!! Snow !!

     For the first time since 1947 they had snow here on Christmas Day! :) It started snowing around 8:00pm and didn't stop until Sunday afternoon. We got about 5-6in.

Pictures from Christmas Eve

     Christmas Eve Pop, Mama, Debbie, Nathan, Michael & I went out to eat supper at Denny's then drove out about an hour away to see a wonderful display of Christmas lights. This man does his yard up every year and also has little "shops" throughout the tour that have train sets in them that he has built. It is totally amazing. Caleb met us there (It's his neighbors that do this) and we had a great time. Here are some pictures..... I will put more Christmas picture posts here in a little bit. :)



Our Christmas tree in our bedroom.



Jacob's 10th Birthday

    Yesterday was Jacob's 10th Birthday and we all went over to their house in the afternoon for his birthday party. I didn't take very many pictures, but I wanted to post this one because I thought it was really cute and full of expression! 

Lauren - I Think She's Cute! :)

Easy Christmas Goodies.

     The first time I ever had these yummy treats was when my sister-in-law, Debbie, made them. They are so easy to make, yet one of my favorite "Christmas Goodies". :) I'm not even sure what they're called, or if they have a name....All it is is two Ritz crackers with peanut butter between them, then dip that in chocolate. Extremely easy.....but very tasty!!

Friends Night

     Tuesday night Caleb and Bethany came over to hang out and do some Christmas baking.....Peanut Butter Ball, to be exact. :) We had a great time and laughed a lot. Us girls had to put up with two crazy men all night, but it was fun. :) LOL



Did someone say baking?



Dippin' Peanut Butter Balls

I'm not sure they're "all there" :)

Church Workday.

     I mentioned earlier that we had a work day this past Saturday [the main focus was raking millions and millions of leaves! :( ] Anyway, just thought I'd post some pictures.... It was a very cold rainy day!



Bo on the mower.



Marcus had a tooth pulled the day before, and it wasn't feelin' good.



Pop blowing leaves.



What should we do now?? :)

Feeding the Homeless....

     This is the second time we have done this, and it is really awesome to be able to take part in a ministy like this that happens every 2nd Saturday of the month. This time we did soup and a sack lunch with crakers, two fruits, and a drink. Michael and Bro. Dale head this up, but the church people are very involved and help out with the food, and everyone takes turns going along on this adventure.

     PS. We also had a work day at the church after, and thanks to everyone's hard work the yard looks amazing!

Bro. Dale & I packing lunches



A cute helper.



One Good-lookin' Guy!



Praying with a homeless family.



The Crew for the adventure. :)








Just for Britt.

     Hey Sis, thought I would put some pictures Michael took of me talking to you using Skype so you could see my crazy get-up. LOL :) Oh well, whatever means provides communication and cuts costs:)..... Love ya!

Christmas This Year....

     At church tonight we all had to share what Christmas meant to us this year. I honestly hadn't given it a whole lot of "organized" thought. As I started to organize my thoughts from this Christmas season and the direction our Christmas seems to be taking two things have stood out to me.... (If you are wrapped up in the first thing, the second one kind of follows it. )

    1. It's all about giving and how can I be a blessing to others this Christmas.
   2. Not to let the commercial aspect overwhelm the real reason for Christmas.

   It was also said that so few people really know what it means to give until it hurts.... How true that is. We'll give as long as it doesn't mean a great personal sacrifice on our part, or until we feel like we've given our share, and that is about the extent of it. Yet God gave until it hurt....He gave His only Son.

Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is an amazing song... How true it is.

A Cozy Sunday

     Do to the snow we received Saturday church was canceled Sunday morning. Sunday was a chilly but sunny day, and we definitely enjoyed the beauty of the snow on the ground. We had Pop and Mama over for lunch and had a wintry meal of stew, biscuits, etc. Then we went to church last night, which was Youth Service. The young people did an awesome job and it was very interesting. Brooke, you did a great job organizing it! :)

Our First Snow :)

     Today we got snow for the first time this winter. We were all very excited about it....:)

The Immigration Journey Has Begun....

     We have started the long trail of paper work for my immigration process. At the end of which I will have my green card, and be able to work, and my permanent residence, which will allow me to live here. I thought I would post the checklist on here of what all we have to get together and send in. This does not include the forms we have to fill out, etc... just the titles of the forms.

ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS MATERIALS CHECKLIST

© Suburban Law Group

I-130 Checklist

1. Form I-130
2. Filing Fee: $355.00: made payable to Department of Homeland Security
3. G-325 filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated
4. G-325 filled out by the foreign spouse signed and dated
5. 2 Passport style photos for you and your spouse.
6. Copy of the Full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship.
7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)
8. A copy of your certified marriage certificate (translated if not in English)
9. A certified official copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If divorced before
10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If applicable)

I-485 Checklist

1. Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative
2. Filing Fee: $1010.00: made payable to Department of Homeland Security
3. Another G-325 filled out, signed and dated by non-U.S. Citizen
4. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport (biographical page as well as entry stamps).
5. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid I-94 (front and back copies)
6. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)
7. A copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse)
8. A copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If one or both of you have been divorced before)
9. Two passport-type photos of the Non US Citizen Spouse
10. I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status You can go here to find a doctor in your area: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV or let us know your zipcode and we'll generate a list that is in your area.

I-864 Checklist:

1. Form I-864
2. Copy of signed recent tax return with W2
3. Any 1099’s as part of that tax return
4. Letter from employer confirming employment
5. Self employed or asset based please contact me right away
6. Copy of 3 recent pay stubs
7. If using others to qualify use 864A and contact me right away.

I-765 Checklist

1. Form I-765
2. Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
3. Full copy of passport with picture showing (color best)
4. Two passport style photos

I-131 Checklist

1. Form I-131
2. Copy of passport identity page
3. Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
4. Letter stating why advanced parole should be issued.
5. Notice of receipt of AOS package OR letter stating concurrent filing
6. Two passport style photos

The Legal Services Agreement, printed out and signed by both of you.

*Lauren Update*

A Hearty Laugh...