the one, the only ...

Important news, everyone. Today is June 4th. Which means it's Karlee's birthday! (Better known in the Venable household as Curlie. Please see the above picture. Isn't she cute?) As her husband says, Curlie is a "firecracker" - she has more energy and spunk than the average person. Here are somethings about Curlie that always make me smile:

• First off, her patience with my never-ending birthday promises over the years. Thus far, she's entitled to a homemade apron and a specially designed Lemon & Lime cookbook. (In my defense, I've already purchased the apron pattern and the cookbook just needs to be taken to the printer. So there.)
• Her obsession with pickles and lemons.
• She used to be in love with Tom Cruise. He looks young in this picture so I assume he's in the pre-crazy stage. You're welcome, Curlie.
  

• Our agenda whenever we spent time together: Dollar Store, Arctic Circle (with an ice cream cone afterwards), and the D.I. We rarely deviate.
• Her disdain for "the burn." Doesn't matter what she's doing - biking, hiking, or just walking - that annoying burn takes all enjoyment out of it for her.
• She makes for a pretty cute kitty.

• Her movie taste. She likes everything from The Fifth Element to Annie.
• She is a remodeler extraordinaire!
• She and her husband: bicker, bicker. Kiss, kiss kiss. Bicker. Kiss. Kiss more. (You get the idea)

• Her willingness to foster parent my fish when I moved up to Logan. It was good to know that Hans and Sven were in her capable hands.
• Her not-at-all-scary fishing skills :)

• Her cute freckles.
• Her excitement at being the proud owner of a new puppy. I'll be honest - Fern really is a cute 'lil thing.

• The creative ways she has of changing the subject from Toyota Tacomas.
• Lime green!
• And most of all, Michael Jackson. Curlie is truly scared of him. Of course, I think we can all agree to feeling the same way. Seems to worsen each year.

And on that note, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CURLIE!