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Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary Hon!

2009-07-21T04:55:00Z

Yesterday was our 1st wedding anniversary. Time has really flew so fast and it seemed that it has just been yesterday when I walked down the aisle with butterflies in my tummy while looking at the most handsome man I ever laid eyes with waiting for me at the end of the aisle, wearing his most charming smile that always captured my eyes. Oh..that was one of the most wonderful moments in my life! But no, it wasn't yesterday but it was already a year ago. Can you believe that?

One year of being married may be very young still but we're still glad that we were able to pass that single year realizing how much we love each other and how our love was growing day by day. We've been through alot of ups and downs, but we know that we'll gonna through probably million more of those. But as long as we always have each other, we'll gonna get through everything, even the most toughest things one can ever imagine. That's the goodness of having God in the center of our marriage. It was Him who brought us together, guide us through, gave us obstacles to go through to make our relationship better each day, and showed us love.

No words can ever describe how much I love my husband. I know I don't need to say it coz he already know that by just looking at my eyes and feeling my touch.

Surprise!!!!

2009-07-20T05:05:00Z

Our wedding anniversary would be tomorrow but we had our advance celebration while me and hubby were alone together yesterday. We asked Grandma [my mother-in-law] to babysit Abi [our son] for the night so that we can have some time alone. But before our night, this is what happened.

I went to a bridal shower yesterday morning and left Abi and hubby at home since they don't have interest for such party. When I got home from a party, right after I got into the door, Abi came running to me with purple flowers and shouting "Happy Anniversary!!!" [yeah, it's indeed cute]. Then when I looked up, a big box wrapped with an anniversary paper sitting on our dinner table. Oh yeah, hubby had a surprise for me. So I went to check and so excited to open it, but I was stopped by a bold message that said "Pls don't open this until 7/20/2009". I was holding my breath in disbelief! But I already had a feeling about what's in the gift coz I remember asking him before to give it to me on our anniversary or birthday but I wasn'y expecting to have it this soon.

So I talked and talked to my husband about the gift, hoping that he will give in and let me open the gift right away, but he was so firm until I got tired of asking him.

We then dropped my son at my in-law's house and we went to have our dinner at Olive Garden. That was another surprise. My husband dislikes OG so much coz pasta is not good for him and he thought that they only have pasta. I tried talking to him about it before but he said never. So we went tried looking for a nice restaurant that we've both never been to together. And we ended up at OG. He never told me that that's why we're going around in circles coz he was looking for it and he doesn't have any idea where it is located. But I knew where it located! So finally, my husband stepped in OG.

After dinner, we played bowling. Bowling is the only sport that we both love playing and it was the 1st time that we played bowling together. Of course, he ended up winning but he was so proud of me coz I was such a fast learner. He thought me all sorts of stuff such as positioning, holding the ball, throwing the ball, etc. and I was able to do 2 strikes in a row! We already had 2 games when we decided to pick up some movie[s] and retire home. We ended up at Blockbuster and bought 2 comedy films but we only watched 1 and went to bed.

That was how we celebrated our wedding anniversary together.

Greencards on hands

2009-07-19T04:42:00Z

Woohoo! :dance: Finally, after a long wait and RFE, our greencards arrived! This is one of the greatest things I ever got this week. Of course, another one was having a job too. Just lots of blessings are coming my way and I always thank God for unending love that He is giving us.

It was yesterday, July 17th that our GCs arrived in the mail but I didn't know it until hubby got home from work and checked the mail on his way home. I wasn't even thinking about it coz I just received a new status message online that said "Approval Notice Sent" and I never had "Card Production Ordered". Though I was expecting to received the welcome letter, but all of USCIS' letter/notice about our GC, as well as our GCs arrived altogether which is very very great!

So I won't probably be dealing with USCIS until 21 months from now to apply for the Removal of Condition. But we also wanted to process my son's adoption for him to be legitimated and be able to have my husband's [also my last name now] last name.

We'll keep you posted.

Welcome Us!

2009-07-12T01:32:00Z

Me and my son had a very late and pretty long nap yesterday, while hubby's at work. I woke up from my nap around 8pm and went to check my phone for new emails. I got so thrilled, and nervous at the same time, when I saw that I got TWO EMAILS from CRIS. And guess what?! It's a good news!

Yep, I received an email update regarding our case which contained the following [exactly the same for both emails].

CRIS <USCIS-CRIS@dhs.gov> to jonaXXXX@gmail.com
Jul 10

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: MSC0917XXXXXX

Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Current Status: Notice mailed welcoming the new permanent resident.

On July 10, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move before you get your new card call customer service. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.

But I didn't tell Andy right away though he sent me a text message and read it after I checked my email. I waited to tell him until he got home. But when he called when he was on his way home, I mentioned to him that I got a good news for him. And right after he got home, he heard the good news.

I am so excited!

We may not be done with USCIS yet but at least we're moving onwards. We didn't get any RFE for this application again which is another good thing. Now, we'll just wait for the Green Card itself, then we'll deal with USCIS in 21 months again. And before that, we will surely enjoy the stressful moments! ;-P

Request for Additional Evidence Sent

2009-06-21T05:45:00Z

Finally, we sent the response for the Request for Additional Evidence by the USCIS for our Adjustment of Status.

They requested a full medical exam from me coz it's been over a year since I had my last medical exam way back in the Philippines as a requirement for getting my K1 Visa. Well, yeah, it has been a year when they sent me the RFE (Request for Evidence) but it hasn't been a year when we filed for AOS (adjustment of status) and it was clearly stated on I-485 (adjustment of status form) instruction that we don't need to get another medical exam if we got one within the 12 month period. But, oh well, we're just one of those unlucky people whose papers were handled by some lazy worker who is "TOO BUSY" to look for my medical exam papers.

For my son, they just requested a Tuberculin Skin Test from him. So whoever is handling his application maay have found his medical exam papers. He was 2-years old when he had his medical exam in the Philippines so he was exempted from getting the TST. But he turned 3 before we applied for AOS, that is why he was asked to get TST now. It's completely acceptable.

So since we can't argue with the USCIS, we went ahead and get the test/exam that we needed. We went to Dr. Koen, one of the designated USCIS civil surgeons here in Austin on June 4th. Prior to that, we called all the CS around our area (there's like 20 of them) and compared their charged price for the exams. Of course, we went to the cheapest, trying to save cost. Dr. Koen did my medical exam (physical and bloodwork) and referred us to the Health Department for the TST coz he's on vacation the following week, so we'd be seeing him again on the 15th. He charged me $175, but he will refund whatever cost we have for the TST.

The next day, the 5th, we went to the Health Department and got our (me and my son) TST. They only do TST every Friday, 1:00PM-3:00PM. Then went back on Monday, the 8th, for the reading of the test. My son turned out negative and I got a positive result which required me to get chest X-ray. Good thing, the health department does X-ray for FREE but you need to set an appointment. I got an appointment of the 17th which put us really tight on time coz our RFE deadline is the 21st, but we didn't have a choice.

We went to Dr. Koen on the 15th and told him about the TST and that I needed to get the chest X-ray. That day was a useless trip coz that's all we need and Dr. asked us to go back there after we get the X-ray result which we did on the 17th, Wednesday. My chest X-ray, of course, turned out fine. Gave the Dr. the sheet of paper given to me by the health department showing the result of my chest X-ray as negative (it wasn't the real X-ray report coz it needs to be requested and will be given to us in 2-3days). Dr. Koen finished my medical exam and gave it to me that day which we sent off to the USCIS the same day.

On the other hand, my son, already had his TST and told Dr. Koen that it needs to be transcribed to the I-693 (Medical and Vaccination Report), as well as his complete vaccination records (we already submitted the I-693 with the vaccination transcribed when we applied for AOS). To our disbelief, Dr. Koen insisted that our son needs to have a full medical exam as well eventhough we explained and even showed to him the RFE letter from the USCIS that they are only asking for TST from him. But since we're so tight on time, we don't have time to find another doctor, we let him squeeze out sh*ts from our as*ses. He charged us $150 for my since he doesn't need to get the blood test. Total bull, I know! We had my son's full medical exam result and papers on the following day, the 18th, Thursday, and sent it off rigth away.

Though we were not happy about the Dr. (obviously!), but we're glad that we were able to sent them off before the deadliest line. In fact, our RFE response was delivered at USCIS already (mine was Friday and my son's was Saturday). Now our waiting continues to again.

Happy 11th Wedding Monthversary and Father's Day Hon

2009-06-21T05:09:00Z

To my very loving, understanding, supportive, caring, hardworking, or shall I say perfect husband,

I'm sorry I almost forgot our monthversary. You know (coz I told you) that I didn't remember it until you greeted me this morning . Well, it's my turn now coz you also forgot the date of our engagement (non-formal one) day. But, yeah, I already forgave you for that coz I know that you would never forget that date again. Being a guy is not an excuse .

Kidding aside.

I don't really know how to put this into words (in English ), but I'll do my best. Hon, I love you so much. I hope you always know that. I always ask you about it coz I don't want you to ever forget about that. Though I can be mean to you sometimes but know for a fact that in my heart, I always yearn for you. I know that you would always understand my mood swings and my being "super-duper" sensitive and I also know that you know that I'm trying my best to become a better person and the best wife that you can ever have. Not that I want you to have a 2nd wife if I'll be gone (we already talked about that ), but I always want to be the best for you. And I know, coz you're letting me feel it all the time, that I'm always the best for you.

Thank you so much for all of your love and care that nothing can ever compare. Honestly, I can't help me myself ask why did I found such a man like you. I am the luckiest woman in the whole wide world coz I have you Hon.

Please don't ever change. Though I don't foresee it happening but I still ask you to never ever change. I love the way you are. I may complain once in a while but you know that I really complain about anything, not just with you, right? . But Hon, you know that I love you and you don't need to tell me that you do love me too coz I can always see it and feel it (just don't listen to me when I'm mad coz I always try to be mean when I'm mad, you already know that ).

Thanks for being there when I needed you, even when I was still in the Philippines. Thanks for the neverending tight hugs and sweet kisses. Thanks for loving Abi. Thanks for doing whatever I asked you to do (I'm such a spoiled brat now and it's all your fault! ). Thanks for everything you've done. And thanks for being you.

I love you so much and nothing can ever change that. Nothing. (I'm not a copy cat huh! ).

Happy 11th Monthversary!

Can you believe that? It's been almost a year since we tied the knot (almost a year of suffering with each other too? lol). We may not be the oldest in this kind of relationship but we know that we've been through a lot and passed through each obstacle we had. We know we'll go through more hardships in this life and prolly harder than what we already had but we know that we would always get through whatever will come coz we always have each other.

Happy Father's Day!

Abi may not be able to express it right now but I know that someday when he's older, he would be one of the proudest kid in the world coz he has a father like you. When I first met you, I never knew what kind of father you will be but I trust you when you said that you love Abi just like your own and from the very first day you were with him up to now, you are proving us how much you love him. Thanking you is always never enough for me to express how thankful I am for the love you gave him. That means more than my life and I will always treasure that.

Hon, you are a very good person. I don't know if you know that but I'm sure your family, my family, and me knows that, even the people in the church knows that.

Again, thank you and I love you with all my heart!

Loving you always and forever,
Jona O. Kuhn

On Our 2nd Engagement Anniversary

2009-06-07T04:55:00Z

Today, 2 years ago, was the exact date that I said yes to Andy. He proposed to me about a month before June 6th of 2007, just so for me to know where he wants our relationship be going but knowing that I may not accept it right away which what really happened. I was hesitant to accept his marriage proposal that time, not because I don't have feeling for him (I knew right from the start that we're heading unto something good), but because I don't feel like I knew him enough that time. I haven't even seen his face yet but I already fell for him, I wasn't just ready to plan for tying the knot with him. So I thought about it and finally said yes two years ago.

Next month, in the 20th to be exact, would be our 1st wedding anniversary. So you may be wondering what have we been up to. Well, as of now, we're still on the process of our adjustment of status (me and my son) from K visas to Temporary US residents. Too bad our case is still pending and on hold cos we received a "request for additional evidence" which is about my medical exam that has expired (but wasn't when we submitted our application) and my son needing to get Tuberculin Skin Test since he is more than 2-years-old now. But good thing I already have my "employment authorization" which means that I can get a job here now. But another bad thing is it has been 3 weeks already since I got the card but still doesn't have a job *sigh*.

Despite of all the things that we've been through, nothing has changed except that our love for each other keeps growing. We've learned alot about ourselves which made just made our relationship stronger and better. Of course, we always owe it all to God for letting us find each other and for always being for us, no matter what.

AOS, EAD, AP updates

2009-05-11T23:49:00Z

I am so glad that all my cases are available online now: [Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and Advance Parole/Travel Document (AP)]. And here are the latest updates:
>AOS - Case pending at Californian Serviced Center (CSC); last touched was May 1st.
>EAD - Card production ordered on May 7th; last touched was May 8th.
>AP - Approval notice sent on May 8th; last touched was may 8th.

Yay! I should be getting my employment authorization card pretty soon cos it also says there that I should expect my card within 30 days from the day that it was ordered. That means that I'm gonna have a job pretty soon too.

Actually, I'm starting my job hunting now. It'd be another big adjustment for me and my son but it's something that we needed and would be good for us. I can't wait to move on and start reaching my dreams.

Again, will always keep posting here for future preferences to those who'd undergo the same process.

Biometrics and Case Transferred

2009-04-20T18:17:00Z

I got some good news about our Adjustment of Status processing. First is about the latest news we received that our case (both mine and my son's) were transferred to California Service Center (CSC) which means that we won't have the interview anymore. Second is we'll have our Biometrics this coming Thursday at San Antonio, TX.

We received our Biometrics appointment notice in the mail last April 7th while our Transfer notice was just last April 18th.

I'm so happy how our case is going smoothly and I hope that it would like this up to the end of the process.

Happy 9 Months Anniversary!

2009-04-20T17:55:00Z

Today is our 9 months wedding anniversary. It was so funny that we both didn't remember it until this morning (I guess I should be scared huh?!). We should've greeted each other last night when he came home from work at 1:00 AM but it never came to our mind. Actually, it was Andy who remember it first and he greeted when he was about to leave for work.

Our 8 months anniversary was worst cos we didn't remember it until the following day (lol!). None of us felt bad cos we both didn't remember it in the same date. But it didn't bother us cos what's important is we're still together not just on our wedding anniversary but through all our life.

Anyway, while I was thinking about him, I thought of making something special for him on this day. So, I made a really short poem.

GOD NEVER FAILED ME

I asked for a glass of water,
He gave me river;
I asked for a light in my way,
He gave me sun shining brightly;
I asked for someone to love me through eternity,
He gave me ANDY :-D

Hon, I hope you like my short and simple poem that I just made earlier while I'm thinking of you. I love you so much and I hope that you always know that. Thanks for being in my life!

Notice of Action Received

2009-04-05T21:45:00Z

Our adjustment of status, employment authorization, and travel documents application has finally touched. Like what I said on one of my previous posts, we mailed the application last March 24th and received by USCIS at Chicago Lockbox on the 26th. Finally after 9 days (April 4th), we received the very first letter from USCIS. Last April 3rd, our checks was cashed according to our bank transaction report online.

We got 6 letters because me and my son each applied for AOS, EAD, and AP (advance parole, travel). Each application have different receipt/case number too.

This is the update for now and I will keep y'all updated whenever I have some. Please wish us luck! :-)

Package arrived

2009-03-27T00:49:00Z

This is a quick update about our adjustment of status application. From my last post, I said that we finally applied for it and sent the packets to USCIS, Chicago Lockbox. Yesterday, at exactly 6:58 AM, our packets arrived at USCIS, Chicago Lockbox. I know it's too early to get excited but I'm just so anxious about it. I can't believe I'll feel the same feeling I had during our Visa process, but this time it's way much better cos Andy is here for me to share the stress and anticipation.

If you want to know every single update we have about the process, you can subscribe via email to receive the updates directly to your email inbox.

One step for another process

2009-03-25T20:30:00Z

It was such a relief that finally, we're able to submit our application for adjustment of status from K1 visa holder to conditional resident. I arrived here in the US last June 2008 with a non-immigrant K1 visa and got married within 90 days after my arrival which is one of the requirements to be able to stay in the US. Basically, we should have applied right after the wedding but money was so tight here so it took us a while to apply.

Yesterday, I did submit the application for me and my son with all the documents (there's a lot) required. I was able to prepare everything a little over a week and mind you, it was so stressful or maybe I was just stressing myself out. Hubby works so I need to deal with the preparation all by myself. Thanks to my friends who undergo to the same process and helped me with my application. I just hope that I won't encounter any problem with it while it is being processed.

Our 6th Wedding Month-versary

2009-01-21T00:42:00Z

Today's our 6th Wedding Month-versary. For us, time really flew so fast cos we can still remember the day where we finally united as one. After all of the sufferings we've been through as couples, we truly cherished the day that we're married and it was all worth it all. We can never be more thankful for having each other which meant finding the love that we have been looking for so long.

Anyway, though today was just one of those ordinary days for most of us, but hubby made it so special for me. As you can, there is a picture of a card with pink rose here. He gave that to me when he got home from work which is already past twelve last night. But before that, let me tell you what happened.

Yesterday, we had a small fight and as usual, I don't like to talk to him, then he went to work without reconciliation between us. I had kept my pride and went on with it, that's how mad I am with him. The reason was, it was supposed to be his off, but work called him and ask if he can cover someone who can't report to work for some important reason. He told and asked me about it, wanting me to make the decision, but I didn't want to be wrong about it, though I wanted him to stay, and told him that it's all up to him. In my mind, I was expecting him to stay instead of going to work, yet I understand why he didn't do it, instead he really went to work. And so, yours truly got really mad and decided not to talk to him, until when, I don't know.

At exactly 12mn that night, which is the 20th already, he called me and greeted Happy 6th months anniversary. I was still cold at him and stayed mad, again I have so much pride. He got home and I didn't pay attention cos I was watching a movie of Freddie Prinze, Jr., Down To You, but he went to me in the bed and hugged me. I was still cold until I saw something on his back and realized that it's a flower. I sobbed, suddenly mad at myself for doing it to him and knowing how much he loves me. He then gave me the rose and the card that says "You Are Beautiful" in bold letters. And guess what?! I am not mad at him anymore. He explained himself and we're okay then.

Hayyy, it is really a wonder how girls can easily forgive with just a flower, chocolates, etc. I'm so thankful though that hubby made that act, at least, I knew that he was thinking of me all the while. I know, I'm bad but hubby really loves, no matter what I do and I love him too, he may doesn't know it all the time, but no one can ever replace him in my life, God knows that.

Andy, before and now

2009-01-16T11:47:00Z

Before

That is Andy before we met in person. He still has his mustache that time. My friends said that he looks mean. But, nope, he was never mean to me. In fact, he hasn't changed from the day I fist met him until now. I just think that he looks mean and manly with his mustache. He looks older that his age too. He was 33 years old by this time.

I asked him to remove his mustache 'cos I wanted him to look better. I mean, he doesn't look bad with his mustache but it's bothering me to see that he can look younger. I think that he looks better without his mustache on

Now

But look at Andy now. He removed his mustache on our wedding day and since then, he never grew his mustache anymore. It was so sweet of him to do that 'cos before we did, we actually had a little argument 'cos he never wanted to remove it at first and I don't feel right to ask him to 'cos I don't want to change it 'cos I already like him the way he is. But I still asked him and he hesitated at first 'cos he said that he feels naked without a mustache. But even so, he still removed it for me and for him 'cos he really looks better and younger without that mustache.

Now, you tell me I was wrong. It's up to you to decide. Feel free to leave a comment. :-)

Our 1st Postponed Wedding Anniversary

2009-01-02T15:44:00Z

Funny to think about it, but we still consider today as special 'cos it's our 1st postponed wedding anniversary aside from it's my Mom's birthday also.

I remember when we first planned our wedding, we chose to be wed a year ago 'cos it was also my Mom's 5oth Birthday. That is why the wedding motif that we had are red and gold. Red - for love, and Gold - my Mom's golden birthday. We are supposed to be wed in the Philippines. And I actually reserved the restaurant a few months before the date to make sure that it won't cause us any problem 'cos I wanted to have my wedding on that restaurant so badly.

But the date was postponed 'cos when we considered the Visa processing, it is easier for both of us to go through the Fiancee Visa process rather than the Spousal Visa. With the spousal visa, we need to be separated physically from each other after our wedding for a few months 'cos he needs to file the petition in the US and it takes longer to process than the fiancee visa. With the fiancee visa, we'd be wed in the US after I get my visa which means that we won't be separated after the wedding.

Having to be away from each other after our wedding, honeymoon, and all is really painful to us. We'd rather be separated, get marry, and never be separated again, that's why our wedding that's originally planned on January 2nd in the Philippines was postponed. But last year of July 20, we're finally united in the Holy matrimony here in the US and nothing can ever separate us again.

I cut his hair

2008-12-30T16:17:00Z

Yes, I cut his hair. It wasn't my first time cutting someone else's hair. I remember cutting my grandma's hair too but she didn't like it 'cos I had it shorter than what she really wanted. Then, I cut my son's hair twice. Just did the 2nd time last week. I received a lot of compliment about it, so my hubby think that I can do his hair too. I was really hesitant to do it but he insists. We wanted to save money and know if I can really do it. In short, I'm practicing with his hair, lol.

I just did it today, before he went to work. He said, it was fine and I got a nice payment, a kiss, hehe. I won't really know if I did a good job until I'd receive comments about it. But for me, it doesn't look as nice as the expert can do, but that's the best hair cut that I can give him. I regret that I didn't take a picture of him with his new hair cut. Probably, tomorrow, I'll insert here his picture.

Somehow, I was proud of myself though 'cos it's not as bad as what I thought it'll end up.

Welcome

2008-12-29T06:34:17Z

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.

Happy Birthday and 5th Monthversary Hon!

2008-12-22T17:04:00Z

December 20th is Andy's 35th Birthday and our 5th Monthversary at the same time. It was very fine sunny day.

We went to Andy's parents' house because we will be having a birthday lunch there together with his parents and his sister. And we also left Abi there because we already asked them couple of weeks ago if they can babysit them so that we can have our moments alone for that day.

We went home from his parents' house and enjoy the moment alone with each other. We watch two movies. Finally, we were able to finish watching Saw IV that we rented from Block Buster three week ago. Then, we also watched The Wedding Daze which is a crazy movie about getting married right there and then.

After the movie, we went to eat dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Then, we went to sleep early because we need to get up early the next day for our Church's year end Thanksgiving.

So, that was his Birthday and our 5th monthversary. And hey! Before I forgot, I gave Andy a nice (looking) watch because the watch that he used to have has a broken bracelet. That's all! :-)

Our First Thanksgiving Together

2008-11-28T17:30:00Z

November 27, 2008 is our first Thanksgiving celebration together. We are always thankful for having each other. Especially now that we are physically together and united in marriage.

I'm sorry about the picture. I don't have an editor here right now. And the date, for some reason, the date on our camera was changed. But that picture was really taken during the Thanksgiving.