Lessons from Uncle Brad

Last week we got to have Uncle Brad come and stay with us. We did a little touring around Boston, dodged some raindrops, went bowling, learned about Bank of America and got to join in the excitement of the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup. Caden loved having an uncle/playmate at the house...as you can tell by the video he soaked up everything Uncle Brad taught him.

We love you Uncle Brad!

Edinboro Trip

Bickel kids minus one sister

Bickel boy picnic

Scott (Class of '09) and David

This past week we spent some time in Edinboro, PA. The 9 hour road trip went well, but we might not have to do it again if everyone moves out of the Boro to Arizona before summer's over.
We went for Uncle Scott's graduation and combined graduation party with Aunt Brittany. Lots of Bickels and food in one place made for a fun time. Caden had a blast rotating playmates and David and I got off easy.

Always Something

Well, as most of you know, the Bickels can't go a few months without some news to tell. We're not pregnant, we're not moving again but I (Mandi) will be getting a new job.

It's been almost a month long process (which I really can't complain about considering some people are losing jobs). David found the posting on a Berklee job search site and encouraged me to send my resume and give it a shot. The position is Technical Arts Producer for a local church. It's not the church we currently attend but we've visited it and David has, in the past, worked with my future boss. Crazy right?? Only God could hook up stuff this bizarre.

So I sent my resume, got a call and an interview within a week. I was very early on in the process so the interviewing committee took the time to process more applications and interview several others. And on Memorial Day I finally got word that I was the candidate of choice (!!!!) for this position which will include: audio engineering, stage managing, video editing, overseeing the tech volunteers and working directly with the Music Ministry team.

I get to use my degree and the knowledge I've gained in the past 10 years from volunteering on tech teams and doing anything I could get my hands on for this job-plus learn A LOT in the process and keep up with tech gear. Not only is that part GREAT but I get paid-yay and get to work mostly from home. Can't beat that. Or in my case I'm going to work on the "at home" stuff at my current job because I already have 20 hours a week set aside when I'm up and away from the Cado-mass-distraction. My hours will also include Thursday meeting/rehearsal and Sunday worship times.

I'm sad to be leaving my current church family on Sunday mornings but so grateful for their encouragement and support during this process. And I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. It really couldn't get any better.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

Pop Pop Visit

We had a great time when Pop Pop came to visit recently. Caden could hardly contain himself and needed Pop Pop to play everything with him. We found our first carnival of the year, really low key with lots of things Caden could do. Had a trip to the playground and went out to eat. Boy, did we make the best of naptimes too.

Singing

This kid cracks me up!!

He's making up his own songs (and NO we've never watched Barney) and singing them at the top of his lungs. This is just one I captured on this particular day.

Easter 2009

This is our family Easter picture. I know it looks warm and sunny but it was COLD and windy out there for our pic. David and I had a lot of fun, as usual, with that kid during Easter. We colored eggs the week before so we could hide them and have egg snacks/hard-boiled eggs. Caden devours them.
Between us and the extended family Caden ended up with Easter loot. I had to use a laundry basket to hold it all. The big theme was gardening tools...we have since planted some flowers, herbs and vegetables. He's a big help watering them.
As you can tell from his egg hunt pictures he didn't even wait to wake up before he started searching them out.

Catchin' Up To Do

There are a ton of things I need to post soon!!
Easter pictures and videos are coming. There is also a new song from Caden and Daddy.
Caden is changing, learning and growing. He's eating like a teenager and constantly asks for snacks. He loves sports lately: basketball, bowling, soccer, baseball, you name it. I just try to keep up. He's interacting more with kids his age which is the best thing in the world to watch and listen to their little conversations. He's getting more lovey too. OH, MAN it makes my heart melt. To wake up in the morning with his little hand on my face while saying "Mommy, I love you bunches". I've got the BEST life.

Happy Patty's Day

So, when are you coming?

Highlights of the Day

Caden drew a picture of Cookie Monster (I labeled it)
And the view outside today, which is why we're staying in and drawing.

The Cut

BEFORE: Two and a half years of growing it out.

AFTER: 10 inches donated to Locks of Love

You Think You've Got Snow

While walking home from work one day I (barely) noticed this stop sign and thought it would be a great picture. The look of it can be deceiving, this snow's been cleared from the parking lot and just congregating around the sign. We haven't actually had THAT much snow pile up.

Happy Shoveling!

For the Steelers Fans

These were taken during the playoffs... apparently as soon as we sent them via text message to our family they scored a touch down! Even though we live in New England our hearts are still in the Burg! Go Steelers!

Daddy's Birthday

This is a week late in actually getting posted. Last Monday was David's 28th birthday. Caden and I surprised him at work the Friday before with dozens of cupcakes for the teenagers at the music clubhouse to devour (don't worry I saved some for us too). On Saturday, David and I went out to the Melting Pot for a long, yummy meal of everything fondue. Happy Birthday Mister!!

Goo Glasses

I don't know what these silly glasses are actually called but I've named them Goo Glasses. I tell Caden when he puts them on he's supposed to say "goooo". It cracks me up every time. We can be pretty goo-fy around here.

Hair Cut

This is the second time I've cut Caden's hair. He'll sit and watch a movie and tell me to be "all done". But I really get into it and keep telling him I'm almost done. Look how much cuter he is for it!! My little man.

Aunt Caryn gives carin' gifts

In case you miss it he does sneak in a "thanks Aunt Caryn for my polar bear"

Thanks...what cool stuff with a great green message!!

Christmas Re-cap

Bickel's, Walter's and Raser family photo.

"The children were nestled all snug in their..sleeping bags."

More like tuckered out after opening presents and eating peppermint ice cream.

Gram!!

Fixing up Santa's and Rudolph's treats with Daddy.

Christmas Re-cap

My sis-in-law, Karen, we love presents!!

Told you we love to get and wear (inappropriately) our presents.

All my cousins and brother's kids. "The Great-Grandkids"

Molly, Pop Pop, Caden and Pierce

I only just today unloaded the camera of all our pictures from Christmas. Then I had to decide which were blog worthy. A lot happened over the break, there is the obvious: road trip to PA, Christmas Eve/Day, loads of family, New Years Eve with a mini-vacation for David and me, and the trip back home.
But there was also the passing of my beloved Nana. Although she outlived many of the doctor's predictions for her condition (brain surgery for cancerous tumor, chemo, radiation at the age of 82), it was still heartbreaking to lose her on Christmas Day. The whole family was there which was a great support . In my heart and spirit I knew it was going to happen then and had earlier in December written that she would go on Christmas day as symbolism for Christ coming to this world and her going to that heavenly world. And in both instances the angels surely rejoiced!!
I pray that you would know the glorious peace that reigns in this year-2009.