Christmas Festivites

Happy Holiday Season!

This time of year is so wonderful! Everything about the Christmas season is rich and meaningful. Our family is having lots of fun doing Christmas-y things, and celebrating all this time of the year brings.

Layla has an Advent Calendar that she has been opening a door to everyday. We are constantly amazed at how well she remembers what has been in the doors from days past, and is excited/full of anticipation each morning when she wakes up to see what is in "today's" door. She is definitely starting to understand Christmas more fully (mostly about the presents and sweets), and it has been an absolute delight to watch her enjoy the season.

I can only speak for Bobby and I, but Christmas has a whole different perspective and meaning when you have kids. And in the best way possible. There are few things that bring contentment like seeing your kid(s) be so joyful and happy during this time of year. Layla has such a sweet spirit, and is growing and understanding so much, that it has been amazing to see her love and understand a little bit more about Christmas, and see how her personality comes out in the things we've been doing.

We are now only between 8-10 weeks until Cullen gets here! I'm hoping he wants to come on the earlier end, or that I will be induced, because I am definitely feeling ready to be done being pregnant. It has been such an easy pregnancy, but I think any woman would agree that when you get closer and closer to the end, you are SO ready. I'm definitely there. He is a mover and is constantly kicking or rolling in my belly. It's really amazing. I am beyond excited to see Cullen's face and be able to hold and squeeze him! The really fun thing for me, is that I have so enjoyed experiencing Bobby's excitement in having a boy. He wanted a son so much this time around, that I couldn't be happier to be giving him one. I can't wait to see Bobby be a dad to a son.

Bobby, Layla, and I are looking forward to these next few months with so much to be excited about and get ready for. We are taking things one day at a time, and enjoying what each day brings.

Hopefully you and your loved ones are all enjoying this holiday season!



Our dancer






Layla by the little Christmas trees




All ready to cut the tree down




Layla and Bobby looking for the perfect tree




Us ♥




Bobby and me getting the tree




It was a busy day for Layla girl and time for a nap




Daddy showing Layla how the Advent Calendar works




Layla helping with the ornaments




Layla practicing being a big sister with the baby doll from Nana and Tata




Our silly girl getting ready to make some ornaments




Stir, stir, stir




Layla and Murphy are buddies




Let the sugar cookie making begin




Layla sure loves the cookie dough




Cookie cutter time




Layla had so much fun "painting" the cookies (as she says it)




Operation Cookie Making: Successful

28 Weeks and Counting!

Dear Baby Cullen~

We are overjoyed at the thought of getting to meet you and see your beautiful face for the first time. But, even more overjoyed that you are going to be a part of our family. You have already brought us so much excitement and joy, and we thank God for you already. We are looking forward to learning the ins and outs of your personality, the quirks that only you will possess, and experiencing the richness you are going to so clearly bring to us.

Stay healthy. Keep growing. And know that even though we haven't seen you yet, we love you more than words can say, and are counting down until you are here with us.

Love,
~Daddy, Mommy, and big sister Layla


Here are some "28 weeks along" pictures for you to see...

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

Baby and Bellevue

Dearest Family and Friends~

Fall is in the air and it's time for an update! As always, I've waited entirely too long to do an update on our life, BUT here I am now ready to give you the rundown of what's been going in the Cadriel family. And to let you know I hope that the next update won't be another 7 months from now :).

First things first...We are so excited to tell you that our family is growing, and in February 2010, we will have a new baby around! Layla is going to be the big sister to a baby brother, and we are through roof excited that we are having a boy! Especially Bobby, who already has lots of plans for this guy. We feel blessed to be in the "one of each camp." Robert Cullen Cadriel is our little man's name, and we will be calling him "Cullen." It may be vampire inspired, but we love it enough to use it, haha. I've been feeling amazing, and I pray that continues through the remainder of my pregnancy. Only 3 1/2 months left!

In other big news, Bobby and I have decided to move our family back to Bellevue, WA. We are leaving the Phoenix area at the end of October, which is rapidly approaching, and are ready for the new adventures, challenges, and excitement this move is going to bring. The last year and a half in Phoenix has been a wonderful piece of our life's journey together, and we have learned so much during our time here. Though heading back to Seattle is the next extension of our journey, we have learned to be open to what God has in store for us no matter where that is in the future, to never say never, and that as long as we're together (in every sense of the word), we'll be alright wherever we end up. There is so much to miss about Phoenix, and there is definitely sadness and loss in this new transition. We are filled with that sadness/loss and our excitement all at once, and are learning through both of those emotions. God is good though, and has taken care of us and those we love so consistently, that we are confident his love will carry all of us in the future as well. So, here's to Bellevue and our new life there!

We have started the potty training endeavor with Layla, and she is actually doing quite well. Our goal is to have only one in diapers by February, and that won't be Layla :) She is definitely getting the hang of it, and we are planning on going full speed ahead these next few months. It's hard to believe we are already at this phase of life, but time moves fast, and here we are!

Those are the major events in our life over the past few months. Thanks for letting us share them with you!

I hope this fall season is treating you all well! I promise to give you an update as soon as we are settled in the Seattle area!

Thank you for your love!

Happy Fall,
The Cadriel's


Here are a few pictures from the last few months...



Layla loves her kitchen! If only it was real and she could cook for us :)




Bobby and I celebrated 4 years of marriage on September 3rd. We can't believe how fast those 4 years have gone and how much life has happened since then!



Layla girl! She's getting so big!




Layla, excited about her baby brother who will be here soon!
(Stealing the sign idea from the Kortus's)




Baby Cullen!




Fun at Tolmachoff Farm!




Layla and the pumpkins :)




The biggest pumpkin in the patch! :)

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Bobby and I... and some pumpkins, of course.

It's Almost Spring!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've given you an update! There is a lot to catch up on, so I hope this gets you up to speed with our lives.

We have had a crazy two and a half months. Our lives have been busy and at times overwhelming, but we are taking it one day at a time and trusting that we will be taken care of in the midst of the craziness.

Layla is growing so fast. I know I say that every time I post something, but it's the truth! She is talking and communicating so clearly; understanding and responding to things we say and ask her to do. She is saying a lot of new words and letting us know when she does or doesn't like something. Her birthday is still a few months away, but I find myself amazed that we are going to have a two year old running around soon. Sometimes life goes by too fast! I wish I could freeze time and keep Layla in this phase for awhile. She is amazing!

Bobby and I joined a small group of about 4 other young couples. Though Bobby's work schedule is sometimes unpredictable and we have had to miss a few weeks, we are genuinely grateful for the relationships we are forming and the growth we feel like we will receive from this group. Our church, Christ's Church of Scottsdale, is wonderful. We feel like it's exactly where we need to be and are so thankful for the way God provided this church for us. We hope to get more involved and meet even more people.

We are loving Phoenix more and more. Or maybe I should say that I am loving Phoenix more and more :). The weather is starting to heat up again. Slowly, which is good. We're not in the 100's yet, thank goodness, but will be there within the next 6-8 weeks. The high 70's and low 80's are what we get to wake up to and enjoy right now. This is the perfect time for me. If any visitors want to come to see us, now is when Arizona is at its best!

We will be going through a big transition in the next few months, with trying to find a new place to live. Our lease is up in June and though we love our apartment, we would like to move closer to Bobby's family and to the things that we have started doing. Please pray for the right place to come along and that the moving process and details are simple and smooth.

Thanks for your continued friendships and love! We hope you are all doing well!

Here are few pictures of Layla and our family, so you can see what we've been up to...




Our little "Layla-bug" in her new ladybug towel. Thanks Gainer's!




We taught Layla how to say, "Go Cards" every time she saw anything Cardinals. This picture is her cheering on her team.




Bobby was beyond excited that this year is team made it to the Super Bowl! Here were are with the NFC West Trophy. It was so fun to go see it!



Bobby and Layla waiting to see the NFC West Trophy. Twins!




Layla loves her hair clips, but doesn't keep them in for long. However, this particular day, she wanted ALL of her hair clips in her hair. It was hilarious!



Then she wanted them out :)

We are Eternal Beings

It's hard to believe that after about 18 months of campaigning and getting their agenda's out for America to identify with or criticize, we finally have a new president. On the other hand, it's not hard to believe; it's about time. I am sick of all the politics and am tired. I'm glad to see this election over.

However, this election, more than ever, seems to have great significance in all of our lives. Regardless of what side of the political spectrum you are on, there is a lot riding on the leadership of the next president. There are wars, economics, and health-care to be dealt with, along with all of the other pressing responsibilities the leader of the free world has. I find myself thinking that it wouldn't matter who would have won, because one man, no matter how powerful, will never match the power, wisdom, and sovereignty of Jesus.

This brings me to my point. I think we all were very engrossed with this election, which isn't a bad thing. In fact, we are responsible to be engaged, and make good decisions for ourselves, and our families, so being active in the political process is good. BUT, we cannot forget that our hope doesn't lie in a political figure. We will be let down. We would have been let down by McCain, had he won, and we will be let down by Obama, simply because they are humans. Jesus, however, will not let us down. He has promised life eternally for those who love him, by the power of his death and resurrection. If we truly believe Jesus is who he says he is, Obama, or any political figure, has nothing on Jesus. We are eternal beings. We will last forever, therefore, we need not be too worried or concerned with the future of our country. God loves us deeply, and cares for our well-being. I have to choose to trust in his power and authority and hold myself accountable only to him.

I will be honest, that I am disappointed in the outcome of this election, but, my fears and angst are carried by the one who knows this world, country, you and me, and everything we care about, best. I may not like what Obama stands for, but he is our new leader, and needs all the prayer this world can give him.

God Bless America

My Arbonne Opportunity

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to tell you about a new opportunity I have!

About a month ago, Lindsey Allen, a 2nd grade teacher at Bellevue Christian, emailed me and asked me about joining her in selling products from the Skin Care/Health and Wellness company, Arbonne. Her email was totally out of blue, but ironically came in the most perfect timing. My current job has been a struggle, and getting her email gave me hope that I don't have to be stuck there AND I can achieve my goal of staying home with my kids.

My initial reaction was, 'I'm not a salesperson.' and Lindsey said, 'Neither am I.' As we talked more and I learned about the product and what the company can offer, I began to get really excited about the possibilities it could entail for our family. Not only is the product amazing and made with best quality ingredients, but the company offers an enormous amount of opportunity for those who choose to get involved.

Example: As most of you know, my ultimately goal is to be able to stay home with my kids. We aren't there quite yet, but Lindsey explained that Arbonne can help me reach that goal and is in fact, very popular among women who want to stay home with their children. That honestly got my attention right there. Lindsey's sister and her sister's best friend are two, tangible success stories themselves. This company has allowed both of them to stay home with their children, and have their husbands work less, so they too, can be with their kids more. Lindsey is having success herself, and is confident that when her and husband decide to have kids that Arbonne with allow her to stay home with them. I was absolutely blown away. I thought about it more and talked it over with Bobby and decided that this was an opportunity I would be silly pass up. So, two weeks ago I became an Independent Consultant for Arbonne and am working on starting my business.... I do believe that a large part of this move to Phoenix is for me to do newthings, therefore allowing God to provide for me in new ways. Itruly believe this is something God has for me, knowing my desire tostay home with my children, and the goals our family has. This verse has given me more hope than I could ever imagine and I want to share it with you because it so deeply ties into me selling Arbonne, and everything else I am going through in this transition with moving to Phoenix.

'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.'
Isaiah 43:18-19

The reason I am telling about my opportunity, is because you have all been and still are very important to me, therefore are a huge component to my success. I'm not just talking about you buying the products, though you're welcome too if you'd like :). I am telling you this because I would love your support in this venture. It is definitely outside of my comfort zone, not anything that I've ever seen myself doing, and will force me to connect people in ways I haven't before. Here are some really specific ways you can support me...

1) Please pray for confidence, strength, continued motivation, and vision.

2) Please pray that my ultimate goal of staying home with my kids will be met in this next year. That I would have enough success for my current to be replaced with Arbonne, which I can do from home.

3) Pray that others who could potentially benefit from doing this same thing, would come into my path. That I could share this opportunity with the right people.

4) Would you consider hosting a party for me if you are in the Phoenix and Seattle area? I can do parties when I visit Seattle and anytime in Phoenix. There are lots of host benefits that I can tell you about. This would greatly help my business. If you personally, don't feel up for hosting a party, do you know someone that would?

5) Encouragement. Ask me questions. Check in and see how things are going. Keep me motivated and focused on my goal. Help me to see the big picture when I am feeling discouraged.

6) Buy products! I'm not trying to push the envelope, but if you are interested in using pure and safe products, that actually give you results, I think you would love Arbonne. There are all sorts of products for all different needs. Just ask me if you'd like!

7) Tell people you know what I'm doing. I would love to be able to offer someone that same opportunities that were offered to me.

Thank you for letting me share this opportunity with you. I am enthusiastic, motivated, and am excited to move forward. I can'ttell you how hopeful I feel about this and how much I believe this willbenefit our family. I appreciate you reading through the entire thing. I felt it was important to give you the whole picture. I can't wait to share more about this with you as it happens.