What have we been up too? Let's see.....

ALOT!!!! We here in the Clement household have been pretty busy! And since I haven't posted in a LONG time, here is the run down.....

It snowed (if you want to call it that) and we had a few days off (Yippie!!!); Great Grandma Lance came to visit for a day and the kids so enjoyed it; Caleb got a black eye from a baseball (yes- real one) popping his eyebrow; Valentines Day came around, which brought about a fit as we caught Riley sneaking a box of chocolates under the kitchen cabinet (she was not pleased to be found!);placed membership at church; 3 cases of Strep and exhausted mommy and daddy; family game night; and fun with tents....

WHEW!!! Man- I didn't even list the baseball tryouts and school events. All of the above have pictures below. We are all now healthy and trying to stay that way. The kids were excited to have some time at home where they were able to play the PS3 and chill out. Caleb had his first baseball practice today (they came home ice cubes- it is like 30 something) and he and Matt are de-thawing at the moment. Ian should have one soon, and Matt will be assisting on both boys team (more Ian's since the guy who is the coach didn't really want it). I was going to start Riley in dance, but will do that this summer once baseball is over. Pink-eye is going around the daycare- really hoping that the little ones don't get it. :)

Matt's grandma flew to Louisville to surprise Lee for his birthday. She flew in on his first day of work! :) He is doing great by the way- back to the swing of things. They came down for a day so she could spend sometime with Matt and the kids. We had so much fun- she is a blast!

We have been doing family game nights here and there. this time the kids picked UNO and they a really had fun! Ian won 3 times and Riley once. The rest of us were just plain ole unlucky! But we had a blast!

School is going well. Caleb is doing great and is still loving it. He is so excited that he will be moving to the 1st grade next year. They are learning skills that are gearing them to move into 1st grade. He has a major crush on his teacher, Mrs. Koehn. He gets all giddy when he talks about her. So funny! I put that one in the baby book!

Work is going well for Matt. There were 2 people laid off in his department, so that was a tad on the tense side for a bit. he will not be getting bonuses or raises, but I am so thankful he still has his job. School is OK for me. I am counting down the weeks till Spring Break (3 to be exact) and to the end of school (10 weeks). Last week was crazy and I am hoping for NO more weeks like that. Suffice to say, there are some issues with the brain, that when having happened to a person, should be "helped" in a hospital or institution, NOT the school system!!

Well, enough about us- here is the part you have been skimming for! :) Enjoy!

Today

Today, 8 years ago, I married my best friend. The one whom God planned for me and who blesses me each and every day. While at work today, I was able to reminisce about the years: all the joys, the struggles, and the fun. We have lived in 2 states, 3 houses, had 3 children, and grown closer together through it all. I know there are days that I am not "at my best" and he still loves me, and tells me. If I am struggling in my parenting, I am supported and sometimes corrected if needed. Matt pushes me to be the best that I can be, and to try, even if I don't believe in myself- he does. God knew exactly what he was doing when He led Matt into my life, and I am forever grateful.
Matt, I love you more than anyone, and you come second only to God. Thank you for all the joys, love and support you have given me and I am blessed daily with you in my life. I have loved every moment of the last 8 years and I am looking forward to the next 80 years. I can think of no one I would rather spend this journey on than with you. I love you!

Organizing and Such

Well we are home today due to the amazing snowflakes that fell earlier and the slushy stuff underneath. :) Makes this momma and her children happy. At the moment, the 3 rugrats are enjoying some hot chocolate and a good movie while snuggled under the blankets. Me, I am updating and will get some cleaning and the rest of the Christmas decorations put away....yes you read that right, I said Christmas. I know- it is sad!

I have been re-designing in my head for the last year, things that I want to do around our home. We have now been in it for a little over 2 years, folks. We loved it when we moved in, and to be honest- I didn't want to paint. I knew I would be getting Riley out of the crib soon and we would be doing her room then, and the boys.....well, I had NO CLUE what I wanted to do in there and they both had such different ideas. So we have left it all as is. Since we had to repair Riley's ceiling from the AC leaking, now is the time to get started!

So now that it is the first of the year. I have set goals for getting things done: Decorating, re-arranging, organizing, painting, and all that jazz. I have been searching sites and such to get it all in and try to find the best tools for a decent amount. Now this will be a long process as we do it all slow and a few things each month. But I have made my list and can't wait to get started.

One of the first things we will do are the kids rooms. We are going to paint and get some storage in there. Matt and I will be building storage units that we will attach to the walls in the kids rooms. We are also going to re-do the kids closets so it will be easier for them to put their own clothing away. I am SO pumped to get it done.

We plan on painting other rooms and possibly re-arranging furniture. I would LOVE to re-do our kitchen someday (and we have huge plans if we stay in the house for a long time), but till then, I plan on organizing the space as best I can. I found these really cool kitchen storage racks over at Vanilla Joy and I am so pumped to maybe do this over the summer! If you go here it will take you to the Shelf Reliance home page. They have huge systems, that if I ever get a pantry that would be so nice to have. they also have smaller systems that fit into your cabinets. The thing that I think is cool about this is that, the system helps keep you from using the stuff you just bought rather that the older cans. To me this sounds great since i have been known here lately to forget to put the new stuff in the back if I am in a hurry.

Anyway, I'm sure this post has not been to interesting to many of you, but sometimes it helps to get my thoughts down. Do any of you have tried and true storage systems that work in your home? If so- let me know- I would love to see what everyone is doing, and maybe steal your ideas! :)

Game Night

We have been trying to have a game night sometime during each week. Last week we played a game that I bought after Christmas at a great price ($3.95). We got the Horton Hears a Who game. The kids had a blast. They enjoyed putting Horton on and hunting for the clovers. On the clover tiles, in order to go get them you have to do what it says. So you may have to crawl, hop, tiptoe and so on. The kids had a blast and I think they will get some time out of it. Our game closet is growing steadily and the kids have so much fun with them!

Here we go!

The idea is to copy & paste it into your blog, then highlight the things you have done. The items in bold are things I’ve done in my life. (You’re not supposed to copy the words in italics, I added those.)

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch-hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72 . Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85 Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

I refuse to tag anyone, but if you want to do it go for it!

Home for a day -YEA!!!

I woke up this morning with a terrible headache (the one that makes you cross-eyed and feel like you could die at any moment- that one), and the Advil was not kicking in. I don't have many days left, but decided to use one today. Matt took Caleb to school and he was so excited to be going by himself. He got up, ate breakfast and was dressed with in 10 min. That NEVER happens when they are all going. Then I got some quiet time before Riley got up at 7:30. She and Ian have played so good today. No arguing, fighting, tantrums.....nada. I have been cleaning since my headache has almost gone away, worked on lesson plans for the next month and had a blast watching my kids play. They are at this moment upstairs in the same room, supposedly sleeping, but I hear things that tell me other wise :) I have been sitting here enjoying my time at home. Sometimes I get caught up in the business of getting ready for school and getting the kids ready and to school that I forget to enjoy the little things. The laughter over cereal, oatmeal or eggs. The cute way they get ready in the morning and the drive to school. I cannot wait for spring break and summer to come!

I am at the moment praying for a job a the school that Caleb attends and where Ian will go next year. I want to be closer and on the same schedule as they are. I am looking at going down to the elementary level and regular ed. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to teach the kids I do, but it can become draining as you deal with one behavior problem after another (especially if you get bit during a restraint!) and the paperwork is not a hoot either! If you will please keep that in your prayers.

Well the noises I now hear tell me that there is more than sleeping going on and I probably should go investigate.

Changes are coming

I am going to be making a few minor changes here in the next week. I will be changing backgrounds and editing blog rolls. So be patient as it may change from day to day (not that many of you are still reading this check every day....but thought I would warn you!)

I will also be posting some pictures soon. I also have some updates that I want to post about and a ton of thoughtful things that I have been pondering. I will be updating more often too. I know most people don't check it often at all epically since I haven't been updating it. I made a resolution to update more often about anything going on or thoughts. So hopefully I haven't lost all of the few readers I had- come on by and you will notice better things coming off this blog! :)

Way cool Lunch tote giveaway

Not sure how many of you take your lunch to work or out with you, but I have tried to start doing more of it as I think it will help me in the healthier area of my resolutions. Head on over to $5 dinners and go for it! Good Luck!


Click here : http://www.5dollardinners.com/


or look under Family life mixed with Frugal Living Links

Christmas 2008

I finally got the pictures loaded on the laptop AND I finally figured out how do a slide show! Lucky you!! I think the problem with me trying the last few time was the operating system I was using to store the pictures in....regardless I am so excited that it went smoothly! The joy of the little thing :)

This year we stayed home and everyone came to us. We celebrated with my parents Christmas day and then Lee and Linda came in that evening. Scott and Heather and the family came in Friday for the day. It was so nice to have everyone here. I definitely got a lot of cooking in. The kids had a great Christmas this year. The only thing that Caleb asked Sana for was a DS.......I was in shock a little bit, till I picked him up from school and say 8 kindergartners with DS'. So we actually found a good deal on that and told Santa about it. He has been begging to take it to school, but I cannot bring myself to allow him. I am worried it might get taken or lost. Ian got the Leapster 2, but now I am wishing we had gone the digi route. The one thing he loves is that it is a Star Wars one. :) Riley got all things dress up and has been having a blast. We got her a pop up tent and she has had so much fun with it. It was so relaxing and we so enjoyed being with family. My parents took the kids the week of New Years and I was able to enjoy some time alone with Matt before 8pm. We went and spent a few days at mom and dad's and then came home. We are now all back at work and school, but ready for the weekend. Now that we are done with the quick synopsis, lets get to the part you all are waiting for.....Pictures!

Pictures coming soon!

All I have to do is download them to my christmas present and get them on- hopefully today!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Wishing you all blessings and fun with your family today and into the new year!

Thoughts along the way....

I love this time of year. Winter, the cold, snow, and Christmas. Christmas has to be my favorite holiday hands down. It has been as long as I can remember. When I was younger, it was due to the excitement of the presents and the anticipation of finding Santa in my home. As I grew, it became about family getting together and about decorating for Christmas. Now as I reflect back on what I perceive as Christmas I find that my reasons have changed yet again. Oh, I still love decorating. I love the feel of you home at Christmas, and I love the look of all the lights. I still plan on driving around with the kids tomorrow and looking for lights,and I have been baking up a storm today. Even thought I enjoy all these things, I have much more anticipation of things yet to come. I am so excited for Matt to be off of work tomorrow and Christmas Day. I can't wait to have time with us as a family, talking about Jesus and what Christmas is all about. I am so looking forward to attending the Christmas Eve service at our new church. I look froward to watching my kids as they open presents. I can't wait to see my husband smile as he watches the kids. This year more than ever, I am focused on my family. I have been every year, but this year it is different. I will take the time to soak it all in and truly, TRULY enjoy the noise and the closeness and the warmth that comes with my family. Then as the grandparents head in I will relish the time with them and spending quality time with each member. I will praise my God and Savior with my family in worship to Him. I will take these longings into the new year and set goals that reflect my creator and my family. I will still do 1 thing for me, but my acts of service will be for others. My husband and kids are the world to me and I will cherish every moment with them, use every teachable moment to help them learn about the One who created it all. I will be more intentional with my time and make sure I am using it to glorify Him. I will spend every day in the Word and I will pray before my feet hit the floor. I will spend time studying with my husband and my children. Yes, I will work on loosing the weight (hits the list every year), but I think it will happen this year. As long as I continue to place the previous said things as priorities.

Caleb's Birthday

I feel a tad guilty admitting this but, Caleb's birthday snuck up on me! While at Lee and Linda's over Thanksgiving, I realized that Caleb's birthday was one week away! So once we got home, I invited a few of Caleb's friends from school over for a party. We prayed all week that some one would come. Well Saturday came and we had received a bunch on no's. A lot of people had things planned and some of the kids were ill. We talked to Caleb and explained that it would be just family, and he was fine with it. We went ahead and played some of the games we planned and he had a blast. We are hoping to have some kids over for some play time after the holidays. Anyway- he had fun and enjoyed having the grandparents there. I can't believe that my firstborn is 6. That is somewhat hard for me to digest. My youngest turned 3 and my oldest turns 6. He is growing so fast and maturing into an amazing young man. He is one of our pride and joy's and we can't imagine our lives with out him.

S N O W

We had a snow day about a week ago. It was nice to let the kids go out and play as much as they could. I was really hoping for more than what we got (and I am still keeping my fingers crossed that it will snow), but the kids had a blast. They had a mini snowball fight and made snow angel's. After our time in the snow, we came in for some hot chocolate with marshmallows. YUM!

Riley's Third Birthday and Thanksgiving

My baby turned 3 this year. I have had feelings of pure Joy and pure sadness. Knowing she is our last has made the memories more sweet. She is growing so fast, sometimes it seems that she is way past 3. She loves to read to her babies and play with her "dishes". Matt and I can have coffee anytime we want and her meals are so interesting (seriously: cookies, onion rings and celery- YUM!) We had a very low key party. She celebrated at school with her friends and then she chose to go to Red Robbin for her birthday dinner. Then it was home for presents and to bed. We are so blessed to have this little wonder in our home. God knew what he was doing when he fashioned her. I look forward to watching her grow into an amazing young woman of God.


We spend Thanksgiving up at Lee and Linda's this year. Lee was discharged from the hospital 2 days before, so we enjoyed getting to spend time with him at home. The kids were ecstatic to have grandma and paw paw at home, while we were there. It was hard for them to understand why we were at their house, and they were not there. Scott and Heather, along with their kids came over and we all ate a great dinner. We had a really relaxing time and were happy to help Lee and Linda get settled after being in the hospital for several weeks. (there were no pictures as I forgot my camera here)

5 posted- more to come

There are 4 posts below this one. I still have a few to do, but will get to those tomorrow as Matt should be home from work, and the kids are ready to make some Christmas presents! Coming up soon: Riley's birthday post, Caleb's birthday post, and our first snow of the season. Thanks for hanging with us as I have not posted in over a month. Hopefully that will never happen again.

The pictures loaded all weird for some reason, but here we go. Lee and Linda joined us for Halloween this year. We went around our neighborhood this year. The huge crowds didn't happen till we were almost home, which was good since that meant there were not as many cars. We didn't see too many scary costumes and the one that scared Riley, became her favorite one by the end. The kids racked up on the candy, which will be tossed soon! :) Enjoy the pictures


*Getting the glow sticks ready
*My princess, stormtrooper and power ranger
*Her dress light up all over the skirt
*Would there have been any other choice? :)
*This one surprised us- but he had so much fun
*After we got home, they helped me hand out the candy

*putting all their loot in their bowls to sort through
*Riley started off going up by herself with the boys- that was short lived after she turned around and saw a scary costume
*The first house



As a side note, this was the weekend before Lee was admitted to the hospital for his brain abscess. The following week, it was found and started the ride we have been on. Lee is doing so well now. He has been dismissed from one therapy and it looks like he will be dismissed from the other two shortly. It is a miracle that only God could have provided.

12-hour Crop (October)

While we were in Indiana, Linda and I did a 12-hour crop at Archivers. Matt and Lee watching the kids while we scrapbooked. It was so much fun and I got a ton done. We were there for 11am-11pm. I think the only time we left the store was to run to Old Navy and to the coffee shop. The rest of the time was spent int he workroom. They did demonstrations of the newest tools and they also gave away door prizes. I actually won a pack of paper and letter stickers. Of course there is a whole store to shop if you forget something or you don't have the right accessories. This time I got 12 pages done. The last crop I went to(5 hour) I got 5 done. Every time we go to Indiana, Linda and I try to go together. I hope to try and go 2-3 times a year. I tend to get a lot done and to have all the other workers around for inspiration is a ton of fun. The closest one to us is in Louisville, although there is one in Memphis. There are a ton of people who will do a scrapbooking weekend and stay in a hotel and scrap the whole time. I'm not there yet, but this was a ton of fun!

Playing Catch Up!

Well, I have to start off my apologizing. The slide show sites and I just could not get along, so you will have to scroll down through the post. One day we will work out our differences! :) Any who, these photos were from our trip to Indiana in October. We went for a weekend at the very end of the fall break for our county. Linda and I were attending a 12-hour crop that Saturday (previous post) so we made a long weekend of it. We took the kids out to Hubers Farm in Starlight, IN. They always have a blast there. We went to the petting zoo area and they have added so much! Since it was close to Halloween, there were beautiful pumpkins in the patches and the weather was perfect. The kids had a hayday on the slides, the bounce area and visiting the animals. Here are just a few (well maybe more than a few- hey! It's been a while...) that I picked.


*Uncle Matt and Jake- despite his expression he loved it! He broke into a smile after I shot this

*Heather and Kait- she lost her shoe on the way down- but held on to it.
*Riley- this is like the millionth slide- she loved it
*Technically they were not supposed to go down together, but since all the parents were at the bottom, we let it slide
*The slide is really long, but great for the belly slide
* Riley on the tractor- she had trouble pushing the peddle down with her toe
* Caleb had a blast- the only complaint? They didn't go fast enough!
*Caleb hitching a ride with Ian- Caleb's time ran out, Ian was kind enough to share
*This little bridge was not to functional- we had to push them up onto it
*Who is going to win the race?
*We finally put Riley on with Caleb since she couldn't push the peddle- They had a ton of fun
*Riley getting settled
*Sliding down the HUGE bounce platform
*They all got some serious air on here
*Riley held on to me for a while and then decided she could do it on her own
*The boys would jump from the top and roll down the sides to the dirt
*Rolling- That was apparently the most fun for the boys
*The boys
*Looking at the rooster and chickens
*Caleb and his very hungry Rabbit
*The pen of rabbits were a hit- they would hop over and eat the grass out of your hand. I know the kids stayed there for at least 30 min.
*The goats