*UPDATE* Loss of a Friend

A few weeks ago, I posted about our family friend that had been killed and the young son she left behind. I am sad to say that the child has now forever lost his father as well. The father took his own life yesterday. I can't imagine how lost the child must feel. I know our 2 year can't go an hour without asking me where her daddy is (even though she knows he is at work.) How do you explain o such a young child that they will never see EITHER of his parents again? I don't know, but it breaks my heart. 

Please keep this child and both families in your prayers. 

God Bless.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Original Post Excerpt:
Loss of a Friend Friday, January 27, 2012 - Early this morning we learned that one of my husband's childhood friends was lost in a senseless act of violence. I had the pleasure of meeting his friend a few years ago, a month or so before giving birth to our daughter. A beautiful person. >>> Read more here. 

Potty Training Our Princess

Image via Wikipedia

My daughter tuned 2 1/2 earlier this month. i was worried that she was behind on potty training. Being that we were a college family with no real schedule or permanent place to live (we had to move in and out of the dorms every school year), the doctor recommended waiting until we were stable. We are hosting a Pull-Ups House Party next weekend and I was worried she'd be the oldest one there not having made any potty training progress.

Is a Good Marriage Not Good Enough for TV?

Image via Wikipedia

I will confess...watching reality television is my weakness. Especially the ones with "wives" in the title. I was watching a reunion special and realize that another addition had been made to the cast - a single/divorced woman and the other I'm not sure. The thought crossed my mind that several of my fave shows now have single women as regular cast members EVEN though the title refers to being wives or being in love. I'm not hating on these women by any means, some happen to be my favorite out of all their cast mates.

(in)Real Life Conference 2012!

I am happy to blog about the upcoming, first ever, (in)courage conference! On April 27th and 28th, (in)RL by (in)courage is "Bringing the Beach House to You." This is a whole new level of conference. The conference takes place online, so there's no waiting lists, no need for making travel accomodations, and unlimited number of spots! Basically you (and other locals) meet at a place selected by your beach party host and enjoy the online webcast, adorably named the "beachcast," with other women nn real life. The idea is that you're connecting with others past the (in)courage website. 

I visit the in (in)courage site ofter for their book club, blog posts and all the great content that they offer. It's a great community of women and I would recommend checking it out the next time you get the chance. You won't be disappointed.

To participate in the conference, just register here and then sign up here to host or attend an (in)RL beach house party. You'll receive an (in)RL t-shirt as well as the Simply Marvelous card pack for registering! If you need any other info, be sure to check out their Q&A here. Hope to see you at the conference!

Disclosure: By writing this blog post, I am entering into a giveaway from (in)courage. The opinions in the post are my own. 

A Few Free Marriage eBooks

31 Prayers for Marriage: Daily Scripture-Based Prayers to Access the Power of God by Nathaniel Turner: http://amzn.com/B005RTADVK


Happily Married With Kids: It's Not a Fairy Tale by Carol Ummel Lindquist: http://amzn.com/B005BJ396M


Make Love Everyday: 12 Sure-fire ways to Celebrate Your Marriage by Jay Laffoon: http://amzn.com/B006U3Y2L4


40 Unforgettable Dates with Your Mate by Gary Rosberg: http://amzn.com/B0070HY2T6

Loss of a Friend

Early this morning we learned that one of my husband's childhood friends was lost in a senseless act of violence. I had the pleasure of meeting his friend a few years ago, a month or so before giving birth to our daughter. A beautiful person.

Situations such as this brings out the hurt (and sometimes, ignorance) in everyone. Just reading the Facebook posts from the friends of the victim and the friends of the alleged killer, it's hard to refrain from posting myself. Now is not a time for ignorance, it's a time of grieving. I'm grieving most for the small child in this situation, that no longer has their mother or father. One parent will be buried while the other most likely in prison. I also grieve for the families who have both lost their child. Most people tend to forget that the alleged's family also loses when their loved one is sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. Though it does not compare to the degree of loss in the victim's family, it's a loss nonetheless.

I have a background in criminal justice which helps me to be objective. I though about keeping these to myself or writing a status on Facebook myself. That's where this blog is such a blessing. Thanks for understanding my need to post this here. Take care and hug your loved ones a little more today for me.

Home Decor Deals at Rite Aid!

I am so excited to announce that my family and I are moving to Houston, Texas!! My husband recently graduated and received a job offer there. I am so proud of him and where God has brought us in our marriage and individually. I tell you, God is good!!

Moving from our small, 1 bedroom family dorm (yes, they do exist LOL) to a large two bedroom, two bathroom traditional apartment, we are desperately in need of classier decor. Hubby says I can't have a decorating budget, so you know I have to get my decor another way. While browsing at Rite-Aid yesterday, I found that their Christmas items are marked down to 75% off. This includes gift items!!

I was able to score a small tabletop water fountain for $1.99 and a 3 flameless candle set w/rocks & tray for $3.74. Together, these retailed for $22.98 and we only spent $5.73!! At this rate, we'll have a lovely decorated house in no time, for a fraction of the cost. Love my deals!