Seattle

So, as some of you do (and some of you probably don't) know.... WE LIVE IN SEATTLE, WA NOW!!!! I know, I know, it was quick and unexpected for us too. But let me just tell you, never have I felt the Lord guiding my life more than in the last month or so.
In Seattle, there is an electrician's apprenticeship (for James) and there is also an Interpreter Training Program (for sign language interpreters) (for me). So when James and I were deciding where we wanted to be for the next little while (while building our careers) this was one of 3 possibilities. Well, we prayed about it, and decided on Seattle. Then we went to the Temple and prayed to have an answer whether Seattle was the right decision. The Lord sometimes whispers to you your answers, but sometimes He whacks you over the head with them... this was a whack over the head. In our session, there were two deaf couples!!! I didn't realize this was the answer 'til about half way through the session, but then it hit me... DUH!!! WAKE UP!!!! Here's your answer honey! I was sitting next to someone who one day I hope I can interpret for. My dream job, was was sitting right next to me! (they are the deaf liaisons for the L.A. LDS Temple). What other answer could I assume this was than a YES! So that was it, We got the answer, I gave my 2 weeks notice, and on August 25th, we moved to Seattle. No jobs, to prospects, thank goodness James had come up earlier and found an apartment. Within two weeks we both had jobs, and life has been going pretty smoothly since then. I have never had everything fall so perfectly in place before. I know our prayers were answered and the Lord has been helping us every step of the way. We are in a wonderful ward, our jobs are great, and James' apprenticeship program has already scheduled an interview to meet him. LIFE IS GOOD!
Nothing really new beyond that. We don't technically live in Seattle, though. We live in Renton, to be exact, but it's pretty close to the Emerald City. Sorry I don't have any pictures for this post. The camera was a little difficult to find at first. But next time... I promise.

Kindness

Today, James and I ran a few errands. Now, normally, that wouldn't really be a blog-worthy activity, however, today it was. First we went to the bank to deposit my check. Then on the way out of the shopping center, we decided to go to Starbucks. Another car was heading to the drive through as we got there, but we let him go in front of us. No big deal, it didn't make us wait too much longer. Well, we pulled up to the window to pay and to our surprise, the driver ahead of us had paid for our order as a thanks for our courtesy. How awesome is that? This stranger, absolutely made my day!!! I want to be more grateful every day. Instead of focusing on the butt-head driver who cuts me off, maybe I will focus more on the kind driver who lets me merge in front of them. Maybe I'll be able to make someone's day like that random driver did to mine today. Just a little something to think about.

Family

I am so grateful for all the family members I have. And now that I'm married, I have even more family to be grateful for. James and I recently went up to St. George to take family pictures with his side of the family. It was so much fun!! It was the first pictures we have taken of the WHOLE family in maybe 3 or 4 years. When I first met James, his brother Elmer was on his mission, then James left before Elmer came home, and then when James got back, his sister Holly had moved to Virginia (her husband is in the navy) so it's been nearly impossible to get together for pictures. We had an amazing photographer that James' sister Hanna has known for a while. Her name is Donalee Walker. She was fun and energetic, and gave plenty of instructions to get us into the best poses. I love how James' entire family has welcomed me and immediately and completely made me feel part of the family. I love all my family members. Every single one of them has their own special place and role in my life and I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. Anyways, just thought I'd share my feelings on family, the most important thing in my world. And yes, James is most definitely included in the "family" category, even though "husband" is my favorite title for him haha. Here is one of the pictures Donalee has posted on her facebook account. Check her out! She really does a great job.