Hold to Jesus: January 2014

Thursday, January 30, 2014

January 2014!

New Years Eve

Clean bill of health.

A little bit of apple with his peanut butter.

Buddies

Loves playing games.

My little cowboy and Shadow.

Drew being Drew.

Evening at the barn.

Making popcorn with Uncle Barry!

Drew is not sure about Shadow.

Long night...

Taking Mommy out for Birthday lunch.
Photo: Sweet boy took Mommy on a Birthday date! Love him! #jacksonreid

Photo: Sweet Birthday date! #sometimesyoujustneedanap #beforeandafterhismeltdown #thomasdrew

**Drew was being a tad lively this morning. Jackson says, "drew drew can't we just relax? Be nice to Mommy. Its her Birthday ya know!"

During bath time tonight Drew pooped in the tub for the first time. Jackson was totally creeped out then he cracks a grin and says, "Ha! Happy Birthday Mommy!"

My favorite moments of my 30th

**Finally took the boys to see Frozen. I was a tad nervous about taking Drew. He is my little busy body. Oh my goodness! They both loved it! Drew was on the edge of his seat, engaged the entire time, swayed with the music, clapped at the end and laid a big kiss on Mommy! This is the 20 month old who has no interest in tv!

Jackson almost made me cry. He was such a big boy!!! I felt like I was at the movies with a little man, not a 3 year old.

On another note, going to the movies is not cheap. Thanks Nanna Barbara for the treat!

Drew loves Saltgrass!

Photo: This kid and his food. Don't touch his bread & butter. He will hurt you! #saltgrass

Photo: Drew wasn't sharing with anyone. Jackson was worried he may not get to eat...he's holding onto the cup of sugar tight! #jacksonreid #saltgrass #littlebrotherwashungry

Cousin Love!

**I am so proud of Marty Cantrell! Not only does he work fulltime, allows me to stay at home with the boys, puts up with me , is an amazing hands on Daddy and husband (this guy volunteers to do laundry any day of the week & always does or helps with bath time for the boys!) HE ALSO MAKES A 101% on his midterm, and is only 2.5 quarters away from having an MBA! I have no idea how he does it all but I am so blessed to call him mine!

Best Buds
Photo: These two. Best buds!

This chubby baby resembles my sweet boy, just a tad.
Photo: This chubby baby resembles my sweet boy, just a tad.

Sometimes you just need a nap...
Photo: Sometimes you just need a nap... #jacksonreid #sleepyboy #britax

this boy loves Shadow.
Photo: Thankful for a hubby and inlaws who save the day when Mommy isnt her best. This boy loves Shadow! #jacksonreid #cowboyjacksonandshadow

Photo: Thankful for a hubby and inlaws who save the day when Mommy isnt her best. This boy loves Shadow! #jacksonreid #cowboyjacksonandshadow

Drew is so proud of his clearance find. (Jackson is more interested in taking Mommy's kindel.)

Kazak Update from AWAA

January 13, 2014

Kazakhstan Adoption Update

We continue to wait for the government of Kazakhstan to give U.S. agencies the green light to begin submitting dossiers for referral matching. We know there are many families who are patiently, but eagerly awaiting news for Kazakhstan’s full re-opening. Our hope and prayer is that this will occur soon, but at this time we have no timeframe in which to gauge when a decision might be reached. We continue to work alongside other US agencies, the US State Department and the Kazakhstan central adoption authority to provide officials with specific post adoption reports they have requested to receive. If you are a family or know of a family who has adopted from Kazakhstan in the past 15 years, please pass on the news that any are welcome to contact America World to inquire on the status of their post adoption reporting to Kazakhstan.

While we have confirmed that families may complete Hague home studies and can receive USCIS approval with the suspension in place, we feel that it is more prudent for families to hold off on applying and beginning a home study for Kazakhstan until agencies receive confirmation that the country will resume work with the US for adoptions. Please join us in prayer that a positive decision will be made in the near future and that agencies can once again begin assisting families with an adoption from Kazakhstan.