This blog has been created by and for the Kinast Family. As we begin to grow and branch out, we thought it might be fun to create a place where we could learn and share about one another. In this blog, you will hear stories about funny situations we have been in, current status on family, things that have helped us to grow as people and other positive impacts that we have each experienced in our lives. So, sit back, take a few moments to relax, and learn about those you love who will always love and support you in your life...

1.28.2013

Some Musings from Denver

Greetings Family!

I'm taking a break from my job search to write a post.   I hope this post finds you well and in good spirits and health.

For those of you who are catching up on Charles, not a whole lot has changed here.  I finished a ski adventure early in January with Mary, Kurtis and Dad.  I've had both Mom and Dad as house guests since the middle of the month.  Dad was here for work and stayed with me.  Mom decided to come visiting over MLK Jr. weekend.  Both were good times and I got to spend a lot of time with Mom and Dad.

After I dropped Mom at the airport last Monday (seems like its been longer than a week), I headed to do some temp work with a friend of mine.  He's an accountant and was being buried by files even though he had an assistant.  I basically did a lot of filing and helped to organize files and their work room.  It wasn't very glamorous work but hey, it kept me busy.

For those of you who aren't aware, my internship with Curious Theatre Company ended early in December.  It was disappointing for it to end so early but it did let me spend a lot of time home at the holidays.  I treasure that time with everyone.

So after I got back from my X-MAS break adventure, I applied to several different positions both in the Denver area and in Florida and California. Haven't heard back from any of the places yet, but I'll just keep swimming and applying in the mean time.

A poem seems appropriate to end this post.  It really describes where I'm at right now.  Thinking of all of you!


The Road Not Taken

BY ROBERT FROST
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.


Take the path less traveled.  It makes all the difference.

1.16.2013

Almost Missed It

Whew!!! Glad I was taking the time to look around at the different blogs that I read today and wondered why this one was looking so empty. That would be, because it is the Rutherford's turn to post!

It has been a whirlwind of a fall for us. From mid-October on we spent very little time together as we worked fairly opposite schedules and had no days off together from the Hurricane Sandy up until Christmas Day. Yikes! Of course, we are super thankful for having consistent work so, not complaining, just saying.

We had a delightful trip back to KS at the beginning of the year where I believe that we caught up with pretty much everyone for several hours at a time. At least, I feel updated on everyone's lives and hopefully you feel the same about ours. From KS, we took off toward Colorado and enjoyed some ski time with Dad and Charles. This was a great little get away and we got up to speed pretty quickly while taking the laid back approach too!

Now, back to the grindstone, with Kurtis back in at Cedar Lake and myself out searching for some additional work. I will still be swinging at Jersey Boys, but there isn't quite enough there to create a full time job. As soon as I say that, though, we have people leaving the show, new ones coming in that will need costumes adjusted and I've got a bit of work coming from Cedar Lake too. My jobs are constantly changing and moving around. Keeps things interesting!

On a personal level, we are still brewing beer, doing yoga, beginning to think about what's going in the garden and started making cheese this past weekend. Next step, root beer and guitar. If we get that far...

Included are a few pictures from our time at the beginning of the year. Enjoy!
Love,
Mary and Kurtis






1.06.2013

Christmas Fun!

Adelynn in her Christmas dress.

Grandma and Grandpa

Sarah, Olivia and Kinley

Helping Great-Grandma pass out the presents and numbers.

Uncle Charles having fun with the girls.

More fun

Olivia trying out the sled with the bears.

December 26, 2012-Olivia, Kinley, and Adelynn.  What a blessing!


1.05.2013

Happy New Year


Happy New Year Family:
The Givan household had a great Christmas.  Kate was home for the first time in 4 years for the holidays.  We enjoyed doing Streets of Bethlehem together.  Uncle Tim actually made a rather scary Roman soldier.  I was a guide and Kate and Benny ushered.  We are all looking forward to doing it again next year.  Chris arrived home on December 18 and we have been doing many family things.  Granmom joined us for a week around Christmas Day. It was good to spend some time with her also.  Christmas dinner was held at Kate’s new place with Grandma and Grandpa joining us.  It was a very nice time.  Our New Year’s Eve was really rockin.  We watched Disney movies, tasted strawberry daiquiris from Dillons, ate cheese balls and bean dip and toasted the New Year in with sparkling cider.  Since the New Year we have been taking down decorations, cleaning and organizing.  Now for some Christmas items.  First off the Shooks are the winners of guess the Givan CD.  Word on the street is that it was actually “tolerable” this year.  Never fear we are already planning the 2013 CD! 
Givan CD
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year             Chris
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas          Chris
Christmas Wrapping                                              Auntie
We Need a Little Christmas                                  Auntie
My Favorite Time of the Year                               Tim
2000 Miles                                                           Chris
O Come O Come Emmanuel/I wander as I wander           Tim
Leaving Heaven                                                     Kate
The Great Awakening                                            Kate
Mary and Joseph                                                   Kate
It wasn’t his Child                                                  Tim
Rest                                                                       Kate
Easier                                                                    Auntie
Faith of our Fathers                                               Tim
Holy, Holy, Holy                                                  Auntie
Night Before Christmas                                        Tim
Wish you well                                                      Chris
Going Home                                                       Auntie
I believe in Father Christmas                               Chris
To be with You                                                  Kate
I’ll be Home for Christmas                                 Alll

Who had who for 2012 sock exchange
Vicki had Charles
Tim Shook had Kate
James had Auntie (that lucky guy!)
Hannah had David
Andrew had Tim Givan
Erik had Dan
Samuel had Grandpa
Randy had Sarah
Pamey had James
Sarah had Chris
Dan had Kurtis
Olivia had Randy
Mary had Erik
Kurtis had Samuel
Chas had Aunt Vicki
David had Andrew
Cassi had Hannah
Adelynn had Pamey
Grandma had Olivia
Grandpa had Adelynn
Tim G had Tim S
Auntie had Cassi
Kate had Mary
Chris had Grandma

In closing, here are some pictures from the sock exchange.