Proud to be an American

Aki became a citizen of the United States of America yesterday. He joined 195 other candidates living in Utah representing 62 countries in taking the "Oath of Allegiance."

The ceremony proceedings were inspiring; my favorite part was listening to a handful of individuals express what this day meant to them. People left their home countries to escape oppression and poverty to come to America, land of freedom and opportunity. Fortunately, Aki's reasons for coming to the U.S. and becoming a citizen didn't have a lot to do with oppression (unless you call marriage oppression...and if you do, keep your comments to yourself!).

Regardless, he recognizes that this country allows for great opportunities, which he is grateful for. The road to citizenship seemed long (and expensive), but we finally made it! Congrats, Aki, I'm proud of you!

A huge thanks to Symonie (and Nina) for joining us, for taking pictures, and for celebrating with us at Cafe Rio. We were glad to have you there!

It's a good thing he's tall!

Happy July

photo via gettyimages

The truth is I'm not so happy right now. As to why, I'll give you three clues: 1) red kool-aid powder, 2) beige carpet, 3) child-attempted clean-up. Sigh.

My big boy has found himself grounded, so he pouts, giving me the evil eye at every glance. Add to him the snotty-nosed teething infant and the sick-to-her-stomach toddler, and you've got yourself a downright happy little family.

But enough of that. Moving on, a few of my favorite things, or:

The Happiness that July Brings

Double De-Light | Two (2!) holidays...fireworks, swimming, parades, summer barbecues.

Baby Love | Three new cousins here in Tooele: Cousin Emily just gave birth to twin girls, Maizey and Maryn. Cousin Marcus and wife are expecting their first baby, a girl, later this month.

Grams & Gramps | My in-laws have finished their 3-year mission in Papua New Guinea and are making their way to Utah soon. My kids will get to hang out with them for a few weeks before they return home to Tonga...what a great opportunity!

Home Again | My soldier brother, Brigham, finishes his 15-month stint in Iraq this month. Thank heavens. I'm crossing my fingers for no delays, for safe travel, and for a sweet reunion.

Citizen Aki | My husband will soon be proud to be an American. That's right...come the 15th of this month, he'll be making it official.

Is this going to be a great month or what?!