100 things about me

100 things about me:
1. Born May 16, 1976
2. My dad predicted that I would be a girl with blue eyes and blonde hair and would be named Rosalie Grace – and sure enough – (even if it was just hopeful thinking after having 4 boys).
3. My dad’s favorite song when my mom was pregnant with me – Give My Love to Rose – Johnny Cash
4. After finally getting their first girl, they went on to have 5 more girls!
5. and another boy – making 11 kids total.
6. I liked growing up in a big family.
7. One time we went dumpster diving and found dozen’s of boxes of Witman Samplers – still in the plastic – behind a store.
8. we gave them away to friends and ate a lot ourselves – (the friends were warned of their origin)
9. My dad did the grocery shopping – 2 carts full, once a week, never under $200, and that was 11 yrs ago.
10. There were only 9 kids in our household at once.
11. because a brother would get married before my parents were done, etc…
12. My mom had babies the same time my sister-in-laws had babies.
13. I worked as a secretary for my dad after high school, until I married.
14. We sold tombstones. (and other granite – but people were dying to do business with us – gag!)
15. My dad asked me if I would be his secretary when I grew up (I was 5), and I said, “no, I want to be your “first-a-tary”!
16. I met my future husband when I was 13.
17. He definitely made an impression on me! And vise versa.
18. He was 20 at that point, and was a well known for being unattached. (Who would be the lucky girl?)
19. He was GORGEOUS!
20. Still is GORGEOUS, in a different way.
21. It’s just a different look – his hair kind of left the position on the head, and rested on his chin. (wink)
22. The name for it, I think, is fu man chu. (or something like that).
23. I hope he will choose to remain married to me after seeing this.
24. He’s got a depth of character, and has only shown me unconditional love for 11 yrs. – His good looks go deeper than before.
25. We met up a few times in the remaining years until I was 20 – and the attraction was still there.
26. I played “hard to get”.
27. I think that’s what “got him”.
28. He wore black cowboy boots – and had a ranch growing up.
29. And only wore black jeans – mmmm
30. Right now, I think I miss him – he is gone skiing in Colorado.
31. With 4 other guys.
32. Next time I’m going.
33. We will probably bring the 4 oldest kids.
34. Once I was 20, Stu made it known he was seriously interested in me. (I’d been waiting!!!)
35. We set our wedding day for 3 wks later.
36. We married on my parent’s anniversary.
37. Only time I’d seen my dad’s face contort into tears was when I said goodbye.
38. Stu and I moved 21 hrs away – to his hometown.
39. I loved my new home.
40. but missed my 5 younger sisters
41. we used to sing together in the kitchen, while making food.
42. and sing together on the piano and guitars.
43. Missed my brothers too.
44. I moved from a city to a small town. (of 450)
45. I would miss the small town if I moved to a city now.
46. I do miss the donut shops in the cities.:)
47. My dad took me shopping into Amish country before I was married.
48. I bought a bedroom set
49. and a table with 10 leaves – fits 20 people.
50. Was the only day my dad and I spent together alone – with no other brothers and sisters.
51. Wow, did I feel special.
52. My dad was killed in a car accident at age 53.
53. He left my mom with 6 kids still at home.
54. Why is it when someone dies, you love them more?
55. I need to remember to love those still here now.
56. I know my dad is now enjoying things I don’t have the imagination to know.
57. I love God.
59. Jesus died for my sins.
59. I believe Heaven is more colorful, more glorious than the greatest thing we could ever concoct in our minds, and Jesus is preparing a place there for me.
60. I think if I really, really believed this all the time, I’d have no more anxiety, etc…
61. I believe I’ll be using the skills God gave me, in a complete, beautiful way, when I’m there.
62. I know I’ll be able to sit and converse with others who love God, without the misunderstandings, etc., that come along with this life.
63. I can’t wait sometimes!
64. but know that in the meantime, there is a work being done in my life, that isn’t complete.
65. The kids are home from school now, and there is a chorus of words being sounded out (by the time the last word is sounded out, you forget what the beginning of the sentence was) , and I’m supposed to be listening to them all, so I will have to get back to this later…
66. The 3 single most amazing physical experiences in my life, were the birth of my 3 birth children.
67. When #1 was born, the doctor asked what I was saying – I was saying “I love you my babe-ins!” over and over. (I was a little out of it!)68. The 1 most amazing, emotional, mind expanding, experience in my life, was adopting 2 great kids from Ethiopia.
69. The trip to Ethiopia fulfilled a dream for me of traveling to Africa, but also built a desire to get back there again –
70. As an American, we can give much materially to the poor, but can learn much from them too.
71. There are traits of the people there that are beautiful, and lost in the culture here, and my dream for our kids is to get to go back if they choose.
72. The single most life changing event in my life, was choosing to leave the only religion I’ve ever known – the Plymouth Brethren #4. (exclusive brethren)
73. I was born and raised to believe we were special Christians.
74. We kept careful rules – not cutting our hair, wearing dresses, no makeup, (for ladies), and no tv, radio, computers, etc.
75. We looked to a leader to direct our lives, and make decisions for us.
76. I was married and had children before I ever first doubted it was right to be Brethren.
77. Because of lies, etc., we decided we couldn’t go on there.
78. In leaving, we were shunned by family, and friends there.
79. Out of 11 kids in my family, one brother talks to me (he left the same time we did).
80. We had to start over with our relationship with God. (our identity was lost)
81. He has done GREAT things for us.
82. It has not been without pain.
83. Religious chains were broken – freedom reigns!
84. I know I will see my family again in heaven, those that accept that Jesus died for their sin. (my hope/prayers are that we will before we get there.)
85. It’s just that they have bought into a “cultish” church, and won’t live in freedom while there.
86. I know I’m not a “special” Christian – I’m a sinner in need of God’s grace.
87. One of our favorite pastimes is camping.
88. I mean “roughing it”, in a tent and sleeping bag.
89. The prettiest place we’ve gone so far is the Rocky Mtns.
90. We canoe also.
91. My dream for this summer is to make a trip to visit some families who’ve adopted from Ethiopia.
92. We’ve been to Australia.
93. Oddest thing I’ve ever done is being part of a pageant – Mrs. ND international.
94. My platform was “finding your identity in Christ”.
95. An amazing thing was I won the People’s Choice and Hilltop award.
96. I love concerts – seen Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Michael W Smith, Jeremy Camp, tobyMac, Point of Grace, Mercy Me, Aaron Shust, Rebecca St. James, Natalie Grant, Nicole Nordeman, Tammy Trent, Gaithers, Martina McBride, Alabama, Alan Jackson…
97. Hope to hear: Nicole C Mullen, Avalon, Chris Rice…
98. Strangest thing about my future: Stu won’t say we are done having kids…
99. Look forward to doing something outside of the home, but don’t know what.
100. Gotta go – Gabe is emptying the lazy susan, spreading cracker crumbs all over…
Thanks for reading!