Hello everyone,

As I believe you are probably are all aware Tyson and I are all engaged. He asked me on April 3rd with the help of all five dogs.

Gus delivered a note Tyson had written (a new task/trick we had been working on and I had not suspected anything to do with engagement or marriage), Lauren had the ring attached to her collar and Clark, Barnabas and Clifford wore bandannas that said "Will you marry Dad please?".

As I think you all know (at least I hope our save the dates e-vites worked :D ) we are getting married on November 4th at the Hesston Arboretum. The ceremony is going to small. It's just going to be our two family's and two friends each. My therapist, Dr. Beth, is going to be our officiant. So for those of you who have yet to meet her you will get the privilege at the wedding!

My bridemaids will be my good friend from Chicago, Katie, and of course Theresa. Tyson has asked a friend from middle school and a friend from college to be his groommen. Gus is going to walk me down the aisle (with my father) and stand with me at the alter and Lauren will be standing with Tyson at the alter. Barnabas and Clark are going to be our ushers (with help of course. :D). Clifford will be staying home because of his anxiety unfortunately.

I found my dress surprisingly quickly. Mother, Theresa and I just went to look at dresses and I ended up deciding I wanted the second one I tried on. I'm very excited about it. Right now our colors are navy and burgundy. Our flowers are going to be mostly sunflowers. We will have a light supper after the wedding. My main goal is for it to be casual and relaxed. I want the day to be special and having family there is most important to me.

In other news, Tyson and I were featured in a story in the HutchNews. It was supposed to be a story about our dog training business however as soon as the reporter heard about how Tyson and I met I had a feeling the story was going to be different and it was....as you can see if you click on the link.

Finally, Tyson and I are in the process of purchasing a house. There are more inspections to be done and we won't know for sure until we finally close in August but here is the link to the listing (the pending offer is us!!!). It is right across from the library children's department. The inside is hardwood floors and has original light fixtures, wood working and many other antique features. It's in great shape and we are excited and nervous for the next few weeks.

Here are a few pictures from our engagement!

April 3rd

Lauren with her sunflower collar that she wore to deliver the ring and Gus with his special bandanna

Will You Marry Dad Please? - You'd be amazed at how long this photo took to get.

The ring Tyson picked out with help from Theresa

Almost Summer

Here it is almost summer and our turn to write again.
Needless to say I don't like the hot weather but we had
some beautiful spring days with fun things going on.

Some of you haven't seen our new pet.  His name
is Max.  He is an interesting fellow and seems to be
adjusting to his new home quite well.  Loves to sit on the
back of the couch and check out the neighborhood when
he isn't looking after Grandpa and I.

Pam and I have a little garden again.  We put up a plastic fence
early so no critters would eat it but the rabbits decided to chew their
way in.  Now we have added wire and it seems to be safe.

For Mothers Day we went to the Zoo here in Hutch.  I still love
going to the zoo.  It was a fun evening ending with supper here.

An early Fathers Day supper and fishing at the pasture had to be
moved here because of the heat and high winds.  Maybe in the
fall we will try again to go fishing.

Happy Summer to everyone

The Social Givan’s –Unheard of…..

Yes, it seems that we have actually been socializing in the past few weeks.  In early May, Judi (Tim’s sister) was in town followed by a couple weeks later her daughter Rachel.  Of course, we had the Janssen reunion which is great fun.

  In a rare move of nostalgia I attended my 35 College reunion at St John’s campus.  There were only 5 of us from the class of 1982 but 40 from the class of 1967.  The oldest class represented was from 1947.  I soon realized why I hung out with those that weren’t in my class.  I think I want to be adopted by the class of ’67.  They were having a great time.

Meyer Hall Chapel

A shot of the balcony.  It seems strange not to see Oscar the Organ up there.

Chatting with Wally Behorst- I think he knew who I was.

Baden Hall-home to Handbell Choir

In between the above, Jeni came through 3 times as she is moving her mom to an assisted living facility.  It is always good to see her.  She will probably be back a couple of more times this summer and hopes to have Rusty along.

Up next is a visit from Tim’s other sister, Jane.

And if I’m ever feeling lonely, there is always the 20+ counselors I’m scheduling at work.  I’ll just schedule them to come in for a chat if I get lonely.  

Sometime soon, Pamey and I will be bringing back the puppets to use at the new Early Learning Center (ELC) at church.  One character will be Elcee (named for the ELC) and she sees things.  Our other character is ORaL Rabbit for (Our Redeemer Lutheran or ORL).  Here’s a sneak preview:

My name is Elcee and I see you and you and you.

My name is Elcee and God loves you and you and you.

So shout Amen and clap your hands

And know God’s love is grand.

Have a super summer.

Hello from the Shooks

We are glad to have finished the school year.  Tim is completing missed piano lessons for his students, making the final preparations for the Southwestern summer camp and doing employee searches for 2 positions for the fall.  There is one in the theater area and they were granted a new "facilities manager" to oversee scheduling and upkeep for the various performing spaces.

Vicki continues to work at the insurance office, does an occasional evening at the Community Crises Center, play the organ, and tend the yard.  I have no vegetable garden this year.  It needs to be moved to a more sunny area. We did have very pretty iris again.

Samuel continues to play for shows with a couple of different bands.  He has good days and bad days but more good than bad:)  He did well staying by himself and watching the animals while we went to Chicago.

Speaking of Chicago😊Our biggest news is being grandparents.  Hopefully Andrew and Katie don't mind us posting a picture!

A note for Erik.  He is still working at the YMCA in ElDorado.  And doing Ultimate two nights a week.  The summer league plays in Derby on Thursdays.  The Wichita club team is called IMPACT and they practice on Tuesday nights.  Erik is one of the captains for both organizations.

Have a great summer!