Daniel's Graduation!

Hello! Back on the blog again. Just thought it might be a good idea to document one of the most important things that's happened to us this year. Daniel graduated from college!

 Tassel in the face with a John B. Sorensen photobomb in the back :)

Emily homemade these truly spectacular U of U cookies! It's even more impressive when you consider that she is a BYU fan.

After the ceremony, we had a luncheon for Daniel and his cousin Peter who graduated the same day. fun was had by all!

Post-graduation life was kind of interesting for us at the beginning. Before he graduated, Daniel had a great job at a law firm, but it was only part time and wasn't where he wanted to be forever. So, he started the job hunt. At first, not much was coming up. So when a friend offered Daniel a position at his start-up company, D put in his two-weeks notice and we started getting excited for this new opportunity!

That was when things got interesting.

Days before Daniel's two weeks was up, the job at the start-up company fell through. It was a huge blow. Not only was it financially not the best situation, it was also hard for Daniel to be finally graduating - only to be unemployed.

A few months into this unemployment adventure, I had started to get pretty discouraged. Daniel had been searching so hard for a job and doing everything he could, but nothing was working out. My life right then was the opposite of how I pictured it would be. Wasn't life supposed to finally begin after both of us graduated? Weren't we supposed to be making more money instead of less? We had lived in this tiny-shoebox-apartment for 4 years, and I just wanted to move on with our lives. It was a good thing I had Daniel to help keep me positive. He had a lot more perspective than I did, and I appreciate that now more than ever.

It turned out, as all "trials" do, that the whole ordeal was for the best. Not only did I learn a lot about myself and Daniel, but I also learned about patience and the Lord's timing. I learned for myself that when one door closes, another door opens. And that second door is the one you want to go through anyway.

After much searching and prayer, Daniel was eventually offered a great position at Extra Space Storage in their branding department. It was, and has continued to be, a HUGE blessing. It's an excellent company that treats their employees well. He travels nationwide and is learning a lot of valuable skills. Their most recent company party was even at the Aquarium! Pretty much my dream come true :)

A long story, but an important one for me to write about on the blog because it was a real learning experience for me. I've learned that keeping a positive attitude in hard times is important, because eventually it will all work out. We just have to trust!

Congratulations Daniel! <3

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