Day 138-THROWBACK!!!!

Hey guys,

     I don't know about you, but it's always been weird for me to think that BOTH my parents actually had lives BEFORE kids....I know that sounds incredibly self-centered, but c'mon, be honest, I'm probably not the only one! Anyways, like with my Dad, I always forget that he is actually an INCREDIBLY talented artist! Tonight, he was going through all his art pieces from high-school and college, and it was awesome! It was so much fun to hear him go back and reminisce about each and every art piece that was in his portfolio, and a great reminder to me that, yes, Dad did INDEED have a life before Caroline, despite what we tend to think...

<3 Always,
Rose 

Day 137- Being Thankful

Hey guys,

      So, I realized as I was writing these just how lucky I am. I struggled to come up with ONLY six things or people to talk about, I am blessed beyond words! I've got amazing friends, an awesome family, and so many blessings in my life! Thaksgiving in the time to realize that, and for me this year, that's exactly what happened!!

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 136- Small group

Hey guys,

     One of my favorite moments of my entire trip actually has nothing to do with the trip itself, except for the fact that it happened while we were there. On the way back from my Grandparents Friday night, I got a call from one of my closest friends. It turns out that my ENTIRE senior small group had gotten together, and they put me on speaker so I could talk with everyone, and it just warmed my heart like no other. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends that continue to love me and think about me from afar, and remember to conference me in whenever they get together, THAT is love :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 135- Brynn

Hey guys,

     One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is being able to see how my cousin Jill's daughter, Brynn is growing up! This was the first thanksgiving that she was actually willing to talk to us, and may I say, thank goodness, because she says some pretty flipping adorable things...:) Here are the 5 Brynn quotes from this week:

1. Talking with Caroline, "I want to be just like Mommy, I want to be a Mommy, a writer....and...a RAM!

2. Making her dolls dance, "My dollies are going to dance til dawn!!"

3. Talking to Aedon, "Aedon, do you want to be my friend?" Aedon:"...sure..."

4. Caroline asked her something, "No thank you, I'm playing with Rose right now..."

5. Caroline would swing her around and upside down and she would just say, "WHAT'S GOING ON??!!" 

Three year olds are quite easily the most fantastic thing in the world, and I love the she is MINE!:)

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 134- Aunt Kathy

Hey guys,

     Throughout the whole trip, my sister and I were so grateful for all that Aunt Kathy did for us. She opened up her house to us, she had a warm meal waiting for us when we FINALLY got to KC, and she just genuinely LOVES us. Ever since about middle school, Aunt Kathy has made it a tradition to take all the girls(Caroline, her daughter Jill, and I) Black Friday shopping, and then out to coffee afterwards. Every year since then, for both me and Caroline, our highlight of the trip has been Black Friday morning, being able to go out JUST the four of us girls and enjoy our time together. My sister, I believe, takes after Aunt Kathy quite a bit, because Aunt Kathy has this crazy ability to make the best out of every situation. For instance, as we were leaving Jill's house after Thanksgiving day, Aunt Kathy somehow managed to smack her nose on the car trunk, and instead of getting mad or frustrated, she just started laughing. In her own words, "Life is never EVER boring with me around..."

<3 Always,
 Rose

Day 133- My sister

Hey guys,

      So, the first few days of our trip were...interesting, to say the least. We had planned to stay overnight for a few days in TN on the way there in a place called Wigwam Village. We didn't realize, it was like ACTUALLY a Wigwam Village...we were NOT happy. For those of you that have seen Cars, picture the Cozy Cone, and that's basically where we stayed for two nights. To make matters worse, we had just gotten off 7 hours of driving, we were hungry, overtired, grumpy, AND we had just learned that we would be essentially living in a heated teepee for a few nights...FUN. The one good thing, for me at least, was the fact that my sister Caroline, is one of those people that can take a terrible situation and just make the best of it. Despite our anger and disappointment about our situation, Caroline never stopped smiling, or looking for ways to make our stay a BIT more enjoyable, even though we were all miserable. For instance, the next day, as we were taking a tour of Mammoth Cave, Aedon looks down and realizes that he only has one shoe on, and his other shoe must have fallen off somewhere in the cave, so while Mom and Dad begin FREAKING OUT, Caroline just sits there, looks at Aedon, and starts laughing. There are some times in life where your situation is so absolutely ridiculous that you just can't help but laugh, and this was one of those times...

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 132- Kady :)

Hey guys,

     So, because I was out of town for the past 6 days, I didn't have much internet access, so I'm going to do one post for each day I was gone, like I did when I was in Chicago. The first post goes out to someone who was basically ALWAYS texting me throughout the past 6 days, and has never ceased to bring a smile to my face. Last night, on hour 15 of our car trip home, I was dying, it was bad...so I texted her, "Hour 15...SEND HELP!!" and she simply responded, "Well, I guess that means I'll go to Chipotle by myself on Monday..." THAT is a typical Kady Braswell thing to say, and THAT is why I love her SOOOOOOOO much!!!! Kady is one of those people that always, ALWAYS has a smile on her face, and she's always looking to bring a smile to someone else's face. She's also one of the very few people I know who can ACTUALLY be as sarcastic and sassy as me sometimes, so we love to give each other a hard time ;) Can't wait to eat burritos with you tomorrow Kady!!!! Hopefully none of them will be crying and mourning the other's loss....;)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 131-The reason for the season.

Hey guys,

    So, because Lenoir is SO tiny, and because of the fact that industrialization has moved overseas, there is a lot of poverty in Lenoir. As the leaders met before youth group, I found out that 97% of one of the elementary schools in our area is on the free lunch and free breakfast plan, isn't that sad? Anyways, as a youth group tonight, we were able to make four of those impoverished children's dream come true, because instead of shopping for ourselves this holiday season, we went out with 30 middle school and high school students to go buy presents for these kids. It was so very cool to see just how excited these students were to help others, it was so heartwarming to me! This right here, THIS is the reason for the season :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 130- Shopping!!!

Hey guys,

     So, because I haven't made any money in the past 5 and a half months, I knew going in that Christmas would be rough. Today, I decided that I wanted to at least get STARTED on some of my presents, because since they're handmade, some of them will take a while. So, my parents very generously offered to pay, but they also said I had a 20 dollar limit, PERIOD. For 6 people, that comes out to a little bit less than 5 dollars a person, so if you're a friend of mine...I'm sorry in advance, but I'm broke, and therefore will be making you all cards for Christmas...:P Anyways, so I went out, on a mission to get at least a FEW supplies on my list, and I came back four hours later with ALL the supplies I need for my presents this year, AND I got it all for EXACTLY $20, I was very proud :) For those all you college students with no money, first off, pintrest will be your savior, that's all I can say, and secondly, DOLLAR. STORE!!!! Anyways, so that made me super excited that not only do I not have to worry about how I'm going to afford presents all through the holiday season(because I already have them), but I also won't have to rush to finish them all!! Yay me :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 129-Baking!

Hey guys,

     So, lately I've been getting into the holiday spirit full on, and today was no different! We are having company over, and my Mom and I found a cake-pop maker at Aldi...conclusion? I spent 3 and a half hours in the kitchen ATTEMPTING to make dessert for our guests tomorrow! Although, depending on how these turn out, I may just go back to the old fashioned way of making them by hand, more hassle, but I'm leaving a LOT less to fate...;) Anyways, when the holidays are happening, I am know to make all sorts of treats, but mainly brownies, and cake-pops. There was one week where I had to make two different batches of cake-pops for some of the holiday parties I was going to! For many, that may not seem like a big deal, but making cake-pops is a multiple day ordeal, you have to cook the cake, wait for it to cool, mix in the frosting, roll the cake/frosting mixture into balls, freeze them overnight, and then cover them with candy coating in the morning, it's a LOT of work! But I love it, because it makes me happy. :) Fingers crossed that my cake-pops decide they're going to cooperate, because this is my first time using the machine...if they don't work, we also have a Resse's cupcake mix that I could make...:P

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 128- Being a Friend

Hey guys,

     So, I'm not quite sure WHY this is, but for as long as I can remember, if my friends had a problem,they would come to me. Seriously, I cannot even tell you how many arguments and hurt feelings I helped solve out there on the playground...but sometimes, sometimes it's just too much. Because of my personality, when people come to me with issues, my heart breaks for them, and I want to do anything and everything I can to make it better, so when there are times that I can't, it is really hard. Unfortunately, today was one of those days, I was dealing with so many different issues that my friends were having that my mind was just spinning, and I didn't know WHAT to do. Then I realized, you know what? Maybe this is a gift! Maybe this is a way for God to use me to speak to them! Maybe I get so emotional and involved in their lives because quite simply, I care about them THAT much! Obviously, I struggle with my own issues and my own problems in life, and I'm no stranger to seeking out people that will listen, so now it's my turn. Even if I don't know quite what to say or how to say it, that's ok, because sometimes people just need someone that will LISTEN. I am so glad that I can be that person for a lot of my friends, no matter how stressful it gets, because honestly? It's humbling! These people are coming to ME, because they have seen the way I try to live my life in a way that is honoring to God, and they're asking me, "What would YOU do in this situation?" that's pretty cool! It's a big responsibility, but I believe that God wouldn't have given it to me if I couldn't handle it. The one thing I need to do is make sure that it isn't about me, it's not Rose's Help Hotline, rather, it's God using me to speak his word into someone else's life, so I need to make sure that what I tell my friends when they come to me is rooted in scripture, and do my best to show them a God honoring way to deal with things. All in all, yes, today was crazy, CRAZY, and there were times when I DID have to just turn my phone off and trust that that would be ok, there are times when honestly, I have NO IDEA to help them, and that is ok, I need to come to grips with the idea that I'm NOT going to be able to help everyone, but with God's help, I can try my best, and that's good enough. 

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 127- The Case for Christ

Hey guys,

     So, tonight at church, we were talking alot about a book called "The Case For Christ", and it was very interesting to me, and got me super excited!!! Anyways, when we had finished, the speaker mentioned to me that our youth leader, Adrienne has about 6 copies of this book, so tonight, I came home with a case for Christ, and I am SOOOO excited to read it!!!!!

<3 Always,
Rose 

Day 126- Get in the Holiday Spirit!!

Hey guys,

     So, I dunno, maybe it's just me, but when I comes to the Holidays, I get PUMPED!!!! I love the feel of sitting around the fire sipping hot cocoa, or teaching the boys how awesome it is to lay underneath the Christmas tree(it's really, REALLY cool), or watching White Christmas with the family, I love it all. I love that it is the season for GIVING, because that is what I really love to do, I love to buy things for others, so Christmas/the holidays are like my best friend. Although there's not snow here yet(and we're told there probably will NOT be snow in time for Christmas...which lead us to discuss the possibility of getting a snow machine...), the fact is, we do INDEED leave for Kansas City to celebrate Thanksgiving with my Dad's side of the family in 6 short days, and in my mind, that means the holidays are coming! I am so excited to be able to celebrate both Thanksgiving AND Christmas with extended family, for the first time in my life, it should be a blast! I know, there are people that can't handle Christmas music in November, but there are days when I'm just like, you know what? I don't care if it's July, Christmas music makes me happy, so THAT'S what I'm going to listen to! So yes, I am one of those obnoxious people who basically listen to Christmas music year round. I know that this year will be different, but I also know that we can make it as good as we want to, different is NOT always bad! For instance, we have a LOT more windows and doors to put paper snowflakes on, even though it won't be seen by very many people, who cares! Also, Jack and I will potentially be able to help Dad put up lights, because almost every window on the second floor has roof access! In essence, I am VERY excited for Christmas this year, I've already started a Christmas list, like a little kid, but let's face it; I'm a kid at heart! It will be nice to actually potentially ENJOY being outside in the winter, as opposed to being wrapped up like eskimos to walk 300 feet and get into the car...Christmas is a time for giving, a time for families, a time for happiness, a time for laughter, a time for fireplaces, but it is NOT a time for commercialism, it is not about what we get, rather it's about what we GIVE, and whether we spend our holidays doing something that we actually ENJOY!
<3 Always,
Rose

Day 125-God's goodness to US

Hey guys,

      So, can I just ask you something? Who are WE to question GOD when things go wrong? What is it about human nature that instantly assumes absolute authority? Because the last time I checked, we as humans are lucky to wake up every morning! Not to mention, we Americans who wake up in our heated homes, in our queen sized beds, in our master bedrooms complete with a TV, and yet, if ANYTHING goes wrong, all the sudden it's GOD to blame? Like God hasn't given enough to us already? Like God didn't already give us the ULTIMATE sacrifice of his SON so that WE could live? Honestly, I know it's something I do, because I am human, but it still bothers me. It bothers me that as I look through my dresser and closet that is stuffed full of clothes, I somehow have nothing to wear, as I walk down to breakfast, and start to ransack the kitchen that is filled with food, there is somehow "nothing" to eat. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, because honestly, we all do it, it's human nature, and that's ok! There are times however, that we do need to stop and be thankful not only for the things we have, but for the LIFE we have. God did not NEED humans, God was not LONELY, because he wasn't alone, he was with the Trinity. Rather, God CHOSE to create us, KNOWING that we would sin and fall short of the glory of God, so who are we to be upset with him? God does everything that he does for a reason, no matter how big or small, but the problem is that we as humans cannot see or understand the reasoning behind what he does, so we therefore question it. Think back to the times when you were a kid, and your parents told you not to climb on the furniture. At the time, you could not understand the reason WHY it wasn't a good idea to climb on the furniture, but looking back now, you can see why that would be a bad idea. Frankly, to God, we are just like those little children, helpless, and honestly, clueless. Have you ever watched a suspense or action movie, and you KNOW if the main character takes one more step, he will be blown to smithereens? That is what God does to us sometimes in our lives, he challenges us, he presents us with obstacles and struggles in our lives, but at the same time, he KNOWS how far to go, he knows the exact position of that "bomb", when everything is just too much, and he will NOT put us there! So, I think that we as humans are fairly ignorant of what is going on in God's plan around us, and we need to remember that. We need to remember that when the world seems like it's going to cave in, first off, it's NOT, God wouldn't let that happen, and secondly, our situation is just a small SLIVER of God's plan, it may seem bad now, but in the end, it is all for the good of those who love God.

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 124- Youth group

Hey guys,

      So, whoever first said "Laughter is the best medicine", obviously belonged to a youth group...I may be just a TAD BIT biased, but I cannot tell you how many "interesting" situations you may find yourself in as part of a youth group. I cannot even count all the laughs we had as middle school girls(THE SNOW IS FALLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!),late night laughs at EVERY retreat I've gone to(...LET'S GO ON AN ADVENTURE! Turtle....HUH. Poke 'em in the butt, a bug...like literally..., RELEASE YO INNER DINOOOO and SO many others...), and now as I start here, there have been so many laughs shared already, and so many laughs shared in just tonight alone. Laughter, or rather, YOUTH GROUPS, are truly the best medicine :)

/.

...the contrast between these two pictures...it's just fantastic...

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 123- Friends :)

Hey guys,

      So, I'm gonna be honest(as usual) and just say, today was NOT a good day. Today was just one of those days where it takes an immense amount of effort even to get out of bed. If you have struggled with grief, or with depression, you know what I mean. There are days when you are just like, FORGET THIS, I'M DONE!! And that, is when you call in your lifelines. For me, that lifeline usually varies depending on what SPECIFICALLY is bothering me, but today, it was Kady. Although Kady and I haven't spent a lot of time together, she is one of the only people in my life outside of my family that knows what it feels like to lose a loved one. She knows what it feels like to be so frustrated and angry with God that you just feel like, Why would he even let this happen to me in the first place? She knows what it feels like to have a day where you feel like you're on the battle field of the Hunger Games fighting for your life, meanwhile the game makers are sitting there building more barriers...Anyways, I was able to talk to Kady for a bit tonight, and something inside me just said, "And THIS, Rose, is why the Lord gave us a community!" She was able to encourage me, even if it was only for a little bit, she was able to remind me that there is INDEED a light at the end of this tunnel, and that light is GOD, so hold on, fight the good fight, and give it all you've got, because you don't want to be that person who just nonchalantly walks across the finish line like nothing happened! At the same time, I need to realize that life is not about the final destination, it's not about who crosses the finish line first, it's about the journey. It's about learning to love life, love God, and love others, as he first loved us. At the end of your life, are YOU going to regret not doing something in your life?...I know I'm not!

       All this to say, Kady thank you. Thank you for being a light to me, for encouraging me on days like today. Thank you for loving me, and welcoming me in as your friend so quickly. I am so grateful that I have you, I have someone who knows the hurt and the pain that I'm going through, and that I've already gone through, but really, I know who I should be grateful to, God, our creator and our Lord. God brought us together to help each other through this terrible process that many of our friends and/or family can't relate to, God wants us to know that we're not alone. Kady, I truly saw that tonight, and it gave me such peace and comfort to know that no matter HOW bad things get, no matter WHAT life throws my way, YOU will always be there when I need you, because I am NEVER alone!

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 122- Little hands

Hey guys,

    So tonight, I got to help with the parents night out at church, which was...interesting...but in a good way! I am so accustomed to being the go to girl when kids are crying, or being the one who everyone fights over, and constantly has someone sitting in her lap, or is holding someone. Now, I've got a new batch of kids that quite honestly, don't know me at all, and I don't know them. So tonight was weird, just because I am so used to the fact that when I'm around kids, they're usually climbing all over me, or somehow trying to get my attention. At the same time, tonight was good, because I actually got to ENJOY my time with the kids, as opposed to being constantly stressed out as "the responsible one", "the one who knows what's supposed to happen when", and just letting that role fall on others, that knew these kids. I just got to sit back and relax and play with them, it was pretty great :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 121- SHERLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys,

     So, while I was visiting Chicago this weekend, my friend introduced me to what may quite possibly be the best show EVER, Sherlock. :) Of course, then I left...so I was trying to figure out HOW I would be able to watch Sherlock here, and I figured, hey, I can always give the library a shot! Guess what? They actually had it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So yes, my life is made because I get to watch the most fantastic show, with the most gorgeous actor ever, Benedict Cumberbatch :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 120-Starting to feel official!!

Hey guys, 

      So, tonight, I was one of two adults leading the middle/high schoolers, and I actually did well! I was able to really see myself as a LEADER, rather than a student, and it felt amazing :) It only took 2 months...:P

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 119-The dynamic duo!

Hey guys,

     So, it had been FIVE DAYS since I'd last seen Adrienne, a.k.a my best friend in Lenoir, a.k.a my youth leader, and that's the longest we've gone since we met each other this summer! It was so good to spend the morning with her, just being goofy, I love that she is just as strange as I am at times.;) We had a wonderful time discussing my time in Chicago, leaf trucks, mustaches, and watching old videos. You know you're having a good time when the senior pastor pops in and goes, "I figured Rose had a good trip...I heard laughing." Adrienne, I seriously don't think I would've survived the move if it weren't for you, and your unique ability to make me laugh in every single circumstance. We are so alike, in so many ways, and we both can give each other a hard time, like when I sit there and laugh at you as you attempt to turn your printer on, or you laughing at me when we even TALK about turtles. I love youuuuu!!!!!!!! :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 118- Safe Travels!(Again)

Hey guys!!

     So, after a fun filled, busy, chaotic, emotional, crazy, and EXHAUSTING weekend, I am home, safe and sound. I am tired beyond belief, but considering the people I got to see this weekend, and the times I got to have this weekend, and ALLLLL the laughs I had this weekend, it's worth it! :)

G'night y'all!

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 117- This Emily gets a whole day to herself...cuz she's just that special

Hey guys, 

   So, I kinda have a lot of Emily's in my life, and near to my heart, but I wanted to tell you, AGAIN, about this wonderful lady named Emily Lengel. I actually was HEARING about Emily months before I actually met her, and NO, I'm not a creep. Graham met her his freshman year in college, she was on his sister floor, and basically knew right then and there that he had feelings for her. Of course, things are never that easy, Graham spent months praying about her, talking about her, and trying to decide what to do. It was actually quite infuriating to the family(or at least to me), because we could see very clearly that he had feelings for her, and we couldn't understand his hesitancy. His hesitancy actually turned out to be a blessing in the long run, because 2 days after they "officially" started dating, Graham was rushed to the hospital. Of course, Emily was put in the tough position of realizing that she had only gotten to be Graham's girlfriend for 48 hours, but can you imagine how much harder that loss would have been on her if they had been dating for MONTHS?? 

     Emily and I really bonded through grief, we were both in shock of what was going on, and just didn't know what the future held. It was definitely a scary time, and a sad time for both of us, but that drew us together. As Emily finished the roller coaster of her freshman year, we stayed close. We began to love each other and care about each other, for more reasons than we just had a mutual sadness. On Sunday, I was blessed to be able to see Emily as she celebrated her 21st birthday, and I'm not going to say it wasn't hard to see her and not think of Graham, because I did, I absolutely did(as she did too probably), but I thought of the positives. I couldn't help thinking how PROUD Graham must be of his girlfriend, the now RA of 3E, studying to be a nurse, loving everyone and anyone that walks through her doors. Emily, I know life is hard, I know it sucks, I know, but I also know that you are so STRONG, you are so faithful to God, you are a light to everyone you meet. I want you to know on days when it sucks, when you just want to lay in your bed and cry, first of all, that is totally fine, you DO that! Second of all, you are NOT alone! I assure you that I have those days, and it does help to remind myself that you know what? I am not the only one missing my brother, there are so, SO many people that know and understand how I'm feeling in that moment, and I want to be that someone for you!

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 115-My 3E musketeers

Hey guys,

     So, depending on how well you know me, you have probably heard me talk about "my three musketeers", but what you may not know is this, it's actually not the three musketeers, rather it is the 3E Musketeers. There are three girls on the same floor, of the same dorm, of Wheaton College that truly make my heart smile, and have truly made me who I am today, their names are; Rachel, Krista, and Emily.

     I wanted to start with Rachel, because she and I most definitely have the most "history". Ironically, she didn't even start out as my friend, but rather, she was my brother's best friend's girlfriend, but, as we all know, that changed. After we lost Graham, Rachel took me under her wings, and began to love me as a friend, not as her boyfriend's deceased best friend's younger sister, which I really appreciated! Rachel has become like an extended member of our family, she loves the boys, of course, but I really appreciated that she loved ME. Obviously, I am not the one my parents are normally devoting all their time and energy to, but Rachel took it upon herself to not let me slip through the cracks, because she loved me, because of who I am, NOT because of my last name. This all happened her senior year of high-school, and I can remember the day she got accepted to Wheaton, we were all meeting for a babysitting benefit at the church, and she was SO excited, it was so clear that that is where God had called her to be. 

    The second member of the 3E musketeers is the wonderful Krista. Krista was, and still is Rachel's roommate. We actually met through a worship night that was held every Wednesday at 8:23 in honor of Graham. Honestly, I have no idea WHAT it was about the two of us, but we were kind of just drawn to each other from day 1, and we quickly became good friends as well. Krista seemed genuinely interested in me, which made me smile, although again, I'm not quite sure why. Basically everyone that came to those Wednesday night worships were genuinely interested in me and my life, but again, for some reason, Krista and I gravitated towards each other. 

   I chose to end with Emily for two reasons; first, I did not meet her through Rachel, or through ANY of my brothers friends at Wheaton for that matter, and secondly, she and I have an awesome connection and history that is unique ONLY to us. The first Sunday we met, she was a college leader, and I was a senior in high school, we started talking, and realized that the two of us had grown up a mere 2 BLOCKS from each other and never known it! How cool is that? Just wait, it gets cooler...:) Within a few weeks of the two of us becoming friends, we realized something else that we had in common, she had lost her Dad only a few years earlier! I cannot even tell you how much of a blessing it was to have Emily as I grieved, on the bad days, she'd reassure me that no, I'm not bipolar, no I'm not grieving wrong, I'm just having a bad day. On the good days, she reassured me that no I shouldn't feel guilty about having a good day, and no, I shouldn't be waiting for something to come and mess it up. As I considered baptism in the second semester of my senior year, I was told that I had to have a baptismal mentor, who would walk me through a baptism study prior to being baptized, and would be the one to pray for me right before I got baptized. In about 3 seconds, I KNEW, it had to be Emily, there was just no one else quite as perfect as the baptism pair of Rose and Emily. In the months before the baptism, we began meeting once a week, and walking through the baptism study together. Of all the awesome and unique connections that Emily and I have, for me, what really solidified and strengthened our friendship was that baptism study. Going into the baptism, I knew it would be hard to not have Graham there, but there was one thing that I wasn't exactly counting on...the date. I got baptized on the EXACT one year anniversary of Graham's death, and what's even more astounding is that I was baptized at exactly 8:23, which is the EXACT time that Graham took his last breath 365 days before, how cool is that??

      I was blessed to spend my Saturday with all three of these wonderful people. We had heartfelt reunions, deep talks, trips to the popcorn shop, and just an awesome day of bonding in our friendship. I love you three, and I still can't believe that I might ACTUALLY be a 3E lady next year!!!

<3 Always, 
Rose

Day 114- My love for little ones

Hey guys,

     So, my first day back home, I went to go hang out with some four-year-olds. No joke. That's ACTUALLY what I did! And you know what? I enjoyed it! I'm not ashamed to admit that! Ever since I was little, I have loved little kids, I was that girl who would ask her Mom if she could start a babysitting business at 10 years old. Also, at our church, you have to be 12 to be able to work with the kids without parental supervision, do you know what I did the morning of my 12th birthday? I sat down with the early childhood coordinator, and I got on that schedule! Yeah, that's how much I love kids! Anyways, Friday morning, I was SOO excited, because I got to go back and see the little kids I used to babysit for a Mom's group that meets at the church on Fridays. It was such a good start to my weekend, to be able to jump back in with kids that I knew, and Mom's that I knew, for me, the innocence of a child at any age is both heartwarming and humbling at the same time. Watching one kid come to help another up after they've fallen, that is purely that child's personality, and their heart. There is no one pressuring them to help their friends, or to ask those hard and unanswerable questions, it is just who that child is! Isn't that cool??...Maybe it's just me, but I LOVE seeing these seeds of passion and personality start to grow in any kids, especially toddlers. Working with 2 year olds for almost 7 years, I have learned, there is no telling WHAT the child will do. I have had children that are quiet and shy, but very logical and smart while they sit putting their puzzle together, and I have had children that are loud and passionate and spunky even at two years old(EDEN.BELFORD!!!). It is so fun to watch these children grow and begin to interact with each other, even from the time they enter my classroom as new walkers, to the time they leave at almost 3 years old. I have seen many kids really grow and prosper while they're in my class, and it just makes me smile like no other.

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 113-Safe Travels!

Hey guys,

     So, obviously, I've had a very, VERY, chaotic and busy weekend, and therefore haven't been able to blog. There are so many things that I am happy for this weekend, it would be almost impossible to get to them all in one blog post, so I've decided to break it up into four(one for each day I was gone) blog posts. The first day, I honestly was so happy just to have gotten to Chicago in one piece. It all felt SO surreal, all the way up until the moment the wheels of my airplane took off to Chicago. I was sitting in the terminal just waiting to hear something along the lines of, "The flight from Charlotte to Chicago has been cancelled", aka, PSYCH, you're not actually going after all!!! Once I landed in O'Hare, I was so happy to just sit back and relax(as much as you can in O'Hare Airport), because I had MADE IT! I was so proud, I had traveled by myself, for the VERY first time! :)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 112-Happy Birthday Jack!!!

Hey guys,

    So, today is a pretty big day in our house, my little brother is officially a TEENAGER!! MAN, do I feel old! I still can clearly remember that night in January when he and his brother Shane came to us, just two scared little boys. Jack...how do I even describe him?? Let's see...he's a spitfire for sure, he is very loud(and prone to make strange noises), while he can be super aggressive at times, he's also super sweet at other times, he definitely has the "teenager mentality" mastered to a T, he's athletic, he's very smart, he loves his little brothers a lot, like a LOT a lot, and he is actually a lot like me(which is why we are constantly driving each other crazy)! We are both super loud, and quite unpredictable at times, neither one of us can sit still, we just express it in different ways, I "jitter" my left leg at times, and he has a tendency to bounce balls. In other words, we are both ADHD kids, except mine is diagnosed, and his isn't(yet...). Anyways, it is so clear to me that God didn't just randomly pick a name out of a hat to add to our family, but he did it carefully, and with a purpose. No matter how many times over the years I have wanted to smack him, strangle him, etc., God has taught me a lot about self-control, patience, love, and through the years, the struggles that I have faced with Jack have worked to help me mature and grow into the young woman that I am today, and I am so happy for that!

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 111- Wonderful friendships

Hey guys,

     19 years ago, God blessed the world with a great joy, and her name is Nicole. To me, Nicole is just that, she is a JOY, she knows how to make me laugh even on the worst days, she never ceases to have a smile on her face, no matter what life throws her way. Our friendship is very interesting because for most of both of our lives, we lived on different continents. My parents and Nicole's parents met overseas in Uganda, and they were able to maintain that friendship for many, many years, and pass it on to their children. Nicole lived in Morocco with her family for the majority of her life, so it was a rare occasion that I got to see her, but I still remember talking on the phone as I sat watching Saturday morning cartoons, or describing in great detail what we had gotten on Christmas morning. As we grew older, our friendship grew deeper, we truly became the BEST of friends, two peas in a pod, and SO many other analogies. In the summer of my freshman year, we both thought we were dreaming, neither one of us could have imagined this, but Nicole came to stay with us for TWO whole weeks! So much insanity took place in those two weeks, but they were easily the greatest two weeks of my life. We laughed so hard we cried, explored the sketchiness of China Town(don't ask...), and just truly enjoyed being together. A few years after that, Nicole's life took a turn, after spending 15(I THINK) years in Morocco, establishing friends and a life there, and raising a family there, Nicole and her family felt the Lord calling them BACK to the States. 

      Here's what is so amazing to me; I have not had the easiest time adjusting to moving across the COUNTRY, can you imagine moving across the WORLD?? Obviously, being a teenage girl who had lived her whole life in Morocco, she wasn't HAPPY to be leaving her home, but she trusted in God, she trusted that God would provide for her family. Thinking back on this now, I realize how lucky I am that this happened. During Graham's passing, Nicole was my main life-line, she is the FIRST person I called when I got the news, and without so much as batting an eye, she and her Dad packed up and drove down to Chicago to be with us. How awesome is that? Talk about good timing! 

       Obviously, we've had our fights, and disagreements. We've had our ups and downs, but when it comes down to it? We will always, ALWAYS be there for each other, no matter what. I am so grateful to have SUCH an amazing friend and sister in Christ, and it is so clear to me that God brought us together and kids, and held us together through her move, through my loss, and now through her freshman year of college in the States, while her family is now serving in Tunisia. I pray that God would continue to bless us and keep us in each others hearts and college presents new challenges and obstacles, and I pray that no matter HOW far away we are, our friendship will not change :) Happiest of birthdays to you, NICOLE ANGELA CRANE!!!!!!!!! I love you SOOOOO much, but I miss you even more, so road trip?? I think yes....;) 

Friends, forever and always

<3 Always,

Rose

Day 110- Getting things done!

Hey guys,

     So with my brother Jack's birthday coming up just around the corner, I had this amazing idea of something to give him for his birthday. I have put in hours and hours of work this past week to put it together, but today I can confidently say, it is DONE! Obviously, I can't tell you guys what it is until HE knows what it is, but I promise, I will put it on Facebook as soon as possible! I felt pretty dang accomplished after finishing it today...now if I can keep up this level of productivity for the next two days, I MIGHT be ready to leave by Thursday...:P Packing, homework, planning, traveling alone, and last minute coffee dates?? BRING IT!!!

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 109-Being Loved!

Hey guys,

    So, as it gets closer and closer to when I leave, I'm starting to realize, wait a second...this means that I won't see Adrienne, Katie, OR Jae for a whole FOUR(probably more like five to six) DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....That's going to be pretty weird. Anyways, it is such a blessing to know that not only will I be welcome with loving arms in Chicago, but I'll also be welcomed home with loving arms in Lenoir. Already, I am so excited to come back, sit in Adrienne's office drinking Blue Moose and tell her ALL about my adventures in Chicago, which is weird because I haven't had them yet...O.o Anyways, as much as I miss Chicago and home and my friends there, I know that I am very VERY well loved in Lenoir(to the point where it's weird if we go like 2 days without seeing each other...)!! I am so looking forward to my trip to Chicago, but I'm also looking forward to seeing everyone here in Lenoir again. I'm not so thrilled about having to say goodbye to people in Lenoir, OR people in Chicago, I'm pretty sure that if I just packed all my friends from Chicago, and brought them to Lenoir, all my problems would be solved. Warmer weather, all the people I love in one spot, what can go wrong? ;)

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 108- Hickory Hop!

Hey guys,

     So, today I am happy, because I completed the FINAL step that I needed to do to make sure I can leave on Thursday, book my shuttle from Hickory to Charlotte and back. Having never traveled by myself, I'm not going to lie, it makes me a tad bit nervous, but right now, the excitement is MAJORLY outweighing the nerves. Please pray for safe travels for me this weekend, and a smooth experience at BOTH airports, because that's what worries me most right now...

<3 Always,
Rose

Day 107- Halloween!

Hey guys,

    So, I know that in the Christian community, Halloween is hotly debated, but to be honest? My family LOVES Halloween! We have never, EVER allowed anyone to dress up in the scary/gory type of costumes, and once you get past age 10, Mom won't buy you costumes anymore, but we love every bit of it. For both me and my sister, we love it because we get to come up with creative and unique ideas every year(I don't think either one of us have EVER missed a Halloween), and just go out and have fun! The meaning behind Halloween is not one that we support obviously, but the "modern" meaning behind Halloween is just to have fun, and enjoy getting to be creative! The boys love the idea of getting to stay up past their bedtime, get LOTS of candy(obviously), and to get dressed up, so in their minds, they have NO idea about the  "hidden meanings" behind Halloween, they just want to have fun! I feel like if we focus on the mindset of the CHILDREN on a day like Halloween, we can see that Halloween is what YOU make of it. If you want to make it about devil worship, that's your choice, I don't support it, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion. However, I think that especially in modern day, the general mindset of trick or treaters and their families who take them is focused on having fun, nothing else. I don't want to tell people how and what to think about Halloween, but I do want you to remember this, regardless of where you stand on this issue: Halloween is, was, and will always will be a holiday that is focused on Children, and focused on FUN, so take that into account when deciding as a family whether or not you want to participate in Halloween!

<3 Always,
Rose