High Five!

Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble sometimes!

2011-03-30T23:55:00.003-04:00

This Lent, I came across this wonderful list showing evidences of a lack of humility and saw myself in more than one or two. I'll be praying about this list and how my lack of humility can hurt my family and those around me. Lord, make me humble, and when I'm humble, don't let me know it!!The Seventeen Evidences of a Lack of HumilityBy St. Josemaria Escrivá1. To think that what one says or

Censorship Fail.

2010-10-20T22:31:00.000-04:00

Becca: Henry, I need to cover your eyes so you don't see this yucky part on the T.V. (She covers his eyes.) Henry: (with great enthusiasm) Becca, my MOUTH is yooking!!

The Freshman

2010-10-18T23:54:00.103-04:00

"Mom, Are you coming to the football game?" she asked me. I could fill a book with the many times my daughter would ask if we were coming to a particular football game or orchestra performance. From a musical theatre production or jazz concert, to a competition, a show, a play, or even a church mass.... the answer was almost always YES. Chris and I have attended more musical events that

Eat Chikin or Wheaties

2010-08-08T21:45:00.000-04:00

Brotherly understanding...

2010-07-27T21:43:00.000-04:00

Younger Brother: What are all those red things on your face? Older Brother: God's cruel joke. Younger Brother: Huh? Older Brother: Just when you start to care about the way you look, God sends you acne to keep you humble. Younger Brother: Sorry dude.

My Growing Nick!

2010-05-07T00:02:00.000-04:00

Lacrosse season has ended and Nick's team tied for the championship. Nick is in the 8th grade and has grown a foot this past year, wears a size 14 shoe, eats us out of house and home and continues to be the big brother that the younger kids in the family adore...and for good reason. He has heart. And a heart for God. While it pains me to see my kids grow, it give me great hope for the

Spring!

2010-04-09T22:32:00.000-04:00

An open letter to Confirmation Catechists

2010-04-09T21:36:00.000-04:00

I am getting so excited about the end of the faith development year and all that we’ve accomplished! What we started with at the beginning of the year was a challenge of unknown new faces and personalities…some happy to be in TYM others not so enthusiastic. Teens who, despite their honest love of God, needed some honest answers of why they should believe, not only the facts of what they should

Henry's Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

2010-04-05T22:47:00.004-04:00

On Good Friday, Henry and I decided to color our Easter Eggs while listening to the album, Alma Mater. This music is a release of modern classical music and features the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The music is very inspiring and perfect for a day like Good Friday; however, I could not tell if the music made Henry extra sad about his

An artist.

2010-04-01T00:13:00.000-04:00

Me: I need the water vaccume to clean up the dirt smudges on the hallway carpet. Him: That is not dirt. It's Henry's handprints after playing with your makeup.

Youth Group Shadow Stations

2010-03-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

I have been a youth minister in the Catholic Church for many, many years. I've experienced the blood, sweat and tears that it takes to build a program from the bottom up and to watch it grow and change into the place where the God can do His best work. There are some very hard days when you work in ministry and there are a good many successes; but at times you work so hard that it's easy to

File under: I can't believe I said that.

2010-01-26T23:11:00.000-05:00

This mother of five had to yell at her third child tonight, " Jack! You cannot wear your school clothes to bed! People don't do that on weeknights!" Poor kid. He must have thought it was the weekend or something.

Come march with us in DC!

2010-01-20T21:40:00.000-05:00

The simple things

2009-12-24T00:22:00.000-05:00

It's the little things. It really is the little things. About four years ago, I noticed my neighbor had these wonderful Christmas decorations that caught my attention. You've probably seen them around your neighborhood too. They are round balls about the size of a softball, and they light up. Most people like to hang them from their front porch or in front of a window... usually in groups

Images of Advent

2009-12-22T22:38:00.000-05:00

Waiting. Baking. Music Making. Picture taking. Advent.

Jesus Take The Wheel

2009-12-04T15:33:00.000-05:00

I’ve just returned from a last minute trip to Texas with my parents. The reason for the trip was to assist them by driving one car behind them while they drove our old Mercedes Benz to Texas to live forever. My dad wanted our unused 1984 vehicle…300,000 miles and all. We were afraid that the Mercedes would not make the trip, so I agreed to follow along just to be safe. Old and cranky, it

Stories of Strength to learn from

2009-10-29T15:45:00.000-04:00

This week I was reminded how strong human beings are, when the grace of God is allowed to move in their lives. An older gentleman that I have known well for about 10 years recently shared a story with me about his life as a young man. The story was a painful one …filled with rejection, sadness, death, depression and loneliness. To hear the story, you would think that no

Henry's Happy Halloween!

2009-10-27T00:09:00.000-04:00

TMI?

2009-10-17T23:49:00.000-04:00

Eight year old Gus was handed a full diaper, compliments of his brother, Henry. It was chilly outside so when Gus reached to throw the diaper away for his dad, he exclaimed, "Wow! This would make a great hand warmer!"

A Tale of Two Birthdays

2009-10-14T23:46:00.002-04:00

There is nothing more bittersweet than a child's birthday. We celebrated two birthdays in September: Rebecca and Henry. My firstborn child, Rebecca, turned a happy 17 as we celebrated with a surprise party at the local Pizza Hut. Over 20 of her friends met me at the restaurant and at the appropriate time, ducked under tables and chairs so that she would not see them as she

Rescue Me!

2009-10-09T00:16:00.000-04:00

I am one of those girls that likes to be rescued and I am not ashamed to admit it. I enjoy being rescued from uncomfortable situations that I cannot fix and some that I can. I like it when men in my life come to my rescue out of chivalry or love. I am NOT ashamed to admit it; it was just how I was raised. I blame it all on my father. As a youth, anytime I asked for his assistance, he

Gus's new hobby

2009-08-28T22:59:00.000-04:00

Me: Gus, why are you going through my purse? Gus: 'Cuz it is like a 'wonderland'.

Being 10

2009-08-25T23:09:00.001-04:00

Jack has turned 10 today. There was not much fanfare since he had to share the day with his sister's first day of school as a senior in high school, his brothers first day as an 8th grader and the regular chaos that normally ensues on the first day of school. Poor Jack. His birthday always comes during one of the busiest times of the year: the beginning of school. As usual, we have to

Sad Eyes

2009-08-21T00:47:00.002-04:00

Henry: (pretending to cry) Mommy, my eyes are crwying.

My baby, all grown up

2009-08-12T17:47:00.004-04:00

My baby. My first.She's all grown up. And is a senior in high school. A SENIOR!Just a few years ago, my days were long, exhausting days with my new baby, new husband, new life, new world. And the days went by very, very slowly. Today, as I look at this picture of my first born, playing the life out of her trombone; I reflect back to those early days when so many people would tell me how '

Becca's band friends come over....

2009-08-06T00:48:00.001-04:00

Gus:(hiding behind the bookshelf) Mom, we're being INVADED!Me: Really? By whom?Gus: Teenagers!

Love = Reading to your sons!

2009-08-05T00:14:00.003-04:00

Well, summer has been humming along over here at the Clemens house, and school begins the end of August (not that I'm counting or anything). It is getting to the point that I am desperately looking for projects or outings that the kids will enjoy and that I will not lose my mind planning. Oh, we've been to the museums, on walks, fishing, swimming, camp, hiking, baking bread, and on and on, but

Stop, Look and Listen

2009-07-28T22:50:00.009-04:00

At the parish where I work, we are in the midst of a very large building project that is changing the old church site into a newer, bigger, more modern place for more Christians to come and worship. The demand for more space is huge at our ever-growing parish and it a beautiful thing. God has blessed us with resources to continue to build his kingdom both physically and spiritually and I feel

An 8 year old figures it out.

2009-07-12T00:10:00.001-04:00

Gus: Mom, I've noticed that your life is all about TALKING!

Mission '09

2009-07-11T23:46:00.004-04:00

Well, we are off to embark on a mission. A mission to reveal God's love to those less fortunate.I am slightly embarrassed to mention that this is the first large group mission trip our church has ever taken with a group of youth. It had always been a dream of mine to start such a ministry, but I never had enough hands to get a project like this off the ground. As divine intervention would have

Playing with photo booth.

2009-06-30T22:22:00.004-04:00

Admittedly, not very flattering, but very entertaining for the mom and kids.

Corpus Christi

2009-06-14T14:29:00.002-04:00

Ave Verum CorpusHail, true Body born of the Virgin Mary;truly you suffered,impaled on the cross for the sins of the world.From your pierced side flowed blood and water.In my last agony,grant me a foretaste of your presence.O sweet JesusO Gracious Jesus,son of Mary,have mercy on me.Tr. by Andrew Burnham, A Manual of Anglo-Catholic Devotion

2009-05-30T23:43:00.001-04:00

Every good baby sleeps prepared for anything!

Gus's First Holy Communion

2009-05-13T17:26:00.003-04:00

Sunday was a wonderful day for the family! It was Mother's Day and also the day my 4th child received his first Holy Communion. I must say that it was the best Mother's Day gift ever! The tears flowed as I watched my excited son approach Fr. John..hands extended and and full of expectation. Afterwards, Gus entered the pew and exclaimed, "Mom! Jesus tastes good!"Yes, Gus, he most certainly

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Photos: 300,000 printed signatures being shipped to Notre Dame

2009-05-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Photos: 300,000 printed signatures being shipped to Notre Dame

The inquisition

2009-04-18T23:42:00.002-04:00

Jack and Gus were on Spring Break this past week. In order to keep them occupied with things other than video games, I took them to the local hobby store to find a "project" they could work on. It did not go well.Me: Gus, why don't we buy some airplane models for you and Jack to work on?Gus: Naw. That is not our "thing". That is Nick's thing. He likes models.Me: Ok, well, what are you and

Endings. A note to our youth catechists.

2009-04-16T23:49:00.005-04:00

As we begin the final three sessions of the faith development year, my mind turns to more sentimental things. Endings. I just hate endings. As you all know, the parish office was demolished last week and a shiny new gym will stand exactly where the old building was. There were many good memories in the parish office for me as well as those I work with. Many years ago it was a convent and was

Cousins, then and now.

2009-04-14T21:29:00.003-04:00

Henry and Cousin Mary-2007Henry and cousin Mary 2009“Cousins are many. Best friends are few. What a rare delight to find both in you.”

How 'ya doin?

2009-04-14T00:06:00.005-04:00

After the wonderful Easter Vigil, our dear family friend Fr. Scott approached me and said, "Do you know what your oldest son did tonight?" I looked at him with dread and said, "Don't tell me, I don't want to know." He told me anyway.When 12 year old Nick came up for communion, Fr. Scott raised the host and said, "Body of Christ." Nick replied in a most honest and sincere way, leaned in and

Good Friday

2009-04-10T22:30:00.001-04:00

O Jesus, Who by reason of Thy burning love for us hast willed to be crucified and to shed Thy Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us here gathered together in remembrance of Thy most sorrowful Passion and Death, fully trusting in Thy mercy; cleanse us from sin by Thy grace, sanctify our toil, give unto us and unto all those who are dear to us our

Roll 'um.

2009-04-06T00:21:00.004-04:00

My son Nick is a master procrastinator. That being said, he comes by it honestly since both of his parents are woefully bad at deadlines. Still, it is a challenge for me not to pull my hair out in frustration when Nick comes home mentioning a project that needs to be completed. Here is how this conversation usually rolls:Me: Nick, do you have any homework tonight?Nick: Ummmmm. Not really. I

Now that is my type of humor....

2009-03-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

Pandora-Internet Radio

2009-03-26T22:26:00.004-04:00

Now I may be a little late to the party, but if you have not yet learned of the Human Genome Project---a project developed by musicians that group certain styles of music that you enjoy into an Internet radio---it's time to pay the website a visit! You simply enter one of your favorite artists, and the Internet radio selects an array of songs/artists that you will enjoy. It's kind of scary in a

Haircut Season!

2009-03-25T11:05:00.004-04:00

Line 'em up! It's time for summer cuts!Henry Before:Henry after!!

The Annunciation

2009-03-25T10:50:00.004-04:00

This feast symbolizes and celebrates the announcement of the incarnation by the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, and the conception of Christ in her womb. The story of the Annunciation, meaning the announcing, from the Latin annuntiare, is told in Luke's gospel. At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive a Son, and his name will be Jesus. His greeting, "Hail

The Formation of Conscience

2009-03-09T14:29:00.003-04:00

I was walking through Gus's school last night and saw a display of crosses created by the 2nd graders. Beside each cross was a petition to God. I was moved when I read the simplicity and honesty of my son's petition:Dear God: Help me to be nicer to my brothers Nick and Jack because I yell at them too much.If only my petitions were as simple and straightforward.

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T14:42:00.005-05:00

A friend mentioned that as a former Catholic, she never knew exactly why she gave up things for Lent. She said that no one ever explained the reasoning behind having to give up particular foods, habits, etc. Of course she found it a dull, dry and hollow tradition. I paused and had to remember the reasons behind the whole "giving something up" for Lent in my Catholic tradition. At times it

Mardi Gras Madness!

2009-02-21T23:43:00.004-05:00

The other night, I organized a mini Mardi Gras event for the youth group complete with D.J., King Cakes, silly carnival games and lots of door prizes! The event went smoothly and attracted around 100 youth group kids and their friends. Of course, my boys were very interested in attending an event where there would be food and prizes. They found my box of wacky Mardi Gras costumes and decided

6 boy pile-up

2009-02-10T21:54:00.007-05:00

Since I have four boys in my house, it is expected that these boys will want other, louder, more boisterous boys over for some play time. I don't know why they can't settle for each other...I mean, I think I have been plenty generous in giving them enough male siblings to pick from (don't you think?) but alas, they eventually beg for another male friend to play with. When the friend/friends come

2009 Clemens Family Superbowl Predictions

2009-02-01T20:11:00.004-05:00

Jack: Cardinals 21, Steelers 14Gus: Cardinals 37, Steelers 27Becca: Cardinals 26, Steelers 20Nick: Cardinals 39, Steelers 47Dad: Cardinals 17, Steelers 21Mom: Cardinals 27, Steelers 28Henry: no opinionSuperbowl cuisine: Create your own taco (bar), chips and hot sauce, grapes, lemonaide and for dessert: create your own ice cream Sundae!!Just for kicks, the entire family is rooting for the

Snow in the Carolinas!

2009-01-21T00:26:00.003-05:00

It was a great day here in North Carolina! We had upwards of 3 inches of powdery snow which made the conditions perfect for sledding! School was cancelled, but the kids were up and ready for sledding at 7:00am! (Even King Henry was eager to experience all that "rain"). Our family home is the privileged neighborhood home that was built on a steep hill. I'm not sure if living on this hill is

LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

2009-01-19T21:19:00.003-05:00

On the eve of this momentous inauguration, I ask you all you pause to watch this very short clip on the potential of LIFE. I understand that there are many hardships that would justify the act of abortion and I am sympathetic and understanding of the difficult situation a woman with an unplanned pregnancy faces. But I feel more strongly that the LIFE inside the woman has the right to its own

I thirst...

2009-01-14T22:06:00.005-05:00

Well, Danielle Rose does it again. She has released another amazing inspirational album of faith titled "I thirst". Her combination of folk/contemplative music sends me into an immediate state of prayer. Her lyrics are filled with scripture references as well as reminders to strive for humility, grace and making Jesus the center of the family. A clear tribute to all that Mother Teresa worked

Music and Arts

2009-01-12T22:44:00.006-05:00

Music is a big part of our lives here at the Clemens compound. We listen to all types of music most of the day. We have i-pods, an i-pod dock in the kitchen and playroom as well as radios that play all sorts of music. At at least two times a day you will hear one, maybe two, of my children practicing either an electric piano, trombone, french horn, trumpet or guitar. Sometimes it is a painful

Confused?

2008-12-30T22:25:00.002-05:00

It's December 29th. It's winter! It's warm.I look out the window into the yard and see 6 boys (3 of them mine) playing with waterguns. They walk in the house totally soaked.Summer fun?

New Year, New Title

2008-12-30T02:08:00.003-05:00

Since we've had Henry, I've been mulling over changing the name of the blog. "Four Crying Out Loud" is catchy and fun, but we don't have four kids anymore and quite frankly it does not make sense either. So I needed to think up a new name for the blog...one that included the number five. It was harder than I thought, so for the last two years I just kept things as they were. During the

The Great Outdoors!

2008-12-30T00:30:00.000-05:00

Getting my kids to “unplug” from various electronic devices such as the Wii, computer and T.V. can be a challenge especially during the Christmas vacation when time is free and new gifts scream to be used. We have had plenty of time to enjoy the gifts “Santa” has brought, but we have been lacking in good, old fashioned family time so I thought it was time to get outside as a family and enjoy the

That's one way to look at it!

2008-12-27T19:44:00.002-05:00

At a recent trip to the grocery, I pulled my cart up to the wine aisle and looked for a bottle to share with some friends that were coming by for the holiday. Gus stood next to me, looked at the rows and rows of wine bottles and said, "whoa, that's a whole 'lotta Jesus!"

The weary world rejoices...oh, night divine!

2008-12-24T23:58:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family on this most holy of nights. How blessed are we to have the savior of the world love us so much that he came to the earth, to show us how to live His example of love. This is the gift that we embrace as Catholics. This is the gift we recieve....Thank you God!

Mexico City

2008-12-12T16:53:00.001-05:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe-Patroness of the Americas

2008-12-12T15:05:00.001-05:00

According to traditional Catholic accounts of the Guadalupan apparitions, during a walk from his village to the city on the early morning of December 9, 1531,[3] Juan Diego saw a vision of the Virgin - a young girl of fifteen to sixteen, surrounded by light- at the Hill of Tepeyac. Speaking in Nahuatl, the Lady asked for a church to be built at that site in her honor. When Juan Diego spoke to the

Advent Thoughts

2008-12-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

"It's sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts; It's not wrapping presents, its being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love; It's not getting Christmas cards out on time, It's sending any card, anytime, at the right time; It's not having the biggest and best Christmas light display, It's displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart; It's not Santa

Christmas card attempts.

2008-12-09T23:41:00.003-05:00

Family Christmas cards. Don't you just love taking those blissful family pictures? You know what I mean... all the kids smiling sweetly, well behaved, looking straight into the camera, encouraging more poses and smiles. For me,I can honestly say that taking the Christmas picture of the kids ranks right up there with trying on swimsuits and cleaning the toilets. It's not that I MIND taking the

2008-12-08T23:09:00.004-05:00

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception-a holy day of obligation for all Catholics. Not sure what this event is all about? Educate yourself here Here!

Happy 8th Birthday Gus!

2008-11-28T00:11:00.003-05:00

When asked what we are most thankful for on this day, we all respond with "Gus!" Happy Birthday Gus! We love you and hope all your dreams come true!

Parting is such sweet sorrow

2008-11-19T23:45:00.005-05:00

I'm a little blue from having to say goodbye to my parents at the airport. They were visiting from Texas. We had a great time visiting so it was hard to see them go home.When my mom comes to visit, she always bring some goodies for me to enjoy. This visit was no exception...what with some bargain silver shoes she found in my size, an elegant black scarf with velvet trim for those "dress up

Faith and Family Live

2008-11-17T14:10:00.002-05:00

For those of you needing additional inspiration on being a Catholic mom, as well as great ideas for recipes, gifts, and relevant family articles, be sure to visit Faith and Family Live. Just click on the button above and be blessed!

Fall Frolik

2008-11-15T22:54:00.004-05:00

It is interesting to note that Fall weather inspires all of us to venture outside more to admire the beautiful colors of the season. Even my boys, who tend to complain about having to participate in any hard work, enthusiastically offer to rake leaves. They love creating a huge pile of leaves in the center of the yard and jumping in. They have their leaf fights and love to bury each other in the

Autumn.

2008-11-07T14:29:00.002-05:00

Gus: It's a leaf paradise.

Turning points

2008-11-06T23:23:00.002-05:00

The Fall Evening Competition (The moon and Jupiter seen.)The performers. In uniform.Their arrival on the field.The beginning. (Rebecca is on the front left: trombone)The middle.And the end of marching season! Congratulations to the band for a great season of hard work, competition and tenacity!Below is the entire show entitled: Turning Points: 1968Commemorating the history making events of

2008-11-04T00:03:00.002-05:00

Immaculate Heart of Mary,help us to conquer the menace of evil,which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today,and whose immeasurable effectsalready weigh down upon our modern worldand seem to block the paths toward the future.From famine and war, deliver us.From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.From sins against human life from

No lost love

2008-10-29T23:01:00.004-04:00

As Jack and Gus returned home, they got out of the carpool and started walking up the front yard to the door. As the carpool started driving away, a passenger girl smiled,waved at the boys and excitedly said, "Goodbye boys!"Gus was heard to mutter through his teeth, "Goodbye annoying girl."The mother of this boy was said to have sighed a heavy sigh.

2008-10-27T22:56:00.002-04:00

I finally did it. I always told myself that I would never have any part of this modern communication technology. But I did it anyway.Come be my friend.

Falling for Fall Pumpkins!

2008-10-26T23:52:00.007-04:00

It is Fall in North Carolina.There is no other season I enjoy more than this time of year. North Carolina is the place to visit during the Fall season! The leaves are turning, a nip of brisk weather is beginning to break, the pumpkins are piled up at local stores and farms, and the kids are excited...because Halloween is around the corner. If Halloween is near, my kids instinctively know that

"Halloween Pumpkins"

2008-10-24T13:36:00.000-04:00

Another great piece by renown artist: Gustavo!

True wealth

2008-10-21T22:59:00.004-04:00

I was at my favorite bagel place yesterday with Henry and while there, we enjoyed the blissful taste of a butter bagel, juice and baked Lay's. As usual, Henry smiled at everyone in the store and enjoyed simple banter with the patrons. His chubby arms waved, his plump legs galloped toward the well-known employees, and his playful eyes beams with happiness. There is always someone who shouts

Guess who turned 2!

2008-10-19T23:55:00.005-04:00

Our Henry turned two on September 22nd! We can hardly believe our baby is a toddler complete with strong-willed opinions and suggestions for what he wanted as his birthday cake!Clearly he wanted the "samwitch" birthday cake that he found in one of my baking books. I call this cake the hamburger cake (complete with mustard, ketchup and pickles). Although floppy and off-balance, my baby boy was

Explosion of color

2008-10-15T15:43:00.003-04:00

This piece of art was created by the great 2nd grade artist: Gustavo! He was inspired by his art teacher who "told us we had to do it that way." He used a Sharpie, watercolors, and oil pastels. The result, as the keenest eye can see, is an explosion of color! Bravo!

Mountain Muses

2008-10-08T23:23:00.003-04:00

I've recently returned from a wonderful Whitewater Rafting Trip where I took 54 young people from the youth group to the mountains of North Carolina. In addition, I took my entire family so that they could enjoy the great outdoors with the teens. While the youth group was rafting, I stayed behind with Jack, Gus and Chris to prepare for dinner. Jack and Gus decided to frolick in the 10 man Jeep

Little old man

2008-10-02T23:13:00.001-04:00

Chris walked into the bedroom to find little Henry in the rocking chair, watching a T.V. show.Chris: Henry, what are you doing?Henry: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Never Again.

2008-09-23T23:18:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, the family spent a fantastic 3 day vacation at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. After visiting numerous parks around the nation, I must admit that Busch Gardens is my favorite. It has beautiful landscaping, trees with large canopies, excellent roller coasters and fun kiddie rides. After 9 years of taking the youth group to this park, I had ridden EVERY roller coaster they had at

Standards of Beauty

2008-09-23T23:02:00.003-04:00

I recently enrolled Jack and Gus in tennis class. They both seem to enjoy the class OK, but according to the conversation they were having on the way to the courts, the instructor may soon have trouble on her hands. They were so engrossed in their conversation, they did not even hear ME trying to give my view. Typical.Gus: Jack, don't you think our instructor is ugly?Jack: Yeah! She is from

The third floor

2008-09-17T21:52:00.001-04:00

New paint, new colors, new carpet...what a beautiful looking room.But now the rest of the house looks dingy. Ug.

Vote.

2008-09-11T00:48:00.001-04:00

In case all the political talk is driving you crazy; here is a video that might help to clarify things. Grassroots films does it again! Great job guys!

Rebecca's new favorite song: Cinderella

2008-09-05T23:49:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, Steven Curtis Chapman is a well know contemporary christian singer who touches so many with his songs and stories. I've been listening to his music for over 20 years. A tragic accident happened to his young daughter, Maria a few months ago. She died after being accidentally hit by the family SUV driven by her big brother. This beautiful song was written by Steven before

A priest's view of Sarah Palin

2008-09-05T18:50:00.002-04:00

Be sure to read the latest on Mrs. Palin. It's a greatarticle!

Happy 9th Birthday Jack!

2008-08-25T23:00:00.002-04:00

Happy 9th Birthday to our sweet Jack! The middle of five children, you entered our lives in a big, robust way. At 10 1/2 pounds at birth, you ensured that you could never be forgotten or go un-noticed. Today you live bigger than ever in our hearts. As we watch you grow, we are filled with joy and pride in knowing you are a wonderful son, big brother, grandson, nephew, but more importantly a

Good to know he has standards

2008-08-23T23:20:00.002-04:00

Me: Nick! Why are you taking a shower at 3:30 in the afternoon?Nick: (yelling through the closed bathroom door) Because Gus peed on the toilet seat!

To my Dad, Happy Birthday!

2008-08-22T16:31:00.004-04:00

To the best dancer I know, my dad, Hector. This one is for you. Love, GeorgieG U I D A N C EDancing With GodWhen I meditated on the word Guidance,I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.The movement doesn't flow with the music,and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.When

Bloggy

2008-08-12T23:11:00.006-04:00

Yes that's right! I am playing with the layout of my blog and it is a blast! I hope you like the new colors, pictures and quotes. I've been wanting to change things up for quite awhile but was unsure about how to do it. (I figured it out, and it was not as hard as I imagined.)The picture on my header features our sweet Jack at Emerald Isle beach. I plan to change the pictures from time to

The question I'm pondering.

2008-08-11T22:59:00.003-04:00

I was standing in line at the uniform store today with four of my boys in tow. The woman behind me commented on how many kids I had and asked questions about my family size. She mentioned that she could not handle any more kids. She mentioned that the "ol Catholic guilt" made her feel bad about not having more.So. That got me to thinking. Why is it that no one has ever heard of "Baptist guilt"

2008-08-08T22:31:00.002-04:00

We've been watching the opening night of the Olympics and have been impressed with the color and beauty of the ceremony. It truly symbolizes the beauty of the world and reflects the glorious tapestry of humanity. What a wonderous depiction of the best of who we are as human beings. There was one moment in the beginning of the ceremony that was slightly disturbing though. It was when there were

Can you hear me now?

2008-08-06T16:18:00.002-04:00

I am a mom of five children with very different likes, thoughts, interests and activities. I try to listen closely when one describes the minute details of the latest book they are reading, or of the "smooth moves" they used to destroy the enemy alien on the Wii, or of the complicated plot of the movie they saw at the neighbors house. How can I ignore the enthusiastic descriptions of engines on

Found: Lost writing assignment

2008-08-02T16:24:00.005-04:00

My name is Nick. I am the second oldest out of my three younger brothers and my one older sister. With a family of 7 it can get a little crazy. Also my littlest brother is about to turn 2 he makes it more hectic. But the crazyness is worth it.

Weird.

2008-07-21T22:44:00.001-04:00

For some reason, this video freaks me out, as in, giving me the heebee jeebies.

A great way to start the day...

2008-07-17T21:12:00.001-04:00

Nick: Mom. Henry has such chubby thighs! He must have gotten them from you.

World Youth Links

2008-07-15T23:39:00.003-04:00

World Youth Day is the largest gathering ofyoung people in the world. Participants areunited in faith and celebrate Christ and HisChurch through many events scheduled. This year's World Youth Day is being heldthis week, July 14-20 in Sydney, Australia.It is Pope Benedicts first trip to Australiawhere he will preside over a Mass estimatedto have over 500,000 people in attendence. Can't make it to

nursery rhymes with a twist

2008-07-13T23:53:00.003-04:00

Jack and Gus decided to teach Henry a popular nursery rhyme, but with their own changes. I heard this one coming from the back seat of the car:Jack and Gus singing together:Patty Cake, Patty CakeBakers ManBake me a CakeOr you will DIE!

It's a real Gas!

2008-07-08T00:00:00.004-04:00

Look what is keeping the Clemens kids entertainedthis week!Only high quality, classy games are allowed at the Clemens home!Exclaimed by more than one boy, "Whoever invented this game was a genius!"

I want that interesting thing, please.

2008-07-07T17:09:00.002-04:00

Hey...dear brother, what is that cool electronic device in your hand, that I now want, that costs too much money for me to mess with, that you won't let me have, that I'll then need to scream at the top of my lungs for, and then get my way. I love you my brother....but don't tell mom.Photo Credit: Jack Clemens