La Familia Carver: April 2009

PART I

So, it has been an eventful year already. First, I'll start with the oath ceremony. On March 18 of 2009 I became a naturalized U.S. citizen. It was such a memorable experience for me that I will never forget. Being in a room full of people that shared the same struggles, hopes, and dreams made me realize that this is the place where I'm supposed to be. This IS the land of freedom and opportunities; I believe in that so strongly! And I'm grateful to have gone through what I did as an immigrant, because it has made me a better person, and it has taught me to appreciate what I have. Thanks to my parents' sacrifice 15 years ago, I can enjoy of the many opportunities this beautiful country has to offer. Hooray for the U.S.! Here are some pictures of the oath ceremony.

Judge Samuel Alba presided the oath ceremony. He is an amazing speaker. I love listening to inspirational talks and judge Alba's was probably one of the best I have ever listened to. He is originally from Mexico and he came to the U.S. as a young boy with his father to work at the farms harvesting crops. He was still in high school when he came to work, and he said he is very grateful to the man that owned the farm at that time, because this man forced judge Alba's father to have the the boy go to school and only work when school was not in session. By working and going to school at the same time, he learned the importance of getting an education regardless of the circumstances. Judge Alba was the first in a family of ten to go to college, the first to graduate from college, and the first to graduate from law school. Listening to the judge talk made me cry because he is the perfect example of hard work and dedication; it just gave me inspiration to work harder in every aspect of life.

Oath of Citizenship

My parents. I'm so grateful for their love and sacrifice. I owe them so much!

My sister Carolina and her little girl 'Nani'. My sister became a U.S. citizen four years ago. She's also an amazing example to me.

Mom and Dad Carver. So glad they were able to come and be there with me on such special day.

My Certificate of Naturalization. Look at PJ's face. He was dead tired of chasing after Alex during the entire ceremony.

Little Dylan smiling and cooing for Grandma Carver during the ceremony

Little Dylan napping on Grandma's lap

PART II

This is the second part of this post....My Alex and My baby Dylan. I have been trying to take as many pictures of them as possible, but I just realized I haven't been doing a good job. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Alex is already getting ready for his first tricycle and Dylan is my little baby that I'm sure I'll wake up one day to see a toddler jumping on his crib. :( I love my boys so much!!! Aunt Mari, hope you like the pics!

Alex - 2 1/2 years old. Alex and Daddy test-driving the new ride

PJ trying to show Alex how to pedal

Dylan - 2 1/2 months. Bad hair day Dylan?? I actually did that to his hair on purpose...it's supposed to be a Mohawk, alright?! Amms, you might need to show me how to style boys' hair. :)