Courtney's Young Women Recognition

Courtney had her Young Women Recognition Night last Sunday evening. She planned the entire event--the invitations, program, displays, and refreshments (Mississippi Mud Pie!). We planned to hold it in the Relief Society room, but so many friends and family members came that we had to move into the chapel. We appreciated everyone who came to honor Courtney that night. She especially wanted her grandparents to come, since none had come to her baptism eight years earlier (Grandpa and Grandma Baxter were on their mission and Grandpa and Grandma Nicolaysen couldn't come then because Grandma had a major heart attack). It was wonderful to have them all here for Courtney's special night. Other aunts and uncles and cousins from out of town came too. This is one of Courtney's display tables. She completed a wide range of projects, beginning when she was 12 and finishing the last value project (Virtue) after she turned 17.

Courtney with Grandpa and Grandma Baxter and Grandma and Grandpa Nicolaysen. They are such good examples and role models for our family. We love and appreciate them very much.

Since Courtney has had many young women leaders and many of them aren't in our town anymore, she asked me to speak. It was a privilege to speak about Courtney and her YW experiences and about what a great young woman she is. She, Jake, and Shannon and Garn Brady sang, "Jesus' Love Is Like A River," and it was beautiful. Bishop Collard paid her a huge compliment when he said Courtney is always smiling. The Stake YW president presented her with a statue of a young woman and a white handkerchief for the temple. We're proud of you, Courtney!