An Interview With A Vampire

Just checking to see if you were paying attention. There are no Cullens around....

My mom was recently interviewed and offered to interview anyone who was interested. I took the bait. Here are the questions she sent me and my answers.

1. Tell me who outside of your parents has had the greatest influence on who you are today.
Just one person? I can't. I would have to start with Pastor Ray and Trudy. They were my first look at love in action. The fact that the PASTOR and his wife were your very best friends really gave me a positive attitude toward all things "Religious". And the fact that they genuinely loved EVERYONE. And loved them with actions, not just words.
Next I would have to say my brother and sisters. I think that we are extremely close as a family. It is great, but I also think that it has it's drawbacks- no need to socialize outside of the family (Can you say cloister?)- that I see repeating in my own kids. But on the other hand, we all laugh at each other's jokes because we all think the same things are funny, and we know each other's history (mostly) so there is never any need for back story- or any privacy!
Lastly, My own family has changed me in ways I never thought possible. I truly thought I would go mad for a while there when the kids came along in such quick succession. Each one is unique with their own trials and tribulations that stretch me as a mom and as a person. Each one also has their own triumphs and makes my heart happy. And being married to the most patient and gentle man in the world assures all of us of grace and ease in our own home.

2. What was your aha moment when you understood the Truth of the Salvation message?
This is a harder question to answer, but again it has more than one part. I always say that I have lived a fairy tale life. I think a lot of that comes from the fact that you, Mom, had become a Christian by the time I came around and I never knew anything else. I can only remember deciding to make Christ my Lord at Lakeside Bible Camp when I was 12. I can't remember ever excepting Him as my Saviour. It was axiomatic.
Then again, when I was an adult, I came to a point in my life where I had to decide again. I had a real crisis of faith. I had to decide if I wanted to believe any more. It was tempting to be mad at God and tell Him to leave me alone. A friend prayed for me one night and asked God to show me that I wasn't alone. On the drive home that night I was visited by an angel, and God reaffirmed his LOVE for ME.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?
Man, you and your not so simple questions!
Bread and Jelly day with you! The lucky kid who got both a fresh baked heel of bread AND strawberry jelly scum....
Your cinnamon rolls or pull-aparts on Sundays and Christmas morning.
Falling asleep listening to Dad stumble his way across the piano keyboard.
Sneaking out with dad to the bakery on Saturday mornings.

4. Would you rather read the book or see the movie?
I love books and I love movies. I like to read the book first, and then see the movie. Rarely the movie is equal or better than the book.

5. What is your love story, how did you and your husband meet?
The Long version? He was at a prayer meeting one night and he was asking for prayer for a job and a new place to live. His friend layed his hand on him and prayed, "Lord, I don't know about all that other stuff, but please send Sebastian a wife!" We met about 2 weeks later at a New Years Eve party I was having. When I ran into him a week later, I impetuously asked him to go to the BSU at UW with me. That was our first date. Our second date was dinner and a drive. We ended up at Big 4 late at night and as we were standing there looking at the mountain, he turned me around and he kissed me. On the forehead. He told me I was a blessing and I knew I found the one my soul loved. That was 13 years ago.

Now I would love to interview you and you and you. So here is what you do. Come on now, don't be shy. I will be nice I promise. It is a great way to get to know you.
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
So come on, let the good times roll!!


Mom, I don't know who wrote the question, bit I did not go skinny dipping with Trish! I ended up marrying the person I went with.