were desperately needed.)

Drove to Home Depot (Lewiston, ID, 30 minutes away) to secure our decking materials order, buy plants for our front yard and happened upon an amazing deal for a nice patio table and six chairs (we lucked out). So Alan, Janna & Amber, we will be eating in style when the deck gets finished this weekend.

Braden ran around Home Depot, got a balloon from a sales associate and then fell fast asleep on the way home and continued to sleep for the next 3 1/2 hours (thanks baby boy)! Did TONS of yard work (mowed & edged the lawn, got the square foot gardens ready, organized and swept our garage, and got our front garden ready to plant).With the help of my good friend Jessica, the front garden was planted. We are now proud owners of 1 euonymus bush, 1 red glow barberry bush, 2 salvia plants, 2 viola plants, and 3 hostas. We couldn't be more proud. Thanks Jess for all your advice. You will need to come back and visit in 2 years to see the full beauty.Bought Braden a broom at the Dollar Store and then cut in down to his size (Jessica's suggestion). Played with Braden and his broom and balloon for the next 2 hours.Made an Indian rice (needed a little more spice, but I'll post recipe later), which I learned from my friend Cindy's mother-in-law. And spent the evening playing games with our other good friends, the Packer's. Both the Sorensen's and Packer's are moving. Are we too much to handle?

Overall, a morning that started at 8am ended at 11:30pm. We were all tired, but new we had one productive day.

2 Late Nights

I know this is this is a lame excuse and totally our fault, but the last 2 nights we have been up pretty late. Why you ask? Because this is Season Finale time and we just had to stay up (11:30pm) and watch 2 of our favorite show finales (The Biggest Loser & Lost).

Here are my thoughts on The Biggest Loser. This is actually our first season of watching it. Very inspiring, but also vindictive (RON). I know I didn't want Mike to win (because of Ron), but didn't really care between Helen and Tara. I was partial towards Tara though. She has worked so hard and deserved it. I am fine that Helen won. She looks amazing!

If you haven't watched the Season Finale of Lost, DO NOT scroll below to read my thoughts.
Blake and I just adore this show. Yes, it has a very complex story line, but if you follow along then be prepared to fall in love. The writers are so amazing at their details and tying them into the plot. As for last night, I cried when Juliet died. I LOVED her and Sawyer together. I hope that she is back for the final season next year.

I don't know what Jacob's friend's name is, so I will refer to him as Subject A. My thoughts. I think he has been occupying Christian's (Jack's dad) body. If they found Locke's body that he took over, then I am confident that Christian's body would be found on the island. If you remember, Christian is the one who told John that he needed to die in order to come back to the island. It was so he could take over Locke's body. Christian wasn't the leader, that's why he needed John.

I could talk about Lost forever, so I will stop here. Blake doesn't think the bomb really went off but I sure do. I have a feeling that next season will involve the plane making it to LAX, but their destiny getting them back to the island. I am sad that next season is the final one, but happy to have some closure. Because the one thing this show doesn't give you is closure.

I would love to hear any other thoughts people may have. If you haven't watched this show, start renting the dvd's.