A Summer of Whoas and Woes.

Whoa.

So, I'll be honest, this post? *looks down to indicate*... don't know how it going to turn out. Unsure. There's a lot to tell you about, but I don't know where to start.

Previously, on Stories of Solomon...

*epic movie trailer voice* Alex started working at the new Lehi building. Stephanie just graduated college! Life was on the up and up for this vivacious couple! But little did they know that life is a highway, and I'm going to ride it all... wait, no. *Record scratch* Sorry, got distracted.

So we've adjusted quite well to our quiet little lives here in Lehi. Work is super close, the ward has been great, and we've been sipping smoothies and gaming hardcore. But, not every day has been a gold-trimmed haze of summer bliss. We've both actually had quite our share of striggles... lol... striggles.

Struggles.
You have problems.

*hugs*

So! Let's set up the scenario. Anytime something good happens, I'll call it a whoa. Anytime something bad or troubling happens, I'll call it a woe. For those listening at home, good luck keeping score.

To start off the summer, my family has a tradition on Memorial Day, and it's kind of a unique one. On Memorial Day morning, we gather at the Provo Cemetery and place flowers on the resting places of the little kids and babies that have come into this world and were called home in their youth and infancy to their Heavenly Father.

And while this may sound like a woe, it's actually a big whoa. My grandparents started this tradition years and years ago, before I was even born. At the time, they were pregnant with a little girl, Naomi, who would have been just a little older than I am today. Sadly, she was stillborn. And like the lovely, selfless people they are, my grandparents started this tradition for the sake of the parents who have lost their children and babies, but maybe can't afford to buy them flowers, or have since moved away and can't visit their little ones. This tradition also extends to another child in our family that we lost, Tatianna, who would be another one of my beloved cousins if she were with us today.

But what's more is that this simple act of kindness is a solemn, tender reminder that families can be forever. While Naomi may not be with us here on Earth, she is still in our hearts and minds, and it affirms my testimony that God has each of us in mind, and that the family is a sacred, eternal bond. It helps me to remember my Savior, who died so that we can return to be with our families in Heaven.


Next, I actually got another promotion! Previously, as a Customer Success Manager, I was subject to doing more than we should be asked to do. An entire department responsible for processing paperwork (contracts, legal documents, system applications, etc.) was dissolved and reabsorbed throughout the company. As a result, all of the paper pushing got dumped on us lowly Success Managers. And paperwork  is the bane of my existence. There are some, like my beloved wife, who worked in that department and enjoyed it -to a degree.... But to me, the is nothing is more mind-numbingly monotonous as freaking paperwork. It. Never. Ends. Anyway, I was pulled from my duties one day and asked by my supervisor if I would consider piloting a new position in the company.Whoa! I was nervous, but ultimately, I decided I would do the pilot. And while I'd love to give more details, I'll have to tell your more about that later. I'm a tease, I know.

Because summer has been in full swing, Stephanie and I decided a while ago to get me a bike Whoa. And I've had quite a ball riding it to work. Plus, my friend Chris got a job there. Whoa. He and I have been playing uber amounts of Magic (nerdy awesome card game of nerdom). It's been cool hanging out with him regularly. We haven't really spent that much time with the Knorr's in a long while, so it's nice to see Chris more often. But the problem is, a couple weeks ago, my bike chain literally snapped in half. Right in the middle of the crosswalk! I wasn't even halfway home! Woe! But, Steph kindly came and picked me up. :) It's still broked....


Speaking of Stephanie, she's been struggling a lot with graduation because she doesn't feel like she deserves her degree. Ludicrous, but still a woe. It's been a burden on her self-esteem, and she's since felt less and less excited about interpreting. She also took her certification exam to become an interpreter. She gave her all and tried her best on the test. We waited for 6 whole weeks to find out that she didn't meet expectations. And that didn't help matters. That was a woe. Very challenging. But we're working through it one day at a time.


Ilvermorny sorting was released on Pottermore! Whoa! And you know, you know, we totes def got sorted. I am Thunderbird! I am a beautiful person! (inside joke, but still true.) I'll let Stephanie tell you her house and why it's so awesome... Right here! ==> So basically I'm a Pukwudgie and they are the best, they are short, powerful, fiercely independent, they like to trick humans, and hunt with poison arrows. They were chosen to be a house mascot by a muggle - represent! I love that. I love that Isolde's family has all magical blood types and is accepting of them all. So basically there wouldn't be an Ilvermorny without them. You can read all about it on pottermore.  It is said that Pukwudgie's favor the heart and healers.The specific Pukwudgie in the history of Ilvermorny was a stubborn little guy with a soft heart and not the softest way of showing it. He was fiercely loyal and always looked out for Isolde, even if he wouldn't admit it. I'm proud to be a Pukwudgie and relate to them on so many levels ^_^


Now we'll take a jump ahead in time and discuss our Patronuses (Patroni?)! Because that's a thing now too! If you have ever wanted to know, go take it now! I'll wait...

...

...


So! Now that you know, we'll tell you ours! Mine is a Marsh Herrier! It's pretty amazing. Basically, I'm adventurous and curious and like to see things from a distance. Also, there's a hint of bravery and proclivity for solitude in there somewhere.

And Steph is a Manx Cat! This was very apt, in my opinion. Steph has some very cat-like behaviors. For one, she likes to knock things over from high places just for fun. She's definitely a tree cat. Just kidding, love! ;) But for reals, Manx Cat's are awesome, y'all. They're playful intelligent and loyal. People with this Patronus have a sense of humor and wholeness, are independent and clever, and love mystery and magic! Which is very astute for my beloved! Manx cat's were preferred ship cats for merchant ships. Oddly enough, they also are born without a tail! Which fits in perfectly with her family nickname, Stumpy! XD

Okay, time-travel field trip is over, back to the present past!



Now behold! I made an amazingly delicious casserole of deliciousness! Photo for proof:

Seriously, guys. It was amazing. Definitely a WHOA. Easily one of the best dishes I've ever made! I'll have to make more of it because I want to share the divine, delectable, mouth-watering loveliness. Anyone who wants some will have to agree to a night of games beforehand. Yum!

We also had a fantastic 'Merica Day! 'Merica day? Who are you? Whoa! 4th of July was really fun. Stephanie and I stayed out on the parade route in Provo for my family. We had a little confusion with a family friend who's yard we staked our place out on. Parade was fun, but not nearly as awesome as when I was a kid. Or maybe it was the waiting out all night with my family and getting into all kinds of trouble. (Mom, that's a total lie, I never did anything you wouldn't approve ever in my life... >_> <_<) After the parade, we had a wonderful barbecue, and fireworks later that night. Super fun. (As a side-note, I want to say how much I love my country. I honor and cherish the sacrifice others have made and continue to make in order for me to live without fear or oppression. I love this land and am grateful I have the privileges I have today. America is truly a wonderful nation (when our government behaves...), and I will forever stand up for her.) God Bless the USA 

Another holiday we celebrate is International Potterhead Day! This was on Harry's and J.K. Rowling's actual birthday, July 31st. The Raymonds go all out every year, and I love it! We had an Ilvermorny sorting of our own, and this time, I got the Puma! No, it's actually called Wampus, and it's also awesome! Steph got sorted into Horned Serpent! Also awesome! Then we ate a whole bunch of wonderfully themed snacks and played games, etc.! It was legit. #RavenclawForLyfe

This also turned into a book party, as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child came out!!! Woah. Woot! Great book! Loved it. I actually read it in one sitting. Just couldn't stop myself! Get your own copy, thank me later! Is it cannon? Well, that's for another blog post.... 

 

Pokemon Go released! Whoa! But is it a "whoa" really?...Of course, I was super excited to join! Started up right away! Chose Squirtle! But, it took forever to level up and catch Pokemon. Woe. For a long time, I wasn't strong enough to go to the Gym! lcol... Now, something I didn't catch on to was that whenever we would go driving, Stephanie always seemed to know if good Pokemon were in the area all the time. I just thought she was super lucky or looking online... but after some thorough investigation (which was really just Steph accidentally leaving her volume up when she started up the app), I found out that she too was playing Pokemon Go. And I was totally oblivious! Whoa and woe! Such a sneaky wife... ;) ^_^ However, since then, we accidentally used up all of the data in our family plan... :S Woe. So we decided to limit our Pokemon Go outings. Double woe.

Now, Stephanie I and I (Who is this second I?) have taken a full dive into the gamer world. We thought about it a lot, and decided that we would get a pair of Xbox Ones. Whoa!!! But we made the decision that if we get them, we would put off opening them until we stayed in budget for a full month. So the whole month of July, I waited anxiously and kept a closer eye on our spending than I normally do. Sad, amirite? ;) But we pulled it off, and finally upgraded. We've been loving it ever since. Double whoa.


Steph and I like to bargain shop (and by we, I mean her). I do love my bargains. I spend my free time shopping for things I know I can't buy... So, 9 times out of 10, Steph will find something on KSL for free. I think she may have a problem, but that's still a whoa. Got quite a number of cool stuff for free,
including a new TV. :) But one day, we decided to take a trip down to Orem to pick up one of these free things and stopped by the Liquidation Store to kill some time. Because bargain shopping woot!. And while we were there, we got me some jeans. Whoa for me!

But while we were perusing their wares, we stumbled upon the cutest little cabinet with keys for handles! *girlie squeal!* And Stephanie LOVES keys. And I love Stephanie, so naturally, we bought it! I still had to wait a day or two to make sure we were sure we weren't just impulse shopping :P I was so scared it would be gone!  ^_^ And I just knew it would make her so happy! So, quadruple whoa! :) And while it's mostly decorative, it certainly fits in with our lovely home. Are you kidding? It's PERFECT! It fits like a glove. Like a soft satin-y glove that you never want to take off!

Oh, by the way, I don't know if you know this, but Steph was in a car accident! No big deal, it was just a minor fender bender, etc....

...

Except that it WASN'T!!! Woe. :'( Gah! Just look at that! She was driving the van, JSYK. Not that red truck or that car that crashed into them, not pictured here. So, here's what happened! Steph and I borrowed the van to move the key cupboard. Then I drove the van to work and accidentally locked the key to the van in the vehicle... -_- ugh! But! This actually turned into a hidden blessing. So, we're making this a woeah. But anyway, the next day, Steph brings me to work in our car, Gus. She leaves me with Gus and goes down to Provo to visit her Grandma Budge and help her get some groceries, etc. Keep in mind, she was supposed to do this yesterday, and we weren't even supposed to have the van... So I was at work, doing super serious work (playing Magic with Chris... >_>), when I get a call from Steph. She doesn't call me unless she really needs to talk to me, so I already knew something was up. I was a little shook up, it's true... When she laid the news on me, I immediately left work to go down and take care of her. I won't disclose my speed on the freeway here, but it wasn't the legal limit... Now, keep in mind that we weren't even supposed to have the van... and she was supposed to do it the day before... and she would have been in Gus, which is much smaller than the van. Basically, we're convinced that this was a very subtle-not-so-subtle blessing from Heavenly Father, because if she were driving Gus when this happened, the injuries could have been far worse... I shudder to even consider the possibility. I'm just grateful that she was safe and protected and able to come home safely to me. ^_^


So! More on my promotion! I started the job with high hopes, because it was starting to look like I would get to work with the two teams I'd previously been a part of, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. I had a very large account load, but it was still working well. Whoa! ... until it became apparent I had bitten off more than I could chew. Calendars weren't staying full, and people were getting upset. I felt horrible, because I really wanted to do a good job, but it was just too much to do. So, even though I normally hate giving other people my workload, even if they're just helping, I conceded some of the New Jersey offices to another team member. I felt bad about it, but it seemed like the best option. Yet, since then, I still felt a lot of pressure coming down on me. I was doing my best to stay on top of things, but I couldn't keep up with everyone else that seemed to outdo me consistently. I would have one or two good days a week, and then every few weeks, rather than weekly, I would get a meeting with my supervisor where he would just point out all of the things I was doing wrong, and I hardy ever felt like we had a good understanding between us. To be fair, there were certain expectations he required of us as.a whole, and I was falling short. But it was tough to always feel like I was falling short. I was constantly worried about being pulled aside and being told I wasn't good enough to stay on the team. And yet, I felt more and more like I was the weak link, and everyone else could see it. Hey, the area was hard, I don't think most people could have done so well either. So I almost wanted to be taken off the team. It was a rough couple of months. I dreaded going into work, which hasn't happened in a long time. Usually I get pretty excited, but for the past few months, I wanted to call out sick almost every day just to avoid the collective groan of frustration I felt from everyone in the offixes I worked in <-- Freudian slip. So, after one particularly rough day where several people yelled at me, both customer and coworker, I'd had enough. I got up from my desk, went straight to the executive floor of the new building, and spoke with the project manager (my boss's boss). I told him how I felt, and I explained that I didn't feel like I was a good fit, since I was constantly under-performing and just hated being here. Which is lame. I loved the type of work, but I just couldn't deal with the stress and the anger directed towards me. And then I blurted out that I wanted off the team. The project manager said this was a bit of a shock and a bit disappointing, but he was very understanding. He asked when I would like to be transferred back to being a Customer Success Manager,  and I said as soon as you can find someone else to do the work for me.

So... there you have it. I had to step down from an awesome position. woeah I conceded it to some other team member who had been hired to fill my position. And even though I felt like I had made the right decision, it still feels like I screwed up. So... woe. Big time. The only real consolation is that, even though I feel like I demoted myself, I'm back with my old team in New Jersey, and it really didn't feel like I left at all. They were very friendly and I seemed to have snapped back into place. So, that's a pretty big whoa.

Now, for those of you who don't know, Steph's Grandma Raymond passed away. v_v, Woe. And while this post won't do justice to the passing, the funeral, and the bittersweet experiences we shared as a family, I'll do my best to make it count! Grandma Raymond's husband passed away about 12 years ago. She never really came back from that. She's been yearning to be with him again, and we've all seen her desire to rejoin him. Recently, she had surgery on her back. She had fallen previously this year, and had to get a brace for her back. Since it didn't seem to be much help, surgery was the next logical step. So she went in for surgery sometime in early September. Now, in the following weeks, in some ways, she was recovering well.

But unfortunately, her lungs weren't making as good of a comeback. The doctor explained to her that her lungs just weren't healing. He offered a few other options, but they weren't going to allow for a quality life afterwards. She understandably opted to pass away and rejoin her husband on the other side of the veil. I wasn't present, but I was told it was a very tender passing, as her children were either gathered at her bedside or on Facetime, racing to be with her in her last moments. It was beautiful, serene, and poignant. I wish I had something awesome and personal to share but I'm not nearly poetic about these things as some people :( Throughout the day, it was cloudy, and Steph and the family had brought some solar-powered, dancing decorations (i.e. dancing flower, girl, etc.). They hadn't moved all day, but in Grandma Raymond's passing, the sun came out, and the little decorations started dancing, as if to let her children and family know that she was okay. She was happy, whole, and finally able to be with her husband again. :,) I'll still miss her.


This all took place over conference weekend woah, and this was yet another example to me of the eternal nature of families. Grandma Raymond had gone on to be with her husband and Heavenly Father, but we who remained still spent the weekend hearing the good word from our beloved prophet and apostles. Amazing talks. I love those men. Those wonderful, Christ-like men. But that whole weekend was spent in the joyful knowledge and testimony of those who communed with our Heavenly Father, feasting on revelation (and cinnamon rolls), and playing games and laughing and smiling and remembering fondly the good times we had with Grandma Raymond. We also had Grandma Raymond's viewing and funeral the week after, which of course brought a lot of tears and hugs. It was a wonderful service, and we got to hear form all of her kids. They each shared something special with us about their beloved mother, and we all felt their loss. But we also felt their rejoicing, for they all knew in their hearts that family is forever, and that they would see her again someday. <3

During that same week, Steph's sister Julie came to visit for the funeral. She stayed for 9-10 days, and once again, we had a wonderful mix of tears and laughs. Woah! She brought her little tykes, Tucker and Callan! They were so cute, and so much fun to have here with us. We all played games and at amazing food and had a grand time. 



We played loads of Dominion, went to Outback Steakhouse and Culver's, and spent time together as a family. We did a really cool escape house chamber that we totally nailed! Shortly after that, we did a riveting game of Witness Protection Program! Altogether, we had an amazing time together as a family! The best of whoa's goes here. YAY!!!! FAMILY FTW! Best part of ALL THE THINGS!!! PANCAKES!

 


So, I am kind of out of time, and I've taken way too long to write this post <-- TRUTH. So, here are some photos of other things we did this summer! If you want to know more, ask us! We'll gladly share! Thanks for sticking around on this one!

>> Oh, by the way, we caught a fish!!! Whoa! <<

Which I caught WITH MY BARE HANDS! O_O 

No joke.

Wow.

We are so hott.

Yup. Summer.

5 BLASTED MONTHS!

5 blasted months... *sigh* Let this blag go a whopping 5 months...

So! We've got loads to tell you about and yet more big updates! (no pregnancy announcements, so don't even start)

This post is all thanks to Stephanie, who very lovingly punched me in the arm and told me update the blag. To be fair, it's been a grueling 5 months... but I don't want to talk about it. ;) But really, guys. Stephanie doesn't abuse me. So don't freak out.

Updates!

We moved! Again! Which is the same thing I said...  5 months ago. But we did it. We took the leap and moved up to Lehi which is closer to Alex's work and rent is cheaper! This is one of the many little miracles that has constantly followed us this past year. Anyway, it took some searching and good ol' fashioned waiting, but we were lucky enough to sell our contract. It came pretty close, too. We were supposed to move in by the end of March, and we didn't actually get everything out until the third week of March. We very slowly (and stealthily) moved into the basement of Stephanie's sister. If any of you know Kristi and Steve Newsome, that is the sister to which I refer. Funny story, though. We actually moved all of our big stuff out of our old place, which, incidentally, included our bed and frame. So, after a delicious pizza dinner, we went to lay down, only to realize... we'd moved our bed. O_O Whoops... so, we packed up everything we could and drove up to our new place (which we've lovingly dubbed, the cupboard under that stairs)! That's when we realized we had actually sneak-moved in. We also freaked out Steve, who has a paranoia of intruders, because we didn't exactly notify them or anything. Again... Whoops. But all was well in the end, and we're actually quite happy with our new place. Special thanks to the Newsomes for offering the place to us.

Also, Stephanie graduated!!! :D So, funny story that's actually not very funny. But it is pretty amazing. Stephanie started an internship this semester. It was super awesome, and was even a bit miraculous that she got the internship (you'll notice that this is a trend throughout the story). In any case, there's a teacher in Steph's program that has been, shall we say, a growing experience for us. Sometimes she seemed nice, and she's a great resource for knowledge and experience, but she's not much of a teacher.
Anyway, Stephanie, who prior to this that same day, was extremely sick and felt like she was about to pass out, went to a intern get-together anyway, despite her better judgement. The get together turned out to be basically a midterm of sorts. This teacher was checking out they're progress and evaluating their development. Blah blah blah. I go back home, and she texts me because she forgot her time sheets for her internship hours! D: So, I text her some pics of the sheets, and this teacher gets upset and says she's not prepared or something silly like that (this was back in mid-March, just before the move). This isn't the first run-in with this teacher, mind you. Other instances include the time she made Steph cry in class, and then chewed her out for it afterwards because she wasn't a good student. Or the time she would ask for an example of how to interpret a video clip of sign language, and then shoot down the students and give them crap for doing it wrong. Or the time that she assigned a paper based on an article that *none* of the students could find, but instead of admitting her fault, gave the whole class a zero on the assignment because they didn't notify her in time. Needless to say, Stephanie has been putting up with behavior like this for over a year. And she always seemed to have it out for Stephanie. >:l Anyway, back to the time sheets. The interns were supposed to have about 115 internship hours stored up. After looking everything over, it turns out Stephanie is short by  almost half of the hours she needs... so, despite this teacher's attitude problems, we had to admit, things were not looking good. :-/ It was looking like Stephanie wasn't going to graduate. :'(
A week or two later, I gave Stephanie a blessing, and Heavenly Father told us that Stephanie should not attempt to graduate this semester. Part of the blessing explained that if she pushed herself too hard would cause her to make sacrifices she wasn't prepared to make. One thing we were sure would be a major sacrifice was time spent with Stephanie's other sister, Julie, who lives in Buffalo, NY (hint: one of them miracles I done told you 'bout!). The Stoddards were coming to visiting the last week of March, and Stephanie didn't want all of the time they were here spent doing internship stuff. It was rough. Anyway, it was a very harrowing revelation. Stephanie and I both shed a lot of tears over the matter. 

But, then came acceptance. Stephanie decided to keep doing her internship for the experience, but we threw out her time sheets. We didn't need them anymore, and they were a painful reminder of failure, so why not? (hint hint...) Julie came, and we had a load of fun (This is when the miracles start happening all over the place. It was intense).BUT! One weekend, there was a workshop that counted for about 5 hours that her teacher told her was basically required to do,  since Steph needed more hours  (hint...). So we decided to go, just for experience and such. However, the day of, we both wake up and are super groggy. Neither of us wanted to get out of bed (we have a habit of over-sleeping... it's a problem). But, Stephanie kept feeling this nagging feeling that we should go. So, we got up and went. It was pretty cool,, but Stephanie was kind of expecting that someone along the way would need help with a flat tire or something, but I caught on when she said we really should go. ;)

Then Stephanie reluctantly decides to go to another internship get-together. This one is to commemorate the interns that are graduating and show them off to students interested in internships. Steph didn't want to go because she knew she wasn't graduating, and she didn't want her teacher to use her as an example of failure. Honestly, I don't blame her. I would have stayed home and Skyrimed my way through that. Anyway, after the whole event, during which this teacher is being awfully cold and quiet, she approaches Stephanie and asks her how she is doing. Steph tells her not that great, and Jamie considers this for a moment. Then (HINT HINT!), her teacher tells her that if Stephanie came by a couple of days a week, she could earn some extra hours, and she would graduate! HUGE NEWS! Stephanie called me at work, and we talked about it. Steph wanted to take the opportunity, but with the last blessing I gave her, we were told not to pursue the course of graduation. So! A second blessing was in order. And lo and behold, Heavenly Father tells us she should definitely take the opportunity! WHOO! I can't tell you how relieved we were! We were just about to terminate her internship, but she wanted to see if her mentor would allow her to stay for the experience. The mentor had stated that she would rather open the opportunity to others who needed it more, but we were able to tell her that Steph would still be doing her internship. The next day, we get this amazing news and confirmation from Heavenly Father, and we saved her internship, and it was just... overwhelming. :') Huge testimony-builder right there. It was an answer to a blessing I had given her before the start of the semester that things would be hard and it would be trying, but help would come from "an unlikely source" (the Lord's words).
So, Stephanie starts working her tail end off even harder, because she so way behind, right? But wait! We had thrown away her time sheets! How was she going to prove her hours now? You may recall that I had to email them to her for her midterm, which meant they were conveniently available online..., and not only that, but there was another time sheet we found in our documents that hadn't been accounted for, that ended up making up the time during Spring Break in a week or two, where no hours would have been accrued. Still she worked very hard, which was caused a large amount of stress and headache. Near the latter end of Julie's visit, Stephanie was spending more time studying and working hard to ensure she got her hours. Guys, she worked super hard. I was impressed and inspired by her determination. :)

Side note: The visit with Julie and Matt was really great! Loved seeing them again. It felt like they never left, to be honest. We played so many games, and ate more than I remember eating for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve combined! We did a really great temple session with the whole family, expect for Steve, who hurt his ankle in soccer the day before. But that's okay, family is more than that. That's what makes families so great. You can live your lives in completely different parts of the country, and still, when you're all together, it's like they were always with you. Even when you conveniently hurt your ankle the night before a 6am temple session. ;)
It was really hard to say goodbye to Julie again, though. Stephanie and I were both really sad. This was the first time it really sunk in that they lived so far away. I mean, they've been living in New York for a while now, but it never really felt like they were far away, you know? Well, hopefully you understand. But we know that families are forever, and that we will still see them again. They may live far away physically, but the bonds that tie family together are eternal, and we can be close wherever we go. I'm grateful Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have made it possible for us to have that bond with family. It's just a beautiful and intrinsic principle of our divine nature.

Back to the story! So, Stephanie works really hard, and tracks her hours more intensely than ever before. That, with moving, and family visiting, she did a pretty good job of balancing the three. Usually, those three things require 100% focus, but somehow, she was able to do all three at the same time. She's amazing! The rest of the story is pretty much the same throughout. She spends many hours interpreting, signing, watching her mentors, etc. Plus, she still has lots of other classes, even one in the evening, so I was home alone a lot. Not TOO big a deal for me, but there were quite a few nights where I missed her. But, after many late nights pulled and study groups and group projects of death and lameness, and stress and stress and stress. Yet, throughout it all, she pulled through like a champ! Some of her tests that she thought she wouldn't do well on, she dominated! And as for her pain-in-the-neck teacher? She ended up being instrumental in Stephanie's ability to graduate! It was quite the roller coaster for us.

Steph's graduation ceremony was really cool. I mean, the bagpipes... Like, it was cool that Steph was graduating and all, but MAN... those bagpipes! (Looking at you, Lori... just kidding!) We were sitting pretty high up in the stands in the Vivint Events Center at UVU, and when it came for Stephanie's name to be read, I walked down to the front of the stands to wave to her, but she didn't notice me. Steph later said that she was so focused on not looking like an idiot, she didn't really even know I was there. What a silly. :) That's okay, though. It was just amazing to finally see her walk and receive her diploma! I'm so proud! :')

Since then, Steph's been taking a well-earned break from things like waking up super early, constantly doing school-work, and most of all, the constant stress. She walked on a very thin tightrope for several months. And personally, I was glad we could get back to spending time together without the added stress of her classes on the back of our minds. (To be fair, the stress was more on her than me. I was supportive, but I was also, at times, kind of lazy and didn't help as much as I should have. I still kick myself over that from time to time).
But, she did it! (Which is what she shouted shortly after leaving graduation. lcol). I'm so proud of her. :)

Now on to me! But not nearly as exciting. Don't look at me that way, I told you up front that I wouldn't be nearly as interesting as her. Basically, all that was new for me was that my work, Vivint Solar, moved from our old, rented building in Orem to the new, sleek, long-anticipated and hyped building in Lehi. Like, seriously, though. This building has been in the back of our minds for well over a year. Ever since I started in the company back in 2014. In fact, it was one of the first things mentioned to me when I started. There would be comments and questions about the new building, and when we would move up there. There was even a debate about who would be moved to the new building. Whether it was Processing (the paper -jockeys), or the Customer Success Mangers (My department). I was a little nervous about this because Stephanie used to work in Processing department. She left at the end of 2015 to focus more on school, but for the longest time, we would have a friendly debate about which of us would be working in the Lehi Building. So anyway, it was this overhanging incentive for everyone.
Now, a little backstory here. When I started, I was a customer support rep for the Massachusetts team. Best team ever! My then boss was Kelli, and she was a good leader. understanding, adaptable, cooperative. Then she was called on to pilot the position she and I both work in now (Customer Success Manager). So the running joke was that she was an absent mother to our team, and that she didn't love us anymore. This was most emphasized by me and my jokes about abandonment issues that were only about 75% facetious. I'm fine though... I'm fine...
Anyway, the MA team grew and changed over the course of a year, and I loved every minute of it. Anyway, the new CSM position opens up, and I applied for it. Miraculously, I got it, and it's been awesome ever since. I was hired on for the... you guessed it! MA team! It was really cool, because some of my higher-level coworkers were also hired on to the MA team. All the while, though, these other people that I worked with for so long we slowly, but steadily, leaving for other opportunities. So, the changes were pretty drastic. I'm surprised I held it together so well. Usually, change like that can stress me out. Anyway, finally, the new MA CSM's were hired and trained, and a really cool culture began. I had a new boss, because my old boss, Kelli, was sent to the New Jersey team. So, my "mom" was no longer my "mom". It was weird. Like an estranged sister sort of thing... Anyway, after about 6 months on the new MA team as a CSM, I was pretty happy. Things were going well. Then... came the day I was reassigned. Against my will and without any warning, I might add... It was emotionally challenging. The secretly competitive side of me was like "cool, a new office! Bring it on!". But the other side of me was very nervous, and even offended.
But I got the chance to talk it over with my boss, and she explained that it was because I was a more established individual, so the transition wouldn't be as difficult for me. Which was true.
Now for the big reveal. I was moved to none other than... the New Jersey team! And better yet, with my estranged sister-mom, Kelli! That was actually really cool. It made the transition really easy. If anyone understood what I was feeling about coming to a new office, especially from the same office I left, it would be Kelli. And she was really good about it. She understood very well.
So anyway, the whole time, people were given this idea of the new building, and everyone wanted to move in. But, finally, it was decided that CSM's like myself would move in! And it's been awesome ever since. The new building is amazing. Definitely an upgrade. Very modern, very austere. Great view, too. It's cool, because it's very open, and very intentionally designed to allow sunlight to flow throughout the building.
Anyway, long story short, moving to the new building has been a really nice change in environment. I can now bike to work, which takes 10-15 minutes. That's been really fun, I'll be honest. I even got a new bike, since my old one is... well, old. It's a great way to get exercise and have more energy in the morning

Steph here: A final note on another miracle - the month of May ended up being a highly expensive one due to an ER visit for an abscess under Alex's arm, a speeding ticket, and some medication. We were over our budget by at least 1,000$. Part of that was due to us catching up on our tithing for the past 3 months we hadn't quite got to paying. I fretted and freaked for a while, possibly even cried... Then at the end of the month, our tax return came in, and lo and behold- it was approximately the same amount for all the extra expenses we had made that month.
It still makes me cry.
I know the blessings of tithing are real. I know that the Lord looks out for us and really is mindful of us. There have been more miracles this year than I can count.  I am so humbled at the kindness and love that is given us at every turn by various people and circumstances. I have learned so much about the atonement and how it has power through every experience and purpose. I want you to know that I know God is real. I know His church was restored by Joseph Smith because of God's love for us. He is never far away and His plan is never frustrated by the agency of men. His plan is so complex and extensive for each individual's life that we often don't understand how it could possibly work out or make any sense. I know that the Lord's ways are higher than my ways and we can always trust Him. The future need not be so dismal with such a bright path and a persistent Guide. I leave this with you in the name Jesus Christ, Amen.

Back to Alex now-

So anyway, that catches you up, generally, on us. There's probably more I've missed, but that's what happens when you wait 5. Freaking. Months. My bad guys, I'm sorry. I know you wait with bated breath for a new post all the time. I'll try to keep you from exploding with anticipation from now on.

Thanks for humoring me.

One Year Older and Wiser, Two... Thousand Sixteen!

Hola, Mis Amigos!

... and we've reached the limit of my knowledge of Spanish. Moving on.

Speaking of which,

Happy New Year! 2016! Woohoo!

Love the gifs. Please pardon the quasi-alcoholic implications of this one, though. I mean, it could just be sparkling cider (Martinelli's FTW), so... let's not freak out.
-Alex, you only had 2 shots of bubbly anyway...

So, we survived the holidays. Nay, we thrived! Stephani and I had a truly splendid time this Christmas, I'll have you know. We got each other sensible, yet thoughtful gifts. I didn't realize Assassin's Creed was sensible.... Made sense to me! ;)

So Alex's phone always always always dies, and we've been trying to fix that. We even bought external power chargers that Alex always seems to use once and never remember to charge afterwards... 

So for Christmas! I bought him a phone case (which he ended up needing 3 days sooner... but that's another story) (I dropped my phone! The corner of the screen cracked pretty bad. But! A previous crack saved the day and kept the other cracks from spreading, so... silver lining there...) that was red and that also had an additional power supply! Basically the perfect gift. Especially because it was a red one. You'd be surprised that the only mainstream options available are white, black, and, strangely, pink...

I also decided to be super gooey cute by putting together a personal video for Alex. He wrote a song way back when, in High School (probably before he ever even met me), about being a superhero and "would you still be there for me" and all that.

Well.

I took the song and sang along with it, a same-time descant reply that I would wait for him, and that I would be there to save him.

But there's more!

I also put it to a montage of cute photos of us together.

But there's more!
(I know, how can it get any better?)

I also clipped in video of me interpreting the verses in sign language. 


Right?
Cheesiest thing I've ever done. 
(Totally worth it, though. Seeing Alex's reaction was priceless ^_^)

We spent Christmas going to 3 different families and spending time with each.  I was worried it would be stressful, but it was nice, having so many loving people to spend such a joyous day with.  Christmas truly is about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and I would be ashamed and ungrateful if I did not acknowledge His hand in my life and the opportunity Christmas gives us to remember the Atonement and what that means to each of us. 
During Sacrament meeting that week, I was pondering on Christ being a baby. I wanted to imagine the new perfect baby he was, so I tried to think of the newest littlest baby I knew, and that was my nephew, Callan. In my mind, I was startled to remember that, for him, during the first 2 months of his life, he underwent surgeries where wires and bandages had to be put in and on him. He had been so weak and tiny. 
It brought tears to my eyes to recognize that because Christ came to earth as a little baby, all the other babies, whose lives were scarred by the pains and sicknesses of mortality - through no fault or blame of their own - their sorrows could be made right. Christ has saved and will protect them. He will take care of all of us and all our pains and sorrows that we frequently feel are of no fault or blame of our own. Because of Him, no pain will last forever. He will make it all right. 

I  add my testimony that Christ died and lives for us, and that His life, example and Atonement are gifts beyond measure. I believe in His power and mercy, and that He loves each of us eternally. I love having that knowledge and truth, especially in the face of a new year with new experiences and opportunities. If we keep Christ's love in our hearts and serve Him and our fellow men, we will be welcomed with His loving embrace in the next life. With that in mind...

What greater gift is there?

Not for the Signing Impaired

New ASL Vlog post!

https://vimeo.com/151107564