Happy Birthday Courtney! Your letter included!

My sweet, little Courtney turned 5 yesterday. I cannot believe it has been 5 years since I held her in my arms for the very first time. Yesterday I kept thinking about the day she was born. Her sweet new baby scent. Her soft hair. The way we looked into each others eyes for the very first time. Many people say that when they saw their baby for the very first time, it was love at first sight. It wasn't love at first sight for me. I fell in love with her long before she was born. The bond between us began when she was growing in my belly.

We had Courtney's birthday party the day before her birthday because her birthday was on a Sunday this year. We invited a few of her friends over. They all had a blast.

My beautiful Courtney wearing her new birthday dress!

She requested a cake with a crown on it

Playing duck-duck-goose at her birthday party

Isn't he the cutest boy ever!? I think so, too!

She had so much fun

Myriam had a turn playing duck-duck-goose. She tagged everyone as the goose :)

Everyone LOVES the baby

The birthday girl blowing out her candles

The only person missing from this photo is one little girl who left before I remembered to take a picture of all the guests with the birthday girl. All of the boys she invited showed up, and 3 girls she invited couldn't make it. It's okay though, the boys didn't mind all the pink and princess stuff. I think they were just happy to be here and involved in the fun.... After this picture was taken, Mady had to make sure that her fingers behind Courtney's head were visible in the picture haha.

Later that day the girls wanted me to draw faces on their balloons. I'm an artist, can't you tell?

Mady LOVED her balloon. It ended up popping the following day. She was devastated. :(

Marshall was too busy playing a game on the computer to join in the balloon face making fun. He decided to make one for himself later that evening.

Every morning on someones birthday, we always get doughnuts for breakfast. The girls get surprised with flowers and a dress on the morning of their birthday. I need to be more creative when it comes to Marshall, because I don't think he would like being surprised with an outfit and flowers. Ben picked out her dress and flowers. He did a great job!

The birthday girl posing with her flowers

She is so silly. This photo captures her personality perfectly.

Courtney LOVED her big flower sucker

Courtney,

You are a one of a kind. You have such a spunky and fun personality. You have such a big heart. You're always looking out for others. You are so independent and want to do almost everything on your own. You are so smart. You are so beautiful. You are strong willed. You are stubborn, haha.... I wonder where you get that trait from.... it couldn't possibly be me. ;) You brighten my days. I am so grateful that you chose me to be your mommy. I am so blessed to be your mommy.
You are definitely a leader, not a follower. That is something I hope you carry with you throughout your life. You will go far with your leadership attitude. If you have your mind made up, there is no stopping you. I know that you will make a great missionary one day if you choose to go on a mission when you are of age. With your strong willed and leadership attitude, I know you will bless countless lives. I have no doubt that you will do great things in your life. I know you will go far. I will always be here for you, ALWAYS. I will always love you, ALWAYS. There will be times where you and I will butt heads. There will be times when you feel like I don't understand. Even through those times, never forget how much I love you, and that I will always be here for you no matter what. Always remember that Heavenly Father understands. Our savior Jesus Christ understands, too. They want to hear from you and help you, too. Kneel and pray often. Open your scriptures often. They will help guide you down the right path. I will help you, too. All of our family will. You have so many people that love you so much. You are beautiful. Never forget that. But more important than being beautiful on the outside, you are beautiful on the inside, too. Remember that beauty is defined by what's in the soul, and darling, you have a beautiful soul. You will date lots of boys when you are much older. Let them open your car door. Let them pay for the date. Let them hold the door open for you. Remember to take things slow, and don't rush things. Anything that is meant to be will be. It is not uncool for a man to be a gentlemen. Steer clear from the men who think it's uncool to be a gentlemen. They will only bring you trouble. Always remember that you are loved so much, and that you have a family here for you, ALWAYS. We are rooting for you. We want to see you succeed, and I have no doubt that you will.
I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be!

Love,
Mommy