Snow day!

Nick and his arsenal of snow.

Jack snowboarding down the front yard.

Snowdrops keep falling on my head.

Childhood honesty at its best

"It's really good for them, you know.” this woman from church told me. "My pediatrician recommended it for my son who happens to be very active and high-energy."

"Really?" I responded. "It does not make them more violent and prone to beat up others for fun?"

"No!" she strongly ensured me. "It teaches them discipline and channels their energy in a controlled fashion."

"Hmmm. Sounds like something Jack and Gus might enjoy. I think I’ll try it!"

And so begins my experience with martial arts, Clemens style! I had always hesitated signing up the boys for martial arts for various reasons the least of which included my fear that they would use their newly honed skills on unsuspecting 2 year olds enjoying a relaxing walk in the neighborhood park or worse, trying them on a teacher or adult (you never know). Even so, I quieted my inner voice screaming, "You've totally lost your mind, Georgie” and signed Jack and Gus up for their first class. We attended the first session yesterday along with 15 other children. I positioned myself on the floor against the wall to watch while the boys and girls sat politely in a horseshoe arrangement facing their female and somewhat "hippie" styled instructor. Let me rephrase...the GIRLS were sitting politely while most of the boys sat fidgeting on their hands, rocking back and forth, wiggling around, waiting for the action to BEGIN!! After introductions and ground rules, (which were taking waaaaaay too long for the boys) the instructor explained one last rule to the group. This last rule was the most important of all the rules regarding martial arts. She somberly and seriously explained to the kids, "You must never, ever use the martial arts learned in class on ANYONE unless you are in DANGER! You must not use these moves on your friends, siblings or parents because they are dangerous and could hurt people. These are self-defense techniques and must only be used if you are in a dangerous situation. " She proceeded to explain the various dangerous situations they may encounter and then asked for verbal promises from each child that they would keep their promise.

She began with the first child in the horseshoe and asked, "Do you promise to use the techniques used in class only when in danger?" The child responded, "I promise." This continued around the class until she got to the last two children, Jack and Gus. She repeated to Jack, "Do you promise...?" Jack sat there staring at his instructor, head cocked, thinking. After a few seconds, he shook his head and said, "um, I don't think so." Gus was watching his brother’s actions and concurred with his brother Jack. "Nope." Gus loudly said. Every parent in the room turned to look at me. I partly wanted to die and partly was extremely proud of the boys for being so honest. Ahh, humility, you get it whether you want it or not with kids.

The instructor slowly turned to face the horrible birth mother of these two heathens and said, "Mom, you will have to set some ground rules for your boys in order for them to participate in this class, for we cannot have them hurting others". "Of course", I responded to my hippie friend.

I'll let you know later about the "ground rules" (Clemens style)

Sweet Talker

Nick: Mom, when I get married, I'm going to have LOTS of kids in honor of you.

Surprise, surprise.

You know the Bible 93%!

 

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes

There's only one of me!

Ever wonder if you share your name with anyone else in the U.S.?

Check out this website by clicking here, and find out!

Comparing apples and oranges

Gus's moment of greatness.

Our newly appointed bishop, Bishop Burbidge, was stopping by Jack and Gus's school for a school Mass, a tour of the school, and lunch with the staff. Gus came came home last week and announced that for the Mass, he would be processing in with the Bishop holding a bouquet of flowers.

Gus: (sullenly) I was picked to carry the flowers for the bishop at Mass.

Jack: (brightly) Oh, Gus, you are so lucky to get to do such a special job!

Gus just grunted and scowled at the thought of having to bring up smelly "girl" flowers. To add insult to injury, he had to process in with, get this, A GIRL from the other kindergarten class. (The horror of it all!) He practiced with the teachers and the other children who had special parts in the Mass a few days before the Mass. I'd asked him how the rehearsal went, but Gus said it was "soooo borring!" Chris and I encouraged our little "crumudgeon" child and reminded him of what an honor it is to be selected for such a special event. "Not everyone gets to have such a special part" I said. After awhile, Gus began to like the idea of this job.

The morning of the big event, Gus dressed up in his best white and blue, slipped on his tennis shoes and ran off to the carpool. Chris, Henry and I drove down to the church and sat in the pew waiting for Mass to begin. I peeked over to the entrance of the church and saw Gus standing there proudly with an arrangement of yellow and green flowers (school colors). As the music began, Gus was directed to walk down the aisle. Sensing that hundreds of people were staring at him and his "girl" flowers, he rushed down the aisle, head downturned, and quickly set his arrangement down on the altar. Gus's sweet female classmate did the same, with much grace and drama, and the two of them turned to face the altar. They were clearly supposed to bow, but not knowing for sure, Gus instead rolled his eyes at the girl, shrugged his shoulders, and trudged his way back to his pew. I just laughed to myself and shook my head not knowing if I should be embarrassed or touched by the whole display.

After Mass, Gus beamed and waved excitedly at me from across the church, proud as punch of his accomplishment. I waved back, smiled and loved my son with every fiber in my being. I was the proud one.

A visit

Mormon: Have you read the book of mormon?

Me: Have YOU read the Catechism of the Catholic Church?

Stuff.

I've just come across a wonderful BLOG by George Paprocki who has been a pastoral associate for 25 years and is currently teaching 8th grade faith development. His insight on passing on the faith to youth is wonderful and his list of websites and books are very helpful for families or catechists.

A colleague passed on this website to me. It's created by Loyola Press and has many great ideas to deepen the faith of your family as well as any youth you are teaching. Browse around to find some fantastic ideas for the upcoming Lenten season.

Want a great multi-media stations of the cross for children? Check out
this website and follow along.

The moment I knew I could never be anything but Catholic.

Last week I attended the funeral of a woman who died unexpectedly at the age of 49 in a tragic car accident. She was a wonderful woman; always helping me with youth ministry events when her kids moved through the program a few years ago. And while we were not the best of friends, I knew she was one person I could always call upon for help with anything. She will be missed.

The funeral was somber; filled with many people who knew her from town, friends of her kids, church folk and lots of Italian family members from New York State. The congregation filled the pews in a sea of black clothing and white tissues. Tears where shed freely when her daughter, husband and nephew approached the ambo to give her mom a goodbye tribute. It felt good to cry for their loss, but at the same time the thought of this family having to live without this woman was hard to bear. Fr. John's homily was comforting, the music was beautiful (May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you....) and the liturgy was deeply moving. Catholics really know how to send people off to their resting place in style. But it was at this funeral that I realized JUST HOW CATHOLIC I WAS. I know that I love being Catholic, the tradition, the beauty, scripture translation, music and all, but I surprised myself when I did something I thought I would NEVER do.

As with most funerals (and weddings for that matter), not everyone attending is Catholic, so our church tries to be helpful by including a small paragraph in the program stating that if you are not Catholic, to please refrain from receiving the body and blood. Instead, visitors are invited to approach the priest for a blessing instead, with arms crossed in front of them. OK. Fair enough. Many Catholics know that we believe in the REAL PRESENCE of Jesus in the Eucharist and therefore those who do not share that central belief should not receive until they learn and believe what it is exactly they are receiving: Jesus, flesh and blood. After I received communion, I took my place back in the pew and watched as others came forward to receive. I happened to notice a group of young men around the ages of 17 or 18 coming forward to communion. Their posture was relaxed. They were goofing off with each other in the communion line and were pretty much being dis-respectful by looking around and not paying attention to what was going on around them. One of them went up to the Eucharistic minister and awkwardly opened his mouth, only to quickly close it and grab the Eucharist from the woman's hand. It was clear he did not know what to do with it. He looked at his buddy behind him, waved the host in his face and laughed. He moved up to receive the wine, and again, awkwardly tried to dip it into the cup only to realize that he was to drink from it. He refused and walked past the minister with the host in his hand. I could feel my face getting HOT and I felt like I needed to get a drink of water. I didn't. Instead I watched that young boy walk past me with the host still in his hand, waving it around like it was some sort of souvenir. I turned and watched him enter the pew about 10 rows behind mine. He was standing there, giggling and taking little bites out of the host as if it were some sort of taste test. His friends were laughing at him. At that point, I was NOT happy. I darted out of my pew, walked around to the back of his pew and got his attention. Instinctively, I wanted to just grab the host out of his hand and take it away from him...I wanted to wrestle the kid to the ground and force feed it to him if I had to. But by golly...that kid needed to DO something with that host or I was going to. "Eat it.", I whispered. He looked at me and said, "I don't know what to do with it." and laughed. "You need to eat it or I will." He looked at me as if I had four heads and ate the host. "Thank you", I said sweetly without making any disturbance. Ahhh, I felt much better.

As I returned to my pew, my girlfriend asked if I was doing OK....assuming that I had left due to an uncontrollable urge to wail at the sadness of the this woman's death. "Oh, I'm fine now." I told her.

I realized at this funeral, just how important the Eucharist is to me and if others don't want a part of it, that is totally fine..but...

Don't mess with my Jesus. I'll fight you for him.

In my inbox...

Two Beggars in Rome - One Catholic - One Jewish - are sitting side by
side on a street in Rome. One has a cross in front of him; the other one the
Star of David.

Many people go by and look at both beggars, but only put money into the
hat of the beggar sitting behind the cross.

A priest comes by, stops and watches throngs of people giving money to
the beggar behind the cross, but none give to the beggar behind the Star of
David.

Finally, the priest goes over to the beggar behind the Star of David
and says, "My poor fellow, don't you understand? This is a Catholic
country; this city is the seat of Catholicism. People aren't going to give
you money if you sit there with a Star of David in front of you, especially when
you're sitting beside a beggar who has a cross. In fact, they would
probably give to him just out of spite."

The beggar behind the Star of David listened to the priest, turned to
the other beggar with the cross and said: "Moishe, look who's trying to
teach the Goldstein brothers about marketing?

Never forget

Today marks the anniversary of the infamous Roe V. Wade court case which legalized abortion. Kudos to the organizers of the annual March for Life in Washington DC who refuse to let us forget the magnitude of this day and of the millions of babies killed since that dark day in 1973. Join the thousands in DC today by praying for women who are considering an abortion as a viable solution to their situation. Pray that they find support, resources and caring individuals that will help them carry their baby full term. My daughter is in DC today at her first march. She just called a few minutes ago and is having a great time!



For those of you who have never see the movie "Silent Scream", the first anti-abortion film showing a live abortion, you can go HERE to view it. It's grizzly, but a good reminder of what is done in our "clinics of compassion".
.
If you are a victim of abortion there is HOPE at the Project Rachael Website. While there, read some of the touching stories of women who went though the heartache of abortion and how they are coping.

Wouldn't that be scandalous!

As we finished our bedtime prayers, I asked Jack and Gus the following questions:

Me: Guys. What is the name of our Pope?

Jack: Benedict

Me: Very good. Now here's the harder question: What is the name of our newly appointed bishop?

Gus: (excitedly) ooh. I know it! It's Bishop BOURBON!

Me: Ha. Very close Gus.....its not Bourbon, it's Burbidge!

Fight Club

Sometimes boys fight.

There comes a time in a boys life where he has to stand up for himself, for what is right, or he is in danger of living a mediocre life where he waffles from one thing to the next not really standing up for anything. Nicholas had that fight today and while I am never one to condone violence; I do believe it is sometimes necessary. Here's the full story:

About one month ago, my 10-year-old son Nick was playing football with some of his neighborhood buds at the home of a friend. This neighborhood home is a place where most of the boys gather to spend time together and share good times like only boys do. Now, one of these boys, (we'll call him Joe..he's in 7th grade and is over 6ft tall.) happens to be a bully. Joe has had issues with anger, discipline and authority for the seven years we have known him. Anytime Joe comes over, you can bet there is going to be some sort of argument or tussle. He antagonizes, taunts, and teases anyone who comes his way and for the most part; the kids stay out of his way so as not to get in trouble with their parents. Overall, I think Joe has a good heart and tries to control himself but for some reason...he can't. The school has tried to help him after many fights there, his parents have tried, even good-hearted neighbors have attempted to guide Joe in the right direction with no real luck. He's a tough case.

Anyway, back to football: When Nick was playing football with his buds, Joe came over and joined in. Long story short, a tussle ensued and Joe ended up punching Nick in the face for blocking his run into the end zone. Nick did not fight back, he just held in his anger in, walked home and bawled in my arms as he explained the injustice of it all.

Nick: MOM! I should of hit him back. He SO deserved it!! He humiliated me and I didn't fight back!!! I didn't fight baaaack!!

Me: Well Nick. I know you were trying to do the right thing, and I think you did. It was hard, I know, but think of what Jesus would think of you hitting a kid like that? (Inside I was thinking to myself that Nick should have taught that boy a lesson and punched him right back, but I didn't want Nick to think that he could have free reign to pummel the guy next time he saw him.) You know your father and I are proud of you for turning the other cheek. Next time, just tell another adult and they can talk to him.

Nick: That NEVER works and you KNOW that mom!! Joe never listens to anyone!! (I knew Nick was right.)

After we had the conversation, I made Nick some cookies and let him cool off in front of the television. (Arthur is a great show for that.) In no time my Nick was back to his happy-go-lucky self and forgot all about it (for a while). I felt sorry for our first son. I was conflicted inside myself on what he should have done..no one told me how hard it is to straddle the line of right and wrong and how explain that to a child. At dinner, Nick told his sad story to my husband.

Chris: Nick. You must never, ever start a fight. BUT. If you are in situation where you have to defend yourself and you did not throw the first punch, THEN you fight. Got it?

Nick: Yeah, I got it.

Fast forward to today. It was a gorgeous morning. The first snow of the year and the schools were closed because of weather. All the kids in the neighborhood were out playing in the wet, soggy snow. As usual, the boys gathered in the open space of the neighborhood..about 17 boys in total...having a massive snowball fight. I watched the fun from my window and enjoyed hearing the squeals of delight as the kids dodged snowball and ran to protective bases. Joe was in the mix of boys and was playing with everyone for about 5 minutes when a scuffle ensued. Here is the story as 5 of the boys relayed it to me ( I did not see it)

As the snowball fight progressed, a boy named Matt threw a snowball at Joe's back and it apparently hit hard. Joe got really angry and started pushing Matt to the ground. Nick and a couple of other boys told Joe to back off Matt... Joe got off Matt got up to Nick's face and responded, "You got a problem with that? " He proceeded to PUNCH Nick in the face and turned to punch little Jack and Gus. Well, dear readers, you must be able to guess what happened next. (sigh) Yes, Nick punched back, and punched back with a vengeance. My first-born pummeled that 7th grader as hard as he could. Joe slipped to the ground and continued to punch at Nick's side. At that point it was an all-out punch fest with a pile of boys on Joe. Even Jack and Gus piled on top of the heap. An adult came out to break things up and make sure tempers did not flare up at Joe again. Joe stood up and huffed to the side of the road and glared at Nick.

Knowing that Joe may come back after him at any time, Nick came into the house crying.

Me: Nick! Are you OK?

Nick: (tearfully) Mom, at first I was crying 'cause I was mad. But now I am crying because I'm so happy! I punched Joe, mom! I punched him. He was bullying Matt and I couldn't stand seeing it, so I punched him.

Me: Nick, did he hit you first?

Nick: Yes, he hit Matt first and then me. I'm not going back outside 'cause I'm afraid Joe will come back after me.

Me: (mumbling) Over my dead body.

Nick: (smiling) I punched him mom. Finally. Finally he got what he deserved.

After about 5 minutes, a beaming Nick went back outside and our friend, Joe, decided that he'd had enough and walked back home. I called some of the boys to my kitchen to tell me their versions of the story. I asked who threw the first punch and how many were involved. They all eagerly told the story where Nick, tried to defend Matt and in doing so had to fight back at Joe the bully. I thanked them for the information and was happy that Nick had relayed the truth. As soon as Chris came home this evening, Nick relayed the story...blow by blow....(no pun intended) to his dad.

Chris: Was there blood?

Nick: No

Chris: (jokingly) Well then you didn't hit him hard enough.

Hopefully Joe has learned his lesson not to hit kids, but I'm sure he'll be back for more. Meanwhile, Nick feels a whole lot better. As he said to me tonight before he went to bed: Mom, this was the best day of my life! I'm sure it was Nick, I'm sure it was.

Litany of Humility

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…


photo credit :Chad McCall

Gus's joke for today....

Gus: Mom, I have a really funny joke for you today.

Me: OK Gus, lets hear it.

Gus: OK. See there are these two guys on a boat. One guy's name was Pete and the other guy's name was Repeat. Pete fell out of the boat. Who was left?

Me: Repeat

Gus: OK. See there are these two guys on a boat. One guy's name was Pete and the otherr guy's name was Repeat. Pete fell out of the boat. Who was left?

Me: Repeat

Gus: OK. See there.........

Being the brilliant readers that you all are, I think you get the idea of this joke...

I love

your teeny nails
your grey-blue eyes
your little hand dimples
the way you study my face
the way you clutch my hands so tightly
the way you smile under your pacifier
the layers of fat on your thighs
your cries for company
your coos and goos
your belly laugh
your belly

that you are mine

Oh, no. Here we go again....

Nick: Mom, Gus is coughing like a machine gun.

20+C+M+B+07 Christ bless this house

The magi's coming to Jerusalem...shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning toward the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament.

CCC 528

OK, its official! You may NOW take down your Christmas tree; the Christmas season is over with the feast of the Epiphany. Many of you know that in the Catholic Christian liturgical calendar, Christmas actually starts at sundown on Dec. 24th and always traditionally ends on January 6 (The 12 days of Christmas). For the feast day of Epiphany, the Roman church commemorates the visit by the 3 kings, Christ's baptism by John the Baptist and the miracle at Cana (where we get the sacrament of marriage, Jesus' first miracle). Now what you may NOT know is that the names of the wise men cannot be found in the bible. In addition to the fact that we really have no evidence of how many kings there actually were. Tradition tells us that there were 3 kings and that their names are Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar. Another interesting misconception shows that the Magi are present at the Nativity, but in actuality, the book of Matthew 2:11 says that the wise men visited Jesus as a child maybe 1 or 2 years old. Interesting....

76 Trombones Led The Competition

Rebecca is off to complete for the All-District Band today. It's the first time she competes on the high school level and is very nervous. Results will be posted tomorrow at an unknown time. The waiting will be painful for the child since she is deperately hoping to make the band. Please keep her in your prayers as she plays this morning.

New Year Resolutions

A few desires for the new year here at Four (Five) Crying Out Loud: Drumroll please:

1. Cooking more and eating out less: I admit that I love a good burger or Chick-fil-a sandwich, but since Henry has been born, its been increasingly difficult to cook a well-balanced, well thought out dinner than ever before. I've succumbed to the ease of pizza delivery or a quick stop at Wendy's more often than I would like to admit these past few months. Sure the kids love it when I give in to the temptations of the fast food gods, but deep down I recognize that its much better to eat something lovingly made by mom than by the burly guy behind the counter at Burger King. (oh, but the fries are soooo good!) So I will try more new recipes and shop more in bulk these days so that we can get the most out of family dinners.

2. More prayer or meditation: Since I work at a church, I tend to get this repetitive thought in my mind that goes somthing like this: I'm doing the Lord's work with the youth; he'll understand that I'm too busy to pray today. Or at times its a thought like this: I have many children to care for today; God will see my efforts and realize that he can't expect me to do it all. I need to break myself of this lazy conversation with God and remember that in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus reminded Martha that while all her attempts to serve him were good, the one thing most important was developing a growing relationship with Jesus. I will remember that ultimately it is not always about my church work or my large family. Ultimately it’s about developing a growing relationship with Jesus.

3. Being more understanding of my husband's work schedule: Oh, now THIS is my biggest challenge. My husband is an extremely hard worker both at home and at work. And there are many times when he has to bring work home and lately it has been ALOT! Still, he is, for the most part, very good at balancing what he needs to accomplish at home with family and kid time. Seeing him attached to the computer for numerous hours a night finishing a project makes me, um, well, let's say a little impatient. The last thing the man needs is his wife breathing down his neck, complaining about why he's always on the computer. Instead of impatience, I need to understand that it's a necessary part of his job and to additionally thank God for the wonderful job that he has. My husband is a good provider, I just need to let him go and complete his responsibilities. It does not last forever.

4. I will be a cheerleader. In a world full of negative attitudes and criticism, I will demonstrate Christ’s love by celebrating the accomplishments of others. There are so many wonderful people out there doing great things. Give them a T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!!

OK, that's about it. It's a tall order, but I like to aim for the moon and will be satisfied to land among the stars...if I'm able.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

We are ALL homeschoolers....

Below is an excerpt from an article written by Leon Suprenent for Catholic Exchange. You can read the full story

here.

"We're all homeschoolers. Twenty years ago, I taught a seventh-grade CCD class composed of public school kids. The class met one hour per week during the school year. After one or two classes, it became abundantly clear to me that there were a couple of kids who were being trained well at home and this class merely supplemented and enriched what they already had learned. The rest were religiously illiterate and not getting much out of the class. Upon some inquiry, I found that most of them were not even taken to Mass on Sunday or in any meaningful way catechized at home."

Let's recommit ourselves into teaching our children the faith in the new year!

Full Circle

Well, well, well. It DOES pay off to be a youth minister from time to time after you've been doing it for awhile. (smile)

Of course, I'm not looking for any kind of "pay-off" for anything that I do with youth, but there are times when God blesses you with a special moment or event that reminds you of WHY you are involved in youth ministry in the first place. In my case, God has placed me in a parish with a very large population of youth between the grades of 6-12. 400 to be exact. It's big, it's fun and it's blessed. There are some really wonderful families raising some very special young people in tis parish and I have the privilege of getting to know quite a few of these families very well. A good many of these families have helped to move me forward in my own faith as well as become a better mom to my children.

I direct the jr. high youth program at our parish and it involves many duties such as: curriculum selection, teacher training, retreat planning and implementation, nose wiping, chair stacking, human traffic cone organization (or dis-organization as the case may be), classroom inspection, shoulder to cry on duty, service project coordination, walk quietly and carry a big stick duty, prayer and worship planning, disciplining, and the always popular toilet flushing after all youth have left the building. All this and much more for as little you would pay a substitute teacher. Yes, well, it's all alot of fun and to top it all, I get to be readily active in my children's faith development.

But tonight I was blessed with an extra-special treat: DINNER. A wonderful dinner prepared for me and my family by a youth who has graduated and moved on to greener pastures in college. This wonderful young man was home for Christmas break and called to take me to dinner but quickly changed his mind to offering to prepare an italian feast for the entire family and his girlfriend. Sweet. So. Sweet. He arrived with parsley, garlic, pasta in one hand, and non-alcoholic champagne in the other. His girlfriend (another youth ministry grad) came along and sat in the living room with me. We talked and entertained the kids while the chef in my kitchen created his feast. We laughed, prayed, ate, laughed some more, talked of the future and ended the night with some great chocolate dessert!! (I provided that!)

There are many, many moments of beauty in youth ministry. But none more beautiful than when you get to see one or more of the youth develop into a person of purpose, honesty, humility and faith. I thank God for the opportunity to watch this life grow in faith.

Happy New Year to all and may we commit to serving the church in a manner that is pleasing to God.

Big Bibles

View the video below and get a good laugh...good or bad! Oh, and let your teens see it...they'll like it.

Henry's 1st Christmas

How Henry Spent His First Christmas Day:

1. Midnight Mass
2. Getting lost in a flood of ripped up wrapping paper
3. Drinking Milk
4. Slipping from brother's arms onto the hardwood floor
5. Getting Soothed by Mom
6. Drinking Milk
7. Taking a nice long nap snuggled in mom's arms
8. Visiting with cousins
9. Playing with Uncle Dave
10. Drinking Milk

Think Snow

It's been unusually warm in North Carolina this December; in fact we had to turn on the air conditioner this afternoon to fight off the humidity and poor air quality. There are a couple of snow sleds in our basement that I've been eager to use for the first time. (I bought them 2 years ago) Therefore, click on the THIS LINK, have a wonderful Christmas and THINK SNOW for North Carolina!!

Talent on loan from God

Nick: Mom! Guess what? I'm the best and loudest knuckle cracker in my class!

The most important day in Henry's life....

Henry in the baptismal garment that was worn by his other three brothers.


One of the biggest reasons I love being Catholic is the fact that the church celebrates seven sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Annointing of the Sick and Holy Orders. We CELEBRATE the receiving of these sacraments and grow in holiness when each one is received. Henry became a Christian last week as we baptized him in front of his godparents, family,friends and the entire STM church community. Our fifth child was as good as gold as our pastor slathered him with chrism oil and baptized him (in his birthday suit, no less) in the name of the father, son and holy spirit. His hair smelled of the sweet chrism throughout the week and served as a gentle reminder of our commitment to raise Henry up as a Catholic christian. At our parish, parents are instructed to arrive at the church with the infant clothed in regular baby attire only to change into the white baptismal garment AFTER the actual baptism. (This was not the practice at my home parish where my older children were baptized.) This symbolizes the child becoming holy and clean...white as snow..without sin. After the child has been changed, there is a final blessing in front of the congregation so that all may witness the "new" christian in white and be a part of raising him as a good Catholic. (I'm thankful for this since we need all the help and prayers we can get!) After the baptism, we celebrated with many good friends and family at our home. What a wonderful day to celebrate.... the most important day in Henry's life! His baptism in Christ Jesus!


Fr. John baptizing Henry Ingatius with family and friends witnessing.



Friends and family afterwards...


Godparents: Mary and Scott Workman (My father in law stood in for Scott who is currently serving in the Middle East with the Air Force.)

My pathetic excuse for a post...but it sure is good!

From my inbox:

Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my
children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two
cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to
write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in
the laundry room between cycles, and who knows
when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I
already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong
enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the
grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint
resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't
broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I
could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always, MOM...!

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my
children young enough to believe in Santa.

In my inbox...

I Corinthians 13—A Christmas Version


If I…
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love…
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’ t envy another’ s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

7 is enough?

Tonight I started the process of hauling out the many Christmas decorations I have stored in my bedroom closet. There must be 4 or 5 large plasic containters that hold precious holiday art projects completed by my kids over the years, ornaments from favorite places visited, wreaths, garlands and tree lights of every color. But by far my most favorite item to pull out are the family stockings. My stocking collection was begun by my mother-in-law about 14 years ago when Chris and I were newly married. She ordered the needlepoint stockings and had our names embroidered on the top. As our family grew, so too grew the stockings on our mantle. This year is extra special since we get to add a NEW stocking to the group....bearing the name, "Hank" in honor of the newest Clemens babe. As I peer at the large collection of 7 stockings hanging on my fireplace mantle this evening, I simply shake my head in disbelief. I jokingly wonder out loud to my husband, "Where in the world did all those stockings come from? Are there really SEV-EN people in our family? When did that all happen?"

My husband looks across the room at me and non-chalantly responds, "Wanna make it 8?"

Fat and Happy

Who needs a neck? I've got cheeks for a whole army!



Photo credit: Rebecca Clemens

Catholic Women's Book Club

Here is what we are reading this month. A good read, especially if you were educated in a Catholic school. We plan to read this doozy in January. These are great gift options for your Catholic friends! Let me know what you think of the content.

Milk Moustache Take II

As I was sitting on the couch nursing Henry, Gus came and sat next to me and asked:

Gus: Mom, is that milk hot or cold.

Me: It's warm, Gus.

Gus: (falling to the ground) I hate warm milk!!!!

Happy Advent!!

During the four weeks of Advent, we christians are supposed to be expectant with awe; the season is pregnant with MEANING!! How can we not be excited!! If you have not yet put out your Advent wreath do it and make a big deal of it in your home. Three violet candles represent the penitential aspect of the season, one rose colored candle represents the joy of Christ's birth. Some people add a larger white candle in the middle to represent Jesus. That one will remain unlit until the Christmas Eve Vigil on December 24, then lit again on Christmas. Every color, scent, and object is infused with symbolic meaning. The Advent wreath traditionally involves these:

Wreath:................The Eternal nature of God; the king who is coming and will come again
Ivy:......................Clinging to God's strength
Bay......................Victory over sin and death
Cedar..................Eternal life through Christ
Violet...................Penance
Rose/Pink............Joy
Green (wreath).....Hope in God
First Candle.........Isaiah and prophets who foretold the coming of Christ
Second Candle.....The Bible
Third Candle........Mary, the Mother of God
Fourth Candle......John the Baptist, who called Jesus the "light of the world"
Middle Candle......Jesus, Light of the World

-Resource: The Catholic Home by Meredith Gould

Santa Baby

I have a neighbor who owns a baby boutique in the local mall. Every year she invites Santa to her store for her friends and patrons to enjoy. He is a really GREAT looking Santa, so I thought I should take Henry to meet Santa for the first time. When I entered the store, Santa immediately invited me to bring the baby over for a picture. It had been so long since I had an infant that part of me was afraid that Hank would cry in absolute terror like Gus had the past few years when he saw Santa. But no. My worries were calmed when my angelic Hank just slumped in Santa's arms, cooed and gooed with satisfaction and simply stared at all the commotion around him. Click. Picture taken. Santa baby!!

Maybe George Bush should have used this one.

Nick was recently elected by his 5th grade class to be a representative on the student council at his elementary school. He decided to take it one step further by running for President. Here is his campaign poster:

Happy Birthday Gus!

Wasn't it just yesterday when you surprised me with your conception? When I cried with fear when I realized you were on the way and how I didn't know how I would handle 4 children? Wasn't it yesterday when they put you in my arms for the first time? When we held you as a baby and now marvel at you in Kindergarten? How can it be that you are 6 years old, over halfway to 10 years old? You were the one who was the "baby" for the longest although it seems you had to grow up faster than all the others. Your entertaining and sometimes frustrating traits always give us something to talk about. You will always be our "Goose" and are so thankful that you taught us that having 4 kids is not hard; it's a blessing! We can never imagine life without you Gus! Happy 6th Birthday!

Prayer to Christ the King

O Christ Jesus, I acknowledge Thee to be the King of the universe: all that has been made is created for Thee. Exercise over me all Thy sovereign rights. I hereby renew the promises of my Baptism, renouncing Satan and all his works and pomps, and I engage myself to lead henceforth a truly Christian life. And in an especial manner do I undertake to bring about the triumph of the rights of God and Thy Church, so far as in me lies. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee my poor actions to obtain the acknowledgment by every heart of Thy sacred Kingly power. In such wise may the kingdom of Thy peace be firmly established throughout all the earth. Amen.

For more information and activities about this important solemnity, the last Sunday in the church year, clickHere.

Holiday Hunt...

OK, yeah, I admit it. I was there. It was me that you saw, fumbling through the bargains and sale items. I was there with all the other ga-billion people shopping on black Friday (that's what they call the shopping day AFTER Thanksgiving). I was there, looking for a good bargain, unique gifts for my loved ones, freebies and anything else that would make the holiday complete. I confess that I love crowds and sales, but most especially sales. Those red tags marking certian items down are just my cup of tea, but it needs to be a particular kind of sign that says: CLEARANCE or 60% off or more to get me to actually stop. It's more of a rolling stop though; where I kind of slow down, take a long look and maybe stop. Now, to be clear, there is another kind of Stop that I participate in and that's when a sign advertises 75%-90% off. Hey, now...that's when we are talking!!! That is when I stop in my tracks, turn and march DI-RECTLY to the items on display. I tell you, those tables are where you can get the best deals...especially if you are willing to store it for half a year or more until it can actually be used!

I admit to having a small closet in my bedroom called the "Christmas closet" where I store all my bargains for the year. You can find kids toys in bulk, after Christmas sale items, seasonal decorations and birthday party favors. It's not just for Christmas stuff as you can tell, but for everything that I buy on sale! In fact, I can't wait to decorate the house this year; I bought some fantastic ornaments last year...we're talking 90% off....and I'll be using them this year and giving some away as teacher gifts.

This is where I LOVE to go for after Christmas SalesMy sister and I visited about 6 of these store between the two of us to check out their after Christmas prices. If you can wait, these items will go down to a really low price. For the best scenario, visit one of their stores and check out their unique selections of gifts. Very sweet stuff. Oh, and good food too!

More thankfulness

I'm thankful for:

1. My infant, Hank, and his new smile.
2. Thanksgiving Mass
3. Rebecca playing "America the Beautiful" on her trombone at Mass
4. My "new" King size bed
5. Friends who cook for me
6. My husband, who lets me shop on the busiest shopping day of the year
7. Chocolate cake and Diet coke
8. Nick, Jack, and Gus teaching each other to juggle
9. Washing Machines
10. The beginning of Advent

Happy Thanksgiving!

But for the grace of God....

The junior high youth group I head up collected numerous food and basket donations from members of the parish as our October/November service project. We then gathered on Monday night and filled baskets with the food we had collected. We trimmed each basket with colored tissue paper, ribbons and attached a $10 gift card to Food Lion along with a prayer card and holy card hoping to make the holiday a bit more cheerful for the 20 families we were helping. The day before, I had called all the families to let them know that their Thanksgiving Baskets were ready and that they could come by the church anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday to pick them up. As I spoke to the final woman on my list, she explained that she had no way of picking up the basket and groceries since she had no mode of transportation. In addition she informed me that she had 5 young children at home to care for and that limited her time outside her home. I could hear the children crying in the background and instantly sympathized with her situation. I told her that I could drop off her basket and groceries if she would give me her address.

It was a drizzly, blustery, and dark evening when I knocked on her apartment door. She stood there silently and unsure as my daughter, daughter's friend, son and I smiled with our arms full of food and baskets. We quietly entered her small apartment and were met with 5 sweet faces ranging from age 1 to (I would guess) 10. They were eating toaster waffles for dinner and were crammed in a very small eating area. As we prepared to leave, I said goodbye to the children and closed the door. I walked to my car feeling like we had not done enough. I told the girls to take the extra food reserved for the food bank and the extra food lion gift card and place it on her doorstep. I drove away in my warm SUV feeling as if we did as much as we could and that at the very least she would be able to put together a half-way decent Thanksgiving Dinner for her kids. It's hard to see such poverty, most especially this time of year.

Today is Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving and I was feeling overwhelmed, tired, and most especially not in the mood to cook a big dinner. The house was covered with toys, the refridgerator needed a good cleaning, my five children were starting to pick on each other since they had been cooped up in the house because of rain and I had not yet made it to do my own grocery shopping. It was raining and miserable outside. I asked Rebecca to watch the sleeping King Henry and the other 3 boys while I made a quick trip to the Food Lion for my groceries. I was in a rush so that Rebecca would not have to watch the boys too long. I made it to the store, picked up the necessary things for a large feast, and pulled out of the parking lot onto the highway. But as I drove onto the access ramp, I saw her. I saw the woman that we helped the other night. She was trudging along the sidewalk with all five of her children on the way to Food Lion...presumably to do precisely what I had just done. I could not stop, I had to pass her by. My heart sunk at the realization that I did not help her...could not help her. She was Jesus and I just passed her by! Oh pathetic Christian am I!

I went home and changed my sour mood instantly, remembering all that I have and all that I am thankful for. I hope this post will remind me in the future of how blessed I am and how I should always remember that "But for the grace of God...."

Milk Moustache

As I sat down to breast feed King Henry, Gus sits down next to me and asks:

Gus: Is that 1% milk?

The King and I

On second thought, I think I'll go to Wendy's

Call me sensitive, but this Burger King marketing campaign IS creepy. The slogan at the bottom of the poster is "The King Wants To Play". Ewh.

All boy

You must understand, my 5 year old son Gus is a bit of a bruser, a bully of sorts, a bull in a china shop kind of child, a child that embarrasses me with his abrupt nature and ability to call things like he sees them. He is the biggest in his kindergarten class and bigger than his older brother, Jack. He loves to play with swords, play guns, and knights. When neighborhood boys come to the door to play, Gus is the first one to get his shoes on. He always gives his opinion...unsolicited... and grunts and groans when he does not get his way. He's honest, independent, smart, confident and LOUD! He rarely uses his napkin, he prefers to use his hand. More times than I would like to admit, he "relieves" himself OUTSIDE of the house instead of trekking inside to use the more modern facilities. He sleeps spread-eagle in his bed; it would be impossible to sleep next to him since he is a bed hog. Kids are naturally attracted to him. He brushes off other "wimpier" kids his age who try and manipulate him into doing what they want. He's not interested in negotiation or reason.

But there is another side of Gus, a softer side, that only a few see:

Gus has two stuffed animals that he carries around as his best buddies. He lovingly kisses King Henry every day and whispers secrets in his ear. He loves to listen to story after story before bedtime and laughs a huge belly laugh at the funny parts. He sneaks into Nick's room when everyone else is sleeping and crawls into bed with him and snuggles closely. He is theatrical and funny. He loves to draw pictures and hang them on the doors of the house. Just the other day, he handed me a awkwardly spelled note that said, "I lov u mom...gus" He always notices when I am dressed nicely and tells me that I am beautiful...(that makes me melt). His blue eyes sparkle with mischief when he asks for his candy. Imagine my surprise when he handed me a Playmobil toy that includes a Princess, Prince, flower arbor, and bird bath. It was most definitely a pink kind of girl toy, but he was totally enamored with it. He insisted that it was NOT a girl toy and that the birdbath included a cool gold dragon that was for boys. This is the softer side of Gus, the baby side that I sometimes forget. He IS still a baby, but is trapped in a big boy body. Sometimes I feel sad for Gus since he never had a baby-like childhood. Because of his older siblings he flew past the "Barney" "Teletubby" stage and went straight to things like Star Wars, Playmobile and Video Games.

Gus is still a baby in many ways. I'll try and remind myself of that more often. Meanwhile, I'll try and stay sane while we raise him into the strong man he will, no doubt, one day become.

Living for Him

Well, it seems as Fall has officially started with the cooler weather and the gorgeous colors all around us. It's this time of year that I always think of my passing. I know it sounds little morbid, but it is true. When I look out at all the dying plants, trees...the bare branches and the cold sky I am reminded that one day the winter of my life will emerge and I will die. What a beautiful way God reminds all those living that one day, it all ends. We have a Spring/Summer time in our youth, and a Fall/Winter with our old age and death. It all ends... even though at times we like to fool ourselves that it won't. It is at the end of our lives that we will stand before Jesus where he'll ask us not WHAT we lived for but WHO? Did we embrace Christ and his church or did we follow the crowd and settle for that ever-present--middle of the road, self-centered, self-indulgent kind of life? I thank God for our seasons and for the reminder that I must always be working/living harder to live a life that Christ would approve of "now until the hour of my death".

I don't know where they pick these things up...

I was changing King Henry's clothes this evening. All he had on for a few minutes was a diaper. Gus was totally pleased with his baby brother's squatty naked torso. He pointed to the baby's chest and gleefully exclaimed:

Gus: Oh, look at his 'man--ly boobs'

Prayer for election day

Lord God of all creation,
You rule and judge all nations,
You scatter the arrogant of mind and heart,
You cast down rulers from their thrones and raise up the lowly.

Today we elect those who will serve in our government:
the voices that call us to go this way or that way are confusing,
the signs of these times that we must discern are tragic and unjust,
the culture of death that afflicts all people is powerful.

Open our eyes to see your Reign in history,
our hearts to share your love with all people,
our ears to hear the cry of the widow, the orphan, and the stranger among us.

Send your Holy Spirit upon the people of this land:
Teach us to make wise and prudent decisions.
Increase our faith and hope.
Help us to live the Gospel we profess.


May all who are elected this day:
do justice,
love goodness,
and walk humbly before You and all people.


We ask for these blessings,
confident in your providence through all time,
calling upon Mary our Mother
and all the saints who have served the cause of justice,
through your Son, Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Savior, Amen.

Knock your socks off!

Folks, this is the SONG! to end all songs! I am a big Josh Grobin fan I'll admit. He turns me into a bumbling, sobbing, teen-ager when I listen to his music. But his newest album, AWAKE, is due out on Tuesday and I plan to be the first at the music store to buy it. His song, "You Are Loved", will fill your heart with joy, especially when you view the video. It's clearly a Christian theme with a Christian message. It's a message that the world needs to hear. Simple and straight to the point.

View the video by clicking HERE! After you view it once, view it a second time...it's more powerful!

Caught red handed by a five year old...

Gus: MOOOM! Why are there empty candy wrappers on the floor of your room?

Dancing Queen

When I was a younger girl, I would frequently put a favorite song on the record player downstairs, make sure that no one was around, and then I would DANCE! Oh, how I loved to dance to a great tune! It was fun, relaxing and in my imaginative world-I was the BEST dancer around. That's what the judges in my mind would say! They would hold up their score cards: 10, 10, 9.5, 10. The audience was always on their feet and I would repay their affection for me by bowing a deep bow and then dance ONE MORE DANCE for my adoring fans! No one in my family knew my little secret..they had no idea they were living with the greatest dancer around. I never told them.

Every now and then I still get the joyful urge to DANCE! Depending on the moment and the song, I'll still dance. But instead of dancing when no one is looking, I'll usually dance around my children. They are my adoring fans and I'll always reward their love for me with another dance which usually includes them. I had not danced for my children in a long time due to my pregnancy and the fatigue associated with it. Yesterday, my dancing urge returned when Rebecca turned on the song, Takin' it to the streets
which has recently been re-recorded by American Idol star Taylor Hicks. I tell you, when I hear that song, I NEED to dance. Only problem was, I had just put my audience to bed...all except for Rebecca and Hank. Rebecca was sitting in my room rocking Hank in the rocking chair.

My audience was spread out in three different rooms, so I decided to take the dancing show to them! I got varying reactions from my adoring fans. I immediately started dancing in my bedroom for Rebecca and Hank. I started bogeying up a storm people...and I was GOOD! I tried out all kinds of new dance moves to impress my daughter and son but all Rebecca would do was laugh. "Mom! What are you doooing? Ewh!" I replied, "What? I'm good. You don't like my dancing?" Hank just sat on Becca's lap like a limp bean-bag and stared at me. "Hanky poo..check out these moves!" I said, moving about to stimulate my infant's senses. Hank expressed his delight by promptly spitting up. They weren't impressed. I decided to take my show to the next venue: Nick's Room.

As the music played on, I gingerly tip-toed into Nick's darkened room to the beat of the song. Nick opened his eyes, sat up and started to laugh. He was totally delighted. I danced for Nick and in no time, my adoring Nick could not resist the music either. He popped out of his bed and accompanied his mom in the dance. He. Was. Good. (But not as good as me.) Nick copied my moves like a pro and so we just danced together in the darkened room. I gave my Nick a kiss and sent him back to bed. Next stop: Jack and Gus's Room.

I entered the room and danced my fantastic dance for my younger sons. Their response was less than enthusiastic. They just laid there. Staring. I danced some more, waiting for a response but got nothing but silence. After about 2 minutes Gus said, "Mom, can I have a kiss?" I stopped my dance and said, "Boys? Don't you like my dance?" Jack ignored me and said, "Mom, I'm going to the bathroom."

Well, there it is! My fans of today...they may not give me a score of 10, but they still adore me. I may not be the greatest dancer in the world anymore, but I'm the luckiest mom!


Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching.

Hallocuties

Halloween notes for next year:

1. Don't buy candy early. Before you know it, you'll eat two bags before the holiday arrives.
2. A gigantic pumpkin purchase is not necessary, the smaller, more manageable pumpkins do just fine and take less time to carve.
3. If you are in need of an interesting science project, carve your pumpkins early in the unseasonable warm weather and see what grows!
4. If you let your kids wear their costumes early, they'll want to be something else by the time Halloween rolls around.
5. If your husband asks if he should dress up, tell him NO! (see pic)

Can you guess what he is?

6. Limit the number of weapons carried by your boys while trick or treating.
7. Have plenty of Diet Coke on hand.
8. Remember to buy CHOCOLATE candy to have something to snack on while waiting for trick-or-treaters.

Pumpkins by Jack and Gus

Happy Halloween!

For all those church music directors

Alternate lyrics to "I am the Bread of Life"

I am a church musician,
I've worked her for twenty-five years
I get five dollars a Mass
for my wife and seventeen kids,
my mother-in-law and her cats.

Refrain: And I will starve to death (3x) for the glo-ry of God

I am a church musician
I've got three Ph.D's
I own a concert grand,
But I have no job description,
So they call me a pastoral musician. Refrain.

I am a church musician
I know all the organ stops.
With my feet I am a magician
So they call me a pastoral musician
They call me a pastoral musician. Refrain.

I am a church musician
I play for wakes and funerals.
I know ev'ry mortician
So they call me a pastoral musician
They call me a pastoral musician. Refrain.

I've been a church guitarist
through Jesuits, Haas and Haugen.
I know ev'ry chord progression
So they call me a pastoral musician
They call me a pastoral musician. Refrain.

I am a church musician
Playing weddings on ev'ry weekend.
Work with brides on one condition
That they PAY for their pastoral musician
They PAY for their pastoral musician.
(brassy, with gestures! Bring out your inner Ethel Merman!)
There's no business like show business,
like no business I know!

We are the congregation
We've prayed here for fifty years
Survived through each transition
Led by our pastoral musicians
Thank God for our pastoral musicians!

And I will raise my voice (3x) to the glo-ry of God!

Boys will be boys...

Our poor unsuspecting infant, Hank (in the background) has no idea the indignities of being a baby during Halloween time. Note where Jack puts the top of his pumpkin.....

Sw-eet!

The first day of getting my body back

Random thoughts at the gym....

1. When was the last time I actually exercised like this?
2. Is it almost over?
3. When did my aerobics class get so young?
4. Are my thighs going one direction while my body is going another or is it just my imagination?
5. Do people behind me notice my jiggly bottom?
6. Is it almost over?
7. I hope my breasts don't leak.
8. I'm NOT doing those jumping jacks!
9. Is my panting distracting?
10. The heck with all of this exercise, where's the chocolate brownie?

Keeping our kids Catholic

I've just ordered THIS BOOKthis book from Amazon. The title of the book is "Keeping Your Kids Catholic" by Bert Ghezzi. I understand that it offers practical advice to parents on various aspects of Catholic Family Life and how-to-articles on how to share the faith with your children and how to love children who have left the faith altogether. Many of you may seem surprised that I would need a book like this considering my job as a youth minister and mom, but quite frankly, I can always use some additional advice,inspiration and support.

During the post-Vatican II years (when I was raised) Catholic parents simply taught the faith by doing: ie: going to Mass, praying the Rosary, driving to CCD classes. Not much was explained or emphasized. Faith was primarily passed on through osmosis or through whatever the priest said from the pulpit. Parents did not know how to really "share" their faith with their children since "sharing" was primarily a Protestant phenomena and not something Catholics were comfortable doing. Some Catholics are still uncomfortable with the whole "touchy-feely" "sharing" kind of religion and that's just fine. But. If we expect our children to benefit from the gift that is a Catholic Faith in Jesus Christ, we as parents need to educate OURSELVES first. Reading, asking questions, sharing the faith with others, bible study, church history...all of this is important to know if we want to counter the anti-religious messages that are prevalent in our world. Problem is, most adults today are stuck in a pre-adolescent phase of their faith..a Jr. High level of faith...if you will. Their questions were not answered back when they were developing and as a result, we have a whole generation of adults roaming around wondering what the heck they are supposed to tell their kids about faith in Christ and the role the Church has in it all.

After working with parents in youth ministry for 10+ years, I've learned that we, as parents, MUST know the faith and practice it faithfully in order to pass it on to our children. At at recent parent orientation for our faith development program, a parent stood up and asked me for advice on how to get her Jr. High/high school youth to go to Mass. I told her that I could answer her question, but was afraid she was not going to like the answer. I told her that in order to get her child to Mass, she and her husband would have to go to Mass without fail. No questions asked. No excuses that the weather is bad or that the weekend was too busy, or that the kids would complain, or that the homily last week was too boring. When kids see that Mass is an OPTION, they will continually push the parents to NOT go..."Mom and dad don't take Mass seriously..why should I?" If we really believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist and that what we see is miraculous, and that we receive special graces in just being in christ's presence, why wouldn't we drag our kids down to the church every single Sunday?

The more we learn the better equipped we are to keep our kids Catholic-to keep ourselves Catholic. When we experience our inevitable doubts about the faith, consider it an invitation from Christ to learn MORE. Parents need to get their questions answered by someone knowledgeable and faith filled. If not, the doubts/questions will fester and there we will be...sleeping in...giving in to hopelessness...forgetting the gift of love given to us in the Eucharist and leaving our children with reason to NOT believe. Parenting a Catholic family is not for cowards. It's positively counter-cultural and unpopular, but it is a privilege beyond any other. We're up to the challenge.

A teaching moment...

Life can get so busy sometimes, and in reality, the devil can work right along with one's busyness. Too busy to pray, or listen to that child who simply wants you to read that book to him. Too busy to stop and chat with that lonely neighbor or attend a school function. Too busy to write that lunchbox note, or bake those pumpkin cookies. Too busy to hold your baby when he needs alittle more attention or review Spanish words with your child before that big quiz.

But God can get your attention in little ways, if you listen closely, He speaks clearly.

Tonight I was busy cleaning the kitchen, the boys were in the shower, Rebecca was quietly doing her homework on the floor in the family room, and King Henry was staring at some "stimulating baby toy" in the corner of his downstairs crib. Soon, I heard Henry's cry and thought to myself, "Oh, great! I'm never going to get this kitchen clean! Henry needs me to be with him." Before I knew it, the phone interrupted my thought process and I ended up on the phone instead of holding my new baby. After I hung up the phone, I saw a beautiful sight: My daughter was studying her Spanish notecards with Henry right by her side on the floor...looking up at her as if she were the greatest thing he'd ever seen. Rebecca had picked up her crying brother, soothed him and laid him on the floor next to her and kept him company by reading Spanish words to him and he LOVED it. Henry just wanted some company and Becca was just the person to give it to him.




As I looked at my children, I thought to myself,"The beginning and the end.....The Alpha and the Omega staring into each other's eyes." Everything has a beginning and an end and there I was staring at the spectrum of time between my first child and my last with the realization that time flies and the opportunities to hold my children are finite. Forget the phone and the kitchen people! Hold your babies before they leave!

When he makes my heart skip a beat; without even knowing it.

1. When he wears Navy Blue.
2. When he walks in the door smelling like his office.
3. When he puts his foot on top of mine during our talks.
4. He kisses me goodbye in the mornings when I'm still in bed sleeping.
5. When I catch a glimpse of him praying in church.
6. When he holds our babies, the same old familiar way...
7. When he makes me popcorn.
8. When he's working on the computer; his face illuminated by its light.
9. When he saves the last bite for me.
10. When he tells me that I'm hotter than Catherine Zeta Jones (although I don't believe him--I'll take it!)

Pep Talk to Myself...

Well, its almost been a month since King Henry (that's what we've been calling him lately since his every need and desire is met by his lowly servants) came into our lives, and what a wonderful start it has been indeed! Having a large family requires that a mother and father keep things in perspective and balance. For instance, knowing that the laundry cannnot be completed, or that dinner is not from scratch (like I make stuff from scratch...HA!), or that the house is messy is NO reason for a couple to think of themselves as failures. It all just takes time to readjust and tune in to the change in the routine. It's kind of like juggling. I was getting very good at juggling 4 balls, but now I have to practice throwing that 5th ball in, and sometimes that means the whole routine fails and comes crashing down. It will require lots of practice and starting over, but in the end my routine will get better and better and more impressive! Failure is certain some days, but as parents, we must expect some bumps in the road. Right? Right.

Just as long as I don't hit a bump while I'm juggling my 5 balls......heh.

Duped, as usual.

This video was very disturbing to me. Every young girl and boy should view it and take a good, long, look at what society views as "beauty". Only God can create perfect beauty. We, as humans... keep on trying to be God.

King Henry the 5th

Signs that our newborn son is making his way into the hearts of his siblings:



1. Rebecca holding Henry while softly singing "Do I make you proud?" (Taylor Hicks)
2. Jack cradling Henry in his arms, staring into his eyes while inviting him to be in his "fighting club" when he gets older.
3. Nick dancing in the den with joy...while Henry just stares.
4. Gus gently covering his baby brother with a blanket and patting his belly to soothe him.

Brain Food

I made some really good potato tacos tonight comprised of, well...chopped potatoes, ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. Gus frowned when I placed a plate in front of him and said:

I don't like this food! That meat looks like BRAINS!

(I told him to eat it anyway!!)

I "heart" this pan.

Speaking of seasons and food, did I mention that I absolutely LOVE Halloween, All Souls/Saints, the Fall Season and all its colors, smells, and weather. I really do! In fact, I cannot resist anything unique that helps to celebrate the season. The other day when my sister was visiting, we went to the mall to walk around. She pointed out this terrific "Pumpkin Patch Pan" made by Williams Sonoma and so I bought one. Basically this is a cupcake pan with insets made in the shape of half pumpkins. You can place one half on top of another and you have your very own cake pumpkin. Add a little green and orange frosting and you have a special dessert for the kids or a party. You can purchase your own HERE.

This weekend we were invited to a Pumpkin Carving Party and I brought my very own Pumpkin Patch Muffins. (They looked very much like the ones pictured above.) I did not use the recommended Williams and Sonoma recipe (who has time for that?), and instead bought the Pillsbury Spice Cake Mix instead. The Pumpkins could not have turned out better and they were a hit at the party. I may make another batch for our trick or treat gathering on Halloween and give some to teachers! Happy Fall!

Tis the Season

It's that time of year: the changing leaves, cooler weather, sweaters, and apple cider. One cannot be human without insisting on a slice of THIS at least once a week ( or maybe even once a day!) in the Fall. I bought all the ingredient's for it today and by tomorrow the kids will be feasting on a bountiful amount!

A good thing, a bad thing

The Clemens family has a fairly regular dinnertime routine of having each person at the dinner table express one "Good thing and one Bad thing" that happened to them during the day. We always go clockwise around the table starting with Gus, continuing with Jack, Nick, Rebecca and ending with mom and dad. Responses range from the ridiculous to the mundane but it is one surefire sneaky way that mom gets a glimpse of what goes on in the lives of the kids when they are away at school. Sometimes, without the kids realizing it, I can "read between the lines" from what my children mention during this exercise...and get a bit of a confession when one gets in trouble in the classroom. See if you can guess which child's good and bad thing got him in trouble today:

Gus: The good thing that happened today was that school was awesomely FUN, but the bad thing was that I could not stay home with mom.

Jack: The good thing today was that I got to work on my boyscout boat with dad today, and the bad thing is that it is not finished yet.

Nick: The good thing is that I got to play football at my friends house today, and the bad thing was that "Spencer" MADE me talk too much in class.

Becca: The good thing is that I got to play a Benz trombone and the bad thing is that I don't have one of my own.

Sisterly Love!

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James

One day which will stand out for me as one of the most memorable of my life was last Saturday when my sister, Sally, walked unexpectedly through my front door...all the way from Texas. Her visit was a big surprise for me and the family. Thanks for coming Sal, it made my YEAR!

Lost in Translation

Nick rarely comes home after he gets off the bus in the afternoon, he mostly prefers to darken the door of some neighborhood friend than come home and face the inevitability of homework and chores. He's good at getting out of stuff, but he KNOWS that he MUST be home by 5:00 because that is the drop dead time to start homework. Or Else!

Today, Nick decided to go play at his friend Lauren's house. He likes Lauren alot and they have a good time together...despite the fact that she is a girl.

When Gus came in from school today, he inquired:

Gus: Mom, where's Nick?

Me: He's at Lauren's house.

Gus: (he contorts his face in a disdainful manner) Why does he like to go to her house? She's a GIRL!

Me: I'm not sure, Gus.

Gus: (smiling an evil smile) Mayyyyyybeeeee...he likes playing with Bar-Beeees

Me: Gus, you are a piece of work.

Why I am Catholic

HT: Danielle Bean

Proud Papa

Jack's Self Portrait

with Gus reaching for the camera.

Miss Freshman Nominee for Homecoming

Rebecca, along with three other young ladies.. were vying for Freshman Homecoming Representative at last nights football game. While Rebecca did not win, we all thought she was the best anyway! Congrats to Becca!

Deja Vu

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, but the front door has been revolving with visitors, dinners and family wishing this family of 7 all the best since our new bundle has entered our lives.

Despite all the craziness and business going on around here, Rebecca turned 14 on the 29th of September. Her special day came and went with little hoopla, a small gift from the family and a plate of brownies given to her by a neighbor. Her actual birthday party was planned for the 22nd of September with me totally intending to give birth on the 27th. I thought it would be safe in planning her party a week early, but God had other plans. Early on the 22nd as I lay asleep in bed, I could feel the contractions of labor, but was determined to talk my body out of being in labor. "No. This is NOT labor! I have my daughter's 14th birthday party scheduled for tonight, and IT MUST GO ON!" I would reposition myself in the bed in the hopes of stopping the contractions to no avail. As I lay in the bed--half asleep--half awake--my mind raced with all the things I still needed to do before the baby came: Becca's birthday party, youth ministry movie night, lunches for the kids, carpool in the morning, band carpool in the evening, notes for catechists....and on...and on....but at that very second my water broke, and I jumped out of the bed faster than I ever had my entire pregnancy! (I didn't want to mess up my brand new king size mattress!)

I quietly called to my husband from the bathroom, "Chris". He instinctively jumped out of the bed...ready to go...a man familiar with the protocols of having a baby. He threw on his clothes, typed a fast e-mail, and accompanied me to the hospital.

Four hours later, we held our 5th child in our arms, trying on various names, wondering which would fit this child's face. In no time, the hospital room phone rang. It was my first-born child, Rebecca. She was calling from the high school. She was in the band hall, surrounded by 4 friends and had called to find out if she had a new brother or sister, " MOM! What did you have??? What did you have??" My mind raced as I heard her question. I looked down at her new baby brother....."didn't I just give birth to her?...wasn't it was just yesterday that I gave birth to Rebecca? Nick? Jack? Gus?" "How can it be that my first born is big enough to CALL me from her school and ask about her new baby brother? " Time flies...slips away.. and before we realize it, our children are fully grown.

"Becca, you have a baby brother." I responded to laughter and glee on the other end of the phone. The teenagers around her started text-messaging and calling others spreading the news to the rest of their friends from youth group and school. Rebecca was thrilled and I was happy too. But also a little sad knowing that she was so grown up and that in no time the rest of my kids would do the same....Including the new life I held in my arms. I shook off the sentimentality quickly and got back to the business of life, "Becca, your birthday party will go on as planned. I'll call Grandma and Grandpa and give them instructions on what you have planned and where your friends will sleep." "OK MOM, I'll tell everyone!"

Becca's party went on without a hitch, the girls had a great time...without me being there, and I missed it. But though she may not realize it yet, her father and I gave her a birthday gift that will live on when we are long gone: another brother....to love forever.

Happy Birthday Rebecca!