Aunt Kare Bear

Michael's sister Karen came all the way from Seattle to visit us. It helps that their other brother lives in Dallas area, so she was able to see us both in one trip. We took her around to our various activities on Saturday and everytime I introduced her to someone, I had to brag and say, "She is a labor and delivery nurse." To which all the women knowingly said, "ahh" and most likely thought to themselves "I love these nurses." I probably couldn't tell you from a line up who the nurses are that helped me during each of my deliveries, but I have a great love in my heart for them. Karen has the opportunity to be there as hundreds of babies enter this world, and this choice of careers for her, says a lot about who she is as a person.....there is a reason why she has a knickname of Kare Bear, because she is so caring and compassionate. She had many great stories to share with us and I tried to convince her to start a blog (why do single people or those without kids think they have nothing interesting to share?) and she told me about this nurse blog. I hope she does, because I would love to hear more about her daily life.
Anyway, I thought I'd share my memories of Karen and why I love her so much along with our picts of the weekend. Michael is the 2nd of 7 children and Karen is #6. I've always loved witnessing Michael's relationship with his 3 sisters. It is something that endeared me to him long ago and continue's to, as I see how much they adore and respect him.

I first met Karen in Jan/Feb 1999 when Michael and I were kindof dating/hanging out lots. She came from Cali as a high school student to visit her 3 siblings at BYU. I remember playing Dr. Mario with her and Joanna (other sis). Then about 8 months later, Fall of 1999 just before Michael and I got engaged, we drove down to Southern Utah where she was living and had a saltine cracker eating contest. I remember talking to her and thinking how mature I thought she was, and enjoyed our deep conversations. Then just a few weeks before she became my sister (in law) we took a walk around Provo, just she and I. We laid in a park in a pile of leaves, looking up to the sky and talking about what we wanted out of life. These are memories that I cherish.

I'm so glad that my kids got to know her on a personal level this past week. Playing games, running races in the backyard, laughing and reading stories. Thanks, Karen, for taking the time out of your busy life to come visit us, we love you!