Ben Puts the Awesome in Crazy

If you've been around for a while, you might remember this face.

That's Ben. He's a year older and, perhaps, a year wiser than he was the last time he showed up around these parts, but he's exactly the same amount of amazing.

Ben's birthday was last week. He had a party and I'm sure it was all sorts of fun, just like his party was last year. And just like last year, there were gifts.

Lots and lots of gifts.

Ben didn't keep those gifts, though. Just like last year, Ben asked that instead of delivering something just for him, the kids should deliver something for Christmas Crazy.

So they did.

And then Ben and his family delivered the goods to Center for Victims.

Just like last year.

Thanks, Ben. You're a pretty fantastic young man. Oh, and happy birthday! I hope it was a great one.

"You Can Report Bad News or You Can Make Good News."

"At times like these, you have two choices -- you can report bad news or you can make good news."

Alexis and I were snuggled up on the couch watching the movie "Yes, Virginia" when a character uttered those words.

Make good news it is.

136 people worked together to do this.

Lest you think there is some optical illusion stuff at work, that toy mountain was deeeeep.

Here's a kid in front of it to create a little perspective for you.

You did that. YOU.

Some of it came in $1 at a time, but there were also donations for $1000. It all made a difference. Some people paid for things off of an Amazon Wish List, others trusted me to make their money turn into magic.

So that's what I did. I used a little internet magic to make some real life magic for dozens of kids who have unfortunately stared violence in the face.

The kids of Center for Victims are going to have a very merry Christmas, as are the kids at Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center.

Thanks for making some good news, especially today.

The grand total for Christmas Crazy 2012 is coming. First I have to do a little of that weird thing they call "math."

It's Almost Time To Deliver Some Christmas Crazy

I just want to put this out there. You'll see EXACTLY why right around this time tomorrow night.

That is last year's Christmas Crazy mountain. I just finished building this year's, and all I'll say is ... HOOBOY.

You'll see.

In the meantime, a few housekeeping issues around the absolutely fantastic topic of Christmas Crazy:

1. There are a couple of Wish List items that haven't arrived yet. If they aren't on the premises tomorrow when I leave to delivery everything to Center for Victims, don't worry. I will make sure all items get to their intended destination. Promise. I also promise it's not big thing, especially considering that two of the things I ordered won't be here on time.

Also, y'all who included notes in your Wish List orders? Geesh. Way to make me all sobby and stuff.

2. A huge thank you to the companies that helped make Christmas Crazy just a little bit crazier this year. I've already mentioned that Blue Orange games sent a great box filled with games, OrbFactory sent an absolutely amazing assortment of crafty-type things, and X Shadyside Fitness held a special event that benefited Christmas Crazy (which, by the way, I haven't set eyes on the loot from that yet, so the total in the sidebar doesn't include it yet). Big thanks to all of them.

I also owe a big thank you to Hey Beast Studios for sending two adorable books along for the ride. Hey Beast Studios is a Pittsburgh-based company and Jefferey, the owner, was kind enough to contact me and then send the books.

Awesomeness.

3. Remember Benjamin? He'll be making another appearance around these parts soon. He's an amazing kid.

4. This.

5. Thank you. Today and always and ... just thank you.

Imma gonna go stare at the toy mountain now.