Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Needed Smile
I'm having a hard time staying positive and happy today and this post made me smile. I hope it makes you smile too!
Day 4
We received a phone call from the secretary of the US Senator who is looking into our case. The consulate had still not contacted her but she had called a contact in the US Dept of Naturalization office who looked up our case. It said that the consulate had contacted us on July 16th by letter. It stated that one of our forms had not been signed and that we needed to still prove Domicile for Landon. As I got off the phone with her we got a phone call from my old landlord. There was a letter in our mailbox from the US Consulate in Montreal. Landon drove over and got it. It ends up that our sponsorship had accidently not been signed. They were returning it. The letter was in response the email we had sent two weeks ago. They also requested that I send my passport. Which I sent at the beginning of June. My guess is that they have not yet opened up the package I sent by Purolater that contains my passport and Landon's acceptance letter from ISU. We have sent everything by email to Rita who is going to get the right forms signed and send a package the fastest way possible to Montreal tomorrow. I included a letter letting them know about my passport. Hopefully it hasn't been lost...
We will probably have to wait another 2-4 weeks after they receive the paperwork before the visa arrives. It looks like the kids and I will be in Powell River for most of the summer. Landon is heading down to Idaho this weekend because he has stuff that needs to be done before he can get his classes for September. Hopefully this will go by quickly so that I will be able to get my green card in time to teach by September 1st and so we can buy the house we are looking at. Everything hinges on the visa. Please keep us in your prayers.
We will probably have to wait another 2-4 weeks after they receive the paperwork before the visa arrives. It looks like the kids and I will be in Powell River for most of the summer. Landon is heading down to Idaho this weekend because he has stuff that needs to be done before he can get his classes for September. Hopefully this will go by quickly so that I will be able to get my green card in time to teach by September 1st and so we can buy the house we are looking at. Everything hinges on the visa. Please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 3 continued
Came home from town. Checked the mail box. A slip of paper was inside saying we missed a delivery. We can pick it up after 5 pm. Excitedly I flip it over. It is addressed to...
Janet Hull
Yep. No visa yet.
Janet Hull
Yep. No visa yet.
Day 3
No visa yesterday.
None today so far but it is only 11am.
Landon got home at 11pm yesterday. He was tired and stressed but happy to be back with us. He has a better understanding about why I hate going over the border, especially the one in Blaine, WA. Actually I am terrified of that one because of stuff that happened when I was coming into the US on a student visa. I don't find them to be the friendliest.
Landon and my parents spent 3 hours yesterday packing, going through our stuff, putting all my stuff in storage, and repacking the trailer. Then they headed back to the US border. Here is Landon's account:
My parents and Landon each had to see their own customs agent. My parents' had a chip on his shoulder while Landon's was relatively nice. He even looked embarrassed a few times by the rudeness of his co worker. Landon calls the whole experience a taste of hell. They were treated like they were ignorant idiots. They were left sitting and waiting as the vehicles and trailer were inspected. The agents asked if there was an itemized list. Landon said it was in the car, so they went out to look for it. When they came back with it, the "jerk" officer asked if this was the list Landon had been referring to. Landon said yes, but that they hadn't crossed off all the things that had been removed yet. To this the agent said, "This list doesn't suffice," and then he walked away. It was a five-six page listing of everything that was in the boxes. A few minutes later, the "nice" officer finally came back and said there was a problem with the household items. They wanted to know why there was a crib and other children's items in the trailer. Landon said they belonged to his children. The guard said that Landon would not be allowed to cross the border with them. Landon then cited the name of the guard he had talked with the night before who said that Landon could bring anything belonging to the kids, or jointly owned with me, just not items that were clearly mine. The "jerk" said, "How do we know those items are not hers (meaning Tamara)?" Landon said, "Well for that matter, how do you know any of the items in the trailer are mine, other than I'm telling you that they are?" By this time Landon was upset and he said, "Those are my things too. They are going into my house in the United States. The "jerk" walked away. The nice guard then asked Landon where the children were. Landon told him they were with their mother in Powell River, that they were born in Canada, but they are US citizens, and the items in the trailer belonged to them. Landon then walked away and told my parents that they were going to have to return to Canada. So they sat there waiting to be escorted back to their vehicles, and back into Canada. A few moments later, the nice guard returned to the counter, called Landon over, handed him the passports and signed customs slips, and said, "You're free to go." Landon was surprised and said, "You mean back to Canada, or into the United States?" The guard just nodded and said, "You're free to go." Landon just looked at him directly and said, "Thank you." He then went back to my parents and said, "We can go." They asked where, and Landon said they could go south (into the US).
Landon went into the US, grabbed a bite to eat, and headed back to the Canadian border. He was still feeling cautious about everything so when he was asked about how long he had been in the US and why, Landon told him that he was helping his inlaws get over the border with a few of his things and they were taking them down to relatives in Idaho. The guard became very suspicious at this, and began to ask more probing questions. When Landon realized he was not going to let him in, he told him the whole story. The guard said, "Oh, why didn't you tell me that?" Landon apologized, and the guard waved him through.
Yep, borders suck!
None today so far but it is only 11am.
Landon got home at 11pm yesterday. He was tired and stressed but happy to be back with us. He has a better understanding about why I hate going over the border, especially the one in Blaine, WA. Actually I am terrified of that one because of stuff that happened when I was coming into the US on a student visa. I don't find them to be the friendliest.
Landon and my parents spent 3 hours yesterday packing, going through our stuff, putting all my stuff in storage, and repacking the trailer. Then they headed back to the US border. Here is Landon's account:
My parents and Landon each had to see their own customs agent. My parents' had a chip on his shoulder while Landon's was relatively nice. He even looked embarrassed a few times by the rudeness of his co worker. Landon calls the whole experience a taste of hell. They were treated like they were ignorant idiots. They were left sitting and waiting as the vehicles and trailer were inspected. The agents asked if there was an itemized list. Landon said it was in the car, so they went out to look for it. When they came back with it, the "jerk" officer asked if this was the list Landon had been referring to. Landon said yes, but that they hadn't crossed off all the things that had been removed yet. To this the agent said, "This list doesn't suffice," and then he walked away. It was a five-six page listing of everything that was in the boxes. A few minutes later, the "nice" officer finally came back and said there was a problem with the household items. They wanted to know why there was a crib and other children's items in the trailer. Landon said they belonged to his children. The guard said that Landon would not be allowed to cross the border with them. Landon then cited the name of the guard he had talked with the night before who said that Landon could bring anything belonging to the kids, or jointly owned with me, just not items that were clearly mine. The "jerk" said, "How do we know those items are not hers (meaning Tamara)?" Landon said, "Well for that matter, how do you know any of the items in the trailer are mine, other than I'm telling you that they are?" By this time Landon was upset and he said, "Those are my things too. They are going into my house in the United States. The "jerk" walked away. The nice guard then asked Landon where the children were. Landon told him they were with their mother in Powell River, that they were born in Canada, but they are US citizens, and the items in the trailer belonged to them. Landon then walked away and told my parents that they were going to have to return to Canada. So they sat there waiting to be escorted back to their vehicles, and back into Canada. A few moments later, the nice guard returned to the counter, called Landon over, handed him the passports and signed customs slips, and said, "You're free to go." Landon was surprised and said, "You mean back to Canada, or into the United States?" The guard just nodded and said, "You're free to go." Landon just looked at him directly and said, "Thank you." He then went back to my parents and said, "We can go." They asked where, and Landon said they could go south (into the US).
Landon went into the US, grabbed a bite to eat, and headed back to the Canadian border. He was still feeling cautious about everything so when he was asked about how long he had been in the US and why, Landon told him that he was helping his inlaws get over the border with a few of his things and they were taking them down to relatives in Idaho. The guard became very suspicious at this, and began to ask more probing questions. When Landon realized he was not going to let him in, he told him the whole story. The guard said, "Oh, why didn't you tell me that?" Landon apologized, and the guard waved him through.
Yep, borders suck!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Update
No visa in the mail Monday.
So far no visa today. Last night my parents and Landon were turned away at the border due to the fact that they were trying to import items that were mine. So they stayed the night in Cloverdale. This morning spent a few hours sorting through all our boxes and putting everything into storage which was mine. Landon will take them across the border and then come back up to Powell River. When my visa arrives we will drive down to Vancouver, put all the storage into a small Uhaul van and drive both vehicles down to Idaho. We will import my car then too.
I hope the visa comes today.
PS Emily got sick last night, Collin and I are both sick today. I am grateful that we aren't on the road.
So far no visa today. Last night my parents and Landon were turned away at the border due to the fact that they were trying to import items that were mine. So they stayed the night in Cloverdale. This morning spent a few hours sorting through all our boxes and putting everything into storage which was mine. Landon will take them across the border and then come back up to Powell River. When my visa arrives we will drive down to Vancouver, put all the storage into a small Uhaul van and drive both vehicles down to Idaho. We will import my car then too.
I hope the visa comes today.
PS Emily got sick last night, Collin and I are both sick today. I am grateful that we aren't on the road.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Its been awhile
I haven't posted in awhile. Life has been crazy. Living at my parents. Working for my dad as a cashier. Fantastic Hull Family reunion. Same old, same old. :)
Tomorrow is moving day. No immigration visa yet.
So by 3 pm tomorrow if it hasn't arrived than I will be waving good bye to my parents, Landon and Emily. Collin and I will be waiting it out here in PR until the visa arrives.
Please keep us in your prayers. I can't wait until this is all over!
Tomorrow is moving day. No immigration visa yet.
So by 3 pm tomorrow if it hasn't arrived than I will be waving good bye to my parents, Landon and Emily. Collin and I will be waiting it out here in PR until the visa arrives.
Please keep us in your prayers. I can't wait until this is all over!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Happy Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day Everyone!
The weather here isn't the best but that doesn't put a damper on anything!
I am so happy to be a citizen of this wonderful country. My parents have instilled a patriotism that will never go away!
The weather here isn't the best but that doesn't put a damper on anything!
I am so happy to be a citizen of this wonderful country. My parents have instilled a patriotism that will never go away!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Emily's shiny blue eyes
I told EMily that the dentist cleans our teeth so that they are nice and shiny. She thought about it and said, "Emmy has shiny blue eyes." And then proceeded to make them as large as possible and bat her eyes at me. She repeated it THREE times. Seriously she is so adorable and I LOVE her!
Emily's first Teeth Cleaning
With such a catchy title I know that everyone is dying to hear about her trip to the dentist....
Since Emily tried to take out her front teeth a couple of weeks ago, we had to head into the dentist today and have them checked out. She needed to come in for her 6 month checkup in a couple of weeks so not a big deal. She sat patiently next to me and watch the hygienist clean my teeth. She even passed her the water and suction tube. She thought it was really cool. When the hygienist told her to hop up on the seat she was in heaven. (Funny side story: When the hygienist was putting everything away from me Emily turned to me put her hand on her head and told me she had a fever. That is what she does at Collin's doctor's appointments because she wants to have the doctor check her out. I reminded her that the dentist looks at our teeth and that her turn was next.) She sat with her mouth wide open the WHOLE time. She didn't like the suction and would panic a little went it went into her mouth. Other than that she was quite content to sit there. Her front teeth were still a little tender but she was a trouper. When the hygienist put the strawberry flouride on her teeth she almost gagged. That is the way I used to feel when I used to have sit with it in my mouth. The hygienist said that she was so good she could pick out a prize while we waited for the doctor. She picked a ring and a sticky hand. She climbed back into the chair herself but as I was opening the sticky hand she over compensated in her balance and fell backward off the chair, hitting the ground. Lots of tears but after about ten seconds the tears were because I hadn't finished opening the toy. (Another funny aside: Our family doctor was in the room across the hall from us with her teenage daughter. She had come in to say hi while Emily was having her teeth cleaned. She stepped outside just before the fall but when she got back in her daughter told her that a little girl had fallen off the chair. Deb came to see me to see if we needed a doctor. I said no, and she laughed because she said that she knew it had to have been Emily and that Emily would be okay. Emily just smiled at her and showed her the sticky hand. Yeah she knows about Emily and her falls.) We had to wait 15 minutes or so for Dr. Machin and Emily spent the whole time whipping the sticky hand around. And climbing on the chair. I had to hold onto so she wouldn't fall again! She must be surrounded by guardian angels! And she wasn't even traumatized because she happily climbed into the chair to have the dentist look at her teeth. Especially after he told her she could have another sticky hand because she had pulled hers apart. She walked out of the office with 2 sticky hands, 2 rings and 2 toothbrushes. Whenever she was asked a question she would look up at them with a demure expression and bat her eyelashes a bunch of times. I have no idea where she learned that! The dentist checked my teeth and said that he knows that my check up will be quick and that he can never count on making money off of me. Thanks Mom and Dad for great teeth! :) Carrying on the tradition started by my mother, Emily and I headed out for a treat to celebrate having beautiful clean teeth. Tim Hortons was busy so an ice cream at Dairy Queen hit the spot.
(The trip to the chiropractors after this is a whole other story but all I will say is potty training has definitely had its ups and downs!)
Since Emily tried to take out her front teeth a couple of weeks ago, we had to head into the dentist today and have them checked out. She needed to come in for her 6 month checkup in a couple of weeks so not a big deal. She sat patiently next to me and watch the hygienist clean my teeth. She even passed her the water and suction tube. She thought it was really cool. When the hygienist told her to hop up on the seat she was in heaven. (Funny side story: When the hygienist was putting everything away from me Emily turned to me put her hand on her head and told me she had a fever. That is what she does at Collin's doctor's appointments because she wants to have the doctor check her out. I reminded her that the dentist looks at our teeth and that her turn was next.) She sat with her mouth wide open the WHOLE time. She didn't like the suction and would panic a little went it went into her mouth. Other than that she was quite content to sit there. Her front teeth were still a little tender but she was a trouper. When the hygienist put the strawberry flouride on her teeth she almost gagged. That is the way I used to feel when I used to have sit with it in my mouth. The hygienist said that she was so good she could pick out a prize while we waited for the doctor. She picked a ring and a sticky hand. She climbed back into the chair herself but as I was opening the sticky hand she over compensated in her balance and fell backward off the chair, hitting the ground. Lots of tears but after about ten seconds the tears were because I hadn't finished opening the toy. (Another funny aside: Our family doctor was in the room across the hall from us with her teenage daughter. She had come in to say hi while Emily was having her teeth cleaned. She stepped outside just before the fall but when she got back in her daughter told her that a little girl had fallen off the chair. Deb came to see me to see if we needed a doctor. I said no, and she laughed because she said that she knew it had to have been Emily and that Emily would be okay. Emily just smiled at her and showed her the sticky hand. Yeah she knows about Emily and her falls.) We had to wait 15 minutes or so for Dr. Machin and Emily spent the whole time whipping the sticky hand around. And climbing on the chair. I had to hold onto so she wouldn't fall again! She must be surrounded by guardian angels! And she wasn't even traumatized because she happily climbed into the chair to have the dentist look at her teeth. Especially after he told her she could have another sticky hand because she had pulled hers apart. She walked out of the office with 2 sticky hands, 2 rings and 2 toothbrushes. Whenever she was asked a question she would look up at them with a demure expression and bat her eyelashes a bunch of times. I have no idea where she learned that! The dentist checked my teeth and said that he knows that my check up will be quick and that he can never count on making money off of me. Thanks Mom and Dad for great teeth! :) Carrying on the tradition started by my mother, Emily and I headed out for a treat to celebrate having beautiful clean teeth. Tim Hortons was busy so an ice cream at Dairy Queen hit the spot.
(The trip to the chiropractors after this is a whole other story but all I will say is potty training has definitely had its ups and downs!)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Blessing of Good Friends
I would take a moment to talk about how blessed I have with good friends. I am astonished with how blessed I am with friends. Actually many times I am surprised that I have friends but that is a different story. I figured that we would move and that no one, except maybe family, would notice we were gone. And then the Lord humbled me.
Blessing One:
I love to surprise people with parties. I LOVE it! But I can only remember it happening to me once, I think. I have been putting long days into work and my poor husband and children have been supportive but two weeks ago Landon put his foot down and said we were having a family day on Saturday June 12th. I agreed but then I got a call from my mom. She said that my dad was really stressed and she wanted to take him to the beach on the 12th (two days later) and have him hang out with his grandkids. I told her I'd have to talk to Landon. Landon said that we could drop by but we weren't going to stay long. So Saturday morning came along and we packed up 12 boxes and got the van all sorted out. It was 3pm and we started heading to the beach. I had to help out with Grad that night and so I wasn't planning on showering until right before it. On went a hat and I was heading out the door in grubby capris and ratty t-shirt. Landon asked if I would get changed because we were going to be heading out on a walk and I looked a mess. :) (He did say it nicer than that.) So I grumbling changed into different shorts and a t-shirt. Landon brought me some perfume to put on and asked if I wanted to put on make-up. I declined. We arrived at the beach to find my parents, and the Coe family. I sat down and started chatting. To my surprise the Norris' and my brother's family pulled up. Sheryl than explained that she and her daughters wanted to throw me a surprise going away party. And Landon had known all week! He just grinned. I'm so glad that I at least changed my clothes. I even wish I had brought my bathing suit because it turned out to be hot! We had a wonderful time eating and visiting for three hours until I had to run home and get changed to go out. It was so wonderful. The Coe's have been wonderful family friends and I will miss them dearly. My kids will miss them even more!
Blessing Two:
I started at the high school in September. I've been there for one year. I have been blessed with a great supportive group to work with. There are 11 Student Support Assistants and they have been fantastic. I have learned a lot and we've had a lot of fun. I had one SSA retire in January and two more this June. As we planned the retirement party for the last two the staff asked if they could include me as a going away party. I was really touched. It was very nice of them. We had a beautiful light supper out at Herondell Bed and Breakfast and a fantastic tuxedo cake. The owners of Herondell (Alex and Nancy) have been family friends for years. They taught both Matt and Naomi voice lessons. It was nice to have time to chat with them as well. The staff surprised me with a beautiful gift. They had noticed that I wear little no jewelry and what I wear is very simple. So they bought a beautiful heart necklace and bracelet that says "Life is the greatest treasure..." The incredible thing is that I have wanted the bracelet for years but had never purchased it! I couldn't believe that they were able to purchase such a perfect gift for me. I will miss them all so much! I have worn the necklace every day and have found that when I am nervous it brings me courage.
Blessing Three:
I have many good acquaintances here and a few good friends. I always wished that I had some good girlfriends. I miss girl night out and just having fun and feeling accepted for who I was. I worried a lot that the few people I considered friends really only saw me as a nice person but not a friend. I really only knew people through work and never socialized outside of work. But I've discovered I was wrong. Two wonderful ladies, Norma Lazaroff and Robyn Scoville, emailed and asked if they could put together a small group of people to have a goodbye dinner for me. My friend Glynis Romanica offered her boat for the dinner and we decided to a potluck. The dinner was last night and all I can say is Wow! I came home for about a half an hour after work and then headed out to the dinner so my husband was a little stressed about me going out. But he knew how much it meant to me so he let me go. Jody wasn't able to come but it was a nice cozy dinner with the four of us. I had so much fun. When we realized it was dark outside we couldn't believe it. It gets dark here around 10pm. We had been chatting for over 3 hours. The food was wonderful but the friendship even better. These three ladies plus Jody (and a few others) are the reason I have made it through the last seven years sane. They have supported me, taught me, inspired me and been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Thank-you girls for the wonderful night!
Blessing Four:
Emily is so excited for Mondays when we go to Strongstart (the free parent/child preschool). She excitedly says, "Cynthia, toys!" Cynthia is the wonderful woman who has been running it this year. She has helped me so much with my parenting. She has taught me a loving (not yelling) way to get Emily's attention and to get her to follow directions! Hallelujah! She has taught me to be positive and that it is possible to put a positive spin on everything. Ie: When Collin started yelling at the top of his lungs for fun she looked at me, smiled, and said, "Collin has found his voice." We just love and adore her. She is moving away the same time as us and my dad is sad because she has done such a fantastic job with one of his pet projects, the ORCA bus. (A travelling preschool.) We will miss her! The singing, dancing, positivity, smiling and love she gives everyone that meets her.
Blessing One:
I love to surprise people with parties. I LOVE it! But I can only remember it happening to me once, I think. I have been putting long days into work and my poor husband and children have been supportive but two weeks ago Landon put his foot down and said we were having a family day on Saturday June 12th. I agreed but then I got a call from my mom. She said that my dad was really stressed and she wanted to take him to the beach on the 12th (two days later) and have him hang out with his grandkids. I told her I'd have to talk to Landon. Landon said that we could drop by but we weren't going to stay long. So Saturday morning came along and we packed up 12 boxes and got the van all sorted out. It was 3pm and we started heading to the beach. I had to help out with Grad that night and so I wasn't planning on showering until right before it. On went a hat and I was heading out the door in grubby capris and ratty t-shirt. Landon asked if I would get changed because we were going to be heading out on a walk and I looked a mess. :) (He did say it nicer than that.) So I grumbling changed into different shorts and a t-shirt. Landon brought me some perfume to put on and asked if I wanted to put on make-up. I declined. We arrived at the beach to find my parents, and the Coe family. I sat down and started chatting. To my surprise the Norris' and my brother's family pulled up. Sheryl than explained that she and her daughters wanted to throw me a surprise going away party. And Landon had known all week! He just grinned. I'm so glad that I at least changed my clothes. I even wish I had brought my bathing suit because it turned out to be hot! We had a wonderful time eating and visiting for three hours until I had to run home and get changed to go out. It was so wonderful. The Coe's have been wonderful family friends and I will miss them dearly. My kids will miss them even more!
Blessing Two:
I started at the high school in September. I've been there for one year. I have been blessed with a great supportive group to work with. There are 11 Student Support Assistants and they have been fantastic. I have learned a lot and we've had a lot of fun. I had one SSA retire in January and two more this June. As we planned the retirement party for the last two the staff asked if they could include me as a going away party. I was really touched. It was very nice of them. We had a beautiful light supper out at Herondell Bed and Breakfast and a fantastic tuxedo cake. The owners of Herondell (Alex and Nancy) have been family friends for years. They taught both Matt and Naomi voice lessons. It was nice to have time to chat with them as well. The staff surprised me with a beautiful gift. They had noticed that I wear little no jewelry and what I wear is very simple. So they bought a beautiful heart necklace and bracelet that says "Life is the greatest treasure..." The incredible thing is that I have wanted the bracelet for years but had never purchased it! I couldn't believe that they were able to purchase such a perfect gift for me. I will miss them all so much! I have worn the necklace every day and have found that when I am nervous it brings me courage.
Blessing Three:
I have many good acquaintances here and a few good friends. I always wished that I had some good girlfriends. I miss girl night out and just having fun and feeling accepted for who I was. I worried a lot that the few people I considered friends really only saw me as a nice person but not a friend. I really only knew people through work and never socialized outside of work. But I've discovered I was wrong. Two wonderful ladies, Norma Lazaroff and Robyn Scoville, emailed and asked if they could put together a small group of people to have a goodbye dinner for me. My friend Glynis Romanica offered her boat for the dinner and we decided to a potluck. The dinner was last night and all I can say is Wow! I came home for about a half an hour after work and then headed out to the dinner so my husband was a little stressed about me going out. But he knew how much it meant to me so he let me go. Jody wasn't able to come but it was a nice cozy dinner with the four of us. I had so much fun. When we realized it was dark outside we couldn't believe it. It gets dark here around 10pm. We had been chatting for over 3 hours. The food was wonderful but the friendship even better. These three ladies plus Jody (and a few others) are the reason I have made it through the last seven years sane. They have supported me, taught me, inspired me and been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Thank-you girls for the wonderful night!
Blessing Four:
Emily is so excited for Mondays when we go to Strongstart (the free parent/child preschool). She excitedly says, "Cynthia, toys!" Cynthia is the wonderful woman who has been running it this year. She has helped me so much with my parenting. She has taught me a loving (not yelling) way to get Emily's attention and to get her to follow directions! Hallelujah! She has taught me to be positive and that it is possible to put a positive spin on everything. Ie: When Collin started yelling at the top of his lungs for fun she looked at me, smiled, and said, "Collin has found his voice." We just love and adore her. She is moving away the same time as us and my dad is sad because she has done such a fantastic job with one of his pet projects, the ORCA bus. (A travelling preschool.) We will miss her! The singing, dancing, positivity, smiling and love she gives everyone that meets her.
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