First Shipment

Our first shipment left for Norway on April 13. We had two "D" containers for air shipment. The packers were efficient so I had to scramble to get more stuff to get two full containers. The survey crew comes out on April 20 to see what we have for the large sea container and what goes to storage.

Norge Visit

Over the Easter weekend Josh and I had the opportunity to visit Kim in Norway. We had a great time. Other than seeing some of the sights and scenery we got to see our new house and drive by Joshua's school (only 3 km or 2 mi. from the house). Norway is a beautiful country with mountains, rivers, fjords, lakes, and the ocean. Josh was excited to experience some snow and was entertained by the ducks (Daisy and Daffy) that resided in the little "pond" in front of the window.

It felt strange coming back to Houston--not really like we were coming "home", almost like a "visit."

Passport

Now that I am a citizen I needed a passport. Considering I was dealing with a government agency things went extremely smoothly. I am now ready to travel the world, or at least fly to Norway next week.

Reflections On the Naturalization Ceremony

The following are several posts I made to Facebook regarding the day/event of becoming a US Citizen on March 21, 2012.

I am overwhelmed by all the responses to me becoming an American citizen today--thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been a long road to this point. The United States has been good to me and a place that I would like to consider home for the rest of my life. Fortunately I am able to be a dual citizen. I will always treasure my Canadian element (and you know who I will cheer for in hockey).

I would like to give a special shout out to members of the CC(C)S family from my early years in Houston. We had a lot of laughs, and serious talks about the whole Canada-US thing and I will treasure those times.

I want to thank my wonderful wife for her help in the green card and citizenship process. Her persistence helped get things done quicker (mainly getting me going faster). I love you honey and am grateful for all you did.

Now a US Citizen

What an exciting day! Josh and I picked up Doug at 6:12--never new 290 was that busy that early. Another nice bottleneck at beltway 8 and I-45. We arrived at 7:15 (the paper said to arrive at 7 am sharp) at the M.O. Campbell Education Center. The parking lot was packed. Not to fear, there was a long line-up, so we weren't late. We finally got situated and seated around 7:50. The judge did not arrive until around 9:50. The ceremony itself (technically a court session) was brief and nice. The color guard posted the colors, followed by "The Star Spangled Banner". After being assured that all applicants were willing, able, and qualified to take the oath the judge lead in the "Oath of Allegiance". The local president of the League of Women Voters had a short speech. Somewhere in there we said the pledge to the flag. We then received our voter registration cards and waited for our color to be called. Upon hearing your color you went to the registration table to pick up your citizenship certificate. I had red, the last color called, which meant more waiting but also an empty parking lot.

Feeling Blue

We took Kim to the airport yesterday after she spent Spring Break with us. The house feels empty and we are a little blue. The good news is we get to go to Norway for Easter!

Home for Spring Break

Kim is home for Spring Break. Josh could hardly contain himself the day we got mommy from the airport. There is lots to do while Kim is here.