Wet behind the ears

Younger son  fell in a dead faint during Bible Study Hour at church on Sunday.  (Later, someone made the observation that among our aging congregation, it was he -- the youngest in the crowd -- who gets the ambulance called on him.  What a distinction that we do not want to repeat!)

He had to be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital's ER. We spent the next 6 hours there. 

view from our car ... waiting to follow the ambulance

good friends commiserate with you

Our email summary to a family member regarding the day's events:  He is on the road to recovery, thank God. It was  surreal hearing the "thud" when he fainted (W who sat next to him on the pew, described it as a graceful slow mo fall to the floor). There was  a split -second when no one in the congregation knew what to do. Finally, dear Connie  broke the ice with her loud cry of the very obvious -- "He fell!"

His music Prof, in response to AJ's email requesting a cancellation of his clarinet lesson because of what had happened, mentioned that strep throat usually makes its rounds during the first weeks of school. Ironically, this made me feel better. It was not neglect nor carelessness on our part after all. Pray that your brother recovers his strength by tomorrow afternoon so that he can get back on track.  We finally found a pharmacy that is open late (another sign of God's care).  He is now on his prescription meds (an antibiotic and a pain reliever), and is in bed.  We are all soooo very tired.  God bless and keep you safe tonight. Avoid getting sick.  Wash your hands often...with soap. We need to keep drumming these words into all of your heads from this day onward. Love, Mom & Dad

Wheaton College: Class of 2020

New students of the Music Conservatory 

Today is the official first day of  Fall 2016 classes at Wheaton College.  New Student Orientation began on August 19, 2016, and here are the stats on the Freshman and Transfer Students: 

2000 college applications submitted

640 students:  591 Freshman, 49 Transfers

48 Nations represented

All states represented;

 Except:  Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, & Utah

27% Illinoians

71% reside outside of Illinois

10% MKs

4% International students

16% US Ethnic Minority

24% Children of alumni

17% Siblings of  students

3% children of WC employees

46% from Public Schools

34% Christian school

7% Private school

12% Home School

35 Conservatory of Music students

56% Female

44% Male

Ages: 17 (our son?) to 21

Class Scripture Passage:  Psalm 107

My dear, brave husband -- thick accent and all (but God's Word will always have free reign) -- shared the verses below during the Parents' Service of Blessing  and Dedication:

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11,12

Closing Program with the Reverend Blackmon

Candied Spiced PECAN Recipe

Here is a recipe for Spiced Pecans from my friend whom I consider a really good cook.  What a great gift idea or snack for Christmas, birthdays, any celebrations:

Candied Spiced Pecans

1 egg white 

1 Tbsp water

1/4 Tsp Vanilla

2.5 cups Pecans

.5 cup Sugar

1 Tsp Cinnamon

.25 Tsp Cloves

.25 Tsp Nutmeg

.75 Tsp Salt

Mix egg white, water, and Vanilla.  Add Pecans and coat.  Add all dry ingredients and stir to coat Pecans.  Place in baking sheet with parchment paper and place each Pecan flat side down.  Bake in pre-heated oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let cool.  Be careful ... very addicting.  Enjoy!

photo credit: RAM, fb

**

Southern California: Huntington Beach

SoCal Vacation 2016, Part 1:   One of our California relatives, when told of our visit to this pretty spot, snootily said that this was a "dirty" beach.  I am glad the kids were not close enough to hear her remark as they would have learned to be complainers just as she is. (Contentment has never been this cousin's strong suit. She must always have the best.  Also, she had recently gotten divorced for a frivolous reason, IMO).  As the pictures below show, our children had a wonderful time.  They know that we do not get these kinds of waves in the Midwest, LoL. Why not simply enjoy themselves?!!

Son, where are your sisters??

Girls ... where is your brother??

carry me on your shoulder, dear Bro

oooops, I think I'm a little tooooo heavy

wheeeeeeee!

here come more waves!