{It's GREAT to be EIGHT}

To say this week has been busy for us, well that would be an understatement! Don't get me wrong, everything we had going on was good, it just made for a crazy week. But, the week definitely ended on a high note with Kaleb's birthday and baptism! Yep, I'm a proud mama! Kaleb is such a fun boy, full of life and personality, and I feel lucky to be his mom.

We are blessed here, we don't have a font in our building, but the neighboring town does and we get the opportunity to use it for personal baptisms. So, Kaleb was lucky enough to be baptized on his birthday! Kaleb planned out his own baptism program, he knew exactly who he wanted to do what.

Opening Song- When Jesus Christ was Baptized
Opening Prayer- Sheri Dearden (Grandmother)
Talk on Baptism- Lisa Teeples (Aunt)
Baptism Ordinance
Performed by Shad Beckstrand (Uncle)
Witnesses Harold & Robert Beckstrand (Grandfathers)
Spotlight- Derrick & Monica Dearden (Parents)
Talk on the Holy Ghost- Carlene Beckstrand (Grandma)
Confirmation Ordinance
Performed by Kyle Beckstrand (Uncle)
Closing Song- I Know My Savior Loves Me
Sung by-Brock, Kaleb & Carlie Dearden, Carson, Bryson &

Tylie Teeples, Addison Beckstrand, & Sydney Dearden (Cousins & Aunt)
Closing Prayer- Brock Dearden (Brother)

He had lots of family and friends there to support him and we felt blessed. Of course, me being me, I cried..... isn't that my job as his mom? I have to tell you it may have ended up being one of the most entertaining baptisms I've been to in a while......... I mean, how often do you see a fist fight during the closing song between the cousins?!? Yep, that would be the baptism boy and his cousin Bryson, and yes, they were performing the song in front of everyone! I was trying to drag them apart, lead the song, and keep the other kids singing too?!? In the end I pretty much ended up singing a solo and wasn't a happy mama right then. Now, looking back, it really was pretty funny and will be one of those stories that is told again and again!

~The Dearden Clan~

I also had to laugh at Miss Carlie.... after the baptism while we were waiting for Kaleb to get dressed, she whispered to me, well, in a Carlie whisper, which is still quite loud, saying "I know who I want to splash me under!" HA! Splash me under?!? When I stopped laughing enough to finally ask her who, she said her Papa, she's always been her Papa's girl!
After the baptism we went back to our ward building for a little birthday celebration! Kaleb was excited with his new skin for his DS..... it was Lego's of course, what else!?! He had lots of help opening his presents from his cousins.
We are so thankful for all our family that was there to support him..... it just wouldn't have been the same without any of them! It all was a lot of work..... but it turned out to be a good day and it was definitely worth it!

{Eight}

My little man Kaleb turns EIGHT today! In honor of his birthday, here are 8 adorable pictures and eight fun facts about him!

Kaleb is a very loving boy. He loves to cuddle with you and loves his back rubbed and tickled.
Kaleb's favorite foods are Ravioli, Brownies and Peanut Butter.

Kaleb has the most ADORABLE little grin, and he is always making me laugh! He pulls the funniest faces, and has such a fun personality.
Kaleb is a great big brother. He loves little children and babies and they love him.
Kaleb climbs on EVERYTHING! He is our little monkey. He climbs so much that I almost don't notice it anymore. People will freak out that he is on top of the swings at the park or up in a tree and I haven't even noticed, it's just an everyday thing for him.

Kaleb loves Lego's and builds some really cool things! If he's not doing that, he's probably playing video games.

Kaleb loves to ride his four-wheeler, but usually pushes the limits, which has resulted in more than his share of accidents.

Kaleb is a good helper and usually does what he is asked with a good attitude. He always gets his homework done on the bus on the way home from school. Kaleb is fascinated by all kinds of bugs and critters and he really enjoys learning about them and sharing facts with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KABES!

{Lucky}

Was it a "LUCKY" day at your house?

This is the extent of our St. Patricks day decor.... I better start looking for next year.

I feel LUCKY to have such adorable preschoolers. I love to see them grow and learn, and they are learning (whew.... I've worried about that).

I made a LUCKY after school snack for the kids, only the kids, none for me.....whatever?!? They turned out to be a yummy experiment that will for sure be repeated!
We were LUCKY to spend the evening with friends enjoying our green dinner. Yep, green chicken enchiladas, green tortillas, green rice, broccoli, rainbow jello and green punch. Not to mention....green sour cream, green onions, green salad and dressing, brownies with mint ice cream and rainbow cupcakes, Kami always goes all out! It all was really yummy once you got past the green color. (Honestly, the picture isn't doing justice to just how green everything really was).

We are also LUCKY and get to celebrate LOTS of birthdays this week and next!

First, Grandma Jeannie!

Then, Derrick's brother Nick!

Then Grandma Sheri!

Next, my Bestest friend, Ann's birthday is today!

Along with my cute nephew Carson!

In just a few days it's my nephew Bryson's birthday!

Then our Kaleb will celebrate a very special birthday!

And, last but not least, we end the festivities with my brother Shad's birthday!

I'd have to say I feel pretty LUCKY! I have a great hubby man, 3 darling, well-behaved kiddos ;) a nice comfortable home, great families, a job, the Gospel, and some wonderful friends, just to name a few! Yep, I feel pretty LUCKY....... No actually, I feel blessed!

{Wonderfully "WICKED" Weekend}

A few months ago, Lisa told me her friend Brandy was going with a group to San Francisco to see the musical Wicked and wondered if I wanted to go with them. For more than one reason, I decided not to. Well, fast forward to one of the first weekends in January, it was a "Mo's haivin' a pitty party day" and I called my mama to whine, and one of the things I whined about was not going. I got a call a bit later from my Dad, who said "Are you calling Brandy or am I? Because you really do need to go." What a sweet dad I have! I ended up going and I'M SO GLAD I DID! They ended filling 2 tour buses, with 112 women! We left Lehi Saturday night and drove ALL.NIGHT.LONG! 762 miles!Our first stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. I can't even tell you how happy I was to be walking and not sitting! From there we checked into our motel, showered and went to get something to eat. Our immediate little group started out with six of us that knew each other, but our friend LeighAnn wasn't able to come, darn it. So, we had an extra spot. The gal who set up the trip sent her husband to get The Wizard of Oz late in the afternoon the day we left. He ran into a girl they knew and he mentioned the trip, she said she wanted to go, but he thought she was kidding. She went home and told her husband she was going, called and set it up and ended up coming......with 3 hours notice! She ended up fitting right in, and we had a great time! Sheramy, Lisa, Joanna, Jen, Brandy & Me

Then finally it was off to WICKED! Yippie, Skippie!
Can I just tell you how much I LOVED IT?!?!?! I can't even think of all the adjectives I want to use to describe it. Skyler, my cute cousin, pretty much summed it up by saying, "I am SO incredibly jealous! It really is so so good, huh? And you just want to see it again so bad and you think everyone in the world should see it too!" I'll just say if you have the chance you should go, it was great!
(Yea, I know my eyes are closed.....but it's a great picture of the other girls!)

The next morning we hit an Alcatraz tour. Did you know Alcatraz started out as a Military base? It was in fact, from 1850-1933. It then became a Federal Penitentiary from 1934-1963. Then a group of 75 Indians took over the island in 1969. After fires that destroyed several historic buildings, US marshals forcibly removed the remaining 15 Indians, ending their occupation in 1971. It was really quite an interesting tour. Check out the Calumet baking powder can that was in the kitchen there. I have the EXACT same one in my kitchen......true story, how cool is that?

We spent the rest of the day hanging out at Pier 39. Shopping, eating, people watching (my personal favorite) and then eating and shopping a bit more. Then it was back on the bus for the 762 mile trip back home. My tailbone is complaining and I'm a bit tired, ok a little more than a bit......but it truly was a Wonderfully Fantastic WICKED Weekend!

Today I am thankful for..... Derrick, he's a great husband and wonderful daddy. Lis and her sweet friends, I felt just like one of the girls. My Dad, he's a pretty great & thoughtful guy. And for girls weekends..... we all need just one once in a while! Oh, and last but definitely not least, a comfy BED to sleep in tonight, instead of a hard bus seat!

{Blue & Gold}

Last week our Scouts had their annual Blue & Gold Banquet. Honestly, even after having a boy in Scouts for 2 years, it all still confuses me. That's bad, since Scouts is one of the things I oversee in my Primary calling. I'm sure I'll get it all figured out, right about the time my boys are finished! I'm just thankful for our Scout leaders....they all do a great job.

Brock just had his Birthday and turned ten, so he'll be moving on to Webelos.

Kaleb will be turning eight this month, so they welcomed him to Scouting and presented him with his Wolf book. He was so excited, and can't wait to be able to go to his first den meeting. I couldn't believe how little he looked up there next to the older boys!

And now my friends, I'm off for a "Wicked" girls weekend! Can't wait to tell you all about our fun and excitement!