Pow Wow & Tot Lot

Last Saturday our neighbor told us about this Native American Pow Wow that was going on. We couldn't pass it up. We headed out and enjoyed about 30 minutes of traditional Native American dancing and outfits. The boys were captivated by the loud drums and singing, as well as the colorful outfits. 

We got there around 4:30pm. Stephen thought there was a special dinner performance from 5-7pm. It turned out, there was a dinner break from 5-7pm. 30 minutes was good enough though. We did stay and enjoy some yummy chili and traditional corn bread. 

The boys loved pointing to the different feathers. While we were eating, an elder came and told stories about his ancestors and people. It was very interesting.

A procession of the different tribes in the area.

Since it got done sooner than we expected, we decided to head to one of the many city parks we had yet to explore. In this case it was the TOT LOT. It was a great park. All older toys.

There was a big boat that Braden and I were playing pirates on. He was the bad guy who kept escaping. Here's his hide out. You can tell he is trying to keep my away. I love his mean grin.

Brody really got going on this bouncer. There were many times we were convinced he'd fall off.

On the boat.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE) They had this castle with a slide. The only way to get up there was through this tiny entrance. Blake was convinced he could do it. With a little thought and a lot of man power, he was in the tube. It was a tight squeeze. It took him some time, but he was eventually able to get out. It was quite funny to watch. I thought he'd be stuck in there for a while.

I attempted, but quickly realized, I just didn't care.

Brody had NO issues.

 Playing keep away from mommy.

 3 boys at the top of the Castle Slide.

The night was totally not what we expected, but it was fun. The boys came home, took baths and then went straight to bed. I sure love my family.

My Cowboys

We went to the Appaloosa Museum this week. The boys were really into dress up.

Brody thought the cowboy boots were fun to wear. I found it entertaining to watch him try to walk. He was wobbly and fell over a couple of times, but refused to take them off.

In other news, we got a box. The boys love the box. Brody likes to bring his binky and blanket into the box and pretend to nap. Who knew my birthday present would be a present for them too?

My Birthday: #28

My birthday was on Thursday, for those who didn't know. I turned 28 years old. I know, I am becoming an old lady. Not really, I feel pretty great for being this close to 30. I woke up to a delicious breakfast made by the husband. Although I would have love to eat with him, I slept in and then he had to run off to work.

I would say I got to enjoy about 70% of my meal, while this little boy enjoyed the other 30%. Don't mind that Blake had already made him 2 eggs prior to waking me up. I swear this boy eats ALL the time.

The day went as usual. Braden went to pre-school while Brody and I went to the gym. There's nothing like a good sweat on your big day. After getting ready, I headed back to pick up Braden then we went to my good friend Camille's house for a delicious Mexican lunch. Not only was the food great, but I had some of my closest friends to enjoy it with. We visited, laughed, and watched the kids, some. I got some great presents, which weren't necessary, but much appreciated. Rachel got me some really great cake decorating items. I look forward to using these. My friend Collette got me a huge bad of Lindt chocolates. I knew they wouldn't last long in my home. Camille got me a new swimsuit top and Merilee some beautiful flowers and a vase. Honestly, how did I get so lucky?

Everyone left around 1:30, except for Merilee and I. We stayed another hour and a half to visit even longer. I can't tell you how much I love these 2 ladies. I trust them wholeheartedly and look to them as inspirations. After Braden finally declared it was time to leave (he was exhausted) we came home. Brody went down for a nap and Braden relaxed on the couch. I just couldn't wait for Blake to get home to open my present.

Braden put all the candles on the cake. And yes, there are 28 of them. Most of them are very close together. He was proud.

Brody woke up just in time for me to make a wish. You can tell Brody is a little sleepy and confused. I don't think he remembers seeing birthday candles.

Click on this picture to enlarge. All the smoke totally blew into Braden's poor face. It wasn't my plan. He was coughing but loving it.

Although we hadn't eaten dinner, there was a little on who demanded cake.

After feeding the little ones some dinner, my good friend Christina said she'd watch the kids while we went out. Another GREAT birthday present. Blake took me to Black Cyprus. It's a Greek inspired restaurant. It was delicious and a little pricey, but I am worth it. I know this might sound terrible, but we just enjoyed each others company for more than an hour. Meaning, we didn't talk about the kids once, other than to say we should probably go get them. I married the greatest man and he is my best friend. I meant to get a picture at the restaurant, but we were having too much fun. So I snapped one at home. Aren't we a good looking couple?

As for Blake's gift. I have really been wanting this special pillow and he got it for me. I love it. My parents got me some Tom's, which I have been wanting forever. The in-laws gave me some cash for new clothing, which I plan on spending tomorrow. And my boys provided me with a pretty good nights sleep. It was a great birthday. Better yet, I didn't mention that Blake made the cake, which was yummy and he plans to make me a birthday dinner on Sunday (family tradition). I thank the Lord everyday for the life I have and the people who are a part of it. Here's to another great (hopefully medically free) year.

Was it Worth it?

Not too many pictures with this report, but just wanted to update everyone on Braden's condition. Last week was terrible. It really was. We were all going on no sleep, which made for a cranky household. On Sunday I told Blake that starting this week, we were back onto a 'normal' schedule. I am glad I did. Not that this week has been easy, but there's been consistency. 

Every morning started with an hour of crying from Braden saying he didn't feel well, but refusing to take any medicine. Tuesday I made him go to pre-school. Although he was reluctant at first, because "I'm sick," he didn't want to leave when I picked him up. On the way to the car he said he was tired. When we got home we ate lunch and started at-home pre-school. A new structure to our afternoon (more on that in a later post). 

He helped me make banana muffins. They turned out great.

He asked if he could lay on the couch while I cleaned up and the muffins finished cooking. Within 2 minutes, he was fast asleep.

The rest of the week has been similar. He'll ask to lie on the couch and pass out. Night have still be a little rough, but it's starting to get better. In fact, Blake is taking Braden on the ward's Father/Son campout tonight. He threatened last night not to take him, this almost brought me to tears. I look forward to a little Brody/Mommy time, as well as a full night sleep. I can promise you I will be in bed by 9pm. 

Braden has been great today, so they are back on for tonight. Overall, I do think it was worth it. I give myself another full month to tell, but I am hoping to see a happier boy. On a side note, I am still blown away by how much a 20 minute procedure could cost. It was more than a $1,000 more than what we had anticipated. And let me tell you, we anticipated high to start with. Let's just say that Christmas will be 'cozy' this year. I guess we don't want their expectations to get big for future years, right?

Recovery

Oh recovery. I can't count how many times Blake has said that the surgery was not worth it. I keep saying we can't truly make that decision until 6 months out. I have also discovered that I could never be one of those stay-at-home moms who never really leaves the house. I mean, what do you do all day? Not only am I completely bored, but Brody has been bored too.

We've tried family movie nights. Let's be honest, we watch about 10 movies a day. That's all Braden has the energy for at most times.

I've brought out the shaving cream for some fun.

I think Brody enjoyed this activity more than Braden did.

He even had to sample the Cool Mountain Springs flavor.

Most of the time I find Brody like this... He is so bored that he will walk upstairs, grab his blanket and binky and then just lay on the floor or couch. Poor boy!

Recovery hasn't been all bad though. There are moments that the medicine is in full swing and our little guy is happy and back to his organizing self.

Brody is just copying what Braden was just doing. I am waiting for the moment he brakes a bone or has to get stitches.

Blake has been a help. We both get sick of Braden's constant whining. We have finally decided that it's not so much that he's in terrible pain (as he's on tons of pain meds), but more that he's hungry and just uncomfortable.

Tuesday-Friday he refused to eat or drink for us. Sure, he'd eat something here and drink something there, but mostly he would just cover his face with his blanket (as shown below) and yell at us. Saturday was supposed to be the worst day and it actually went pretty well. Friday night was terrible, as he was up all night crying and then officially woke up at 4am, but as for the day, he ate and drank really well, which lead to a happy, happy boy.

The doctor informed us that the more he drinks, the quicker his throat will heal and the less pain he will experience. I've have tried getting every type of drink out there. We were happy when he finally decided to drink some Gatorade. I think he was more excited about drinking out of the bottle.

We are hoping he feels better soon. We are all just plain tired. I finally called the doctor yesterday and asked for some Tylenol with codeine, as the normal routine of children's ibuprofen and Tylenol weren't cutting it. We got a great night sleep last night, but woke up to Brody throwing up this morning. I promise the Barnett household will be happy and healthy one day. As for now, Blake and I are really having to work as a team or else someone wouldn't make it.

Around the Household

Since we have been back from vacations, we haven't been up to much. Just bubbles, tons of outside time and random boy moments.

This is a picture my sister took while we were in San Diego. We were on the beach and he really had to pee. I thought it was post worthy. Cute little tush.

This little boy is a handful. My mom says he's just like me when I was young. Blake and I both struggle with his independence, obvious defiance, and overall dis-concern for what we want or need him to do. I am sure we will get this parenting thing figured out with him. It may just take 25 years.

These two are starting to play well together. They still get in their little spats. Brody is much more likely to smack Braden than let him get away with stuff, but we are still trying to teach him about being soft and kind.

I look forward to them getting a little older so they can play even better with one another. I mostly look forward to Brody speaking better so we can all understand.

Overall, life is pretty normal around the Barnett household. Busy at moments, boring at others, but mostly fun.