A New Prayer Request

I just spoke with my mom this afternoon and got some very frustrating and emotional news. My Grandpa will be coming back to TN, more than likely permanently. Why is this frustrating you ask? I love my grandpa dearly and it is not him, but the situation that frustrates me. Let me give you a little history:

My moms parents are divorced and grandpa remarried- come in Vera. Grandma and Grandpa have been in my life since I can remember. They came down to Florida every winter and stayed with us in their camper. I would rush home from school to see them and to talk to them. Grandpa always helped Dad with stuff around the house. Mom and Dad would make a list just for Grandpa to do so he didn't get bored. A few years ago Grandma and Grandpa sold their Florida home because with their declining health, they would not be making any more trips.

This past Christmas, my grandpa came and lived with my parents for a while while Vera's daughter, Mary, took care of her during an illness. During this month, both Grandma and Grandpa had a hard time being separated and both of their minds suffered. After getting back together, they are having a harder time than ever. Being out of their routine for about a month, helped cause some memory loss of everyday routines and that special connection that they had. Grandma has become depressed (which started while they were apart) and cannot remember things. This gets her agitated and puts a lot of stress on her. Her children, worrying about her health (and rightly so), made the decision that Vera would go live with them. My Uncle Gerry got the call saying that he and my mom needed to do something with Grandpa by this weekend. What?!?!?! They were bringing Grandma to live with Mary. While Gerry suggested having a home nurse brought in to help, or possibly an assisted living move, they wouldn't hear any of it.

So here I sit, frustrated and somewhat angry at the situation. I am hurt that it seems that Grandmas kids didn't even give a thought to how this will effect Grandma and Grandpa, or how this would effect everyone else. Mary had already said she would never split them up because of how upset Grandma got when she made her come stay with her last time. My Grandpa was lost while he was here with out Grandma. You could see the sadness in his eyes. My grandma and Grandpa never talked much and kind of had a weird relationship. They had each other and had that companionship. Now that is being taken away from them- without any options being given to them! I'm sad for me too. If they sell the house and grandpa moves in with mom and dad, when will I ever get to see my Grandma again??? My mom is quitting her job this week. I can tell she is saddened by it. It will be hard on her too. With Grandpas memory loss, he can become quite agitated. And with his balance off he falls frequently and will need help up. Plus he cannot be left alone.


Please pray for this situation right now. Pray for guidance and for healing to take place. We are not sure how everything will work out. It is going to be a hard road for all the families involved as we try to come to the best decision for Grandma and Grandpa. My parents are heading up to NY tomorrow and will collect Grandpa and his things, and be home by Sunday. They are still going to try and find a some sort of compromise. Thanks for your prayers ahead of time!

A Six Word Story

I got tagged by Indie, to write a six word story. Now I'm not sure exactly what it is supposed to be about, so I am just going to say it about me. Here it is:


She followed the road with God.


I tag Dee, Chad and Jen

Funny Game

Yesterday morning as I was checking email, I realized that my children were playing a game they had made up all on their own. They were playing "Doe and Hunter". Basically Caleb was a deer and ran around our loop with Ian chasing him saying "pow" (or what ever other noise a young man can make with his mouth to resemble a gun). When Caleb felt it was time he would fall down and say "you got me- I'm dead". Ian would then proceed to pet him and say " Good doe...good eatin'!" Then Caleb would hop up and the chase would start all over again. If Caleb went to long then Ian would yell "I got you" and Caleb would drop like a fly. They played this game for over an hour. I couldn't help but smile!

Church Launch

A little while ago I asked all of you to pray for the church launch in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I received an email that the launch went well! Praise God! I know that God worked miracles for that day. If you don't know, Ccba has been in turmoil this last week. There were demonstrations that turned ugly and many people were injured and a few killed. It was a very stressful time for the team and the members of Austin Avenue (the supporting church) who had come in for the launch. By the weekend things had calmed down and the team was able to get balloons and fliers out to the Plaza for inviting people to the first meeting. I linked The Bulls blog on here, so go read about all the things that God is doing in Cochabamba!

The Love of Reading

I have just finished reading two Liz Curtis Higgs book. I got them Sunday and I am now hunting for the next two. She has done several women's studies, but these that I read were historical fiction. They are Thorn in my Heart and Fair is the Rose, the first 2 books of 3. They are set in Scotland around the 1800's. They are based on the biblical stories of Jacob and Esau, and also Leah and Rachel. I am not a huge romance novel fan, and this does have some romance in them, but I felt like I was in with the characters. I felt their pain and anger when they did. I usually get "into" books, but this was different. It was nice to be reading of a story I already knew, but also to actually feel their pain, through Ms. Higgs storytelling. Anyway, if you are looking for something to read, I suggest these. The next two title are : Whence came a Prince and Grace in Thine Eyes. Grace in Thine Eyes continues with the same family in the previous 3 but starts a new story based on Dinah.

I have also heard that Francine Rivers and Beverly Lewis are also good reads. I have been trying to find good Christian books, fiction or non-fiction. If you have any suggestions, let me know! I have several that are waiting in the wings, but I am always looking for a few new ones.

Several of the ones waiting in the wings: Having a Mary Spirit (a follow up to Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World- also very good), A Mothers Grace, Prayer:Finding the Hearts True Home, Pathways to Purpose for Women, The Names of God, David, Praying God's Word and many more.

I Got Tagged!

How fun is this! I got tagged from Lisa's blog. I'm pretty excited as I have never been "tagged" before. It is the simple and fun things that make me happy (and start my mornings off good!) So here are some questions I know you all want to know the answers to!


1. I’ve come to realize that my ex-(boyfriend) ---???? Have no idea what to say
2. I am listening to --- theme song to Handy Manny.
3. I talk --- a lot.
4. I love --- easily- but often with the fear of being hurt.
5. My best friends --- lifelong are spread through AR, AL, and so on (I hate I don't get to see them much).
6. I lost --- sleep last night.
7. I hate it when people --- look down on you for some reason.
8. Love is --- wonderful.
9. Marriage is --- constant work and meeting in the middle.
10. Somewhere, someone is thinking --- "I wish my wife made coffee this morning" :)
11. I’ll always be --- a teacher.
12. I have a crush on --- my husband (still!).
13. The last time I cried was because --- I smashed my finger in the door.
14. My cell phone --- charging.
15. When I wake up in the morning --- I'm really sleepy till I get going.
16. Before I go to sleep at night --- I check on the kids, read and kiss my hubby.
17. Right now I am thinking about --- what we are going to do today since it is 32 degrees!!!!
18. Babies are --- a thing of my past (Lord willing!) but oh so sweet
19. I get on MySpace --- I actually have an account, but only check it every once in a while
20. Today I --- think we will stay inside and play silly games since it is cold.
21. Tonight I will --- check email, do dishes, read and play.
22. Tomorrow I will --- do it all over again.
23. I really want --- for Ian to be potty trained and Riley done with teething (and screeching)

Now I get to tag someone! I am tagging Marti, Laura, and Amy! Have fun guys!

Date Night

Yesterday afternoon and evening Matt and I got to spend some time alone together. My parents came in and watched the kids for us. We hit Opry Mills and really enjoyed ourselves. After browsing some stores, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe. It was pretty funny because we sat in silence for a while before we laughed that after 5 years of marriage and 3 kids that we didn't have anything to talk about! We had a good laugh and then talked about everything and nothing. It was just nice to be able to sit with my husband, whether we talked or not! After dinner we hit Barnes and Noble and then went to see A Night at the Museum. If you are thinking about going to see it- do! It was funny and clean! I can't remember any foul language or innuendos. That is one I think even our boys would have liked. We don't do date nights very often, but we enjoy them when we do. I hope that everyone reading this (regardless of family size) can find time to spend with their significant other and just enjoy the time spent together, regardless of what you choose to do!

Maybe not so Candid

After re-reading my last post, I think there were many people who were slightly concerned that I was becoming unhinged. Please know that I was having a stressful moment and was not dealing with it very well. I don't like it when I loose my patience, especially with my children. I think all my emotions came to a head and I went crazy. One day I will learn to deal with stress in a healthy way (soon I hope). Please pray that I can still take things in stride, and can become content in my circumstances. I know that God has a plan and I have to be patient to hear his voice, to know my direction. That I can accept my faults and not let them take control of me or the situation. Thanks!

What a Week

Did you ever just have one of those weeks where everything came together and everything fell apart? I just experienced a week like that. Of the many parenting blunders I did this week, I am so thankful that God's grace covers me. Hopefully my children will not remember the day I "lost my cool" and really yelled, hopefully they will not remember the morning I ran and hid in the bathroom for 10 minuets just to escape the "mommy!". I hope they will remember the mornings that we played and read together, the afternoons that we snuggled and watched cartoons together. I know I will remember the blunders, and will probably beat myself up about them, just because that hat I usually do ( I know- so not the healthy way to deal!). But as children usually do, they forgive me and love me anyway. And I know God forgives me when I mess up and he will always love me.

Trying to find a church to attend is the hardest thing I think I have come up against in a while. We have visited churches and found some that we really like. But then again we have found some that upon the moment entering, we knew was not right for us. So here tomorrow we visit another church, yet again. Who knew that it would take so long. I long for the kind of family we had at Levy. Everyone was so friendly, and yet I wonder, did we always treat the visitors with open arms and kindness? I hope so, because now I know what it is like to be on the other side. Just hoping that you will get spoken to after you walk in and talk to the greeters at the door. Hoping that the children's program will be good and that the kids and teachers will be nice to your children and welcome them wholeheartedly. Matt and I know what we want in a church home, but trying to find one that fits is hard. We keep praying that soon we will be placed in a church that needs our talents and that we can finally come to rest.

I started trying to get out of my comfort zone this week. I attended a Moms Together on Wednesday. It was really fun to get away for a few hours and be around other adults. In my group I have a mentor mom and a group leader. The group I am in is small (there were 4 of us there wed), but we had a great time. The kids seemed to have fun with the kids and enjoyed the time too.

As the new year begins, I try to make resolutions. Do I usually keep them? No- not many to be honest. I have good intentions, but usually get bogged down in the everyday things and soon forget them. But this year. I actually wrote them down and placed them in a place that I will see everyday. What are my resolutions, you ask? Well there is always the whole "loose the baby weight" one. That usually tops the list. But not this year. I started my list with reading everyday. I use to read all the time. After Ian came along that fell by the wayside. Along with reading everyday, I have added to pray everyday with out thinking (to just pray at that moment with whatever is on my heart), to do something for me every week- no matter how small (I am no good to my family if I get run down), to appreciate everything in front of me- good or bad, and finally to pursue God. To really get to know him and to work along side him. So I am trying to be open to all things from Him and not taking the lead to steer my own life. We shall see how these last. At least I am starting to attempt them. If I fail, then I will get back up and start all over. But I can do my best.

Such random ramblings. So many thought in my head, still unable to put them all down! Who knew a mom of 3 would have so much in her head that was not of the "preschool and under world" (well Lisa would- she always has great posts that make you think!)

Remember to pray for the church launch (tomorrow) in Bolivia and for the team in Cochabamba as they fight for the souls of the people. May God guide them in their roles to reach many of the souls there that need to know Christ. Also for the civil unrest in that area.

Update on Lance

Thank you all for the prayers lifted up on behalf of Matt's grandmother. At this time Lance is home from the hospital. After further testing, the doctors now think that it is just a calcium deposit on the vein. We are so thankful that Lance is ok and now home. Again thank you for your prayers!

Matts Grandmother

We have a special prayer request today. Yesterday morning Matt's grandmother, Lance, was taken to a Dallas ER. The Dr's there found that she as an aneurysm on her abdominal aorta. As of last night they have her somewhat stabilized and had admitted her to the hospital. Right now they are still determining the course of action that they will take. I am unsure of Lances' age, but I believe that she is in her 70's. Please pray for the doctors to find a solution to this problem that will be as easy on Lance as possible: for Aunt Carolyn, as she is with Lance and very tired and worried at this point: and lastly for Lee and Bill (Matt's uncle) as they are not in the same town, and must rely on phone calls and prayer. We know that God will lay His hands on this situation and things will work according to his will.

Random Photos

Riley's Christmas present from Aunt Heather and Uncle Scott
Caleb taking care of "baby Kate"
My super cool 'Lil man!
We finally figured out how to put the passy in the babies mouth!
playdough fun!

Final Hunting Trip

As you can tell, both Matt and Dad were successful in their quest for more meat! On Saturday morning they each got a doe. We were able to get a lot of meat from them. I think Matt and I ended up with somewhere around 25-30 lbs of ground venison. Then we have the butterfly steaks and some loin tips. So this should last us about half the year probably. On the way home last night we discussed how many we thought we needed to get next season to last the whole year. With a family of 5 we would need about 4-5 deer. So that is our goal for next year. It was a good close for the season. If you have never processed a deer it is a lot of hard work, but at the same time very rewarding. It is so nice to be able to provide food for ourselves. It is funny to me that some kids now days think that meat automatically comes in a package at the store. Not realizing that way back when people killed and processed their own meat. I am glad that some day my kids will get to hunt with their daddy and enjoy the time that they will have together.

Pictures from Trip

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Indiana over Christmas. We were blessed to be able to see the Noels again at Tommy's parents house. The kids had a blast playing in the exercise room and watching a movie together. Us adults got to hang out and catch up and just spend some time together. It is really neat for me to watch these two families get together. Tommy and Mat have known each other for a long time and their families are close. It is always a fun time to listen to them reminisce about years gone by. Maybe the Noels and Matt and I will be doing that later on in our lives! :) The other pictures are when from after we first arrived. Claire dressed up in her Aunt Stacey's old flower girl dress and danced around the room. What is so funny about this whole thing is that Claire says she is going to marry Caleb. She has her dress, ring, shoes, and various other items planned out. Caleb knows this but really doesnt have a clue what has already been planned for his future! :) The last is an updated picture of our niece, Kaitlyn. She is getting so big and is such a cutie!

Updates from Previous posts

Jut to let you know Samuel is off the ventilator and all monitors and O2 machines. They are moving them out of the PICU and into a regular room for the night. If all goes well they will be released from the hospital to go home. Please continue to pray that he will continue to heal well.

We are all feeling much better. No one has been ill in the last 20 hours. I am hoping that we are over what ever it was. We still have some red bottoms but that will heal its self. Thank you to all who prayed for our speedy recovery.

Puny Days

The Clement clan has been struck with food poising. All that is except me. I didn't put some food up right away after we got done eating and it got my family sick. The only reason I didn't, was because I am starting to try and loose the baby weight I have been hanging on to and decided to opt for a salad instead of left overs. So today I will spend my time doing laundry and cuddling my kids. Matt is the only other person who didn't get sick, although he felt really bad. He went to work and hopefully will be better by this evening. So, note to self and anyone out there who might want to know: Put food up right away or toss it. For those of you who already do this and are wanting to laugh at me...wait a few days, and then I will laugh with you. Hopefully by then this will all be funny! :)

Fun Times

This past weekend we were blessed with a visit from the Welch Family. They were on their way back from Boston and stopped to stay the night and go to church with us on Sunday. The kids were really excited to get to see each other as were the adults. Ian was so upset when he couldn't go to Bible class with Emma and Caleb. Garrett and Riley got to play together in the babies class and nursery. After church we headed to Moe's for lunch and to see the Matt, Marti, Emma and Garrett off. The boys were so excited that Marti rode with us to church and then to Moe's. The kids were all sad to have to say goodbye. We wish we could have spent more time together, but maybe next time when everyone is not so tired from traveling!. I didn't get any pictures of the kids playing together. We were all talking and I just never got around to it. It was a good shot of "girl talk" and fun minuets spent with great friends. Thanks for stopping by, Welch Family- it was a fun time had by all. Lets do it again soon (although a little longer next time!)