Groundhogs and Tea

Pauxatawny Phil will forever be overshadowed in this household by Lennon's birthday. I love that both of my children were born on such outlandish holiday's. We celebrated with an old fashioned Tea Party. It was just what she asked for; elegant tea cups and saucers, dainty sandwiches, fruit salad, cookies, sweet bread and "the girls." She was quite insistant on the "no boys allowed" rule.

New adventures

It really is happening, Josh is now a full-time student at Plattsburgh State. It all came together in a swirl of reality when we bought his books, got his ID, registered the vehicles, and found his classrooms yesterday. The kids enjoyed seeing where Daddy will be when he's "at school" and were troopers as we hiked across campus a few times. It was a good trip and I think it helped calm his nerves, getting a feel for campus and taking care of all the tedious bits (besides the actual learning part ofcourse). It will be a big change from little ol' North Country, but he's ready.

In the calm before the homework, we've been spoiling ourselves a bit. Last weekend the "kids" came over for "Sibling Night" and we had a blast. They are amazing people and a lot of fun to be with. On Tuesday, we left Lennon with the Grandparents and took off skiing for the day. It was such a beautiful day, being mid-week the trails were empty, and it started snowing big beautiful flakes. The perfect winter wonderland. After the kids went to bed last night we enjoyed a peaceful dinner with some champagn (peaceful dinners are always a treat). Today I think we'll let Dad take it easy, or as easy as he can with us in the house.

Readers beware!

I would like to announce the arrival of a new member to this blogging community. Josh has now joined the ranks. I have been hording this site to myself from the beginning, resisting all attempts of his to "try this or what about that". This might have been greedy of me but I like that this space (inside joke) is mine, and I'm not sharing!

So now, you can share in Josh's quirky sense of humor and witty commentary on his very own blog, see link on left. I warn you to enter at your own risk, and please remember that I am in no way accountable for anything he posts there.

Enjoy!!

Sledding Video!

Having time off from school leads some to more creative endevors. Josh had a great time putting this together last night. Turn the sound on and you'll hear his band, Cloning Cooper (see link on left). And if you want still more pictures of the holiday season I added a few albums on Picasa.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Survival of the fittest...aka youngest!

Newsflash...

The Clement Family of Saranac Lake, has survived the holiday season. The odds were against them, having a schedule to rival those of the Presidential candidates. But lo and behold with some holiday spirit and a little Santa magic, they have entered into the New Year.

2008 has started out quite nicely. Colton is back in school...he was a little restless. Josh is enjoying a much needed break from school and working on his music. Lennon is, well, Lennon is Lennon, and amusing us every day. I have survived inventory at work for another year and am looking forward to what 2008 has in store for us.

This morning we took our first family excursion on our new snowshoes. What a great time. Little Green Pond is an old haunt of mine and it was fun to take the family back there. I had thought about walking the trail around the pond but after a while realized just getting to the pond was a good start. Colton put on a brave face and kept up with me while Josh broke trail ahead with Lennon in the pack (she has "monster feet" and loves them, but was not in the mood to walk very far in them today). Needless to say I think we went far enough.

After a quick lunch and some hot cocco, we bundled back up and met the Lewis Family in town for some sliding. It was a great day for sliding, not too cold, not too many people and lots of snowy faces! Watching Colton and Kyle flying downhill face first as the snow blew over them, made me wonder when I lost the inhibition and daring of childhood. One good bump of the tailbone is enough to remind me that I can't keep up. Josh and Brian tried their best to outshine the boys and might very well have succeeded but I will have to take points away for the whining tomorrow about sore muscles!

Winter!! Is Here!!!

As you can tell blogging has not made it to the top of my list of things to do lately. Admittedly the only way this post happened is that the kids are sleeping and Josh is studying for finals. But this post is not to reflect on how busy our lives are, because that just seems depressing. Today's post has a greater purpose, to share the story of my kids first ski trip.

I will start this story with the fact that Josh was not with us, he had scheduled time in the studio for his new CD and needed to be there. I guess we'll just have to go again!! Mom and Chris planned the trip from the start and graciously invited me and the kids along. They made the day so enjoyable for us. Chris was amazing with both of them, although Lennon was a bit harder to deal with. She enjoyed it, but got cold quickly (it was about 4 degrees) and was, as usual, hungry. Mom ran interception and worked her magic, like only a Grandmother can, and kept the peace. Meanwhile, Colton and Chris worked the mountain. By the end of the day Colton had learned how to stop (an important lesson I wasn't sure he would master) and found, "My new favorite sport!" We had a great day and can't wait to try it again.


As for today...I have spent the day in the kitchen, baking. I hope they all enjoy it. Josh and Colton spent about two hours outside snow blowing. Not that it did much good, because the snow just won't stop. So far I think we've got about 18 inches of fresh snow on top of the 18 we already had and the weather predicts 8 more overnight. Thank heaven for that snow blower. Shoveling our walkway is enough for me. We did go out in the storm and get our Christmas Tree. For me, that marks the begining of the season!! If, by chance, I don't find time to post again before Christmas...HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

It has only taken me since my first post on Mother's Day, to realize that with this blogger account I also have an account with Picasa. Talk about slow. I have decided that my loyal readership just doesn't get enough pictures of this family and I must dutifully provide you with access to more. So if you look to the left you will see a new link, Clement Family Album on Picasa, if you click on it, you will be treated to a new onslaught of family photo's. Enter at your own risk. I will try to give you new pictures frequently.

Meanwhile, Josh has donned his winter work wear and is running the snow blower for the first time this season. It is cold today, high of 12 and tonight we are supposed to dip into negative numbers. The cold and snow are at least helping me get into the holiday spirit. I think we have a good game plan...will we execute it properly? Only time can tell.