Happy Birthday, Kat.

Tomorrow is this girl’s birthday.

No…not Honey Boo Boo. It’s the other boo’s big day. I thought it would be fun to have some people that know her best to share a little something for her. This is a surprise blog post, so she has no clue who I have asked or what they have said until now. I really know how to pull out all the stops, don’t I? I also got her an actual gift, so don’t think I’m Miss Cheapo. Let’s get going with the birthday tributes.

Jen- a gal that she has taught with the past several years and now her neighbor too

From someone I can quote the Hayley Mills Pollyanna movie with (and every Disney musical for that matter,) to someone who shares my love for El Taco, Donut Dollies, and crocheting, Kat is more than a friend could ask for. The memories that we have made in the last for years will last a lifetime. She is someone I can laugh with, cry with, and am blessed to teach with every day. From showing up at school dressed in the same outfit to dressing up in costumes for countless events, parties, 3rd grade lessons, and even remote-learning videos, I am SO thankful for her. Kat lights up a room and brings joy to everyone just by being herself. I am out on maternity leave for 2 more months, but I am looking forward to being back in the classroom with her in October. Happy birthday to the best friend, teacher, and neighbor there is. Lucky me, I get to have her as all three. Happy birthday, Kitty!

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Brittany- a friend since PreK and Carrie Underwood look alike

What I love about Kat is that she is such a loyal friend that is always there no matter what. There have been several things that have come up over the years that she has called to check on me, will send thoughtful gifts through the mail, or just come be with me. For instance, when it was my 30th birthday, she asked me if I was celebrating, and I told her that I probably wasn’t. She told me that was ridiculous, and we must celebrate because its’a big deal. So she drove down from Atlanta and came to spend the day with me for a girls’ day. Anything she does is SO creative and always makes it fun. If anything strange or crazy is going to happen, it’s going to happen to her, and hearing her tell the story is hilarious. She is an encourager and a great listening ear. Kat is usually the first person I go to when I want another opinion. I’m very blessed to have her as friend. We have been together since K4. I am beyond grateful for my friendships that stand the test of time (and distance), and Kat’s friendship is certainly one of those. She is the best, and my family and I love her dearly. We wish her the very best birthday because she deserves it.

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Whitney-her best friend for over 25 years and first and last college roommate

Kat is always up for an adventure, a trip, or something stupid and fun. However, she is only up for it once you have reached your destination. Don’t count on her for her sense of direction.

Polly-another friend of many, many years, and Kat really appreciates this friendship because Polly will laugh at anything Kat does or says

When I think about some of my favorite people in my life, Kat is at the top of the list. She’s introduced me to buffalo chicken pizza, Jessica Simpson underwear, and frosted lemonades. I have never met anyone that exemplifies the word, “joy” as much as Kat does, and I’m thankful for her friendship. I have never deleted our text feed because I know when I have a bad day, I can scroll to the one of the videos she sent me, and it instantly turns my day around. She has been there for me, praying me through some of the most difficult times in my life. Everyone needs a Kat in their life, and I’m so thankful to have her in mine.

Liz-Kat’s friend since freshman year of college, birthday twin, and also a former roommate

I met Kat at North Georgia our freshman year. At our first hall meeting on Donovan C300, a girl mentioned she had a birthday coming up on August 24th. Kat spoke up and said that was her birthday too. Then I spoke up and said it was mine as well. I will never forget the look on Kat’s face. Sharing a birthday with two people was not her idea of a good time. Luckily, she saw it in her heart to be my friend for the last 13th birthdays with me. I had not idea that sitting in the common room that night I had just met one of the most unique people to walk into my life. Kat is an incredible friend who has a movie/TV quote or song lyric for any situation. My life is much more fun because Kathleen Stewart chose to be my friend. We have said many times that we don’t know how we are friends, but God knew the Barnes family needed of a touch of floral and Trader Joes in the form of Kitty. Here are a few of my favorite memories with my most unique friend: kickball tournament, hide and seek esp. Whitney hiding in the bathroom, Gary Preston, Zaxby’s cook, HHI and baby Charlie in the stroller, bike ride with Paula-heart meds or melatonin, Lake trips, the best french toast we have ever had, marinara twins, Oreo taste test, and baking days. Here’s to many more memories and birthdays, Kat!

Hannah-Liz’s sister that became Kat’s friend probably because she and Kat are more alike than Kat and Liz

A birthday poem is in order for old time’s sake
To commemorate the mens like the annual fall bake
or all of the days we spent on the lake
More memories this year, I can’t wait to make
Nashville, Bue-ee’s, walks around Moreland to name a few
Oh and the Shamrock Run that was won by-you!
I wish we were back in the islands with Mr. Bailey
Instead we will stick with polos and group texts on the daily
Remember our family dinners in Dahlonega and College Park?
You better, or I’ll say, “Are you serious, Clark?”
Who else would chuckle about the Princess and the Pea
Or be obsessed with the land of the free?
Cory and Topanga, Tommy and Tuck, and Chelsey and CK briefs
Me and you, we make the best team, good grief
God bless the USA and Happy Birthday to you
Although this poem is coming to and end
I hope you know, there is only one like you, friend

Happy birthday to a friend who always brightens my day! Thankful for you, Kat!

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Caitlin-a former teacher friend that remained a friend and fellow crotchet girl

Oh Kat, happy birthday to my friend! A friend that always keeps me laughing, encouraged, and is never short on inside jokes and quotes. The adventures we have been on are unmatched (we all remember that night!). I’d never want to talk about life for 5 hours sitting next to alpacas during a knit a thin with anyone but you! You are simply a treasure. I love you dearly, friend! Happy birthday!

Marie-friend, former roommate, and fellow crazy idea thinker upper

Roommates are a necessary but not always enjoyable part of life, especially when you are in your late 20s…but I lucked out. The Lord (and our shared love of Gilmore Girls, I Love Lucy, and desserts) brought us together and the 1428 became a sacred space (RIP). A slice of home after years of yearly moves for both of us and a safe space for all things ridiculous and dramatic (we played Enya’s Only Time at least monthly).  I can’t even begin to list the wonderful things about Kat, but one of my favorites is how she adds a big dose of joy to absolutely everything. Mouse in the apartment? Lets name him (Julius Cheeser obvi). Sad about a boy? Let’s make his birthday a holiday to commemorate our freedom from jerks. Bored during quarantine? Let’s make our living room a Floor is Lava course. New show on Netflix? Let’s create a themed dinner and dessert to eat while watching it. Had a hard day? Here’s a little gift of things that make you smile. Sad about no longer living together? Let’s go to Indiana for cake. Kat is intentional and joyous. She creates a safe space for everyone to be their most true, dramatic, and ridiculous selves and someone like that is very easy to celebrate. Happy Birthday Kat!!

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Hampty-teacher friend and someone Kat aspires to be

Happy, happy young birthday to my twin sister!  Only Kat would think to borrow her mother’s clothes to dress like “Cool Aunt Hampty” at school.  Only Kat can sing all day to the students to make the day fun.  Only Kat has a laugh that breaks through the sound barrier.  Only Kat gives me a Friends pillow to celebrate our mutual love for the show.  Only Kat looks knowingly at me and laughs during teacher pre-planning when the speaker’s name is Denise and we instantly think of Phoebe screaming that her roommate is Denise.  Only Kat has a creative mind that knows no bounds.  Only Kat can make me look forward to arriving early at school for some wild video she has dreamed up.  Happy, happy birthday to my favorite teacher.  You make life worth living!  xoxo,Cool Aunt Hampty

Her nieces and nephews-the ones that can talk

I asked them all why they like Aunt Kitty.

Andrew-I really like the music she lets us listen to in her car.
Kyle-I like Kitty Camp.
Laura Kate-I like Kitty because she watches YouTube all day and likes to party. She also does a dance off with me.
Charlie-I can beat her at tennis, and she is always fun. Also, one time she ate too many corn chips, and we called her “Corn Chip” all weekend.
Claire-I like when Kitty says, “Shawty, what that thing do?”

She’s obviously really shaping the future of our family based on those answers.

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Happy birthday, Kat. Celebrate. It is your birthday.