Feeling Inspired,...

Reference to photo: Here

I usually don't blog about books, or write reviews for them. I really don't have the time these days to read much,...but a few weeks ago I watched an interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC of a young girl who was kidnapped at age 11 and found 18 years later as an adult in a tent in her kidnappers back yard. I went out to the store the day of the book release and bought it. Her name is Jaycee Dugard. Her story brings chills. With all that she has dealt with in her life, she has stayed positive and hasn't allowed her situation to make her bitter and filled with hate. She decided to write a book to share her story and to expose the man and woman who captured her and kept her locked up for 18 years, who also made her pregnant not once but twice and deliver her babies in their backyard. She says that it is her kidnappers "shame" and not hers. They stole her childhood, but they will not steal her joy for life. She wants her book to remind people to be aware of what is going on around them and to go to the authorities if you feel that something weird is going on with a neighbor, or whomever you come across. Even if you aren't 100% sure something is wrong. Go with your gut. If it wasn't for two woman who suspected something, she wouldn't have had a chance to live in freedom today. I have to warn you that her book is graphic. She does go into some detail about the treatment she has received,...but she also shares ways she learned to cope, her hopes that she has for both her daughters, and how to be thankful no matter what circumstance you are in. She has touched my heart and I am sure many others with her heroic story. It is amazing to read a book by a girl who wrote it independently and with only a 5th grade education. Amazing! It will bring tears to your eyes, your heart will break a little for her, and you will cheer in the end when you see how happy she is today to be reunited with her mother and sister and to be living a life of freedom with her daughters. Truly overall an unbelievable inspirational story!

Jaycee has set up her own foundation to help others who have love ones who have been kidnapped. It is called The JAYC Foundation. For more info here is the link: JAYC

If you would like to see a clip of the interview, click here: VIDEO

Moments like these...

{Photo by}

My dear husband and I just returned from our second tour to the plains of Texas. Between the doctors appointments and new helmet fittings for our little one, we were able to spend some quality time together as a family! It was fun to go out in the Texas sun (but not too much sun) and see some amazing new places. Thankfully we both like traveling around, seeing new things, eating new foods. But in reality, it was just nice to be "together"! I hope to post some amazing photo's that I was able to capture of some special places we visited. ((soon))

Until then, I thought I would share with you a special book. "All About Us" by Philipp Keel. I purchased it a few months ago and it's just been sitting in my bookshelf. I thought it would be fun to bring with us! It is a book you fill out as a couple. It gives you conversation topics and you write in your answers. I warn you though, as some questions are basic, others are personal, and some are VERY thought provoking. There is a disclosure in the front cover that says that the book sometimes brings on arguments, bad feelings of the past, but it's ultimate goal is to bring you closer as a couple and give you an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level. All in all, it was fun, and brought lots of laughter and "ah ha" moments. A few times we could actually answer FOR the other person. We have been married for six and a half years, and now with a baby at home. This year has been stressful, challenging, tough at times,...but it has also been full of hope, trust in our Heavenly Father, and has brought us even closer together. The book was a great idea! I felt like we came back from a mini marriage retreat. Can't wait until the next get away to fill out some more. I encourage you to get the book and go through it yourself. You will be surprised at what you find out about your husband/wife. It just made me realize how lucky I am to be Mrs. S! :)

Here are some sample questions from the book (How would you answer them?):

Describe an ideal day with your spouse?
What is your favorite facial expression of your spouse?
What was your favorite moment at your wedding?
Who is your hero?
What are three of your favorite traits you feel in love with in your spouse?
What would you change about your spouse right here and right now?
If you found your child's diary, would you read it?
Name one thing you dislike about you body?
What is your favorite nickname for yourself?
Would you say you are a horrible dancer?

Would you tell the truth even if it hurt the other person?

Where do you see your relationship in the next year?