Fragmentation

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! No, we haven't had snow, but in my head we're having a white Christmas. Yeah, I know. I'm crazy, but I'm all about the decorating this year. I've also had this song running through my head.

You're welcome.

What is with children and sofa cushions? It is apparently impossible for my children to play in the living room without removing ALL of the cushions from BOTH sofas. On the plus side, the dog likes to eat the dust encrusted fruit snacks and pieces of popcorn that seem to multiply like rabbits in the crevices, and our change jar has grown a bit heavier.

You know those days when you want to run away and join the circus? In a week I'll be about as close as I'll ever be. Ringling Bros. is in town and we're going to sell the boys to the clowns.

Not really. The clowns said they'd take the big one but the little one scared them a bit. I told them they came as a package.

They said the deal was off.

So we're just going to watch. I'll let you know how it goes.

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Today I received a package.

It came with a pedigree.

And a declaration.

I unwrapped the plain brown paper to find this.

See the cute little "postage stamp"?

I opened the box...

(I know you can't see a picture here, but it was the sweetest little wrap job you ever saw. Brown paper package tied with a string!)

And it is my pleasure to present the newest addition to the Diva Family,
Miss Beatrice Monkey!

The amazingly talented and creative Sian was SO wonderful to work with! She enclosed Beatrice's story on a little card:

Beatrice juggles the hectic life of working monkeyhood, raising her three monkeycubs alongside authoring five novels, one of which made the Monkey Times Bestseller List 2008. She also finds the time to act as Patron to several charities close to her heart, overseeing the organisation of two annual charity dinners which raise much-needed funds and publicity for sock monkeys in need.

Her tiara and briefcase are removable, for when she's just kicking back with the family. I absolutely LOVE her! She's bound to have some wonderful adventures!

While We Wait

...to hear of Monkey's next great adventure, I just had to share an announcement about one of Monkey's newest sisters!

While some of you may have seen her on the amazing Sian's Etsy Store, I'm waiting to post her official debut until she makes her way across the pond.



I'm so excited about the newest addition to the Diva family. Of course, because I have my own boys, I requested a girl for adoption. She's a Diva, so she'll fit in nicely. Her name is Beatrice.

Beatrice juggles the hectic life of working monkeyhood, raising her three monkeycubs alongside authoring five novels, one of which made the Monkey Times Besteseller List 2008. She also finds the time to act as patron to several charities close to her heart, overseeing the organisation of two annual charity dinners which raise much needed funds and publicity for sock monkeys in need.

Can't wait to introduce her to you all when she arrives!

There's No Place Like Home

Even though it's a far cry from Winnipeg, Annapolis may just come close! Maybe he clicked his heels three times, maybe the Monkey-napper finally got it together, or maybe our Monkey is a LOT more adept than we give him credit for!

Monkey is back on his trip.

And if that weren't exciting enough, Lisagh says we should all be sure and visit the Garage today for some REALLY big news!

***EDITED TO ADD: Don't forget about my big 300th Post Week of Giveaways starting a week from today, 11/27!!

Monkey-Napper!

Maybe you remember our visitor from last May. The friendly little Canadian Simian whose Mommy sent him on a trip across the USA.

He'd made quite a few stops and visited some fabulous places.

Unfortunately, he's missing.

That's right. He's been MONKEY-NAPPED! And we're all just devastated, especially little people like Sophie, who was so looking forward to hosting Monkey in California. Or big people like Trish, who was hoping to show Monkey the wonders of Florida.

But the most bummed of all is Lisagh, Monkey's Mommy. She's a wonderful, trusting soul, who's probably now a bit jaded about the whole very cool concept.

Hopefully Monkey's captor will see that a ton of people out there are sad and willing to help get Monkey back, even if it means sending money to pay for the postage or even meeting her somewhere to pick him up!

Please send Monkey back! We miss him!

When We Last Left Our Hero...

...he was headed off to school with SS#1. He had a great time teaching all of the second graders how to spell his hometown and teaching them all about Canada. He also enjoyed a school lunch of a ham sandwich, baby carrots and some cake as a snack.
After school, we took a trip to the park. Monkey was thrilled to hear there would be monkey bars.
Unfortunately, this isn't the kind of hanging around the monkey bars that he had in mind.
Fortunately, his buddy jumped in and gave him a little ride in the stroller.

The rest of the evening was pretty quiet,but Monkey enjoyed some authentic homemade Mexican food. He wished that fried plantains were on the menu, but gnoshed on chicken tacos, red rice and refried beans. Yum!

Thursday dawned bright and early and Monkey accompanied me to work. Our monkey grew up so quickly. It seems like only yesterday he was in second grade and now he's off to...COLLEGE!

Yes, that's right, Monkey decided to check out the campus life. He was really the B.M.O.C. (Big Monkey on Campus) as he checked out the bookstore.

Unfortunately, Monkey-sized clothing was in short supply. Then he saw a business opportunity.
Fortunately a few kind coeds told Monkey exactly how much money those pricey college texts will get you.

If you look carefully, you'll see the little wings on Monkey's chest. He was so excited to be made an honorary Flyer, that he wondered if he'd be able to fly this to his next stop in Michigan.
He was disappointed to discover that this particular aircraft was grounded and only used for class instruction.
He decided that he'd attend class on his next Monkey Tour.

After all that touring, Monkey needed a break, so he grabbed a seat outside and caught up on campus news.
Today, his last day in town, was no less packed with activities. Monkey had his first visit to the dentist. He was a little nervous, but the friendly hygienist Tina really made him feel comfortable. She showed him how to brush carefully and told him to keep up the good work as he travelled.
Monkey did so well at the dentist that we decided to take a little drive. Monkey got to see the official state flower of Illinois...
The construction barrel! He was surprised to see so many of them as he "got his kicks".
That's right. It winds from Chicago to L.A., and right through Romeoville--Historic Route 66! Monkey was so excited to travel down this road, and even more excited to see Jake and Ellwood!
We took a break from our drive to check out a roadside attraction in nearby Joliet.

Monkey's excited to move on to his next stop, but not before a relaxing dinner tonight and good night's sleep. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Tour!

Friday Follies

Monkey is having an absolute blast with the Diva Family. The Manimal and SS#1 have regular arguments over who gets to entertain their guest. Stay tuned later today to hear his escapades of the last two days, including authentic Mexican food, a trip to the dentist, his ride down Historic Route 66 and how Monkey became an honorary Flyer! :)

He's Here! He's Here!

Our favorite Canadian Simian arrived safely at the Diva Household yesterday and didn't seem too much the worse for wear. After some acclimation, he went straight for the bananas. He was thrilled to see that we'd prepared well for his visit.

The Manimal immediately claimed Monkey as his own.
Unfortunately, he was very perplexed as to where the rest of Monkey's socks were. He felt that the other appendages must be cold, since they didn't have the nice warm fuzzy socks.
After his trip, Monkey was content to watch a bit of after-school television with The Manimal (especially since other animals were the subject!).

Later we discovered that Monkey had a knack for spelling, as he helped Sweet Son #1 with his homework. Of course, anyone who can spell W-I-N-N-I-P-E-G, M-A-N-I-T-O-B-A is sure to be a spelling bee champion.

Monkey was thrilled to find out that he'd be enjoying some "local cuisine" for dinner, as we introduced him to the Chicago Hot Dog. No ketchup on this dog, thankyouverymuch. Just mustard, chopped tomatoes and a bit of celery salt. Monkey enjoyed his hot dog dinner immensely.
After a long day of travel, Monkey was pretty exhausted. We'd set up the guest room for him, but he chose to bunk with his new best bud and some other friends he'd made. We had our story and it was time to snuggle down for the night.

Sweet Dreams!

Next....Monkey is headed off to second grade with SS#1, and because of his academic prowess, will head right to college!

He's Coming! He's Coming!

Heard from Meg that Monkey has safely (and sadly) left The Little Cottage and is on his way to the Diva Household. Woo-hoo! Don't worry, Monkey, you'll have fun here! :)