From Phoenix to Seattle

After 2 weeks of being here, we are relieved to finally be able to say we are settled here in Bellevue. No more boxes to unpack, and no more piles of random things to go through. We are here and planted. Phew!

The trip from Phoenix to Seattle was a 3 day journey. My dad and brother flew into Phoenix to help drive the cars back, so we had lot of fun caravan-ing up the coast with each other. We made a stop at Newport Beach, before we hit the long stretch of California that day, and that was a nice way to start the day. After a quick stop in Medford, Oregon very late that night to sleep for a few hours, we finished our final few hours and pulled in Bellevue that evening. It was SO great to get out of the car and be here safe and sound!

This is what we've been up to since we got here...

Bobby got a job! Both he and I were so pleasantly surprised that he was not only able to find a job in the first 10 days we were here, but find a job that provides the things it does for him and our family. Bobby is going to be working at a company called Auto-Chlor Systems, rebuilding and maintaining the commercial dishwashers they distribute to restaurants, etc. He is excited to be working in Seattle, be doing hands on work, and to be a part of what already seems like a great group of people. The best part of this job is that it's M-F, 8-4:30 and provides our family with full benefits. We haven't had benefits since January, so that in itself is a huge blessing. Bobby was excited to learn that this company has been in business for 60 years, has grown every year, and has never had to lay anyone off. The security and potential this job provides is beyond anything that we could have asked for right away, and I think I speak for both Bobby and I when I say that we feel immensely taken care of. More than we ever expected to be. God is good, and this job is truly a gift.

I am enjoying being at home and not "working." Motherhood is definitely still work, but it's the best kind, and I'm happy to be having slow days with Layla filled with lots of time together. I'm taking in all the moments like that I can, since I know once Cullen gets here, there will be quite a good amount of adjusting we're all going to have to do. We're so looking forward to meeting our little guy, and are preparing for his arrival in February, as much as possible.

It's been a pleasure to connect with friends and catch up on each other's lives. I'm looking forward to more of that in the days and weeks to come. As much as life has changed for all of us over the years, I still feel continually encouraged and loved with the lasting relationships we all have.

Layla is doing really well with potty training. We're not quite at the stage where she can do underwear at night, but during naps, she's successfully kept everything dry. She is also doing pretty well with outings. We make sure to bring extra everything, just in case :). One day at time is all we can do, and Bobby and I are happy with her progress.

We're looking forward to Thanksgiving and sharing that time with family and friends. There have been many times in my life, that I've felt grateful for things, but I do have to say, that I think this year, Bobby and I have such deep appreciation and gratitude for all that's in our life right now. Or maybe such profound awareness of all the things we've been blessed with. It's really fun to feel more grateful then ever before, around the time of Thanksgiving this year. There is something sacred to me about setting this day aside for nothing other than to be in awe and wonder of what God has done and is doing in our lives. This is going to be a wonderful holiday!

That wraps it up for today! Life is good, God is good, and we are being graciously taken care of. I don't think we could ask for anything more.

Until next time!



The beautiful Arizona skyline as we headed west




Newport Beach is just as pretty in the fall




Everyone at the beach




Hello Washington




Too much fun with hair gel




I-90 Bridge. The sky was SO dark!




The best purchase we've made in a long time :). Layla loves her little dvd player!



Loving the Cardinals