Friday, April 29, 2011

Life at the Lake

This morning I awoke to this unusual scene across the lake.  Not as exciting as a water twister....but to have everything so black and see the sun shine beaming down on this small patch of land and that straight line on the water in front was beautiful!  It was like "beam me up Scotty"! The water is still rising down on the beach.  No grass left in sight on the right side of the inlet.  Looks like I'll have some filling in to do with dirt and shale when the water recedes.  The crane was standing there this morning.

Victoria is getting so big and is such a good baby.  Goes right to sleep when you put her in bed.  Only fusses when she is hungry or tired.  Smiles all the time!  Loves her toys and is grabbing her toes as of this week!  

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Water Twister on the Lake


Tuesday in the late afternoon while we were still having severe storm warnings for our area, I stepped out on the deck and suddenly the water started churning out in front of our cove and a small water twister formed.  Before I could get my camera and take a picture, it started moving northward and was gone around the point!
It looked just like this picture of a water twister, but was much closer to us.  After it went around the point the wind was so strong for a few minutes that I couldn't open our sliding glass door.  Amazing and scary stuff.  

Here in upstate NY we have had over 8 inches of rain in April.  A record amount for this area for many years.  Today the water is up so high that if it comes up another few inches it will flood our whole beach area.   You can see that our  inlet area is already covered and it is up to the fire pit!  Thank goodness we are late puttting in the docks and hoist!  On the up side....it has been much warmer (70's) this week and feels more like spring has sprung.  The daffodils and tulips are blooming and beautiful.


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Easter - The Clay Grandkids

Here are James and Ian Leonard in Washington State.
Dallas and Parker Nesbitt from CA, but visiting in TX for Easter.
 Connor and Devon with mom Nicki getting ready for an Easter Egg Hunt at our house in NY.
 Our great-granddaughter Zoey visiting us Easter afternoon in NY.
 And we can't forget our oldest granddaughter, Megan holding her Zoey while Nicki holds Dave and Kristine's baby Victoria (our youngest granddaughter) in NY.
Thanks for pics off the blog Amy and Ashley.  How blessed we are to have a wonderful loving family and can share our special moments with each other so quickly on the blog! 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Easter Day

Easter Egg Hunting

 Marc and Dave ran outside threatening to find all the eggs before the boys and when Marc found the gold egg with a special treat in it he took what was inside and gave the empty egg to Connor.....until I found out!!!

Peter had fun chasing the boys around and around, but as you can see it was a little wet out!
 After the hunt we had lots of yummy food for Easter Dinner and played with Victoria.
 Then Paul, Megan and Zoey came to play games and hang out.
 Zoey is almost walking by herself.  She can go about 5 steps when she lets go.  So cute!
 The little girls looked so cute for Easter Sunday at church and after.  

Happy Easter Family. We missed the rest of you today as we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior with a nice program at church and then on a lighter side gobbled up the yummy stuff in our Easter Bunny baskets!  Love to you all!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Chris August and his Dove Awards

Wednesday Night Marc's nephew Chris August was nominated for several awards at the Christian Dove Awards Show in Atlanta, GA.  He won Male Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for song 'Starry Night' that topped the charts at no. 1.

"When I wrote Starry Night" in early 2009, I was at a place in my life where I really wanted to rededicate everything I was doing and living for to Jesus.  I wanted to return to the place I was when I first became a Christian, the tender and unrefined moments of just getting to know the strongest love one can possess.  The beginning of a new chapter is always exciting, and I had forgotten just how awe-inspiring it can be. I've always been fascinated with creation, and as I was writing the lyrics, that passion naturally came out.  The lyrics do have a more universal sense to them, but the story behind them is very personal.  There is nothing more important than someone giving his or her life to Jesus, and it really is something special to sing about."-Chris August  (from the program book of the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards) which Marc and Chris's mother Susan Megert attended. Also, in the program...
Chris August bounded onto the scene in 2010 with an infectious pop debut and a chart-topping hit.  Tonight, he's celebrating being a first-time Dove Nominee.  "Starry Night" was the only single by a new artist in 2010 to hit No. 1 at Christian radio.  The immense popularity of the track is evidenced by its Song of the Year nomination this evening.  The young singer/songwriter may be new to Christian circles, but he's far from new to the music scene.  In fact, August made his debut in the pop world playing keys and opening for Ashlee Simpson.  He was previously singed to mainstream label and Geffen Records and managed by Ashlee's dad, Joe.  A self-taught pianist, guitarist and producer, August also wrote and performed with a slew of well-known mainstream artists, including Brian McKnight and Ryan Cabrera.  After parting ways with his label, the Dallas native recommitted his life to Christ, and his music soon fell into the hands of A&R reps at Fervent Records.  The rest is history.  August's second single, "7x70," from his debut, No Far Away (Fervent), is currently making its way up the charts.  The ode to forgiveness is also chronicled in the song's new music video.  He just finished a stint on Winter Jam and will be opening for Bebo Norman on select dates and playing festivals all summer long.
 Marc's sister and Chris's mom, Susan Megert.
 Chris and Marc after the awards.  Sorry so blurry!
Congratulations Chris from all the Clay Family!  We are so proud of you!

Love these older pics.....comments anyone?







 Like mother, like daughter.....Parker loves to dress up wearing her tiara, too!   Ha! 





Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Birthday Boy

Connor turned 10 on the 15th of April. Gosh he's growing up so fast!  
 Lots of yummy food and ice cream cake at the Smig house.


 Zoey thought the ice cream cake was yummy!




 Paul won the O H game and took the score home for his refrig.  Ha!
 Two cuties. Marc...oh I mean Victoria and Zoey!  Marc, too!