Memorial Day and Vaca

We had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend! My sister and her husband came down to visit for the weekend, and we had a surprise visit/slumber party with my parents and other sister. We managed to fit 7 grown adults in a 2 bedroom house with one bed, one air mattress, two couches and a twin mattress :)

Here are a few pictures from our weekend (I say a few...and I promise between all 3 cameras, these ARE just a few!)


Everytime a new guest comes and stays with us in the ville, we take them to one of our most favorite restaurants that pretty much sums up our city...Lynn's Paradise Cafe! Oprah calls their Mac & Cheese her most favorite!

Our new tradition we have started is each guest has to pick out a hat and sunglasses and have their photo taken!

Zack and I didn't want to miss out...we've pretty much worn every hat, so we went with a new look...

Another favorite restaurant of ours is Captain's Quarters. They are on the river right at the marina, so we can sit out on the deck, watch the sunset and pick out our dream boat! Husband's birthday is TODAY but we celebrated early at the restaurant and got a chocolate molten cake!

We did some shopping one of our favorite streets. My sis and her husband found lots of fun things. I now know what to get them for their anniversary this year...

We grilled out chicken and steak for a delicious lunch!

Sunday evening we all decided to go bowling and hit up the arcades. We had a fabulous time! My dad scored the highest of the whole evening with 187...he got 5 strikes in a row!

After bowling, we hit up the arcades...nothing like 7 grown adults scrambling around with coins and tickets, playing these fantastic kids games :) And we all got a goodie bag of prizes!

After dinner, the clumsy me that I am accidentally walked into a rotating glass door. The door slid over my little tootsies and it was not a pretty site. My husband came to the rescue and bandaged me up!



We had such a wonderful weekend with our great family. They are terriffic!

***NOTE - The Pink Potpourri will be taking a mini vacation this week. Hope you enjoy these pictures for the next few days. I shall return to the blogging world next Monday!

FGF: For mom and baby

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

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Congrats to comment #33, KRISTIE!

Thank you again to Thirty-one Eighteen Handmade Designs for donating this wonderful giveaway!

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Finally...Friday has arrived!!! And FREE GIVEWAWAY FRIDAY is back!

I am so excited to share with you this brand new business called Thirty-one Eighteen Handmade Designs! It is based off of Proverbs 31:18 says "She perceives her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night."

Here's some info: "Our merchandise is good and it keeps us quite busy, so my lamp does hardly go out at night! I sew items that are lovely and practical, items that actually work for real people (because that's who we are). Right now, we are focusing on bags (including totes and zipper pouch sets) and items for baby (bibs, burp cloths, appliqued onesies, diaper envelopes and softies). Visit the online store at thirtyoneeighteen.com for our current inventory of items and visit our blog at blog.thirtyoneeighteen.com for more information about Thirty-one Eighteen, including some of my current projects.


Do you know anyone having a baby? Or do you have one of your own? I highly recommend you check out their website! Make sure you have a credit card handy...you'll definitely need it!

THE GIVEAWAY!

This gift package is called "For the Mom and for the Baby." This set features gorgeous blues, greens and tans on a creamy background. The set includes a wristlet and coordinating coin pouch, both with zipper closures and fully lined. The bib, burp cloth and softy all feature matching fabric, coordinating with the zipper pouches, and have a soft, vanilla terrycloth on the reverse side.

Wanna Win? Of course you do...

***PLEASE make all comment entries seperate!!!!

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  1) (Required) Go check out Thirty-one Eighteen's website and leave me a comment telling me your most favorite item.


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  2) For an extra entry, become a follower of The Pink Potpourri! Or let me know if you already are one of my friendly, faithful followers :)


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  3) For an extra entry, post about my giveaway on your blog and link back to The Pink Potpourri!


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  4) For an extra entry, become a follower of Thirty-one Eighteen's blog!


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  5) For an extra entry, leave me a comment if you make a purchase, and let me know what you bought!


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  6) All entries will be accepted until TUESDAY at 9 am (you get an extra day to enter due to Memorial Day!)

WOW!!! with all these different ways to win, you have such a great chance of random.org being on your side!!!

Thoughtful Thursdays - God's Perfect Timing

A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.
His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport (on Sept. 11), we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire.

I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can't just sit by for I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last word's I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son..'

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know.' His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves.

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control. Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.


Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Hilarities - a full bladder

If you watch America's Funniest Home Videos, you've probably seen this. But I am posting this video in honor of my husband today. This is one of his all time most favorite videos. (The other is also from AFV where the dog growls at his back paw as he chews on his bone).

Anyways, Husband thinks this video is so hilarious that he requested it at his church staff meeting this week. Hopefully you will enjoy it too!

Trendy Tuesday - Skype

My husband is a HUGE fan of Skype. It is a free service to talk to others on your computer by using a web cam. We tried it out the other night and it was incredible. Both parties must have a web cam, and you can talk to them through your computer like you would on the phone, but you can actually see each other!

It was really cool talking to his family. It was like we were sitting across the table from them having a conversation! Since they are 12 hours away from us, it was really neat to be able to see them as we caught up.

Do you use Skype? Or something similar? What are your thoughts?

Monday Mayhem - 60 Years

As you know, we've been having lots of wonderful celebrations with my grandparents over the past few weeks, and this one was most special. This past Friday, my grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary! I know what you're thinking, "They don't look old enough! Did they marry when they were 12?" :)

These flowers were on the altar Sunday morning at their church in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary! I wouldn't be surprised if there were at least 60 roses in there!



To kick off the celebration, Saturday evening we ate dinner at our favorite restaurant, Ruth's Chris! We've had many a celebratory meals there together, so it was the perfect place. We even requested our favorite waiter, Curtis.




His wife hand picked these beautiful flowers from their personal garden to be at our table for the occassion!

Husband and I love Ruth's Chris :) yuuummm....I could eat there everyday. Can I play the pregnancy card to request a filet for dinner every night??? OK, how about at least after I give birth? :)



My mom came up with this fantastic idea for an anniversary gift...a few months back, she sent letters to over 60 of her parents friends, telling them that their anniversary was approaching and that she would be making a book of letters from all of their dear friends. She got an overwhelming response of replys, and was able to gift them this very special and memorable book!

We all had a fabulous evening looking through the letters of response and reading their thoughtful words and favorite memories of my grandparents. It was one of the best gifts I've ever seen!

And finally, on a baby note, Lil' Pumpkin is a BOY! (check out Friday's post if you haven't already read it). My sis and her husband gifted Punk' with these super cute outfits...

When my grandmother was pregnant with my mom, she bought this beautiful receiving blanket at L.S. Ayers (when it existed back then!) and brought her home in it. Well, it was handed down to my mom when she had all three of us girls, and was gifted to us to use when we bring Lil' Pumpkin home from the hospital! It will continue to be passed around to each of us girls as we produce them more grandchildren :) What an excellent family tradition! Kind of a wedding "something borrowed" thing!

It's a boy!!!!

That's right, Lil' Pumpkin is a B-O-Y!!!

We couldn't be more thrilled, especially husband :)

I am now at 17 weeks, and was able to go in for a 3D/4D ulstrasound to discover that we will be having a son! This week, Lil' Pumpkin is the size of an onion...

My u/s was at 8 am, we headed to Starbucks for a sugar-filled meal to get baby moving around. I scarfed down a cinnamon coffee cake and a grande hot chocolate with whipped cream. Hope you enjoyed that sugar rush, Lil' Pumpkin, cause Momma NEVER eats like that...

Dad, myself and Husband!

So of course after Lil' Pumpkin cooperated and we were 99% its a BOY, shopping was next on the list! I've never shopped for a little boy before, so having Dad on the prowl (Husband had to go back to work) was such a great help. He picked out lots of great outfits, including the blue argyle sweater vest set!

Next we hit up Baby Gap where they had tons of stuff on sale, and then another 25% off! I think I got close to $80 worth of clothes for $15!!!

Next stop, Babies R Us for some more crib shopping. Any advice on cribs? We know the style we like, and the color, but just have not nailed down a specific one yet. Mom and I had so much fun doing the "crib shake test" on the floor samples :)

And finally, here are a few snapshots from the u/s of our little Boy. Here's a profile with his little fingers. On the video, the tech said he was busy trying to get his hands to his mouth, and was doing a great job!

She also informed us that his legs are measuring that of a 20 week baby...we are only at 17!!! We are pretty sure our little boy is going to be in the NBA :)

This image is from a video of the 3D u/s. I know it is super blurry, but if you squint your eyes and look at it, you can see his profile!

Hilarities - Swing and Slip

Happy Hump Day!!!

its almost friday :)

Trendy Tuesdays - Headbands

InStyle has an article about Blair Waldorf's new headband fashion, which I think is super cute! I've always been a fan of headbands. When I was little my mom got me several BIG bow headbands! Anyways, here are a few that Blair Waldorf has worn. And if you like to spend $50-150 on a headband, you can click on the InStyle link for the prices and locations....

OR...you can check out these super-cute look alikes I found at target.com!

Floral Headband $7.99

Satin Headband $8.49

Metal Headband $15.29

Monday Mayhem - Mothers Day

Husband surprised this Mommy-to-Be with a wonderful Mother's Day gift! I had no idea he was going to get me anything. He did get some help from one of our church ladies as to where to find such a present, and her guidance was right on target :)

Husband went to the baby store, Rabbit in the Moon and got me my....


DIAPER BAG!!! This particular item is one that I have steered clear of in the shopping area, as the few I've seen I did not like. I had no idea what I wanted, or what I should get. Thank goodness, because I LOVE this one! Its super cute, gender neutral and the perfect size!

Husband also got another cute gift...a "p" silver magnet to hang our child's work on the fridge (or pictures or whatever) and also a "baby" key chain to put on my keys or on the diaper bag!

What a sweet and loving husband. He's the best. And of course I also recieved the pumpkin stamp from my sister (you can read about it in Friday's Post) as well as a Willow Tree figurine of a mommy-to-be from my parents! We have another Willow Tree figurine of a husband and wife we recieved for our wedding, so it is becoming a perfect set!

Awards Banquet

Sorry...no Free Giveaway Friday today...no giveaways available! But your second most favorite thing...stuff about me :)

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, last night I headed home to attend my Grandpa's awards banquet for the Indiana Dental Association. This is the second year in a row we have attended this event for his acceptance of an award.

This year he received the American College of Dentists Ethics Award. If you have super vision, you can read about it in this picture...

This is a picture of my Grandpa after he received his award and gave an exceptional acceptance speech. He had so many kind things to say about others and did a phemonimal job without using any notes! We are all so very proud of him!!!

After the award ceremony, we all went down for the dinner. They had a huge buffet with roast beef, chicken, fish, and our most favorite...mashed potatoes served in martini glasses. It's like a Mashed Potatoe Sundae bar!

My parents, looking fabulous!

The three girls! We all love our husbands/fiance, but it was so fun to have just the three of us girls together again without any boys :)

Grandpa with his three granddaughters. We all get our smiles from him!

Well, a favorite drink of our family's since childhood is a Shirley Temple. Since none of us drink alcohol, this was the drink of choice for the evening for our table! Well, unlike the alcohol side effects, too many Shirley Temples can cause a major sugar high...

I have about 10 pictures of my sisters and I acting goofy, but to hang onto some dignity, I'm only posting one. For some reason, we felt that this was an appropriate time to take each others pictures on our cell phones for when that person calls.

We had a fabulous evening! What an honor it was to get to share in the celebration of my grandfather and his accomplishments. We were so glad to get to be a part of this special evening with him, and are so very proud of his hard work and dedication to dentistry, teaching, and all of his coworkers and patients over the years!

On a final note, my sister (who is an art guru) made me this pumpkin stamp! She used it on the homemade Mother's Day Card and gifted me the actual stamp she carved herself! We have been calling our baby Lil' Pumpkin since my Dad used to call me "punk" (short for pumpkin) and also because our baby is due in October. So that is why she created this Mother and Baby Pumpkin stamp! Thanks, Gebbs!