Other news and pictures

Over the weekend we got to spend some quality time with Matt's parents, his sister and brother in law and their daughter Kaitlyn. There is a picture of Kait and Riley playing together. The last time we saw our niece she was not quite crawling. Riley was pretty darn excited that her cousin could now move! So now the baby proofing really begins in the Clement and Stewart households! Linda and I laughed at how the kids always go for the things they are not supposed to have (TV remotes, plugs, outlets, cords, etc.), but isn't that just like us sometimes? It just reminds me that we
are all still learning how to proof our lives! When we got there Linda had this huge fruit tray with this really ( I mean REALLY) good dip. Talk about addicting. But the funniest thing was that as we all devoured it, Heather was feeding Riley grapes. She dipped one in the dip, handed it to Riley, who decided that the dip was great, but not the consistency had her Aunt feeding her one grape after another. So now my child is a dipper. She also loved the strawberries in there. Paw paw held her while she gnawed on a few whole ones. That is one thing my kids are pretty good at is eating
their fruits and veggies. On Saturday we went out for Lunch and it started to SNOW! There were intermittent flurries all through lunch and later in the day. It gathered on the sides of the roads, but never stuck. Linda, Heather and I went to Archivers in the mall. Let me tell you- that store just sucks you in! It is the biggest scrap booking store I have ever seen. I am starting to get into the scrap booking and stamping scene. I think it will be a really neat thing once I get into and am able to put some really neat things together. While I looked around with Heather, the boys played on a tugboat in the kids center outside the store (inside the mall for those of you who were worried I had the out in freezing temps). It was a lot of fun. The weekend trips my be crazy and even thought there is never enough time to do all the things we want to, they are so nice to have every now and then. I am glad that we are closer so we can make more frequent trips up to see our family. **On a side note, please be praying about Matt's parents house hunting. I know they are starting to get an itch to find a home and move out of the apartment. There are not to many options in the area they want. Please pray that God will give them an insight as to where he wants them to go. **

The Spider Man rain coats

These are the rain coats that the boys got from Lee and Linda. They had a blast with the coats and their Cars flashlights. They put on the coats and turned their flashlights on for a walk around the apartment halls. They went on a hallway safari and had a blast. They found hippos, lions, monkeys and flamingos. Riley went on the second safari run with her bug lantern and was not quite sure exactly what everyone was so excited about. Her imagination has not quite developed yet. I am sure it will get as big as my guys soon!

Weekend at Grandma's and Pawpaw's

We were blessed to be able to spend the weekend of Easter with our family in Indiana and Kentucky. I don't have too many pictures (I wasn't good at taking them this time) plus it was wickedly cold there. It was amazing to go from the mid 70's and 80's down to the 30's and 40's. I had to dig out Riley's winter clothing as I had just finished packing them up. The kids had a great time. These pictures are from Saturday, when we did the Easter baskets. They hit the mother load, too! They enjoyed the chocolate eggs, the plastic eggs filles with coins and all the neat little toys in their
baskets. I think the biggest hits were the fishing poles with magnetic fish, the Cars flashlights and the Spider Man rain coats. Riley had so much fun with the plastic eggs and her little bug lantern. Ian kept trying to confiscate her pink baseball glove! All in all the weekend was a blast.

Gone for a while

We are heading out of town for the weekend. So I will not be checking, commenting or posting till Monday! (this is my blog-fast!) I pray that each of you have a blessed weekend and a wonderful time with family and friends on Sunday. Happy Easter!

In Him-
Us

Not so cute little buggers

so a few posts down I was talking about all the caterpillars I have seen. Well last evening we were showing Matt after he got home from work. What do we find but a bunch in the bushes on the brick and in the dirt out front. Then as we are playing out back we find more just crawling around. So now we are going to try and figure out how to get rid of them, since we literally have an infestation of them. I would like to keep what plants are here. Not to mention we have a million little green inch worms hanging from one of our trees out front. It is pretty neat looking actually. Who knew bugs would get so annoying??

Neat Idea

I just found this cool idea that we might try in the boys room. See we have this little nook that really is not big enough for anything, but the exactly right size dresser or random things. This idea, is neat and "manly" :) It looks cheap (big plus) and I think the boys would love them. We could line the sort wall with them and then put a light and cushions in there for a little book nook. I'll let you know how it turns out if we do it!

Dyson

Over here they are giving away a free Dyson vacuum. Now I know you want one (I do!!). There are a ton of names already on there, but add yours and you just might win! Here is the Dyson web page if you want to check out their products.

Cute little buggers

Apparently they forgot to tell us when we bought our house that this was the breeding ground for these "cute little buggers". Today I counted 22 on our front porch! 22! then after the boys got up I opened the front door to show them. Many had already left the stoop, but there were still 10 moving around. I asked the boys if they wanted to catch one (thinking they would), but Caleb wanted to leave them so the birds would eat them. What a sweet boy, thinking of the demise of the caterpillars and the hungry bellies of the birds! :)

I got this idea from Lisa. I tried to make the questions about things I have written on the blog- so good luck to all!



Create your own Friend Quiz here

Palm Sunday

We had an amazing church service yesterday at Community. Growing up, I never really heard much about "the other holidays" that many other denominations/ Churches observe. We celebrated the entry into Jerusalem, leading to the death of Jesus. Up until recently I will admit, I have been ignorant of these observances. We had the children's choir preform a song and then as we were led in a really powerful worship, the choir was walking in waving palms and placing them on the floor by a cross. Now let me go ahead and state this, Matt and I are not use to a choir, but they don't preform- we all sing together and it is so wonderful to hear all the voices lifting and praising our Father. I am looking forward to the Easter service. In some ways I wish we were going to be at Community, but we will be equally blessed to spend it at Southeast Christian with our family. Try to take time this week to read through and remember what Jesus went through this week leading up to his death and resurrection.

April Fools

After an amazing service, celebrating Palm Sunday. we went to lunch with Jason and Leah. As we were eating, Leah proceeds to tell me that they found out the hard way that what I said was true, that the nursing BC is not fool proof. I seriously thought she was pregnant! But then I find out it was April 1st! I usually don't fall for them, but I had no idea it was April Fools Day. So props to Leah for giving me a shocker and a good laugh!

Spring is in the Air

Getting closer

Today for the first time Riley started saying "Ma" when she wants me. It seriously brought tears to my eyes. I thought she would never start saying it. She always says Daddy when I try to get her to say Mama and then laughs. So we are making progress. Maybe by the time she turns 2 she will be calling me Mama! :)

Thoughts

O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and glory.
Because you love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword
and become food for the jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
(Psalm 63)

I have been reading a book by several different authors entitled "A Woman and Her God". Each chapter is by a different author. In this first chapter the psalm I have included at the top is written. Talk about really making me stop and think. Let's look at the first 6 words -"O God you are my God". Is that something we can say? Have any of us encountered him in a way that he has become our refuge and strength? Think about the intimacy we are to enjoy with God! I confess that I am not real good about reading my bible everyday and studying his Word as I should. It is something that I am trying to do- make it into a habit, a discipline. There are many things that we can make into a discipline- bible study, exercise, eating healthier, praying, watching less TV, more time with the kids, and the list could go on. Doing these things even when you are completely exhausted is discipline. But the everyday longing that we should have to be with our Lord- that thirsting is given to us from the Holy Spirit and we should desire it more than life. Do we? I confess, yet again, that there are days I don't. It doesn't mean that that longing is not there, I have just pushed it out of the way and tried to fill it with other things, but not the one thing that matters. God wants us to come to a point in our relationship with Him where we can say " You are number one in my life Lord. You trump every other love in my life, every other experience, every other purpose and goal. YOU ARE MY LIFE!! Not just when I need you, your comfort, your help- 24/7 you are my life." We were meant to devote ourselves wholly to Him. This is something that I struggle with. I probably shouldn't, maybe it shows where I am in my walk with Him. I want to do better. The days that I feel that emptiness and longing, instead of filling it with the Lord, I try other, worldly things: food, the kids, blogging, trying to be the best mom I can be without loosing my patience, and anything else. It will not work unless I not only turn it over to God, but fully concentrate on Him. I want to love him with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. Lord willing, He will teach me how to get there.

With a heavy heart

I found out tonight that some friends of our received bad news. We knew the Bradford's back while we were in school and attended the same church until their move to TX a few years back. They have struggled with infertility for a long time, trying various methods to conceive. They decided to go with adoption and were placed with a family back in the fall. This last week they drove to a Iowa to await the birth of their son. The due date passed and there was no progress. Then yesterday they found out that the birth parents decided to keep the child. There are no words to describe what sadness and anger they are feeling at this moment. Please say a prayer for them. That the Lord will wrap them in His arms and give them peace and comfort that only He can provide. Pray that they will not be discouraged and will know that there is a better plan out there for them. Thank you for lifting them up before the Lord.

Task #1- Completed!

Last night I mailed off my application for a TN teaching license. It was pretty exciting. It took me a while to get all the information together. Hopefully I will not have any additional classes or tests that I will have to take to obtain it. When I graduated (6 years ago) TN was a reciprocal state with AR, and I am hoping that it still is. The next step is to apply for a job in the county. So far I have seen a few special ed jobs listed, so hopefully there will be one open (preferably in middle school or high school!) If you will, say a prayer for smooth sailing here on out- more specifically for the license to come through, to be hired by the county and to find a job in the grade level I would like. I'll even take 2 of the 3! Thanks for your prayers!

Web Drawings

It was time for the kids to take a nap, or in Caleb's case have a rest time, and I split the boys up. Caleb in their room and Ian in ours. Now in the past this has worked to my advantage- Ian has goten a much needed nap and Caleb rested or slept. I put Ian in our bed, moved all the books, pens, water, tissues, and anything that could possibly cause damage to the room or harm to Ian. Thinking I had put them in a safe spot, left the room. About 1 1/2 hours later Ian comes downstairs and I notice that his veins are looking rather dark and large. As he gets closer I notice that there are different color lines on his body. Apparently I didn't place the pens in a high enough area and he decided that he would be spider man and make his own suit. I go upstairs, cannot find the pens anywhere, thankful that there are no pen marks on the walls, sheets, furniture (see previous posts) and then notice there are tissues everywhere, books scattered and the laundry basket overturned by the bookcase. My inventive child ..... ;) One day I am sure I will find a way to put things where my climbers cannot reach them.

oh by the way, I found the pens and a neatly scribbled upon book in my dresser drawer this morning.

Love Bugs

The kids and I were just wrestling on the floor and once we stopped the boys both started picking at my arms and cheeks. I asked them why they were pinching me. Caleb told me they were love bugs and Ian added that I was getting love bug kisses. They then both proceeded to tell me that they loved me and I was their favorite! I am sure I will no longer be the favorite once Daddy gets home, but it was music to this mamas ears!

A Zoo Trip with Friends

We were so blessed to spend the day with the Tomlinson Family at the zoo. We loaded everyone up in the van and headed out about mid morning. The zoo was crazy!! There were cars parked on the grass almost to the entrance. I really thought that we would have to park back there, but there were several spaces up in the parking lot. We found one and decided to eat on the grass since we were unsure of how many picnic tables would be available. It was actually a lot of fun. The kids dug in the dirt while we got cleaned up and everything put away. Then we
headed in. We could hear the monkeys the moment we got out of the car so that had to be the first stop. They were actually right on the edge, by the water. Then we headed over to the elephants and giraffes. They were really close. From there we saw the cats and the alligators. One of the pictures on the side is Ian with the meerkats. They cam running up to the glass and were watching the kids. One tried to scratch it's way out. Kind of freaked all the kids out. The meerkats are always Riley's favorite. I was amazed that all the animals were out, moving and interested in the people! I
got this cute picture of the 3 boys watching the baby alligators at Alligator Cove. It was a great trip. They did amazingly well till right before we left. They started getting tired, cranky and whiny. Riley was not complaining at all. It was a little after 3 and she hadn't slept at all. So I was pretty amazed at her demeanor. On the way home the boys talked and played. Next time I think we will go when the Daddy's can go too. And we will make sure to hit the awesome jungle playground they have there.

Wounds

Since visiting new churches, Riley has had to deal with some battle wounds. On our first Sunday at Community, she was bit on the toe. On our last visit a young lady (baby) was trying to hug her. Now Riley isn't one to really cuddle or stand there for you to hug her. So as hard as the little lady tried, she couldn't hug Riley. I am thinking that she flapped her hands in frustration and was a little to close to Riley's face. As you can see, she got nicked pretty good on her nose. She whimpered a little when we got her after church. But she is fine. Maybe soon she will learn it is ok to hug, and will stop getting beat up for it! :)

Finally!

I finally completed the Patriarchs study. I was sad to end it, but am excited that I may get to do another one. Hermitage Church of the Nazarene (down the street) is starting "When Godly People do UnGodly Things". If the price is right (and it has to be right with 3 kids in childcare!) then I think I will try and do that one. It will also give me a chance to get to know some ladies in the area that we live in. Who knows maybe I will see Holly (the lady half of the couple we bought the house from!)

Praying God's Word

I have been reading "Praying God's Word" by Beth Moore. Many of you already know that I am a huge fan of Beth's. Not a groupie, mind you, but a fan of her methods of teaching and the way she teaches. She is wonderful at it, and the Lord has blessed her tremendously. Anyway, I began reading this about 3 months ago and then I lost the book and have recently found it. I try to read through a chapter and mark the prayers that are significant at that moment. Them before I go to bed, I pray them. They have really opened my eyes, not only to myself and my thoughts and actions, but to the outside world as well. I can more readily see things that I might not have before. Last night I read the chapter on Pride. I don't consider myself prideful, but there in lies the problem. Does anyone consider themselves prideful? Am I being prideful by not thinking I am? Now I understand why pride is so difficult to discern. I wanted to leave you with a few excerpts from the book:

*Father, you led your children, the Israelites, all the way in the desert for forty years, to humble them and to test them in order to know what was in their hearts, whether or not they would keep your commandments. (Deut.8:2) Help me to understand that sometimes You lead me on certain paths to humble me also and to see what is in my heart. purify my heart, Lord, so that You will take joy in what you find

*Like the apostle Paul, help me to serve You, Lord, with great humility and with tears, even when I am severely tested (acts 20:19)

*O, God, please help me to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:2)


*Father, You have told me to do nothing our of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider other better than myself. (Phil. 2:3) Right at this moment, I confess all selfish ambition and vain conceit to You. Forgive me for so often considering myself better than others. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others. Please give me an attitude as that of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:4-5)

* Under conviction of worldliness, many well meaning persons have simply transferred their huge egos from the world to the church. Beware of spiritual ambition. We are most useful to God when poured free of self and full of Christ.

A church hunting we will go...

Who knew that it would take SO long to find a place to call "home". We have almost been in Nashville a year now. Crazy to say that. It really has not felt like a year. We have visited many churches. Ones we walked in and knew they were not fir us, others we have visited for a while and never quite fit in. We are not alone in our quest for a church home. There are friends of ours that have been here longer than us that are still struggling to find a place of Worship. How can that be in a town as large as Nashville and with so many places to visit? Certainly we could find one that not only "fits" us, but one where we can be welcomed at! Maybe it is the fact that there are so many to choose from.

We have been visiting the last 3 weeks at Community Church of Hendersonville. It has been an amazing experience. The classes are wonderful and the people are as friendly as we have yet to meet! I think the first day there we met at least 20 people. Yesterday as we walked into the Sanctuary, imagine our surprise to look on the front pew and see none other than Lynne Lawson! Now for those of you who do not attend Levy, Lynn is one of the most amazing women you will ever meet. She is one of those women that loves you no matter what, is truly interested in your life and invests herself in you. You are her family (and she has a ton of real family right there!). She was as surprised to see us. I had not made the connection before, but her son, Kevin, is the worship leader at Community. After I but two and two together, he certainly looks like his mom! It was so refreshing to see a familiar face. It was also wonderful to visit with her and get caught up on the family. She introduced us to her grandchildren (2 of which I remember talking to her after they were born) and her son and daughter in law. She and Tom sure did raise some wonderful children.

Last night we attended a home group for the first time. They have them once a month, so we were blessed to meet many families there. It was exciting and interesting. There was such diversity there. They are doing the Nooma series. It was quite interesting. One of the neatest things about Community is that we have been able to "re-kindle" so to speak a relationship with Jason and Lea. We knew them in college and it has been amazing to re-connect. Maybe we have found a church home. Maybe not, the Lord will reveal it soon (hopefully).

Interesting blogs

I wanted to let you know of a couple blogs that have had some really good discussions latley. Over on Lisa's blog there is a post about Leah. One of my favorite stories has become that of Jacob and Esau, Leah and Rachael and their children. On another blog, Trey Morgan has begun a discussion about sexual misconduct and church leaders. With so many churches (either in the public eye or in private) struggling with this issue, how to we as a church begin to heal or solve these issues? Neva had a wonderful post on Dropping Rocks- go readit. If it doesn't hit you I'm not sure what will! :)

These are just a few that I have been reading and posting on and thought that you all might enjoy joining in on the discussions. Have a wonderful and blessed Friday!

The newest Ensor

Katy Jace Ensor was born this morning. She is so pretty. We haven't seen her in person yet (who in their right minds would take 3 kids to a hospital!?!?), but there are pictures and stats on their website: http://www.bundleofjoys.com/sites/vailblue/index.php

Pigtails!!

Yes- Riley has enough hair for pigtails! I was so excited 1. that she actually let me try yesterday and this morning and 2. that they actually stay in. I got the idea when we picked her up from Bible class on Sunday. She wouldn't leave her barrette in so someone had put the front part of her hair in a ponytail to keep it out of her eyes. Matt and I got a kick out of it. So we tried the double ponies. They look so cute and it just makes her look so much older! They are not to even- I'll have to work on that- but you try to get them in with a 15 month old wiggling around! :)

What not to Wear?

Ok, so you'll have to turn your head to take a look at the first one. Every now and then I miss turning one around. Sorry! They kids were outside playing while the weather has been SO nice here. Ian had such an interesting outfit on that I had to show you. He and Caleb both had on frog boots, but Ian also had on his spider man costume. They had a ton of fun on their skateboards and Ian was trying to bust some Spider Man moves on it. He almost did a kick flip and got over excited and fell off. Caleb likes to just get on his belly or knees and roll away. He will do some tricks but only if he knows he can do it. (a little perfectionist on my hands!)

A young lady and her baby

Riley has just begun playing with the baby doll set that her Aunt Heather and Uncle Scott got her for Christmas. She loves to carry the "bebe" around and play with her. The baby is not always right side up or set down too gently but she has a lot of fun with her.

Times when you need a friend

Caleb was placed in timeout the other morning for hitting. I walked out of the office for a second to get something. Right when I returned I see Riley walk over to him, pat him on the head and then nestle herself right beside him. She looked at me, nodded and then put her hand on Caleb's leg. I guess he looked so upset she wanted to comfort him. Next thing I know Ian is on the other side telling me that he will sit in time out too until Caleb gets up.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Today is Laura's Birthday! I have known Laura since my freshman year at Harding when I pledged Chio's. I was a pledge and learning every ones name and getting use to seeing them out of context (pledging stuff). And of all places I had just walked into the bathroom and as Laura was walking out she asked if I knew her name....!!! I knew her face and knew it started with an L. Luckily she took pity on me and reminded me what her name was. I got to know Laura better the following year, along with the 2 Christy's and rediscovered an old friend in Jen. She has been a wonderful friend over the last several years. We were in each others weddings and had a lot of fun times together. One of the things I loved best about our friendship is how comfortable we are. I can completely be nyself around her- quirks and all. She intoduced me to contemporary christian music, instant and powerful prayers, big bear hugs filled with love, and most important, a true servant heart. For all of those things I am thankful. For those of you who don't know (but most of you do) she and her family are over in Cochabamba, Bolivia as part of a mission team. She has been an inspiration to me since I met her and has helped me grow not only as a Christian but as a woman of God. Happy Birthday my friend! Hope you are having a blessed time at your conference and I hope this is a wonderful day for you!

Petite Lady

Well Riley had her 15 month check up yesterday. Riley is 29cm tall and weighs 20 lbs. I have a feeling that we will be in size 3 diapers for a while. I was a little worried about her height and weight, but the Dr. reassured me everything was fine. Even though she has only gained 1 lb in the last 3 months she is still on her growth curve and she actually has grown a few cm. She will just be petite. I wish I had my camera with me though. After they got all her measurements they had me wait in the common area for a room to open up. So they gave her a yellow snap shirt. It only went right to the top of her diaper, and she had on they pink and white sparkley plaid knee socks (that were Emma's). They nurses got a kick out of her running around the halls with that get up. She did have to get 2 shots. The nurse LaConna, came in and gave them to her. Later Riley saw her in the hall, stopped dead in her tracks frowned at her while shaking her head and pointing at her. LaConna laughed and said "your not going to smile at me" and Riley frowned and shook her head no. So I guess my little lady will have the memory of an elephant!

Doing Time

Yesterday was an interesting afternoon! The boys went down for their nap real well and I thought they were sleeping. After a few hours I heard Caleb say he needed to go potty so I go up to put the ladder back up on the bed. I open the door to find "cave murals" all over the walls, the bed and the toy box. Talk about seeing red!! After letting Caleb go potty, we had a BIG discussion about not drawing on the walls, along with a certain form of punishment. I was going to run to Walmart to get the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (which I highly recommend if you have kids!), but realized that the kids love to go there. So we waiting till Matt got home (second round of talks and punishment) before heading out to get it. Needless to say we made them clean up the walls. Caleb got real tired and all I could say was "Well maybe next time you won't draw on the walls". Ian did some, but he didn't have the strength to do a lot. So no more spider-men around here for a week and the confiscation of all writing and coloring utensils permanently. Only supervised coloring will be done. The funny thing is- there were no crayons to be found in their room after I discovered the mess. Later I found 2 small, piece of corn sized, crayons that cause the destruction. It is the little things that get you! :)

*There are no pictures of the clean up- I figured that would take away from the seriousness of the work!

Which Super Hero are You?

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman 65% The Flash 65% Robin 60% Catwoman 60% Supergirl 55% Wonder Woman 50% Green Lantern 50% Spider-Man 45% Iron Man 35% Hulk 25% Batman 10%

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...

This past weekend, Matt was trying to get several guys over to play ball. But since it was raining, we had to scratch that. We ended up having the Davis family and the Lewis family over. It was so much fun. We hadn't seen Phil and Indie since they stopped by on a visit through AR like 2 years ago. Their daughters are so pretty and fun. I'm not sure if they would like me posting their names so we will call them E and M. M is about 4 month younger than Caleb but is way taller. She got her certainly has her Dads height. E is about 2 months older than Riley. She has the sweetest smile. The kids had a blast playing with each other. In the Pictures (sorry that one is sideways) that is Ian and M with their arms around each other. Later on Mike and Ann Lewis stopped by and we got to see their baby girl. A is about 3 months old and is such a cutie! She was full of smiles. It was so nice to get to visit with Indie and Ann. Indie and I were suite mates at HU. Phil, Indie, Matt and I all pretty much hung out with the same people. Ann and I were in Chio's together. Matt and Mike had been roommates for a while. Some of you might know Mike as the Jesus painter. They live about 20 min away while Phil and Indie are about 10. I am so excited to have them near by and hopefully we can get together more often.

Bob and Larry/ Old Friends

I had heard on the radio that Bob and Larry would be at the grand opening for the Life Way at the Providence Shopping Center. So we loaded up the cold kids (they were playing in the snow) and drove on down to see if we could get our picture with them. Sure enough there were TONS of people waiting (in a very small Life Way I might add) but we got to see them up close. The boys were really excited, but as you can tell from the picture, Riley was not about to stay anywhere near them. Amidst the craziness of the store Matt and I got to see some of our friends from HU. Matt actually found them while searching for a runaway Caleb ( who got in major trouble for leaving his side!) The Tomlinsons were also there and so we tried to find a little corner to chat. I have to say we were really excited to see them. We have been trying to find them since moving here. Their children are adorable and so sweet. We are hoping to get to do a lot of things with them. They live in Mt. Juliet ( like 10 min from our house). It will be so nice to have some friends near by.

Snow Day #2

I didn't get any pictures from our first snow day as it melted too quick. But we were on our way to Life Way and I decided to snap some pictures. The kids love the snow and had fun making snowballs and hitting Daddy's truck with them. We figured that was a better option that nailing each other. Riley was not to sure of it at first, but then found the little icicles on the truck and that seemed to make her happy.

A few weekends ago we went to my parents to help cut down some trees. By the time we got there dad had them down, but he and Matt hauled them out of the woods and then set them up to dry for firewood. We chopped some up and loaded up our truck to take home. The boys had a blast riding in the trailer and then helping Papa load all the wood up. There was an abandoned squirrels nest in one that they boys loved looking at.

Waiting for a beautiful day

I was getting pretty discouraged the other day with trying to find a playground for the kids. I had driven around and had only seen school playgrounds, which you can't use during the day. So I finally googled playgrounds in our area and there is the neatest one about 10 min from our house. It is located in the Charlie Daniels Park. There are pavilions for picnics, and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts along with a community center. The design reminds me of the Red Caboose Park in Bellevue, TN and Kids Kingdom in Columbia, TN. We decided to go check it out on Friday evening. It was getting dark and was cool so we didn't stay too long, but the kids had a blast. There is a regular big kid play area, but towards the back is the toddler area. They have "shrunken" all the big kid equipment. They had a ton of fun and were not happy to leave. But that will be a place we will be visiting quite often when it gets warmer.

I thought I would do an update on the kids since it has been awhile. So here you go!



Riley is doing well. He is learning to talk and would be a pro at it by now if her brothers would let her! Every time Matt and I try to teach her words, Caleb and Ian chime in for her. I am sure one day she will surprise us all and just start talking in sentences. :) She is still very petite for her age. We go for her 15 month check up on Friday and I am excited to see what % she is for her height. She was in the 20th % but the last time she had dropped to the 9th %. But she is such a joy to be around. She loves to blow kisses and climb the stairs. She is getting better at going down, but still catches her feet up and slides down them at times. She loves to be ready to, and will pick the same book over and over again. There are several I can now recite from memory. She loves going to class at church. She heads on in and sits down to wait for the singing to begin.


Ian is doing real well. We have started potty training again. He was doing real good a few months back, but then decided he didn't want to go anymore. So we are starting over and trying a different reward system. We are going to get Spider-man stickers to put on a chart. I have yet to figure out how we will do the reward system yet, but hopefully this will get us back on track. He is also working real hard on growing his imagination. The things that he comes up with and do just crack us up. He loves acting out his own "episodes". He is still our sensitive boy, but he is learning how to "fight back". We went to a gun show this weekend that my dad and uncle were participating in and they had a rock wall that the Army guys had set up. Ian just met the weight limit and he had so much fun. I wish I had gotten pictures- but we couldn't take one in. :) Ian loves his Bible class. He knows the starting work routine and will remind the teacher if she forgets.



Caleb is getting to big. He has become a little man. He is curious about everything and has the memory of an elephant. You can tell him something and a week or 2 later he can tell it to you word for word. He is really looking forward to school next year. He loves being mommy's helper and when daddy is not here- he takes care of us. While we were at the gun show, he also got to climb up the rock wall. Had there not be others waiting then he would have done it all day. I can see he and Ian being very big outdoors men- which is just fine with us. He loves going to Bible class and has so much fun singing to us. We have a praise and worship Cd that is for kids. Every time we get in the car we turn it on and he will sing at the top of his lungs. Even when he is at home, you will hear him singing songs from the cd or from Church. He will start playing Soccer in the next few months. I know he is so happy to be playing sports. In the fall we are going to sign him up for flag football.

Don't you just love it?

Don't you just love it when you get random comments on a post even with the word verification on??? So you then know that it is an actual person and not some random program. Some times I think they are funny, but some can be down right mean. I ended up deleting one because the person was griping at me that I had commented on a friends blog that I was happy that I had been in a hospital with my first child's birth that resulted in a quick c-section- rather than having a natural birth (like I had wanted). My friend and I had discussed it at length and we were never mean or hateful about it. Apparently this stranger felt that I had done myself an injustice because my ignorance in laboring techniques caused me to endanger myself and my unborn child. :) I am all for everyone having a choice in how they deliver- to each her own! I just though it was hysterical that I would be critiqued on it!

* I just found out that who ever this is has also gone onto other blogs and left information or critiques about birthing. Apparently she got my site from someone else's list and might have left comments on any of the links from my site. If so- I am really sorry. I am looking into a way that I can keep our site safe.

Long Time

Sorry it's been a while since I last posted. We have been pretty busy around here. The kids and I just got back from puppy/kitty sitting for my parents and Uncle. They should be getting home any minute from NY. They got Grandma and Grandpa moved in with out any glitches. Unfortunately Grandpa was none too happy and let everyone know it! But it will just take time for him to get use to it. The nurses are great and really made mom and Gerry feel better. They say it usually takes about 2-3 weeks for new residents to adjust. The kids had a blast with the pets. Caleb and Rosie hung out and Ian and Riley shared Mocha. The cats are not huge fans of kids, so they hid most of the time till the kids went down. They I got all the lovin' (and fuzzy cat hair!!)
We have finally organized some rooms and I am putting the finishing touches on Riley's room and the boys room tomorrow. Then I can start hanging pictures around the house and tackle our room. I will get the pictures downloaded from the camera and get some up here tonight or tomorrow- cause I KNOW you are all starving for pictures of these beautiful darlings!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2 New Recipes

Here are 2 recipes out of the book that I told you about earlier:



Tater Tot Casserole

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 cans mixed veggies (drained) OR 1 16 oz bag frozen mixed veggies
1 can cream of mushroom OR cream of celery
1 cup milk
1 can fried onions
1 pkg frozen tater tots

Preheat oven to 350
cook and drain beef- place in 9x13 pan. spread veggies over beef. mix soup and milk together- spread over beef. sprinkle onions on top of soup mixture. Top with one layer of tater tots.
Bake 45 min serves 7


Crunchy Chicken Rolls

3 oz cream cheese softened
2 cups chopped and cooked chicken
1 tbs chives
2 tbs milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 pkg crescent rolls
1/4 c butter-melted
1/2 c herb seasoned stuffing mix

Preheat oven to 350
mix cheese, chicken, chives, milk and salt (works best if mixed with your hands). unroll crescent rolls. Each tube contains 4 rectangles. press dough along the diagonal perforation so it won't seperate. place about 1/4 c mixture in center of rectangle. Fold dough over and pinch edges closed. dip each roll in melted butter and roll id stuffing mix. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20 min. Serves 4-6

Both of these the kids liked (and us to!) Maybe your family will like them too. Enjoy!

This is where it stays

I have decided that I like this the best. So for now the background is done. I will still be adding things slowly, but I'm done fiddling for now. Hope the green isn't too bright. I thought it fit our family pretty good. Energetic, on the move and happy (unless it is close to nap or bed time!) ;) I'm hoping to get a good picture of all of us to put on here. I have a bunch to add, but, alas.....I have to figure out how to download the pictures from our new camera. That will require the kids to be asleep. So maybe sometime this weekend. I'm trying to figure out how to add pictures of books that we are reading and a few other neat things. If any of you know how to do that -let me know please!

In other News:
We are heading out to Mom and Dads this weekend. This will be our last time to see Grandpa before they leave. . They are going to be heading back to NY at the end of next week. They have gotten Grandma and Grandpa into an assisted living facility. So they will be moving him in the week after V-day. My Uncle Gerry is heading up early to try and move as much of their things out of the house to the apartment. That way Grandma and Grandpa won't be able to go back to the house and re-find all the memories. The Community said it would make the transition easier since they had not been living there anyway for a while. So hopefully all will go well.

Cookbook

I have discovered a great new cookbook. I found it at Moms Together here in Nashville. It has really great recipes that kids and adults love. So far Matt has only not liked one thing that I have made out of it. So I really wanted to share it with you! ( I may post some of our favorites on here later)


Beyond Macaroni and Cheese


Edited by: Mary Beth Lagerborg and Karen J. Parks


Published by: Zondervan

Bible Study

A while ago, I started the Patriarchs Bible study by Beth Moore. I got a little slowed down by doing another Bible study with a local church, and then with our move in November, I never got to finish the last 2 sections. (yes, only tow- I really should have made more of an effort) But as we were unpacking boxes this weekend, I found the book. So my goal this week is to re-read all the previous sections to refresh my memory, and then finish the series. Anyway, I wasn't typing all that to just let you know what a slacker I am. It was just interesting to me how I let other things get in the way of finishing that study. Other studies, duties, and more snuck in between me and that study time with God. Then I got to thinking how often that happens in my life. I can start something and soon there is something else that needs my attention at that moment, and the rest is forgotten. Could it be that my mommy memory is out the door, or is this an attack on my soul and mind that is seeking our God? I know that when I start my day with God, I do better and when I have my study time somewhere in the day, I feel better. When I don't -I find myself being short with everyone and messing up on everything. Is anyone else out there like me- or am I just plain old weird? Anyway I want to challenge all of you (and myself) to strive everyday to spend that moment with God, whether it be a long time or a short "stolen moment" to seek Him in your day. It can make a world of difference in your life and in others.

Marti

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTI!!!!!!!

You are getting so old. ;) Wish we could be there to celebrate with you- take you to Crackle Barrel and buy you some Chicken and Dumplings. But since we are not- I hope our thoughts, prayers and wishes are enough. Oh and a phone call later today! Happy Birthday, my friend!

Fiddling

As you visit our blog over the next few days, you will see different backgrounds and such. I am trying to switch things up, but can't really get it all done in one setting- so it will take me a few days to get it where I like it (which might end up the same 'ole thing if I can't find anything else!) ;) So bear through the ugly colors and still visit us- it will all be over soon!

Prayers are answered

I am so excited right now! My grandpa and Grandma are going to be able to live together again!! My dad called Mary and they talked for a while- trying to decide what their plans were, since Uncle Gerry and Mom were trying to decide what to do about keeping Grandpa near Vera. Mary finally said that Grandma was not happy and there was nothing that she was able to do to make her happy. She agreed to allow Grandma to stay with Grandpa in an assisted living facility! Grandma and Grandpa are beside themselves with happiness. There is one just across the border in Pennsylvania (about 15 min from one of Marys daughter) and they have an opening. So right now everyone is trying to get the applications and paperwork in order to get them in. They are able to furnish the apartment themselves so that cuts down on the cost. Grandpa is having a heard time with the fact that there might not be anything left to pass on to his children. We have all told him that it is more important for everyone to have him and grandma together. But it is hard for him to see everything that he has worked for and wanting to pass down, getting sold and used for the home. Hopefully one day he will realize that we don't want the money- just his happiness. Thank you all for praying for our situation. I know God heard all of them and He was faithful in providing the options and answers we need. Sometimes it is hard for me to see the answers to my prayers or I never see them at all. I am glad that I got to see the answer to this one prayer. God chose to answer in this time and space and I think it has truly lifted the hearts of my family and reminded that prayers are answered and He is listening. I cannot thank you enough, my friends. God Bless!

How 'bout them Colts

Hats off the the Colts! It was a great game (interrupted by 3 children squealing and running around). We had fun watching and cheering. I think the best moment came when they awarded the trophy and Tony Dungy said "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this, but again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that." How awesome is that! Where most teams have coaches that rule by intimidation and cursing, these two coaches show that doing it God's way can lead you further, and have a team that respects you as a coach- not fear you.

GO COLTS!!

Not sure who everyone is going for tonight. We here in the Clement household will be cheering on the Colts. Not that we have anything against "Da Bears", but I would just like to see Payton Manning win a Super Bowl. Plus our family in Indiana might disown us if we cheer differently! :)

6 years

Yesterday Matt and I celebrated 6 years of marriage! It really doesn't feel like it has been that long. Then I look at our 3 kids and think-Oh my stars!!! We have 3 kids and we've only been married 6 years. It has been a fun ride- filled with ups and downs, twists and turns- but I wouldn't have wanted to share it with anyone else. It is amazing how we have changed and grown with each other. When we first started our lives together, I had this "fairy tale' type marriage in my head. It has been a lot of changes, sacrifice on both sides and sometime disagreements, but is it worth it? You bet. I can't wait to see what the next 30 years hold for us. Happy Anniversary Matt!

Christmas Present

I got a really neat present this year from Matt and the kids. I had been wanting a new camera and had been looking around for one that was affordable and that I wanted. Well, they got me one for Christmas. So now I can shoot the boys in action with continual shots and I don't have to wait for the camera to save the picture and come back to picture-taking mode. It will be really nice when Caleb starts soccer in a month (yes...I said soccer- we are letting him try every sport!). I am pretty excited. So the next shots you will see are from the new camera. We are going to go play in the snow this afternoon so I will put those up later. I have been wanting to take some photography classes and this will also help to have the camera. Maybe one day I will become a photographer (when the kids are grown and out of the house- might be the only time I have to try!)

**OK as Aunt Marti pointed out in the comments- I only talked about taking action pictures of the boys. I left out my baby girl! I am sure I will have many moments to take her in action shots. She is sure to play sports or be on the sides cheering. So I am correcting my error: I will get to take continual shots of MY CHILDREN while they are playing sports or just having fun! ;) Thanks Marti!!

Update on Grandpa

Thank you all for your recent prayers for my family. My parents and grandpa made it back safely from NY last week. Riley and I were able to go spend a few days with Grandpa while the boys were in IN last week. He is doing OK. He is having a very difficult time as is Grandma. He keeps trying to find a way back home, and was seriously considering hitching back to NY and would have if it wasn't starting to snow. When he and Grandma talk, it is heart breaking. They really miss each other and want to be together. My mom and Gerry are trying to figure out what to do. Neither of them can stay with Grandpa full time in NY, but he refuses to go into an Assisted Living facility. Right now we are just trying to make it through a week at a time. THey are going to try and talk to a psychologist and see what they can do to make the transition easier and to keep him from slipping into depression. Grandma still thinks that they will be back together in the spring. I am unsure whether her children have told her that she will not be leaving Marys' house or if she just can't remember it. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. I have a feeling it will get more difficult before it gets easier.