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.