Naturalization Ceremony

Last Friday, November 13th I had my naturalization ceremony where I became a citizen of the United States.  On Monday, November 2nd I went to the UCIS office (Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) where I had to pass a test and have an interview with an agent of the federal government and immigration services.  I was given a civics test manual of 100 questions to study from including principles of American democracy, systems of governments, rights and responsibilities, the colonial period and independence, the 1800's, recent American history and other historical information, geography, and symbols.   I got 100% on my test and the interview went perfectly.  Needless to say, I was given a warm welcome to be a citizen of one of two of the best countries in the world!  (Canada being the other, of course.).  Chad and I have been through so much with immigration since I moved here 5.5 years ago.  We have finally reached an end and feel like we've had a huge load lifted off our shoulders now that we'll never have to deal with U.S. immigration again, what a great feeling!  We do still plan on moving to Canada when we're done with dental school but at least we can have the assurity and confidence of knowing that we can come back here without any further problems... and who knows, we may just decide to retire here one day.  Besides, as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a border between the U.S. and Canada.  I am more American than you may think.  My ancestors in America go back about 10,000 years.  Some of them (my native ancestors) migrated to Canada from the United States several generations ago - known to you as the First Nations/Native Americans.  Many of my relatives on my maternal side migrated from Europe to New York and then eventually came to Canada so there is a lot of history there as well.  I'm kind of angry that I even had to go through the immigration process.  My dad's a U.S. citizen and that would have been an automatic entrance for me if I would have applied before I was 18... oh well, it's done now!

I want to start off with saying that I'm really sorry if you weren't able to make it to the ceremony because it was that great of an experience and really a once-in-a-lifetime event.  I tried inviting everyone local I could think of and sent out an invitation as a formality to close friends and family even though I knew some of you couldn't make it because of distance.  I also want to thank those who showed up and shared this AMAZING experience with me.  I would also like to thank those who RSVP'd to show their support even though they couldn't make it, it meant a lot to me.  A big thanks to Chad's parents for driving all the way from Utah to share this special ceremony with me... THANK YOU!!!

"The Experience"
Wow, wow and wow... have I stressed that enough?  I will try to type this without getting emotional but at least if I do, you can't see me... one of the wonderful aspects of the blogging world.  I'm not great with expressing my emotions in front of others. 
Chad and I were talking about the ceremony last Sunday night and what it meant to us.   We were both getting teary eyed as we talked about the emotions and feelings "in the air" that were surrounding everyone at the ceremony.  There were 80 immigrants from 35 different countries who became American citizens that day, and many spectators.  Everyone took turns and stood up to introduce themselves to say which country they were from to the presiding judge.  A few selected new citizens stood up and shared their stories about becoming citizens and how they came to America for better lives; from poverty and generations of dreams of hoping to come here one day.  The judge shared a talk on how immigrants come here to obtain better lives.  It was really emotional as he talked about the rights so many don't have - how in some countries women don't even have the right to drive or vote, and are treated badly, etc., and there obviously aren't the opportunities in many countries like there are here as far as an honest living, education, and overall quality of life.  He also talked about how the people who immigrate to the U.S. usually always succeed with their dreams and work hard because they are very grateful for the opportunities given to them... I think that many Americans and Canadians can really learn from the examples immigrants are and for their hard work and all that they contribute.  A lot of them came from nothing and worked hard and were eventually granted freedoms and citizenship so they too can experience life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... does that sound familiar?  They are the 3 rights in the Declaration of Independence, for all people are born of natural rights that no government can take away, as declared by Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers.  One other thing Chad and I discussed was togetherness - how all of these immigrants coming together felt as one; the smiles on thier faces and the love that everyone felt for each other was phenomenal.  It was as though we were all one big happy family with big dreams and unwaivering hopes and desires to accomplish every goal imaginable.  No more division, all one nation, and forget that anyone was thinking about being either democrats or republicans or somewhere in between - I doubt there were any feelings of division to anyone there, only feelings of unity.  People in this country fight too much.  They are so worried and focused on who is right and wrong, who has the best/worst ideas, the mistakes and shortcomings of others, namely leaders.  Everyone seems to be missing the point.  The  fighting, name-calling, and bashing each other based on which political party we belong to is not the point of living in a free country rich with so many blessings.  After all, we are all supposed to be one nation under God.  Speaking of leaders, we watched a message from Obama and recieved letters from Senator Reid & Senator Ensign. Unfortunately they were both out of town and couldn't attend the ceremony. 

It was really neat to learn about the Constitution.  It gave me great insight as to how the government operates; how the Framers of the Constitution wanted to limit powers of the governments by separating them into different branches... how brilliant!  It's neat to know that the Founding Fathers were fore-ordained by Heavenly Father so that the U.S. can be built on the structure it's on, including the amendments and the Bill of Rights so that we can always be assured of our individual rights and liberties. 

You have just read the blog of one of the newest U.S. citizens in America today.  I'm so happy, and on the day of my ceremony I was running high on adrenaline all day.  I truly do feel great loyalties to this country and will stand up and fight for its freedoms.   I'm grateful that my husband is in the National Guard serving those who fight and defend this country and that I have the honour of saying that I'm the wife of a National Guard Officer.  Until next time my fellow Americans & Canadians.  I love you all.

4th Quilt - Autumn Log Cabin

This is the first log cabin quilt I've made.  And I have to say, I did enjoy working on it BUT, log cabin quilts get kind of monotonous, the bigger they are.  This one is just a little smaller than a twin size but still big enough to be repetetive.  I couldn't imagine doing one any bigger unless I gave myself way more time to work on it.  This one took a couple of weeks in total and it's 35 squares.  It has vibrant fall colours and is a great addition to my fall decorations and home decor.  It was fun but I'm not sure how soon I'll do another log cabin.  Thanks for the great tips on the binding mom, it turned out really good!