Good-bye 2013!

2013 has been quite the whirlwind for us overall. I thought I would take some time and make a video montage of our year. I am happy to report that I accomplished TWO of my New Year's resolutions from January.....I did take a photo a day (sometimes capturing the mundane things like dirty dishes but I did it) AND I managed to blog more than I have in almost four years. I will admit to shedding a few tears while I created, edited, rearranged, and added pics to this year in review. Tears of joy shed that remind me how blessed we are with great friends and family whether near or far. Tears of happiness for fond memories traveling many, many miles (and blocking out the random meltdowns after many, many hours of road-tripping).
Our Year in Review (via One True Media)

Looking forward to more travel and memory making in 2014.....hoping to add Mardi Gras and Virginia to our lists along with visiting family in Georgia and an extended CA visit (maybe) in the summer. My new camera is ready for lots of use; I hope to share more our craziness with you in 2014.

Holiday Hoopla!

These days it feels like I'm jumping through hoops. Here are my thoughts in a few random sentences ---

1. Wrapping presents in code is fun. Sean can't stand the temptation of gifts with his name on them so this year each child gets all his/her gifts wrapped in the same paper; the kicker is that they don't know who has what paper. They love it. Sweet.

2. Working retail, especially toys, is pure madness this time of year.

3. Peppermint brownies, sugar cookies, butterscotch cornflake candy, chex mix muddy buddies, check! Still on agenda - fudge attempt #2 (REALLY need to get that candy thermometer!) and choc. chip cookies.

4. Cannot commit to doing gingerbread houses this year. They are just as happy with a handful of candy. And I hate the fact that they destroy eat them within minutes of decorating them. I am a Grinch when it comes to this.

5. Some day I will get to sleep in, right?

6. NO Elf-on-the-shelf for us. I think it's creepy. We've had magical elves for YEARS (copied form my sister-in-law).....they are always watching. And they leave a little something in the gift bags outside their bedrooms on the nights of the 21, 22, and 23 if the kids have been good. I thought they were too old for elf checks, but much to my chagrin to my surprise they were asking about the elves last week. Creative mini-gifts is hard enough work without having to go overachiever with a creepy doll for a month.

7. Watching loads of Christmas shows and movies when the opportunity arises. I hope we remembered to DVR The Polar Express.

8. Looking forward to seeing Saving Mr. Banks over the Christmas break. Any other must-see movies out there?

Merry Christmas! May this holiday hustle and bustle slow to a gentle pace and allow us all to savor the blessings in our lives.

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas

And feel like Christmas too!!! Welcome ice storm whatever-your-name-is ---the Texas version of frozen tundra I suppose. The layer of ice has crushed the outdoor decorating possibilities of Clark Griswold Collin. However, it has brought the kids' dreams alive with a cancelled day of school this past Friday and the possibility of one more day off tomorrow. They have enjoyed many hours of ice play complete with using corrugated boxes, Rubbermaid storage lids, cookie sheets, and pool floats for sledding devices. Oh to be young again -- I risk life and limb just trying to get to the trash can without falling.

 

I have a new appreciation for the importance of a MUD ROOM and desperately wish I had one at this point. My front entry looks like the entire neighborhood dumped their gear before attempting to thaw with hot chocolate and Christmas shows.

We have been productive - the Christmas tree is up! (I think it needs ribbon garland though)

and I ordered the Christmas cards today (and I count this blog post as productive too!)

 

Other words or phrases that describe our last few days --- fireplace, donuts, pajamas, ice, treacherous (and successful) shopping with Collin, blankets, Christmas movies, ice, street skating/sliding, wet gloves, Christmas carols on the piano, ice, ice, ice.

 

I still need to get the fall decorations put away but I need some of them to thaw first.

So for today I will enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner that we are making today so we can enjoy some leftovers this week. And I will cheer on the Saints in front of our cozy fireplace but I suppose I should shower and change my pajamas first.

 

 

Sharing a day; it's all good (mostly)

Happy Birthday to the girl who made me a Mom 15 years ago......

My Maggie.....with beautiful blonde hair and striking blue eyes (and cute clothes from H&M, not A&F), she came into this world with a strong voice that she still uses to this day. I'm proud of her talents in singing, dance, drama, and band. She is a performing arts 'nerd' (her words) and pretty much a mini-me (she's way better than I ever was). She loves learning to cook too.

She is my guinea pig at this Mom gig. Poor soul. She challenges me a lot (especially when she challenged me to this piggy back shot)

but overall she is a great kid who makes friends easily, is trustworthy, and knows what modesty means. She is most happy when listening to show tunes and eating carbs (my kind o' gal). I love her to pieces even when she thinks I don't. (If you are reading this Mag, get off your phone and clean your room for 15 min. :))

 

This Mother's Day reminds me of the blessings I do have in my children:

Amanda is fiercely independent, nurturing, and a hard worker. She has a soft heart for babies and animals. (now if she had such a soft heart with her siblings) She said she wants to be a nurse or physical therapist for kids in rehab "like she had." She makes me proud.

and these two turkeys boys bring me such joy and anxiety all wrapped into one. For those interested, yes - Sean is really that much taller than me now and Ian is doing his best to keep up (note the on-the-toes pose). Someone once told me that 'boys adore their Daddy, but hold their Mom's heart' (or something like that). It is absolutely true. I love my girls but these boys melt my heart like no other. And geez, can they smell like no other.

And this little guy, I love him too. He and Ian happily greeted me with coffee in bed so I can't complain.

These flowers are sprucing up my kitchen nicely. So I'm not gonna complain about those either.

 

But, you will hear me complaining loudly if I have to clean up the dinner dishes like I did the breakfast ones. (give me credit, I lasted five hours and when they didn't get touched I got a tad witchy.) 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms I know....you make a difference everyday even if it doesn't seem like it! I hope everyone has time to reflect on the blessing(s) in their lives and has a few moments of peace. Because, let's be real, the laundry that isn't getting done today will still be staring at us tomorrow.

 

May he always be amazing.....

Here is the dedication to my Sean; I can't believe he's 13. Thirteen things (or so) I love about him:
1) He's a great big brother.....teaches his siblings things (and maybe a few he shouldn't)

2) He will share even when it isn't easy to.

3) He is brave and adventurous; although watching him snow-ski makes me cringe b/c he is Kamakazi man.

4) He always has a smile on his face.

5) He LOVES dogs and if Fritz slept with him it would be perfection.

6) Much like his Momma - LOVES seafood and would eat crab, shrimp, fish everyday if he could.

7) He loves to be outdoors; he prefers sunshine, surf, snow, and fresh air to video games anyday of the week.

8) He humors me with constant photo ops; never-ending nicknames; and even kissing me before he leaves for school.

9) He enjoys team sports and respects his coaches. Coach Eric is his favorite baseball coach ever. We will miss him terribly.

 

10) He is fiercely competitive. He will give you everything he has and leave it all on the table.

 

11) He loves New Orleans Saints football; Angels baseball; and the LSU Tigers. Looking forward to attending all sorts of sports in the Dallas area that involve our favorite teams.....first up Angels vs. Rangers this summer :)

12) He is a great friend. He is loyal, funny, and wears his heart on his sleeve.

13) He is handsome....his curly blond hair (when it's long) and his blue eyes melt my heart. How did this 8lb.6oz. bald baby become a teenager so fast.

Now I have to go and measure to see if he is officially taller than me. He said "it's my present to you, Mom." I'll grab a tissue on the way because typing this post has made me cry.

 

 

So, it's 2012.....did everyone ring in the New Year with Dick Clark? We did. The kids ALL made it to midnight miraculously. Ian was fading fast at 9pm so with a little silliness and a lot of prodding he made it. Little turkey --- I let him have his cider and pop his party poppers at 11pm with the AZ time zone New Year's and he promptly rolled to midnight Pacific time. Collin came home early so it was nice to have everyone home celebrating and then scattering like cockroaches to their beds.

This year my New Year's resolution is to participate in the Hope in Action 365 project. I'll TAKE a picture daily but rest assured I might not get it posted daily. (I'm not completely unreasonable). It will be interesting if not challenging. I love pictures, photography, and scrapbooking so it's all good. Add in a few photos and recipes and it's even better. And maybe I'll even learn how to use some of the features on my camera.

Here goes: Photo 1.......when you don't get your favorite team on tv, this is what you resort to.....tracking them online. Happy New Year, GEAUX Saints!

So, it's New Year's Eve. Bleh. I'm not a huge fan. I just don't get it. I don't want to go to a crowded restaurant and pay extra for mediocre food and drink specials that I don't even drink. I don't want to go to a bar and have it be overcrowded with people who are drinking heavily just because they have an excuse. And then, they aren't necessarily responsible about having a designated driver either.

Add to that.....Collin works on New Year's Eve. So it's just me and the kids. I could TRY to get a sitter but going to hang at a bar while your husband works isn't super fun either. In the past I have traveled to visit friends, but having just returned from Ohio and the thought of returning back to work so soon (Tuesday!.....thought we had extra time last year?) kind of squelched the idea of driving 1,000 miles.

Don't get me wrong --- I am ready to be D.O.N.E. with 2011. It has been very stress-filled and exhausting. It's had it's highlights but mostly it's been about trying to keep our heads above water in this sucky economy; trying to make ends meet. I lost two Aunts in the last few months. Our sweet cat 16 yr. old Shasta mysteriously disappeared and I just like to think that she got out of the house and went to die in peace. It's difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes. But in reality, as hard as I'd like to think we've had it, MANY people have had it worse.

• My friend Audrey and her family lost EVERYTHING in a house fire. They all survived and with a lot of hardwork and patience, they are home again.
• Ashton Sweet, a local Irvine teen and friend, was killed in a car accident. My friends, Janet and Julie, both lost close friends of their families.....all TEENAGERS. My heart just breaks for the families that have to deal with such tragedies.

I need to learn to count my blessings and appreciate what I do have: I have a husband who works hard for our family, I have four healthy children, I have a job (that I love), and I have a home to live in. So, as I attempt to have a quiet NYE at home with the kids [note: I said quiet/ even playing games isn't quiet!] eating finger foods and hanging out, I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Here's to 2012! May it bring you good health and happines.

(And maybe a few more blog posts from me.)

A LOVE Thursday post (a few minutes early)
Ten Thirteen days ago when I posted about Christmas pictures it wasn't my intention to disappear again. Life is busy as usual, but you add in the insanity of shopping, stealth gift wrapping, end of semester school projects and a couple of holiday concerts in there and you get MADNESS. But I'm not complaining, really, for once I'm not! Because it also means Christmas goodies........ Last night started it - homemade fudge. And then today it was two kinds of Chex Mix, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter blossom cookies, and cornflake candy. Another batch of fudge was on the agenda until I realized I was out of baking chocolate. I'm also planning to make some golden cheesecake bars for a gathering with friends on Sat. night. What is your favorite holiday cookie/treat/specialty? I'm always up for making something new.

The kids are treasuring every morsel of their Advent calendars from Trader Joe's. Who doesn't like to start their day with a bit of chocolate? They are keeping a close inventory of my late night wrapping sessions and can quickly tell me if something has been added under the tree and which family member it's for. In some ways it sucks the fun out of it when they make the tree all messy and desheveled and then argue about what was added? and why does he/she have more than I do? nonsense. I know they are 'just being kids' but for all the goodness in the world make them stop arguing about. Next year I am using a mystery number system that only I will know about. They might mess up the pretty presents but I will still hold the cards. Muhahahaha.

We've watched Rudolph (my childhood favorite!) and several versions of A Christmas Carol so far but have yet to see National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I can't believe it's taken this long but it WILL happen. And no Christmas would be complete without It's A Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas everyone.......

Thanksgiving Morning Musings.......
I LOVE Thanksgiving.......the cooking and preparation, the scents around all the comfort food, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, football on the television, the crafts the kids make to decorate the table, the crisp weather and most of all the gathering of family and friends taking time away from the craziness of life to remember how blessed and thankful we are. It's probably my favorite holiday.

Yesterday day I made the cranberry relish, the pecan pie, and Grandma Hall 5-cup salad (but it's 10-cup for us b/c the kids LOVE it). Ian cut all of the celery for the stuffing and assembled it with Collin last night. This morning I'm prepping the green bean casserole, baked corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and baking a pumpkin pie. I am queen of the oven; that's because Collin is frying the turkey this year. With recent oven issues (and not even knowing if we were going to be able to use it) along with its small size, he decided to attempt frying the turkey this year. So, Pepperidge Farm gravy it is. (shhhh, don't tell his mother)

Another part of the day I enjoy is checking out the Black Friday sales. I have a short list of things left to get so I'll see if there are any MUST HAVES that I don't want to miss out on. Midnight is SO MUCH better for me than 5am :) But I refuse to fight with insane people over things like TVs we don't need or the latest Wii game. I don't mind the spot at the far end of the parking lot, the long lines, or the crowds. It's all a mind set......savoring in the holiday sales b/c it's the HOLIDAYS. Merry Christmas, folks. If someone tries to lose their marbles on me, I just smile and nod and wish them a Merry Christmas. It usually shuts them right up! It reminds them of what the season is truly about.

And, last but not least, let the Christmas decorating begin. Clark, aka Collin, usually starts tomorrow. Being in a rental this year, our house is MUCH smaller, but I'm sure he'll do his best to win the neighborhood decorating contest. (He's been trimming the front tree for weeks to make sure the lights will be seen, lol)

And with all the festivities DO NOT think I'm straying from the Game On! challenge. I'm taking ONE meal off today and then going to take Friday or Sat. as my food day-off so I can enjoy leftovers and maybe even some movie popcorn. I think I'll even exercise this evening to make sure I work off those extra carbs. (what is wrong with me?)

Off to cook in my pjs :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

......yawn....
Today has been a VERY LONG day. I'm not sure why b/c I got out of bed at 7:15am which is not far behind my normal waking-to-make-lunches time. I woke to my children UP AND AWAKE (why can't they ever get up for school like this?) playing Wii with their sleepover buddy. Cue: mad dash to the coffee pot. I worked on finishing up a digital scrapbooking project; started laundry; made breakfast; and basically just piddled around. It was a cool, dreary Saturday morning so pjs were my fashion of choice.

I got my act together around noon and we headed out to a few awesome sales and to take advantage of a promo they had to support our local public schools foundation. Successful shopping with four children is NEVER easy but we went, we shopped, we conquered! A little bribery of In-and-Out burger went a long way and it was the PERFECT treat for my Game On diet day off. We dashed home to catch the LSU game and I began to climb the laundry mountain while I banished them to their rooms for leaving their crap everywhere and being lazy laundry folders. After the shopping adventure and seeing the chaos of my living room, I simply needed them to go play quietly. I waded through three loads; made some cheater Zatarain's jambalaya for dinner and then cleaned the kitchen. HOW was it only 8pm???? Oh, and I still need to exercise (already took yesterday off, dang it!).

AND to add to my long day.........my oven is broken. Four days before Thanksgiving. Thankyouverymuch!

So Christmas has officially come and gone. I have pictures, not uploaded just yet, but I'll share soon. We've had a nice time playing games, figuring out all the techy-type gifts and eating fabulous food with delicious snacks BUT
I call this time the post-Christmas fall out. It's just a blah time for me. Ya know, kinda like laundry day after coming home from vacation; the vacation was great but settling back down is a bit of a buzz-kill. I guess it's the lack of insanity with all the hustle, bustle, excitement and the preparations/shopping/wrapping/etc. being done. It's the constant trash pick-up of packaging tidbits; small parts to games; and then the if-I-have-to-sweep-one-more-pine-needle craziness. Although I am looking forward to jumping onto the organization bandwagon and decluttering clothes & toys (again!), I can't wait to get the tree down! Tomorrow (Monday) I am going to work with the kids and get their bedrooms done so we can get the tree down during the Saints game. Does that make me a Scrooge? I just want a sense of peace and when my house is clean and mostly clutter-free I am at peace.

Maybe I should have asked for a cleaning fairy for Christmas???

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; a Southern California Christmas --- beautiful clear skies about 65*, just perfect. Yesterday I was a wrapping fool and I managed to wrap w/o anyone sneaking in for a peek. Still have a few left but nothing that is overwhelming. I just wanted to share some pictures of the what it looks like around here........

 This is only 1/2 the house but it's a sample of the insanely tall tree that Collin decorates. You can't see the other tree; part of the yard; walkway. The rain has put a damper on him finishing the lights; makes for a grumpy Mr. Griswold.

 Grandma Hall's gifts; the kids can hardly keep their hands off even though I told them it was OK to eat the candy canes.

 The stockings are hung..........

 The cookies are made.............

 A Christmas with Scrooge has come to an end (our school 'family of friends' minus Skylar)

 but there remains more cookies to be made-- Chex Muddy Buddies; Chex Chili/Garlic Mix; and FUDGE!!! Ooooops, almost forgot to make the five cups/ambrosia salad for tomorrow. And coke-jello salad.

We'll head to church for Christmas Eve service; have some yummy homemade carnitas for dinner today and spend the evening playing games and watching 'It's A Wonderful Life'; tomorrow is the main event. Collin's prime rib, yorkshire pudding, garlic mashed potatoes, and more....

The only thing missing is extended family and SNOW.

BUT, in the words of Tiny Tim,

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas to you all

Can you feel the hustle bustle of the city???? Yes, It's Christmas Time (not yet, let's get through Thanksgiving) in Londontown again!!!!

Thanksgiving time means so many things these days. It's truly a hustle and bustle like no other. Maggie and I have Scrooge rehearsals, Sean/Amanda/Ian are playing basketball,  and OF COURSE the turkey is in the fridge thawing while I shop for the ingredients to my favorite meal. We are cooking and my friend Sandee will be joining us since her kids will be with their Dad.

It also means SHOPPING for me. In the past I have prided myself on being finished with Christmas shopping BY Thanksgiving; not giving in to the sales and tempting holiday releases. Times have changed with me working and our finances being stretched. So, besides grabbing a stocking stuffer here and there I haven't really gotten much accomplished. I'm going to make a good effort to peruse the sale papers and make a shopping list, but the thought of getting up at oh-dark-thirty and fighting people who are hyped up on Starbucks isn't exciting. I am a happy shopper who understands that parking will suck, lines will be long, and product is limited SO MERRY CHRISTMAS PEOPLE; be nice and is losing the spirit of Christmas worth a few dollars, I think not.

For Collin, it means his annual transformation into Clark Griswold. He started thinking about lights and strategies for electric cords weeks ago. He even trimmed the tree out front b/c he wanted to make sure the lights would show up nicely. The majestic pine-type tree that he has procariously decorated from our rooftop for years has grown at least 6 ft. this year so I'm not sure how he is going to do it. (at least I don't WANT to know how) I mentioned NOT decorating it this year and he took it as a challenge. Silly, man. Yes, we have insurance. The notes we get from people saying 'you made our Christmas' and 'thank you for bringing some sparkle to our holidays' makes it all worth it. I'll update when it's complete so if you live near by you can drive by and enjoy his masterpiece.

In the meantime, I'm going to practice my lines and make a couple of things for tomorrow. Sandee will make her famous deviled eggs; Collin will do 'most' of the cooking. I'll make cranberry sauce and a pecan pie later today. What is your must-have favorite on Thanksgiving?

However, even with the hustle and bustle, I will NEVER forget where we were last Thanksgiving. I will NEVER forget to be thankful for health; the miracle of medicine; and the many blessings that God has given our family.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So many people call me the Paparazzi of the family.....I consider it a compliment :) May is always a busy month for us, but this is a slideshow sample of a few things that the kids were up to. From My Fair Lady to Maggie's b-day (and her Day at Disney with Dad) to Amanda's first Communion (and then crazy broken arm). Also, the Junior Games, 4th grade play for Sean, and finishing up baseball. Add in state testing for the kids (not Ian) and Open House. I'm sure I missed something along the way, but as May comes to a close we are saluting the troops on this Memorial Day. Good ole' bbq, Collin's famous potato salad, watermelon and apple pie.

TIME
As the days roll by, I find myself measuring time in small increments all starting at Halloween 2009; I guess you could call it Tumor Time. I don't know. It's strange. There are so many things in life that are measured or recorded as milestones and people often refer to them on a regular basis. For example, dating "we've been dating six months" and then marriage "we've been married six months" and ESPECIALLY when you have children....."the baby is six days, six weeks, six months old".

And sometimes it seems surreal when you measure other things; like the fact that my Dad has been gone for almost 21 years. Longer than he was in my life.

I tend to think of this new 'tumor time' much like most people would a major life-changing occurence. I hear people all the time mention that they are 'five years sober' or 'two years cancer free'. It is a BIG DEAL! And the fact that six months ago, Amanda couldn't talk, walk, or swallow is nothing short of amazing. So today we are celebrating six months post-tumor for Amanda and all of the changes it has brought to our home. Six months that has made me appreciate being a Mom even more. Happy Mother's Day to me and all the amazing Moms out there!

EASTER 2010.............a beautiful weekend filled with great food, fun, and friends. Collin managed to find some hot boiled crawfish; I was worried that they simply wouldn't be up to 'our' standards (ya know, the Southern spicy kind!). Well, my worries quickly disappeared when I got one whiff as he walked in the door. I danced around my kitchen as I got a sample of a few (or three, or ten!) We also made fried catfish. Literally, a Good Friday.


We spent a lot of time just being home --- cleaning, gardening, prepping food for Easter. The kids had fun with the egg hunt at church and then our family egg hunt on Easter morning at home. The eggs were actually more challenging this year; it was quite funny to tell the boys 'you are warm; you are HOT' and they still didn't see the purple egg in the tree. Easter breakfast of champions for me = coffee and a Reese's peanut butter egg followed up with a couple of Peeps! Maggie is quite fond of Peeps as well.


After church, we had our friend Ron and his family over for Easter dinner --- a fresh pork uncured ham on the grill; potato casserole; salad; baked macaroni; homemade baklava; cake; brownies......Ooooo, my. Add in an earthquake during dinner to shake things up and a good time was had by all.


Even Fritz was treated to nibbling on the pork leg bone for a little bit.


It's spring break this week for the kidlets. We have NO plans.

Well, I have plans of sleeping in daily.
(I've been trying to add pictures for two days but Blogger won't let me, ugh!)

Milestones....

Yet another milestone has been reached for our family. Sean is TEN! as in the big 1-0; as in double digits. My blue-eyed, blonde-haired sports fanatic.

The one who helped his team win the consolation championship on Sunday.

The one who shared some one-on-one ski time with me in Utah; despite the fact that he had to wait for me b/c I'm slow.

The one who still loves to snuggle and be tucked in at night.

Yes, him. I love that little dude.

Happy Birthday Sean!

I DO have other children. They are fairing well through this whole chaotic situation. We've tried to keep life as normal as possible with only a few hitches in the schedule. They are keeping Grandma Hall on her toes, but love having her here. Here they are.........my beautiful children 'cleaned up' for Thanksgiving; I didn't ask them to do this so it was a nice (and funny) surprise.

No shoes necessary; and Sean's case, no shirt either. Bring on the redneck jokes!

It's been three weeks.........three long weeks since I've heard my sweet daughter's precious voice. I lie here tonight snuggling next to her trying to quiet her restlessness and just be in the moment with her; trying to ease her confusion and frustration as to what happened to her. Does she truly understand? How can she; I still don't. I cry silent, hot tears lying next to her. What is she thinking? I wish I knew. I wish I knew how to reach into her fragile body and turn her voice back on, push the ON button for swallowing, and give her the strength to control her body without the aid of a walker.

She HAS come so far in these three weeks and for that I AM THANKFUL. I am thankful that she is a fighter with an independent spirit. I am thankful that she is making small improvements daily. I am thankful that she still works hard when her little body shakes with ataxia and is telling her to be done. I am thankful THAT SHE IS HERE!

And I am thankful for everyone of you out there who is sending prayers and well wishes to Amanda and our entire family. That is just the start of what I am thankful for. For years everyone has made fun of me for crying when I say what I am thankful for when we say grace before our Thanksgiving feast, well this year I will be crying again so pass me a tissue and tell me what YOU are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So Monday night we got BOO'ed. Someone was kind enough to spread some Halloween spirit. Well, lucky for my kids to get some yummy marshmallow ghosts and some goodies to make cupcakes. Unlucky for me because it means a commitment to participate.........because my kids won't let me ignore it. I grabbed a few assorted items from the store; stuffed the buckets; and we decided which neighbors we should try to BOO!

You would have thought they were Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
They turned into stealth little troopers negotiating who gets to bring the bucket/ who gets to ring the bell/ should you ring before or after you put the bucket down. It was hilarious. Sean even changed into black clothing so he couldn't be detected running from the drop-off point. The 10 minutes it took to drive around and situate the car (three houses down from each drop) was absolutely hilarious. The anxious questions 'do you think they saw us? do you think they'll figure it out? do you think they'll like the stuff?' were just so funny. I'm so glad they didn't let me just bail out on participating. That's good stuff!