1. Karen is chronically optimistic.
2. Karen has raised 6 amazing and beautiful kids!
3. She has a beautiful little granddaughter now (which seems impossible)!
4. Karen has been a great example that it is possible to truly forgive and let go.
5. Karen has the most beautiful eyes and her smile can light up a room.
6. She thinks I'm funny (albeit inappropriate and borderline crazy).
7. She teaches her girls to take care of themselves and to take the time to look good before they go out.
8. She knows how to pull the "take away" -- in life and in dating!
9. She has a rock-solid testimony despite the hurdles life has thrown at her.
10. Karen knows the importance of balance in life... and works hard to juggle her responsibilities accordingly.
11. Karen has a way of making everyone around her feel loved, appreciated, and important.
12. Karen is getting in touch with her inner nerd... and it's awesome!
13. She knows how to take a compliment without sounding arrogant.
14. She is determined to better herself and her situation.
15. She is willing to work hard for what she wants.
16. She wants others to feel success and happiness, too! So she takes the time to help others along her way.
17. She is easily amused!
18. She can watch movies over and over again... "Meet the Robinson's" anyone?
19. She is a spectacular pre-screener!
20. She lets me be a pre-screener, too!
21. She constantly says funny stuff without realizing it: "My yahoo is stuck." "Did you lock the door on the door?"
22. She knows how to laugh at herself.
23. She knows how to laugh at other people, too. Time for another Dee's Dance...?
24. She puts up with my awkwardness... even when I interrupt and finish her sentences. I'm working on it -- I promise! I can't help it if I'm a super guesser.
25. She is kind and loving to Hannah.
26. She has been a great example of how to be a better parent... especially as Hannah gets closer to becoming a dreaded "teen-year-old."
27. She welcomed me and Hannah into her home 2 years ago, and has always made us feel welcome. Without her kindness, we would probably be homeless right now.
28. She reminds me of how nice it can be to work together.
29. She has a big heart, with room to love everyone around her.
30. She knows how to block out the noise of children without getting as irritated as I used to.
31. She is patient.
32. She taught me that "we will make it work."
33. She lets me vent without feeling like a burden. And even more importantly, without feeling judged.
34. She knows how to have fun.
35. She likes going to the movies, too!
36. She helped me realize how delicious sushi can be!
37. She taught me how to be gracious when I feel pulled in every direction.
38. She shows me again and again that being a mother can be difficult and trying and exhausting and rewarding all at the same time.
39. She showed me that sacrificing your own needs and wants for your child(ren) only makes you love them more.
40. She reminded me that there's still hope for finding a good man out there!
41. She helped me to realize that I don't want to give up on dating entirely... at least not just yet.
42. She taught me that sometimes you have to treat yourself a little in order to keep giving yourself to your kids. (Thanks, again, for introducing me to Wendy! I think we need to call her again...)
43. She showed me that sometimes a Diet Coke and a donut is just what the doctor ordered.
44. She reminded me that a night out with girlfriends can cure a lot of problems!
45. Karen knows how to say "NO" when she really can't do something.
46. I feel a hurricane a-comin'!
Thanks, Karen, for being such a wonderful person and a terrific friend! Who knew that two months at Altiris would turn into this? I can't tell you how much you've blessed my life!
Much loves and hugs to you on your birthday. And always!
