Sunday, January 4, 2009

~ A glance back~ ...and a beautiful prize.

First off...I'd like to say a GREAT BIG THANKS! to Jan & Tom from Jan and Tom's Rose Haven For the beautiful prize I won at their blog. If you've never visited their place you really need to! The header picture alone is worth the trip, not to mention the wonderful posts! She sent me this adorable figurine with the cutest dang bears you've ever seen, some lovely tea, a card which is this vintage looking pair of shoes that is so pretty, and finally a darling rose tin full of the best smelling rose soap you ever had the pleasure to sniff! I love it all you guys!!! Thanks so very much!



My hubby says I smell better already...and I haven't even bathed with it yet!


And since you're in the visiting mood....hop on over to Sue's blog she is having a giveaway...and the post about her calendar is just to dang adorable to miss!





Since it's a new year I was looking back at some of the things that brought joy and changes in 2009 at our house. I got a few things done that have been put off for too long. Like that much needed overhaul of my junk craft room....





And the super rush project of fixing up the pool bath before guests arrived.......




The spectacular time I had taking my two sis-in-laws and my mom to New York.

The unbelievable beauty of the best New England fall I've seen since I moved here.




Woo Hoo our new patio!!!


Being inspired by other bloggers to create cheap art for my home...and then loving the way it turned out!




Celebrating 8 years of wedded bliss to the most perfect man on the planet.


Being lucky enough to have the coolest parents any girl could have. And having them happy, healthy, and living the good life.



And having kids that continue to make their momma proud, and whom I miss with all my heart.




And the biggest surprise of all of 2008. Which was how much I ended up Loving this blog world. You guys have become an important part of my day...who knew....and I love sharing a slice of your life...and having you come and share mine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ...you'll never know how much you mean to me.





And thanks to Ann from Life at Ann's place and Kathy from Empty Nester for thinking of me for this award. Two very lovely ladies who make me smile!
And Beth from Aunties with Advice for this beautiful award. You know I love ya woman!




102 comments:

Nancy Jane said...

Don't know where you find some of your photos, but they are priceless! Love those cat buddies.
Looking forward to hearing more from Ozzie and Crumpet in 2009. Happy New Year. Nancy

LuckyMe said...

I'm with you, Nikki. Who knew there was this whole other world, the blogosphere? It is so much fun!

I love your decorating touch. That craft room makes me green with envy. Almost makes me want to start scrapbooking again. Almost.

Have a good one!

Darlene said...

I LOVE all your photos and for me the biggest surprise was finding all my new friends in blog-land! It has been so wonderful "meeting" people like you! Continued blessings to you for the New Year and I look forward to more of your fabulous posts!

Gone said...

Happy NEW Year NIKKI!!!

We're soooo glad that you received your winnings and are enjoying them. Now, all you have to do is USE the soap, even though hubby says you smell better already, I'm sure using it will help even more!!! LOL!!!

Here's to another year of BLOGGING and MEETING and GETTING TO KNOW New Friends!!!

Kat said...

Your parents look like they are living the dream! I hope I am that spry when I get into my golden years!

A New England Life said...

What a great year filled with great posts! Blogging is like having a magazine subscription to the world, on any subject you choose, and it doesn't cost a thing.

Your parents are so cute! Look at that custom Honda Goldwing your dad is driving! LOL! Does your mom have herself a pair of chaps? hee hee

I could go on and on ... your kids, beautiful. New York? I'm so envious! The fall pictures were spectacular. And would you please come over here and help me organize? Maybe if I would just stop reading blogs I'd actually get something done, like I need to do right now.

I'm so glad to have met you Nikki : )

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Love the cat poster. It's awesome. You parents look like they're having a great time and living the dream.

Raxx - A day in the life said...

Nice walk down memory lane Nikki! The photo of your New England Fall really stayed with me! I'll never forget it!

Jannie Funster said...

Your house looks beautiful, wonderful, wonderful. Craftroom and bathroom overhauls, splendid.

And what a breath of sweet life it is coming here each time.

Ahhhhhhhh.

Amy said...

Beautiful kids, wonderful man, and cool parents. What more could a girl ask for?

I hope 2009 is just as well if not even better for you than 2008 :)

Swirl Girl said...

I might just get inspired to do a little crafty stuff too.

If I could ever get off the blogosphere , that is...

You did such great things last year - wow, it's so weird to say last year this year.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Wow! I had not seen your craft room transformation! I'm impressed! That picture of the cats is SO cute! I am so in agreement with you about this blogworld. Meeting you and other new friends has been an amazing experience! laurie

Deb said...

Hi Nikki! Great Post! Yes 2008 was a blast! Glad I was there to share. I look forward to what 2009 is going to bring, although one of my resolutions is to cut back on my blogging time.:O( It's something I really need to do)! Deb

Salmagundi said...

Loved your year in review, but you forgot to include all those laughs you gave us - that's an accomplishment some of us will never achieve! Here's hoping 2009 is full of everything you cherish. Sally

French Fancy... said...

I've said this before but your family are so attractive. It must be in the genes that you inherited from your lovely folks (your dad is a biker - great)

Heather said...

Looks like 2008 and was very good to you. Congratulations on winning the giveaway!

Justine said...

Aw, I feel the same way about you, Nikki! I am SO glad I found you here in blogland! And wow, your parents are bikers. How cool is that? Now send me some soap... I stink!

Justine :o )

Anonymous said...

Congrats on giveaway and cool craft room! Love the art you made and the bath looks awesome :)

Laura Marchant said...

What a great post! I love the before and after pics.

Kritta22 said...

Is that a stinking pool? We're coming to visit/stay for a long time!!

Unknown said...

Wow...you've been busy. The craft room and bath are great! There is nothing like "company coming" that gets our rears into gear and finish projects.

Happy New Year!

Carolynn Anctil said...

Congratulations on your gifts and awards. You deserve them. I'm also very happy for you & your hubby.

Laura said...

Looks like it was a year of being thankful for many things. Enjoy your parents - I miss mine so much! Hoping your 2009 is full of all the things you love!

D C said...

I ADORE your craft room!! Okay so now I'm inspired to do that myself! Well, at least go look at some paint for the walls for now, LOL! I loved this post! Thanks!

SmilingSally said...

Congratulations on the win and those two awards. You're a treasure.

J. Baxter said...

Are you as good at laudry/food storage rooms as you are at not-junk-craft rooms? If so, I think you should come visit me. I have this REALLY FUN thing we could do together...

Anonymous said...

Your craft room Rocks! Are those metal shelves? I use chrome metal shelves in my office area and love them. Will be posting a photo of the are this week so you will have to come snoop and see them. :-)

Blogging... YAY Glad you love it too.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

This was a "nice" walk down memory lane.. what a lot of changes you've made..I'm looking forward to some myself in the next wee bit..hugs ~lynne~

D C said...

AND!! I still love you Crocks and all, haha!!! Muah!

Ash said...

Your craft room!!!! Totally pea green my dear bloggy friend.

It is an awesome place around here. Here's to a great 2009.

Em

Anonymous said...

That was a precious post today.Must be one reason I loves ya...Ann

Ginger said...

I'm so glad to have found your blog, Nikki, you've given me so many laughs this past year. I love the year in review...I remember reading your blog about the trip to NY and L.M.A.O. over it. Your folks looks so cool with their motorcycle. Your home, your kids, and your hubby are all so great, you are a lucky gal. I missed seeing the pups in your review. I still think the funniest blog of the year was the one about crumpet having an accident in your truck.
Ginger

Tara Bennett said...

Congrats on the awards and all your fabulousness. And oh my your parents ARE the cutest ever! I wanna go on a ride with them!

So yesterday my MIL, otherwise known as Nana, was blogging while the rest of the girls in the fam were scrapbooking. She said, "Oh Tara, I just found the funniest blog. I LOVE it. You have to check it out!"

I went over to her computer to see, none other than.... the infamous Blah, Blah, Blah Blog. You have a new fan!

~♥~ Monica S said...

ONE word today...

LOVELY!

Monica

Sue said...

Hi Nikki....it's wonderful bloggers like you that make this whole blogging thing so much fun..Thank you for mentioning me and the wee one...my daughter really appreciates all the nice things everyone is saying about Miss Sophie's calendar.

imjacobsmom said...

It was a good year, wasn't it? I too am surprised how much I love the Bloggie World. ~ Robyn

tammy said...

Love your list. I feel the same way about blogging and the friends I've made. They and you are an inspiration and make me laugh every day. I love seeing your redos too. Something I'm working on all the time - much to my hubby's dismay.

Marrdy said...

what a great post! Your "home improvements" are so wonderful!! And the best part of all....those three kitty friends. Gotta love it!

Unknown said...

You really did accomplish a lot last year...what do Ozzie and Crumpet have to say about 2008??

Stephanie said...

Loved all the pictures!! Home Improvements look great, Kids have got some good genes and great prize package!!

Tracey said...

Nikki,
You have so much to be thankful for :)
Congrats on the awards and giveaway prize and I just love the kitty picture!!
Tracey

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

I was convinced by my BF (just a few months ago) to venture into this blogging world. It still amazes me how far we all come to visit...across so many miles and yet when we arrive it feels like we're reacquainting ourselves with old friends.
I'm looking forward to a new year of friendship.

Sweet Wishes,
Sara

Nana said...

Could you come over and re-do my laundry room? I love bloggy land too. Never thought I would.

Anonymous said...

Hi Nikki! Enjoyed your year in review! I have a really weird sense of humor which you feed daily! Thanks for that!!!!lol lol No I'm not saying you're weird...no no no!!I just don't find that many people to be all that funny!!!lol Such a beautiful picture of your kids! Congrats on awards and prize from Jan. As far as the cookbook system if its working for ya girl keep on doin it!!!lol Have a great Monday - Jeannette

Unknown said...

Isn't it funny how a simple "hey there' from bloggyland can totally make your day!

It really has been been a sanity saver for me this year. Cheaper than therapy!

Peace to you and your's in 2009- Rene

Shell in your Pocket said...

Your patio looks great...I love the artwork in the frames..looks great!

Congrats on the awards..you deserve them!
-sandy toes

Anonymous said...

Really enjoyed that post! You have such a beautiful family....your parents look great and I bet they are so much fun be with :-)

Congratulations on your awards...you certainly deserve them! You entertain me every time I am lucky enough to read one of your posts :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Nikki!
Congratulations on a great giveaway..lucky you.
Thank you for sharing your reflection of 2008. It looks like it was a good and happy and proud year for you. I hope 2009 will be EVEN better than this one!
I know what you mean about all the great blogging friends...I feel the very same way too. What a wonderful blogging world we have...*s*..
Judi

Four Paws and Co said...

Awwww, Nikki, you're the best! Ya know, I'm having some major craft room envy right now.... ☺ Diane

ps the cat picture is just too cute for words!

Constance said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Constance said...

Your blog is so fun, Niiki ! You obviously put a lot of time, thought and energy into it. Hope you continue blogging for a long time :)

Donna said...

Thanks for sharing your 2008 memories! I'm enjoying this blogging thing, but I'll be honest...I have NO CLUE what I'm doing! You gals are going to have to fill me in and help me out!
Hey Nikki....I didn't realize you lived in Mass...I'm in Rhode Island! Happy New Year neighbor!!!
Donna

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

I'm with you Nikki who knew about blogging last year at this time..when I first heard of a blog it sounded like a horror movie to me..like the BLOG that ate New York etc.. You did alot of project in 08..I really like the way your crap oh I mean craft room came together..another great post girl...hugs and smiles Gloria

Lisa (aka) French said...

What a fun post....you know I thought I had a life then I started blogging and wondered what the he** did I do with my time before? Hugs and thanks for being a part of my daily giggles;) French

mCat said...

I have to agree on this blogging world! Who knew there was this whole other universe of funness out there! I have met (sorta), that I already love and adore.
So fun, and looking forward to meeting more in 2009!

onlymehere said...

Congrats on winning the give-away, the awards, and anything else wonderful that is happening in your life!! I treasure the friendship that we've made over the past few months. Blogging has been a great experience for me. When you husband goes to bed at 5:00 or 6:00 the nights get really long so blogging has made me feel like I'm still connected to the human race!! This year will be full of changes for us too. In five months my life will change drastically. Trav will be leaving on his mission sometime early summer and Nicholas is getting married in May. The only upside to all of this is that I get my old office back to make a "man cave" for my husband and I get Trav's bedroom to have an actual sewing room!! WOOHOOOO! That's the plan anyway. Savannah needs more room to play in the family room so my sewing stuff really has to leave soon. Have a great week Nikki!

Anonymous said...

Your craft room really turned out great. and I am always amazed at how much painting can change the look of a room. Your pool bathroom looks so fresh and inviting.

I'm impressed with your follow through on your projects. Have a good week!

Mammatalk said...

Well, your blog is one of my favorites. And, I take it, I am not alone!

amiable amy said...

happy new year Nikki...

AJ said...

I, of course, loved all of your projects! And look forward to seeing more:) Thanks for being my bloggy friend! Happy New Year♥

tam said...

Hello Nikki Girl! I am happy that 2008 was great for you and your family! I am sure 2009 is going to be a very good year too! I enjoyed your photos-very handsome family!
Hope you have a happy week!
~Tam:D

Beth said...

Hi! I love what you did with your craft room. I'm really not that artsy-fartsy, but I wish I had a space for my photography stuff. I have adoption papers I could send you if you are interested in taking me on.

Rue said...

Good morning Nikki :)

I came over expecting to laugh and you hit me with a sentimental post. Couldn't have said it better myself :)

Congratulations on your win and your awards. You deserve them!

Love to you,
rue

Jessica GaleForce said...

You dorkfish..you missed all the OTHER (I know it seems impossible that I would update my blog every once in awhile..or maybe you did see them)...

/shifty eyes


Well what can I say. In retrospect..I think we/you should have visited! I think we are both very much in agree-ance with that right :)

A Friendly Reader Only said...

Sure enjoyed looking at your pictures. I love pictures and can sit and look at them all day long.

Meadowsweet Days said...

Hi Nikki~
Loved reading your year in review! Your family is lovely!

Carol

Bo said...

Hidee Nikki...been off the web a few days...missed you! I read your hilarious diet plan to my DH (no, he doesn't need to lose weight...I do)...and a few days later I asked if he wanted some chips with his sandwich...and he said, "Not if I have to wear a thong on my head!" Yeah, I know...he was supposed to twirl around 3 times...but hey, he's old & forgetful...LOL
I'm looking forward to more bloggy fun with you in 2009! Congrats on your awards! ♥ Bo

Anonymous said...

THat's a lot to be grateful for! :-)

Kristen said...

2008 was pretty good for me too. I'm so glad I found your blog. You are one I check every blog morning because I know you'll start my day off with a smile, laugh, pee in my pants (no thanks for this because I usually read these at work :-) )
Looking at your home I see we have similar taste. I'm gonna need to check your old post for any home updates I've missed

Anonymous said...

When are you coming over to redo my bathrooms?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a good 2008! Hope you have an even better 2009!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Nikki, I loved this post. It was fun to see your family. And this is the first picture I've seen of you. I would love to see more pictures of you and your sweetie!!
Hugs, Terrie

Anonymous said...

I count you as one of my daily pleasures. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Anonymous said...

Ah Nikki! You totally and completely rock woman!

I absolutely adore you and your blog! You are so funny and I've missed you dearly! I'm so glad to be back and thank goodness I remembered NOT to drink any Diet Dr. Pepper while reading your posts! Sorry, but I don't feel like changing my shirt for the upteenth time! heh heh

I'm so glad I found you!

Anonymous said...

Hello Nikki, I enjoyed your softer side today with your winnings and awards. Congrats on your awards they are so deserved. You don't fool anyone you know. You are a softy clean through and we all know it. It is wonderful to be blogging and finding a whole new world out there to express yourself. I too am loving it! My blogging friends mean so much to me so I understand your sentiments perfectly. I agree with Quirkyloon. You totally rock woman. Smiling BIG

Hugs...Jeanne

Dawn said...

I love what you did with your craft room. Cute!

This was a very sweet post. :)

Michael said...

I totally thought the soap was a box of cookies. Can you tell I'm doing the New Year's diet thing???

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hello Nikki, It's been a fun year visiting your blog! Keep up the great blog....I really will be needing some good laughs over the next few months!

Dennis and Leslie said...

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful year! I am soooo jealous of your amazing craft room! I can only dream that one day I too, will have a craft room! You have a beautiful family, y'all are very blessed to have each other!

annie valentine said...

Your blog could have it's own silent segment on HGTV, kudos on the projects. This is possibly the nicest year in review I've come across this week.

Jenners said...

This was awesome ... though the dogs are right to be mad that they were left out!!!!

Love the bathroom makeover!
Love the craft room makeover!
Love the whole motorcycle parents!
Love the happy marriage!
Love your kids!
Love the leaves!
Love the hugging cats!
Love your blog!

Jill said...

Hello Nikki!
Lucky you and your nice prize! And shame on you for leaving your puppies out of any post... lol :)

the voice of melody said...

What a beautiful color on your guest bathroom walls! And your craft room looks great too. Did you have one of those HGTV shows come over?! :)

Ms. Florida Transplant said...

Hi - I found you through The Real OG blog. Impressive organizing!

bernthis said...

First of all, nice clean up job in the ahem..craft room. Also, the bathroom? How long did that take? Please tell me forever or I will always feel inept from this day forward.

Lastly, you sound like you have an amazing family. That's amazing.

Oh and I thought the soaps were cupcakes and I got hungry just looking at them.

Anonymous said...

I think everyone in blogworld knows you! I'm so glad you enjoy blogging because we all enjoy reading your humorous blogs! Thanks for making us laugh.

Teacup Lady (Sandy)

Anonymous said...

Oh Nikkiness, you're so right, Blogland is superb! So much better than our days at RMS - 'member me? I was, well I guess I still am, Picklepoo! You make me smile each time I come to see you! Thank you for your prayers and concerns!
Congrats on your awards! Here's to a wonderful 2009 ahead of us!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

The Nice One said...

I loved that review! Very cool. I am simply jealous of your craft room. I must get mine in order....

CJ, The Purple Diva said...

Loved it all! thanks so much for filling our lives with such fun and entertaining tidbits of your life!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I'm up and running again... I'm off tomorrow so you know what I'll be doing tomorrow.. yippee can't wait to get started on the room and get it back in order..
hugs ~lynne~

Stacy Uncorked said...

Love the walk down memory lane and all the great pics! Kudos on getting your craft room done - motivates to get mine done sometime this year! ;)

amiable amy said...

visiting you today...excited for your post every Wednesday...

God bless

Tardevil said...

Congrats on your awards, Nikki! And seeing your lovely renos, and that gorgeous crafting table reminded me that I don't remember ever seeing that vintage ornament Christmas wreath! Did I miss it??? I'm still trying to catch up on all I missed in December, so it is possible!

jill jill bo bill said...

Where in the &*%( have you been? I have been looking all over for you! I missed you!!! Oh, wait...


ok I'm here to stay. Ya ain't gettin' rid of me THAT easy!

Shannon said...

Happy New Year! It has been great "meeting" you in blogdom. LOVE your pics and posts. The one of you two on top of Mount Washington has me wishing for summer (even spring) so we can get up there!

Shannon said...

Happy New Year! It has been great "meeting" you in blogdom. LOVE your pics and posts. The one of you two on top of Mount Washington has me wishing for summer (even spring) so we can get up there!

Charmingdesigns said...

Love that photo of the kitties!! laurie

Lizzie said...

awww... what a sweet blog post. looks like you had a great 2008. i wish you all the best in 2009 :)

WheresMyAngels said...

Oh I love your make over of both the bathroom and scrap room! I so need to make mine over. All I did was rearrange mine :(

Anonymous said...

Oh yea!!! Woo, Woo!!! O happy day!!!
Nikki, I'm the 100th visitor on your post, Do I win a prize??? I hope, I hope, I hope! LOL.

Just having fun, I came by to say hello and how are you doing? We had lots of snow yesterday and today it is melting like fire lit it. I did take a bunch of pics in my PJ's though. I didn't want to change into clothes for fear it would melt before I captured it. I was an icicle when I came in. LOL.
I was happy though, because none of my neighbors saw me out there in my jammys.

Hugs...Jeanne

The Muse said...

what a sweet post to find this late afternoon ... and hardly one "full~size" blah blah blah :)

Tulsi said...

We have trees in Utah and I don't know what it is, but I think New England trees in the fall are the best.

 

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