Merry Christmas from Jihad Joe

In this season of peace, Sam is quite pleased to have had a marshal Christmas. In the photo Sam is sporting his Kaitana Japanese sword(Aunti A and Mike), his authenic wooden bow(Cousin Freddie), his toy gag gift gun(Mom), and his Razor electric war chariot(Dad). Not included, but should have been, are the camo binoculars(Nana). A real family effort. In the unlikely event that teenage Sam becomes a violent criminal, I trust none of you will produce this picture in years hence as evidence of our negligent parenting.

Merry Christmas from Ana - Pretty in Pink

This was Ana's Pink Christmas as to her delight she received a host of fuzzy pink things to wear. Now I realize that the contrast between Sam(weapons) and Ana(fuzzy pink things) is stereotypical, but I swear since the beginning Maria and I were very careful not to impress traditional gender based behaviours on the kids. Call it nature, not nurture. Isn't it nice how things work out despite us parents!

Ana Selected to Maryland Olympic Development Program

Last week after a series of tryouts Ana was selected as one of top 40 girls soccer players her age in Maryland to join the Olympic Development squad. She will be training in this program through the winter and spring and will play in the Region I tournament in early summer. There are four Regions across the country which are structured to identify and develop future international and olympic soccer players. This is recognition of all Ana's hard work and determination over the last few years. Practice, training, and matches every week, year around for the last three years. Way to go A!

Happy Holidays from the Clements

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Rather than writing one of those oppressive bragging Christmas letters, we decided to use our Christmas cards to direct friends and family to the oppressive bragging blog we started this past year. Indeed it was a wonderful year. As you can see below, Sam and Ana are growing up fast, Scott and Maria are working hard, the cicada's came and went, the election season is over, and the expected terrorist attacks on Washington didn't occur. There were a few minor bad things and challenges during the past year, but we didn't really take any pictures of those things so you'll just have to be satisfied with hearing about the good stuff. We sincerely wish all of you a joyous holiday season and hope to see you in the year ahead. If you wish to be added to the email list that will notify you when we post new entries to this blog, just leave us a message in the comment field below.

Working Girl!

In 2004 Maria had a super first full year as a real estate agent selling almost $4 million in properties and making some good friends along the way. She was recognized as a top producer in her firm for the month of June. Scott's starting to think maybe he should have skipped going back to work!