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...

1.30.2012

Life at EcoHouse

Life at EcoHouse has taken some surprising turns. We like to think of ourselves as a little family, complete with references to a mom and a dad (I'm always dad, by the way, although mom isn't necessarily always a woman). And often it does feel like it, with Madalyn, usually 'mom,' and I generally being the ones to keep the house on course and in one piece. Unfortunately our small family's worse for the wear these days; two housemates just broke up after a year, one moved out at the semester, and one has all-but moved into his girlfriend's. We hardly know what to do with ourselves now, my attempts at shepherding the 5 of us in the house are getting considerably more challenging. Probably because Jack's analogy holds: the difference between shepherding sheep and shepherding people is that sheep have been through thousands of years of domestication. So much for Dr. Bob's leadership class and its methods...

Life outside the house is as well as usual. Classes are good (4 of them are philosophy ones), with just two that I don't ever want to go to. I'm on top of things with Philosopher's Corner, getting the next three meetings put together and trying some different things. EcoHouse just launched my project, a ridesharing initiative, to some initial success. I finally met my co-mentor, possibly the highlight of my night.

Even bigger news is that the sun comes up earlier now, something I can keep track of as I adjust the timer that runs my sun lamp every morning. It still sets much too soon, but at least I won't be waking up in the dark for too much longer. My life is typically busy, so I'm not sure what to share here, it works better when people ask me direct questions. Hopefully things are as good for everyone else too.

1.23.2012

News from Edgemoore


It seems like Grandpa and I have spent most of last week at the Drs. office. But today he had his
first tests and they came out o.k. The Dr. said they found ulcers and are treating them with antibiotics but nothing bad.

Tomorrow will be the other test on the lungs. Hopefully it will go more quickly. Today we were there for 4 hours because the Dr got called for an emergency at the hospital.

As you can see on the picture we have some American finches (one of my favorite feathered friends). We had a big flock of them in the yard last week probably ( 20 or 30) just passing thru but about 8 of them decided to stay. Kat and I both spend a lot time watching them!!

Thanks to Andrew for coming over on Saturday to show his pictures from Africa. We really
enjoyed seeing them.

Love you all,
Grandma & Grandpa








1.15.2012

MLK Weekend

Hi Family Far and Near!

One of the Kansas State University traditions around Martin Luther King Day is for there to be a day of service. I'm not sure I will be participating this year as I am needing to prepare for a busy semester.

But I thought it might be nice to be reminded of some quotes of Dr. King.

*A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.

*A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.

*
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.

*It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.

*Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.

He spoke so very eloquently on so many different occasions. Sometimes in the rush of day, we forget about so many different things.

But I think the one we miss most often is the golden rule. Its what I live by. I'm not perfect by any means but it is worth being reminded of anyway.

The Madwoman of Chaillot by Giradoux is my current project. The show opens and plays the first two weekends of February. I am playing the One Man Band and the Sewer Man. Its not a big part but its been just the right amount of commitment for me.

Christmas was delightful. It was a pleasure getting to spend time with all of you.

Best in the New Year!

Love,

Charles

1.14.2012

And the Winner is....

Thanks to everyone for listening to our Best of Givan CD (if someone didn't get one let me know we still have some left.  The winners this year were the Shooks.  Your prize will be delivered soon.

1.  Mister Santa-  Tim
2. Lamb of God-   Tim
3.  An Evening in December -Tim
4. Come Thou Fount- Chris
5. Love has Come - Tim-
6. Light of the Stable - Kate
7. Hope was Born - Auntie
8. This Baby - Kate
9. Mary's Boy Child - Kate
10. God Rest Ye- Auntie
11. Go, Tell it - Auntie
12. The Rebel Jesus -  Kate
13. Angels - Auntie
14. Sleigh Ride - Chris
15. Winter Song - Chris
16. Walking in the air - Tim
17. Last Christmas - Chris

A sneak peek into next year- it will be the Best of the Best.

Love Auntie