Sunday, May 17, 2009

♥ TO CELEBRATE GENEROSITY ♥

Sometimes we are lucky enough to have people in our lives that have an abundance of generosity.....people who are kind, thoughtful, and beautiful inside and out. I was lucky enough to enjoy some of those people in the last few weeks. Some are family, one was an old friend, and one is a new friend.....and all are so very precious to me.





Lilly is a new friend. If you haven't met her and Roy you are missing out on knowing an incredible couple. You can meet them over at "Roy's Progress" and I promise you'll be glad you did.

She is a total sweetheart...and if "generosity" had a poster girl....she would be it! She has touched my heart from the moment I first met her here in blogland. And I was so excited when I received a package from her in the mail....it was a sweet gift to say "thank you" just because. And let me tell you...the tears were flowing by the time I was done opening everything up. It started out with this beautiful bag..........

And inside were tons of brightly wrapped packages...all tied up in colorful silk ribbons...........
And inside...........things she KNEW would tickle me pink! Like this plaque....that dubs me a "goddess" and made me grin from ear to ear.
This recipe book which is totally cool....and I'm even going to cook...yup you heard me...my husband will be thanking her for this later!
Lilly knows I'm a make up ho....and check out all this luxurious stuff!
And of course she didn't forget Crumpet and Ozzie.................
And they LOVED their gift!!!!
I was so overwhelmed with all of the wonderful things....but when I opened this box...the tears just couldn't be stopped...I was sobbing so hard the dogs actually stopped eating their treats and came over to see what was up.
Lilly....the thoughtfulness, and the time you took to make this so very personal and all about me....well I will never forget it.

And lets not forgot the GIGANTO bottle of perfume!!! I SMELL SOOOO GOOD NOW!
I don't even know how anyone can even say "thank you" adequately for such thoughtfulness.......Lilly...you left me without words.

And as if that wasn't enough to make my entire year a great one...I got a Mother's Day surprise that was the best one EVER! My dear mom and my precious daughter Lindsey....flew in from Arizona and Texas...SURPRISE!!! And since I was suffering from some serious homesickness....it couldn't have come at a better time. It was so great to see them...and we had so much fun. We took the boys to Rock port so they could see the ocean for the first time ever..........

Let's just say that Crumpet is hoping it's the LAST time ever....he is NOT a fan of waves.

And then they surprised me with a little trip to New York City....where we had a Mother's day brunch at the world famous "Tavern on the Green" restaurant in Central Park....It was GORGEOUS. We got to eat in the chandelier room...which is my favorite! And then we went to see the Broadway production of "Chicago" it ROCKED!
We spent the rest of the week just relaxing, talking, and playing cards. And Lindsey cooked a wonderful meal for us. The first time ever that one of my kids actually cooked for me! She made the juiciest baked chicken, yummy potatoes, and mom & I chipped in and made some salad. She also made these NUMMY appetizers....they were so good we ate way to many...and they heated up perfectly the next day...so we ate more! You'll have to ask her for the recipe because they were beyond good! Go HERE and make her hand it over.


And you'd think that would be enough joy and wonderfullness in my life ...right? I mean nobody should be so greedy as to expect more. But I was also blessed by the generosity of my Best friend Lori who came to visit me last month. She decided to send me a "thank you" gift for having her as a guest in our home. Sheeesh like having her here wasn't a BIG enough gift! I miss her so much and it was so wonderful to see her again. But she has a heart the size of Jupiter so I shouldn't have been surprised when I received a package.......

Now I have to explain this one.....it's a long standing joke that my precious hubby always gets a sweater for every Christmas and Birthday gift.....and he NEVER wears sweaters. So Lori (handmade) this little sweater for him....even monogrammed it ...but kindly tucked a gift card inside to make up for the "sweater pain". It made us both laugh so hard. And it's the best sweater he's ever received! And there was one for me too...from Pottery Barn...WOO HOO Nikki's going shoppping!!!
And of course she didn't forget the boys. Her and I had taken a trip down to Cape Cod .....so she sent some outfits and toys for the boys....so that next trip they'd be decked out in the proper "Cape Cod" attire.............





SO MY HEART IS FULL TO BURSTING WITH ALL THE LOVE I'VE RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE WHO MAKE THIS WORLD A WONDERFUL PLACE TO DWELL. THANK YOU TO ALL THE SWEET LADIES IN MY LIFE. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY SWOLLEN HEART!!!!

74 comments:

Laura Marchant said...

How cute is all of that! What a great friend. And that recipe I MUST HAVE!!!

Ann On and On... said...

All the gifts and visits sounded so wonderful...your expression of appreciation was the icing on the cake. Good friends and supportive families is Priceless. Love to dog photos.

roy/elisabeth dean said...

Okay, now I'M crying! Not just because of the super-sweet things you said but because of your ROCKIN' Mother's Day! I would love to have had brunch in NY with my daughters and my Mom. I guess I need to put in my request NOW for next May.
The sweater g.c. holder is priceless! I wish I could knit....there are many people I would like to send one to!
I'm heading over to get that recipe!
Make it a Great day Nikki~
♥,Lilly

Staci A said...

Sounds like you have such amazing friends and family!

Kristina P. said...

Can I come and hang out with you! I will even let you touch my Snuggie.

French Fancy... said...

It's you Nikki, it's all you - you are so lovely, kind, thoughtful and fun that people want to radiate towards you and shower you with great things.

You deserve it all

x

Tootsie said...

what an awesome gift!!! and that visit was such a blessing. Thanks for sharing it with us girl. I know how you feel...I have been blessed with so many wonderful gals too!
as for Mother Nature...she is suffering from some serious PMS here in Alberta....or a mood disorder...man is she cranky...we are up to a foot of snow and it is only 1:30 in the afternoon!!!!
Lets just say...she is lucky she is not within reaching distance of this girl today!!! lol

Grand Pooba said...

Ok, back to that amazing prize, I just love that she included a little something for the boys!

Unknown said...

Oh my, you must be overwhelmed by love right now! Look at all the fabulous things you received and fun stuff you did.
Love those pictures of Oz and Crump in the ocean!!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Nikki what a fun time you had...how special you had your daughter and Mama with you did she bring her motor cycle...Loved that even the boys got gifts...see everyone in blogland knows who the real boss of your blog is girl ha ha!! Thanks for sharing your special day and gifts with us...Have a great week my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Unknown said...

What wonderful generosity from your friends and family, all the more because you weren't expecting any of it!

Very envious of your lunch at Tavern on the Green!!!

Bridget said...

I think you stole my life, that's the one I want at least!
You are one lucky broad!!!
Lindsey's appetizers and making me very hungry.

Jane In The Jungle said...

Ok come on, you did actually try to fit that sweater on him didn't you???

You are truly blessed!!

Mammatalk said...

I am certain that you deserved every ounce of the drippy, gooey love that was lathered all over you! Enjoy!

Kathy said...

What a wonderful time you have had Nikki with your family and friends, you have many truly lovely people in your life and I could not think of a nicer person for this to be the case, Oz and Crumpet look great in their little outfits. happy Monday, Kathy.

Jenni said...

WOW! You are a very LUCKY girl!

CB said...

Wow WOW and WOWSA!! You have been really spoiled and I say you really deserve it!!

I am blown away that they took you to NYC - only one of the greatest places on earth and you had a fab lunch and Chicago!! SO MUCH FUN!!

Sweet gifts in the mail - Love the plaque (and believe me you may have the gift of loud gab but I KNOW you are not boring!!).

Love all the pictures! You are so fun!!

Barb said...

How fun to have family and friends that you can treasure. Not only did you get to score some greatness but the boys and husband as well. Have a great day!

shortmama said...

Wow looks like you were extra spoiled!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

To have such wonderful friends, I know you must be a wonderful friend! How fun to get all of these fabulous gifts! I love the little outfits for Ozzie and Crumpet! So cute! laurie

SmilingSally said...

Your mail carrier must have a super large truck to carry all of those blogging goodies to you. It seems like you are always getting good things.

Your mom and daughter were a special treat and Tavern on the Green -- WOW! Lucky you.

Ginger said...

Ahh, you are one lucky lady, Nikki. How fun to have received that beautiful bag from Lilly with all the goodies in it. What a sweetheart she is.
I read on Lindsey's blog that she had surprised you on Mother's day. That had to be so special to see her and your mom show up. And to go to NY and have lunch at Tavern on the Green, wow. Did you stay overnight in NY, or was it a day trip?
The dogs look so cute in their new clothes from your friend. Thats a cute sweater she got for hubby, lol. And a gift card for you too!!
I love the beach pictures.

Beverly said...

You will be getting miles and miles of smiles from all of this joy. And, the important thing about it is how much they all love you. You have a good heart, and what goes around comes around.

Tracey said...

What a wonderful bunch of goodies and surprises.....you deserve it all!

Salmagundi said...

How much fun was all of that? It just goes to show how much everyone cares for you!! Sally

tammy said...

You are spoiled.

But you're worth it.

squawmama said...

Hey Nikki, What a lucky girlie you are to have such wonderful friends and an even more wonderful family... Not to mention those 2 rascals who just adore you.... I have missed reading your post since I've been MIA... Have a great evening. Love Ya,

(((HUGS)))
Donna

mCat said...

WOW - How loved are you?!!

Fun stuff from even funner friends!
Love it

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Well, I think you deserve it! I think you are awesome and it's easy to tell that from your blog!

Hope you had such a great time! Sounds like it was just what you needed.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Nikki,
Let me justsay you hit the jackpot there with all the lovely gifts from some wonderful family and friends!!! Enjoy! Cindy

imjacobsmom said...

Nikki, It only goes to show you how much everybody loves you! They just knew you needed them as much as they needed you! The boys look adorable in their new little shirts. ~ Robyn

Carma Sez said...

It's got to make you feel good to see how much your friends and family love and care about you :-) Incredibly thoughtful gifts...

Kris said...

Aren't family and friends (even those we've formed in blogland) the best? I'm sure you're very deserving of each thoughtful gift.

Kris

Brittany H said...

Looks lovely! Nothing like unexpected Love to cheer you up for a while!

Beth said...

That old saying about being a friend to have a friend is so true! You are an awesome friend!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Aren't surprizes just the best! Love all your friendship lovies too - and even Nikki and Crumpet joined the fun. Enjoy all the cheer!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

oopsey - I meant to say Ozzie and Crumpet!

raxx a day in the life said...

Nikki, you are a lucky lady, but obviously it's not just luck, you a clearly an awesome mom and daughter and friend: you get the love in return!

Enjoy all your good things in life, you deserve it ten fold!

Suzann said...

Miss Nikki - seeing all the love and wonderful blessings you bestow on others, it is only right that YOU receive many in return. You are one very lovely lady through and through.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Sounds like an awesome weekend!

Justine said...

Geez Louise woman, are you like loved, or what? I cannot believe the stuff that Lilly sent you, "just because". She's such an awesome person! Jill got a package from her today too, but I'll let her post about it when she has a chance. she's at the ER once again, this time with a sick Gianna!
What Lori sent you was so flippin' funny!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!
And your mom is beautiful! I've already told ya Lindsey is gorgeous but your mom? Old and gorgeous! LOL!
P.S. Strudel just got a look at Crumpet in his yuppy puppy shirt and she's all aquiver.

Justine :o )

Randi said...

My Mom told me about the sweater idea...I loved it.

AND as crafty as we know my mom is, you know she REALLY LOVES YOU, if she hand-made anything! :)
(love you mommmy, but you know it's true!)

Pam @ Frippery said...

You are one blessed chicky!

Michelle said...

You are one lucky woman. :)

Michael said...

Ok, I'm rolling at the shirts...too adorable!

And Lilly is a sweetheart...what a beautiful tribute to her and her wonderful family!

Great gift bag too!

Lizzie said...

what a wonderful week!!!!

wendy said...

It is hard to leave a comment on "THAT MUCH LOVE AND KINDNESS AND SURPRISES" Maybe that is the stuff heaven is made of. I think YOU are thinking that right now. Happy for you

A Southern Rose said...

Sounds like y'all had a wonderful time! They are such sweet friends and family! What wonderful gifts!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

onlymehere said...

I'm so happy that you got to be with those you love most!! Now, I vote that Ozzie and Crumpet tell us about their day on the beach!! Please, pretty please?......I'll beg if you want me to, LOL!!

LadyFi said...

I'm overwhelmed by their generosity! So thoughtful and kind.

Four Paws and Co said...

Nikki, Your pictures are awesome but someone was missing... Where were you!

Your friends are so sweet & found the greatest gifts to send you. ☺ Diane

Michele said...

What wonderful gifts you got Nikki! And the best one is having your mom and Lindsey surprise you! Nothing is better than friends and family...you're one very lucky lady! Oh...and the boys were very lucky it seemed too!

Hugz,
Michele

H.K. said...

What a sweet and beautiful tribute to your friends and family! I was already a big fan of Lilly before reading this post and I agree just reading her blog you can tell she's a neat lady!

I'm glad that you had a great Mother's Day weekend, you deserved it!

Darlene said...

What great friends and what a FABULOUS Mother's Day!!!!

Carolynn Anctil said...

You must be putting out some excellent karmic generosity your own good self. :o) Enjoy!

Bo said...

Hi Nikki...You are so right about Lilly being a genuine sweetheart...
just like you are!! Reading this post put the biggest smile on my face, because you are so deserving of all the ♥luvs♥ & ((hugs)) you received...and the fact they all came as a big surprise made them even more special...We here in Blogland all love you too! ;-) Bo

Jan said...

Can you be loved anymore?

I will have to check out the lilly. She sounds fabuluckyohsogreat.

Jen said...

Oh man! How can you even contain yourself? Your heart must be bursting at the seams! What a delightful mother's day gift and can Lilly be my friend, too? LOL.

Sue said...

Hi Nikki....well you sure hit the gift jackpot...what a wonderful package you recieved from this obvious very generous friend...She knows a special person when she meets one!! And don't you just love TOTG....my daughter had her wedding reception in the same room you ate in and they also had a huge tent attached to it....We ate in the tent then danced the night away in the chandelier room...

Heather said...

What a blessed life you have!!

Amelia said...

Hi! What a beautiful family you have! I really enjoyed reading all about your life! Nice to hear how others in this world are! You are perfectly blessed!

Jessica said...

What a wonderful suprise having your mother & daughter and OMG those appetizers looks YUMMY!

Those are the sweetest gifts...isn't blogland just wonderful? I just adore the people here.

Enjoy~ you deserve it!

Hugs~ J

Cynthia said...

Wow! Lilly really is generous!

I love the doggie shirts- even if the doggies don't. Too cute!

Anonymous said...

What a nice Lilly! I want to know Lilly too! Love all your pictures of the beach with the doggies. They look so handsome in their new shirts!
bE a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Shawn said...

You are so lucky! Great friends and fun family visits---it does warm the heart....

Susie Q said...

Lori is a gem!! Cute stuff there sweet lady...

And what a perfect Mother's day surprise!! I can see your smile from here!!

Love,
Sue

natalie said...

What wonderful friends and family you have! Sounds like you had a perfect Mother's day :)

Marrdy said...

What great friends. And you should cry...what amazing gifts. And don't the boys look dashing in their new threads.

Anonymous said...

Awww....It sounds like you and the boys have had a wonderful week ♥

John Deere Mom said...

Wow, that's amazing. Such wonderful goodies from such awesome friends! (BTW, where's my favorite Wednesday post?!) :)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

How lovely. It is amazing the open arms that exist in the blogosphere!!

Fragrant Liar said...

My gosh! Christmas in May for Nikki! How great is that?

Life on the Edge said...

Wow, you have sure been blessed lately! What sweet gifts and how wonderful that you had that visit and trip with your daughter and mother!

You sure got some lovely gifts too. That's so wonderful! I'm glad that all of these things made you smile. You deserve it since you make all of us out in blogland smile so much!

Kady

kado! said...

W-H-A-T????? You were in NYC and didn't let me know???? How could you....I don't think I'll be able to prepare my kids breakfast now...with all the tears!!!! You do know I live on Long Island...my husband works in Manhattan and I ALWAYS need an excuse to go into the city and shop! Oh well....I am SUPER GLAD you had such a fun trip and past few days! You deserve it!!!!!

 

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