Three Little Birds

Well, we had the big, official "home study" this past Saturday (March 27th)!  We (especially me) were a little nervous but overall it turned out great.  We worked really hard on Thursday to get the outside and inside of the house looking good, especially to wash the winter off this place! :)  You know how the house (outside & in) can just look blah after a long, cold winter!  You might be wondering, "What is a home study?"  Well let me just fill you in - the short version is this - a social worker comes to our house, inspects it for safety, provision of a baby room (doesn't have to be ready, just have to have a designated space), and interviews us as well.  This is always a requirement when adopting.  So first, let me  tell you what we did.  Then I'll tell you what went down. How we prepared: I asked a Social Worker friend on things we needed to do around the house.  She recommended a few things (we did way above & beyond wh...

Kelly, from Kelly's Korner blog , talked a couple days ago about her cleaning tips and ideas.  They were fabulous.  I totally wish I could say I loaded my dishwasher every day!  I wished I made my bed every day!  Ha!  But being the grad student "in the trenches" as I am (and as my hubby is), we are lucky to have our dirty clothes in the hamper!  Haha.  =) I seriously do not have the time to devote to keeping my house as clean as I'd like.  Here's how cleaning goes in the McLamb household... (now after July 30th, I'm hoping this will get better - hehe)... Wash clothes every day only when we run out of undies! Fold clothes every day only when we can find no where else to put clothes coming out of the dryer! Keep the sink free  full of dishes :) ...Not really full but we often run out of spoons :) Sweep each week when doggie hair starts sticking to my feet Ok, so don't, like, freak out on me... our house actually stays pretty clean, i...

So I am following suit of a fellow blogger, Blue Eyed Bride , and listing some of my ultimate items on my wish list for spring.  Considering the fact that I am saving up for the adoption taking place, fear not!!  I am not going to buy (everything) on this list. :) 1.  This amazing necklace from Ann Taylor Loft.  You can buy it here . 2.  A little place at the beach.  This one's for sale in Topsail Island.  I don't ask for much do I? ;) 3.  A little time to spend outdoors in this backyard.  Scratch that - I just want this backyard!!  I found it here . 4.  These PB lanterns.  I have this weird thing about lanterns.  And Pottery Barn.  Combine the two - and it's over.   5.  Anything from the Vintage Finds section of the PB online collection.  I am in love with anything vintage.  Take me to an antique store and I'm a happy girl. 6.  A good pair of espadrilles.  I love these in p...

The health care plan has passed.  Sadly, it was passed by Representatives who were not voting as representatives of the American people - the majority of the U.S. citizens did not want this bill. Is healthcare reform needed?  Definitely.  Our "system" as it is now will be bankrupt and crippled in a couple decades. Is universal access to care a bad thing?  Absolutely NOT.  Contrary to what many of my conservative friends believe, I do believe that health care is a right by all American citizens. Do all citizens need to have insurance?  Yes.  Also contrary to what many people believe or know, from I've seen in my practice as a nurse and soon-to-be NP, many of those without health insurance are those that actually do have jobs but still do not make enough to qualify for Medicaid - they are just above the poverty level.  Sadly, these are our farmers...our mechanics... good working-class folks.  OR, it's people that have pre-existing conditi...

This is apparently called a Wordle .  You just plug in your blog's URL and it generates this little "thingy"... You can do your own here .  I love it! :) Just cuteness for a Sunday.

Just wanted to update all of you on the latest for the adoption & life in general... we have been so busy!!  Tara has written about 4 papers in a week, had a skills checkoff in Greenville, and has been working on an article to be published in a NP journal (hopefully!).  Justin has been busy at work, as well as doing some school things (he goes to Greenville for a class each Monday night)...he's also started running & working out with me!  I tell ya, when Justin puts his mind to doing something, he throws himself at it!!  He's lost over 10 lbs!  Wish I had a picture to show you his skinny little face :)   As far as the adoption goes, I've been playing phone tag with the agency that will be doing our home study.  I did find out that there will be 3 visits, but I've been told not to freak.... ok, so I'm not freaking.... ha.  right.  I think you all know me better than that.  Of course, I have made a list of things to fix or spruce...

I am convinced that we need to treasure and focus on the little things in life.  Savor each moment, because we never know when it will be our last.  So - not related to anything "adoption" - I'd like to list the little things that I may sometimes overlook but need to remember to cherish - it's in the simple things of life that joy or peace can be found.  Here's my list.  I may add more as I think of them!  Feel free to add yours!! My Simple Things List Watching my husband sleep Having my little doggie cuddle up to me The smell of freshly-cut grass (isn't that one on everyone's list?) The feel of freshly washed high-count thread sheets The feeling of warm sunshine on my skin Chapstick - the essential. Hearing children giggle . Knowing "in my bones" what God's plan /will is for a certain situation Laughing so hard my belly hurts! Kissing my husband when he's just shaved :) Making a friend laugh really hard Writing a l...

Was sent an email today from my mom & wanted to take a second to post some of its contents... It goes right along with the blog I wrote yesterday & is cute too! :)  Hope you're blessed.