U.S. Citizen

Well, leave it to the Federal Government to generally mess things up and make life complicated. In applying for my passport (since you need one now to renew your driver license and do everything but sneeze) I learned that I was not a legal citizen of the U.S. And due to the luck of all things that are Heather, I was neither one of Canada where I was born. Mercy! In all the law changes, rule changes, form changes; my changes (birth that is) were misplaced. And since 9/11 I now had to go through Homeland Security and prove why I deserved such an honor.

Needless to say, it has taken time, money and a sense of humor. I must say that it was easier then I imagined; there was only one form to complete and only 10 pieces of "authorized, notarized copies". It took less time then expected; only 6 months, not the 18 months I was told. It was not free.

I was given the privilege of being sworn in as a Citizen of the U.S.A. on Monday, August 31st at 8am. I was a very excited girl. I am still giggly about it really. I know, ask anyone else it was rather silly- I had to promise to bare arms if required by law and all, but I enjoyed the moment. Waiting an hour and a half to raise my hand for five was less then thrilling for the boys but how often do you get to experience something like this.

I was the only Caucasian. They mispronounced my name twice, in two different ways. I was the only one who spoke only one language. I had the largest cheering section and I DID NOT nod off like the teen at the end of the line;)

Here are the photos!

"I Swear"

Boys killin' time

Signing my name on EVERYTHING

Happy Girl

Me and my Certificate

Camping Trip

They were standing on a sign that said "Keep Off"

I took the boys camping last week. Since Phillip so eloquently puts it, "God did not intend for me to camp", it was just the three of us. Oh and the cousins. We spent two nights at Barview Jetty just outside of Tillamook. It only sprinkled one night so it was an odd trip, usually we get rained out! The big boys slept in a tent by themselves and fell asleep reading comics and talking. I was fiercely strict and insisted that the children be allowed to run in and out of the tents and jump on the air mattress, without shoes of course. I am not a neanderthal.

We spent three hours at the Air Museum and finally left because Kate and I couldn't take another minute. Who knew! We went to the cheese factory; enjoying the show, the samples and eventually ice cream. There were campfires and s'mores. Hot dogs and lots and lots of candy and grape soda. No showers, peeing in the bushes (the boys!) and the train. There was a Weather Rock in town. Note the sign, "Weather Forcast:ie rock is.......wet it is raining...white it is snowing...moving it is windy."

It was nice to get out of the office, away from town and to do something just the boys and I. The only bummer was that the Coast Guard said to stay out of the water because there were sharks close to the beach. Seriously? I have to say I was miffed because it was the first time I had gotten to the beach all summer and playing in the surf is one of the highlights for me. Maybe next time;)

Jack's Preschool

These photos are from his Family Fun Night and the party in the park on the last day.

Scout Events

Phillip attempting humor;)

Here are photos from his graduating to the next level and his group that went through a special religion piece this spring.

Frolicking in the fountain...

It's Summmerrrr!

Oh my gosh it is July!!!!!



We are getting RJ ready to head off to scout camp. This is the first year he does an overnight. He will be gone for three days and two nights. I am so excited! I think everything is packed and most of the patches are sewn to the shirt. He is really excited too. We'll see if he sleeps tonight at all. I am sure that by Wednesday he will be wiped out. It is amazing how quick they grow. I love to cheer them on as they gain independence. No longer my baby, but my little man.



Phillip has spent two weeks at home with the kids this summer so far. He is making the most of all the furlough and plant closures at work. The first week he had off was the first week of summer and my first week at work. He was very ambitious and set the bar high for the rest of the summer. They went to the Zoo, Omsi and a movie too. He had last week off too and there were more activities. He is doing quite well getting all the free events on the calendar and scheduling fun trips around town. It has been very nice for me.



I went back to work this summer and am a Preschool Director for the program that Jack was at last year. It is with a local congregation and is only part-time. It has been a nice way to shake the cobwebs off the brain. Slow to start but I'm getting there.



Here are a few photos...

Sleepin Babes

All tuckered out this Memorial Weekend. The boys spent the weekend at Nana & Papa's. When we went for the day it was a great time playing in the sand and resting.

Broadway Bridge

RJ made a model of the Broadway Bridge for a school project. Very impressive I think. Gotta love legos!

Little Ones at the Beach

Here are the littlest ones, Jack and Lexi, at the beach. They enjoyed playing in the water and covering each other with sand.

Big Boys and the Beach

Here are RJ and Connor at the Beach. They were getting their gear together to build the fort. Never enough time for them to dig holes and drag sticks.

Portland Timbers

RJ's soccer program had an event at opening night for the Portland Timbers Soccer. We had a blast! There was a sculpture outside the boys enjoyed. Notice Jack in the nose. Ah there is something witty to say.

The mascot walks around with a chainsaw "revving" up the crowd.

Easter

Here they are dying eggs. I am very proud, they both got to color eggs this year and I was able to finally use what I bought last year!

Then we spent the day at Ahmah (Rosa) and Ahyeh's (Richard). The kids had a fabulous time hunting eggs (there were 100!) in the rain. Notice the kids all have coats and hoods and rain boots. The moms (Kate and I) are missing all that is necessary to maintain a good hair day. We spent the rest of the rainy day playing board games and eating what RJ termed, "the best dinner ever!" My boys really like fried chicken and coleslaw.