{Birthday Boy}

We celebrated another birthday at our house.....KALEB turned nine! March is a crazy month for birthdays in our family.... I'm counting 10 in a matter of weeks. This is Kaleb's last year of single digits. Kaleb's birthday fell on a Saturday this year. Derrick and I had tickets to the Blue Collar Comedy show on Friday, so we convinced Grandma Jeannie that she should come down and spend the weekend (helping us with the kids Friday and then to be here to celebrate Kaleb's Birthday too). We just hung around the house with our little family on his actual birthday.

He was excited about his gifts and got pretty much just what he'd asked for.

It was Kaleb's year for a friend party (I only do one every other year) and he chose to go swimming. Along with the friends he invited, his cousins also joined in the fun. Kaleb made a special cake request of Aunt Lisa.... a replica of his bearded dragon lizard. I told him that may be a little tricky, his response to that..... I'll know how much she loves me by how well it turns out!?!? I think she must love him!

The kids all had fun swimming, opening presents and eating cake and ice cream!

I just had to add these two last pictures of my little man. I came home a few weeks ago and walked into my room to see this lovely haircut. I'd been bugging Derrick for weeks, like three at least, to cut Kaleb's hair. Well, he cut it, but not all of it and not how I expected. That was on Friday night. I guess Derrick told him he could keep the mohawk for one day. Well, it didn't get cut off on Saturday, and in all honestly it grew on me......

it fit him and I was really kind of liking it. He was begging to keep it and I finally told him if he felt ok going to church like that, I didn't care. Sunday morning came and we all got ready for Church. About 10 min before we had to leave Derrick noticed the hair and insisted it be cut before church. I have to admit for those 2 days, he ROCKED that mohawk!

{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!

{Today I Am Thankfull For....}

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

~ Cicero

It's been too long since I've done a gratitude post, so without further ado, this week I'm thankful for.........

• My Friend~ Ann and her cute kids came down and spent the weekend with us while our men were on the mountain hunting. I can't even tell you how much I needed that girl time. We chatted, went to a yard sale and the craft fair, drove around and took pictures, had some late night talks, had a yummy lunch at Cluff's, made New Moon invitations....we just had girl time. I can't even begin to tell you what an impact Ann has had on my life. She's been an example to me, she's a great listener, she is one of the most generous people I know.....she's everything I could ever ask for in a friend and more, and for that I am truly thankful.

• Kaleb~ What a great kid he is! Sunday as Primary began, we realized that our prayer, scripture and both our talks were missing. Our Primary president asked for a volunteer for the prayer and scripture and after filling those spots, asked jokingly for a talk....Kaleb's hand shot right up. Without stopping to think about it, my little man stood up and bore the most sweet and sincere testimony full of hope and faith. Of course he made me cry (I do that a lot). I'm so thankful to be his mom, he has the most mischievous grin and sweet spirit, and well, he truly is a bright spot in my life!
  
• A Clean Room~ I hate to admit this, but I am probably as bad or worse than my kids at keeping my room clean. In fact while Ann was here she practically begged to clean and organize my room (she enjoys it). No way was that happening! But, she motivated me (she says guilted me) to clean, and clean I did! Not only did I clean, I made a new lamp shade for Derrick's lamp. I've hated the shade on it, for well, as long as I've had it, I'm thinking 12 years?!?! Why did I not do something about it sooner? I'm not sure, but it looks MUCH better. Now I'm thinking I should maybe paint the gold black, or another color. What do you think?
  
• Preschool~ Yep, I'm really enjoying it! I'm thankful for all of your encouragement.... I don't know if I would have done it otherwise. I may be biased, but I have the cutest class ever. They each have the funnest personalities. Last week we got to go on a field trip the Fire station, and had so much fun. I felt bad that our only little boy was sick and didn't get to come, because they were adorable!

• The Library~ I ♥ the Library and the Bookmobile too. I love to read, and I could never afford to buy enough books to keep up with my little habit. In addition, I've spent much more time there lately, picking up books to use for preschool. What a great blessing that building full of books is!

And last but certainly not least.

• My Dad~ It's his birthday today and I want him to know how much I love and respect him. He's not only a wonderful Dad, but a great Papa to my kids. He's kind and generous, a great example, and just an all around great guy!
  

{Camping Trip with a Mean, Mean Mommy}

Some of our friends had plans to go camping this weekend and invited us along. But, seeing as how it was Jamboree week and it's busy at the garage, we figured there was no way to fit it in. Well, their plans changed at the last minute and they were camping a lot closer, Derrick ended up getting Saturday off and we got to go.... Yippie! We ended up just going over to Kanosh canyon Saturday morning and meeting Brandon and Christie's family and James and Kami and their family. James is Derrick's cousin and they have been best friends forever and Brandon is a friend from high school. Since it was a last minute thing, I was rushing trying to get everything packed. I made the boys a list of what they needed, and told them to go pack their bags. The list included pants, shirts, socks, EXTRA SHOES, etc. We got there, set up, spent the day riding four-wheelers and hanging out. The kids (between us all there were 9 kids and ours were the oldest) played really well together and had a lot of fun. There was a creek pretty close to our camp and we kept telling the kids not to go down there. Well, Kaleb didn't listen and went down the steepest way he could find and slid into the water. Thank goodness the water wasn't moving fast and there wasn't all that much, but his shoe got stuck in the mud and came off. (Here is where the mean, mean mommy part comes in). We told him he needed to find his shoe. He look for 5 min. or so, and just kept getting more upset with us for making him look. For some reason, it was cracking me up so I got out the camera and set it on video, mean I know. But really, it was funny! Finally we gave up and let him get out, but he never did find his other shoe. When I showed him the video, he looked at me and said "You better NOT put that on your blog!" I told him I was indeed planning on it and he gave me a dirty look and yelled "YOU are a MEAN, MEAN Mommy!" Maybe I am, but I couldn't help it, for some reason, it's hilarious to me! especially when he yells, "You could get in the truck and go buy me some shoes," and "What if a water snake bites me?" Oh, did I forget to mention that the one item on the list he failed to pack happened to be EXTRA SHOES? Yep, he spent the entire next day without any shoes!

Other than the shoe incident we had a fun time, and it was nice to get away and have a BREAK!

{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

{Super Weekend}

Our SUPER weekend, started at Kaleb's first tumbling competition. He was the only boy his age that was able to compete at the level he did. I could tell he was nervous standing in line waiting his turn, but he did so good. His first pass was round-off, back handspring, and his second was round-off, back handspring, back handspring. He ended up taking first place for his age group, not hard when you are the only one, but he did great and I was proud of him! What a SUPER cute boy who is a a SUPER good little tumbler!

From there we headed to the SUPERcross races, to meet James, Kami and their family. The parking was horrid and we spent lots of time looking for a space, we finally just gave up and drove down and parked and rode Trax back up to the stadium, which was a first for all of us. The ride up was great, but after it was SUPER packed, and pretty miserable. We weren't sure if we would end up going because of the weather, but the rain stopped and it cleared up. It was still cold and the track was muddy, but that made it more exciting!
What SUPER adorable kiddos, who managed to have fun even in the cold!

The main event race was SUPER close between Chad Reid and James "Bubba" Stewart, which made it all the more exciting!

That picture is not of the main event race, and not of either of the above mentioned races.

Brock wanted Chad Reid to win and was SUPER bummed when he didn't....but it wasn't for lack of cheering from our little man!

We spent the night at Grandma Jeannie's and had plans to meet James and Kami at the zoo. By the time we got there it was raining/snowing and it just didn't sound fun. We (James and Kami had already gone into the zoo) decided to head to the Living Planet Aquarium. The kids love it there and it was out of the weather, which sold me!

The boys love the touch pool, and both ended up with SUPER soaked shirts. Miss Carlie like to look in the pool at the stingrays and fish, but drew the line at actually sticking her hands in.

She did, however, love the little play area and had a ball playing peek-a-boo at us through the cracks. After we had lunch with Grandma Jeannie and Grandpa Mike we took off for the SUPER long drive home, at least the kids thought it was SUPER long!

Yep, we really had a SUPER weekend!

{Birthday Fun}

Kaleb had a fun birthday yesterday! We had cake and ice cream for the family last night. It's always fun to get together and hang out with the family for a bit. We missed having Shad and Julia's family and Grandma and Grandpa Dearden and Sydney here, but they both stopped in a bit earlier. Kaleb was a pretty spoiled boy and made out like a little bandit. He got a new Wii game, a suit, a new shirt and tie, some fun books, Jammies, a playmoblie set, a water cannon, and quite a bit of money (I may have to take a loan from him!). Tonight Derrick, Kaleb and I are going out for his dinner, I think Kaleb has chosen Carl's Jr. Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, Kaleb is a great kid and I'm proud of him!

Star Wars the Force Unleashed for the Wii~ pretty fun stuff (so I'm told).
Kaleb and Bryson checking out some fun new books.

Grandma Jeannie came down from Bountiful and the kids were excited to see her. She made both Brock and Kaleb jammies for their birthdays.

Kaleb wanted a Lego cake, so I attempted 3 Lego bricks. I think from now on I'll leave the cake making up to Aunt Lisa, but Kaleb liked it and that's all that is important, right?

Wait, how old did I say he was???

Derrick and I got Kaleb this suit and Gram & Papa got him the shirt and tie. What a handsome boy he is all dressed up and without ice cream on his face!

{Lucky 7}

Our little man Kaleb turns SEVEN today, so I'm going to share seven fun facts about him along with some of my favorite pictures!

Kaleb is a good natured kid. Most days he comes right home and gets started on his homework, without being told!

Kaleb loves babies, if there are little ones around, he's always trying to play with them, make them smile or lovin' them. He is a great big brother to Carlie and he and Brock and best buds, most of the time!
Kaleb is always pulling silly faces. I can't seem to get a picture of him lately without him crossing his eyes or sticking out his tounge.....oh, well, he's dang cute still!
Kaleb is our little daredevil. He loves to ride his four-wheeler, but doesn't always pay attention as well as he should. I think every time we've ridden out at White Mountain he's wrecked!?!? Luckily, he hasn't been hurt (I guess I better keep saying a quick prayer before we go). He also loves to ride his bike and is always trying to go faster or try some new trick.

Kaleb is our little MONKEY! He seriously climbs everything......cupboards, trees, swing-sets, the walls, even on top of the slides (no going down the inside for him). Kaleb is also a good little tumbler. He's been going to tumbling class for three years now, and is getting pretty good....most likely because he practices all the time. If he's not climbing, he's doing round-off's or cartwheels. We were walking throught Wal-Mart a few weeks ago and he was cartwheeling down the isles, then he tried to practice at Home Depot too, but those slick polished concrete floors aren't weren't the best and he landed pretty hard on his behind. It hasn't stopped him, just a few days ago he was tumbling along the dirt path that leads back to the cow corrals while the rest of us walked. Kaleb loves LEGOS and he's really creative and always building something new and cool! The boys toy room is slowly being taken over by legos, but I'm not complaining, because they keep them occupied for hours! Ok, I lied, I do complain, LOUDLY when I step on one of those evil little toys!Last but not least, Kaleb has the most adorrable, contagious little smile and when he teases, he has a little mischevious twinkle in his eyes! He's such a fun boy and I love being his mom!

Happy 7th Birthday, K-B!

I just had to add in a few more pictures, they are so Kaleb and two of my favorites!
I know I said Kaleb is a mellow kid, but when he snaps, he snaps. Obvioulsy he wasn't happy when I took this picture, but I love it still!
This is Kaleb in his favorite spot......the old dead tree in the back field. I can always find him there, usually at the very top freaking out his poor mom!