Playing Santa

Last week my friend called to see if Blake would play Santa for the scout food drive.  They had arranged for a guy in our ward to play him and he ended up in the hospital.  She had called a million different people and nobody could do it.  So she called me to see if Blake would, even though he has NO padding on him.  Blake agreed and she brought over the suit.  They were having an award ceremony at 6pm and then Blake needed to be there by 6:30pm.  As the scouts gathered food, Blake would give the kids candy canes.  At 6:20pm Blake received a reminder call that he had an Eagle board of review at 7pm.  Well, we couldn't call my friend since she was doing the award ceremony and Blake obviously couldn't do it, so I threw on the suit and headed to the church.  Lucky Kaymin had to babysit.  I am SO lucky that she enjoys doing it and that she is so good at it too.  Also, it helped that I only had to walk around our block so I was right there.  Anyway, a ton of people got a good laugh at me dressed up.  I was a terrible Santa.  I hurried and washed off my makeup, but I definitely look like a girl in the eyes.  I padded myself with a pillow so the kids couldn't see that Santa had a "chest".  I tried to talk in a deep voice, but really I don't think I fooled anyone.  Several kids told their parents that Santa was a girl.  But, hey...I had fun and so did all of the little scouts that walked along with me.  They got a kick out of a girl dressed as Santa.  I know this will be the ONLY time I will have this opportunity...if that is what you call it.  But Blake can't ever say that I am not a good sport.  This year our Santa picture is with me too!  This will be the Santa picture to remember.  I was in such a hurry that poor Gerrit was still in his diaper.  I had just gotten him out of the tub and didn't even have enough time to put his pajamas on him.