God Is Good Even When Life Isn't

There haven't been any recent posts because they simply would have been way too depressing. The first 3 weeks of 2012 were rough. Josh and I kept looking at eachother and saying "what else? let's just get this all over with." It started out with a few irritating events such as the electrical cable getting snipped so that the electricity kept surging and fried our microwave, baby monitor, fan, and a light fixture. Ok, a little irritating but nothing to get upset over. A few days later, I went running with my mom-in-law and we came back to her car to discover the back window was broken and my purse, that I had placed under the seat, was gone. Thankfully I had my phone with me on the run so I was able to call right away and cancel every card and so the damage was minimal. Driving back from the DMV a day later, I was thankful to have a temporary license and to have all of my cards re-ordered. I thought "that really sucked but it's over now, thank you, Lord." That night my husband receives a phone call and we are faced with the possibility that he might not have a job the following week. I sat there trying to encourage him, but we are both overcome with fear and anxiety. We prayed together and then we had to just wait. The next couple days were filled with ups and downs and they were down right grueling on my husband. The Lord answered our prayers and Josh still has a job but it definitely got both of us thinking and it made us realize that God is leading us, specifically my husband, in a different direction. A few days later, Josh got a flat tire on the way to work but after the previous week, neither one of us were shocked and I watched my husband fork out the money we didn't have without so much as batting an eye. This month taught us TOTAL dependence on our Savior. He has daily provided for us. Another door of opportunity was closed this week for us and so we are waiting again, wondering what is around the bend in this crazy, unpredictable life. I am just waiting in the comfort that God has a much better plan for us.
Our two little girls have been blissfully unaware of what has happened over the past few weeks. They have been playing as hard as ever and brightening our days with their funny little antics. No matter how many times I tell Allie how to say licorice she can only seem to call it lipstick (which I think is ever so cute). On our way to AWANAS last night Allie declared to me "I am going to have SO much fun at AWANAS, mommy!" I am so glad she loves it.

Today while I was grocery shopping Josh sent me this picture. Allie had taken out the beautiful braid her aunt had done and was now VERY upset at the end result. I could laugh because I was not there to hear her fit. As soon as I got home she asked me to fix it :)
I thought I'd end on a fun note :)

Janelle

Some Highlights of 2011

December is such a crazy month and we make it even crazier with the celebration of Josh's birthday and Allie's birthday on the 19 and 21 of December respectively. With all of the hustle and bustle it was impossible for me to post. Any spare time I had was spent wrapping presents and studying for my medical transcription program.

It was fun going through some of our photos from the past year and I decided to share a few...

january

One of our family days in Coronado.

february

It snowed in Ramona! So then we made a trip to Julian to play in it...(below)

march

Our baby girl turned 1... and now I can't believe how much she has changed since then.

april

Our lil' punk

may

Katie's little personality definitely revealed itself to us this year!

And she finally started walking at 14-months-old!

june

Josh and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. I love how our love deepens with each passing year.



We attended one of the most enjoyable and fun weddings ever with some amazing friends (the photobooth at their reception just rocked!)

july

The Husband practiced, practiced, and practiced. He has become an impressive golfer and he is hoping to play in some tournaments this year (lovin' the look of his muscles in this pic!).

august

We welcomed our new addition to the family, Ginger.

september

Josh and I went to New York City. An entire week without the kiddos :)

october

Two precious ladybugs

november

A new bedroom.

december

Knott's Berry Farm

Our Allie girl turned 4!

We had a really nice Christmas spending time with both of our families.

Allie was proud to be an angel in the children's production at our church on Christmas Eve.

I am looking forward to a somewhat normal routine and having a healthy family again. I thought we had luckily missed out on the sickness surrounding us this season but this week Josh came down with a really bad cold and Katie has a double-ear infection. I can't wait to have a decent night's sleep. Looking back I see how much God blessed and provided for us during 2011. I am hopeful for this coming year and certain that my faith rests in a loving and faithful Father.

Happy New Years!