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Congratulations. I wish your family all the best and hope this win brings you great happiness and some wonderful lifetime memories.

Posted by kacajow – March 18, 2008 5:24 PM

CONGRATULATIONS DEE FAMILY. YOU HAVE A LOVELY FAMILY AND I HOPE YOU WILL HAVE YEARS OF ENJOYMENT IN YOUR NEW HOME. I KNOW THIS HAS TO BE OVER WHELMING FOR YOU, BUT IT'S A GOOD THING,
FOR A YOUNG FAMILY TO START NEW BEGININNGS. ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!!!

Posted by Jan – March 18, 2008 5:32 PM

I'm the first commenter!!!whats my prize...the hgtv dream home 2009?!?!?! yay i won!!
Anyway... was that "surprise" fake??

Congradulations Stephanie!!

Posted by Aracelis – March 18, 2008 5:58 PM

Congratulations Stephanie Dee and family. I'm so glad your husband loves to fish. But, please, even if you plan to stay in the home for a short time, take prccautions to protect those adorable children of yours. The youngest, if not crawling now, soon will be. And then she will be a todler. Those stairs could pose a danger. I look forward to seeing and hearing your reactions as you visit your new home. God Bless and keep you safe.

Posted by Katydid – March 18, 2008 6:02 PM

Congratulations to Tommy and Stephanie Dee, and family!
I look forward to hearing more about the moment you realized I WON!
Enjoy the Dream!

PS: If you hear them drop any hints about next year's location, you can tell me - my sleuthing thus far has been way off!

Posted by Pret – March 18, 2008 6:08 PM

this computer is slow!!!
but im still first!!!

Posted by Aracelis – March 18, 2008 6:30 PM

Congradulations

Posted by Kim – March 18, 2008 6:57 PM

Yay!! I am so excited for them...... I hope they answer my question!!!

Posted by Anonymous – March 18, 2008 7:13 PM

congrats....stephanie....enjoyed your new lovely home and god bless you and your wonderful family....

Posted by wendy – March 18, 2008 7:21 PM

FCOLE, I know this question is off topic to this blog entry, but when are you going to continue with the clues for the exact location in California for Dream Home 2009?

Posted by Sandy – March 18, 2008 7:39 PM

I just want to say congrad's to you and your family on winning the house in Florida, I hope you injoy it. And all the happiness to you.
From: Tammy in Kansas

Posted by Tammy – March 18, 2008 7:43 PM

I love the 2008 dream home, but I was wondering is there anyway to get a list of the decorating and paint etc. for it. I especially love the master bedroom and would like to do my bedroom like that but i would need paint color, furniture info, accessories etc. If it is possible to recreate this georgeous room for myself, I would love it.
(Hey Barbara, you can find nearly everything seen in the home in HGTV MarketPlace. fc)
http://marketplace.hgtv.com/promo/dream_home_2008

Posted by Barbara – March 18, 2008 7:49 PM

Congradulations to Stephanie and her family! I will look forward to following their journey through the Dream Home experience.

Posted by Tealdreamer – March 18, 2008 8:17 PM

I agree with one of the other bloggers...it's hard to say how anyone should react having won such an amazing prize. I think worse than her reaction, was some of the mean things that were said by the bloggers. The regulars on this blogs, seem to be a cool group of people. I want to wish Stephanie and her family the best and I'm sure they excited as heck about winning. Let's treat people they way we want to be treated.
Stay COOL and safe everyone!!!
See you around the valley Jack ;)

Posted by Becky from Napa Valley – March 18, 2008 8:46 PM

Hi! Steph,Tom and the girls, wish you the best! Put up those gates so the little ones don't get into trouble.I'll be watching to see your special home coming daybue.What a dream that came true! P.S.Your a beautiful couple! If you read the blogs you'll die laughing, such jealousy. Good Luck! Hope, Tom does't miss first day of trout. Will catch some and send them your way. Play the lottery it could happen twice.

Posted by Mary – March 18, 2008 8:51 PM

What does the winner plan to do, keep the home for awhile, then sell it or maybe invite family and friends to come and enjoy the house for awhile, then rent it out as a vacation getaway, that could pay the taxes and hurricane insurance?

FCOLE: I understand the removal of the prior blog with so much negativity coming in, but what happened to answering our questions about the prior clues? Are we still going to receive more clues this week to pinpoint the exact location of the 2009 dream home in CA?

I wasn't thrilled with the final show either and I was surprised by the winner's reserved reaction, but a few negative comments shouldn't spoil the fun for the rest of us. Just delete the offensive ones and let's continue the fun of figuring out the mystery location.

Thanks for all the fun.

Posted by Linda – March 18, 2008 9:10 PM

When you saw the balloons and the camera come in your front door, were you stunned? You looked sort of shocked....or even stupified and dazed. Has it hit you yet that you won $2.2 million in a gorgeous home on the beautiful Florida Keys?

Posted by Cape Codder – March 18, 2008 9:15 PM

Congratulations Dee family we are thrilled for you and cant wait to hear all about your win.

Posted by chris – March 18, 2008 9:22 PM

Fcole:
Where's clue number 9?

thx

j

Posted by Jennifer – March 18, 2008 9:24 PM

I just wanted to know if you love all the decorations, furninshings, styles, and colors in the home and if you are considering changing any of the designs in the home to better suit your personal style?

Posted by Lucy – March 18, 2008 10:08 PM

To Stephanie: I am so very happy for you and your family and I know that there are many people that feel the same. The last blog was absolutely appalling. The comments people were leaving disgusted me. Yes, I too have entered the HGTV contest for the past 3 years. I would be thrilled to win, but jealousy has no place in our world; I witnessed how aweful blogs can get because there are millions of people with the ability to post whatever they want. Enjoy your new home!! It truly is a wonderful thing.

Posted by MomG – March 18, 2008 10:14 PM

What a fantastic family to win this year's DH.

Congrats.

Posted by trh – March 18, 2008 10:18 PM

Dear Dee Family, Congratulations on your dream win. To all the "sour grapes" out there. SHAME ON YOU. Everybody had the same opportunity to win the Dream Home. This wasn't a contest for who had the best sob story or who thought they were more deserving than Stephanie because she didn't react the way these people thought appropriate. Yes, the winning "surprise" moment was probably staged. After all this is television and ratings. If you all were so disappointed then don't enter for the 2009 Dream House or watch the show. This is called real life and it is fun to blog and watch the progress of the construction and the videos and to dream but honestly all the whinning by you losers (not only about the contest) is enough already. Once again congratulations to the Dee family and a hugh THANK YOU to all the staffers, builder, designers, and sponsers for the 2008 Dream Home. It was a great ride! Can't wait for 2009 Dream Home.

Posted by sandi, iowa – March 18, 2008 10:32 PM

I am so happy for you. I can't say how sorry I am for all the people who posted bad things when you won. Enjoy your home and live your life to the fullest with your beautiful family. I have to say I was so depressed the minute I saw it wasn't my house they were at but I delighted in your amazement. I know your still probably trying to consume it all. Best of luck to you.

Posted by Sarah – March 18, 2008 11:06 PM

Well, congrats to the Dee family! Hope you all enjoy your beautiful new home, or at least can make enough through selling the home to build your own DH back in Iowa. Best wishes and best of luck to your family.

Posted by cindy – March 18, 2008 11:30 PM

Congratulations to Stephanie Dee and her family! I wish you guys all the best. velvet350

Posted by velvet350 – March 19, 2008 12:13 AM

My most heartfelt congratulations to Stephanie on winning the 2008 HGTV Dream Home. You are where so many of us have dreamed of being for quite a few years. Enjoy yourselves in Islamorada!! BTW, hope you enjoy the quilt. :-)

Posted by Catherine – March 19, 2008 12:52 AM

Congratulations and best wishes to Stephanie and her family… You looked really overwhelmed!!! I can not believe nobody else has posted yet- especially with everyone’s obsession on Sunday night… I am ready for another clue for the 2009 dream home- Any hints?

Posted by Anna – March 19, 2008 12:59 AM

My previous comments did not post so I will suggest a few things for HGTV to do differently next time. By the way congrats Dee on your win I hope you make the most of it. Well my question is dont you thing that it would be better for HGTV to charge a dollar per entry and max out entries at like 25 million? If they did this they would bring in $25 million and with this money they could give the winner $500,000 to pay taxes on the home and it would still leave them 24.5 million dollars. With the extra money they could give away 245 secound prizes of $100,000 cash. I feel this would be great because this is truly a life changing amount of money and not only would they be changing the lives of 1 family but they could be changing the lives of 246 families. This also give more people the opportunity to win and ultimatly would bring more viewers and fans. Imagine one of the biggest TV give aways ever. They could do a two hour live show and truly supprise the winner and also supprise the other 245 families. I think they really need to restructure how they are doing the dream home. So Dee I am asking if you would agree with me? Do you truly feel they need a change? Do you feel helping 246 families is better than just one? And lastly would this have helped you in paying taxes if they gave you the $500,000 based on the structure I came up with?

Posted by Zac Flick – March 19, 2008 1:29 AM

CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS !!! Precious Dee family, many of us are rejoicing with you. We celebrate your blessings and victory. May God continue to bless you, giving you much wisdom, strength and courage. There will be many that will rise up on your behalf hugging your family in The Father's arms, with prayer, as His cherished children. You are very treasured. cYah

Posted by CZbE – March 19, 2008 1:59 AM

Congratulations winner 2008!!! We can't wait to hear about you. I feel really bad for Stephanie after reading the posts from Sunday night. My wife and I were as hopeful as anybody else to win, and were a tinge disappointed when we didn't. However, not winning is always a risk you take when entering a contest, and most likely the odds game is always a tuff game to win. I think people were rude out of the fact that this house was special for a lot of people, and in the end there can only be one winner. It so happens that no matter who would have won, for alot of people it is just hard to let go of what the dream home meant to them. I am just sorry they took it out on Stephanie the way that they did. My wife and I are truly happy for you. And what do you care anyway, you are a millionaire now.

Posted by I – March 19, 2008 3:38 AM

Stephanie...congratulations on the win of your beautiful home...I'm so happy for you and your family...
If I had won I had promised the Lord that I would sell the house and with some of the proceeds I would help Danita's Children Center in Haiti...Danita wants to build an infirmary there in her orphanage...I have been supporting her ministry for many years after I saw her on James Robinson...her story is self-less and the work she has done there since she started the orphanage a miracle. I know as a Physician's Assistant...you have a heart for people and probably especially for children...please consider what I've said...and again...Congratulations...you look like a really nice person...

Posted by Susan Nordrum – March 19, 2008 5:23 AM

Thank you. It is good to get to know more about her.

Posted by adele – March 19, 2008 6:50 AM

Congrats! Did you submit your entry through the HGTV website or did you mail in your entries? How many times did you enter?

Posted by Patrick – March 19, 2008 7:08 AM

Congratulations Stephanie and family! I'm truly happy for you and hope you will be able to enjoy your new home and all that comes with it.

Posted by Joyce – March 19, 2008 9:27 AM

What happened to Monica Pederson, she was suppose to do the presentation right?

Posted by fayo – March 19, 2008 9:49 AM

Enjoy the house...good future for your kids!Congrats!

Posted by Chocolate – March 19, 2008 9:50 AM

wow....how boring even the trip winner already lives in FL...could drive there in a couple of hours!

Posted by Anonymous – March 19, 2008 9:55 AM

I live in FL. and I am wondering if they Have thought about the fact that even though they are given this house where are they going to work when they get here. Is this going to be a home that they will live in or will they sell it and stay in Iowa the family that won looks like a good hard working family so the comment from zac seems to be a good idea and I think if you are going to build in california the winner of next years DH the taxes there will be earthshattering and to require the winner to pay the taxes on the prize would require alot of people to get a loan on the house so they are really paying for the house even on a twenty year loan would still pay 2.5 million dollars so really no one gets the home for free so in a way it is not a giveaway.

Posted by concerned in florida – March 19, 2008 10:05 AM

Congratulations Stephanie Dee and family- I was wondering if you entered the drawing on the hgtv website or if you mailed your entries in? Did you mail an entry in at all? Have you ever been to this area of Florida before? It looks beautiful- Do you think you will be able to keep the house? Have they finished any of the other houses around the hgtv dream house? Best of Luck to you.

Posted by Rosey – March 19, 2008 10:44 AM

Congratulations! I have a similar question to an earlier post, what changes do you plan to make to the layout of the dream home to fit your family? Will you move the girls' bedroom up to the second floor? Will you keep the reading nook as is or do you have another idea for it? I can only imagine how excited you must be. I hope you enjoy every minute!

Posted by Deb (T) – March 19, 2008 11:29 AM

First of all, Congratulations Stephanie Dee!! I hope you and your family enjoy this wonderful gift of a home. How exciting for you.
Second, I'm disgusted at how selfish and mean and rude people are about all the mean stuff they posted about you. Everyone has their way of reacting. I actually thought you were shocked and overwhelmed as you said. Everyone should be ashamed of how they reacted to your reaction. Please people, if you don't like it then don't watch. It's live TV you never know what's going to happen. I'm sure it was shocking for her.
If you have nothing nice to say then don't say it all.

Posted by Graciela – March 19, 2008 11:46 AM

FCOLE: My question is are we going to get any more clues for the DH2009 in California? I am still waiting for the answer to the question that I asked. It seems that with all the negative remarks from the DH2008 it has taken over and what we are suppose to be thinking about is the next location of the DH2009. Please, Please can we get on with the clues. It has sure been fun trying to figure out the next location of the DH2009. (Yes, I'll get to another clue later this week. fc)

Posted by Charlene – March 19, 2008 11:49 AM

Stephanie and family, congratulations on winning the amazing dream home 2008. My wife and I wish you and your family nothing but happiness with many years of enjoyment in FL. HGTV, you continue to amaze us viewers with these unbelievable dream homes, bring it on in CA.

Posted by Chip – March 19, 2008 11:58 AM

can they afford the taxes? It looks they don't. are they selling the price package soon?

Posted by rene romano – March 19, 2008 12:20 PM

Congratulations Steph and Tommy, I am so happy for you and the girls. I was sitting and waiting for them to come to my home and tell me that I had won, but was just as shocked when I realized that I know the winners, I about fell out of my chair! Forget all the negative blogs, they havent a clue what your really like.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Posted by fara – March 19, 2008 12:23 PM

I think I was so stunned at the winner's reaction on winning (more stunned than she was) that I haven't gotten over it yet. I sit there looking at my tv for so long after the surprise. Then my phone started to ring and everyone had the same reaction. Everyone at work is talking about it. We are so happy for her win and hope that she apprecites it.

Posted by Janice Hyatt – March 19, 2008 12:26 PM

Luck of the Irish to you girl and Happy Birthday! You were overwhelmed obviously Here is hoping you and your family enjoy! watch out for the greedy folks they will come out of the woodwork! Congrats!

Posted by julie – March 19, 2008 12:30 PM

Stephanie - I have 2 little girls too and living in the midwest. Its been a long COLD winter so I can only imagine how much fun you will have playing on the beach with your little girls. My question to you is, do you plan on redoing the kids bedroom to be more "girly?" I know my girls would have wanted a pink or green room even though that blue room is so darn cute. I hope you and your family enjoy every bit of the house and the beautiful location!!

Posted by Erin – March 19, 2008 1:04 PM

Now, I'm thinking the home will be built on Park Avenue in Tahoe Pines, CA.

Posted by Jennifer A in WI – March 19, 2008 1:10 PM

Surprise looked FAKE . . . very little astonishment, excitement. Also, if it were a true surprise, wouldn't HGTV have knocked at the door instead of walking right into the home?? Winner could have been more enthusiastic!! But good luck to winners anyway, and to HGTV . . . not bothering to enter the next contest, but when you do the 2009 live, on-air "surprise" announcement, make it look REAL next time around!!!

Posted by Ali – March 19, 2008 1:36 PM

I am extremely disappointed with HGTV. I thought the entire so called "surprise giveway" was so fake and phoney. According to Lauren Lake there was no prior notice to the winner. So tell me why did Lauren Lake just walk right into the house without one of the occupations opening the door??? Lets hope next year you do better.

Posted by Grace E. Butler – March 19, 2008 1:43 PM

I am blown away by how many people are upset with the winner. Imagine, you're at a strange party that's kinda for your birthday and an overexcited lady bursts into your home and tells you she's changing your life completely...a little hard to digest in 5 minutes, I would say. And this is a sweepstakes people. That means it's random. No story of heartache, pain, disability or intention to do good will increase your chances of winning. And as for "choose a more diverse winner"- random means there is no "Choose". And given that minorities are just that, in the minority, a middle american white person is likely to win purely based on statistics. Don't be so bitter.

Posted by Emily – March 19, 2008 1:44 PM

What a blessing! We hope you and your family enjoy the new home and wish you well in all plans you have for it. Your reaction was fine -- I'd be stunned if a camera crew walked into my home that late at night too! Your tears showed the depth of what this home means to you. Congrats!!

Posted by Mike W. – March 19, 2008 1:44 PM

What a joke! If you are going to call it a surprise, then even family and friends should not be told about the winner. The winner should be surprised for real, and it should not be staged as it always has been.

Congrats on your win. I hope that you are happy about it. I really couldn't tell by your reaction to the news.

Posted by Gary Collister – March 19, 2008 2:04 PM

I read in the Ottumwa Courier that you grew up in the Eldon, Agency area. I live just south of Ottumwa in Bloomfield so I know how nice that Florida sunshine is going to feel. Best of luck to you and your family and I hope you are able to enjoy that beautiful home.

Posted by Dee Smith – March 19, 2008 2:28 PM

The Dream Home contests have been great and definitely inspirational - but I really think that HGTV needs to completely overhaul the contest & the homes that are built. WHY NOT build at least SEVERAL homes each year, in different spots around the US, instead of just ONE overly extravagant home that few winners can actually keep??? More people could win each year and the homes would be realistic in location & costs - winners could AFFORD to live there!
Also agree with other posters here that HGTV could forgo the usual DH contest for a year or 2 and build a LOT more homes for the same $$$ - for those who REALLY NEED homes after the hurricanes in New Orleans, MS & TX. Now it's 2008 and there are STILL THOUSANDS of families in these areas who have been totally failed and forgotten by OUR GOVERNMENT/FEMA and are STILL living in trailers & temp housing. Think of the homes that could be built to truly help those who've been through so much.

Posted by Kris – March 19, 2008 2:30 PM

Are blogs set up only for positive comments? If that is true, there's hardly a point in having them. Honest responses (sans crudeness, etc) is the fair way to run a blog. I do not agree that those who responded to their odd behavior to winning such a monster contest were showing sour grapes at all. I think it was just confusion.
(There are 1,092 published comments on Sunday's blog post. Not all are positive, by any means. fc)

Posted by kayce – March 19, 2008 2:35 PM

i would like to know if hgtv contacts the winners family to make sure they will be home? it seems her friends knew in advance to have a to early birthday party on a late sunday night. last years winners family was takin to a restaurant were all his family gathered. i prayed that i would have won cause it would have changed me and my two sons lives for the better but i am thilled that someone deserving with children won.god bless you and your family.i would like to see hgtv build smaller less expensive homes and give them away quarterly.its just some thing to think about cause if i would have won that dream home i would have been heartbroken to find out that i could not afford to keep it and then have to worry about selling it and if i could not find a buyer would they foreclose on me? sometimes i think it is better to win enough then to win to much which can destoy who you are.

Posted by debbie – March 19, 2008 2:42 PM

I just want to post a comment to all those who critiziced Stephanie's reaction. I have known her for 10 years. She is the nicest, most honest person I know who would do anything for anyone. She is also very quiet and very calm. Always has been, always will be. She is VERY appreciative of all this. She is not used to a lot of attention, and this was a TOTAL shock. When she gets nervous, she pushes her hair behind her ear, and gets VERY quiet. She is sooooo deserving of this, and I feel a lot of people are jealous. The producers of the show were told this ahead of time, that her reaction would be shock and some tears, not jumping up and down and all around (in my entire lifetime I've NEVER seen her do this - ever). I think we all know people that are calm like this. Total shock makes some speechless. Please watch in the coming weeks to learn a little more about her once the shock has worn off. She does not deserve this criticism.

Posted by Mandy Lander – March 19, 2008 3:21 PM

You don't know how you would react to winning The Dream Home. It is all in the moment. So do not critize anyone for their reaction and who they are for winning it.

Posted by Sandra – March 19, 2008 4:06 PM

Wow! I wasn't sure I wanted to post again after reading the hate blogs!
Yes indeed, congratulations to you and your family Stephanie. I hope whatever you decide to do, you come out of it money ahead. College isn't getting any cheaper! (I have 4 kids, so I know!!)
My one question , and I don't mean to be rude, is were you actually surprised, did someone leak it to you, or even did you know 15 minutes before?

I personally did not care for the format of the show, and was a bit let down at the end. But when I rewatched it on video, (which I almost dreaded doing), I was floored by the Lake person's OVER the TOP performance. Very off-putting. After mulling it over, I probably would have reacted like Stephanie did,and that horrible bright light glaring in her face.

God Bless you and your family, they truly are lovely.

Posted by Mary – March 19, 2008 4:14 PM

For those of you saying no one of color has ever won!

Meet Kathi Nakao and family who won in 2005 St. Mary's Ga.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dream_home_archive/text/0,1783,HGTV_11536_18961,00.html

Posted by Susan from Florida – March 19, 2008 5:26 PM

Congratulations! I hope you and your family are very happy in your new home. (Your children are adorable, by the way...) The Florida Keys will be a nice change from Iowa. I have family from Iowa, so I know how frigid those winters can be. Good luck to you all.

Posted by Carrie Leilani – March 19, 2008 5:41 PM

Dear Bloggers,

The negativity is overwhelming. All can try to dictate what our emotions will be in a positive or negative situation that will impact or lives, but the truth is our logic flies out the window when we are actually thrust into said environments.
If you can't remember the humanity of paying it forward by simply congratulating Stephanie and her lovely family, think about the young impressionable girl's will want to look back one day at the legacy their parents have built and it will be shadowed with dark insensitivity of so many.
If bloggers really had the wish,desire,drive and passion to own Albright and the disappointment of not winning steered you lash out so badly , maybe you should direct all those emotions to accomplish a more realistic dream for you and yours.
I was one of the 40 MILLION that enter everyday. So many times we don't see the result of sweepstakes etc..., but HGTV has gone way beyond to put the resources out there for ALL of us to be involved.
I witnessed very shy, modest, family oriented person, that I'm sure was concentrating on just taking each breath let alone wrapping her minded around the flurry of media depending on here home that was celebrating her only minutes before. Shame on all that thought the Dee family should have acted like circus side show to convience you how appreciative the were to receive a gift from HGTV, GMC ,HGTV FAMILY of host and all generious sponsors involved.
Thank HGTV family for the entertainment and knowledge may of us gain from the services you proved.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DEE FAMILY. SUPPORT IN WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE TO DO WITH YOUR GIFT!!!

: )

Posted by Shannon Thomas – March 19, 2008 6:36 PM

Congrats for sure to the family, very lucky indeed. Seriously HGTV, get your act together, why go to such lengths,spending millions on the house etc, and screw up so bad in the delivery. My God, we muted the TV, I couldn't take the "host" screaming and asking the most stupid questions. We all watched it at the office the next and laughed so hard at the whole thing, redicolous. Why not cut away for 2 minutes and let them collect their thoughts? Maybe if you didn't wait so late in the self promoting prize show, it would be more effective. Why not have someone that knows what they are doing deliver the good news? If that had been me, I would have asked her to either shut up, lower her voice or get out. It was as bad, if not worse then last years, lame put together restauratn scene. You produce great shows, why is so hard to do this right? The end result, the thing people remember most, has been horrible, it's a multi million dollar project, maybe you should think about finishing it with a little class.

Posted by waterbabe – March 19, 2008 7:56 PM

Hello Dee Family,
I would like to one to apologize for any bad blogging regarding your reaction. It's true as I don't know how I would react until hopefully one day that will happen to me and my family. It's true if you haven't seen all the BAD blogs, you may want to ignore and not read them. Good luck to you and your family in your new Dream Home. I do want to say one thing though as someone out there still insists this contest is racial. That for one is not pssible unless HGTV checks out the random drawn name and decides they don't like you for what ever reason. It's random. That means no race, size, money,etc., Maybe it's just there are more caucasians entering is why. But really it's a chance just like winning the lottery. HEY F.COLE, THANKS FOR ALL YOU AND THE HGTV GANG DO FO RUS AND OUR DREAMS.

Posted by SJK – March 19, 2008 10:28 PM

I don't agree with the comments about the last blog being home of just jealousy. It was just utter disappointment at the reaction of the winner that we as an HGTV nation were rooting for and were looking forward to jumping up and down in comradery. Of course, we don't know the winner personally, I'm sure she's a lovely person who entered as equally as we all did, but of course, first impressions are just that. If we were just jealous and selfish, we would've switched to another channel as soon as we realized that the neighbourhood Lauren Lake was in was not ours.
I'm glad Stephanie's friend posted here, explaining her lack of excitement was not that of apathy but because that's her personality.
And of course, after the anticlimactic end and initial {lack of} reaction of the couple has blown over...I for one, wish them joy {expressed or not}and many happy years with the house OR the immense windfall it brings :)

Posted by JIM – March 19, 2008 11:23 PM

good luck with the big move ? may you live their for many years to come. IT was may dream home also ,sence i have two grandson only that moved their 5 YRS ago ,and ican only see them twice a year on thier birthdays , this would of been a dream come true for me to have won. good luck posted 3/19/2008 marshan.

Posted by marshan – March 20, 2008 1:35 AM

Congratulations Stephanie and family. You have been truly blessed.I am happy for you and your family. Enjoy your blessing. I love the floor plan of the dream home so much,I would love to have a copy of the plans. God Bless.

Posted by Brenda C – March 20, 2008 2:05 AM

CONGRATS to Stephanie & Tom Dee! Our family is happy that you won! Our family sincerely wishes you the best of luck. Whatever decision you and your family makes would be the BEST for YOU...don't let anyone put you down!!!We feel so sad that all the 'negativity' some people post here can really hurt...just remember, if someone points a finger at you, they have three of their own fingers pointing back at them! You have a beautiful family, you look like a hard-working family, like many of us out here, so take it and run!!! Enjoy your home with your husband and your cute little girls! It goes to show that every-day, hard-working families has a chance to win, just like you have! Thanks HGTV!

Posted by mmmbachlava – March 20, 2008 4:47 AM

Congrats! Dee family - God has bless you with this Great gift! so enjoy every minute of it! May God Bless you and whole family always.

Posted by Michele – March 20, 2008 7:41 AM

Congradts!! God Bless you and your family!

Posted by Aracelis – March 20, 2008 12:08 PM

I watched the winner being notified on tv. She did not even seem surprized or happy about winning.
Did she know ahead of time? She was the most unconcerned winner I have ever seen. The children were beautiful.

Posted by janice – March 20, 2008 12:33 PM

Just to quote Mandy "The producers of the show were told this ahead of time"

That answers all the questions for me. Not sure why they play it up that the winners were not previously notified. It only leads to other speculation that its all fixed.

That about sums it up for me.

Posted by Diane – March 20, 2008 3:05 PM

I just happened to be looking through here and need to elaborate on the previous comment. Stephanie knew nothing - but a friend did and was to set up the whole party.

Posted by Mandy Lander – March 20, 2008 3:45 PM

Congratulations to the Dee family! When HGTV first announced where you are from, I thought they said Kolona, Iowa instead of Solon. Seeing that I have so many relatives there (my mom's ancestors, the Miller/Erb clan, were some of the first pioneers to the area), I thought that maybe we could be related. No, I do not want anything from you! I am just happy for you. I hope that you do not let this windfall change your family. God bless!

In regards to the suggestion by Zac Flick:

HGTV please do NOT start charging $1 per entry! That would effectively transform this into a lottery. Many of us are morally opposed to lotteries. I personally would never enter and would most likely stop watching HGTV.

May I remind you all that HGTV has stated that they do not intend for the winner to necessarily keep the house. It is their intention to create a house that the winner can easily sell, pay the taxes and then still have plenty to create their own dream. If the winner happens to be able to keep the house then that is nice for them but it is okay to have to sell the house to pay the taxes. That is exactly what I would do and I would be grateful for the opportunity.

Posted by Valarae – March 20, 2008 3:52 PM

Congratulation! It is a blessing and I am happy for you and your family. When you win, you deserve it. Enjoy!

Posted by Tam – March 20, 2008 6:14 PM

First of all bloggers or should I say jealous accusers. Why don't you grow up! Such selfish people out there. She, Mrs Dee, put in her vote, just like the rest of us. Mrs Dee, was the lucky one. (**THE WINNER**) CONGRATULATIONS & HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TO YOU, MRS DEE. which birthday will you be celebrating in the keys? What will ever top this birthday gift for you? I FOR ONE AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR ADORABLE LITTLE GIRLS! I can just see them building sand castles with mom and dad and cousins.... I hope that you the DEE FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP THE HOME AND ENJOY IT FOR YEARS TO COME. But IF You HAVE TO SELL IT THEN GO FOR IT DEES! MAKE ALL YOUR FAMILIES DREAMS COME TRUE IN ANOTHER WAY. You now have an easier way for making your kids futures easier: Mom can possibly stay home with them now, college (trusts)educations, big weddings, new cars, new houses for them and you.
Remember everybody you cast your votes amongst millions and knew you had a big and very long chance to be that lucky one. Why can't you just be happy for the winner. We all know that only one person can and will win any of these sweeps. There is always next year "sore loosers!

Come on! Lets lighten up everybody! It's fun to dream big even when things didn't go your way and to just have a chance for it even when you loose! I am so Thankful that hgtv etc. cares enough to give away such a fabulous home every year. Even though some of the voters obviously are amoung the ungrateful possible winners for next year.
Thanks everybody I had fun on the 2008 dream home chase. God bless everybody in you real life dreams and hopes for a happy life right where you are.

Posted by Carrie Miracle – March 21, 2008 3:26 PM

DID ANYONE SEE THE ECHANNEL SOUP EPISODE BAGGING ON "THE MOST BORING ANNOYING SWEAPSTAKE WINNER EVER" THEY STATED SHE WAS MORE ANNOYED THAT THEY WERE IN HER HOME AND TAKING UP HER TIME INSTEAD OF BEING HAPPY THAT SHE WON SOMETHING FREE. THEY COMMENTED THAT SHE LOOKED AS THOUGH SHE WAS MORE CONSUMED WITH "DID THEY GET MY FLOOR DIRTY..YOUR INTERUPTING ME..LEAVE" GOTTA SEE IT..MADE ME LAUGH. SO TRUE. THIS WAS THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT. SHE NEEDS A PERSONALITY..HUSBAND LOOKS LIKE HES HAPPY. SHE NEEDS TO PULL THE STICK OUT AND ENJOY LIFE.. DID YOU SEE THE OLDER COUPLE WHO WON THE MEGA MILLION..NO EXPRESSION EITHER..MAYBE THIER FROM THE SAME FAMILY...POOR HUSBAND..DIVORCE HER FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN SMILE AND ENJOY THE HOME..HGTV PICK A DIFFERENT WINNER

Posted by samantha – March 22, 2008 3:10 AM

It is wonderful to see the winners so deserving of the award. ENJOY and to all the negative comments. Grow up and don't hate.........
Be happy someone with a few million in the bank already didn't win. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Judy – March 22, 2008 11:33 AM

When I saw the reaction of the HGTV Dream Home winner, I was baffled by the reaction. She seemed bothered. Maybe she already knew and "the reveal" was staged? The host didn't help. The host was overly excited creating a vast contrast to the winner. Anyway, I guess everyone expresses excitement differently. So on that note congratulations Dee family! I hope you appreciate the gift, share, and enjoy memories in your new home!

Posted by Gina Walker – March 22, 2008 11:58 AM

I can't speak for the rest of the bloggers who were upset about Ms. Dee's reaction, but my feelings had nothing to do with jealousy or disappointment at not winning the house. Sure, like millions of other people, I could have used it. (I've never owned a house.) But I don't make judgements about her "deservedness" either.

No, it's like this.... Most human beings like to share in other people's joy. We would have all felt good to see SOMEONE overjoyed at getting that home. And nothing in Ms. Dee's initial reaction or her followup videos leads me to believe she has any real joy at winning the house. Shy? Tired? I'm sorry, that's bull... I think she should have realized how fortunate she is, and "tired Mom" or not, summoned enough energy to paste a big smile on her face for a few moments for the benefit of the other 250,000,000 Americans who DIDN'T win a house.

Posted by Anonymous – March 22, 2008 3:23 PM

Congratulations to Stephanie and her family. I felt bad for her though, because she seemed to be in shock, and Lauren Lake was really annoying! Why is Joan Steffend not doing this anymore? No one can replace her - she is the best. She has class and is sweet and softspoken. Lauren Lake was screaming at the poor girl! Please bring Joan back next year to surprise the winner. Thanks.

Posted by Paula – March 22, 2008 4:58 PM

Joan Steffend has the best voice on HG TV. Nothing agains Lauren. She's fine, but Joan has an exceptional voice and she comes across very well. Also, Mrs. Dee appears to have a scalp problem because she's always scratching her head. Maybe she should have been awarded some Head and Shoulders.

Posted by CE – March 23, 2008 12:52 AM

If you were entering while at work is not your employer entiled to at least half of the prize.

Posted by Anonymous – March 24, 2008 10:14 AM

The winner of the home was not surprise a bit, not even happy she won!

Posted by Mike – March 25, 2008 7:43 PM

I'm so happy for you and your family... but sell that house and enjoy whatever profit you make. After the hundreds of thousands of dollars you'll owe in (prize and property) taxes, you may get about $800,000. That will be pretty nice (as long as the house sells quickly)!

Posted by Jen – March 27, 2008 7:55 PM

Next time you pick a winner of a "dream home" make sure they're alive. She was a real disappointment.

Posted by mary – March 28, 2008 7:47 PM

Lauren Lake did a great job! She was excited like the NONwinners were. It may have seemed as if her excitedness was exaggerated because the winner was GROSSLY UNDERexcited!!!

Stop hating on Lauren!!!

Posted by Carolina – March 30, 2008 7:02 PM

I am an introvert by nature and I would have been overwhelmed if that woman had come into my house and screamed at me for five minutes. They need a better host next year. Congratulations, Stephanie.

Posted by John – March 30, 2008 7:25 PM

all the excitment leading up to the big day....and then it was a bust. it's too bad for HGTV and its sponsors. maybe it would be wise to come up with a different contest for the next Dream House. Why give such an extravagant home away? Keep the future ones more affortable so the majority of people could keep the house . Just a thought.

Posted by cindy – April 5, 2008 10:35 PM

for me...i guess there was such a feeling of watching the disappointment show (and not just because i didn't win!) i invited my entire family over to watch the show with me and they are the most positive people i know and they couldn't believe the reaction...i guess i felt a little embarrassed that i hyped the show to them…in retrospect i would never have promoted the show...believe me i won't next year!!

Posted by monique~ – April 7, 2008 3:33 PM

AS FOR THE NEGATIVITY, I CAN UNDERSTAND. I AM HAPPY FOR THEM. HOWEVER, THE HGTV LIMO WAS HERE AT MY HOME FEB. 1ST 2008. THEY PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME WHERE MYSELF, MY HUSBAND,MY SON AND 2 OF MY NEIGHBORS SAW THEM. MY HUSBAND WAS ON HIS WAY TO WORK AND ME TO THE PHARMACY. IT WAS 5:45 PM. I WAS ON PINS AND NEEDLES FOR AMONTH AND A HALF. I AM TERMINALLY ILL AND WORKED AS A HOSPICE NURSE FOR 12 YEARS. I INJURED MYSELF ON THE JOB AND WAS NEVER AGAIN ABLE TO WORK. I THOUGHT FOR SURE I HAD WON AND WAS VERY DISSAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT I HADN'T. THEY WAVED TO ME AND ONCE AGAIN TO MY HUSBAND. WHY ELSE WERE THEY HERE? YOU WERE HERE FOR OVER 20 MINUTES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH HGTV, BUT STEPHANIE'S REACTION WAS NOT NORMAL. AND HGTV JUST WALKING INTO SOMEONES HOME THAT JUST HAPPENED TO BE HAVING A PARTY WASN'T NORMAL EITHER. I HAD A BREAKDOWN BECAUSE OF THIS. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHY YOU (HGTV) WERE HERE? MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE DECIDED TO PUT OUR HOUSE UP FOR SALE AND MOVE TO THE KEYS ANYWAY, SO THAT I CAN LIVE OUT MY DREAM WHERE I CAN AT LEAST BE HAPPY.

Posted by ANITA – April 8, 2008 8:13 PM

Checked the blog for the first time today since the winner was announced & wasn't surprised to read that many others had the same reaction as I did to the winner's lack of enthusiasm! I normally get teary-eyed watching people win things because I love sharing in their joy, even if I don't know them. However, I didn't see any visible joy expressed here. I kept waiting to see just a hint of being excited, even played the video over again to see if I missed something. NOTE TO SELF people: When you win a contest that millions of people would love to win, and you are on national television with those millions of people watching you and wanting to share in your joy, at least show a little enthusiasm, smile, laugh or SOMETHING! It's just makes good common sense to do so. Anyway, I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of your new home.

Posted by anonymous – April 9, 2008 2:15 PM

A few weeks ago on SNL there was the exact skit of how animated the person was who was announcing the winner, and the totally abysmal reaction of the recipient. Give me a break, no one can be walking around completely DEAD!!! Give her an energy bar/drink. Disappointed totally at her reaction. Her husband needs to give her a break from work, children, housework, etc., so she can feel SOMETHING akin to being alive.

Posted by zenobia Waller – April 9, 2008 9:30 PM

OBVIOUSLY STAGED,,,THE HOSTS ETC,,TERRIBLE,,HGTV DID A LOUSY JOB,,THE WINNER DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE,,HOPE THEY REALIZE WHAT THEY HAVE WON,,,TOO BAD,,BIG HYPE,,,BIG LET-DOWN...

Posted by vicki – April 10, 2008 7:56 PM

I read Anita comment and I desappoint to, because this is was surprise the winner and case that the winner don't qualify you going to get another winner and then April 21 you going to put the winner list. I never answer my phone I read the rule and didn't sad they going to call before they going to your house, I surprise the way they did the show.

Posted by Anonymous – April 11, 2008 12:18 PM

It was interesting to hear the various comments bloggers made about the winners as well as other bloggers. I don't think the bloggers were rude, but merely expressing their shock and disappointment over the flat reaction of the winners. It was an exciting moment and everyone was pumped up and expecting to vicariously feel the thrill of winning the beautiful dream house. But when the Dee's acted as though it was an inconvenience, that soured the whole experience for the viewers. Actually, it was embarrassing and uncomfortable to watch. Has anyone asked the Dee's why their reaction was so unresponsive? Maybe they were just overwhelmed. I don't believe Mrs. Dee's flat affect had anything to do with her being a physician assistant, as someone suggested. My daughter is a physician and she was very excited about the giveaway. We had lots of fun talking and fantasizing about what we would do if we had won. We loved watching the dream house shows but this year's culminating event was a downer and I doubt we'll ever watch again. My suggestion would be to tape and edit before showing.

Posted by Jane – April 12, 2008 1:32 AM

hi anita :) read your post so sorry to hear of your illness, i really am . If I may ask , when you stated the hgtv limo was out side. How did you know it was hgtv? Was Hgtv somewhere in writing or was it just you felt in your heart it was. thanks and I really hope you get to the keys soon , bless you and your family.

Posted by sb – April 15, 2008 7:46 AM

HI Susan from Florida :) thanks so much for the link to the 2004 winner. O my gosh what a sweet sweet family . I luv the way she would journal every day. Sometimes even as things were transpiring. How cool! Does anyone know if they were able to keep the home? Stephanie if your able maybe you can do this as well. I get excited and happy for people as they tell their stories too. Sincerely

Posted by sb – April 16, 2008 9:34 AM

I have to say congrat's to the winners as well. But I do have a quetion. When will HGTV have a home for winner's that can afford the taxes and such without going into life's debt. This contest does not seem to be for the average american. Is that the whole point? I'm retired military, now educator and there's no way I could "win" much less afford one of these homes. I read the rules after I entered and prayed I wouldn't win simply because of the taxes and home owner's insurance situation in Florida. California is not any better.
How about a nice cozy home in a mountain community that doesn't have such a high tax index? That would be a nice dream home for me (maybe not everyone).

Posted by Dee – April 21, 2008 11:50 PM

FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR AND THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT NOT YET SEEN. AND WE MUST ALWAYS HAVE HOPE! Its things like this that we see whats really in our hearts (jealousy , envy, and so on )and how we deal with it is how our character is molded , also i have to say contest like this are NEVER NEVER terrible. because if you start out with 0 dollars and win then sell and then minus taxes and so forth you will still have more than you started with. Besides the spokes person for hgtv clearly states that its an opportunity for people to do with it what they wish , whether keep the home or sell and start over and get a smaller dream home.

Posted by s – May 1, 2008 9:40 AM

I saw the Dream House winner crowned!! If I would have won just a "Dream Green house" to grown my plants, I would have shown more excitement than she did...on that show. Not all comments can be positive. Good luck anyway!!!

Posted by d l Melberg – May 4, 2008 10:35 PM

I am still so disapointed over the reaction that the Dee family had to winning the HGTV Dream Home. (especially Mrs. Dee )...I thought that their reaction ruined the Big Finale!!....I couldn't imagine having such a flat reaction to such a big blessing!!....If there would be some way to avoid showing a " Winner" having that kind of reaction in the future, it would make the contest more pleasurable for the rest of us!!!!..Nevertheless.....Congrats to the Dee family!!!

Posted by marcia – May 9, 2008 12:50 AM