on the road here... I'm excited all of the sudden. Its a pain to type on the iPhone so I'll catch up later!

It was a very Merry Christmas... fun and family and such. I did spend too much time in worry mode, as is typical of me and holidays. But overall very happy.
Yesterday around 3 we got back from the Clarks, and KSBJ was merrily playing in the background. R1 switched it off and said, "Okay. Christmas is OVER." Then I said, "Welcome to hell." Which was hilarious, and I wish he would have said it.

So today is the big pack day. We have about half of our stuff packed, and I am supposed to be doing more now, or at least laundry. Just wanted to check in.... I'll be able to blog from Richy's iPhone even when all the computers are packed, so fear not.

Took a gazillion pictures over Christmas, (and saw the Josharoos!) but I won't be able to put any of those up till next week sometime, from my little blue house in the heart of America.

These anonimis get pretty snarky come late afternoon. I am here, I am posting now. First, I had to put up this pretty cool weather widget ---->
Not exactly what I wanted, but close!
Also, there is the matter of these three children, who continually require food and such.

I think I am starting to get excited about moving. Which sounds terrible and disloyal and so on. But I'm not excited about leaving YOU... I'm excited about the adventure. Which is as it should be. And I'm excited about a new city, and a new Walmart, and a new library... and I am VERY nervous. I'm afraid of being lonely, or homesick. I'm afraid of being scared to drive in the snow, I am also excited about the snow. And, I am talking like a nut.
Cest la vie.

Tonight is the Radiant/Tred Christmas party. Oh heck... I'm supposed to make a snack. I will leave you now.

Look at the prettiness! And all that strange white substance on the ground! So we filled out all the paperwork, me signing things and scanning and emailing them, and he hobbling about in KC with his crutch and ICE STORMS. 21 degrees. What will become of me?

I am not ready to move. Not emotionally, no. But that will probably never happen. I mean, physically. I have all this stuff and nothing packed. Deja vu? Me too. I guess I'll start getting rid of stuff. Again.

If we get approved for this house then I can start ordering services and change our address and such. Wowzer.

I am tired. I stay up too late, sleep too little and wake up too early. If you have a direct line to Toby, I would warn him not to mess with me today.

Stuff I want to do before leaving Conroe for a year
• Have a couple of kidless dates before going to the faraway land of Nobabysitter
• Eat at Rancho Grande. Maybe multiple times.
• See famblies and friends. This would be easier if I was less tired.
• Pack, find a house, cancel services, switch services, change address (boring, not what I'm really talking about)
• OH MY GOSH do they have Blue Bell? Research time.

• What else?

Smartypants is in business! Entertain me with your queries on the holidays, entertaining, etiquette, and whatever strange neurotic questions float amidst the gray matter!

The MOG is flying to Kansas City this weekend to look at some houses... I was supposed to have like 10 scheduled but when it's all said and done there's only 4 appointments. Sheesh.

And all of them have redeeming qualities, and are not exactly what we're looking for.
Hopefully either we hit the jackpot with one of these or somebody shows him some non-listed houses while he's there. This is a little scary.

Toby is now taking a nap. I don't understand why I hear drums... but he is in his room with the door closed and I am not asking questions.

We are moving in a month. A month from yesterday, actually. Do you know... I have never lived away from my family. All my siblings have, at some point, but me, never. This is going to be weird. And I hope it's not incredibly lonely and sad.
You see, Yablonskis are in each other's business. It's not so much like you have your life and I have mine... unless you want it that way. And even then, somebody is going to know what you're up to or see your picture in the paper and then all the family will discuss your doings amongst themselves. But if it makes that family member feel better, whatever. Anyways. My point is, we're a close family. Different close than we used to be, but still close. What will that be like when I am in Missouri, of all places? I barely even consider Missouri a state.

Here's a blogsite I'm considering moving to. Go try it out. http://www.yablonski.wordpress.com

Toby can now open doors, and climb baby gates. I will never sleep again.

I generally put the boys to bed at 830-9. Then I eat and sew and read and talk to my husband until midnight-ish. Then I nurse Brynn 3 or 4 times overnight, and then the boys are awake by 8. That is not enough sleep. So the logical conclusion would be to go to bed earlier. But that's when I get to do fun mommy activities! Like eat without anyone putting their fingers in my sandwich!

I woke up grumpy. And Toby has been on a rampage all day.

Yeah, yeah... for this child I have prayed. And I am grateful. I am also grumpy. So there you go.

In other news, Thanksgiving was great. And we have 6 house possibilities... most with hardwood floors and fireplaces which is SO exciting.

Maybe I will eat now. Maybe Toby will take a nap. And maybe I'll find a million dollars.

Sorry, Josharoo. Your queries did not make the cut.

So we listed the Corolla on Craigslist... and immediately received 50 bazillion (with a "b") calls. And then these guys came and then we couldn't find the title. So all of us went to the tax office. Who said, the bank never gave us the title. To the bank, who said, the tax office are the ones and so on. So we're driving the poor buyer around everywhere trying to get our ducks in a row. Now, I am finally home and Richy and the guy are driving somewhere to do something blahbity blah.

In other news, I am going to be trying out some other blog sites, as many faithful readers have informed me they can no longer comment here... blogger has thrown them out. But first, go over to my picture blog and see if it lets you pariahs comment over there. That will be experiment ONE. Stay tuned!

I am in charge of the housing search. You gotta be keeding me. I have to find a house to rent via the web. And pick it. Pick a list of 10, actually. And google map them to their proximity to the House of Prayer. And make some kind of plan involving calling realtors and arranging for them to meet the MOG on his 24 hour jaunt to KC.

This is flipping me out. I know I will pick all lemons, and he will fly all the way there and be like... "WHAT was she thinking?" And the realtors will be like, "Here's a place for 50 million dollars. All we got. Sorry." And so on.

I could do an apartment, easy. But we don't want an apartment. We have a recording studio in our bedroom. Not prime tenants, we.

So... I booked a flight. Found a couple places. Now I need a break. Maybe we'll go buy some Magic Undies for the Tobes.

Dame Smartypants was thrilled with the response for last weeks column. Well, thrilled with the questions. The response... not so much. BUT! excellent questions. Please submit your best and brightest today through Monday morning!

for a letter from Richy (the bigger one)

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The Official on the Clarks Move

To our MCF family,

First of all, please forgive me for not writing an official letter sooner. I want to fill you in on all the exciting things that are happening with our family for ’08. I’m going to state these things from a very personal level, as I hope to answer some of the questions I’ve heard regarding these changes.

As many of you know, Jess and I lost our twins in 2004. Up until that time, I was fairly familiar with having a strong direction for my life in ministry, having served locally as a youth leader, then launching out with Radiant Ministry. After 2004, we felt God re-arranging things in our lives. We were to slow things down with Radiant and focus locally for a season, while still taking some ministry opportunities abroad. We helped with several prayer initiatives, and spent a year doing the Rad Rev outreach at Sanctuary Church. I am very encouraged to see the Holy Spirit emphasizing prayer through MCF, and am personally confident that many things have been set in place, by God, for a sustained manifestation of Himself in Montgomery Co! (as the Lord would have it) Also, Charles has launched his Friday outreach at Sanctuary to the college age, which is going well, and giving many young people an opportunity to serve and grow in their walks with God.

For the last few years, I’ve been receiving many words and dreams regarding the Lord bringing us through a season of discipline and training, for future ministry. Much of these past 3 years have been that, including 1 year spent back in the “normal” workforce! Jess and I have been through, what many ministers know as, a “stripping process.” This is where we get to see what we are made of! Not fun, but necessary for all of us who want to go strong for God!

Hos. 6:1-3 says,
“Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight.
Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain…”

The third day (year) is here for Jess and I, it’s resurrection time! I believe the Lord has knit our hearts together with the MCF congregations through all of these trials Jess and I have been through,. The prayer support of our church family has been an exceedingly great comfort and I believe will bear much fruit for the kingdom through our lives and our children! I have learned a lot about leaning and being carried these last few years. This is true “body life,” as the Scripture states ”bearing one another's burdens.” I do not believe this bond has to change, no matter what venture our Father has for the Clark family, and I hope to stay knit together in love.
During our trip to Nashville 7/7/7, Jess and I felt strongly impressed to spend a season in Kansas City, with the IHOP and Call ministries. This truly came as a “left field” impression, and was confirmed by several influential people in our lives, even during the trip. Looking back, Jess discovered multiple dreams in my dream journal about a time in Kansas City, including one she had. (Though I’ve always interpreted them differently, as many times man does.) After a few weeks of prayer and some counsel, …and a few more dreams during this time; we made the decision to go with, what we are convinced, is God’s plan for a season. We view this as not only a special ministry assignment, but a time for Jess and I to get “filled” with the heart and vision God has for our lives. (We’ve been torn, but now comes the rain) We will be serving this season as missionaries in the house of prayer, and volunteering our time to the Call as well. This is a very uncomfortable place for me, as I am familiar with a full time worship / preaching ministry, but not this! I could see God, if He wills, using our time in KC to even bless Montgomery County! Oh God is so much bigger than us! Jess and I will be raising $2000.00 in monthly support beginning in December. We would love for our friends and family to partner with us for God’s kingdom purposes.

Trials tend to cause the natural man to recoil into himself. I feel like our church family has been so gracious to us during this great season of trial. “Each man’s work will be tested by fire.” I know by the grace of God that he is making us into humble, selfless servants who will live every moment in love. May His kingdom come! “We will all be changed!”

- Richy Clark and family
--
We are starting a new prayer and financial support page under
http://www.richyclark.com which will have updates and online support!

Also, I excited about our new CD! Check out a sample at http://www.radiantworship.com Much love -R

YAY! Fast internet.... zoooom
zoom
zoom

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We moved into the new place Sunday. Unbelievable. We threw away and donated a 1 car garage full of stuff. And we still have too much for this apartment and almost half of Rob's garage. What is all this stuff? And why, when I look around, do I need all of it? Do you know what I mean? It's not like I can readily spot superflous belongings. It's all my stuff. And I want it.

And then this other part of me wants to just leave everything and start from scratch. But that costs money... I mean, we'd have to buy more couches and dishes and shoes... and DVDs and paper and instruments.

What do we really need anyway? When did I become dependent on SO much?? Just percolating.

---

So anyway, last night was Simplify's 80's party. We were awesome, but I can't upload pics yet. This is a cute little apartment. I like it. It's funny thinking we'll only be here 3 months. Kinda makes it a hotel. Kinda.

using a tiny little hijacked signal here... my real internet should be hooked up later today... we're in the new apartment....
it was a LOT of work to get here, and I still have far too many material posessions.
More on that later. Just checking in!

Our house is getting empty. We sold a fridge, and Rags to Riches just picked up half a box truck full of furniture and clothes and toys.
This is starting to sink in.

I just want to get rid of so much... start over, in a sense. But you know, starting over takes cash. So I have to kinda PC my way through, startup, crash, defrag. And so on.

This is going to be an interesting season. Not easy, necessarily. Is there an easy season? Maybe grace-filled... but nothing seems easy.

Now, I shall make a gourmet lunch of mac and cheese and hot dogs, which we will sit on the floor and eat, as I donated the table.

Yesterday we went all around the world. That is, to the library and LaPalma and the paint store and etc etc etc. Oh, and to R2's horseriding.
Then, when we got home. I put the boys inside the house, and walked back out to get Brynn. Slam! And that quickly... they locked me out.

So here I am.... 190 degrees outside with no cell phone or keys and two happy little boys inside. At least Bean was with me. I knocked to no avail... looking in the window, no boys in sight. I figured they were either upstairs chewing on electrical wires or downstairs in the kitchen playing drums with steak knives (it's not unlikely, I'm just saying).

So I knock some more and finally go next door to my neighbor Fabio's house. Yes, that is his name, and no, he is not. So I call the MOG and go sit on my porch. And then I try ringing the doorbell a LOT and knocking very loudly. And eventually I see a little fuzzy blonde head coming down the stairs. So I am yelling through the door, open and so on (you know) and he is giggling and shaking the doorknob but he has no clue what I'm talking about.

So Bean and I go back to our lawn chair. Soon, Fuzzy is joined by his brother, Bad Mischievious, who bangs on the window and yells cheerful things to me. He also shakes the doorknob, and knocks on the door a little. Very helpful. And then he climbs up on the windowsill with a firm grip on the wood blinds I don't want to have to pay for. But really, I'm just happy he is where I can see him.

Soon, Daddy comes home and opens the door, which is very exciting to everyone for a variety of reasons. Then he goes back to work and the boys are very mad at me for closing the door so they can't go with him.
Whew.

Today, I'm packing. Toby is being quite helpful by taking things out of boxes and putting them in other boxes.

Mama PC said...

how long can an animal go without being fed by the owner?

Of course, this answer depends on the animal and the culture/climate in which it is raised. To use the vernacular of the locals, "It ain't gone starve, There's crickets and little critters for 'em."



josharoo said...

What animal is the most populous in the whole world?

That would be the famed "party animal". In all the world population and even amidst unreached people groups, the mammalis fiesta can be found. In some remote corners of the earth, you can locate one imbibing fermented coan'ituzi juice and dancing wildly with no pants. Here locally, the party animal subsists on fermented barley.



Viking Granny :0) said...

Dear Ms. Smarty Pants

What would a person do who really needs animal advice and the only one offering it has experteezze in the field of siameeze fighting fish?

My dear reader, one does not have to BE a woodchuck to know how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood. Google.



Viking Granny :0) said...

Dear Ms sp......

Knock Knock is lonely........

his little face is so sad each morning when he is being left alone..

I pet him everyday......walk with him occasionally and play ball every single dad gum day.....and offer him grandkids at least once a week.......

What can I do to make a happier Knock Knock?

Considering that Knock Knock has already been emasculated, there is probably little in the world that could cheer him up. Perhaps you should get him a cat.

In other news, Toby is working for the man now...











In other, other news, I am moving on Sunday. Which will make THREE Sundays in a row we have not been at church. Frist, for the momentous birth of Ruby. Second, because the MOG had to finish mixing the new CD before his studio is packed away for 3 months and I am too lazy unmotivated to go to church alone, and now for the move.

a bevy of Type A's has descended upon my house, to get my proverbial rear in gear. I'll have to blog later.

---

Not getting to it... Smartypants will appear tomorrow!

Only a brave or stupid woman would be blogging with this many little boys in her house... especially since they are all downstairs and I am up. BUT I can hear all their individual little voices and shrieking and the toy laptop and so forth... so here I go.
Lunch of mac and cheese with hot dogs yesterday. Everybody was chowing down except Graceson... he is looking disgruntled. So I say, "Hey- eat your food!" After a few more prompts, he says in an annoyed tone. "I need some ketchup!"
Of course, ketchup.

It was a good day... a few fights broke out. Some definite commandment breaking what with the stealing and coveting and not honoring the Sabbath by taking a nice long nap.
(As I write this, I have been joined by Toby, and R2, and then Graceson informing me that Izzy needs a spanking. Now Izzy has joined us as well. So there you go.)

Our garage is now separated into what the MOG calls "the sheep and the goats", that is, what is to be kept and what is to be donated. We have taken advantage of "large item Thursday" by our trash guys and emptied A LOT into the landfills and such, securing for ourselves our place in the carbon footprint hall of fame. So progress is being made. Slowly.

And I, I am existing. I am relatively happy and at peace. I just feel like I'm speeding past goalposts that might be important but they're already gone. I need to breathe. I need to find the secret place somewhere in here.

So- we made it through storytime, La Palma, and the Talking Tree without Steph having a baby. It just trips me out. All I had to do was, you know, stand up or something and there I was in labor. Normal pregnancies are weird.

My task today is to get all the trash and items-for-donation out of our house. My brain has already fried to a crisp. I don't know where to start. I'm just... stuck. I think I will bag up all the toys (except for a couple) during naptime. And maybe ... see what I mean? STUCK.

My tendency here would be to cook some big meal and read a book and do laundry as a means of avoiding the traffic jam in my head. What I need is a police escort in my brain, who knows where we're going.
Or maybe pack all the useless stuff. Office stuff, books. WInter clothes. Or something.

Pzzzzzt.....crackle

So, about Kansas City--- this is exciting! I know it's weird to have us leaving- but man! It's a prophetic journey. I am excited and nervous about seeing what God is going to do there. I had a dream years ago that leads me to believe this trip will be an awakening for me.
So that's kinda nervousy. I mean. you know how it is when you're almost awake but you're so warm and comfy in your bed and you kind of dread waking up in a few minutes?? It's like that.
Also nervousy- not having the team with us. That will be new and difficult for the MOG. It will be an interesting experiment in marriage.... The plan is 1 year. I'm too much of a homebody to plan being away from the Yablonksis for longer than that.

In other news, yesterday was the first day of the second year of horseriding. The party of the first part, R2, immensely enjoyed himself. The other parties did not take naps. Sheesh.

No new baby Clark yet. Stephanie and I and our broods will be going to La Palma tomorrow. That oughta do it.