Annual Letter

Dear friends and family,

Yes, another year has gone by already! As we reflect on the year that has passed, we realize the both the good things we've been through, and the things that were a little more tough. But more than anything, we realize that we are blessed no matter what, and that our Heavenly Father is aware of us and loves us.

In March, Ben was offered a new job. For the past several years, he had been working at Energy Rated Homes of Utah doing inspections and tests on homes to ensure energy efficiency. A former coworker of his had left the company to do the same kind of work in east Texas. Ben received a call from said former coworker, telling him that they needed another person with the new company in Texas. After a brief visit to east Texas, we decided to take the offer as this job would provide Ben with more income and different opportunities that were not available to him with his job in Utah. Ben finished his current semester at Utah Valley University and received his Associate Degree in Building Inspection. Shortly after, he packed up a few things and headed to Lindale, TX to begin work, leaving Janelle behind for 5 weeks so she could work a little longer at Brick Oven and take more time to pack up the house. Ben came back to Utah mid June to get Janelle and drive the moving truck out to the little 2-bedroom apartment Ben found in Tyler, TX (about 35 minutes from Ben's work in Lindale).

Janelle started last year with a new position at Brick Oven. After 4 years of hosting, working as the receptionist in the office was a nice change. She was sad to have only worked in that position for 6 months before moving to Texas, but was excited for the new adventure and the better opportunities for Ben. She had also been called to be the assistant secretary in the Primary Presidency in April and was only able to do it for a couple months before moving. One of the good things about moving was that Janelle would be leaving the restaurant business and would be able to find a job in Texas doing something that would be better and make her happier. Or so she thought. She applied at many different places, but as time continued to pass without employment, the need for income from her increased. So...she was able to finally get employment at the nearby Applebee's restaurant as a host! Although it's not what she was hoping for, it's something she is good at, has experience in, and allows her to help pay bills. She is still on the look-out for something better!

Living in Texas has definitely been an adventure. We have dealt with record-breaking numbers of very hot days in a row (we're talking 101-114 degrees for more than 40 straight days, plus humidity), we're still trying to adjust from living in a large house to a tiny apartment with neighbors that smoke, we've learned how to live in a place where the percentage of LDS members to non-LDS members is pretty much opposite of what it was in Utah (or more so), and we're learning to live without mountains and snow. It is very pretty here despite not having any mountains (very green, lots of trees, and lots of open country), the winter temperatures have been quite nice, and we've discovered the fun of a drive-in movie theater! Ben was also able to participate in Stake softball with our ward's team, and they won the playoffs! We have really come to love the ward we are in. Janelle is serving as the secretary in the Relief Society, and after a short stint as the assistant Webelos leader in scouts, Ben is now the second counselor in the Elder's Quorum Presidency. We have also been able to enjoy being closer to Ben's family. Living in Utah, it was hard for us to make the drive to Texas very often to see Ben's parents and siblings that are living there. Now, we are about 7 hours away and have already been able to visit 3 times. And overall, even though we love and miss Utah, we have enjoyed doing something new and being in a new place.

Unfortunately, our adventure has hit a bump. When Ben was hired with this new company, they had an endless amount of work. Or so it seemed at the time. Shortly after Ben started working with this company, their work load started to diminish. After about 6 months, it got to a point where Ben was being sent home early because there was no more work to do for the day. Because of this, he started looking into getting a second job, but now he is actually looking for a new job altogether because he has been laid off. We are sad because Ben never really had the opportunity to make the money he was supposed to make or get the experience in new areas that he was supposed to get. Even though this time is tough, we know that things will work out in the end. We would love to be able to stay here if Ben can find something that will provide enough income for our needs right now, but we will move if needed. Ben is busy applying for jobs and even has two interviews coming up. We are hoping and praying that something will come along soon, and we feel as though it will happen. We know our Heavenly Father loves us and is looking out for us. No matter what it turns out to be, we know that Ben will find employment and that it will provide for our needs, even if Janelle needs to continue to work as well.

We are grateful for the blessings we have. We are most especially grateful for the gospel in our lives, our knowledge of the Savior and His birth we recently celebrated, and the peace and comfort we can receive in times of trial. We are blessed with wonderful family and friends, and we hope that 2012 will bring good things for all!

Love,

Ben and Janelle

These pictures were taken at our ward Christmas breakfast. I set up my camera and took fun Christmas pictures for anyone in the ward that wanted to come in and participate. The first one was taken with me using my timer. Unless I am doing it wrong, there's a 2-second timer or you can use a remote. Well, I don't have a remote so I tried the 2-second timer: This one was taken when someone volunteered to push the button for me. :)