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!

Advice for the ladies....

When you are in a pinch, Stage 1 Diapers work well as sanitary napkins!

The best kind of yard man

We are so in love here at, uh, um, four crying out loud er. I mean, five crying out loud....or...whatever. I have NOT decided what to name the blog now since Hank has entered our lives. For now, things will just have to stay the same until I get inspired or get a really good idea for a new title. Anyway, Hank is such a sweet baby and tends to charm everyone who stops by to see him. He's had a steady stream of visitors and friends bearing 'yummy' dinners so that this mommy does not have to worry about feeding the crew. Thanks to all those folks who have made my life really easy this week especially my mom and dad who have traveled all the way from Texas by car to help with laundry, cleaning, yardwork and babysitting.

This morning a friend called and asked if she could stop by and bring a gift for the baby. I told her she was more than welcome to come by. My dad was in the yard, working in his scrubby clothes...you know what dad's wear..t-shirts with holes, old shorts, tall socks and tennis shoes. Lovely. He was sweeping the sidewalk..removing the grass clippings that fell there after he mowed the lawn. As my friend walked in the door, she exclaimed, " Oh, you have such a nice yard man!" I laughed to myself and replied, "yeah, and he' s really cheap!" "My maid (mom) is up in the laundry room, if you like him, you'll really like her!"

Henry Ignatius Clemens (a.k.a. Hank)

Well everyone. The day came, quite specifically on Friday, September 22 at around 5:15 in the morning I realized my water broke and that it was time to go to the hospital. Henry was born at 10:28am with the help of St. Benedict (a cross we hung on the wall of the delivery room) and the wonderful nurses and doctors of UNC hospitals. All I'll tell you now is that it was a beautiful birth, gentle and sweet. The prayers of many were heard and Henry has come into our lives, never to be the same again. Thank you sweet Mary and Jesus.

Becca's Pride

Here's the

BAND!!!

Priorities

Yesterday, the day after a long faith development potluck kickoff and parent night, I went to my dr's appointment so that she could check how I was doing and to see if I had progressed past the 3cm I had dilated since last we met. I had a feeling that I was far along enough that I could go to the hospital yesterday to have the baby, but was not sure. As I suspected, my dr. told me that I had continued to dilate to 5cm and but that my water had not broken and that the baby was still stationed high.

Dr: Georgie, we are ready to go NOW if you would like. We can just get you situated at the hospital and have that baby by noon! What do you say??

Me: Uh, well. I'm not too sure. I still have things to do to prepare, like, I have a lunch date with friends today at noon and I really would like to see them. Oh, and my house is not clean...not to mention that I have to create the kids goodie bags, plan Rebecca's birthday, prepare for next Sunday's youth session, sing for the Saturday night 5:15 Mass, take Gus to get his immunizations before the school kicks him out, go to the grocery store before my parents arrive, clean out the fridge and take a nap.

At this point, I looked over at my husband and stared at his blank face. I knew what he was thinking...the survivalist that he is....I knew he was reviewing procedures of a home birth in case I did not make it to the hospital.

Dr: (laughing) I can understand all that, but if you wait, you may not have ME deliver your baby. It might be someone else. Plus I have a hair appointment Wednesday, and I don't want you to mess with that.

Me: Yeah, that would be bad. I need to get my hair cut too...

Meanwhile, Chris's face is getting more intense...

Chris: What do you need to tie off the umbilical cord?

My doctor and I look at him nonchalantly. My doctor responds,, " Oh, just have a good shoe lace on hand and that should do it. It's really not that complicated....just messy." The nurse outside the hall has been listening to all of this and yells, " Georgie!!! Just go to the hospital!!!!" "Naw", I respond, "it's still too early. We'll just make sure Chris gets his shoelace and we should be just fine."

Dr: OK. Just be sure if you feel like anything changes, get in here fast!

Me: See you in a few days!!

The clock ticks........on....on...on...

Hormonal and Erratic

In my inbox this morning:

The Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, or significant other!
DANGEROUS: SAFER: SAFEST: ULTRA SAFE:
What's for dinner? Can I help you with dinner? Where would you like to go for dinner? Here, have some chocolate.

Are you wearing that? Wow, you sure look good in brown! WOW! Look at you! Here, have some chocolate

What are you so worked up about? Could we be overreacting? Here's my paycheck. Here, have some chocolate.

Should you be eating that? You know, there are a lot of apples left. Can I get you a glass of wine with that? Here, have some chocolate.

What did you DO all day? I hope you didn't over-do it today. I've always loved you in that robe! Here, have some more chocolate.

13 Things PMS Stands For:

1. Pass My Shotgun

2. Psychotic Mood Shift
3. Perpetual Munching Spree

4 Puffy Mid-Section
5. People Make me Sick

6. Provide Me with Sweets

7. Pardon My Sobbing

8. Pimples May Surface
9. Pass My Sweat pants

10. Pissy Mood Syndrome
11. Plainly; Men Suck

12. Pack My Stuff

and my favorite one ...

13. Potential Murder Suspect
Pass this on to all of your hormonal friends and those who might need a good laugh!
Or to men who need a warning.

The truth hurts.

Have you ever seen such anger in your lives? What is wrong with these people?

Pope Quote: He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.'"

I don't see huge Muslim governments denouncing terrorism in the name of the Muslim faith, but I do see them denouncing the poor Pope and participating in MORE violence. Does that not prove the Pope's point and shouldn't the Muslim community be faced with the reality of how the world sees them? Come Lord Jesus.

A painful day

As you all can imagine, it's very obvious that I am heavy with child. I'm counting the days until I can get my body back. Every move is a struggle, and please, don't make me walk up a flight of stairs, pick up something off the floor, or take my spot on the couch. I might just bite your head off.

Today, I volunteered in Jack's class with centers. One little boy was at the games center, playing with pick up sticks on the floor. He looked up at me, smiled, and said, " Will you play with me?"

Oh now this was a dilemma for me. Do I reject this child and tell him "NO" because of my condition or do I suck it up and just get right down there on the floor and play? Hmmm. No, not even for an innocent face would I force this body on the ground. I said to the child, " Oh, honey, I wish I could, but I just can't get down there!" The teacher overhead my response (which made me feel like a real heel) and quickly said to the child, " Do you know why Mrs. Clemens can't get on the floor and play with you?" The little boy took a long look at me a second time and said, " Yes!" The teacher nodded expectantly and said, "Why do you think?"

The little boy said, "Cause she's old."

D'oh.

Band Aid

Wow! What a weekend!

While I won't bore you with all the details, I will give you the highlights of one night in particular that brought joy to our hearts.

Friday night was Rebecca's first time marching with the local high school band at the football game. It was glorious!

The evening began with a "beginning of the year" pig pickin' on the lawn of the band hall. I helped serve over 300 people in the muggy heat. My ankles were swollen, my rear ached, and my legs ached but it was all worth it to see the smiles of such good and polite band members. After everyone ate their dinner, the band suited up, warmed up, lined up, and marched to the field accompanied to the beat of the drum core. We parents followed behind our children, proud as punch! I watched in disbelief as I saw the years fly by....wasn't I just in the band? Wasn't it my mom and dad following behind me?

Luckily the weather started to cool down, the breeze kicked in....but so did the rain. HA!! Of course we did not have any rain gear in our possession, so many of us just sat on the metal stands, soaked, waiting for the game to start and the band to perform. Jack and Gus danced in the rain, Nick sat patiently next to his dad with water dripping down their necks, and I wilted next to another mother who took pity on my pregnant self and shared her spare umbrella. Ponchos could have been purchased at the band boosters booth for $2, but my pennny pinching husband refused to spend the money (thanks honey.) The rain soon stopped and it became time to see my daughter perform.

There she was, tall, straight, and beautiful in her gold and black. Marching like a pro. Grand music and bright lights shining down on their instruments. Were there mistakes? Well if there were, I did not notice because I only had eyes for one child. I am so thankful that Rebecca has found the one thing that gives her pure joy...the music...I'm also thankful for the patient guidance of the band director and support that makes that band go. I could not believe how much parent support there is for the the band and how dedicated these parents are. Despite the rain, heat, swollen body and pain I had experienced that evening, it was probably one off the greatest days of my life, and one I will never forget. My baby is growing up and I am the lucky one to say that I am her MOM.

Joke of the day

In my inbox this morning:

Have you ever told a white lie? You are going to love this--especially all
of the ladies who bake for church events. Alice Grayson was to bake a cake
for the Baptist Church ladies' group bake sale in Tuscaloosa, but she forgot
to do it until the last minute. She remembered it the morning of the bake
sale and after rummaging through cabinets she found an angel food cake mix
and quickly made it while drying her hair and dressing and helping her son
Bryan pack up for Scout camp. But when Alice took the cake from the oven,
the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured.

She said, "Oh dear, there's no time to bake another cake." This cake was so
important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church, and
in her new community of new friends. So, being inventive, she looked around
the house for something to build up the center of the cake. Alice found it
in the bathroom -- a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and then
covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it
looked perfect!

Before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work,
Alice woke her daughter Amanda and gave her some money and specific
instructions to be at the bake sale the minute it opened at 9:30, and to buy
that cake and bring it home. When the daughter arrived at the sale, she
found that the attractive perfect cake had already been sold. Amanda grabbed
her cell phone and called her Mom. Alice was horrified. She was beside
herself. Everyone would know; what would they think? Oh, my she wailed! She
would be ostracized, talked about, ridiculed.

All night Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing their
fingers at her and talking about her behind her back. The next day, Alice
promised herself that she would try not to think about the cake and she
would attend the fancy luncheon/bridal shower at the home of a friend of a
friend and try to have a good time. Alice did not really want to attend
because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose
at the fact that Alice was a single parent and not from the founding
families of Tuscaloosa, but having already RSVP 'd she could not think of a
believable excuse to stay home.

The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old South...
and to Alice's horror, the CAKE in question was presented for dessert. Alice
felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake, she started, out
of her chair to rush to tell her hostess all about it, but before she could
get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, "What a beautiful cake!" Alice, who
was still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was
a prominent church member) say, Thank you, I baked it myself."

Alice smiled and thought to herself, "GOD is good."

Priestly vocation?

We are blessed to have some very good priest friends who come to visit from time to time. Our Fr. Tim has been staying over a few nights and being around him is a blessing. Fr. Tim never fails to wear his black priestly clothes, so my kids are never confused by what he does. He is a priest, and they know it. (That never stops them from attacking the man or jumping on him, but hey, that's what boys do.) Thankfully, Fr. Tim is a patient man and is good with kids.

Anytime Fr. Tim comes to visits, he always gently reminds the boys about how wonderful it is to be a priest. They look at him, smile knowingly and run away...never realizing that seeds were planted. I responded to his comment when the boys were out of earshot:

Me: Well, if I were to bet which of my sons would become a priest, it would probably be Jack. He's my holy one.

Fr. Tim: Yeah, as compared to Gus, who is your "holy terror".

Prolife website

An e-mail just sent to me from a friend: view the website she recommends and see what our culture is calling a "choice".

"I'm writing to share something very powerful with you
- some of you have already seen it. This is a pro-life website
that you should check out -

I've seen (the) two opening mini-films, the second
being quite graphic. Take a look, at least at the
first clip, and send on to a friend, if you're so
inclined. "