Tuesday, April 21, 2009

T'was the Night Before...

Claudia here. What fun would it be if we spared you all the behind-the-scenes mayhem?

So late last night, I decide I should call whichever of my other teammates was responsible for writing this morning's post. There are, after all, lots of prizes to be given away today and I wanted to make sure, whose ever day it was, that she made room for a list of winners in her post.

Call Katie. She sounds like #$%!. I ask her if Tuesday is her day. "No." she coughs into the phone. I tell her she sounds horrible and to go back to bed. Then it occurs to me there's too much noise in the background for her to have been asleep. "What are you doing?," I asked. "Watching Eight is Great." (or whatever the name of that crazy show is). "You should be at home asleep. You're sick." "Thanks, mom." she says lovingly. We hang up.

Next Heather. Pick up the phone to begin dialing. Heather goes to sleep early (beauty sleep, you know), so I'm already pushing it at 9:10 our time. Realize I can't remember her number off the top of my head. Blame it on my dyslexia. It's some combination of 7s, 4s, and 3s. I know that because, of course... 4+3 = 7! No. We're not going back to Las Vegas. After a few tries, BINGO. "Heather, are you... It's me, isn't it? I just called to ask who is writing tomorrow and suddenly I realized it's me! Gotta go."

Phew, I made it. Here I am! Cheryl, you were spared.

It's a good thing today is mine, because I have a lot to say.

Santa was a hit! By hook or crook, with many irons in the fire, and lots of grace under pressure (ask Katie about the saying one day. She'd love to explain) my halls were decked and we were ready for Santa to arrive for Matthew's Birthday party. A quick review for the party planners in us all. And, if you're just tuning in you should know my son, Matthew, decided at Christmas that he was going to invite Santa to his birthday party.

Borrowed artificial Christmas tree from my in-laws. Pre-lit. It was perfect. Easy Peasie. Threw on some garland, ornaments, candy canes, and a few other chatchka. Holiday decorations adorned the mantle and were carefully placed in other visible parts of the house. Christmas music was playing, a welcome banner for Santa and friends, and a cut-out snowman for "Pin the Carrot on Frostie." The table was set in red and green with cups, plates, and napkins picked up at the after-Christmas sales in January. Even stockings were stuffed - one for each child attending the party to take home as a goodie bag.

We were set.

But no decorations or goodie bag could have begun to have compete with the arrival of Santa! He was perfect (with the exception of showing up in his Honda Element, instead of his reindeer sled). His beard was authentic, his wire rim glasses were an impeccable replica, and even his girth was the real mccoy. As it turns out, this Santa was contracted with the Macy's Day parade for 10 years. He does all kinds of modeling and photo shoots for Christmas paraphernalia, catalogs, and the like. Who knew?

He walked in the door (no chimney) and immediately took command of the room. He knelt down and personally greeted Matthew who actually didn't seem all that vexed by the whole thing. Santa took Matthew by the hand and led him into our side porch where the Christmas tree was set up and began greeting all the children. Some kids jumped right in. Others who were uncertain held back a little bit. But, ALL were quick to come around when they realized Santa had his red velvet sack of toys in hand!

Presents were handed out to all the kids, a portion of a book was read, and each kid got to ask Santa a question. What's it like living in the North Pole? How do you get in when there is no fire place? Is it hot or cold in the North Pole? What are the elves doing right now? Where's Rudolph? What's your favorite kind of cookie (chocolate chip and snickerdoodles in case you're wondering)?

Forty minutes and Santa was in... had check in hand (which by the way, he donates 100% of to the Salvation Army and last year he donated over $150,000)... and was out. The whole thing seemed magical and I genuinely think the kids enjoyed themselves. At that moment I felt like I was in the act of creating the spirit of 218. And what better feeling is there?

Take a look at some of the pictures...

And while we're on the subject of Santa... we have some prizes to give away. Two solid weeks of giveaways is what we promised and so that's exactly what it will be.

Let's begin with Saturday's 218 t-shirt. And the winner is...
Chaotic.
Visit the GallaRay to select the Ray design you would most like to have on a t-shirt. Then, email me your preferred size (cbeeny@lslog.com) and we'll get your shirt off to you in less time than it took me to mail off Brian's. Promise).

Next. The second digital key chain. The winner was selected by Tera for generating an especially creative idea about how to use digital photos. And the winner is...
Melanie

The Wilton Brownie Fun book, for a reader who pitched in and tried to help rename Cheryl's tongue twister of a recipe. And the winner is...
Tera

And finally... to one of the people who became eligible for the William Sonoma Brownie pan by revisiting us yesterday after 4:20.... The winner is...
Kat
who was first to post at 4:29

As for the piggy bank... still counting. Stay tuned though.

Oh, and one more pic. What do you think Santa is telling her?!?... (read Heather's comment in the comment section for information about this question and today's prize!)
Signing off until tomorrow when who knows who will show up...

19 comments:

Chaotic Kristi said...

Sweet, I won a RAY!!! Maybe it is just because I like bad boys, but I think he is SWEET!! I like him as HemmingRay the best. And, it is April 21st, my RAK day! Actually, all 21sts are the day, but this was the inspiration for the day!

War broke out in Gonzales on October 2, 1835, when Mexican troops attempted to confiscate a cannon from Texas settlers. Waving a banner that read, "Come And Take It," the Texans defeated the Mexicans. The Texas Revolution lasted from that October until the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston and his Texas forces defeated Mexican troops at the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the Texas Revolution's decisive battle and lasted a short 18 minutes. Houston attacked the Mexicans during the afternoon while Santa Anna, the Mexican president, was taking his siesta.

Officials dedicated the San Jacinto Monument on April 21, 1939, to commemorate the battle that finally declared Texas independent from Mexico. The tower of the monument rises 570 feet, taller than either the Washington Monument of the Statue of Liberty. The 35 foot high star atop the tower is faced with three inch thick Texas Cordova shell limestone.

cassie p said...

he is saying..."youve been a very naughty girl this year; no presents for you!"

Heather @ HouseofShine.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heather @ HouseofShine.com said...

Yay Chaotic (and all the other winners)...Chaotic since your last treat was obviously lost in the mail we will add a little something to your Ray shirt package to make up for it!

Claudia last night made me laugh out loud and this morning made me laugh at loud when I saw Cheryl's picture...

But wait...the mayhem continues...we can't let the day go by without a fun contest for our readers to win a prize (after all a prize a day says Claudia!)

So that will be today's contest for a Derby prize (when I called Claudia this morning to point out the omission she said she'd do a Starbucks card to keep our readers warm as they celebrate Christmas with Matthew's party pictures)...

So,
Caption the picture of Cheryl with Santa and the best caption as deemed by Claudia's family tonight at dinner wins the Starbucks giftcard...GOOD LUCK!

Kat said...

The Christmas party looks like a hit! Fun times! I am so excited to win the brownie pan too! I think I will have to make a batch of Cupbrowookies (minus the cup)to bake in it.

maureen said...

Considering you are reading the caption to your family I have to think about this one. My original thought wasnt "kid friendly" LOL.....

Now knowing most people at the table will be kids I have to make it "funny".......

Im gonna sit on this for a few hours...

Hope you feel better Katie!
Have a great morning HLA!

Peggy said...

Very fun birthday party idea!!!

Caption:

(Think of this in the voice of Betty Boop, or Marilyn Monroe)

Ooops!!Honest Santa, I have no clue how Rudolph got a hold of my red lacy thong with bells on and a quote in front that says..."Santa's my man". However, they have been missing since Christmas Eve and there was this party at Claudia's where I had a little too much egg nog..... giggle snort giggle....

Cheryl Houston said...

HA! I love Santa!

My boys loved the party and since they can spot a fake Santa a mile away they were pretty amazed at seeing the REAL Santa! It helps that I still believe. :)

It was all a misunderstanding, Santa! I swear!

Katie said...

Sorry I could not be more help last night, Claudia- my calendar was in my car. I was watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 with some other friends while we waited for our Wii remotes to charge. Yes, I have my priorities straight! There are only 3 weeks of school left- I have to soak up every minute with friends...even if I am sick as a dog!

Lots of winners today...I love it.

Cheryl, that picture is hilarious!

Tera said...

YAY for a new baking book...I'm so excited :) Once I get to baking I forsee some of the brownies coming your way, HLA readers!

I've got to think on this caption, too!

Tera said...

FYI...today is FREE CONE DAY at Ben & Jerry's!

I know how much we all love ice cream so make sure you find a scoop shop near you and get your free ice cream cone!

Claudia said...

Hey everyone....

Congratulations to all the winners so far.

I suddenly thought to myself... where is Robin? We miss Robin. Someone help bring her to us.

o it by the end of the day and I'll send you a Starbucks card too.

By the way...Prize packaging day is Thursday and shipping day is Friday. Winners, look for your treats mid week next week.

Anonymous said...

It's great to be missed! I'm being a lurker with two books on my plate at the moment. I also hate to admit that I live in Louisville and despie the Derby. (ducks before the Brookies start flying)

I got to meet Laura this weekend for my prize from HLA and our photo shoot! You can see two of the photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakline/3459644789/in/photostream/And thanks to HEATHER for dragging my butt away, just as I finished my daily word count and before I ran back to the kids. I'm hiding out at the local Panera parking lot, getting the free wifi!

Cristine said...

What a fun party Claudia! I hope that Matthew had a blast.
We're gearing up for FU 40 and William's Bermuda Short Day Birthday Bash. Yikes two weekends in a row of parties. Nothing but fun in the Struble household.
Here's a comment Matt would like -
Santa said - "You know some of my best toys run on batteries."
Hopefully not too many people are offended.

Heather said...

Matt...you and Richard of two of a kind!

Robin, Glad to see you here...Claudia I promised Robin if she got on that I'd have the Starbucks card sent her way (with 8 kids and 2 books being written I think she needs the caffeine more than I do!)

Cheryl Houston said...

Why did I think all of Robin's kids were little? You have a spectacular crew, Robin! All gorgeous.

Well yes, Santa, I'm always sure to have lots of batteries on hand in case you forget to put them in the toy.... I have another comment but that's just too much TMI for this cute little blog.

Anonymous said...

Ooops! I pooted!

aka Peggy @@

Cheryl Houston said...

HAHAHAHAHA Peggy!

That phrase definetly would NOT come out of mouth!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the compliments!

My 17 yo acts like she's little...