CnT4ever

I miss you guys

I just have no time for anything.

I'm gonna send you all an sms to make reunion plans.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend

We had a terrific time!

Hey guys, count me in if you set a chat date/time. What about Friday night? or Saturday night? Let me know. I miss you terribly and want to hear what is going on. Jenn, do you have my work email? I'll PM you if you want. I also check that daily (whereas my other email is hardly ever checked). C, I don't have your cell phone number. PM me it so I can add you to my list (and text you when I text everyone). Anyone that wants to email me, let me know and I can PM my work email.

Thanks Seren. Yes, he did go to the office (that's exactly what I told him, that they could give the number) but they told him it was "still pending, immigration has to approve everything" and that no number was available. I thought that was really odd. Oh well...one thing this "journey" has taught me is that there is absolutely nothing anyone can do but wait until they are good and ready to approve things.

By the way, Good Monday morning everyone!

Good morning everyone!

I am so tired today. My whole body hurts...yeah, think what you want, it's totally true

I miss you guys. I need to get with you and fill you in on everything.

Interesting event...yesterday we had a staff meeting. My boss made an announcement (which I thought was very nice actually) "I am extremely happy and proud to inform you all that (insert my name here) is now Dr. (insert last name here). Administration will be coming over and we'll be having a party to celebrate." I was like "wow"...I really didn't make a big deal out of it. I think she told alot of people because everyone throughout the hospital was congratulating me and calling me Dr. ____. I was feeling pretty good LOL

Things with the kids are okay. I'm frustrated with the youngest one. Everyone told us that he knew his letters and how to read in English. He doesn't know squat. Squat, I tell you! We spent 2-4 hours a day practicing with him, reading, writing, and translating things. Finally on Friday he took a test and got only 4 words correct out of 10. His teacher is being so helpful too. I told my husband we need to just put him back into kindergarten and let him learn his letters and phonics. I don't think he will make it through first grade at this point. His older siblings were arguing with us that he DID know everything but we were making him practice too much. I scolded them and told them that when we wanted advice on how to deal with the child, we would ask, until then, stay out of it! Don't get me wrong. They're good kids, compared to most kids here. The girls are very good with cooking, cleaning, and that kind of stuff. The older boy is very good about doing his chores. They are extremely respectful to me. Mom this mom that. I just worry that they are so behind socially. They don't know how to talk and interact with people. The girls who are at a marriageable age, don't have the first clue about how to be a wife. My husband wants me to train them, which I am limited in doing, because of their language barrier (and they don't even speak Arabic either). So I don't know what more to do. Everyone says it will take a year. I see how stressed my husband is for them. They are behind in schooling because of their previous living situation. He is worried they will never be able to catch up and get a complete education. I was confident before, but now I'm not so sure. His disappointment in their abilities is what caused him to want to "throw away these kids and make new ones"

I have really enjoyed every aspect of being a mom to the youngest one (unusually so) and it even caused me to see things in life totally differently. Now it's like I would like to have my own and see them grow up to be better and smarter than these (as their mom is illiterate and uneducated - even though she's been very nice so far). My husband also feels that if I raise his children they will turn out better. He's totally changed his mind about "there is better for them to learn culture and religion" and was ashamed that the youngest didn't even know how to pray yet.

My brother in law says he plans to come to our state when he returns from his family visit (which will be in about 6-8 months). He wants to open a business down here and partener up with my husband. He also wants to bring his kids and wants me to raise them too. I don't know how I became mother of the year. Even my neice, when she last came here, didn't want to be near anyone but me. She didn't let go of me all day. Last weekend, my youngest boy had his arms around my waist all day, even while shopping and doing laundry. Finally I had to distract him with something else so that I could go to the bathroom. LOL I kid you not! I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden I can't keep them off of me I told my brother in law he needs to buy us a van if he plans to add more kids So that is where the whole baby making scheme came from. I have been researching daycares and nanny services. I was thinking to hire a live in nanny, but I don't know if we'll have the room anymore. I only have 5 bedrooms (4 of which are occupied). If I get my step-nephews then that will be occupied too I had to start shopping at Sam's Club for God's sake...what happened to my life???

Anywayz, that is my update. I wanted to chat with you all about it, but I don't know when I will have the time. Today I plan on letting the girls cook and I intend to do absolutely nothing except do laundry and catch up on my House episodes in between.

I hope you are all doing good. We didn't get the ss card yet. How long did you all take?

Liza, what's up honey bunny? Email me please.

Caro, did D get his license yet?

Sarita, did you ever get your BMW?

Stevo, where are you? I'll try and catch you on FB, you busy man!

Jenn, how are you feeling these days? I miss you girl! Did you ever fix things with your work?

Anyone hear from Mary (remember her on FB?) or Cintia?

Candid, congrats on the school. Very good idea! How are you feeling? How is the driving going now? Hopefully okay again?

yous!

DH has put in a request for 2 more sons. I told him I would see what I can do He said he would be more than happy to help me in the production Talk about baby factory, huh?

I'm not expecting...Candid???? Tell us!!!! Text us!!!!

I have a feeling that Lisa and I will end up preggers at the same time... seems to be our trend What do you think Lisa?

I wonder if Steven is going to be a new daddy anytime soon???

I'm convinced that children suck the time out of weekends and cause them to be shorter. I can't believe it's Monday already. I did not get my spa bath this weekend...nor did I get to even chat with my friends

Will try again to chat some time this week or weekend!

yous!

EXEsposadetucho

I fixed it!

No no no...the news was that they are here. All 4 of them LOL. Husband and I are also in major talks about adding #5 to the family

Hello? Anybody home?

Is anyone available for a chat Sunday afternoon (10:30am to 2:30pm CST)? It's my only free time now I was supposed to let you know via FB that kids are here and everything is going okay (but everytime I go on, it gets frozen). Little one is lots of fun actually. One of my co-workers put a pregnancy planner on my desk Anywayz, hope all is well. I need to catch up with you all!

Hey guys I'm back. SO good to be back. Was nothing but sick while I was there

I'll post pics on FB when I have time. How is everyone? I have some news...hope we can chat, or I'll post it on FB.

http://www.***removed***/2006/05/fjordman...fine-print.html

yh good luck on saying no.

http://www.***removed***/2006/05/fjordman...fine-print.html

yh good luck on saying no.

Thanks for posting such an uplifting article! I'm sure you've made all the ladies here feel great! Especially the pregnant ones, or those who have kids!

Get them a drivers test book and have them start studying for the test. The sooner they drive, the sooner they feel empowered and more independent. Plan alot of fun things while he is waiting to get to work.

Definitely! I can't stress how much better this made my husband feel (to be able to drive and get around on his own).

Hey Everybody.... CnT when do you leave on your trip?

Monday I'm so nervous...don't know why, but just overly nervous.

Wow Jackie. I'm sorry you have had such difficulty. I wish you a comfortable and safe journey. Hopefully a new place will bring new luck and a better future for you.

Good morning everyone

Happy Friday!

Any plans for the weekend? Weather here is getting nice and chilly...makes me want to take that k3 reunion ski trip early so I can enjoy a nice fireside chat (hint, hint).

GOOD MORNING ALL... I love this weather... no more frizzy bad hair days.....

SKI TRIP????

Well we were discussing possibly going to Colorado for our K3 reunion to a ski resort for a long weekend (sometime around March 2010)... Even though some of us don't ski I know I was a safety hazard the last time I tried...I couldn't stop and knocked down my instructor who stood before me yelling "pie stance!" which was the thing you're supposed to do with the ski to open them so that you can stop... I would still love to sit by the fire, look at snow, and drink some hot cocoa while chatting with my friends though

By the way, how are you? I miss you! Are things settling down lately? I hope!

Good morning everyone

Happy Friday!

Any plans for the weekend? Weather here is getting nice and chilly...makes me want to take that k3 reunion ski trip early so I can enjoy a nice fireside chat (hint, hint).

I have a feeling OP was just trying to give encouragement - esp to people who are newer in their journeys. I'm sure she didn't mean to upset anyone. I mean, she did say her heart goes out to everyone and mentioned praying for us...

This is exactly why I decided not to post a separate thread when my husband's ROC was approved... I didn't want anyone who was still waiting to think I was rubbing it into their faces or anything. I am very happy that our journey hasn't been worse than it has, and it makes me sad that some people have to wait longer or go through BS. Even the shortest separation is difficult, and even the 'smoothest' journey is expensive, time consuming, and stressful. I really wish NO ONE had to wait more than a few months to be together.

There have been times I've posted about how things went relatively smooth and quickly for us, and hope I never upset anyone... I only was letting people know that it CAN be less of a hassle, because hearing some of the stories I've heard can be scary. Especially when you're dealing with certain countries... I know when we first sent the K-1 packet, we posted in a panic all of the time. It's been a few years, but I still remember the feeling that it would take forever, and/or we'd get permanently denied or something. It's not easy sometimes to encourage some without upsetting others.

venusfire

That is how I took the OP's post as well...and I agree with what you said. Reading the stories on here, before our interview, I was telling my husband, "It's virtually a 100% chance you're gonna get AP, so we have to prepare to be apart ANOTHER year or two..." We did not have AP. I regret the time and stress I wasted being so worried about it. So I don't see why people should get mad at someone that posts a good story...or take it personal when someone says they have a good outcome. It's a shame that the OP has to be attacked.

That's fantastic! All the best in the next stages of your visajourney. They (the next stages) will probably not be so quick and easy. So, gird your loins because once you're back on American soil the USCIS Immigration Officers will probably give ya hell!

Good luck!

Why would you say that? Why would they give them hell?

To the OP, glad that you had an easy time with the process. Sorry that happy stories are not as welcome here as much as drama filled negative posts.

Actually, happy stories are welcome on VJ - and I've supported almost everyone that I've read. Moreover, I said in a joking manner that the IOs would give them hell on the back end of their Visa Journey, which is not uncommon. Typically, people who have an easy go with their Visa process, have one heck of a time adjusting status, removing conditions or anything else that might come up. Those that have a difficult time with their visa process rarely encounter too many issues with the other steps. That has been my observation.

Oh, I thought you meant that it has something to do with living overseas or filing DCF or something like that...I was just wondering if I'm missing some information.

Congratulations

That's fantastic! All the best in the next stages of your visajourney. They (the next stages) will probably not be so quick and easy. So, gird your loins because once you're back on American soil the USCIS Immigration Officers will probably give ya hell!

Good luck!

Why would you say that? Why would they give them hell?

To the OP, glad that you had an easy time with the process. Sorry that happy stories are not as welcome here as much as drama filled negative posts.

Hello everyone

Hubby got the EAD card and filed for a SS# today. Hopefully all goes smoothly from here on out. Can't wait to see how long the AOS takes

We're getting ready to take a trip out to visit the hubster's family next week. (Some more family that I haven't met yet). I'm dreading the flight (26 hours in coach...someone knock me out with some anesthesia and wake me when we get there, please ). I hope that I don't get sick and that the weather is decent. I hope to take lots of pictures and will give you an update when I get back. It should be interesting, to say the least. In the meantime, I've been trying on and modeling some Islamic outfits I think I've come up with some pretty ideas. I will take pics and you all can be the judge

Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you guys! I will try and meet online with you when I get back and fill you in on everything that's happening.

I could never convert, I love my relationship with Jesus!

on the assumption that both of you believe Jesus is God, i'm just curious where the idea comes from that muslims somehow don't/are unable to have an amazing relationship with God. is this something you believe christians alone have a monopoly on? as a muslim anyways, i'm very fond of prophet Jesus (pbuh), and all of his beautiful works.

My thinking was along the same lines chemaatah. Actually I was thinking, why wouldn't Muslims be able to enjoy a relationship with Jesus? He is also their prophet and Muslims believe in his return. How would being a Muslim change someone's/ruin someone's relationship with Jesus?

To answer the OP, whatever you or anyone decides, it should be because it was something that person wanted, and found a peace with... not for anyone's sake, or fitting in, or looking good, etc. Everyone should stick to a religion and lifestyle which suites them. I think most people in the world, are labeled one religion or another, but they aren't really that religion. Is a Muslim that doesn't pray, fast, or abide by the rules really a Muslim? Or just labeled one? Is a Hindu that eats beef and doesn't believe in reincarnation really a Hindu? It's something to ponder... I often wonder if someone picks and chooses what they like of a religion and leave off things they dont' like...are they really of that religion??? Or have they created their own religion by doing so? Does religion require an all or nothing approach? Lots of things to think about after reading some of these posts. I think I've found some good conversation/debate for my husband tonight

depends on the case, how do (U) feel your chances are, given all that you have read and know about Casa. Its hard, very hard and if u try to hurry thru then u might as well forget it. If i were just suggesting i would encourage 2 for your sake to be more sure and get to know even better, see things of him u didnt before, meet more family etc etc. But if your money situation doesnt allow for this then its kinda up to your choice. Also i wouldnt be mentioning to many previous friends in the application or interviews, makes it kinda sound like they all had the intentions to come here as a group

This isn't my thread, but this popped up in "recent posts" so I browsed through it! Men in Finland also wear rings on their left hand when they get engaged. I didn't have any clue until after my hubby proposed to me. We didn't get his ring until right before we got married so he never wore it while engaged, but I had no clue they had that custom in Finland!

Off topic, but I just wanted to say, I read your signature and your story is absolutely lovely! How sweet!

Sorry to bother you all again. Remember a few weeks ago I asked about the interviews in Pakistan for a friend of mine? His children got an interview date which is right around the corner. However, the embassy did not send the children anything at all. The letter with interview date and time, as well as the required documents list was sent to him (father) via email. Is this normal? They found the authorized physician and made appointments for medical exams, etc. He's just worried about the "packet 3, 4, 5" etc. which everyone mentions. Nothing came from the embassy except that email. I even tried emailing the embassy for him but got no response.

Any advice or information you can give is greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

PS-this is a CR-1 petition for the kids.