Generosity Times Two

If you read my last post, I kind of left you all hanging about that the special surprise from my boss this holiday season!! Some might not find this exciting, but for Pat and I, this is such a treat!!

A handful of you girls that have followed my blog from the beginning, have seen first hand just how generous my boss can be.....You all remember that little vacation getaway to Sin City......it was such a great trip and oh man did we live the life of luxury.....a girl could quickly adjust to that kind of lifestyle......but because all good things must come to an end, the life of luxury ended the minute we stepped foot off the plane!!!!

As our company's fiscal year is quickly coming to a close, my boss decided to share with me how we faired this year!! Even in this terrible economy, we were able to achieve double digit growth due to our sales volume. He loves to reward people for a job well done, and add a little extra incentive so that I will repeat this performance next year.........so he decided to send Pat and I on another little trip!!!!!

Where you might ask????

I didn't think there was much that could have topped the Las Vegas getaway where we stayed at a posh hotel, took part in daily spa treatments, and had dinners in some of Las Vegas's finest restaurants, but I think this trip might give Sin City a run for their money......pun intended:)

We are spending 5 days, 4 nights, all expenses paid at this luxurious place..........


the Atlantis Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas

Pat and I are so looking forward to this time away!! With both of us working full time and two children that keep us hopping, there is little quality time for just the two of us!! A couple days of warm weather spent poolside with drinks in hand, and quiet dinners in some really nice restaurants sounds like heaven......it actually sounds like a second hooneymoon!!

Being that Pat works in the Mortgage Industry and we all know what has gone on with that industry this past year....some really scary stuff to say the least, we have had to take a step back and really be careful when it comes to our finances and money that we were spending frivolously! We would never be splurging on a trip like this if it wasn't given to us........we are both grateful for this man's generosity. I have worked for him for six years and he constantly amazes me with his random acts of kindness!

Since we are talking about random acts of kindness, I wanted to talk about one more person that has really touched my heart this holiday season. I think it is safe to say that most of you know I have an addiction to shopping for Sarah's clothes and although I have done some damage in the stores this winter season.....we have had someone supplement it greatly!!

About two weeks ago, I got an email from a very sweet bloggy friend who said that she had an entire winter wardrobe of size 2 clothes that her daughter had outgrown and she was looking to pass on. She instantly thought of Sarah, but thought because there were a couple states that separated us, I would not be interested. According to her, she had two very heavy, large rubbermaid containers filled. It only took me about 30 seconds to respond and say that we would absolutely pay for the shipping if she really wanted to pass them on!

Knowing her, there was no doubt in my mind that these clothes were in mint condition....and all clothes that I would hand pick for Sarah if I were shopping.

Without hesitation she packed them up and sent them out.....a few short days later two large boxes arrived on my doorstep. I could not believe what was inside!! She could have easily sold them and made a small fortune, but she didn't.....she passed them to a grateful friend and wouldn't take a dime!!

Words cannot describe how I felt when I opened those boxes.....I have to admit, I was crying as I looked at my kitchen island and saw the piles upon piles of beautiful clothes, some that still had tags on them and had never been worn. What a gift....to think that someone that I have never met face to face could be so generous and thoughtful.....it was rather emotional!!

I have saved all of Sarah's clothes in hopes that one day soon our China Baby will wear them....I know some of what is put away will never be worn again because they will be too small....I have containers upon containers of 0-3 and 3-6 Month clothes....I didn't think I was ready to let go of them just yet, but this sweet friend has truly inspired me. I want to touch someone's heart the way you touched mine!! I don't need to mention your name, you know who you are....just know that you have blessed me with the GREATEST gift of all this holiday season.....the gift of giving!!