The Love Dare Day #2

So this was harder than I anticipated. Day 2 fell on Em's birthday and we were on a mission. We traveled 1 1/2 hours one way for her gift and lunch. Actually, the day went pretty well until the end. J and I were both tired and a little cranky and I blew it.
So I did the dare the next day. All went well and on to day #3.

Em's birthday

The day started off great. I had very special plans for Emily and I could hardly contain myself. My plan for her 17th birthday was to take her in to Albuquerque and let her get her nose pierced. I know, I know. But she has been begging for months now and really, it could be much worse. At least it can be removed or hidden.
So we all headed in to the city. I asked J to come along since he is more accustomed to that "scene". We stopped and dropped the little girls off with my sisters and were on our way. Em was in the back listening to her Ipod totally clueless as to our true destination. I had told her that J and I were taking her to lunch.
It took a while and many, many U turns to actually find the joint. Note to self - write down the address next time. Don't trust yourself to remember it. Your brain stopped being able to handle that years ago.
All the while, I stole glances at Em to see if she was catching on. When we finally got to the piercing salon, and she realized what was happening, she started crying. Best birthday present EVER!
The reaction this piercing received from my sisters and dad left a LOT to be desired but in the end, she was thrilled. And I think it looks cute.

The Love Dare Day #1

Love is Patient.
Boy, this is perfect for me. No one who really knows me would call be patient but this is something that I pray about daily. "Please, God, help me to be patient and gracious with my family". I am excited about starting The Love Dare. Today's dare is to demonstrate patience and say nothing negative. I tend toward the negative side of things so I know that it will take effort and God's grace to see me through this dare. I can do it though! J better watch out! I am going to fireproof our marriage even if I die trying!

Ingrid Betancourt

 I find this story just fascinating!  Ingrid was running for President of Columbia when she and her campaign manager, Clara Rojas, were kidnapped by a revolutionary group.   She was held for 6 years in the Columbian jungle.  She and several other hostages (including 3 Americans) were rescued earlier this July by the Columbian Army.  That in itself is interesting enough but here is the really fascinating part.

Clara Rojas was told a few days into her captivity that she could be freed but she refused to leave Ingrid.  Clara remained in captivity for 5 years and gave birth to a baby fathered by one of their captors.  She has since said that she was not raped.  

Ingrid was noticeably cold to her husband upon their reunion and flew to France without him within days of being released.  Her husband has said that their love may died in the jungle.  It is rumored that Ingrid and a fellow captive started a romance while living and hiding in the jungle.  They even managed to escape for a few days but had to turn themselves in when his diabetes caused complications. 

I can't wait for her to write a book!

My First Post!

I wish I had something more important to say for my very first post on this new blog but I really don't.  It's Saturday night - Jerry's at work, Em's in Phoenix, the girls are all asleep and the house is soooo quiet.  It's late and I really should get to bed or at least put a load of laundry in the washer but here I sit playing.  Please keep checking back for more of the fascinating life of my happy (most of the time!), little (well, relatively) family!