Being married to an engineer has its perks.

Like surveying equipment.

For small home improvement projects,

such as designing and constructing a drainage ditch.

So really . . . anytime we do something around the house . . .

the kids and I almost always learn something . . .

(you are viewing a theodolite set on a tripod)

Like how you have to rock the meter stick back and forth (I think this is called a beacon). And take the average of the lowest and highest reading.

You learn how to drive an excavator. (Yes, I drove ours for a short distance.)

And quickly realize that they are touchy little guys!

You learn about the flow of water.  And how to divert it.  Divert its habits.  Drive it away from the house.

All so that you can save your basement from flooding.

Spend time with your kids.

And use your money wisely.  Because sometimes you can do it yourself.

But you have to make sacrifices.  Those sacrifices can mean a better vacation next year . . . or daddy working less at the office . . . or not going into debt. 

Thank you Engineer.  You rock.  Even when you are using a diesel excavator at 10:30 PM . . . though I don’t think the neighbors appreciated your handyman expertise at such an hour.

But you acquired hero status in the eyes of your sons.

And a special thanks to Papa for spending the day with us . . .

. . . for Mama watching Gabey and providing some birthday dinner. . .

and lastly, to Naomi . . . for sleeping so well.

Alas . . . we aren’t finished, though. 

There is more dirt to move, gutters to hang (with help from an expert), walls to be cleaned, drywall to be removed and rehung (also with some help), carpeting to be ripped up, and new to follow in its footsteps.

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