Exploring KC

Thank you to all for your prayers. We are finally (sort of) settling into a routine. We are still both looking for jobs, but have some possibilities opening up in the next few weeks. John is really enjoying his classes and his time in the prayer room, and I am starting to get that second trimester energy a little.

Since we have such different schedules, we love getting to catch up on Saturdays, and sometimes get out of the house and explore Kansas City. Here are some pics from some of our outings.

 We discovered an amazing Farmer's Market a couple of weeks ago in an area called City Market. We thought that was great, and THEN, we found the Bloom Baking Company. The guy outside was giving samples, so we tentatively tried one (we're not people to pass up free samples). And surprise surprise!! He studied in France and makes real French pastries. This is me with my Pain Au Chocolat! Only those who have been pregnant and had cravings for things that they cannot get in this country will understand my elation at that pain au chocolat!!

 We tried a Southern fast food chain: Church's Fried Chicken. It was pretty good.

 

A walk along the Missouri river, looking over to Kansas.

 

We were so excited to discover the Chinatown Market so close to home. It carries all the Asian products we've come to love, and it even smells authentic!!

 

John has been wanting Kimchi. I think he feels he aught to have pregnant cravings, too.

  

This afternoon, we enjoyed the fall sunshine by doing some yard work. I raked and John moved. The pictures give you two views of the yard: one from the house, and one toward the house. 

 

 One of the reasons John has been so busy is trying to sell our moving truck and buy me a car. After weeks of searching, testing, and hassles, we finally bought one!! My car's the Toyota on the left, and of course, the good ole' Volvo.

 

And finally, here's a photo update of the baby bump. 18 weeks!! The kid's having a growth spurt!

Our New House in Pictures

 

Well we are getting settled into our cute new house in Kansas City. We've been here almost three weeks, and I am happy to say, we are nearly moved in!! John is about to finish up his second week of classes at IHOPU, and I am at home, unpacking and taking naps (sounds a little unfair, doesn't it?) We'll both be looking for jobs here shortly, but we've enjoyed the time to get acquainted with our neighborhood and the surrounding area. So just so you will all be happy that you're happily settled in your own houses (or apartments), I will show you the mess and the order we've had at 322 Chelsea. Get ready for lots of pics. 

 

Finally got the truck unloaded!

  

We had dinner on our front porch, since the inside of the house looked like this:

 

 Our first COSTCO run

The Kitchen:

Before

 After

 Cute aprons

 First item in the fridge: Grandma's jam!

 The pantry, full of COSTCO items

 

Nikki and me, and books, books, books

 

My tea sets

 And another bookshelf

The Dining Room:

Before

After

 The first item on the wall: Nikki's cross-stitch

Here's the bright lime green couch I found for cheap on Craigslist.

The office:

 

Before

  

During

  

After

 

The Living Room:

The Bedroom:

 

Before

 

After. It felt so official to go buy our first mattress. We went to a furniture store and had lots of fun laying down on all the beds, analyzing their comfort level. We were so excited to get Grandma's wedding quilt back out.

 

Our little prayer corner

 Baby's room: it's not finished yet, but we've got 'til March.

 First load of laundry-- a HUGE upgrade from the bathtub! Gotta love Craigslist.

 

Our scary basement, full of boxes, the new laundry machines, and the cave.

Congratulations!! You've seen the Grand Tour of the House. Thanks for joining us!!

Surprise...

BABY!! God has a special surprise in store for us this summer. We are thrilled to receive an addition to our little family in March 2013!! And in spite of the nausea, we are loving the adventure so far. 

 

 6 weeks pregnant!! Baby is the size of a lentil.

 Celebrating with Dana's parents

 Grandpa and Grandma loved their bibs!!

 7 weeks! We have a little blueberry!

 8 weeks: Sulli is the size of a big raspberry!

 Telling Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan

 

Grandpa S

 

 So excited!

Summertime...

What a summer! We've enjoyed time with family, great summer jobs, and are looking forward to the next chapter. After spending 2 months with Dana's family in Colorado, we are in Washington with John's parents, and will attempt the impossible-looking feat of loading all our worldly possessions into 2 vehicles and head to Kansas City, Missouri, for John to start school at International House of Prayer University (aka IHOPU) on August 16th. Here are some highlights from the summer:

 Memorial Day Hike with the Larsons

 

Beautiful Colorado Day

 

Playing Frisbee with the Larsons... and Reepicheep

 Picnic!

 

 Dinner with Tyler and Melany

 

Dana, and her boys

 Cinnamon Twisp... yum!

John and an awesome plate of Duck Brand Nachos