October Overatures

The overature would be my children playing the piano that Ron & Jean (Burton) gave us for the girls to use at home. Both Eric and his sister Julie learned how to play on it, so we're honored that the tradition can continue in our home. It's a beautiful thing to hear the sweet sounds come from their efforts on the instrument, and it's amazing that they can still find ways to fight about it too. "I'm first. No, it's my turn!" Oh, well... they're doing what sisters do.

In other news, Taylor is running for President of the Student Council at her elementary school. Her slogan is "vote for Mii! Taylor B. for Class Prez!" The mii part rhymes with wii (like the game system). Her picture and her wii likeness are on the poster in the library for all to see. She's getting so much positive feedback on the likeness and the poster that she's actually walking on air!

Recently a friend of mine sent an email about Caryn (a mutual friend from junior high) that is needing a new kidney. My heart went out to her, as you can imagine, having been through this necessity with my father for the last 5 years. A support group on Facebook was started for Caryn, so I joined Facebook, so I could support her. Now I'm finding that Facebook is going to be my new habit. OK, I admit it, I'm a computer junkie. I LOVE research on the computer, find deals, go to ebay, craigslist, google, you tube, our blog page, movie sites, webkinz (for the kid games) and now FACEBOOK. I hope our insurance can cover this additiction!!

Also, the kids have chosen their costumes for Halloween. Taylor will be a sweet looking piece of candy corn, and Sammie is a bee (a diva looking bee at that)! Halloween will be very fun this year, as we once again share it with Ron and Jean carving pumpkins, making pizza, and then trick-or-treating. It's become a tradition to share this day with them, and it's fun for grandkids, parents and kids alike.

Lastly, on Sunday - November 2nd, Eric will be running in the New York Marathon. He leaves on his flight on Friday (the Halloween Redeye) and runs starting at 10:20 am EST. We'll be tracking him online and then talking to him via webcam when he's done. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some of it. Eric has chosen to run for a cause too, it's the TSA (Tourette's Syndrome Association) since Taylor was diagnosed with it this last spring. NO she doesn't swear, she does have combo motor/vocal tics - it doesn't slow her down. We can talk more about that another time.

Check you later!
Kelly

Where Did September Go?

As I look at my past blog entries I realize that the first month of school is history! We did so much too! The girls started 5th and 2nd grade. They've begun piano lessons. They're back to regular girl scout meetings - and Taylor's troop is planning to go to San Francisco in May to bridge from Juniors to Cadette's! We're also deeply into soccer. Taylor has found her niche as the star center defender and Sammie cannot make up her mind what her favorite positions is... but who can blame her? She's a powerhouse no-matter where her coach puts her! And I'm her coach!

Since October is now 1/2 way finished, I'm trying to stop and look around. Take in the sights and sounds of fall in Southern California. Yes... we do get a change of season around here. The ivy on our back wall fence changes beautiful shades of brown and red before it gently dies and becomes part of the gardeners' problem. And, the hot winds have arrived which means the "fire bugs" are now out and wreaking havoc in SoCal too. We're praying our friends in Simi Valley won't have it too bad this year, although there is currently a fire too close to them.

Whispers of Halloween events are filling the air, candy is creeping into the house, pumpkins and skeletons are adorning the lawns of many neighbors. We've even been "boo'd". This means a neighbor secretly stashed candy in a bag and ditched it on our door for the girls. When we received it, we posted the required "BOO" flier on our window and promptly "boo'd" three additional neighbors to spread the chear. The girls loved filling the BOO bags and then giving them out. They "ding-dong-ditched" three neighbors and waited for them to come out and retrieve the surprise on the door. Where did they learn this term? I don't know... hmmm.... motherly moment to ponder...