Nothing special

Well, nothing speical is going on today. Kirtus left for Arizona last night. He will be there for 3 weeks and then back home. It feels weird without him here. It's been really nice having him home for the past few months. GL and ML started daycare full time today. I have two interviews this week and then another possible one coming up within the next month. I've had most of the morning to myself. Seems weird just being all by myself and no kid around. I miss 'em. But, I'm doing this for our family.
Did you see the guy that is selling his life on Ebay!? I feel sad for him. He is selling his life for $480,000 or at least wanting to get that. ??? HUH???? I don't get it.

Here is another cool story that I heard today on the news. There was a guy that lost his class ring oh...awhile back...in the 90's. He graduated in 1993 and lost it a couple of years after that. While at the bank this past Saturday, the teller starts asking him all kinds of weird questions and then pulls out the class ring and says is this yours? IT WAS!!! CRAZY HUH?
Come to find out, the tellers father had found the ring years and years ago and recently passed away. He had told his daughter that he had never been able to find the owner, so she deceided to take up the quest. And well....she found him!
Now is that not crazy?

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to my interview.

Hard Times Ahead, but God's on my SIDE

So, I had a Job that started on Tuesday, that's right, past tense...had. Yesterday, my boss comes up to me and says, today is your last day, we are consolidating the other two admin. positions together and we won't need three any longer.
My heart fell...I was totally knocked for a loop.
See, recently we have fallen into some hard times financially. Nothing we can't work out ourselves. I just have to get a job and kids are in daycare. It happens, we need to pay some debt off and get out of debt...no big deal. I really never let things like this get me down, because I know God is always there to help us.
But, this time...well...it really threw me. On my drive home yesterday, tears started to whell up and fall down my face. I outloud scolded God for not giving us a break. Why did I do that? It just came out...and I was angry. I was really angry. I mean...heck I asked for his help...right? I've done everything he has asked of me and yet when I really need him he's not there. (this was my feelings yesterday) So...I was very very angry...and when I got home, I took a hot bath and wallowed in my sorrow. After my bath I got in bed and just vegged and was very very depressed.
I turned over and there it was. My bible...just stareing at me. I had this sudden urge to pick it up and read. I'm not great with words...it's just never really been my fortae, but the urge I'm speaking of was very very very strong. I did not want to pick up that bible. I DIDN'T!!! I was angry and wanted to pout. ;) The last thing I wanted was to read about how God helped all these other people out and not me. But, this "urge" forced me to reach over, pick it up and read. I read from Romans, John, Paul and Joshua. I'm not sure but this verse is the one that stayed with me. I read for 3 hours. When I closed the book, my heart was no longer hardened, the anger was gone and a new outlook on my life had emerged.

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9

I prayed that night before falling asleep, and ask God to forgive me of my selfishness and my anger. I asked him to watch over our family and lead me.

The next morning, the phone rang...Two interviews scheduled for next week. Then I went to turn in some paperwork at a staffing company and got an interview for an internal position right there on the spot. Three possible jobs to choose from! I was so excited and thanked God for his good graces. See...maybe that job really wasn't what God wanted for me, even though it was what I wanted.

On the way home today, I heard this song....and felt the Lord touch my heart.
This isn't a Christian song, but do believe that god speaks to us in many different ways. What do you think the Lord was trying to tell me?

That your warmth is
Crashing down on in.
Take time to realize,
That I am on your side
Didn't I, didn't I tell you.

But I can't spell it out for you,
You know it's never gonna be that simple
No I can't spell it out for you

If you just realize what I just realized,
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'll never find another
Just realized what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder if
We missed out on each other now.

[Verse 2:]
Take time to realize
Oh-oh I'm on your side
Didn't I, didn't I tell you.
Take time to realize
This all can pass you by
Didn't I tell you

[Refrain:]
But I can't spell it out for you,
You know it's never gonna be that simple
No I can't spell it out for you.

[Chorus:]
If you just realized what I just realized
Then we'd be perfect for each other
Then we'd never find another
Just realized what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder if
We missed out on each other but.

[Verse 3:]
It's not all the same
No it's never the same
If you don't feel it too.
If you meet me half way
If you would meet me half way.
It could be the same for you.

[Chorus:]
If you just realize what I just realized
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'd never find another
Just realize what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder

Just realize what I just realized

If you just realize what I just realized

OoOoOOo

Missed out on each other now
Missed out on each other now
Missed out on each other now

Realize, realize
Realize, realize

Sometimes, I need to just need to trust that God's path is the right path and to just stop trying to think that I actually have all the control in the matter. We go through hardships for a reason, not because God has lost favor, but we are to learn something. I have so much to be thankful for and I am blessed in so many ways.
Thanks for listening.
I wish I could explain in words the feeling I get when I know the Lord is actually speaking to me. I get this overwhelming feeling of absolute joy and utter peace.

Well, I hope you enjoyed reading my testimony. Everyday is a great day for me to learn more about God and build a stronger relationship with him.
God is truely GREAT!!!

New Job

Yes, I'm starting a new job tomorrow. I need to go back to work. I'm going to miss my kids so much. But, we are going on a big vacation this New Years and I want extra money for that, Christmas, the house, getting out of dept. I figure I can work for another 2 to 3 years and we will have all the big bills paid off, like the van and stuff....then it won't hurt so bad when Kirtus comes home from overseas. Not having a 2nd income and gas prices soaring has put a kink in our pocket book. Morgan and GL really want to be in Gymnastics and Soccer, so in order to accomodate that, I need to work. I am also working on getting my life and health insurance license. Which I can work from home doing that. So, for the moment that is the plan man. I will miss them a lot, they are growing so fast. And they have really enjoyed me being home. But, they miss their friends at school and daycare....so for now this is what we have to do to make it.

British Soccer Camp

This is the mot awesome camp I've ever been a part of.
Garrett had a great time.
I've posted some pictures of the camp and Garrett.
I can't wait until next year when Morgan can attend too.
Even though it was very very hot.
We had a great time.
It was over cast for most of the mornings. By 12:00 noon it was hot hot and Garrett and I were ready to go home.
Garrett really bonded with his teammates. Sometimes he has problems with that...but I was very impressed with his behavior. Boys are well...just boys and they need and thrive off that boy boy commeriodity. It is so hard to see him grow up but I'm so glad he is. Garrett loves to play any and every sport he can think of. I just love to watch his desire in being active and having fun. I do wish there were other boys his age close by. I think he would have a lot moe fun playing outside. There are a few classmates in this area, but most are girls. And to be honest, I don't want him playing with girls. ;) There will be plenty of time to play with girls later!!
Morgan starts Soccer this Fall and she can't wait to play just like her brother. Well, we shall see if she really plays. She has to play with boys and at the moment she is not so happy about that.

Sex And The City

I'm so bummed. The movie came out...and it was awesome and it left me wanting more. I want more!!! It's not enough. I miss having my favorite ladies on once a week. I had just gotten over my withdrawl when they brought the movie out. Now what am I going to do? I guess buy the movie when it comes out and watch it over and over and over again.
You know...if you never watched it on HBO...then you may not understand lot of the movie. But, you should still go and see it.

My weekend home for a "ME" vacation

I took a small vacation not too long ago. I went home, all bymyself. To get a break, to get a vacation for myself. To get some time to think about me and only me for once. I went home to visit family and see one of my best friends. I can't believe that after all these year she and I are still friends. I wish I had my camera that night...but dumb dumb me...forgot it. She just moved out to Whitewright on 34 acres. I'm so happy for her I could bust!!! Are families are all going to Disney World this New Years. I can't wait...I'm about to bust with excitement.
So...here is my family pictures and the headstone that my Aunt and cousin Marie picked out for my Uncle Charles. It's been a little over 1 year now since he left. I still can't get my head round it sometimes. We miss him terribly.

Last Day of School!!! YES!!!!!

Well, of course it is the last day of school and guess what. I forgot my camera!!! But, I had my camera phone...only took 1 picture though. I hate camera phones.
Hey....I caught the moment.
So...earlier this week. Garrett had awards night. Here are some fun pictures from that. He was in a typical Momma's boy mood. Will he ever grow out of this? I hope so...and in a way...I hope not. My baby is growing up.
Today we got there early and went outside with his class and watched him play with his friends. I have been worried all year that he did't fit in, that he was some loner kid out there playing all by himself or only with the girls. Well, set those fears aside. He was in the thick of it this year. Playing pretend with the other boys...what kind of pretend? WAR of course. What other pretend games to boys play. Then it started to rain and we all ran inside. We started the party a bit early...but mainly because..well..try telling a class room of 6 year olds that they can't have the cake and cookies that are sitting right in front of them.
After they ate...one of the parents started blowing up balloons. And giving them to each of them. Mr. Garza was a bit paturbed. But, who cares!!! It's the last day of school let em' have some fun. I also found out today that Mr. Garza will be teaching 1st grade. Well, guess what...GL will NOT have him again. Don't get me wrong...he is a wonderful teacher. But, I want to know more about what is going on in the classroom, what words we need to work on...things like that. And Mr. Garza just didn't communicate very well. Maybe he thought GL was smart enough!! Ha Ha...just kidding.
I'm just so glad it is over. It was a good year and a bad one too. But, GL got through it and doesn't seem permanantly scared from it. I never had behavior issues in school until High School...when I would skip class or talk to much in cass. Well...next week is Soccer camp!!! And then swim lessons. And then Soccer start up again in August and then 1st grade. YMCA has a summer camp that is all day every day...I may look into that. Too keep him busy.

Well...I'm off. HAPPY SUMMER!

Little Pup, Little Pup...Everywhere I turn I see Little Pups!

Little pups, Little pups,
Ev'rywhere I turn I can see them.

Little Pups, Little Pups,
Night and day I eat, sleep and breathe 'em.

I'm an ordinary woman with feelings
I'd like a man to nibble on my ear.
But I admit, no man has bit.
So how come I'm the mother of the year?

How I hate Little food,
Little bones and each little pooper.
I'd have cracked years ago
if it weren't for my sense of humor!

Some women are dripping with diamonds.
Some women are dripping with pearls.
Lucky me! Lucky me!
Look at what I'm dripping with:
Little Pups!

Little cheeks, Little teeth,
ev'rything around me is little.
If i wring Little necks
surely I will get an acquittal.

Some day I'll step on their wiskers!
Some night I'll straighten their curls!
Send a flood, send the flu,
anything that you can do to
Little... little... little...
Little... little... little...
Little Pups!

Some day I'll land in the nuthouse.
With all the nuts and the squirr'ls.
There I'll stay tucked away
till the prohibition of
Little Pups!


We are having so much fun...feeding our little Pup every 3 to 4 hours. Yes...we are on a schedule. I take the late night feeding and Kirtus takes the early morning feeding, and of course I get all the others during the day. Along with each feeding we have to give our "Little Pup" a suppliment. Along with all of this we have to give him .25 ml cc's of worm preventative. Being that he is only 6 weeks, almost 7, that takes care of any that well...we may have missed. WE love him. LIKE A HOLE in the head. OH...did I mention...he has a hole in his skull. Yes...that's right a hole in his frontal lobe area. No worries...it will heal up...but until then we have to be extra careful not to drop anything on his head or step on him or throw him around the room. Stuff like that. ;)
So, we are all having a blast. What I like most about my Shih Tzu? Well, he is tiny. And he looks like an Ewok! No kidding. My very own Ewok. His name is Mushu. After the dragon on the disney movie Mulan. Being that the breed is chinese...mushu fit perfect. Formal AKC name. Barton's Mushu Dragon. Let me tell you...he is a little dragon that is for sure. His color is red too...which actually just happened to be a quickedink.
Well...hope you enjoy all the pictures and the little song I stole from Annie but put my own swing on it.

WOW...a lot going on

Well, Kaira graduated. She is officially no longer in high school and on her way to college. She loved her necklace that we got her for her birthday and the camera. Yes, we purchased a Nikon D40 for her graduation. She is really into photography.
Elysa liked her necklace too. That was for her birthday too. She is actually, spending the week with us in San Antonio and I don't think I've seen her without it on.
She is planning on staying in band and marching. I think she will have a good time doing that.
We also got a new puppy...this is Morgan's puppy. So, now...we are +1 in the family. He is adorable. I don't even mind getting up at 1:00 am to take him potty every morning.
Well...that's pretty much it in a nut shell.

Necklaces made by Faith Creations, LLC

I had these necklaces made for my step daughters. THANK YOU HEATHER!!! These are awesome! They are going to love them.

Working in the Yard

We spent all day Wednesday and most of the day Thursday finishing up the front yard. There are a couple of more things I plan on doing...but they are minor.
We took the giant bushes down...because they were a pain and planted some Nandinas and some Gulf Stream Nandinas. I also planted some hydrangas and some camillas. Those are next to the window. Then I planted under the trees a whole load of stuff. I can't wait for them to grow and get gigantic. Our grass is doing really well this year too. We've worked really hard...and I'm very proud of the way it is turning out. The back yard is a work in progress. The grass is having some issues...but now that I'm able to focus more on that and not the front...I can get it up and growing by next summer. I have a ton of flower beds in the back. Filling those seem to be the task at hand. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Morgan also likes to help!! She is my little dirt girl.

Almost Summer...feels like Summer...It's Summer

We are having fun in the Sun. It got up to 100 today! Yippee! It felt so good to be outside in the water. This is my front yard...if I did this in my back yard we would be having a mud slip and slide down the hill. YUCK! I can't wait for the grass to grow back there.

Family Research

Well...I've been so busy doing research on my ancestors.
Yep...let me tell you people...when you catch the geneology bug...it's hard to get rid of it.
I love this so much.
My mother was doing the Griffis and Green side of our family.
So...I decided to do the Clem side of my family. Which is my maiden name for those who remember me before I got married.
Oh, I'm doing Barton too. In my spare time.
Kirtus's family is so much harder than mine. Maybe because I don't know the people and places as well as my own.
Okay...I have found out so much.
Well...my grandfather.
Fred Clarence Clem....well...what can I say about him. He was something else. He loved to tell big tall tales. He was quite an interesting man...but afflicted with alcoholism. So, he was born in Limestone County, AL. His family were migrant farm hands...which means they moved from place to place depending on the work that needed to be done. In 1942 he joined the Army and they put him in the military band. My grandfather was extremely talented. He could play pretty much any instrumet by ear. Which means...he couldn't read music but could listen and then play it back. Very Very talented to be able to do this. I am able to do the same thing. I guess that is where I got my good ear from. ;) I believe he was much more talented than I.
So...he traveled all over the US with this band. He never fought in the war. Which I guess is a good thing. While he was traveling he must have ended up over in North Carolina which is where he met my Grandmother. They came back to AL where they married on 2.13.1943.
Now...they had a child...my aunt Libby and then from what I understand he left to fin a job or play in a band. I remember hearing from my mom that he went to play ina band...but I've always thought that meant...like at a honkey tonk...but now I know it was the Military band.
Eventually, he came back and they moved all over the South. My dad who was born in 1948 was born in TN. Finally they ended up in Lone Oak, Texas.
My grandfathers dad was Joseph Edward Clem. He had about 7 kids or so...they were farmers so they never stayed in one place long. They never actually owned their own land...they rented and farmed other people's land.
Joseph's dad was Thomas David...who people called David. David married a woman named Indiana. Pretty cool huh? They too were farmers...but David died in 1859. He was very young. He left Indiana with 7 kids at home from the ages of 6 months to 12 years old. The two oldest were boys and were sent to the field to help make a living for their family. None of the boys were school except Joseph and one other...most of the children could not read or write and never learned. (So sad)
David's dad was Thomas David the 1st. I don't know much about him yet...but I do know his dad's name was Adam Clem and his mother's name was Jemima Crockett. yes...she is related to Davy Crockett. No shit!!! I'm so excited. My dad and his family are so excited to be related to Davy Crockett. Okay...so...here is where we stop.
yep...Adam has no proof of parents. I mean...he had to come from some where right?
You just don't appear out of thin air!
So, I have a theory...There is a group that came from Germany...Johann Conrad Klemm in 1747. He had a son name Johann Valentine Klemm...who was lost and then found when he died in 1791 in Georgia...St. Paul Parish, Georgia...the same location that Adam was born. In his will he lists his wifes but not his childen. He does leave things to his children...but to "all my children."
Okay, so his wife's information doesn't show having a son named Adam...but Valentine's marriage to her was late in his life. So, we think there might have been another woman he was married to and she passed early.
We think Adam is some how linked to this family; Johann Conrad Klemm, through Johann Valentine Klemm. When Valentine left PA he was a KLEMM. When he passed he was CLEM. People changed their names all the time back then. Adam named a son Valentine. That is a very odd name for a boy...so...well...that is what we think...just no proof yet.
Also, my dad's cousin said he remembers hearing from his family that the Clem's use to be spelled with a K!!!
I told Dad we will probably never know, unless someone has a family bible. Many places were burned in the South by the Yankees when they marched through...many documents were lost then. Many documents...like bibles may have been buried with their owners.
Also, alot of poor people back in that day..poor like my family was...didn't keep records. They had their children at the house and documents of birth or death was not written down or collected.
Also, in 1765...Georgia was a British colony.
Well...as you can see...tis is my passion for the moment. So, my blogs may be limited at the moment.
I found out that we have a relative that fought under the command of Nathan Bedford Forest. My father's grandfather's father in-law. Hiram Wright. He was a decorated confederate solider and actually earn the prestiagous confedeate cross.
Recently the Sons of the Confederacy replaced his tombstone with a decorated tombstone of the confederacy.

What a Blessed Life

I was looking back at some old blogs today and I realized how blessed I truely am. I still sometimes can't believe that I am a "Mother" With "mother's day" coming up this Sunday I find myself forgeting that I'm a part of that day now.
I've always done things for my mother or grandmother. In my eyes...they are "mom's."
I'm not a MOM! But, I am! I am someone's mother!
What does that mean?
What does that mean to my children? Do they see me the same way I see my mother or my grandmother?
I've always thought highly of my mother...but never thought I could live up to her expectations. I try! I always seem to fail. Do my kids view me the same way? I hope not. I don't want them going through life trying to always think of me first and not themselves.
I have to say that it is an amazing feeling to actually be someone's mother.
This is one thing that a MAN will never understand. The love that a mother has for her child. It is different. I'm not saying that our love is better...or that his love is less than ours. It's different.
I love being a mom....even when my kids paint themselves and the walls and the table and all their toys. Even when they have screaming matches and call each other stupid. I love being a mom even when my kids aren't the perfect kids that society expects them to be. I love being a mom, seeing my kids grow and become happy, loving people; both with their own ideals and characteristics that make them special.
You moms out there...remember the first time you actually got to see your baby. The first time you actually held your baby. The first time you actually fed your baby. The first times!!!
I treasure those first times!
Being a mother is not easy! Sometimes it is not fun at all!
But, every night when I put the kids down to sleep and they each get their own 'Mommy time' I smile and Thank God for givng me such a Blessed Life.

I love Being Mom!!! It's the best job on earth!
I posted a bunch of pictures of our life together!
These two are the reasons I love being a mom!