I joke about needing a nice stiff drink after some of the crazier things that do happen to me with my kids at times. Hell, this past weekend, after a few mishaps in getting my kids ready for a family party, I specifically mentioned how I could have used a nice drink here.
Well, it was Monday morning and I was busy catching up a few new blog postings when the doorbell rang. It was our local UPS man, who truly made me crack up about our crazy mailman.
See the UPS guy knows the mailman is absolutely crazy and makes no qualms about telling me some rather interesting stories from time-to-time. I oblige, because quite frankly the stories are too good to pass up, I need a good laugh and the UPS Man is a genuinely nice, friendly harmless guy. So, win-win in my book!
As he is telling me the latest, I am signing for these two ridiculously large, heavy packages. They were so heavy he had to carry them in the house for me.
When I finally opened one of the boxes (the other was my parents), I found that my cousin from my grandfather’s side of the family (my mom’s dad) had sent us wine that was homemade that he had printed with my grandfather’s (and mother’s maiden name) family last name on the bottles, as well as packaged in a hardwood case embossed with the family name on it, too.
This had to cost a pretty penny, but seriously all I could think of was this had to be some sort of divine intervention. Six large bottles of wine sent from the one person that had my back in life so why not from the great beyond!
Simply put, I have mentioned here how my grandfather was my hero growing up and how very close we were. He has been gone since 1999 and still miss him so very much so many years later.
So, I was so excited to see his family name on this case of wine, but also couldn’t help, but smile knowing that somewhere he had to also be smiling at this thought, too. Plus, I couldn’t help think that he truly did hear my prayers!
Either way best delivered package ever in my estimation!! Judge for yourself below now.
Case of Homemade Family Named Wine!!Also, please don’t forget that one lucky reader will win a Free Custom Love Coupon Book from Datevitation, worth $25.50 (5 coupons, plus free shipping).
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Robin Rue says
Oh wow….what a nice surprise!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Robin and truly a wonderful surprise!! 🙂
Melanie Chisnall says
Those look awesome!! I don't think I've ever seen a prettier box of wine. Enjoy your surprise, you deserve it! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Melanie and literally how I felt when I laid eyes on that box of wine!! 🙂
Dianne Velazquez-Hun says
That's beautiful. I know you must feel proud and full of love and joy.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dianne and I truly do. My grandfather was the world to me and miss him so very much, but this was like a little piece of him got to live on and also like I felt him smiling down on me (if that makes sense).
The Dose of Reality says
Wow! That's just amazing. What a beautiful and meaningful thing to arrive unexpectedly. Lovely! -The Dose Girls
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dose Girls and truly couldn't agree more with you both 🙂 🙂
Kera says
That's so awesome! I would say that's the best ever delivered package, too. The design on the label is so pretty, I know you'll keep the bottles after the wine is gone! When our friends went to Napa Valley for their honeymoon a few years ago, they came across a winery that had my husband's last name in it {well I guess mine too lol}. They brought us back some bottles that we still have!
Janine Huldie says
Kera, that truly is so awesome that your friends were able to bring you back wine with your husband's last name. And I know the design looked so pretty and even the case it came in was so nice. I will definitely not be throwing out the bottles or the case in came in even after finish them. 🙂
mrs_karenC says
Love getting unexpected gifts in the mail and when it's something you really want…it's golden. What a sentimental and touching gift.
Janine Huldie says
Oh I am so with you and love getting surprises in the mail that are not of the bill variety, lol!! But seriously Karen this was an awesome surprise and something that reminded me of my roots!! 🙂
Cyndi says
That sounds like my kind of present! lol…how exquisite! I hope you really enjoy those and you deserve a little R&R. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I know Cyndi, totally awesome present and knew I had to share it here. Thanks so very much and hope you too get a bit of R&R real soon!! 🙂
Angel says
Hello
Thanks so much for coming to visit me and for getting in the raffle for Free Ad Space on my blog. I've been reading your blog for some time now and love it. Hope you will link your blog site up today at my Anything Goes Blog Hop.
Angel @ sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you so very much Angel and have been reading yours, too and so very happy to linkup today. Thank you for the awesome linkup and giveaway, too!! 🙂
Bill says
I had to open this three times before it would let me comment….anyway, that's a great gift…not for me, of course, but a great one for most people. 🙂 Have a great day Janine!
Janine Huldie says
Oh Bill I am so sorry it was giving you trouble opening and just have to admit it was more my family name on it that loved over anything. But do know what you mean and just thank you for stopping by and being such a great friend as always!! 🙂
Stephanie Sprenger says
That is so awesome Janine! I honestly can't think of anything I'd rather get in the mail. Maybe a masseuse. That's about it. 😀
Janine Huldie says
Oh a masseuse would be heavenly, but this will definitely work for now I suppose!! But seriously you put a smile on my face. Thanks Stephanie!! 🙂
Kat Biggie says
That might be the coolest gift EVER!!!
Janine Huldie says
I know Alexa and honestly could agree more!! 🙂
Camille Griffiths says
Most awesome package EVER!
Janine Huldie says
Camille, thanks and truly do agree with on on this one!! 🙂
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
Wow …simply beautiful labels and what a thoughtful treat! Need some help drinking it?? LOL
¤´¨)
¸.·*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Lanaya, so true and would love some help if it meant that we could get to hang out!! 🙂 xoxo!!
Dani Ryan says
What an awesome surprise! I'm sure you want to save the bottles as a keepsake, but…did you at least crack one bottle open to try it???!!!
Janine Huldie says
Dani, truly was and will be honest haven't tried it yet and was waiting for a special occasion!! 🙂
Michelle Nahom says
How cool!! What an awesome surprise!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Michelle and truly was just that!! 🙂
heidi fuqua says
How awesome is it to have that delivered to your door. Don't drink it all in one sitting though. I'm just sayin'
Heidi’s
Wanderings
Janine Huldie says
Lol Heidi, no I could never. Trust me I usually have no more than one or two glasses when I do drink, which really isn't that often.
Ruchira says
ooh…home made wine.
I am always in aww of it when I visit Tahoe…love it!
Great post, Janine. Enjoy and voted for ya!
Janine Huldie says
I know Ruchira and would love to visit Tahoe. Thank you so much as always 🙂 🙂
AnotherCleanSlate says
That is the best! Were you able to bring yourself to open it though?
Janine Huldie says
No I will be honest Katie I haven't cracked it open just yet and am waiting for that special moment!! 🙂
lablover22 says
Oh every part of this story is sweet- the funny UPS guy, the crazy mailman, the surprise gift and the link to your grandfather. And wine!?! What a perfect day! Hope you get to enjoy a bit. Will you drink it or save it?
vicky http://www.thepursuitofnormal.blogspot.com
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Vicky and I think I will save it for a special occasion, because it truly is just too special to waste it!! 🙂
Melissa S. says
What's not to love about that present? Personalized. Free. Alcohol. Nice box for later. 🙂 The universe was definitely smiling on you that day. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, I know Melissa. doesn't happen often and is like Haley's Comet (so probably won't happen for another 80 years!!), but still totally loved it!! 🙂
ourhomeonderanged says
This story is still awesome. When I get surprise packages, they usually involve special batteries for kids' toys, lol. Thanks so much for hooking up with on the blog hop!
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure in hooking up and thank you for co-hosting. And I am so with you that usually I get stuff for the kids and nothing quite as awesome as this!! 🙂
gigigirl says
Love it! I hope to sample some of the Piacentile wine on my next visit! That is special. Have a good weekend. Love, Aunt Gloria
Janine Huldie says
I know Aunt Gloria, totally love it too and you will definitely have to sample it soon. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the wedding!!! xoxo Love right back at you!! 🙂
Jessica Dy says
That is so cool! I think grandpa is really watching over you! Great giveaway! Love the Vegas one!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Jessica and I think he is, too. And the Vegas one is awesome!! Wish you luck now!! 🙂
Linda Atwell says
Sweet story. Grandparents have been important figures in my life and in my daughter's too. Really enjoyed your story. If you get a chance, I recently wrote a story about my daughter and her relationship with her grandpa at http://outoneear.com. Glad I found your blog (through Kristi at Finding Ninee!)
Janine Huldie says
I was just there Linda and really could so relate to your story. Thank you so very much for sharing this with me and so happy to follow you back. And truly so happy you did find me through Kristi's blog!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Those bottles of wine are beautiful!! As for your UPS man I was wondering how he had time to talk but he had to bring your packages in. If I can I usually meet out halfway across the yard they are always in a hurry but always friendly. TALU
Janine Huldie says
Kenya, my UPS guy is super friendly. He has little girl the same age as my Emma and usually will chat for a moment or two while I am signing, but this time out, he really did have to help me, because this box was huge and so very heavy!!! But totally worth it!! 🙂
Michelle Pond says
Great story, Janine. Those labels are beautiful. TALU
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Michelle!! 🙂
Science of Parenthoo says
Any time wine shows up at your door is a good time!
Janine Huldie says
Oh couldn't agree more and thank you so very much for stopping by, too!! 🙂
Chris HyeThymeCafe says
Way to go gramps. Divine intervention at its best … err, tastiest?? 🙂 [#TALU]
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Chris and really was the best divine intervention ever from my grandfather for sure!! 🙂 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Debbie for saying that and hosting as always, too!! 🙂
susanzutautas says
What an awesome gift and nice surprise.
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Susan and truly couldn't agree more!! 🙂 🙂
Shay says
NICE! That's a delivery I would NEVER mind getting!!
My recent post It's a Last-Minute Father's Day GIVEAWAY, Skanksters!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Shay and trust me I was more then happy to take receipt of this package!! 🙂
findingninee says
Gorgeous wine bottles! What a lovely lovely lovely surprise! And I would be willing to bet that your Grandpa is, indeed looking down at you and smiling… laughing.
Janine Huldie says
Kristi, I think you would be so right that my grandfather is definitely smiling down and laughing, because he totally had the best sense of humor and such a contagious laugh, too. So, I have no doubt that you are right about that!! 🙂
jenkehl says
Wow Janine!!! That is so awesome. How was it? Did you pop some open and have some right then and there? Seriously though, I hope you kept a couple of bottles untouched for your kids someday. I think that would be an awesome piece of history!
My recent post A Good Nest Builder
Janine Huldie says
I still haven' tried it yet, Jen and am totally waiting for something special. My birthday is next Monday and may just have to crack open one of those bad boys then to celebrate!! And believe me I hope to try to save at least one to show my kids someday and share their heritage with them!! Thanks for hosting again!! 🙂
Deb says
Very sweet idea!
My recent post To My Son, I Sound Like a Hyena
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Deb and as I have said previously couldn't truly agree more!! 🙂