Doctor David

It was a cloudy but very exciting day on the Purdue campus, and we were thrilled and proud to attend David's graduation. It's not every day that someone earns a PhD. in Chemistry. Such a smarty.

Another view of the bell tower.

My ticket. I thought the parents of the PhD. candidates should really get reserved seating in the front center section, but all this got us was the balcony. Waaaaay upstairs.

Our view of the stage.

His name was projected on the big screen, along with the name of his professor, Dr. McMillin, who hooded him. His name was also announced by the public orator. Isn't that a cool sounding job?

"David John Stewart, hooded by Professor David McMillin."

The photos are the best I could do from the second balcony. Or was it the third? Definitely the nose bleed section.

A handshake from President Cordova.

Afterwards, David poses with Dr. McMillin.

And Shylah.

And proud Mom and Dad.

Showing off his fancy hood.

David poses in front of Wetherill Hall. His second home for the last, oh, nine years or so.

And another picture in front of the bell tower.

Then it's off to lunch at McGraw's.

David and Shylah will be heading to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where David will be doing post doctoral work in the chemistry department. They will be a little black and gold speck in a sea of blue out there.

We toasted the doctor with champagne all around.

We were joined for lunch by David's two professors and their wives. Dr. Margerum is on the right, and Dr. McMillin on the left. David started working with Dr. Margerum until his retirement, and then was passed along to Dr. McMillin. They have both been great mentors for David, and instrumental in his successful academic career. We are thankful for the blessing they have been to him.

We had to get a shot of the whole family.

Haleigh was good as gold. Such a happy girl!

Of course we got a shot of the sibs.

Being silly with his hood.

And just for fun, I thought I would post a picture from David's undergrad commencement, in 2005. Wow. Aren't they cute?

Here Comes the Rain

Saturday at the lake in hopes of doing a little cleaning, a little yard work, and relaxing with a boat ride.

There were boats out in the morning, but before long...

there were raindrops falling.

And a little wind blowing.

All the beautiful trees produce a LOT of leaves on the ground. Jim spent some time raking

and then burning the leaves. Yes open burning is allowed at the lake. Do you know how hard it is to keep a leaf fire going in the rain?

So here is the redneck leaf burner

using the leaf blower to fan the flames. You might be a redneck.....

Photo Finish

Jennifer and I finished our photo class last week. We had fun, and learned about the settings on our cameras. It just seems like a lot of math for me, and I'm afraid I will go back to using the green auto setting when I'm in a hurry. Hopefully, with practice, I will get better.

We did learn about some fun techniques, and had homework assignments designed to allow us to try them out. This first one shows panning, when you follow a moving object with the camera so that the object is sharp, while the background is blurry. I tried it with a tractor, but it wasn't moving fast enough. This truck worked pretty well. I think the driver might have been texting.

This one is called zoom blur. I thought Gumbo looked cute this way. Elmo too.

We also learned about depth of field. I took this photo at the park during our class.

This one is at home while they were loading grain. Or something.

This is a picture of the old pump by the barn.

Our teacher, Sarah, is a wedding photographer. She and her partner have a business called LinneaLiz Photography. She is also an instructor for Indy Photo Coach. The class was fun, relaxed, and affordable, and I would recommend it. They offer several different classes, as well as private instruction. Jennifer will be ready for the next level, but I may need to repeat the fundamentals class. Fundamentals for old folks!

Some Assembly Required

The new sofa from IKEA went to the lake for assembly. There really was a sofa in those boxes! It just didn't look like one at first. After carrying the pieces into the house, we took a look at the directions and got started. Jim and Shylah begin with the bottom of the sofa.

The cushions were in a pile waiting for the covers.

Shylah and Jim attach the arms.

Shylah's side is about finished.

Jim was a little slower.

So Shylah give him some pointers.

When the sofa was done, David and Shylah started on the coffee table.

We discovered the TV would fit perfectly on the mantel. It made arranging the room so much easier.

Good thing Shylah was there, or we might not have gotten any of the assembly done. Of course, David was just a wee bit tired after running 13 miles in the mini marathon. Way to go, David! (and Jennifer too!)

Assembly all done, and room all arranged. I like it!

IKEA is Hard Work!

I went on a little outing to IKEA yesterday, in West Chester, Ohio, near Cincinnati. I decided that for shopping at IKEA, you really need another person with you. Or four. Preferably strong boys. I know where to find some, I'll just have to remember to take them with me next time. :)

I was looking for a sofa, and decided on this one. Except in blue, like the ottoman.

I really like this table, and will probably have to go back and get it. With the aforementioned strong boys.

Chairs to match.

Here is my little cart. The box has a coffee table inside.

Here is the loaded van. Doesn't look like a sofa, does it?

This cute couple had been working for at least 30 minutes on loading their purchases. They were still working when I left. Hope they got the puzzle figured out.

As I was pulling out, I noticed an area for bike parking. Who rides a bike to IKEA? Seriously.

Driving home from Cincinnati always gives us the opportunity to see the sunset. Sunglasses required.

Now if I can just find some strong boys to help with unloading and assembly, I'll be all set!

Haiti on my Mind

Jamalyn is in Haiti this week, and I have been holding her close in prayer. She is a brave one for sure. I will also be sharing my experiences in Haiti with a group tomorrow, and I've been thinking of our friends in Fondwa as I prepare my program.

This is a video of Sister Carmelle speaking about life following the earthquake. Sister Carmelle, along with Sister Simone, are the ones who oversee the school and the orphanage in Fondwa. They, along with several other sisters, lived in the guest house before it was destroyed. I had the honor of hosting Sisters Simone and Carmelle for dinner in our home on one of their visits to the States. The video shows where the children from the orphanage are currently living. There are approximately 50 children, a group of sisters, and several neighbors living together in these tin and tarp structures, and some tents. Jamalyn and her group will be staying with them this week too.

Please pray for hope and healing as they begin the process of rebuilding their community.

I Remember...

This is for all those sweet young moms out there, and for those of us who remember those days. Very well.