The Last Graduate

David graduated this morning: Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Assurance. The 72 BS majors joined the 415 Business school majors for the first of four ceremonies on campus this week. 

The graduates in Convocation Center

Heather and the boys joined us for the ceremony. Luke spent the entire time gazing through the binoculars, which was a good thing because he was happy and quiet.

 David's comments on Facebook today about his accomplishments:

 "So, in four years I got my Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Assurance while working full time in the industry, worked two jobs and/or 75+ hours a week for almost two of those years, had my name published in a book in the acknowledgements section, got my CISSP on the first attempt, and in order to stay sane and do something fun, got my pilot's license. Next up? Hmmm, turn 23? Go to the beach? Watch a movie? I don't know what to do now. Any ideas?"

We're so proud of you, David!

With Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday

...to me!

Big Changes

I {Greta} bought a kiln a couple weeks ago! Yes, one of those dryer sized things that fires clay at temperatures starting at 1800 degrees. I also was offered a wheel two days ago, I just have to arrange for the pick up of said wheel. No, the kiln is not replacing either the heater or the oven in our apartment; nor is the wheel becoming a new side table. Daniel's parents have kindly offered to house both items for us.

Which brings us to the other big change. In August, I am leaving my art teaching job of three years to go into business on my own as a "real" artist! The bowl in the picture is one of the things I will be making to sell {and for the record: no subliminal message about nesting or adding a third little bird to our nest}. I will be selling online, at craft shows, and {if some networking works} at some retail stores! I am so excited!

Moving Day

Friday was Moving Day #1 for David. After work, we filled my van with the first load (all the TV equipment), then he took me over to see his new apartment. We measured and discussed furniture before we hit Ikea. I'm sure Ikea's stock went up that day since David bought almost all of the furniture he needs in one big spree: sofa, dining table, four dining chairs, bed frame, bed slats, and mattress. Amazingly, it all fit in the van, and David's wallet was considerably lighter.

The Professor and Jared met us at the apartment for unloading and a grand furniture-putting-together party. We finished up just before 2:00 am, furniture all nicely arranged. 

The Professor has become a pro at snapping all the slats into the bedframe,

while Jared proved himself a pro with the wrench

Jared helped David conquer the dining chairs

On Saturday, David moved all his clothes, as well as his desk and all the computer equipment. I'm sure that took hours to set up. His old room isn't quite clean yet: assorted linens and clothes and unidentifiable objects still sit on the floor.

A coffee table, two more dining chairs, and a night stand will round out the new apartment decor well. And Mom thinks a large piece of art on the wall would be a nice touch too.

Shopping

David gave me a wad of money last night and asked if I would go buy all those things he would need to move into his apartment (except the furniture). I happily obliged - I love spending someone else's money!

First I hit Ikea with Heather and Joyce. We picked up dishes, a few kitchen gadgets, and an ironing board.

Later I stopped by Target and Walmart for assorted gadgets, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. All this I added to the stash I've been accumulating over the past six months or so as I go garage saling.

Most of this is from garage sales

I discovered it really is hard to remember everything you need when you need all of it at once. I had to stop when I ran out of his money.

Goodbye Camry

Early this week we said goodbye to our Camry. It served us well, transporting our college kids to school and work and on all kinds of adventures. With 178,000 miles, it had worked hard. But it still has life in it: We sold it to a friend who is a car mechanic and who expects to own it for many more years. It sold with no effort from us. I simply mentioned on Facebook that we had a Camry for sale; a few minutes later our friend replied. And that was that.

Late last week David bought his own 2012 Accord, now that he has his career job and will be graduating next month.

Easter

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

We enjoyed a beautiful spring day outside on the patio: dinner with the extended family....

...followed by an egg hunt in the shrubbery for the littles...

...followed by an egg hunt all over the back yard for the ADULTS! This is now officially a tradition since this is the second year in a row that we've had an adult egg hunt. It is wildly popular.