Lots to update on, but for now...

We've had a lot of things going on, and we promise we'll update soon, but for now, check out this great video I found!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM&feature=PlayList&p=C122061BDC373B4B&index=1

Lots going on

It's been awhile since we updated, and lots has been going on!

School is in the final stretch for Janelle as there are only 6 more weeks left! It has been a really good year, and it's hard to believe that things will be coming to a close very quickly. There's plenty to be done in the last weeks of school, so things are going to be busy!!!

Jared has a big week next week as he will be graduating! We are so excited for the end being so close and are praying for guidance as he looks for a job and we move on to the next chapter of our life together. Two years has gone so quickly, and as we look back, we can see how God has blessed us while Jared was in school. There is a job prospect, so we're praying for patience and faith that things will happen the way they are supposed to.

We had a great little trip for two days over Janelle's spring break to Grand Rapids where we stayed at the Amway Grand and had the chance to do the things downtown that we just never seem to do. We went to the Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and got to relax together. We also went to two of our favorite restaurants-Bistro Bella Vita and San Chez. At San Chez, we had paella for the first time, and oh my goodness, Janelle is hooked. The sad part was that they were out of the baby calamari, so Jared couldn't have his favorite dish. He definitely has the more adventuresome taste in food!

On a more serious note, our sweet, dear Cassi did go home to be with her Jesus about a month ago. She was such an incredible little girl whose light was always shining for God. We were able to go to Alabama for the visitation and funeral, and we were so glad to be with family at that time. Even in such a hard situation, it was constantly evident that Cassi impacted so many peoples' lives, and while she is greatly missed, she will never be forgotten. Below is a picture from the balloon release at the funeral. Please keep Scott, Karen, and Caleb in your prayers.

Cassi

We've been staying busy, but one of the highlights of our past month was going to Alabama to celebrate Cassi's 4th birthday with her. She was a beautiful princess and really seemed to enjoy the cotton candy machine that was there:) Please keep praying for Cassi and her family, she's been in the hospital, but is hoping to come home soon. We love you guys!

Please Pray

Some of you know Janelle's cousin Cassidy, who was the flower girl at our wedding (and did a fantastic job:) She is a very brave little girl and has an amazing family. They got some bad news today, so I'm asking that you pray for Cassidy, Scott, Karen, and Caleb. If you want to read more about Cassi, you can check out her Caringbridge website-the link is on the right side of our blog.

Latest news...

It's been a long time since we've updated! We hope that everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! Here's what we've been up to since August:)

September: Janelle started her 4th year teaching and enjoyed the increased space in her new classroom! Jared started his last year of classes and continued to work at the Detention Center. We were able to go to Chicago to visit Janelle's uncle and enjoyed the last warm weekend of the summer by having dinner outside at Millenium Park. We also got to go see Wicked-Jared's first theater experience.

October: Jared celebrated his 26th birthday with a day full of fun planned by his loving wife:) October was also busy with two weddings, one of which Janelle was in. Janelle continued to take Graduate classes. October was also an important month because it marked the completion of Jared's contract with the Army. He was officially done on October 25, having completed 4 years of active duty and 4 years of inactive duty.

November: Janelle turned 26 and we celebrated Thanksgiving. Jared had to work on Thanksgiving, but we were able to enjoy the holiday with our good friends the Estep's before he had to report for his shift:) Janelle also finished her semester of classes.

December: The year came to a fast close. Janelle enjoyed Christmas break from school and classes. Jared worked on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then we were able to head to our families to celebrate the holiday. We got snowshoes for Christmas and are looking forward to spending some time outside this winter! On Christmas Eve, we hosted Janelle's family (13 people) and enjoyed a huge meal and presents. We even got to have the Schuttinga's with us, and it was so much fun to see them all the way from Alabama! Having that many people in the apartment made it even more clear that it might be time to start looking for our first house:)