I Saw Mommy Shake Down Santa Claus

Liz & Garth [not his real name] Christmas '09

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I attended his company's holiday party, last weekend and — although, this is our 21st Christmas — it's been a long time since we've attended a company party, together.

"Should we valet-it, tonight?"

We had no choice (no self-parking allowed) seriously, the banquet center is in a real swanky part of the county (I could very nearly spit to Bon Jovi's and Springsteen's house) but, everyone was allowed to bring a guest.

"I don't believe you've met my wife…"

Actually, we both knew only a handful of folks and there were, like, over 200
people there (no biggie, after BlogHer, I know) but, the atmosphere was that of 1 big happy family (mostly) and we ALL toasted my husband's upcoming 1st anniversary with The Kinder and Gentler Bank.

"Would you like another glass of Pinot Grigio?"

Did I mention, there was an open bar?

"I'll have the Chateau Briand, thank you!"

Needless to say, Garth [not his real name] and I were dressed to impress and enjoy ourselves (i.e. no sweatshirts, or hoodies allowed) as it was the 1st time that we've been out, together (sans children) in, like, weeks, months, um…what year is it, again?

"BUUUUUUT, YOU PROMISED TO TAKE ME TO THE MALL!"

Seriously, on a Saturday, at Christmas?

"Yes, you did."

I must have been high on Lysol, or something, but my husband also reminded me that, since our oldest was sleeping over someone else's house (about danged time, too) Heather kindly offered to sit the rest of our kids, for us.

"You take her and I'll take the rest to Five Below, or something."

Besides, it was Heather's turn for some private mommy time and, at 13, I'm just happy that she still, you know, admits that I am her mother, let alone agrees to be seen with me, in public.

"You can take my car!"

WHOOT!…[cue new car smell]…so, I kissed my husband (whispering, in his ear, something about looking forward to, well, you know, later) and we went our separate ways.

"No…toll…paid…what does that mean, Mom?"

[eyes go wide]

"I dunno, I thought the E-ZPass Lane was open and…OH, FRIG!"

Then, I remembered that I had my husband's car.

"Daddy doesn't have E-ZPass?"

Nope.  Aaaaand, I'd blown through 2 tolls, already, which cost my husband (does the math) $50.00 in tickets.

"Aaaand, we haven't even gotten to the mall, yet!"

So, I asked Heather to text her father what happened, hoping that it would give him enough time to, you know, get over it.

Then, he texted back.

"Well, at least, something's getting blown around here."

No he didn't.  But, if you have kids, then you KNOW he was thinking it, right? 

"I'll make it up to you."

Did I mention that there was going to be an open bar?

"It's not like I haven't heard that one, before."

We really did have a wonderful time at the Christmas party and, as we helped our youngest children find their beds (or, which ever one happened to be the closest) Garth [not his real name] and I were still feeling, you know, toasty.

"I can't sleep; can I go upstairs to Glen's bed?"

[eyes go wide]

"Orrrrrrr, did you guys wanna be alone?"

[the sound of a romantic mood, exploding]

This Christmas, I'm giving Garth [not his real name] the gift of hope.

"Maybe we should just install an E-ZPass in OUR bed."

Or, which ever one happens to be the closest, right?

Liz@thisfullhouse signature

© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

Comments

72 responses to “I Saw Mommy Shake Down Santa Claus”

  1. kim @ mommyknows Avatar

    It’s great to hear you had a good night out.
    We didn’t bother (again) with the company party.
    It’s been -40 for a week. I haven’t left the house once.

  2. kim @ mommyknows Avatar

    It’s great to hear you had a good night out.
    We didn’t bother (again) with the company party.
    It’s been -40 for a week. I haven’t left the house once.

  3. kim @ mommyknows Avatar

    It’s great to hear you had a good night out.
    We didn’t bother (again) with the company party.
    It’s been -40 for a week. I haven’t left the house once.

  4. kim @ mommyknows Avatar

    It’s great to hear you had a good night out.
    We didn’t bother (again) with the company party.
    It’s been -40 for a week. I haven’t left the house once.

  5. kim @ mommyknows Avatar

    It’s great to hear you had a good night out.
    We didn’t bother (again) with the company party.
    It’s been -40 for a week. I haven’t left the house once.

  6. kim @ mommyknows Avatar

    It’s great to hear you had a good night out.
    We didn’t bother (again) with the company party.
    It’s been -40 for a week. I haven’t left the house once.

  7. WeaselMomma Avatar

    Just don’t install it in the kitchen, people eat in there!

  8. WeaselMomma Avatar

    Just don’t install it in the kitchen, people eat in there!

  9. WeaselMomma Avatar

    Just don’t install it in the kitchen, people eat in there!

  10. WeaselMomma Avatar

    Just don’t install it in the kitchen, people eat in there!

  11. WeaselMomma Avatar

    Just don’t install it in the kitchen, people eat in there!

  12. WeaselMomma Avatar

    Just don’t install it in the kitchen, people eat in there!

  13. Headless Mom Avatar

    *snort*
    We skipped hubby’s work party this year. It’s the same thing every year, and I’m tired of trying to come up with something to wear!

  14. Headless Mom Avatar

    *snort*
    We skipped hubby’s work party this year. It’s the same thing every year, and I’m tired of trying to come up with something to wear!

  15. Headless Mom Avatar

    *snort*
    We skipped hubby’s work party this year. It’s the same thing every year, and I’m tired of trying to come up with something to wear!

  16. Headless Mom Avatar

    *snort*
    We skipped hubby’s work party this year. It’s the same thing every year, and I’m tired of trying to come up with something to wear!

  17. Headless Mom Avatar

    *snort*
    We skipped hubby’s work party this year. It’s the same thing every year, and I’m tired of trying to come up with something to wear!

  18. Headless Mom Avatar

    *snort*
    We skipped hubby’s work party this year. It’s the same thing every year, and I’m tired of trying to come up with something to wear!

  19. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Holy Hannah Montana, Kim!  That is just too DANGED cold to, well, do anything, let alone, wanna even leave the bed…hey, wait a minute…
    Liz

  20. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Holy Hannah Montana, Kim!  That is just too DANGED cold to, well, do anything, let alone, wanna even leave the bed…hey, wait a minute…
    Liz

  21. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Holy Hannah Montana, Kim!  That is just too DANGED cold to, well, do anything, let alone, wanna even leave the bed…hey, wait a minute…
    Liz

  22. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Holy Hannah Montana, Kim!  That is just too DANGED cold to, well, do anything, let alone, wanna even leave the bed…hey, wait a minute…
    Liz

  23. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Holy Hannah Montana, Kim!  That is just too DANGED cold to, well, do anything, let alone, wanna even leave the bed…hey, wait a minute…
    Liz

  24. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Holy Hannah Montana, Kim!  That is just too DANGED cold to, well, do anything, let alone, wanna even leave the bed…hey, wait a minute…
    Liz

  25. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    I hear ya', Headless Mom.  This was the first time, in like 20 years, that I've even been allowed to go, plus I wore an old standby dress (i.e. hides all the right stuff) shhhhh….don't tell anyone.
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  26. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    I hear ya', Headless Mom.  This was the first time, in like 20 years, that I've even been allowed to go, plus I wore an old standby dress (i.e. hides all the right stuff) shhhhh….don't tell anyone.
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  27. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    I hear ya', Headless Mom.  This was the first time, in like 20 years, that I've even been allowed to go, plus I wore an old standby dress (i.e. hides all the right stuff) shhhhh….don't tell anyone.
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  28. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    I hear ya', Headless Mom.  This was the first time, in like 20 years, that I've even been allowed to go, plus I wore an old standby dress (i.e. hides all the right stuff) shhhhh….don't tell anyone.
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  29. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    I hear ya', Headless Mom.  This was the first time, in like 20 years, that I've even been allowed to go, plus I wore an old standby dress (i.e. hides all the right stuff) shhhhh….don't tell anyone.
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  30. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    I hear ya', Headless Mom.  This was the first time, in like 20 years, that I've even been allowed to go, plus I wore an old standby dress (i.e. hides all the right stuff) shhhhh….don't tell anyone.
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  31. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    No worries there, WeaselMomma — there's not enough room for the fridge, let alone us pulling a "Post Man Always Rings Twice," sort of scene — you're welcome!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  32. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    No worries there, WeaselMomma — there's not enough room for the fridge, let alone us pulling a "Post Man Always Rings Twice," sort of scene — you're welcome!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  33. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    No worries there, WeaselMomma — there's not enough room for the fridge, let alone us pulling a "Post Man Always Rings Twice," sort of scene — you're welcome!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  34. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    No worries there, WeaselMomma — there's not enough room for the fridge, let alone us pulling a "Post Man Always Rings Twice," sort of scene — you're welcome!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  35. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    No worries there, WeaselMomma — there's not enough room for the fridge, let alone us pulling a "Post Man Always Rings Twice," sort of scene — you're welcome!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  36. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    No worries there, WeaselMomma — there's not enough room for the fridge, let alone us pulling a "Post Man Always Rings Twice," sort of scene — you're welcome!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  37. Marie Avatar

    Sounds like you guys had fun. Too bad about the “E-Z pass.

  38. Marie Avatar

    Sounds like you guys had fun. Too bad about the “E-Z pass.

  39. Marie Avatar

    Sounds like you guys had fun. Too bad about the “E-Z pass.

  40. Marie Avatar

    Sounds like you guys had fun. Too bad about the “E-Z pass.

  41. Marie Avatar

    Sounds like you guys had fun. Too bad about the “E-Z pass.

  42. Marie Avatar

    Sounds like you guys had fun. Too bad about the “E-Z pass.

  43. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Yeah, Marie — he's applying for E-ZPass, as we speak (for the car, I mean!)
    Liz
     

  44. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Yeah, Marie — he's applying for E-ZPass, as we speak (for the car, I mean!)
    Liz
     

  45. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Yeah, Marie — he's applying for E-ZPass, as we speak (for the car, I mean!)
    Liz
     

  46. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Yeah, Marie — he's applying for E-ZPass, as we speak (for the car, I mean!)
    Liz
     

  47. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Yeah, Marie — he's applying for E-ZPass, as we speak (for the car, I mean!)
    Liz
     

  48. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Yeah, Marie — he's applying for E-ZPass, as we speak (for the car, I mean!)
    Liz
     

  49. Evan Avatar

    Happy holidays ma’am! 🙂

  50. Evan Avatar

    Happy holidays ma’am! 🙂

  51. Evan Avatar

    Happy holidays ma’am! 🙂

  52. Evan Avatar

    Happy holidays ma’am! 🙂

  53. Evan Avatar

    Happy holidays ma’am! 🙂

  54. Evan Avatar

    Happy holidays ma’am! 🙂

  55. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    The same to you….thanks SO MUCH for stopping by…aaaaand, don't call me ma'am 😉
    Liz@thisfullhouse
     

  56. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    The same to you….thanks SO MUCH for stopping by…aaaaand, don't call me ma'am 😉
    Liz@thisfullhouse
     

  57. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    The same to you….thanks SO MUCH for stopping by…aaaaand, don't call me ma'am 😉
    Liz@thisfullhouse
     

  58. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    The same to you….thanks SO MUCH for stopping by…aaaaand, don't call me ma'am 😉
    Liz@thisfullhouse
     

  59. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    The same to you….thanks SO MUCH for stopping by…aaaaand, don't call me ma'am 😉
    Liz@thisfullhouse
     

  60. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    The same to you….thanks SO MUCH for stopping by…aaaaand, don't call me ma'am 😉
    Liz@thisfullhouse
     

  61. Allison Avatar

    I love Garth (not his real name) I just laughed outloud.

  62. Allison Avatar

    I love Garth (not his real name) I just laughed outloud.

  63. Allison Avatar

    I love Garth (not his real name) I just laughed outloud.

  64. Allison Avatar

    I love Garth (not his real name) I just laughed outloud.

  65. Allison Avatar

    I love Garth (not his real name) I just laughed outloud.

  66. Allison Avatar

    I love Garth (not his real name) I just laughed outloud.

  67. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Hi Allison,
    Yeah, he makes me laugh (out loud) a lot — thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  68. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Hi Allison,
    Yeah, he makes me laugh (out loud) a lot — thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  69. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Hi Allison,
    Yeah, he makes me laugh (out loud) a lot — thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  70. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Hi Allison,
    Yeah, he makes me laugh (out loud) a lot — thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  71. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Hi Allison,
    Yeah, he makes me laugh (out loud) a lot — thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  72. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar


    Hi Allison,
    Yeah, he makes me laugh (out loud) a lot — thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!!!
    Hugs,
    Liz