Babysitter Brag

Macy has the best babysitters! Ever since I went back to work over a year and a half ago, I have NEVER once worried about Macy. She has ALWAYS loved going, and in fact when Chris and I have time off and watch her ourselves, I think she gets bored with us. It’s no wonder she loves to go though. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday she goes to Erin’s. Erin has been her babysitter from the start and a huge blessing to our family. Macy took to her right away (at the time she was only 15 months), as well as Erin’s two daughters, Hannah and Abby. Pretty sure one of Macy’s first words was Abby! It has been so nice for her to be around older girls and learn from them. Plus, they love her too. Erin’s girls are both in school, so when Macy stays with them, she sees them in the morning, and then gets the full attention of Erin. They shop, go to the park, play with friends, and have a great time together.

Here’s a photo Erin sent of Macy at Old Navy. She was so excited to find Dora and Boots, but super good about putting them back when they left.

On Tuesday and Thursday Macy goes to Ethan’s. Ethan is a year older than Macy and they have been friends for a while. We have been family friends with Ethan’s parents, Mike and Hillary, since we were first married. Macy loves to play with Ethan, and his toys, and his little sister, baby Jaye. Macy also learns good behaviors from Ethan (probably some crazy antics too, but that’s the fun of being a kid).

Macy and Ethan chillin’ in the backyard.

And then, to top it all off, we even have an awesome back-up babysitter. Megan lives down the street from us and has four kids. Her youngest, Trey, is a month younger than Macy. The three older girls also LOVE to have Macy come. I’m pretty sure Megan doesn't have to do much as Macy, Trey, and Tory (only a year older than Macy) play so well together. Macy went there last week and spent the whole morning outside, going on walks, playing with friends at the park, and playing on their backyard trampoline. I had to force her to come home, and it was a battle!

Macy and Trey playing back in January.

Working has been a blessing to our family. It has given me something more to do and really stretch myself, as well as kept me sane at times (although, teaching adolescents also makes me go insane...), it helped us through Chris’ last year of school, and has given us opportunities we might not have had. I am so grateful that I can work, and have the great hours, and job that I do have, and even more grateful for wonderful babysitters!

The One Ring

Upon graduating as an engineer in Canada you may choose to join their secret society... Ok, so maybe it isn’t actually a secret society, but it felt close to joining one. While trying to figure out how I would explain it, I turned to the all-knowing Wikipedia, and this is what it has to say:

"The Iron Ring, sometimes also known as a Steel Ring, is a ring worn by many Canadian-trained engineers, as a symbol and reminder of the obligations and ethics associated with their profession. From a concept originated in 1922, the ring is presented to graduates in a closed ceremony known as The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer, developed with the assistance of English poet Rudyard Kipling (The author of The Jungle Book). Accepting the ring is not a mandatory prerequisite to becoming a Professional Engineer, but is instead worn as a constant reminder to graduates of their responsibility to the public."

Anyway, we attended Chris’ Iron Ring Ceremony at the beginning of April.

 Our good friend Desiree, her husband was also there, and Diana, and Kevin Lamont.

 These are the iron chains that the engineers hold onto as they pledge to uphold their obligations and ethical standards as engineers (they are actual chains that were used to survey the Canadian Pacific Railroad). The whole thing is pretty similar to the Hippocratic Oath that medical doctors take.

We weren't allowed to take photos during the ceremony, but basically all the engineers come in, stand in long lines, say their pledge. Words are said, a poem is read, and they get their ring, to wear on the pinkie finger of their working hand.

 After the ceremony with Daley and Desiree.

Mischief Macy

These are from a while back. Macy was supposed to be in quiet time in her room, while I was having a quiet time of my own. Should've been paying more attention, cause when Chris came home he found Macy has been busy doing her nails!

 Not too bad a job..who doesn't get a little on their skin?!

 This one is from just last week when I was taking Chris' first day of work picture. Macy wanted her own picture.

Grass Fire!

April was full of precipitation (and sadly most of it was snow), however the last week and half has actually been sunny and hot. A little too hot and dry though. I came home from work this afternoon to find fire trucks and fire fighters dousing a grass fire just down the street. I could even see the flames. We live behind the train tracks, and sparks must have set the grass and weeds on fire.

 This is me standing on our back deck. That is how close this was. You can see two firemen with their hoses. There were lots more.

The fire trucks in front of our house.

I am sure thankful for these fire fighters! 

And in case you were wondering, Macy still can't pronounce the 'T' in truck was super excited and wanted to see the real fire *ucks. 

First Day

Yesterday was Chris' first day of full-time work at Associated Engineering. He doesn't look it here, but he was excited, and even more excited when he came home. It was a great first day.

We miss him at home, but are so excited and so proud of him!