surviving the adoption home study

If you are somewhat familiar with the adoption process, then you probably know that the home study is a pretty big deal.  The home study is a pivotal part of the adoption process, and is necessary to have completed before you can move forward with your Dossier paperwork.  It's kind of like the edge puzzle pieces to a really hard puzzle... if you don't have all of the edge pieces completed, you can pretty much forget the rest of the puzzle.  The home study is the framework for your entire adoption process.

We had our home study last Friday.  Initially I was a little intimidated by the whole invite-a-social-worker-into-your-home-and-let-them-evaluate-your-house-and-future-parenting-skills... but honestly, it's wasn't all that bad.

It's not nearly as invasive as it sounds.  The social worker is typically looking to check off a few key things while visiting your home... 1) that you have reliable transportation... 2) that you have an available room for your children... 3) that there are smoke detectors near all bedrooms... 4) that you have a fire extinguisher... 5) that all medication is in a locked container... 6) that any alcohol or cleaning supplies are out of a child's reach... 7) that any firearms are locked and stored properly... 8) that you have a first aid kit available...  You get the idea.  I mean... really, most of these things are good ideas regardless if you have children in the home.

So... Lance and I reviewed the home study checklist, and for the most part, I felt like we were in pretty good shape.  I mean, our house is pretty kid-friendly... right??

And at that very moment, I glanced over at the console table in our dining room and saw this...

and this...

and this...

Oh, you know.... what kid wouldn't want to play with a lighter and a box-cutter, all while chomping on a few prescription pills??  FAIL.  Yeah... soooo... apparently our house isn't as kid-friendly as I thought.

Time to get serious... we needed to whip our house into home-study-kid-worthy-shape... pronto.

Step 1 >>All of our medication went into a simple combination-locked storage box...

This was a project in and of itself... the amount of expired drugs that we owned was ridiculous.  But after some major pill-purging, everything fit nicely into our little locked box.  The vitamins and supplements stayed in a basket up on the top shelf.


Step 2 >>All of our cleaning supplies went into the closet off of our dining room on the top shelves...

This has been helpful in general.  I love that everything is in one location and I can clearly see what we have and what we might be running low on.  All the kid-friednly items are on the lower shelves... extra paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning cloths, etc.  Initially this closet door didn't close all the way, but Lance fixed that right up and now we are able to pull the door closed for extra kid-proofing.  (Pay no attention to how gross and scary this closet is... it's super sketchy with crumbling drywall and hundreds of layers of wallpaper.  It's the one part of our house that was neglected during previous renovations.)


Step 3 >>We reclaimed the closet in the guest room (our future children's room)...

This probably wasn't necessary for the actual home study itself... but it was important for me.  The closet in our guest room was stacked high with crap.  Photo albums, old bedding, extra pillows, gift wrap, empty boxes, not-so-empty boxes, jewelry supplies, crafting supplies... you get the picture.  If I didn't know where to put it, it went in there.  It was time to do some serious purging.  This will be our child's room and their closet one day... I want it to feel that way.


Step 4 >>We installed more smoke detectors...

Or our Landlord did anyways:)  Our Landlord knew we were in the adoption process and he made sure that everything was brought up to code before we even had to ask.  Even though we already had enough smoke detectors, he went ahead and installed 3 more, just to make sure there was one in every bedroom and commonplace.  You can never have too many.


Step 5 >>We did the little things...

We bought a brand new First Aid kit, outlet covers, door knob thingies, and drawer & cabinet latches.  While most of these things weren't required to pass our home study, they are things we knew we would do eventually anyways.  We very likely will be bringing home a toddler (our age range is infant - 3 years), so we may not have the luxury of "growing into" the curious-mobile-toddler-stage... we will need to be prepared to already be in it:)

So, there you have it... home study... check.

The edge of the puzzle is done!  Well... actually we are still missing one edge piece (waiting to receive our Georgia criminal background check)... but for the most part, we are ready to move on to the next big section of the adoption puzzle!!  Stay tuned...

weekend festivities

We had our HOME STUDY on Friday!!!  And it went really well... our social worker told us we were informally approved... the official home study is still dependent on a few last little items.  We still need to get our Georgia criminal background checks completed and Little Cat still needed to be approved by a Veterinarian...

Speaking of which... Little Cat had his first vet appointment since 2008... yes, I know... I'm a terrible cat-mom.  But as you can tell from the photo Little Cat is a little sketched out by the vet office... and can you really blame him?  The last time we went, they took away his manhood.  I would be a little skeptical too.

What better way to celebrate a successful home study, than with a dirty martini?!?  I was able to catch up over dinner with a great friend who is also in the adoption process.  She and her husband are adopting from the Congo and will be bringing their sweet little girl home in just a few more months.

After dinner, I picked up this little guy for a movie date:)  Isaiah's mom had to work late, so me and Isaiah ate popcorn, drank chocolate milk and watched The Lorax.  Super cute movie... we both liked it:)

The weather was AMAZING on Saturday... so we made sure to take advantage of it.  Lance worked on his garden most of the day... and his chicken coops. (Yep, you heard me... chicken coops).

While Lance was working in the yard... I did a little thrifting and found this beauty... for $25.  That's right... twenty.five.flippin.dollars.  So much potential, right? 

Sunday morning I had a quick little photo shoot with this awesome group.  These 3 families are starting a church plant in France this year.  And while the weather was not very cooperative (think 32 degrees... rain, sleet, and snow), my photo subjects were spectacular:)

And this... this is what I did pretty much the rest of the day... it.was.awesome.

And how was your weekend?? 

thankful thursday {link up}

{Link up your own Thankful Thursday post below...}

This Thursday I am thankful for...

1) Favorite co-workers.  Last week was bittersweet being my last visit to the Atlanta office.  I have made some long-lasting friendships with some of the girls that I work with... two of them pictured above.  They make me laugh and I will miss them dearly.  I'm already thinking that we'll need to plan reunions for sketchy-Santa pictures every year...

2) My hippie parents... who just happened to celebrate 37 years of blissful marriage yesterday!!  This is by far one of my all-time favorite photos of my mom & dad.  I mean, just look how awesome that hair is!!  My mom's hair looks pretty good too, huh? ;)  I am so grateful for the constant example of true love and commitment they have always given me... both as a young child and now as a married woman myself.  Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!  I love you! 

3) Adoption progress!  We have our home study scheduled for TOMORROW people!!  We still have a long ways to go... and still have more lists of paperwork to work through... but getting our home study completed will be a major milestone for us.  So many other aspects of the adoption process are dependent on our home study... the two biggies being that 1) we can start applying for adoption grants and 2) we can start compiling our dossier paperwork for Uganda.  We have been kid-proofing and cleaning the house like crazy over the past few weeks and are excited to check this major item off the list.  Please be praying that the home study will be smooth tomorrow and that our momentum will continue as we start the next phase of paperwork!! 

What are you thankful for this week? Grab the Thankful Thursday button from the right sidebar and link up your own post below. Be sure to visit the other Thankful Thursday participants and share the love!!

Also linking up with:

The Fontenot Four

There's Just One Mommy

work week wardrobe :: march edition

Not only is this the "March-work-week-edition"... it is also the "last-week-in-Atlanta-edition."  Last week was officially my final visit to the Atlanta office before I leave my current job and start with a new company in early April.  This also means no more monthly hotel-living... frequent flyer miles... car rentals... airport lounging... and you won't have to stare at the Marriott carpet in my fashion posts anymore.  It's all very bittersweet, I know.

Nevertheless... here is what I wore for my last week ever at the Atlanta office...

{monday}

top: Daniel Rainn (TJ Maxx)

pants: Gap black skinnies

shoes: Bloch classica flats

{tuesday}

 top: Old Navy

skirt: Ellen Tracey (TJ Maxx)

necklace: Pyrrha

shoes: Fergalicious

 {wednesday}

 dress: Gap

belt: Lucky Brand

leggings: Forever 21

boots: Eric Michael

 {thursday}

 heart blouse: Fun & Flirt (TJ Maxx)

cardigan: Belldini (Nordstrom Rack)

necklace: Charming Charlies

pants: Gap black skinnies

shoes: Bloch classica flats 

{friday}

 top: Gap

belt: Forever 21

necklace: Francesca's 

jeans: Joe's Jeans

What this really means is that very soon I will have to start wearing normal-office-y-type-clothing every.single.freakin.day.  Not quite sure how I feel about that part yet.  Don't fret... I promise I'll keep the fashion posts to a minimum... 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy this week.

book review

Apparently I only do book review posts semi-annually... which would make sense... yep, that's about how long it takes me to read enough books to compile a note-worthy post.  Yeah, yeah... I'm a slow reader, okay?  Sheesh.

Regardless... here's what I've been reading lately...

Lone Wolf {by Jodi Picolt}
I bought this book at the airport when Lance and I were traveling to Houston over the holidays. I like Jodi Picolt's writing.  She does a phenomenal job writing about hard ethical issues in a way that challenges her readers.  Lone Wolf was an easy read, but not one of my all time favorites.  I would still recommend it... just maybe not at the top of my list.

The Help {by Kathryn Stockett}
Great, great read.  I borrowed this book from my mom like a bajillion months ago... and I've heard so many great reviews... and I saw the movie.  So, I figured it was finally time to crack the book open and read it.  So.so.worth.it.  I love how Stockett writes each chapter from the perspective of a different character.  She seems to effortlessly capture the hardships of a racially divided culture and era.  If you are one of the few people left on this earth that haven't already read this book, then I highly recommend it.

Kisses from Katie {by Katie Davis}
Katie Davis is a gorgeous 22 year old girl that has left her familiar Tennessee lifestyle to live in Uganda.  She has a blog (Kisses from Katie) where she writes about her new life in the Ugandan culture.  I have occasionally read bits and pieces of her blog, but ever since Lance and I decided that we would be adopting from Uganda, I have had a new interest in pretty much anything Uganda-related.  I had heard about this book and then stumbled upon it last week when I was in Atlanta.  I have only read the introduction, but I can't wait to dive in.  This book excites me for so many reasons.

The Little Prince {by Antoine de Saint-Exupery}
I'm quite certain this is a children's book... but I am totally okay with including it on my book list.  I can't remember where I first heard about this sweet little book, but I ordered myself a copy probably over a year ago.  It's a tiny book... shouldn't take long to read at all, but I'm excited none-the-less.  Has anyone out there read this before?  Maybe to your kids?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.


What about you?  What are you reading these days?  Anything recommendations?

scarlet hope staff {louisville photographer}

Meet the beautiful ladies that make up Scarlet Hope.  

I feel incredibly privileged that I was able to snap some staff photos for them this year.  Scarlet Hope is an organization that is very near and dear to my heart.  It is a ministry in Louisville, KY that is designed to share the love of Christ with women in the adult entertainment industry.  Every Thursday night Scarlet Hope sends out tons of women volunteers into the strip clubs of Louisville to bring food to the dancers, while taking time to listen and pray for them.  These volunteers go into these clubs with no judgement or harsh words, but rather just the opposite... they spend time with these girls... painting their nails... laughing... learning about their families... listening to their stories... praying for their future... simply loving them. 

Scarlet Hope was founded by Rachelle Starr, pictured here with her husband Josh.  Josh and Rachelle are some of our very dear friends, and we are so grateful to know them.  Several years ago Rachelle had a vision of how she could play a role in sharing the love of Christ with women in the adult entertainment industry.  It's been amazing to watch how God has blessed her vision and grown this ministry beyond what she could have ever imagined.  

Just this past year, Scarlet Hope opened the doors to it's new residential Hope House.  This is where women that are leaving the entertainment industry can live under the care and guidance of Scarlet Hope as they transition into a new job... a new family... a new life.

Scarlet Hope is made up of hundreds of beautiful women... but here are the four women that really make this ministry tick... day in and day out...

Rachelle...

Emily...

Courtney...

Missy...

These women truly are amazing, and I feel incredibly privileged to play a small part in the very big change Scarlet Hope is bringing to Louisville.

If you would like to learn more about Scarlet Hope and the work God is doing through them, check out their website here... or just watch this video...

shopping halt

A few weeks ago I made a crazy, ridiculous, super irrational decision to halt all clothes shopping for 40 whole flippin' days.

This commitment to give up something that seems so desperately impossible to live with out... is also known as Lent.  Or the Lenten Season.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues through Good Friday... it is the 40 day period leading up to Easter that many Christians use as a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ.  Last year was my first year to truly participate, and I gave up soda... specifically Dr. Pepper (hard!).

Welp... this year I gave up clothes shopping.  That's right... you heard me.  I.gave.up.shopping.  Clothes, shoes, and accessories... none of it.  For forty days.

So far, I've made it 21 days.  I realize that to some of you this whole "no-shopping" thing is super easy for you and you're probably thinking, "big whop... you haven't bought anything for 21 days... congratu-freakin-lations."  But trust me, it's a big deal people.

Don't get me wrong... I don't go spending loads of money on fancy clothes all the time... but I am a major sucker for "happy purchases."  I am a mastermind when it comes to bargain shopping... and while sometimes I consider this a gift... sometimes it's a simple excuse to buy something I don't need.  $5 earrings?  Sure, why not...  $20 designer top?  Perfect for work...  $30 handbag?  Love the color...

You get the picture.

So, when I decided to give up clothes shopping for Lent this year, I knew it would be a challenge... but isn't that the point?  It's supposed to be a sacrifice.  It's supposed to be hard.  The whole point of giving something up for Lent is to feel the void that it leaves.  Not that shopping is the end-all-be-all, but trust me... I'll notice.  I will be in Target and have to walk out empty-handed... I will longingly admire that new purse... I will desperately want to use that Banana Republic coupon...  And it will be in those very trivial moments of shopping detox that I will be reminded of the much, much greater sacrifice that Jesus made for me.

Did you give anything up for Lent this year??  If so, how are you doing?

----------
O God, you are my God; 
earnestly I seek you; 
my soul thirsts for you; 
my flesh faints for you, 
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, 
beholding your power and glory.  
Because your steadfast love is better than life, 
my lips will praise you.
  -Psalm 63:1-3

thankful thursday {link up}

{Link up your own Thankful Thursday post below...}

This Thursday I am thankful for...

1) Office pranks.  This is what happens when I'm in the office.... especially when it's my last week in the office.  I'm definitely all for a few office pranks before I leave.  Nevermind that our pranks involve a super creepy baby doll face.  This creepy thing has been all over the office the past few days... at the front desk... on the postage machine... behind my desk... and even in the women's bathroom... talk about make you pee in your pants.

2) Manicured nails.  I pretty much always get a mani/pedi when I'm in Atlanta... and this week was no different.  My awesome mother-in-law gave me some cash just for the occasion (thanks Linda!!).  I'm loving the red this go around... OPI "the thrill of Brazil" in case you're wondering:)

3) Emails from Nana.  This week I received a sweet email from my Nana and it made me smile from ear to ear.  I love that my grandparents can read my blog, and even though we are several states apart, we somehow feel connected.  I like to think that my writing skills come from my Pop and my love of shoes and fashion come from my Nana:)  I love them so much.

What are you thankful for this week? Grab the Thankful Thursday button from the right sidebar and link up your own post below. Be sure to visit the other Thankful Thursday participants and share the love!!

Also linking up with:

The Fontenot Four

There's Just One Mommy

adopting from uganda!!!

A couple of months ago, Lance and I decided that we needed to change adoption countries.  Originally when we started our adoption process, we thought we would be adopting from Haiti.  But due to some of Haiti's laws and the age requirements of the adoptive parents (at least one parent has to be 35 years old), we decided it was best for us to go ahead and decide on a different adoption country.

Only problem??  

We didn't know which country.

We eventually narrowed our choices down to Uganda or the Congo.  We also knew that several consultants from our adoption agency were planning on visiting both of these countries early February. They would be visiting the different orphanages our agency partners with, as well as meeting with country officials and attorneys for both Uganda and the Congo.  Lance and I wanted to wait until our consultants returned from this trip before we made our final decision.

After lots of questions to our agency and a few days of praying through a decision... we are so thrilled to announce that WE WILL BE ADOPTING FROM UGANDA!!!

There were a few factors that helped us make this decision...

>> The timeline (and paperwork) for Uganda seems to be less than what it was for Haiti.  While timing is definitely not the end-all-be-all... it is most certainly encouraging to know that we are making progress... moving forward.

>> There are likely sibling groups available.  As some of you might remember, Lance and I are wanting to adopt 2 little ones.  This could mean 2 children that are blood related... or simply 2 children from the same orphanage... either way, we are excited.

>> We will actually have a very good friend that will soon be living in Uganda.  This may not seem like a very big deal... but the thought of having a familiar face in such an unfamiliar process is very comforting to me.

There are still several things that need to happen... papers need to be notarized... doctor appointments need to be made... background checks need to be mailed... but we are making some major progress.  We just happen to have our homestudy scheduled for NEXT WEEK!!

We are very excited to be moving along in this process, and we would soooooo appreciate your prayers as we continue to navigate through the unknown.

change of plans {part III} :: my job

 

Over the past couple of months Lance and I have been experiencing some pretty significant changes... First we talked about the house.  Then it was our adoption country.  And now, let's talk about changing jobs.  I'll be honest, I've had a hard time with some of these changes over the last few weeks... and I've pretty much come to realize I'm not a huge fan of change... but you can read more about that here.

Anyhow... back to the job stuff.  About 5 months ago or so, Lance and I made the decision that we were committing to Louisville.  We love this city.  We feel like it is home to us in so many ways.  This is the city we have committed to starting our family in (our adoption and homestudy process)... and therefore, in order to fully be here, I want to work here too.

I have been working for a phenomenal company in Atlanta, GA for the past 5+ years... and for the past 2+ years I have been working from Louisville.  I work from my home office the majority of the time, making monthly trips to Atlanta.  And while this set up was pretty rad (I mean, who doesn't love working in their pajamas?!?), the traveling part was getting a bit old.  Not to mention, that when my company agreed to let me work from Louisville, it was under the impression that eventually we would move back to Georgia.  But yeah... that hasn't happened.  My company and I decided it was time for me to start looking for something a little closer to home.

After a few months of the super fun (insert sarcasm here) job search process, I am happy to report that I have been offered a wonderful position at what sounds to be an amazing company.  And while yes, I'll have to actually put on real clothes and commute to a real office... I have to say, I'm really looking forward to it.  I'm excited for the new.

It's crazy to think this is my last week actually at the Atlanta office.  I'll have a few more weeks to transition and train... but for the most part, this chapter is coming to a close.  And while this next chapter is definitely unknown and new to me... I'm pretty stoked about it.

Stay tuned...