Making new friends...

Yep, that's me and Josh in the middle! Do you maybe recognize the faces on the left and right?

Alright, lets start at the beginning. Last summer while having a glorious dinner, by ourselves, in Ocean City, MD, Josh handed me an envelope with an itinerary for a future trip in December. He had booked a room in Atlantic City, NJ at a very posh casino, The Borgata. We would enjoy massages at the spa and dinner at the restaurant of my choice and then go to a show, all of this happening in one building! (The two men above being the stars of said show, any ideas?) We were at the end of one of the most amazing meals, looking out over the bay as the sun set and here he is setting up the next adventure...I love him!!!

When we get home I look over the website, we book hot stone massages at the spa and dinner for two at Bobby Flay's Steak House. I have been giddy with excitement for months about this trip. To make what could be a very long story short, the massages were amazing...I only wish we could have had more time to take advantage of the spa itself...dinner was everything I hoped it could be, and then some.

After dinner we went into the Music Box, found our seats and got ready for the show. We chit-chatted for a bit when Josh says, "I still know something about this trip you don't." Just a simple as that. I looked at him, "What in the world are you talking about?" He then pulled out of his back pocket two after-show back stage passes! All of a sudden I was nervous, excited, stunned, confused and happy all at once. The show that followed was great, they we're really funny, in ways I didn't expect (not personally being familiar with their comedy albums). More importantly they were amazingly hospitable back stage, even recording a quick intro for Josh's new band.

We made it home today after a long 7 and 1/2 hour drive, happy to have had a great time and an outstanding family to pull together to allow us to go. Now I ask the big question. Are you still floundering around in your memories (or google), or do you know who my "mystery men" are? If you click on all of the links you might get a little help. I don't have a prize but I'd love to see who figures it out first! (Thanks for the competition idea Kate...even though I had no hope at your's.)

One stripe at a time

Summer is way behind us(almost hard to remember) and the days of frigid temperatures are upon us, forcing us to find some indoor activities. After months of waiting for the end of soccer and football, Colton's greatest wish came true. He is now a student of Lake Placid Martial Arts Academy, studying Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate. That sounds amazingly serious, and in some respects it is. The kids class is for 5-12 year olds and is very life skills oriented. Each night seems to carry a theme such as, looking a person in the eye when they are talking to you or helping out around the house without being asked. Two weeks ago Colton was surprised to be presented with the first stripe on his belt. It was an inspiring moment, watching him shake his Sensei's hand and bow with bursting pride. After class the senior students all shook his hand and congratulated him. He looked ten-feet tall as he walked over to me and Lennon, and was at a loss of words to explain what had happened. It was all he talked about for days. I think he really likes it!!

Lists of lists

My list of "things to do," which actually includes making further lists, is long and tedious this moring. I have justified this post with the fact that the kids bedding is in the washing machine, therefore I am doing something on the list, right?! I suppose I am only accountable to myself.

We had a glorious Thanksgiving weekend complete with sledding, lots of family and lots of turkey. We forgot our camera on our annual sledding adventure with Mom and Chris (maybe Mom will email me a few highlights to post), it was a blast as usual. We did get a few shots of us around the house, Tim took over our camera...but forgot to turn it on himself!

Red cheeks from sliding!

One "Great"Grandma!

My little princess.
A little background music...

On Thanksgiving day I found myself in my kitchen, carving my turkey, stuffing in the oven, gravy bubbling on the stove, at 10:30am. Josh ventured off to Peru for a Turkey Trot 5K and I packed up my goodies and my kiddies and met him in Malone. Everyone brought something and Grandma didn't have to do a thing! It was wonderful. The gang was great and the kids had a lot of fun playing with their "cousins."

Enough procrastination...off to tackle the list. Happy Holidays!

Floodwood Mountain...or bust

Mom took last Monday off from work (enjoying a four day weekend) and the kids and I met up with her for a "hike." We packed sandwiches, water, tea and a few snickers bars (good idea Mom) and set of for Floodwood Mt. As soon as we parked the car, both kids were hungry...not a good omen. Mamee came to the rescue with her snickers bars and we started walking. You can't drive to the trail head and so we had to walk a good distance in before hitting the trail. Bailey ran circles around us, sniffing every twig in sight. Colton talked, and talked, and talked to Mamee. And Lennon, her little legs weighted down with big boots did her best to keep up. Finally we reached the trail head, Lennon insisting on helping and adding to her load...

We started up the trail, snow specked and muddy, all of us hungry now. Talking about food and leaping on slippery rocks to keep out of the mud we keep pushing forward, in hopes of actually getting to the hiking part. Then we heard the sound that turns any wise hiker around. Gunshots. Damn hunters...or maybe not. We walked back out to the trail head and stopped for lunch. The tea that Mom had packed refused to be let out of the thermos, no matter how hard we tried.

Lennon had lost any interest in walking and I gave Colton the pack so she could ride on my back, her snowsuit and my vest violently repelling each other giving me a great workout trying to keep her from falling off. In the end we made it back to Mom's for hot tea (we did get the thermos open...it wasn't warm) and hot coco. Another great family adventure on the books.

Mt. Baker on a sunny November day.

It was a little tricky navagating down the mountain (it feels funny to call it a mountain)today and took me a bit longer than I thought it would. The trail was full of mud and ice, but the air was refreshing and cold. When the weather turns cold and wet I just can't wait for the snow, it's so much easier to navigate than mud. My goal is to pull out the snowshoes I got for Christmas last year and hike at least twice a week this winter...maybe.

My sweet Colton

Mornings around here are somewhat of a chore and I am usually exhausted by 8:30 and ready for a nap. Today was a little different because we were headed for the award breakfast at Bloomingdale Elementary. (I bet you are all jealous...I got to eat school food, ha, ha, gag!) We are so proud of him! His teacher, Mrs. Munn (aka Kara Pandolf) gave him this certificate and glowing comments. Colton has been searching for a little time without Lennon recently and we have dedicated Friday night to be his night with Mom and Dad. So far we have played a few games of Sorry and Clue Jr. and created a "Monopoly Monster." I have never had so much fun, watching him try and trade Water Works and Electric Company for Josh's Boardwalk and Park Place...he was so serious. Now, every night he stays awake in his room for a little quite time after I read. I never know what I will find when I check on him. Sometimes he is in bed, lights on, glasses on, book on his chest. Other times there in a pile of papers on his desk covered in either drawings of monsters or math (the kid loves to add long numbers). One night last week this is what I found:
Lyrics to a new song. I just love watching him grow. He puts a smile on my face everyday!!

Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Super Girl had a great time "flying" around town and protecting me from the villains on the loose.
Lucky for me my "Hulk" was friendly!
We went out on Halloween and therefore had to dress up. Josh has been playing with a new band, Professor Chaos, and stepped up for 8 songs that night. It was nice to not have him on stage all night. We didn't get any pictures earlier in the night so my hair is flat and Josh's "wound" fell off, but you get the point.

Snowday in October!

In my very humble opinion, our school district is growing soft. Yes, the kids are home today...grumble, grumble. At first they we're both highly disappointed, then they saw the snow. At 6:45 I donned my snow pants, hat, scarf, gloves, and coat to shovel the walkway and start the car for Josh. I had been out only a few minutes when the front door opened and all of the disappointment disappeared.
Being the mean mother that I am, I made them eat breakfast and wait for the sun to come up before letting them out into their winter wonderland. It is relatively warm out this morning, mid twenties, they should be out for a while. Bailey bravely played with them for bit before deciding the couch was much warmer. I hope he's ready for winter in the Adirondacks.

October in the Adirondacks

The kids are elated and I am praying they don't have a snow day tomorrow.

Lets see just how accurate the weather forecasters are.

I took this picture at 5 PM. I hope to get another before bed and again in the morning. We could see 10 inches by morning...Happy Halloween!!

My kitchen, My life

I love to cook.

But why? Sometimes cooking can be the most mundane, frustrating, paint-by-numbers part of my day. Pull out the skillet, a couple of pork chops, broccoli and some pasta...wala! Dinner. Usually this happens when life just runs away with me and I am caught up in it. When the need to feed my family something, anything nutritious, gets tangled up in the swirling cloud of never ending "things to do" and the creativity and fun is sucked completely out of it.

And then when life has been completely flipped upside down and I'm in the middle of turmoil and strife; I head for the kitchen. There must be something there that centers me, grounds me, keeps me focused. I spent much of my afternoon in the kitchen yesterday, baking banana muffins (I don't even like them...so its not eating due to stress) and working at dinner. I chose to make a dinner that took time, even thought.

This struck me as odd when I was out for a walk with Bailey and dinner was bubbling away in the dutch oven. It was like I was putting everything I've got into that meal, feeding it to my family as a way of insulating them. Holding them close and keeping them safe from all the hurt pressing down on us.

My kitchen has always been a hub for me, the kids paperwork scattered about, Josh's pile of electronics, my datebook lurking in the corner, a few plants, food. The center of this and many other households. Now, as I look over my shoulder I see a little more, a place of clarity, of truth, a place where I can find solace in the face of adversity and hopefully pass a little on to those who mean the most to me, my family and friends.

Walk to Moose Pond

We enjoyed a great walk into Moose Pond on Saturday. We have been enjoying a bit of Indian Summer and you won't find us inside much.

Nature in Bloomingdale

I was taking Bailey for a walk yesterday afternoon and a car came up slowly with its window down. I started thinking of the best way to Lake Placid, Whiteface, Canton...all the usual requests. I was pleasantly surprised when they informed me that just ahead there was a bald eagle perching in a tree. They turned around and pulled up to look at it for a while. I stood and enjoyed it's beauty. After a bit Bailey and I continued on our way and I was happy to see it still there on our way back. When I got home I grabbed the kids, Josh grabbed the camera and we walked up to see it. The kids were in awe at it's size and had a great time whispering and looking.

Apples Anyone?

Lennon had a great time on her first field trip, picking apples at Harts Orchard in Peru. Daddy loaded the trunk with enough apples to get us through winter!

Freshly washed and rejuvenated

I didn't want to hike today, it was a long weekend and I was feeling very rundown and sluggish this morning. Outside was damp and cloudy (despite the forecast of mostly sunny) and a great day to stay in and veg. At 11:oo it was now or never. Bailey was peering at me in anticipation urging me with those big eyes to pull myself together. He was ecstatic when I grabbed my sneakers and headed for the door. I am very happy I went, the woods smelled freshly washed and the cloudy sky made the array of fall colors pop. I brought the camera hoping to get a great shot. I'm afraid I didn't "capture" the moment, but these should give some idea to the beauty of the day. (I did feel much better once I got moving.)

My time

I feel like I have been told that from now on I must walk on my hands. The pace of my life has altered so abruptly that it is taking me some time to adjust. It is not as if I didn't know it was coming, I got the letter over the summer..."Beginning Sept. 3, 2008, you're life will flip upside down, your daughter will get on the bus and your life will never be the same. Get your gloves on." Okay, maybe it wasn't so contrived as that but it is how I felt.

Three weeks ago yesterday, I was home alone...for the first time in 7 and a half years. There have been other moments, but just brief moments nothing lasting or recurring until that fated day. I have to admit that I did not cry, Lennon made me so proud and she was so ready. When she heard the bus coming down the road she ran and hugged me tight, kissed be quick, and yelled to Colton, "I wanna get on first!!!" Before I had a chance to feel sad, she took off, down the steps and ran up those enormous bus steps (twice the size of her)...and never looked back.

As I walked back into the house I was overcome by quiet, no TV, no computer humming, no footsteps, no yammering endless descriptions of the smushed bug on the sidewalk, no "guess what!?", no arguing...nothing, just silence. It was creepy! And I had to escape. I did a poor job picking up, stuffed a few things in my pack, grabbed Bailey and drove the the base of Mt. Baker.

I enjoyed a glorious morning up there. I sat on the south face, not overlooking town (and my daughter at school) and took in the view. I'm not sure when I last sat at the top of a mountain and didn't worry someone was going to fall off. Words could never explain what my children and husband mean to me, but I do think that it had to be a Mother who came up with the concept of school. I envision a group of cavewomen huddled around a fire, surrounded by screaming children running around naked and dirty, trying desperately to talk to each other over the excessive noise and dust. One of those Mother's decided to send the kids off to "learn" (a.k.a give me peace and quiet, and a bit of my own identity back).

After the wettest summer I can ever remember, we have stumbled into the most quintessential fall weather. (Thus explaining my absence from the blogging world...not that I don't check other peoples, I just don't have time to do much more that post a picture on my own.) I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. At least two mornings a week I climb Baker and enjoy a little respite, climb down and get Lennon from school. I have finally been able to spend time with my Grandma, hiking into Moose Pond or walking behind her house and enjoying a cup of tea...it's amazing having her here!

My household projects still loom ahead of me, but I know the days of fall are short and soon the rains and snow will come and I'll have plenty of time to clean out the cabinets and rearrange the entryway. Mt. Baker, here I come!!!

Mysterious phone calls

I received a phone call at work today, which is not unusual in its own right. The caller and the caller's location where. My little daughter climbed, under her own power, Mt Baker today with Josh and Bailey after school. When she reached the top she called me from Josh's new toy...his new beloved Blackberry (how high tech of us Adirondacker's, huh). Then they took a picture of themselves and emailed it to me...from the top of the mountain!! I do realize that most people are much more tech savey than me and this probably happens all the time, but I was a bit beside myself.

Post Script: to prove that the picture of Lennon napping after school was not staged, Josh brought home some further documentation (with much better scenery than mine).




My fingers are getting cold...I need to go sit by the gas fireplace. I refuse to turn on the furnace and it is supposed to be 20 degrees tonight...please pray for my pumpkins!!!

The big carry

After much patience Colton finally got his shot at carrying the ball last Sunday. He didn't make it very far, but the smile on his face was to die for.

I hope to elaborate soon on my new found freedom. I haven't really had all that much "free" time and I have to admit I have been a little greedy with it. I'll share soon, I promise.

Oh, so tired

A long morning at school leads to the best sleep ever...

School days are here!!

Labor Day Weekend

Nancy took the kids Friday afternoon and Josh and I adventured off to SPAC for Cruefest...we just had to get in touch with our inner 80's rockers! For those of you who laugh at this idea or might never consider going to such a thing, I ask you to reconsider. There is something magical about their stage performance that just has to be experienced to be believed.

Saturday we caught up with Nana and the kids in Port Henry. Grandpa Pete grew up there and his sister Aunt Debbie lives in their childhood home and is the ultimate entertainer. The house has the most spectacular views of Lake Champlain and we got to watch Pete's fireworks from the front yard. The siblings set up tents in the backyard and we all sat around the fire ring and had a wonderful evening. A huge thanks to Aunt Debbie for keeping us all so well fed and laughing so hard.

Today, Josh is in class but the kids and I are off to Dad's for the continuation of his annual summer party...what a Labor day weekend!!

Ocean City, MD 2008

We are home, we are rested, we are ready for the new school year...well maybe. After the most wondrous vacation in Ocean City, MD with Josh's Aunt Mary it is a bit hard to come back to earth. Every day held a new adventure; battling pirates on the Duckaneer, getting robbed of our gold on the stagecoach, or parasailing (yes, I actually did this) over the ocean. And each adventure was nestled among the more relaxing activities; sunsets on Asseteague, biking on the boardwalk before breakfast (this was hard work), THE most romantic dinner out with my husband (Happy Anniversary Hun!) at Fagers Island, and just relaxing around Mary's enchanting house...treasure hunt included! No wonder Lennon teared up when I told her we had to go home!

But now we're home and no less busy. Josh starts classes tomorrow, football is in full swing, and I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that on Sept. 3rd I will be alone for 4 full hours. I'd like to say that I don't know what I will do with myself, but that would be a lie. The mental list of things to do abounds, I should be writing all of this down...maybe that will be the first thing on my mental list. "Josh away to class, children on bus (don't cry), dog walked, take a deep breath...make list" Sounds good to me!

Congratulations Dad

After twenty-eight years working for the federal government (8-Army and 20-Federal Prison), my Dad has escaped. According to Wikipedia (yes Josh I actually went to this site) - Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely. The definition continues to state that you might also semi-retire, a term which strikes me as depressing and an oxymoron...either you work or you don't, right? So I guess I must digress and state that my Dad has semi-escaped. Under normal circumstances one might actually take a little break before starting their new job, but where's the excitement in that? Let me break this down a little.
Officially retire Thursday.
Get ready for the party Friday.
Have the party Saturday afternoon/evening.
During the party set your alarm for 1:00 am and get yourself to bed so you can wake up, drive to Albany, and catch your flight to Denver at 6:30 am to start your new job.
(Ozzy Osbourn once toured the country under the title "Retirement Sucks" and I think this is a good example.)

Dad, I hope you enjoy the new job. The party just wasn't the same last night after you went to bed...we'll have to have to do it again, when you can stay up later!!

Summer days

Summer is in full swing here in the Adirondacks and spending time on the computer seems to have been shoved to the very bottom on the list of things to do. Tonight, being Friday, Colton gets to stay up a little later than his sister and I opted out of the special movie (The Golden Compass) and chose to stare at a different screen.

Much of the last weeks since my last post have been consumed by Cloning Cooper's CD coming to a close and finally getting the music out there. If anyone really knew the amount of work Josh put into this...they'd be amazed our marriage survived. After hundreds of hours (hundreds might be an understatement) of recording, editing, photo shopping, and organizing the CD has been released. In the end, it has all been worth it. The CD release at the Waterhole last weekend was a great success and they have three more shows booked in the next weeks (my Father's retirement party doesn't contribute any money...but is should be a great event). Busy little bees those Cooper boys. (Look to the Picasa link for our favorite pics of the big night)

Musical endeavours aside, we've been busy tyring to take advantage of all the Adirondack park has to offer this summer, hiking and swimming as much as possible. Hopefully we'll squeeze in a trip to the water park in Old Forge and maybe Josh and I can do a high peak together. In August we are driving to Ocean City, MD for a little R&R at Josh's Aunt Mary's. I can't wait to take the kids to the ocean...and not have it be ice cold!!

I'll try to get back and post more frequently...but don't hold your breath. I hope this summer is as glorious and enjoyable for each of you!!

Hike into Copperas Pond

At the first break in the weather last week we ran out the door and enjoyed a glorious day hiking into Copperas Pond. I think it was the only day for the last two weeks it did not rain. The sun was in full force, the breeze kept the bugs at bay, and Lennon walked the whole way in! You just can't ask for more. I am not sure how we haven't found this little hike sooner (Alex has been raving for a while, I am glad we took his advice). We found our way around the pond to the leanto and had a little lunch. Josh, the kids, and Bailey went for a quick swim and searched for polywogs.

KINGS OF THE RIVER

And as if that wasn't enough fun, Josh couldn't resisted the temptation of the Ausable River so we pulled off to one of his favorite swimming holes for another quick dip. Lennon made a dam with sticks and the boys went across the river to watch the kids jumping off the rocks.

Go Fish!

This years First Grade production of "Go Fish" was a splashing success..hee, hee, I couldn't help myself! All of the kids worked so hard and did an amazing job. Colton was great as the Tiger Shark and remembered all 30 of his lines. Some of us were in tears with laughter.

Father's day...perfection.

Sunday turned out to be one of those utterly perfect days you just can't forget. The five of us hiked into Marcy Dam under beautiful blue skies and perfect temps. While Lennon was awake she caught loads of toads and a salamander. Colton kept pace with our long legs and built up an appetite to be reckoned with. On the hike out we even stopped along the river for a quick swim. And to wrap it all up we ended the day with dinner at Desperado's (where Colton shoveled in more food than I thought possible) and ice cream at Teddy's. I wish it were Father's Day more often!

Mima, Always in our hearts

After a long fight with cancer Josh's Step-mom (more importantly close friend) passed away last Friday morning. Susan was one of the most amazing women I have ever met and I was proud to be her Daughter-in-law. We miss her dearly.