I want a banjo

I have not disappeared. Please stay tuned. Something will be here soon.

Had some good snow recently. The kids absolutely love it. We were able to make a snow gorilla and throws some snow balls and shovel. It was good stuff. The most recent snow is still here (quite a bit this past weekend), so we may have some for a while. Shirley is getting excited for Christmas...but as much for getting presents for others as she is for getting presents herself. She is such a thoughtful kid. She has been spending a lot of time hanging out with B,T and 3J to help and hold the babies, as well as spending time hanging out with Sherri (our neighbor) and helping her with odds and ends around the house. She is always willing to help out and spend time with people...it is great to see. The boys continue growing and being boys. They are getting better with potty training and I am sure that they will one day just surprise us and have it down. They have loved Christmas lights and playing in the snow. Juan now thinks it is hilarious to ask if we can go to the farm because he knows that we won't be going while there is wet snow out there. He asks all the time. Funny guy.

Janine is now done with tutoring, a decision that she spent much thought and prayer in making. She will now be able to spend more focused time with the kids without the responsibilities of leading and tutoring in the tutoring program. I know that it is not an easy decision to come to, but we both feel that it is best for the kids. We just wrapped up our Kids Club Christmas party, too, which was a booming success. It was quite a bit of fun for everyone and we were extremely grateful for the generosity in gifts and the volunteers to help out. It was a lot of fun for all involved. Now that it is past, we are going to enjoy the month long break before we start again.

Josh, Josiah, Zack and I went to Iron & Wine on Friday night. It was a unanimous "show of the year." We were treated to a night of great musicianship and great songs, as well as some laughs and just a good show, in spite of Sam Beam feeling slightly under the weather. I would recommend to anyone to go to a show if given a chance. It was awesome. And it was probably the last show I will make it to in 2007. We've got Built to Spill (again) lined up for February, but we know little beyond that.

In a late decision, I have decided to go to Mexico with our church once again this summer. We will be heading down to most likely build a house somewhere in the vicinity of Tijuana. I am looking forward to the trip, but also to the preparation alongside our fearless leaders (Josh and Becky) and the rest of the ridiculously crazy Mexico crew (including Josiah and Jill, Tom and Erica). It should be fun. Mom Clemens...if you are reading this you should come stay with Janine July 12-19.

In job news, I got extended at my current job site for at least two more months. I was very pleased with the decision and thought it was a good choice by the company who is contracting me right now. It will keep me inside for the worst of the winter, too, which is nice, although the boots I bought three years ago for winter work are not getting the use I had anticipated:)) Oh well.

I want to get a banjo. I have been wanting one for some time now and have recently been pricing them online and playing one when I can get out to Guitar Center here in SLC. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of available banjos that might be of interest to me? Any insight on it at all? Let me know.

Anyhow, I am on my lunch break and should probably get going. I just wanted to drop a line quickly to let everyone know that I am still here and still planning on writing more. Hope all is well.

S.