Meet Molly

Molly came to live with us about 3 weeks ago,  She is 3 years old and made herself right at home.
She came from the shelter and they listed her as a stray.  We think she was someones pet at one
time as she is very attached to the kitchen!  I think a diet will be in order soon as she never quits
eating.

For those of you not in Kansas the weather right now is very "unusual".  The temps are in
the 30's one day and the 60's the next day.  Surely it won't be long till spring now.  At least
we are seeing signs already.             The earthquake on Saturday (5.1) was the first one we
felt at our house and Grandpa could feel his chair shaking.

Last week I got to visit  the Rivers family and hold Emily.  She is so precious and tiny. I
always forget how tiny babies are.  Grandpa will be going this week.

And last of all one more picture of Molly.  It didn't take her long to discover this:

Buying a Home in NYC

We began the search for the possibility of buying a home probably three years ago now when Tanya first decided to sell the home in Brooklyn. It was unrealistic then for us to make the purchase, but was obvious that it was actually something that we might be able to achieve. We had though this to be an impossible task before that moment and were sure we would be renters for life so it was quite the discovery!

This year we began the serious search. Late May, early June we started the process and had been in search of a home over the summer, going to many open houses in our neighborhoods which is where we had decided we would like to be. Then, the day before Allegiance opened, we found this wonderful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom place just up the island about 10 blocks from where we currently are. We put in an offer, it was accepted and the ball was rolling!

In New York, the ball rolls really slowly. It can take 90-120 days to purchase a place. So, we are not official owners yet, but we are in the final phase toward owning. We are purchasing in a co-op so we have a board approval step to go through as our very last step before closing. It could still go awry so we are keeping our fingers crossed, sending out lots of good prayers and waiting as patiently as we can. 

Hopefully, by the end of February, beginning of March, we will officially be able to introduce you to our new home. In the meantime, here are a few pictures...

entry way to 5C

the foyer: looking back to the entry and in to the kitchen

looking in to the living room from the foyer

the kitchen

the rest of the kitchen

the hallway: 2nd bedroom straight ahead, bath to the left, master bedroom to the right

bathroom

2nd bedroom

master bedroom

looking in to the master bathroom

Hope you are staying warm, healthy and happy! Lots of Love ~ Mary and Kurtis

Happy Kansas Day to one and all:

For some reason, theme based events just really appeal to me.  Think of all those somewhat unusual theme birthday parties the children and Tim experienced-many probably more fun for me than them.  Although, our Kansas Day celebration was not as glamorous and exciting as Caleb’s we tried.  First off work-work has been a trial.  (see Chris’ last post).  In order to improve overall building morale some of us planned a Kansas Day celebration.  Here are a few pictures. 

Sunflower pens to use at the Box Office

My attempt to make decorated sunflower cookies.  I don't think I'll do it again:)  Kudos to those of you who do cakes and etc.

Table decorations with cookies at work.  Think the napkins made the cookies look better.

  We had lots of food and it did seem to raise spirits.  We continued the party for family dinner.  I told them we needed a picture but assured them no one had to look directly at the camera!  

Family Dinner Kansas Day 2016

January has passed fairly uneventful.  Early in January we celebrated a friend’s 100^th birthday.  She used to tell me that January was her favorite month as it was a time to regroup and enjoy the quiet.  I think she told me that once when I was complaining how I dislike January.  It actually helped and I try really hard to see it that way.  So our regrouping has included actually getting a wall paper border up in the kitchen I had on hand for a year (that was more toward the end of December) and caulking the bathtub.  That was an adventure.  No one told me just because you quit squeezing the tube the stuff does not necessarily stop. 

Kitchen border-it's important to notice the pigs because

I needed a reason to hang up all my wonderful pig things I've been collecting.  It looks rather wild in the picture but it is fun.

My project I’m working on now is cleaning Tim’s desk and various papers up.  He is about to go off the board of Cause for Paws so that will decrease the amount of paper around the house.  We are finishing January up by going to the Cause for Paws auction fundraiser.  Gus is a king candidate and will be wearing a tux.  His tux will then be saved for the WEDDING EVENTS.  Yes, the Givans are actually having wedding events, thanks to Theresa and Chris.  August seems to be the time and details will be shared when we know more.  Theresa celebrated the holidays with us and that didn’t seem to scare her off so that’s good.  We really enjoy her. 

Kate’s plans for 2016 include a trip to Disney World-yes she and Gus will be travelling.  She will be going around her birthday with her friend Adam and his mom and another friend.  They are driving out and back.  She’s really excited about it.  Tim and I will be at home taking care of the various 4 legged friends.

Now to leave you with some random Kansas facts.

At one time it was against the law to serve ice cream on cherry pie.

If you are going to cross a highway in Kansas at night you are required to wear headlights. (this cracks me up)

Catching fish with your bare hands is illegal in Kansas.  (I’m sure everyone reading this is really disappointed by that one.)

In closing special thanks to Kansasan Omar Knedlik of Coffeyville who invented the first frozen carbonated drink machine in 1961.  I’m hooked (once again) on icees.

My stress drink of choice., also my happy drink, sad drink and whatever reason I think of to have one:)

Love Auntie and Tim

Celebrations for Winter!

 With winter has come lots of fun celebrations, that we have enjoyed with family!  My school work is still the same and some days you just wonder....:)  Randy is traveling again through the week and usually home on the weekends.  He did get a break this week by being home for three extra days - yeah!  We enjoyed a trip to Mary and Kurtis's with Charles January 1-4.  It was nice to see their new place they are looking to buy and Mary's show, Allegiance.  The show was well done but was hard to watch at times as history showed the US did not treat the Japanese people well at all.  Here are a few of the many celebrations we have enjoyed since last we wrote.

Not sure this was enjoyed but an interesting adventure at our house! Nov. 30, 2015

Olivia's 5th birthday cake - Nov. 21, 2015

Kinley's 3rd birthday celebration - Dec. 12, 2015

Adelynn's pre-school program. Dec. 18, 2015
We also enjoyed Olivia's on Dec. 11th but I forgot my camera. :(

Family gift exchange at Grandma and Grandpa's Dec. 20, 2015

Our live Xmas tree!

Christmas Day dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Mary and Kurtis in front of the entrance to their new place.

Enjoying the park not far from their new place.
Wonderful view and lots of fun in the warmer weather.

Mary and I always enjoy a picture by the famous Little Red Lighthouse.
If you haven't read the book you can borrow mine.

In front of the theater where Allegiance is playing.

The granddaughters on Olivia's birthday.  They are all very special and so much fun.
 We anxiously await the two new grandchildren!