Happy Birthday, Monkey

It's been a busy year for you.

There's been a little rest and a lot of play

You're always up for a little rain dancing

You started First Grade this year

You became a Cub Scout

There was a little pouting

A lot of proud moments

Some moments to remember

A few daredevil moments

And a lot of smiles

Happy Birthday Little Man.

I hope you enjoy your seventh year as much as I've enjoyed the rest.

Love, Momma

Who's that girl??

Yes, I know, it has been a while. I haven't blogged in WAY too long. I'm going to go ahead and confess that my Reader is WELL above 1000 unread's as well, so if you've been feeling neglected lately, it's completely my fault.

Well, for my first post in ages, I thought I would get you all up to speed on what's been going on in the Sunshine household, with PICTURES!!!

This could take a while.



The Tiger Cubs toured Mrs. Baird's Bakery in Ft. Worth

We had a funeral. Pop passed away in January. It was a very rough time for Budman and the boys. We're hanging in there, though.

Mater had a stomach bug and fell asleep in his toast. He's feeling MUCH better now.

The Tiger Cubs took a tour of the Fort Worth Star Telegram printing operations.

Monkey, Mater and I took a trip to the Zoo in Waco with Copper's Fox, the Tater tot and our parents.

I have to share this video - it was SO funny.

Monkey entered his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts - Recognize anyone??

My Valentine's Day present!!

I got a new haircut!!

We dog-sat for my MIL. I took this video of her dog, Shadow playing in our backyard.

Monkey went to his first Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts
And tomorrow is Monkey's 7th Birthday. He is having a party at a local pizza place, and I will share photos soon.

I have a few stories that I'm trying to keep in my head, I've been wanting to blog for a while, but as you can see - things have been pretty busy here.

I also promise, I will be catching up with my reader as soon as I can, hope you are all doing well.

Eternal Sunshine

Quick note!

I will be spending the next week or two training my replacement at work. So, there won't be any blogging going on.

Hang in there, I will be back as soon as possible!! And I'll have a whole lot more time on my hands, it seems.

Also, you lovely ladies who are expecting surprises, will need to be patient with me for a little while longer. Please?? I will be sending something, but it won't be for another few days...

Thanks!!

Have a great week

And the winners are...

Since I only had five entries, and I'm still in a giving mood from Christmas, I will be sending each of you a surprise.

So, FADKOG, CoppersFox, MerrieMelody, Jewels, and PlanetofJanet...

You all get a surprise!!

Still not telling what it is, you'll just have to wait.

So, send me your addresses (except for you, CoppersFox - I have yours)

Happy New Years!!!

And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet

OK, so I was all set to quit slacking, and do my post-Christmas post. I checked my purse and I had the cord for my camera! Bonus - I was all set to get pictures (the few that I took) of my little ones checking out the goodies that Santa had brought. Wait, where's my camera??

Crappe.

So, instead, you will be getting this list - a sort of 2008 in review, if you will, which I stole from... somewhere - Dawn @ Because I Said So, I believe.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Went to my first Cub Scout meeting.

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Actually, 2008 was the first year that I decided not to make New Year's Resolutions. I'm thinking I might make some for the year coming up, not sure what, yet...

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, although I did find out a (soon to be ex-) coworker is finally pregnant, after trying for 3 or 4 months, and driving us all crazy each time she "started". Good for her.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle M was killed in a suspicious fire this year. I didn't talk about it much at the time, and it's still an open case, but we don't have much hope of ever finding out who would have done such a horrible thing to him.

5. What countries did you visit?
I actually didn't even leave the state this year, but they do say that Texas is "like a whole 'nuther country", so does that count?? I did drive all the way to the Waco area a few times.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
smaller thighs and @ss. I would like to have a better job, a new (to me) home, and to get a lot further towards my degree. Each time I pass a Computer class, I get a certification, which looks good on my resume. I might even be able to convince potential employers I know what I'm doing if I keep it up!

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
I don't think there are any specific dates. Mother's Day and my Birthday were pretty great.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I developed a cure for Cancer, and negotiated a peace treaty between Australia and New Zealand. It's a toss-up.

Or, it could have been keeping this little guy (and his siblings) alive long enough to release them to the wild.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not doing more in school. I can set my own progress with this program, and I only did the bare minimum requirements instead of going above and beyond. I'm really annoyed at myself for that.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, besides the PLAGUE that Budman and I are currently suffering from, I have been remarkable healthy. Although I do have this giant zit that just won't go away...

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Budman's boat. Oh, you meant for me??? I don't buy things for myself - I could, I just always think of other things to spend money on. For the kids, etc... And we do ALL get to use the boat.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
huh? I haven't killed anyone this year, so I'm gonna say ME!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one MADE me depressed this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?
gas

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
When fuel prices dropped below $2.00, and each subsequent drop after that. Yesterday, we filled up for $1.27 a gallon. I almost got out of the car and did a happy dance.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
Music is a huge part of me, but I didn't really listen to a lot of NEW music this year. I'm kind of stuck in a Classic rock/ 70s 80s & 90s rut lately.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier/sadder, thinner/heavier, richer/poorer? I get happier every day. I'm a little heavier, and neither richer nor poorer than last year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
sewing, crafting, playing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
working, complaining

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family - surrounded by a mess, and relaxing all day long.

21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I spend as little time as possible on the phone, so, other than work people, I would have to say my Mom.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fall in love with Budman a little more everyday

23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Um, none. Or - lots of them, but all with the same person - My HUSBAND!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Just one? I will never pass up an episode of The Unit, NCIS or CSI (any city). I loved Pushing Daisies and Life most of all.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't waste energy hating people. It's too much work, and it poisons your heart.

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I read a LOT of books. Most recently, The Book of Bright Ideas, by Sandra Kring, was one of my favorites.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I got the Beatles back together for a World Tour.

28. What did you want and get?
My guys - all I'll ever need.


29. What did you want and not get?
THE purse - you know - the perfect handbag. Still searching for it.

30. What were your favorite films of this year?
In Bruges

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I told all about my birthday here and I turned 34.

32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the lottery

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Slacker-Mom style.

34. What kept you sane?
Coincidentally, this is also what kept me Insane as well.


35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can't think of a one.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Rising Fuel costs & drilling for oil, rising unemployment, the tanking economy

37. Who did you miss?
Bear

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My bloggy friends get this honor...

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
It wasn't learned in 2008, but it's the one that I keep with me always: "You can't find happiness on a road map, you have to take it with you." A long overdue, hard-learned lesson, but then we kids never thought our parents knew anything when we were young and had all the answers.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round.
Kidding.

OK, if you've stuck with me this far, then you deserve a reward. I have been using Christmas song lyrics for my post titles this month (most of it). I'm sure you've noticed this, plus I announced it at the beginning. So, I'm gonna have a little giveaway.

Go back through my December posts (starting here - see, I'm so nice, helping you out like that...) and send me a list of all the Christmas song titles (There are 6) that I've used. Email it to me at MrsMStewart (AT) gmail (DOT) com. DO NOT post the answers in the comments, if you do, I will delete it. Email it to me. I will take all correct entries and randomly draw a someone to receive a little something special from me. Let's say that I'll keep this open until New Year's Eve at midnight (which is technically New Year's Day at that point, I know). So, you have the rest of the year to enter my little contest. I hope you will - Even if you don't normally enter contests and such, do it anyway, it will be fun!!!

A song, a song, high above the trees...

Melody gave me an award! It's taken me forever to get my act together and post about it, but better late than never (I feel like I use that phrase a lot... Wonder if it would do any good to add "Quit procrastinating" to my list of New Year's Resolutions?)

"This blog invests and believes the in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Here are the bloggers I am giving this award to!

Georgie @ Decisionally Challenged

Debby @ Life's Funny Like That

DamamaT @ DaMama's at it Again!!

Jeana @ Days to Come

FADKOG @ For A Different Kind of Girl

SteenkyBee

Jay @ Halftime Lessons

Fox @ CoppersFox

There are so many worthwhile blogs in my reader, and I could have come up with at least 20 more to give this award to.

Have a Happy Monday...

Faithful friends who are dear to us...

My friend Holly has a birthday today. Her birthday wish is to get 100 comments on her birthday post.

If you're not already one of her readers, would you please head on over to her place today and wish her a Happy Birthday?? Please go give her some birthday love...

I would greatly appreciate it!!

Whisper what you'll bring to me; tell me if you can

Saturday, I took the boys (the little boys, Possum was invited, but politely declined) to see Santa at Mrs. Baird's Bakery. We've never gone there to see Santa before, but I'll never go anywhere else again. The folks at Mrs. Baird's REALLY know how to do it up right.

First, they have a giant tent set up, and inside, it's completely decorated. Santa's workshop displays line the walls, and smells of Cinnamon Toast filled the air.

Here's a picture of Monkey and Mater enjoying their free Cinnamon Toast. I didn't realize at the time, but in ALL of the Toast-eating photos I took, Mater had his eyes closed. I think he was just enjoying that food a little too much!!

Santa was amazing. Once the kids got up to see him, he spoke with them for a minute, posed for a picture, and gave them a package of powdered donuts from his pack.

More than once, I saw him straighten the skirt of a pretty dress as they placed a little girl in his lap, so that she would look just right in her picture. The lines weren't too long, and once we were done, the boys got their toast, and they had coloring pages and a craft activity for the kids to do. (Unfortunately, there were so many kids at the craft table, and I'm not comfortable posting pictures of other people's children.)

The only glitch in the whole day (other than the wind - Thank Heavens that they had it all set up inside the tent), was when we stopped off at PetSmart on our way home, where SANTA was there for pictures with pets. My smart boys, immediately wanted to know how Santa could be at this store, when we had just left the Bakery, and of course, I reminded them how Santa can't be everywhere at once, so he has helpers that work for him, speaking with kids, and taking pictures with pets, etc...

Later that day, while the boys were telling their Grammy all about Santa, she mentioned that SHE used to go see Santa at the Bakery when she was a little girl, so I guess Mrs. Baird's has been bringing in Santa for quite a few years.

I certainly hope they keep it up, I haven't had this great an experience going to see Santa since I was a little girl!!

And every mother's child is going to spy,

I know, my titles don't have anything to do with my posts, but I'm using lines from some of my favorite carols for titles this month. Bonus points for you if you can name all the carols. If you save up enough of those points, you can get you a big fat cup o' squat.

Sorry. Sunshine bonus points just aren't worth what they used to be.

***************************
Anyway, on to my point - I'm quite sure that I had one...

Melody from Merrie Melody tagged me - And I'm just now getting around to it!!

Here are the rules:
• Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules in your post.
• Share seven random/weird facts about yourself.
• Tag seven random people and link to their blogs.
• Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment in their blog.

So here goes:

1)I joined a sorority in college (the first time). I pledged, but wasn't initiated. I spent NO time studying, and took my butt back home after one semester to go to community college.

2) Speaking of the first time I was in college, I started out as an Advertising Art major. I wanted to make TV commercials. What I didn't consider was that Art may not have been the best major for me, considering I can't draw a conclusion.

3) I love to eat bananas and fritos - together

4) I grew up eating rabbit on a regular basis. We were weird about it, too. We would call our meals 'Lucky and dumplins' or 'Chicken Surprise'. If you ever had dinner at my house while we were in elementary school, there's a good chance we had rabbit for dinner - and didn't tell you about it. I'm really sorry about that.

5) I am addicted to crunching ice, popping bubble wrap, and Dr. Pepper. (Not necessarily in that order)

6) I once worked in a strip club for four months. As a bartender.

7) I played bass drum on the drum line in high school... For the last two years, anyway. The year before that I was on the color guard, and my Freshman year, I just marched my clarinet.


I tag:

I'm going to be a rebel - If you are interested in being tagged, consider it done. Leave a comment letting me know if you want to play along. I would love to read your list!

Christmas is coming...

I got a present in the mail from my Secret Santa. Georgie, at Decisionally Challenged had the idea to do a Secret Santa Soiree this year. So, I signed up - and my present arrived a few weeks ago, but I'm a super huge slacker, and I forgot to bring my camera home, then I forgot to bring my presents to work, then I couldn't find the cord that would put the pictures on the computer and on and on and on.

FINALLY, I got my act together, and I present for your viewing pleasure, my Secret Santa gifts!

There was this little package.

And inside was this



And these (My favorite candies!!!)


And these. (It's a Salt & Pepper shaker set - I collect them)



And this book.
I've only just begun to read it, but so far, I really like it!!

And this candle
(It's hard to see in the picture, but it's a super yummy Sparkling Cranberry candle!)


Thank you, Secret Santa!! I LOVE my presents!



=====================
Coming soon: My dear friend Melody has tagged me AND given me an award. I will be posting both of those soon, I promise!!


=====================
Mater asked a about a week ago, what I wanted for Christmas, and I responded "I have everything I want, Baby, your daddy, you and your brothers and your sister. I don't need anything at all.

He said "Mom, you always say that"

Because it's always true, my love...

Conversations, Part - whatever...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K

Or not.
(I just love throwing movie quotes into my everyday conversations.)

Anyway...

Time for another giveaway post.

This one is a big one, and you will be glad you got in on it!!

Head on over to The Lil' Peanut Patch and enter their 12 Days of Christmas at the Patch. THey are having TWELVE (Yes, 12) days of giveaways, and two lucky people will each get to win half of those prizes. Yes, you heard that right. One person will win 6 prizes, and one will win the other six prizes.

One catch - You have to enter ALL the giveaways to be entered, so be sure to get moving over to the The Lil' Peanut Patch to read the rules, enter and win!!

In other news...

There have been lots of goings-on in the Land of Eternal Sunshine lately. I took off all of last week (and most of the weeks prior -heehee) for the Holiday and to rejuvenate my mind (or something), but I will be getting back on the ball very soon. I have awards to mention (and give away), contests that have been won, a very spectacular Secret Santa shimpent arrived, and more!!

Oh - and my nephew, the Tater-Tot (formerly known as N, or Nigel) informed my Sister that he wanted to make Christmas gifts. She's asked for ideas, and I haven't come up with anything age-appropriate yet. Please head on over to her blog and leave some ideas. They will be most appreciated!

I'll leave you with this - A little late for Thanksgiving, but appropriate for the time of year.

Sunday, we were at the airport to pick up Possum from his vacation to his Mom's house. As Monkey, Mater and I were waiting for Budman to go get him, I pointed out a soldier walking through the terminal. Monkey shouted out "Hi Soldier!!" The man smiled and waved at the boys, and we smiled back. Then Monkey shouted "Thank you for all you do for our country!" I got a little teary-eyed... Sometimes my kids really surprise me.

I don't know if the young man heard Monkey's thank you, but I hope so, and I want to say a special thanks to all of our servicemen and women.

FINALLY - The Weekend Update

Just not the one I promised three or four weekends ago.

First things first: (It seems like I say that a lot...) The work drama. My company informed me Tuesday that my position is being eliminated, and my duties are being transferred to our corporate office several states away (Not just me, they're doing the same with all 3 of the positions in our little corner of the department). I will be staying on until Mid-January to assist with the transition, then will be (hopefully) starting another position. I'm not sure yet whether there will be another job for me with this company, or if I will be working elsewhere. (Actually, there's a lot that I'm not sure of at the moment)

This was somewhat of a shock for us, but I'm really OK with it. I've been feeling overwhelmed and a little burned out in this position, so I think a change will do me some good. I also know that God will take care of me.

On to the weekend. Friday, I took off work to accompany Monkey's class on a field trip to Casa Manana Theatre. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it immensely. When I took off to go on Mater's field trip last month, I didn't know any of the other mothers, and felt a little out of place. Fortunately, Monkey has FOUR other Cub Scouts in his class, and all their mothers came along, so I had a few familiar faces, and people to talk to. Not that you would know it, but I'm a little shy, and it's hard for me to jump in and strike up conversations. It was a fun day, even if we did eat lunch in the freezing cold* at the park. Brrr.

That afternoon, I took Possum to the airport so that he could go see his mother for the holiday.

Saturday was what the boys and I call a pajama day. They stayed in their footie PJs all day, we played and watched TV, played Cranium Cadoo and snuggled under blankets A LOT. Saturday afternoon, they put on clothes and BEGGED to play outside. It had warmed a little, so they got to play until dark. Oh - and I did lots of laundry. You're jealous, aren't you? Of the glamorous life I lead...

Sunday, the boys skipped off to church with Grandma, and Budman and I headed to the grocery store. When we got back to the house, Monkey headed off for his "best friend's" birthday party, and Budman and I made 10 jars of dill pickles in the afternoon, Mater and I played A LOT of board games, and did some puzzles. I also (finally) got to work on Christmas Presents. I'm making a lot of gifts this year, I can't tell you what I made, though, because SOME PEOPLE who read this blog might see it.

So, there it is, my weekend in a nutshell, not terribly interesting, but then that's life!!


*Yes, I know that to you ladies and gentlemen up North, I'm a gigantic wussy, but it was 37 degrees when i left the house that morning, and it did not warm up much all morning, in fact, it never got above 48 all day.

When it rains...

In addition to the blog changing/moving fiasco debaucle adventure, I'm dealing with a crappeload of work drama, I promise I will update and such soon.


In the meantime, not to sound like a broken record, but...

Don't forget about my friend Holly, Anglophile Football Fanatic. She's donating her November ad revenue to Food for the Poor. Every click counts, so do me a big favor, and help her out!

Day FOUR of her giveaway is today, and people, it just keeps getting better. There will only be one more this week, so get yourself on over there, and get in on the fun...

Please head on over to her place, and enter her contest.

Stop by to visit Copper's Fox, she's got a funny story about my nephew, Tater-tot, and Mater.

Also, don't forget about my friend Holly, Anglophile Football Fanatic. She's donating her November ad revenue to Food for the Poor. Every click counts, so do me a big favor, and help her out!

Day TWO of her giveaway is today, and people, it is awesome. There will a giveaway every day this week.

Please head on over to her place, and enter her contest.