Happy Birthday, Kari

On this, your birthday, Kari  . . . I think back to my first memories of you

and can't help but think that, had I known that one day you would become part of our family

I would have paid closer attention to the curly haired girl at group violin lessons

and maybe . . .

in later years I would have taken in the girl's basketball games before the boys played.

I would have smiled, knowing what I know today.

 

But it was not until at least three years after your (and Ben's)

high school grad, when I first heard your name

being spoken in our family room by one of Ben's friends.

He was kind of teasing and I saw Ben did not mind.

 I have to say, I liked the sound of it . . . but as a mom I waited . . . quietly.

 

It was later I learned that Ben had seen you somewhere

and, by the sound of it, he'd fallen in love.

I'm not sure what he all worked out to ask you out

but by Spring 2005 he brought you in to meet us.

Your remember that.

I hugged you because you were the first girl he brought home.

I was nervous and excited . . . and happy.

 

That summer he was proud to introduce you to extended family at the cabin nearby,
and have you experience the beauty of Lake Chelan with all of it's memories.

 

We learned how you love ice cream

 

and enjoyed getting to know the girl who put that big smile on Ben's face.

 

It was in the fall of that year, when he put a ring on your finger

and plans began for a summer wedding.

 

 

The Friesen side hosted a Hawaiian themed shower with an ice cream bar.

You were a great sport!

 

 

On a beautiful day in July 2006, your dad walked you down the aisle,

 

 

wedding vows were exchanged and we witnessed the beauty of two lives being joined.

 

One year we planned a girls trip to Indonesia to visit Julene and family.
You were so brave to come along!

 

It was a trip we will all never forget!

 

 

Another time we all visited Kristal and family for Christmas in Phoenix.

 



At home you became my sounding board with your resourceful ideas.

Your talents, your creativity and love for beauty inspire me.

 

In December 2009 you put your teaching career on hold, as you
waved good bye to your Grade One class

 

and in January of 2010 you became a mom to Lacey Danielle!

 

That summer Chris and Julene flew in via LA from Indonesia, while Shaun and Kristal drove from Colorado, and we all met for a family weekend in Disneyland.

By this time you knew all about being flexible and
packing a suitcase in order to have family time.

 



Then, in February 2012, Tessa Lynn Dior (aka Teddy) joined the family!

Two months later, you and Ben packed up your household onto a big truck

and headed for your own family adventure in Saskatchewan.

It was a hard knock for me, and maybe not easy for you,

but your  love and support as a wife have not gone unnoticed.

Kari, your smile, your tenderness, your love for God, your joy in the moment

and ability to make others laugh have a contagious effect on those around you.

 

We thank God for the joy of calling you our daughter by love!

May He bless you with the desires of your heart

as you continue to trust in Him for all your future.

Happy 30th Birthday!