the courtney family: It's "Birthday Weekend" at the Courtney house!

Tomorrow is Leigh Ashley's 10th birthday and Sunday is Zachary's 16th! I don't think I could do that again if I tried. Joel Payne was my ob and scheduled my c-section with Leigh Ashley for October 7th. When I reminded him that Zachary was born on the 7th, he said that everyone needs their own birthday and moved up Leigh Ashley's delivery to the 6th.

Leigh Ashley wanted to have her birthday at Joy McAllister Art, so it's planned for Tuesday. The birthday package (which is expensive enough) allows 15 kids and each one above that is $25 each. So, this year it's strictly her closest friends from school. I am always so afraid of hurting someone's feelings, so I've told Leigh Ashley not to broadcast it.

It's been years since Zachary has had a party. But since it's his 16th, I'm planning a big party on the 28th. It's going to be held downstairs at the Yacht Club. It's the perfect place for a party for teenagers. I've already booked a DJ and I've got to get busy with all the other details. Zachary has been friends with Michael Hankins since he was 2. They were in Mom's Morning Out together. Michael's birthday is in November, so we are going to have the party for both of them. Zachary wants to invite the entire class anyway, so this will be perfect. I am really thinking seriously about putting a picture of the two of them from kindergarten. I'm sure I'll take lots of flack for doing it, but I just might.

I think this is the most excited Leigh Ashley has ever been about her birthday. It must be her age and the fact that she loves shopping. She's asked for a shopping trip from her grandparents. Monday is a school holiday, so that's the big shopping day.

Tomorrow I will be at Chapel of the Cross's "Day in the Country" with the little business venture I'm taking on. Barefoot Designs will have a booth set up displaying Christmas cards, birth announcements, invitations, etc. I have no idea what kind of response we will have, but it sounds like a fun day. Several new designs are posted on the Barefoot Designs blog and we have tons we are still working on. I think the most popular Christmas card design will be the line of trifold cards. They are 5x5, but open up to 5x15. It's a great way to show the personalities of children by having several different pics instead of just one. Also, you don't have to get that one perfect picture. You can even use pictures you already have. We can also design one with a scripture included, your blog address or whatever you would like to share with those who look forward to getting your holiday card each year.