Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Giving Tuesday!!!!

We've all heard about Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday, and Cyber Monday.... But have you heard of Giving Tuesday???? On this day, we are to give back to our "community". I LOVE this day!!! 

Why you ask???

Because no matter how sad your life seems, or how many trials you have, giving ALWAYS makes you feel better. It always brightens your day, makes you feel needed, and reminds you that the world doesn't revolve around you every day. I find it an essential part of living. I hope you do too.

Christmas has ALWAYS been huge for me. I remember as a little girl, sneaking in to see what Santa had left for me on Christmas morning. I always got a beautiful baby doll. My mother would spend hours and hours sewing beautiful clothes and blankets for my babies every year, as her mother did for her. This is where I developed a love of dolls.

On the day after my 4th birthday, I was going to return a gift with my mother, and I accidentally opened the car door instead of rolling down the window. I fell out of the moving car and broke both legs, my right hip, and my pelvis. My hip was put back together with pins and screws. It was a long recovery, and trying for my family. Its amazing how resilient we are at that age! Once I had healed, I had to have the pins and screws removed. The only thing I asked for was..... you guessed it.... a new doll. 


Agatha became one of my favorites. She was able to go into the operating room with me, and came back out with a band aid on her cheek, and a hair net on her head. I still have her :)

I have tried to carry on this same tradition with my own girls, and am looking forward to do the same with my little grand daughter Landyn. I can't wait to give her her very first baby this year:)

For the last few Christmases, I have been so blessed by opportunities to share my love of dolls with some deserving little girls. It warms my heart to think of all of the love showered on these "babies"! 

This year, I was able to actually take one of my girls' best friends to pick out her own American Girl doll. This girl is amazing! She is always kind, and makes sure everyone feels included and happy. She has been such a blessing to our family. It's such a wonderful thing to see my girls so excited for someone else, and feel the spirit of giving. We had a fabulous time together. It's an afternoon I will never forget!

I have covered her face, to protect her :)

And to top it off, the day we went, American Girl was giving away one doll for every doll purchased (up to 1000 a day) from November 6-30th!!! That made our day that much better!

Have you heard of American Girl? The dolls are beautiful, and are made to represent every type of girl. You can check them out here:


Here's Giveaway #1


The winner will receive a gift card to order a doll for someone they love! I'm so excited about this! 

I also have a few more things to give away as well!


You can read bout my Addicts here:


You can read about the Personalized images here:


You can read more about the About Me Pages here:


You can see my graphic sets by clicking here:


Here's how to enter:
Leave a comment on this post.

That's it.

I'm not asking for followers. Just let me call you friend.

The winners will be chosen tomorrow, December 2nd. It's a fitting day to give some gifts.... It's my Momma's birthday. She would have been 76 this year. 

Winners will be drawn randomly.

Good luck my friends! 

xox







124 comments :

Stefanie Galvin said...

You're so kind and generous - what a lovely giveaway! Happy festive season, Nikki!

Stef
Miss Galvin Learns

Rachel Lamb said...

that's the sweetest thing you did for that sweet girl! I know my girls adore those dolls! This is a great giveaway Nikki!

Pawsitively Teaching said...

Nikki, I just loved reading your post!!!! I had tears in my eyes as I remembered my own childhood. I was raised by my grandmother and each Christmas she would give me two dolls....one to play with and one to "put up". I still have all the "put up" dolls from my childhood (most still in their original boxes). I love looking at them and thinking about her and all she did for me growing up! This is such an amazing giveaway....my own kids are too old to be wishing for dolls for Christmas. But, there is a special little girl at my school that has blessed me over and over since the first day of school. I would love to be able to place a doll in her arms for Christmas. Of course, clip art along with everything else you create is fabulous! Thanks for hosting such an amazing giveaway! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Jacque said...

Nikki, you have such a giving heart. Love you, and your family to pieces!!! Miss you so much, my friend!

Jacque

Patty Rutenbar said...

Nikki, my friend, this is such a nice story and giveaway. I'll be honest with you....I don't need the doll. Give that to someone who needs it much more than I do. Any of your other prizes would be a bonus to win. I love your clipart and the way your creative mind thinks. Blessings to you!
Patty
Pjrbar@charter.net

Wilson Family said...

Thank you! This will be an amazing treat for a child! My daughter has been wanting an American Doll for many years but with two children with disabilities, it hasn't been possible. God bless!

Allyson said...

You are too sweet! I loved (and still do) my American Girl dolls! My mom and I read all the books together when I was growing up!

Mrs. Nicolau said...

Nikki!! You surprise me every year with your kindness! Your daughter is right, you are truly a generous person! I'm so happy I'm your friend! :)

Krystal said...

You are so sweet and generous. I had never heard of American girl dolls as a child, but they are so darling.

Unknown said...

How sweet! I know some very deserving girls who would love the doll!

twolittlebirds said...

So kind of you! What a sweet way to give back! Merry Christmas to you & your family!!
~Jen

Helen said...

Wow, this is awesome! Your girl's friend is so blessed!

Unknown said...

I just love you. Big heart love!
-Vera

Erin said...

Nikki, You're always giving so much to everyone. You have such a big heart!!

Storie said...

You are so kind and generous. I hope the season brings many blessings to you and your family!
Storie

KarKar said...

Everyone loves dolls. When I was in 2nd grade my teacher noticed that I never brought a doll to school like most of the girls. Our family had 7 children and were very poor. My teacher brought me a doll & clothes to play with at school. Our birthdays were on the same day (Christmas Eve). For years we exchanged cards. You have a big heart just like my teacher did. Giving is much more rewarding than receiving.

Marilyn M said...

I loved reading your story, Nikki, my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Unknown said...

I had never heard about Giving Tuesday until today. What a fabulous idea!

Dawn Lue Pann said...

What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing this Christmas season.

Unknown said...

Thank you for this lovly giveaway!!!!! LOVE LOVE all your melonheadz work! GBY

Jennifer said...

I love this post! You are ALWAYS thinking of others! The picture of the girls with their dolls just warms my heart!

Unknown said...

i really hope i win...my mentee would love an American Doll

Ashley said...

What a kind gesture! My fingers are crossed! Thank you!

Christy said...

Nikki, this is such a lovely post and you have such a beautiful heart! Thank you for sharing. I feel honored to call you my friend! Happy holidays! Thank you for sharing your joyful spirit with us!

Paula’s Place said...

What a lovely and generous thing to do Nikki, you have the kindest heart.
Paula from Paula’s Place

Jane said...

Wow...you are an awesome person!

Suzy Q said...

You have such a big heart, Nikki. What a sweet tribute to your mother, who obviously had such a positive influence on the loving, caring person you are today.

I remember my niece loving American Girl dolls when she was younger. Now that she's a senior, those days are a thing of the past, so if I were to win that prize, I would like to pay it forward.

Unknown said...

Nikki!!! I just adore you!!! I love your caring heart!!! Today would have been my grandmothers 100th birthday! I love that today is Giving Tuesday! She would love that! She was always giving! Sending hugs and kisses!!! Cheryl xoxo

Christina said...

Nikki, what a sweet story!

Crayonbox Designs said...

Oh Nikki! What a beautiful story! One of the memories I have of Christmas as a little kid at Grandma's house was when my brother fell out of the truck while my Dad was driving. He didn't break anything, just skid down the road on his face. :) He didn't get a doll, just some creamed corn that my Grandma over baked. lol Ok so that wasn't as lovely as your story though. It touches my heart that you would be so giving. You demonstrate such love and kindness every day just being you. <3 Love you girlie! :)

Danielle

Unknown said...

You are so sweet. I hope to meet you one day. It will truly be fate if we run into each other in this beautiful state we both call home. I love giving Tuesday.

khall said...

Your story is amazing and I have always loved dolls. My girls are grown and we have an attic full of American girl dolls... waiting to pass on to their own girls some day. I love how you have shared your love with others!!!

Yvonnee said...

Wow, what a wonderful opportunity! Thanks so much! You are amazing!
Yvonnee
yvonneeyrg@gmail.com

junebug said...

You are so sweet for hosting this! I love all of your clip art, it's true, but I also love how you put your heart out there on the blog! I have a soft spot in my heart for American Girl...I have two dolls from my childhood sitting up in the attic waiting on my daughter to be old enough to play with them. One of them is a Molly doll and it just so happens that I named my daughter Molly (coincidentally, not on purpose, but it's pretty cool just the same). Anyway, thank you for hosting this and giving some readers a chance to smile! melindagoggans @ gmail . com

Unknown said...

Wow! What an awesome idea! It would be wonderful to win.Robin

Heidi said...

You are such an inspiration to so many. I am glad that I was introduced to you through another amazing gal. Thanks for always finding ways to lift others and being willing to give of yourself to make it happen. You are so talented and I am glad to be able to call you a friend, even if we have never met.

Aileen Miracle said...

Beautiful story, Nikki! You are such a sweet person! :) Thanks for all that you do!

Fern Smith's Classroom Ideas said...

Well, I was already crying thinking about the fear your Mom must have felt as that car door opened! What a sweet and wonderful tribute to your Mom today.
Fern :)

Lauren @ Teaching in Stripes said...

That story made me tear up! I love the idea
Of making baby blankets. So special! Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Unknown said...

This is so nice of you!! Thanks for always having great graphics!

Lory said...

You are an angel friend!!! I love your spirit, example and friendship!!!
Happy Holidays!! xo Lory

Mrs. Carlson's 2nd Grade Class said...

Thank you for doing this. I have my fingers crossed.

Mr. Hughes said...

I just love you to pieces. It is such a privilege to know you!

Hardlyable Farm said...

Such a lovely post...and a nice reminder of how much we have 2 be thankful for!

Karyn said...

Aww Nikki this post reminds me so much of my mom who loves (and collects) dolls and has a beautiful, kind and giving heart like you! It sounds like you got that heart from your mom! What a sweet giveaway! I'd be honored if YOU called me your friend! :o) Happy Holidays!

Karyn

Laura said...

You truly ARE my friend. Thank you for being so wonderful, kind, and beautiful. :) I hope you have a wonderful time at this wonderful time of year!! XO

Unknown said...

Awe, I just LOVE your story!!! Love the American Girl store we have in Atlanta. It's incredible! Thank you for sharing and being simply amazing!!!!
XOXO! B.Ray

Unknown said...

Great story! I know that so many people love American Dolls!

Anchored In Literacy said...

Ok, my comment didn't publish the first time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about your post! Made my heart full. You know I love you and everything you stand for!
XOXOXOXOXO
Carrie

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing that story with us. Its good to see that there is still kindred spirits in this world. :)

Katie said...

This is such an amazing giveaway! You have a very giving and thoughtful heart. The world needs more people like you. :)

Unknown said...

You're the best, Nikki! I just love you so much and pray that I can be half as generous as you. Thanks so much for doing this giveaway. Wish your mom could be here to celebrate her birthday with you. She would be so proud of everything you've accomplished! Love you, XO

Anonymous said...

You are too too sweet!! I have been wanting to get into that American Girl store (maybe we can go together!!) I love dolls and I love Melonheadz!! And of course I love you!

Terri

sandiuehlinger said...

Wow, Nikki. What a beautiful post. You just made my day.
Xo
Sandi

M. Deatherage said...

Thank you so much for encoraging a giving heart this season!

supercteacher said...

How sweet and kind of you!?! Also, what a great lesson to teach your girls. This is something they will never forget. You are a gift!

Unknown said...

How very kind of you! Your story is touching and inspiring.!

Unknown said...

Love you and your big kind heart that is always thinking of others!!! I had American Girl dolls growing up and can't wait to get one for my future daughters someday!! :)

Unknown said...

Love you and your big kind hear that is always thinking of others!!! I had American Girl dolls growing up and can't wait to get one with my future daughter someday!! :)

Unknown said...

You are obviously a very kind and generous person! You have a big heart and I know it was good for me to read your blog and be reminded that someone always has it worse than me and my family and what brings one true joy....service and giving to others. Thank you.

Lori said...

I loved reading about your traditions and ways to celebrate giving! Very inspiring! Thank you for generously sharing with us! Merry Christmas!

Cindy Calenti said...

You are so kind and generous. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

Cindy Calenti said...

You are so kind and generous. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

Josie said...

Thank you for sharing this story and for being so giving of yourself!

ronnie said...

Thank you for thinking of others. What a kind heart. vhair61215@aol.com

Anonymous said...

What a great reminder about what this season is all about. Thank you!
Marion

Delighted said...

Oh my goodness!!!! You sure know how to make a teacher excited!!!! Thank you for you generosity and definitely keeping my fingers crossed. :-)

Rachelle Moore said...

What a generous thing to do! I adore all of your work and your blog. I appreciate this opportunity and will certainly think of a way I can give today and every day too!

MissMiller4thGrade said...

Thank you, Nikki! I really enjoy reading the stories and tidbits you share, they make my day! You are one amazing lady. :) thanks for the holiday inspiration.

Mom2punkerdoo said...

Wow! What a way to get in the spirit of the season! So very generous of you!

Unknown said...

Thank you Nikki for sharing those stories with us. Also, this giveaway os very generous!!! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Loved reading your sweet story! So generous of you!

Unknown said...

Nikki, You are such a kindred spirit. While we have never met, I absolutely consider you a friend. Blessings to you and your family. Much love from teh other side of the U.S. <3

Tanya said...

Loved reading your story Nikki. You made that little girl feel special by giving her that doll. I am glad to call you my friend and this just shows how big your heart is

Hugs!

Unknown said...

You are so sweet and kind. May the good Lord bless continue to bless you. In addition, the talent He gave you is a great resource for us as well. Thank you! Happy Holidays! ysela_flores@hotmail.com

SARA FRAMPTON said...

That is so nice Nikki, you make so many people happy everyday!
Sara
Frampton's FUNdamentals

Sherry said...

Thank you for your generosity! That little girl will be like you and have that dolly forever, I can just bet. Dolls are much more than toys. I would love to share one with a special needy child in my classroom.
sherrymatheson@gmail.com

1stgradefireworks said...

You have always been a friend...and always will! Thank you for your generosity! HUGS! Wendy 1stgradefireworks

Leslie - The Groovy Teacher said...

Thank you my friend for your kindness to others. You are a wonderful person and I am truly blessed to know you.

Unknown said...

Sweet, sweet..what a nice way to honor your Mom!

Unknown said...

Luv you Nikki! You are so sweet and ridiculously talented!! Thank you for sharing your story.
Hugs, Lory xo

Mindy said...

Nikki, you are amazing! Your kindness and friendship are truly some of the best gifts of all.

Jenny G. said...

What an inspirational idea to share this time of year. Thank you!

psychorazorback said...

You are the most generous of all the people I know. You never cease to amaze me!

shellyaw said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I love your products and would be honored to be chosen. You are so talented and giving. Thank you!

Ms. Morgart said...

You have the kindest heart! What a beautiful post about the beauty of this time of year! I am so proud to call you my friend!

addyjohnson said...

Thank you for being so generous! Happy birthday to your Mother. May your memories of her be forever vivid in your mind and heart!! XOXOX

Amy McElvveen said...

I have had a very emotional day. Eleven years ago today I lost my grandfather and found out officially that I was going to be a mom. It was the happiest and saddest day of my life rolled into one. Reading your touching story made me cry one more time tonight, but it was a "good cry". You have such a kind, generous spirit, Nikki. Thanks for all you do and for this awesome giveaway. Happy Birthday to your Momma tomorrow.

ElliottMom said...

What a great tradition! My 9 year old wants an American Girl doll so badly. You're amazing to do such a fun giveaway! Merry Christmas!!

ElliottMom said...

What a great tradition! My 9 year old wants an American Girl doll so badly. You're amazing to do such a fun giveaway! Merry Christmas!!

Differentiation Station Creations said...

I love the story! Wonderful! Thank you for your generous and giving nature. You really are wonderful!
Laura

Χουλιάρα Δώρα said...

Thank you for your giveaweay!!! I love your work

Taryn | Perfectly Imperfect in Second Grade said...

So generous of you! Thank you!

Unknown said...

You truly are giving from God. May you continue to be blessed. Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

You have further inspired me to give also. Thank for spreading the spirit! I love your clipart! - Nicole Smith (ivoryroses83@hotmail.com)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your sweet, generous spirit! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Jen K said...

What a wonderful thing you have done! You are providing your children with a good example!
Happy Holidays
Jen K (jkiekhoefer1@gmail.com)

Mrs. Epperson said...

This was such a heart warming story. I too loved dolls growing up. My family didn't have a lot of money but my mom always made sure that I got a doll each year. When I was little, Cabbage Patch dolls were popular. Thank you for being so generous. Someone will truly benefit from it. Merry Christmas!

Laura W said...

Cute doll Nikki. Happy Holidays to you and your family :)

Fluttering Through First Grade said...

You have just the sweetest heart friend. Love the story (not so much you being broken-but being put back together and being who you are today!). Such a gift that you are able to share your joy with others and create a memory that will stay with your daughters' friend forever. We just love you!
~Christy & Tammy

Kellie said...

Thank you for joining the Giving Tuesday!

Kelly B said...

Thank you for such an inspiring story. I had the same doll

Thirty One Gifts said...

Nikki you are such a caring and kind person. Such a wonderful blog post. Thank you for being so thoughtful to others. What a fabulous tradition
Donna Glynn
donna.glynn@gmail.com
kinderglynn

Embley Veronica said...

I just got this post right now so I hope I'm not too late. :) Not sure why it took so long to get to me...I'm subscribed via email to your blog. Strange! Anyway, I've always been freaked out by dolls, BUT my neice and sister in law adore them and since I adore my neice and sister-in-law, I guess I'd better learn to understand dolls, huh? I actually gave my neice her first American Girl doll. The acessories are amazing. I even got her a retainer! Wow!

Thanks for the post. Very sweet about Agatha. :) Sorry you had to fall out of a moving car to get her, though. I have always been nuts about plush stuffed animals, so I understand about the obsession and how getting one could make anything feel less bad.

Speechercize and Gluten Free said...

I think you are awesome, I love American Girl dolls because they can be personalized to the child.

mhsands said...

This really touched my heart. Thanks for sharing!

Stephanie said...

Beautiful! I loved your work before, now it has even more meaning! Thank you!

Bunny said...

My Grand daughter loves the American Girl Dolls. Y'all must have had a great time at their shop.

I'm sorry to hear that your mama isn't around.

Thank you for being so caring and generous.

Jonathan and Cheri said...

I love the idea, thanks for sharing your inspiration =)

Annie Barrette said...

what a nice giveaway and a beautiful post!

Heather said...

What a generous offer. God has truly blessed you (and what amazing life stories). I'm sorry I missed out entering these give-aways. I subscribe to your blog, but for some reason your feeds don't come into my email until the next day (i.e., Wednesday).

Heather (TeacherBug) said...

You are awesome! I just love your graphics! Thank you for having a giving heart.

Special Teacher for Special Kids said...

Giving heart..... Love your heart!!! Momma Melonheadz is proud of you and your BIG BIG heart!

xoxoxoxxox

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveaway! Love your products.

Melanie Wilkes said...

How fun! Love your images! Can't wait to see who the winners are! ;-)

Trina said...

I missed the giveaway but wanted to say thanks for your generosity. Most importantly thanks for teaching your children kindness by your actions.

Mrs. H said...

Wow! What a generous contest! Thank you so much for the opportunity!

KK said...

Wow so generous - giving sure does make the path for receiving. Hope you are feeling the joy and thanks.

Cherie said...

What a lovely idea, Nikki! Happy holidays to you and your family!

Wen said...

Hi, my name is Wendy Chaverri and i´m from Costa Rica.
I´ve a facebook group whit a more than 15000 teachers and other people interested.
I really love your melonheadz. thanks! you´re a big helper to teachers and parents in education process.

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