My American Grill

Today I can call myself a true American: I went to Lowe's and bought a gas grill, invited Ron and Sheri Cadenhead and grilled some burgers and hotdogs I got at The Butcher Shop.

While I looked at grills at Lowe's, my mom decided to wander around at the store. A few minutes later she comes back where I am telling me the tale of how the lady at Lowe's dialed an interpreter service for her. She was speaking Portuguese on the phone asking for a manicure set... (let me emphasize: we are AT LOWE'S!!!)...

Rosária in the States

Mamãe está nos EUA. "De Martinho Campos para o mundo", como digo. :)

Eu nem bloguei desde a chegada dela pois estou aproveitando ao máximo a presença dela aqui nesta primeira semana.

Ela chegou dia 01 de Setembro. Levantei cedo para ir pegá-la no aeroporto. O vôo veio de Brasília durante a noite. Eu e a Paige estávamos preocupados se a mãe teria pânico durante o vôo (minha mãe mesmo brincando de talvez precisar de levarmos ambulância ao portão de desembarque). Hehehe.
Eu peguei um passe no balcão da Delta para ir até o ponto de segurança logo após a imigração.
A encontrei lá: calma, feliz, dizendo que ficou tranquila e adorou o vôo, que nem durante turbulência ela ficou com medo pois se apegou a Deus.
Logo saindo do aeroporto já começou a dizer coisas como:

"Que loucura deste lugar, até metrô tem no aeroporto!"
"Que país bonito. Muito verde, mato, ar puro, casas bonitas..."
"Se eu contasse ninguém acreditaria."

Ela também está impressionada com o preço de mercadorias, especialmente roupas. Comprando de lembrancinhas para a família no Brasil a vestidos na TJMax. Compras são a coisa favorita dela nos EUA, "um terapia" como diz ela. Chega de uma loja e já quer voltar pra rua para ver mais vitrines...

Mas o que ela adora mesmo é passar tempo conosco, especialmente com a Evie ou Vivi como ela diz. Fica vislumbrada com a beleza e inteligência da Evie, em suas próprias palavras.

Nos dias em que a Evie vai para a eacolinha, a mãe fica procurando ocupação. Então, limpa a casa e faz uma boa comida da mamãe para nós.

Mamãe's First Day in the USA

After going through a few different interview rooms at the ATL airport, she met me after the first security check. She said she had a good trip, loved the flight! "Not scary at all", she said.
On the way home she was in awe: so many trees in the city, pretty houses, big cars (a guy in a red truck even smiled at her as he passed us). ;)

She loved seeing Evie and playing with her.

We had lunch at Chick-Fil-A.

Later in the afternoon, the 3 of the took a walk outside near the pool.

We the met the family for dinner at Family Tradition.

She said it was s great day and it will take s few days for her to realize she's in the States and not just dreaming...





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

She got it!

This morning my mother went to an interview at the American Consulate in Rio de Janeiro.

After a quick and nice interview she was granted a visa which will be stamped on her passport and mailed to her in Belo Horizonte.

She sounded excited once I finally got a hold of we after trying to call the whole day. She is on the bus on her way home now.

My Mom in Rio

She arrived today with her sister. I had booked a hotel 3 blocks away from the Consulate for them.
I tried to call the whole afternoon: they had been wandering around the streets of downtown Rio looking for coffee...
She said they thought it was easier to get around in Rio than in Belo Horizonte.

She has her interview tomorrow morning.

Mamãe's Greencard Interview Scheduled

For August 11th at 7:15am in Rio de Janeiro.

DS-230

This morning we sent out my mom's DS-230 parts I and II (application for permanent residency).

Affidavit of Support sent off

This morning I sent of the Affidavit of Support forms (I-864 and I-864A) along with documentation to prove our income.

Fee: $70.

We put our house on the market today

With Larry Lester, Coldwell Banker's help.

More Steps in my Mom's Immigration Process

A few weeks ago (May 10th) I paid a $70 fee for the Affidavit of Support which was processed on May 12th. The Affidavit and all related documents are ready to be mailed in to the National Visa Center (NVC). However, I had been very busy taking a few classes for work and hadn't sent out the Affidavit of Support. Today I received an email from NVC saying there was a new $400 processing fee to be paid.

I paid for that one and am now waiting on a reply from NVC to an email I sent asking if I need to now wait for the processing of that fee, go back to the website, print the fee's "cover letter/receipt" and add it to the same package the Affidavit of Support and its documentation is being sent in.

As soon as I receive that confirmation and print the Processing Fee's cover letter, I will send off the documentation to NVC.

PS.: Every time I have a question I either call or email NVC and they are the most courteous and knowledgeable USCIS department I've yet to contact.

Please read!

Great article! http://biggovernment.com/pliberatore/2010/05/18/arizonas-immigration-law/

Arizona’s Immigration Law

by Phil Liberatore

The recent law passed in Arizona raises some tough questions.  How does one respond to a state law that enforces federal law?  Our President said it was “misguided.” Many state and city politicians in California have said it is time to boycott Arizona for its “harsh” immigration policy.  One Los Angeles Councilmen said that Arizona is acting like it is its own country.  One Texas Congressman said that the law is something he wants in his state.  A city councilman in Costa Mesa, CA said that the city is going to copy it and make it an ordinance.  Many activist groups have now filed legal suits against Arizona’s newest law, but many experts say that the law will stand.

Having grown up the son of an immigrant, I know firsthand the hardship of having no roots and being in a strange place.  I was born in New York and moved to the San Fernando Valley.  My father struggled to put food on the table, and I had to work as a young man.  I had my own paper route and worked hard.  When I graduated high school, I received a scholarship to USC.  This is the dream that most immigrants have for their children.

California became the place where dreams came true for my parents and me.  My father taught me that to be a good citizen you have to follow the laws.  I believe that still today.  I am successful because I have followed the laws of this great nation.  I believe, to find success in this country it must first start there.  I have driven past Home Depots, like many of you.  I think about the lives those men are living and my heart hurts for them.  I know they struggle to put food on the table just like my father did.  I know they came here seeking a better life for their children.  I understand their plight, but their method in achieving that goal is what I cannot understand.

Our current system has moved beyond common sense.  Our President has failed to uphold the laws set out by Congress and states are not allowed to enforce the federal laws.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement lack funding and staff to handle the current situation.  We have judges and district attorneys that are more dedicated to sentencing ICE agents then to enforcing our immigration laws.

This issue is no longer one which we can sit idly by and hope for a solution. We have solutions. First, we need to secure our borders. Second, we need to remove all financial incentives for illegal immigrants. And third, we need to demonstrate the clear and responsible pathway to legal immigration.

Arizona passed legislation allowing local law enforcement agencies to work with federal agents.  We have laws in this country for a reason and they need to be enforced.  The American dream is something that I believe in, but a vital part of that dream is honoring the laws that we have established.  If I am elected to the 42nd Congressional district in California I will stand in the way of any amnesty bill or pathway to citizenship that does not honor those that have sought to come here legally.  I fight daily to uphold and defend the Constitution and the values that hold it in place.  We need responsible common sense immigration policies. As the son of an immigrant, I am pro-immigration but oppose the recent wave of illegal aliens.  John Adams said “Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people…”  We stand at a pivotal moment; to create and protect opportunity and call upon our leaders to ensure the will and protection of the people of the United States of America.

A perspective that the news has been avoiding!

USCIS Agent Assignment Form

My mom received a letter and a form today (all in English, by the way) which asks her to assign an "agent" to receive communication of her process. I asked her to scan it and email it to me, I will fill it out on my computer and email it back to her so he can sign it and snail mail it to them...

Notification Received!

Today we received a notification that Enzo's mother has been approved for her visa.  Next step is for her to receive more information from the US consulate in Brazil.  From there, they will instruct her of her next step! So close!

The Help

In a hundred years the history books will rewrite themselves. During my school years I learned of slavery, servants, and what  a lot generations called "the help" (still slavery in disguise).  These days "the helpers" are not just African American; they are Hispanic, Asian, you name it. We try to justify the means by saying  we are helping them but in reality we are just helping ourselves.  You might hear someone say they are "helping" by paying them to paint their house or build a construction project.  I hate to bust everyone's little bubble but in the end it isn't about "the help" it is about us finding cheap labor.

Then there are the ones who say "but who will do all the jobs? Americans sure won't!"  Yes, yes, yes, you are correct (in a way).  Americans won't do the jobs for under minimum wage.  We actually will do the same jobs but we require that the employers follow the law and pay the proper amount.  This is the difference.

Mark my words now... our generation will be remembered for this.

New Year New Beginnings

Let me first start off by saying how much I hate New Year's Resolutions.  I have yet to meet anyone that has ever kept one! If you have I would love to hear about it...

So far this year has gotten off to a great start.  I know a lot of people were ready to see 2009 disappear. For us, 2009 was one of our best years.  There are the obvious reason....EVIE.  But we also feel like things began to come together for us.  When Enzo first moved to the US we really struggled with him finding a job.  Finally, he resorted to working in a Chic-fil-a.  We laugh at the time he went in for his interview and he told them he had a college degree and spoke 3 (sometimes 4) languages.  He was out of place but it was where God had him.  We think it is a little ironic that Enzo was looking for a job when everyone else had one...now it is the opposite.  God's perfect timing provided when we needed it!
Now we are hoping for an exciting 2010..it should be filled with lots of things.  One of the main things we are excited about seeing happen is Enzo's mom coming to the states.  She has never traveled so it should be quite interesting!  She will be staying with us hopefully for about 3 months.  We are thinking she might arrive late summer/early fall but of course this all depends upon immigration.  It will be our first together Christmas all together!

 

Christmas Time!

I know, I know, I know... Everyone wants to talk about their baby's first Christmas and guess what... We are no exception!
Evie really enjoyed the paper, the boxes, people smiling, laughter (she loves to make a fake laugh when she hears people laughing), mommy being home more, becoming more independent, fun presents that she can hit and makes lots of noise, people holding her, and the list goes on...
Christmas with a kid is so much more fun. I know she doesn't understand Santa or how it is Jesus' birthday but she teaches us adults how to have faith like a child.

Sean Goldman with David Goldman!

Sean is now with his Dad but his Brazilian family had to get in their last stab.  They paraded him in from of the cameras and people to try to prove a point.  They forgot they are dealing with a child.  Well at least from here on out he will be with his father.  There is probably a long road that needs to be mended between David and Sean but I am sure that with time that will happen.  

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here is the most recent update from bringseanhome.org

Wheels Up!

No real need for an update this morning, the news is all over the country. David and Sean have been reunited and are on their way back to the United States.

David Goldman, throughout this ordeal, has shown the world a man whose dignity, grace, love and fortitude can only be admired. Sean will soon realize that he was blessed to be born the son of such a man.

We wish we could personally thank the tens of thousands of people from around the world who helped make this happen. Without the efforts of every single supporter the reunion today would not have happened.

We hope you have a joyous Christmas and 2010 will be a wonderful new year of happiness, health and prosperity for you and our country.

Our work together at the Bring Sean Home Foundation is not over, we have just begun.

Robert D'Amico

BREAKING NEWS!!! SEAN GOLDMAN IS COMING HOME!!!

Click on the link above... Brazil better not appeal!!!! Give the boy to his Father!

Sean Goldman Update

Ok so I know it has been a while since I updated on the Sean Goldman case... honestly because not much has happened (unfortunately).  I have been waiting for something BIG to post (like a family being reunited).  How can something like this get so out of control?  My heart truly goes out to David and Sean.  Sean has no clue of the out pour of love his father has for him.  Persevere David!!!  Pray without seizing because you have a team of people who are doing the same.

Here is the latest on the case:

Important Update: "Begging for Justice"

20 December 2009

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It has been a momentous week for the Goldman case and it isn’t over yet. The story of David and Sean has been all over the news this week, since David won a unanimous decision at the Federal Regional Appeals Court in Rio de Janeiro which upheld the return order from June and directed that Sean be turned over to David within 48 hours. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton weighed in with a statement praising the decision, only to have this order suspended by yet another legal maneuver by the Lins e Silva and Ribeiro families, who submitted a writ of habeas corpus to the Supreme Court. That motion was accepted by the reporting judge on the case, Marco Aurélio de Mello, who stayed the return order the next day. This is the same judge, by the way, who single-handedly blocked the return back in June with another stay order.

The media has been closely the story, some doing a better job than others at detailing and explaining the facts, but all have made the fundamental connection that a father is being deprived of raising or even communicating with his son by a wealthy, politically connected family, with the assistance of one Supreme Court Justice. Everyone, Americans and especially Brazilians, know that this is an incredible injustice which cannot be left to stand.

It appears that public opinion in Brazil may have shifted with this week’s events, as many Brazilians are reacting negatively to the continued defiance of the rule of law by the families holding Sean, their attorneys, and one Supreme Court Justice who continues to thwart the lower court decisions which unanimously argue that Sean needs to go home immediately. Seth Kugel, a Brazilian based journalist forGlobalPost recently quoted an anonymous Brazilian following the case: “It’s impressive how the Lins e Silva family achieved an almost unheard of feat in this country: it united the great majority of the Brazilian population in favor of an American! Who would have thought?”

We are trying to maintain a "timeline summary" of events on the BringSeanHome.org Home page for those who cannot participate in our Forums. However we would like to direct your attention to a blog titledAdventures of a Gringa which is published by one of our earliest and hardest working supporters in Brazil and now in NYC, Rachel, also known as "Rio Gringa." We strongly urge you to read her story line of 12/18 titled House of Cards. She summarizes ALL the events of the week along with her candid reactions which are the same as thousands of other supporters. As you will read some real bombshells occurred both here in the U.S. and Brazil as result of the suspension of the return order by Justice Aurélio de Mello.

On Friday, as a direct result of the stay order, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) put a "hold" on a bill now in the Senate, which grants several countries, including Brazil, the right to import products into the United States without paying import duties. Brazil alone received about $2.75 billion in benefits last year.

The Brazilian Attorney General stepped in on Friday and filed a writ of mandamus against the Supreme Court justice who blocked Sean's return. There is some hope that perhaps his stay order will be overturned soon. David's legal team has also filed a motion to reverse the stay order and we hope that the President of the Brazilian Supreme Court will take up both writs this week, quash the habeas corpus stay order and send Sean home once and for all.

It is vital that justice prevails and Sean is returned to his father, because there are nearly 70 abducted American children being held in Brazil and over 2,800 abducted American children around the world in similar situations No one has made a better presentation of the continuous failure of our federal government's effort to help America's abducted children than former Assistant Secretary of State for Latin American Affairs, Bernard Aronson. His presentation on December 2nd before the Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives literally "brought the house down." Read it online here (Adobe PDF format).

Thank you for your continued support and our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday season. We ask that you keep David and Sean Goldman in your thoughts and prayers at this special time of the year. Let us pray for a Christmas miracle that finally brings David and Sean together again permanently.

Mark DeAngelis - Bob D'Amico - Christine Schmitt - Melissa Capestro - Jim Mastriani - Matt DeAngelis 
The Bring Sean Home Foundation

PS: Begging for Justice? Watch the video of David speaking to reporters outside his Rio hotel, where you will hear a father’s passionate plea to bring his son home. The video is on the BringSeanHome.orgHome page.

ABC News Nightline: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9378879

TIME Magazine: The Sean Goldman Controversy: Memories of Elián González

Bath Time - 9 months

Evie is growing so fast!  She has started "cruisin'" around.  She still loves bath time!  Oh and don't worry...during these pictures I was standing right there in case she fell;).

Crib Lowered

Evie, you are getting so big... now daddy had to lower your mattress so you wouldn't fall off the crib. Yes, a couple of days ago you were standing up holding the edge of it peeking over...

:)

Evie's First Christmas - Countdown

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but we are already looking forward to Christmas. Yesterday Paige started decorating the house while I put the Christmas tree up.

We are so excited Evie is here with us this year to celebrate her first Christmas! She brought a lot of "firsts" that bring joy to our lives: first cry, first night at home just the three of us, first smiles, first mumblings, first belly laughs, first dah-dah, dah-dee and mah-mah... and now the first time we celebrate Christ's birth together, as a family. I am now a first-time daddy and at times like these I know God is looking after me because He has given me a wonderful family to celebrate special moments with... for as long as I live... :)

It is also exciting to think that maybe next year my mom will also be here having the first good Christmas of her life.

Registered to Vote

Today I just got a letter that I am registered and I could possibly be a poll officer.

Halloween Day

My first Halloween started out a scary one on breathing treatments....





But I started to feel better with my "Daddycure."

Then I was happy!  I started posing in my Falcon's cheerleader outfit.


And then I couldn't be a cheerleader without cheering!  We went to Waffle House for a "scary" Halloween breakfast!







Mommy and Daddy also like to dress me up in other things..like a horsie.


Halloween night was fun too!  Mommy and I were a lady bug and a bumble bee!  Daddy dressed like some man named Uncle Sam.


Then some scary witch came to get this Lady Bug!

That Uncle Same saved me!

Uncle Same and I shared a Pumpkin.  Mommy and Daddy are also trying to teach me to share.


Why does Mommy always stare at me like I am pretty or something?


This is me out on my first night of trick or treating!

Guys it was so neat seeing all those bears, lady bugs, monsters, and kitty cats!















My friend Adam came along and made sure I crossed the street safely.

I don't understand what the fuss is about..this isn't scary!

When we got back home, the witch was gone and Grammie was there!  She was holding a sweet little thing.








Then that sweet little thing turned into a pea pod!


Mommy held the pea pod and I got a little jealous.


But I was okay because Granny Norton and Papa John held me!


Mommy also had a Deviled Egg and pretty model come visit.  I know they were there to see me!



Then I settled in for the night with my friend Adam to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

HAPPY HALLOQUEEN!