The End and A Beginning

I know 2009 wasn't the best year for a lot of people. I, myself, had my share of heartache..pay cuts, passing of friends, friends having multiple miscarriages, words that cut me to the very core of who I am.I am sure there are many more but when I stop and really think it over, all I can remember are the good times. New friends, a cake business, weight loss, an amazing boyfriend, family dinners, the announcement of a new nephew on the way, hugs and kisses from my nieces and nephews, coffee dates..the list could go on. To me, the blessings seem to outweigh the trials. I had a great year and that may be an exception to the norm for 2009 but I wonder..does some of that have to do with how we look at things?

To those who had a very rough year, I am sorry for all you went through. I am sure each of you feel like you have barely survived the year. I am by no means trying to down play what you have gone through. But take one thing in 2009 that was a blessing and think on that. Don't let satan, dark powers, bad karma (whatever you believe in) rule your life and make you despise 2009. End this year on a positive note in spite of the fact that has it chewed you up and spit you out, beaten you up,shaken your faith, pushed you to your limits and broken your heart. Look forward to 2010 and expect good things. (and I hope none of you are offended by all of that)

I'm not big on resolutions but I do have a few goals. I am thinking I may even set one goal for each month. So for January 2010 my goal is to get back on my weight loss track and start moving towards losing that last 20lbs.

Let me know one (or more)thing in 2009 that you are thankful for and what is one goal you have for 2010?

Birthday Surprises

Hands Down, I had the best birthday EVER this year. Not only did my family throw me a surprise party, my amazing boyfriend cooked up an extra special surprise of his own. Of course I had to wait until the DAY of my birthday to learn what the suprise was. He made sure he brought it up daily as to drive me just a bit more crazy each time.

We planned on going to church that morning and we even made there, took our seats. I tried to patiently look at the bulletin but my mind was racing. I wasn't going to find out what the surprise was until we were on our way to wherever. Jared finally looked at me and said " we can go now if you want." I tried to shrug it off with an "only if you want to" but my inner 5-year old was saying " oh please,oh please, oh please can we go now". I finally said that I wanted to go early so we ditched church and got on the road to.. well, where ever we were going. I know ,I know..sinners! But honestly I wouldn't have been able to pay attention anyway.

Off we went to an unknown destination. Once we got on the 8, the thought briefly went through my head that we were going to Sea World. Then Jared told me to stay on the 8 and that really threw me off. I always take the 5 North to Sea World. In the end we did go to Sea World.

I was like a bouncy little kid. I have an annual pass but I hadn't been in a while and I was dying to go with Jared. I couldn't get the smile off my face! Apparently that wasn't the only surprise he had up his sleeve. A couple hours in,I was nearly begging to know what the other surprise was. Of course he couldn't just tell me. He made me guess. So I grabbed the map and looked at all there was to do. Took me a couple guesses but I finally asked if we were having dinner w/ Shamu. He said yes and I am not sure how but my smile got even bigger. I even started to cry. When did I become such a girl that I cry "happy tears"? I was overwhelmed by the effort he had put into making this birthday perfect for me.

Dinner was super yummy. Our table was right next to the water and Shamu hung out right next to us for almost the whole evening. The only times he wasn't next to us was when the trainer sent him off to do a trick. It was amazing and somewhat intimidating to see him that close. Literally 5-6ft away from Jared and I. I had to remind myself not to reach out and try to pet him.

See how close we are to the water?.. AWESOME!

This is taken from the chair I was sitting in. I DIDN'T zoom in with my camera


The trainers warn you that Dine with Shamu is a 24-Hour splash zone but they won't give the whale any signals to splash. Occasionally the large aquatic mammal will decide to do its own thing. I thought for sure I would be drenched in 52 degree salt water by the end of dinner. Much to my amazement, no one got splashed. The day went off without a hitch or mishap until I knocked my coffee over in true shannon a.k.a "grace in motion" fashion. My first thought was that I startled Mr. Shamu and I would have a frightened killer whale 6 feet from where I was standing. Visions of Free Willy flashed in my head. You know, the part where he gets upset and rams into the plexiglass wall... scary stuff. This particular whale weighed 5000 lbs. I'm not a whale expert but I am thinking it would hurt if he bit you. Rest assure Shamu did not attack.

We did just about everything there.Tide pools, shamu show, aquariums,Sharks, dolphins and even spent a long while cracking up at the sea lions and their antics.

It was a really amazing day followed by the 3 words I have been waiting 6 months to hear. "I Love You". Thanks, Jared, for a perfect birthday! I love you with all of my heart and then some!

Four Christmases

No,not the movie. Four actual Christmases! Well, 5 if you count the little one Jared and I did with just us. Thankfully each little Christmas was done on a different day.

Christmas #1: December 23. Dinner w/Jared and his friends.

I thought I was done w/ the whole "meeting my peeps" thing but I was mistaken. We had dinner with Jared's friends Amber,her parents Holly and Eddie, and Kyle and Greg. We had homemade Tamales, Refried Beans and Rice. I pretty much died and went to mexican food heaven! Have you ever had homemade refried beans? Holy Toledo that is some good eating! There are no words to describe those Tamales.. ohh my mouth is watering just thinking about them.

Jared's friends were super nice and made me feel welcomed. I won't lie, I was nervous. These are people that have been in Jared's life for years and know everything about him. Their opinion matters. It was a really fun night and I think I passed the test.

Christmas #1.5: December 24. The LaTour's

I had a special gift for my best friend and her family so I went upto their house Christmas Eve morning to drop it off. We had a good time hanging out in our jammies and chatting over coffee. Man, I love this family!


Christmas #2: December 24. Appetizers @ Grandma Loretta's HouseAfter the Christmas Eve service at church we headed to Jared's Granmda's house. I haven't had the chance to get to know the Moon side of the family really. It was nice to hang out with them and chat for a while. It was a relaxed evening with appetizers, plenty of joking around and some really beautiful Christmas Trees! Jared's Grandma had a tree in each room of her house. Well, except the bathroom.. I don't know that for sure because I didn't go in there during our visit. I am a little jealous of those trees. Some day I will have a house where I have little trees in different rooms, alldifferent themes. jared's second cousin, Amy, was the youngest there and she tore into those gifts like they were on fire. It was adorable. She was so excited and I loved watching her eyes light up when she opened her little sewing machine.


Christmas #3: December 25. Lunch at Uncle Pete's House.

We cruised up to Encinitas to join Lynn's side of the family at Pete's house. There were about a million kinds of cookies and goodies on the table. I know what you are thinking though..Shannon got her baking on. But, I DIDN'T DO IT! It was Lynn.. she did it! Somehow I managed to make only two desserts. It's a miracle, I know. There were appetizers, cookies, brownies, and sandwhich fixings. Sooo yummy! Jared's cousin, Kasey, put on a little show for us. She played a few songs on her piano then sang a couple. She started singing "Silent Night". The words hit her and she was moved to tears. Heck, I was moved to tears. The first Christmas without their grandpa.. It was tough for allof them. It was a beautiful day though. To top it off, the Chargers had a BIG win and it doesn't get much better than that!




Christmas #3.5: Just us at my house.

We exchanged gifts at my place that night and just hung out for a bit. I got a BEAUTIFUL heart necklace and I love it! I willprobably never take it off. It was a great way to end the day.. together, watching TV and just relaxing.

Christmas #4: December 26. My Parent's House.

My family is used to adjusting our schedules and celebrating holidays when everyone can be

together. We decided to have a Christmas breakfast and it turned out delicious!! Jimmy got there super early and started working on the french toast, Brian made his amazing sausage Gravy and biscuits and I made an Egg dish that I got from my best friends mom. It is so good.. I am craving it again. I may have to fire some up when I am done with this blog!

Of course there were a ton of gifts and the kids were being held at bay until after breakfast. When we finally unleashed them it was like a feeding frenzy of little sharks. If you were smart you would stay out of the way. Wouldn't want to lose a limb on Christmas!

All of us adult were anxiously awaiting the announcement of what gender Brian and Katie's baby is. My mom's reaction was priceless:

All in all it was an amazing holiday weekend. I had the best time at every event.I know most of you think I am crazy for saying this.. but can it be Christmas 2010 already? Here's Why:

1) Christmas decor is already up

2) SOOO much good food!

3) Many christmas celebrations with everyone I LOVE!

4) The new baby will be here

5) I am sooo happy right now, I don't want this feeling to end!

Hey Santa.

Looks like the jolly old man has competition this year. I'm just saying...

If any of you ever wonder why I work so much overtime, this is why. I love giving gifts! I know it isn't all about the gifts but this is just one more way I can show someone they are loved.

I've Been Had..

Baking Day. That's all it was supposed to be. The King Family women and some close friends. The boys would come by after a few hours of baking and "taste test" to make sure everything was up to par. Simple, right?

Homemade twix were done, cake balls were in the refrigerator cooling, toffee on the stove was well on its way to "hard crack" status. So there I was, minding my own business and watching a pot of sugary and buttery goodness start to boil.

When from the doorway arose with a clatter I turned around to see what was the matter. A brother with cake and candles, a boyfriend with balloons and hats and another brother with pizza and even more people in tow to boot. My first though? Oh.Dear.God.

From there everything was a blur. The guys rushing at me, people shouting "Surprise" and I think some people started singing "Happy Birthday". I honestly don't know everything that was going on. Jared slapped this stupid lovely hat on top of my head. I tried to be a good sport. You can tell from my face just how much I loved that birthday hat...

I was trapped in the corner trying desperately to blow out trick candles...

and inhaling smoke from said trick candles...

Did I mention they used trick candles?

Cuz they did.

Thanks for that big brothers. I must say they got what was coming to them though. Those candles would NOT go out. Brian had to grab a wet towel and Jimmy was trying to put out the flames with his fingers.

I quickly ditched the Birthday hat and finished up the toffee and cake balls. Before I knew it cards and gifts were handed to me and of course the hat was back. I had to wear that g-a-w-d aweful thing while I opened my gifts.

The guys don't look proud of themselves at all for pulling this off, do they.

The best part for everyone is that I was the one that sent out the invitations to the Holiday Baking Party and I organizer who was going to bring what appetizers. In the end I sent out my own birthday party invites and made food for my own party. Real funny. I'm still laughing. Really, I am.

They got me good this year. All joking aside, I am so thankful for a family that loves me enough to plan such a great party. Thanks everyone! It was a great day indeed.

You never know..

Some may think I got a little overboard with the Christmas Cards I send out. That might be the case but I love doing it. The letter I got in the mail today was yet another reminder of why I send them out.. even to people I haven't talked to all year.

" Hi Shannon- I received your christmas card. Believe it, yours was the only christmas card I got so far for 2009. I always look forward to reading your newsletter outlining the important events during the year. it is so nice hearing from a wonderful friend."

So you see, you never know whose life you may touch. You may be that one tiny piece of holiday cheer someone receives. You may be the only person that reaches out to that lonely soul.

My Grown Up Christmas List

My best friend, Jessica, wrote a blog listing everything she would like her little family to do this holiday season. Her own "advent" calendar of sorts. I loved the idea so I am aquiring it for myself :)


The holidays are so full of hustle and bustle. I want to stop and really enjoy the holidays. So if I get my way, here are things I want to do this holiday season. Some things listed are the same as Jess. Some have already been accomplished and some I would like to do.


1. Drive around and look at christmas lights
2. Decorate Christmas Cookies
3. Get kissed under mistletoe
4. Give to someone in need
5. Watch the Christmas classics: Rudolph, The Grinch, Frosty, The Peanuts etc
6. Send out Christmas cards to friends and family
7. Stand in the falling snow
8. Make a gingerbread house w/ my nieces and nephew
9. Vistit Christmas Card and Candy Cane Lanes
10. Sit w/ the lights out and only the Christmas tree lit.
11. Wrap christmas gifts adorned w/ beautiful ribbons and bows
12. Fulfill a Christmas wish for someone else
13. Be extra super-duper kind to every person working retail during the holidays. Even if they aren't the friendliest to me.
14. Read the Christmas story in the Bible
15. Go to Disneyland to see everything decorate for christmas
16. Decorate my Christmas tree
17. Fill stockings for everyone at my parent's house
18. Take a family picture
19. Take time to remember all of the blessins from 2009
20. Take a picture w/ Jared

Just as Jess asked her readers, I will ask mine... What kind of activities and traditions do you enjoy during Christmas/Holidays?

New Traditions

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. Okay, so its my favorite holiday. An old friend of mine once said "being single is one thing but being single during the holidays is a whole new level of loneliness". Wow. I don't know about you but I have felt that way so many times in my life that I have lost count.

I've always ejoyed lighting some Gold Canyon Spruce and Citrus candles, turning on some christmas music and decorating my tree. The only problem was doing it alone. Not only do you have to fight to keep your lips from quivering and the tears from welling up in your eyes because the loneliness is so strong you can barely breathe, you have no one to admire the tree with you when it is done. There's also the problem with wrapping the lights, beads or ribbon around the thing. I don't know about you, but my arms have no resemblence to those of stretch armstrong therefore I have to wrap around the front, toss them around the back and jump to the other side to continue the chain around the diameter of the tree. Not an easy task when you're running solo.

This year it was a different story. I have a man in my life that has changed everything. Brought me more joy than I could have ever hoped or prayed for. During a week that I know his heart was breaking due to the loss of his Grandpa, he still chose to spend an evening with me decorating the tree and watching Christmas movies.

It was a perfect evening. We had a little dinner, turned on some Christmas tunes and set out to decorate. I loved every minute. Poor guy even hung in there while my OCD tendencies kicked in and I rearranged the ornaments numerous times as to avoid same shape, size, color and pattern would not be right next to eachother. We danced around and sang to goofy and the not so goofy songs. I thought for sure I would get made fun of for having Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas is You" on my play list. Much to my surprise he knew the song and even admitted to liking it. (yes babe I just threw you under the bus :) ). We snuggled and watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer(eventhough the sound his nose makes is somewhat disturbing), Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Three of my all-time favorite Christmas movies!

As if the evening hadn't been wonderful enough, Jared suggests that we make this our own Christmas tradition. Yes!yes! yes! absolutely yes we will.

Dear (insert name here)

Christmas cards. I love them. I love everything about them... Choosing,Writing,Sending, Receiving, Taping them to the back of my door like my mom does.

Towards the end of November I begin the hunt for the perfect Christmas Cards. Of course, I can't just pick one type of card. I have to have variety. Some religious, some funny, some sweet and warm-fuzzy feeling.

Then there's the list. I know the general rule is to only send to people you get cards from. I can't do that though. I like sending them to basically everyone I know. Well, everyone I know that I have an address for atleast. This year I tried to cut back. Its is a lot of writing, stamping, envelope licking and labeling. Regardless, I love it. I may write a simple little note in the bottom of each but each one is meant from the bottom of my heart.

This year I sent out about 20-25 less than normal. So how does one make the cut? It is a tough choice actually. I mostly base it on whether or not I have been in contact with that person through out the year, if I got one from them the previous year and if I have their correct address. Grand total sent out this year was 85. Not too bad.

Then there's one of the funnest parts.. racing my mom to see who can get their cards/letters mailed out first. For the first time, in I don't know how long, I won! I got them in the mail the first week of December. Woohoo!

The Blues

Ever feel like you can't get anything right? That's me right now. Work, friendships.. I seem to be messing things up right and left. Especially work. It feels like I get talked to for stupid things.. all.the.time. Most of the things are not my fault but other things I open my mouth and instantly it makes things worse. How is this possible? Some days I really question if I am cut out for that job. I love it and I enjoying working with most everyone there but it has been so frustrating lately. I'm doing my best to hang on but some days I really feel like I am sinking.

The most I can do for now is hold onto my faith and keep pressing on. easier said than done on most days.

Mix Ups

I've been thinking about making my honey a fleece tie blanket for some time now. It gets horrifically cold in his room and what better way to warm up than a soft, snuggly blanket from your significant other. Right? Glad we are in agreement on that.

When I was visiting him last week I noticed a fleece tie blanket laying on a ottoman. I knew I hadn't made it so I asked who made it for him. Much to my dismay it was from an ex-girlfriend. If you know anything about me you know I am not a terribly jealous person. Most everyone has an ex out there and it's no big deal, really. This, however, was not my exact opinion at that moment. Truthfully, had she been in the room I probably would have clawed her eyes out. Hey, don't judge me.. I am sure she is a perfectly nice person (yet clearly lacking some intelligence for letting this amazing man go). I just hated the fact that he has a blanket from her. To him it is simply one way to stay warm during the winter. Although I do fear(stupid self esteem issues) deep down that he thinks about her when he is using it. My "thinking about" making him a blanket went straight to " I need to get to JoAnns ASAP for some fleece". I told him he didn't have to get rid of it. Instead I offered some alternatives:
1) I will make two new blankets and burn that one
2) He can use it but the blanket I make has to be between him and that blanket
3) Give it to the dog... I'm sure he is cold this winter too

I did make it to JoAnns to pick out some better looking than that stupid blanket new fleece for blankets. Sometimes you need a second opinion when picking this stuff out. Choosing fabric isn't quite choosing an answer on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The whole Phone a Friend option doesn't work. The only option is engaging in conversation with random strangers. Heidi (yes, we were on a first name basis) and I threw ideas back and forth for a while. I headed to the cut table and grabbed a number. Being in the holiday spirit I grabbed a second number for my new fleece searching friend. I went back and handed it off to her then waited for my number to be called. Of course now that Heidi and I were old friends we did everything together. Waited in line, chatted and found out we have some mutual friends, shared fleece colors and they even cut our fleece at the same time. Funny as it is we also checked out at the same time.

My total was a bit higher than I had mentally calculated so while I was walking to my car I was checking my receipt. "Deer in meadow"...wait...Chargers Fleece, Plaid, Teal... I didn't get any fleece with deer. I looked closer and sure enough, half of Heidi's order was on my ticket. Somehow the ladies at the cut table mixed up their little scanner deals. Thankfully Heidi was walking across the parking lot so I waved her down and explained what happened. We marched back inside and demanded it be fixed. OK OK.. we didn't do it quite like that. We politely explained the situation to the sales clerks and they graciously fixed our receipts. I ended up paying $40 less than my original bill. Awesome!

Thanksgiving.. Day 2

My family celebrates holidays when everyone nis available. Sometimes that means Christmas a week late or Thanksgiving the day after. This year it happens that we celebrated Thanksgiving the day after. It was our biggest celebration yet. I think we had about 25-30 people. It was crazy but so much fun.

I think we went way a tad overboard with the food though. Not keeping in mind that everyone generally takes a smaller portion of each dish, we all made double. Of everything. Two hams, two turkeys, three dishes of stuffing, two kinds on cranberry sauce, two kinds of rolls, two dishes of green bean casserole..you get the point. Needless to say there was a little bit of left overs ;)

Of course no holiday is complete without a sufficient amount of embarassing comments made by my loving and adoring older siblings. Once again, thanks for making me turn bright red multiple times in one evening. I am sure everyone (but me) enjoyed that.

From what I can remember I didn't do anything too clumsy or crazy. Multiple kids fell in the mud but I managed to stay away from that portion of the back yard. A miracle, I know. It was a fantastic day. I love my family and all of our get togethers. We may be a little crazy but we have so much fun!