{Orange.... the Color of the Week}

Last week Brock spent his hour (plus almost another half) at Karate testing for his Orange belt, and I got to stay and watch and see all the progress that he's made.

There were three others testing at the same time, so the process took a bit of time. Each child has to demonstrate each and every skill they've been taught since the beginning and Miss Camille gave each skill a letter grade.

They showed off punches, kick, Kata's and lots of other skills. They also had to answer 3 questions. When do we use Karate? Why do we show respect? And tell us 5 things that show proper manners? Brock also had to have a signed page from his school teacher that said he conducts himself in a proper manner at all times, and a place to comment if there was anything he could work on. When the testing was finished and scored, Miss Camille hits them with the new belt and any higher ranking class members line up to give a punch to the stomach! I think this week orange is my new favorite color. He's been working on this a long time, and I'm proud of him!

On another note, remember that "little" four wheeler accident my little man had a bit ago? Well, part of the deal was HE had to fix my bike, and pay for all the parts. Brock asked Grandpa Dearden, who just happens to own the Polaris dealership in town, for a job so he could earn the money for the parts. They hooked him up with a pretty fancy Polaris work shirt and he grabbed his tools and headed to work. How cute is he? After working each day, Derrick put him back to work tearing down my bike. He showed him what tools he needed, and told him what bolts to take out and left him to work. I'm happy to say he finished the job right in time for the weather to be about perfect for some riding! (and hopefully he learned a good lesson int he process).

{Arrow of Light)

The highest award of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light badge, and the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.

The individual elements of the badge represents: - The sun shedding its light on all that we do. A reminder that Cub Scouts should be a light for those around them. - The seven rays of the sun representing the seven days of the week. A reminder that Cub Scouts should do their best every day. - The arrow which is symbolic of everything which is straight and true. Just as Cub Scouts should be straight and true in their lives. It also points forward to the trail of Boy Scouting ranks and higher challenges. The arrow of light is much more difficult to obtain than a belt loop, an activity badge or even one of the other rank patch. To obtain this award these scouts have met a number of requirements, including completion of eight activity badges, participation in camps, hikes and boy scout activities, the memorization of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, and the commitment to live by these principles. The ceremony is in essence a 'coming of age' ceremony symbolizing that Cub Scouts are now ready to become Boy Scouts.

On March 29th, 2011 Brock was recognized for earning his Arrow of Light Award. The Cub master took Brock's scout shirt and removed all his badges and awards and moved them to this rabbit skin that he now has on display in his room.

At the end of the ceremony Brock crossed the bridge from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout and was welcomed into the Boy Scouting program by his Blazer leader (who also happens to be his Papa).

What a proud Mama I am! Though, I have to admit, it was a bittersweet moment for me. I'm proud of his achievement, but on the other hand, my boy is growing up a little faster than I'd planned on! Love ya, Bud!

(yea, I know, my eyes are closed, but Brock's were in the other picture we took and it's all about him, not me!)

{Weekend Excitement....}

of both the good and bad sorts!

First, the not so good.

Ooooops! Actually, oops maybe an understatement. Friday afternoon Derrick and Brock headed up the road on four-wheelers to run our dog. Well, only one four-wheeler came back. I saw them pull in, but it really didn't hit me that anything was wrong until Brock came in crying. I'm glad I knew he was ok, before I saw where he rolled, how he landed and the damage to my four-wheeler. It could have been SO much worse and I honestly don't know how he walked away from that unharmed, he was definitely being watched over and blessed that day. I get teary and sick to my stomach every time I see the pictures and think how much worse it could have been.

Yes, he did roll across all those rocks. Yes, I'm positive it's a good thing he had his helmet on. Yep, the A-arm on my bike is broken and the steel rim is trashed (who knows what else we'll find when Derrick starts to tear it down to fix it). Yea, I think it's a good thing we may just know a great ATV mechanic and I bet a certain young man is going to learn just how much time and money goes into the fixing. Yes, the four-wheeler did land on top of him, and the handlebars were sitting on a rock and the back rack was on another rock, miraculously there were no rocks in between those two, where he landed. YES, he is a very lucky boy and I'd have to agree with his Papa that he better keep saying his prayers..... I know I will! I'm feeling very blessed right now.
Now onto the good!

Saturday I got to spend the entire day with my Hubby man! First, we attended two sessions of a Love and Logic Parenting seminar. I learned so much, and left excited to try some new things (now actually applying what I've learned is going to be the challenge). In between the sessions we had a yummy lunch at Kneaders complete with a yummy fruit tart, or maybe two or ummm, six. That evening we met six of Derrick's high school friends and their wives in Provo at the Brick Oven for dinner and then hung out at Cameron's for a bit and visited. I love that these guys still try to get together now and then and that all the wives get along well too. I love to hear and laugh at all the "remember when" stories from these crazy guys (I grew up with all of them too, so I remember them back in the day) but I hope and pray our kids don't act like their dads did!?!?
Did I mention that this blissful child free day, was all made possible by my parents? They gave us the opportunity to attend the Love and Logic seminar and kept the kiddos all day too!
The highlight of the kiddos day with Gram and Papa..... Horse Rides! The kids have been begging Papa to ride Prince for awhile now and Saturday was the day. Kaleb disappeared into the house before Gram could get his picture, but he got a turn too. Somehow Gram also had the time (and patience) to make homemade rolls and cinnamon rolls with them too.

Last but not least, we got to attend my cute nephew Kaden's blessing today and then enjoyed dinner at their house after church. We spent some time visiting, and most importantly I got a little cuddle time with that adorable little man!

Do you know what the perfect ending was to our exciting weekend......

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON NAP!

{Birthday Boy Brock}

This past Saturday my Brock turned ELEVEN! Of course we couldn't just celebrate on Saturday, it had to be a weekend event!

For starters, Brock got to go to the maturation class at school with his dad ;)

(really, I have a kid that's old enough to go to that?)

Saturday afternoon we opened presents from our family. Carlie and Kaleb both went shopping at the Family Dollar (pretty much the only choice round here) and picked gifts for Brock. Carlie got him giant bubbles (I think she really just wanted them for her) and Kaleb picked a Nerf gun. Derrick and I got him a Wii game and his new Scouting books. He was excited about everything, but I could tell he was trying not to show that he was a bit disappointed. All he'd been asking for was a new baseball bat, and I could see he was a bit bummed that he didn't get it.

Until I sent Kaleb downstairs to bring up one last gift! Can you tell how excited he was?
Brock decided he wanted to go bowling and to dinner as a family, so we headed to Delta. As you can see by our scores, none of us excel at bowling, but we had fun!
Other than the coveted baseball bat, the only other thing Brock wanted was to have the entire family over, not just for cake and ice cream, but for dinner, which we did on Sunday. He even planned the menu.....
Ham
Funeral Potatoes made by Grandma Jeannie (not because he likes them, but he knew others did)
Corn
Grandma Sheri's Chocolate Oreo Pudding
Gram's Rolls -"Your rolls are good mom, but Gram's are just a little better!"
One of Aunt Lisa's famous cakes, Steelers of course
and Ice Cream
He was showered with gifts (and came away just a bit richer).
He didn't quite get out all the candles in one shot, but he tried. Most importantly he had a great weekend, surrounded by the people he loves!

{Kiddie Fun}

My cute little preschool class got to go on a field trip a few weeks ago to the Fire station here in town. My friend Jo is one of our volunteer firefighters and she always makes it so fun for us when we come.

Each of the kids got to try on all the gear! They look so adorable and tiny in those big coats, pants, hats and boots!

They got to climb up on the big tanker truck! And we even all got to go for a ride around town in the big fire engine!
Don't I have the cutest little class (minus one)?

In other happenings.... it was crazy hair day at the middle school and Brock knew just what he wanted! A checkerboard of pony's with red and black elastics (gotta have U of U colors) and every other pony colored black! Crazy hair for a crazy kid.... it looked even more crazy when we took the elastics out!

{My Karate Kid}

(Brock didn't want me to use this picture, because his thumb is out, and that isn't correct, but well, I liked it and didn't listen)

I had the opportunity this past week to attend an assembly at the Elementary school that Brock's Karate group participated in. Brock started Karate earlier this year, and it's been such a good thing for him. I've been so impressed with his teachers, Miss Camile and Miss Monica and the fact that these kids not only are learning Karate, but also discipline, kindness and are building self-esteem. Before Brock can pass off and advance a belt, he has to have one of his parents and also his teacher sign a form stating that he conducts himself both at home and school in an appropriate manner and that he is kind and courteous. He also must complete 5 random acts of kindness to receive a stripe on each belt.

Each week, as they end class they recite their creed. Each of the kids has it memorized and I hope they all have really listened and thought about what it means to them. I was so impressed, I had Brock repeat it for me, so I could share it with you.

**Karate Creed**

Discipline- the key ingredient for success in life is a discipline of mind and body. Setting goals and making sure they are accomplished builds discipline. Whatever goal I set for myself, I’ll first get a mental image in my mind, of exactly what it is I want to achieve. Then, I’ll be determined and persistent enough to overcome all obstacles that get in my way towards that goal. Finally, I’ll train and study accordingly, until that goal is accomplished.

I hope Brock knows how proud I am of him for working hard at this and sticking with it. I've seen so much growth in him since he began Karate, and I love it! Way to go buddy!

{Little Leauge~2009}

Tonight was the last game of the Little League season for my boys, all my boys! Brock and Kaleb both played coach pitch this year and Derrick was their coach. Every other year the boys get to play on the same teams together, and I love it when that happens. I also love that Derrick is willing to coach their team, what a great memory for the boys.... baseball with your dad!

Kaleb ~ 7 years
Brock ~ 9 years

(Yep, Brock is a lefty. Actually, Kaleb is too, but for some reason Kaleb doesn't throw or hit left handed?)

Brewers ~ 2009

[Brock's Birthday Celebrations}

Cake anyone? Brock's request this year was an Indiana Jones cake. I'm not a cake decorator, that's my sisters job, but she had to go and come down with a sinus infection (how dare she). It's a good thing we have a basement full of Lego's or I know I couldn't have pulled it off. Even as simple as the cake was, I still ended up making two, since the first cracked and fell apart when I took it out of the pan. I highly recommend parchment paper, it's amazing!

Is that a masterpiece or what?

The birthday boy with his cousin Kamryn. He was so cute to just hold her and play with her.
Gram and Papa got Brock a dress shirt and two ties. The yellow tie has monster trucks on it and Brock thought that was perfect, he said it will remind him of Monster Jam. Good pick, Papa!
Have you seen these fun slides carpet skates on TV? The kids were having fun experimenting and thought I was mean when I said they couldn't try them out on the stairs! He got some pretty cool gifts along with his favorite thing, $$money! He keeps reminding me that a package is still coming from Grandma Jeannie in the mail.....what a spoiled boy!
The Birthday Boy is NINE!
Monster Jam Hot Wheels Track....are you sensing a pattern this year?
And finally.....the one and only thing Brock really wanted for his birthday was a suit! I think he told us thanks at least 10 times after he opened it. Doesn't he look handsome, not to mention, he's looking pretty grown up to this mom. Next thing I know he'll be turning nineteen and we'll be taking mission pictures!
Last night we told Brock he could choose where he wanted to go for dinner tonight and if he wanted us all to go or just him, mom and dad. He thought for a few minutes and then said we could all go, but I could tell he was a bit hesitant. When I asked him if that's what he really wanted, he admitted that he'd rather just the three of us go, but then said he really didn't want Carlie and Kaleb to feel bad! What a sweet boy I have. We decided to see if K and Carlie could go to Great Grandma and Grandpa's while we went and then it would be something fun for them too and everyone was happy!

{9 Years with One Great Kid}

Happy Birthday Brock!

How can my little man be NINE years old already? Where has the time gone? I'm going to share 9 cute pictures and 9 facts about Brock.

**Brock is a very caring and loving boy and Great Grandma Beckstrand always says he gives the best hugs, and I agree!**

**Brock is a great big brother! (Kaleb came up with this one). He and Kaleb are buddies and he plays so cute with Carlie.**
**Brock loves to explore and is always up for something fun!**
**Brock is kind to everyone.**

**Brock enjoys building, and he and Kaleb spend hours building with Legos.**
**Brock is helpful.**
**Brock likes to play sports, in fact, his favorite part of school is football at recess.**
**Brock has a great memory and often reminds us of things that have happened that we've forgotten.**
** Brock has the cutest grin.**

Brock is just an all around great kid, and I'm proud to be his mom! Happy Birthday Buddy!