But here we are now.
We had no idea who this child would become. We didn't know the many years of laughter he would bring us. We didn't know he would be so one track minded and full of determination, which at times I felt was so frustrating, until I realized how far it will take him in life. We didn't know how sensitive he would be. How helpful he would be. We really didn't realize and fully understand the amount of joy we would feel to actually be the ones to raise this fine young man.
But we sure are learning fast.
We try to make our kids birthdays special, but I think I need to start petitioning for no school on their birthdays. I'm probably being selfish, he actually loved getting all that attention at school. They even had a fun birthday song they sang to him while he stood on his teachers desk and then he got to leap off. (he has THE funnest teacher)
So back to the point, we try to make the time we actually have with them special.
His favorite breakfast at the time of his birthday (his favorite changes almost daily) was German Pancakes. So Breakfast in Bed it was.
Afterwards, we pulled out his baby scrapbook and took a look. My kids love looking at pictures of themselves when they were young.
After school we headed over to the mailbox. There just happened to be balloons waiting for him there.
There were some special birthday cards in there from some very special people.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Corbin, Daddy got home from work. He was so excited to see what was waiting for him in those presents that were waiting for him all afternoon(do you love Tay's special wrapping job, he sure is my Christmas baby)
The boys love giving each other gifts for their birthdays.
Levi gave Corb's a Penguin puzzle and his favorite treat ever...
Hershey's candybar. He thinks it's the most delicate chocolate around. (good thing I haven't introduced him to my stash yet...Lindor Balls...dark)
Taylor gave him a little lego set.
To help the time go faster while waiting for dad, we made his cake. Yes, Corbin helped, yes it's not perfect, yes we loved it. (it's dirt and grass, two of his favorite things)
It was a good day.
I love the opportunity to be Corbin's mom. I feel so many times that I am making mistakes left and right. I feel like I am always apologizing, but I realized, that's it. If we can learn something from each other it's that we can always ask each other for forgiveness, accept that apology from each other, and start over again, just like Heavenly Father does for us every single day. I love the things I learn from being a mother. I just hope that Corbin understands that that's exactly what I'm doing. Learning. And hoping that I get better because of it.
We love you Corbin for so many reasons.
1) How helpful you are getting around the house. I love that you always take your dinner plate straight to the sink as soon as you are done. I don't know how you picked up that great habit, but you sure are consistent. 
2) Your senstivity to the spirit. We are noticing a change in how you react when you feel the spirit. It comes in the form of moisture in your eyes. I think it's very sweet and I hope that doesn't change.
3) You're abiltiy to work hard. Last fall you were so excited when you broke out in your first drops of sweat from working so hard in the yard. You wanted to be just like dad.
4) Your exploring nature. You have a newfound love of the field behind our house. I have a feeling this summer will see many hours of you out there.
5) You have worked really hard this year to get your reading and writing up. That's what makes me proud. You don't have to be the best, you just have to work your hardest. I'm loving what is coming home from school...
6) Your passion and love of our country. Besides the gospel, that is one thing I wanted to instill in you. I'm glad you chose that.
7) Your new grown up smile.
8) But mostly because you are you. You are real and you don't pretend to be someone else.
