Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Our Adoption

I guess this serves as our official announcement...we are adopting. I know we've been "adopting" for a while now but this time the kinks are worked out and everything is really happening! I get asked A LOT of questions and wanted to take some time and answer all of them for everyone at once. Skip the ones you don't care about and read the ones you do. This may be long.

1. Why are you adopting?

This question needs a post of its own and I think I will do that soon. For now I'd like to just share this beautiful post by a man who was adopted as a young child. Please read it. It's worth your time. 

"Thirty" 

2. Who are you adopting?

We are adopting a 4 year old boy and 5 year old girl from Eastern Europe. They are siblings. They are listed as "Charlotte and Jaden" on Reece's Rainbow because their real names can not legally be shared. Our kids call them "Captain and Sister" and that is what you will see them as in our blog. We will call them by their given/birth names once they are "ours."

3. 7 kids! You are going to have seven kids? But you are expecting? Why are you still adopting if you're pregnant?

Yep-7!!! I know, it even sounds a little crazy to me when I think about it. After Caleb was born and we felt the call to adopt we thought, "Five, we can handle five." Of course we found two little ones and decided six didn't sound so bad. Number seven of course was a huge surprise for us! So what now, do we leave them as orphans because we are pregnant? Of course not! God knew all along. His grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in my weakness. I'm not worried. How much love and laughter will my home and heart be filled with!!!

4. Do you have enough room?

We are currently in a 3 bedroom house. Yeah...its a little crowded. We have 3 sets of bunk beds and everyone sleeps comfortably. It forces us to spend lots of time outside getting exercise and soaking up vitamin D. How wonderful! Of course we have plans to move into a bigger home or add on soon. However right now our focus is to get the adoption paid for and bring our kids home. After that we can start making plans for some more space.

5. What will you drive?

O boy! our little surprise blessing kind of bumped us out of the "normal"
 sized vehicle. No more minivans or SUVs for this family. We are officially in the market for a 10 passenger van. I've got my eye on the Nissan but we'll see what the best deal is when the time comes. We are going to wait until the kids get home to purchase it. Right now we are trying to be frugal and put every penny toward the adoption and worry about the van after its paid in full.


6. How will you afford 7 children?

I am not really worried about that. Things are tight for us right now because a significant portion of our income is going towards adoption expenses. We are confident (as is the social worker who reviewed our finances and approved us) that if we spend and save wisely we can provide for our family of nine just fine. They may not be spoiled with expensive toys and clothes but they will have everything they need and an abundance of love and family! 

7. How much will the adoption cost? and how will you pay for it?

From this point on, it will cost us roughly $25,000 (give or take a few thousand)
I have no idea how we are going to pay for it! Worst case scenario, we empty our 401k which has almost enough to cover it. Obviously that is not a wise choice so we are hoping to use it as a last resort. We are not opposed to taking out a loan either. As much as we hate debt, THESE ARE CHILDREN not material things. People take out home and car loans all the time and think nothing of it. I'd take rescuing a child over driving a new car any day-debt or no debt.
Ideally we will scrimp and save and pay all we can from our income and raise the rest. Donations welcome;)

8. When will they be home?

The plan is to submit our dossier in March. I think we can expect to travel 6-8 weeks after that! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! They are coming home!!!! As in all adoptions, nothing is set in stone. If I've learned anything this year its to trust God's perfect plan and timing.


9. When is the baby due?

End of March(ish). Do babies ever come on time? Certainly not ours! They like to keep us on our toes. Yes, we are growing by 3 in a matter of weeks. Would I have planned it this way? probably not but I'm not afraid. We have a great support system and I know I will look back one day and think how I wouldn't want it any other way.
Did I mention it's a GIRL! We are thrilled that sweet Abigail Ahava Holt will help balance out this family of mostly boys.

10. Why overseas when there are thousands of kids in the US in need of families?

You are absolutely right! There are so many children here that need families! Please look into it and find room in your heart and home! We felt called to Eastern Europe for a number of reasons that I will address in another post. The bottom line is there are so many orphans everywhere. Everyone should be doing something. So if you are concerned about the kids here in the states, do something about it! I would love to help you get started!

11. Reece's Rainbow is for kids with Down Syndrome and other special needs. Do
 your kids have needs?

Reece's Rainbow is an adoption grant foundation for children with special needs. Captain and Sister do have some medical issues and that is why they were listed with RR. We have chosen to keep the details private at this time.
We were completely open to adopting any special needs and chose them simply because we "knew" the moment we laid eyes on them. I would still love to adopt a child with Down Syndrome some day when the kids are older. Having special needs does not make a child less deserving of a family.

12. What if they are ruined?

Yes, I heard those exact words (and have been asked the same question in nicer ways). This person actually said that in front of my other kids too. Let me just start by saying DON'T EVER use the word "ruined" to describe my babies or any human being for that matter. I believe in redemption. I don't believe that any person is beyond "fixing." Yes, my kids have lived their lives in an institution and yes, there are a lot of negative effects of growing up that way. We are not naive. We know the statistics. We have done our homework. For every horror story there is a beautiful one and a whole bunch of others in the middle somewhere. We choose to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Our prayer is that God is preparing our hearts for each other. We are not adopting for the warm fuzzies or the applause of man. We are adopting because there are children who need families and we are a family. It's that simple.

 13. How can I help?

I am going to lay down my pride and accept any and all help. Obviously we welcome donations. If you would like to contribute you can do so directly or through our family sponsorship page on Reece's Rainbow. Donations made here are tax deductible. We would love for you to do a fundraiser-garage sale, bake sale....get creative.
Also I may need help when Jacob is overseas for a few weeks getting the kids. I will be home with a newborn and the other four! I won't turn down meals, help with the kids or even just company.
My family is close and I know will help as much as they can but I hate for them to bear all of the burden.
Most of all we need your prayers. Pray for things to move quickly and smoothly. Pray for God to provide every penny. Pray for Captain and Sister's hearts to be prepared and ours too. Pray for a smooth transition. Pray for us to bond quickly....just pray

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

This time last year we all fell in love with a little girl called Beatrice. We pulled together, worked hard and gave till it hurt...and we prayed. We prayed and prayed that God would help this precious little girl's family find her. He was and is faithful. The Tannehill family is hoping to travel in December to rescue their princess and another precious angel they couldn't live without! They are still in need of funds to make this dream a reality.

Soon to be siblings!

October is a special month. Sweet Beatrice turns 2!  I want us to pull together and do everything we can to make this her last birthday in an orphanage. I have some awesome ways for you to help and a HUGE prize to give away at the end of the month! So here are the ways YOU can get involved.

 2.Some lovely ladies have offered to set up parties for their home businesses to help out. All of the profit from these parties go straight to the Tannehills. Please check out all of these links and get a head start on your Christmas shopping.

Every purchase from one of these parties enters you to win a DoTerra Family Physician Kit worth $150! Not into Essential Oils?- no problem-I will buy it from you and you can spend the cash as you please.

 

April Lane 

Grace Adelle-Making the path to great style simple

Jennifer Graham

Tupperware-One of the most trusted names in housewares

(In order for Beatrice to get credit, there is a "find a fundraiser" tab and if you select MD for the state it will pull up Tannehill Adoption and you can order there)

Stephanie Lucas

Norwex-A unique product line ranging from household cleaning to

               personal care products

Jamie Dorsett

Thirty-one-From organizing your home to carrying everything

                   you need while you're on the go

 Leesa Gemeny

Stampin'Up-Inspire.Create.Share

(Must enter hostess code MYM3HMQM)

Rachel Haugaard
Save the Starfish Boutique-Custom jewelry and etched glass










Ginger on a Mission-Handmade wallets and totes
please put "Tannehills/http://reecesrainbow.org/60992/sponsortannehill"
in the comment box when you place your order.













Renee Dresser
Mary Kay-Makeup, skin care and fragrance

Scentsy-A safe way to enjoy fragrance










 3. Buy this amazing E-book that will save you time and money! It contains 20 freezer meals that can be cooked in your crock pot or oven. Aimee is donating 100% of the profits from her book to the Tannehills for a limited time!












 4. Buy one of these cool shirts to support the Tannehills










 5. Just donate! All donations made to this link are tax deductible. Every penny counts.








 6. Set up your own fundraiser. Have a business-donate the profit from a party. No business?-get creative. Make something to sell. Have a yard sale. Collect change. Donate an old vehicle. Ask others. Just let me know and I'll advertise your fundraiser too!


Don't forget EVERY donation or purchase puts your name in the drawing. Please email me (sarah.m.holt@gmail.com) a copy of your receipt for purchases or paypal receipt for direct donation.

Its only been 5 months...;)

Let's catch up on the last 5 months. If you'll stick with me I'll let you in on a surprise at the end.

I guess I should start with our adoption. I honestly hate this part because while I know progress is being made, it feels like it's taking forever. I have been asked (a lot) if we were quitting and I try not to take offense. When God calls you to do something you don't quit because its hard or it hurts or its taking too long.... I wonder how things would have been if Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Paul....had just quit. They would have missed out on the great rewards at the end of their journey whether here or in Heaven. So no, we are not quitting. We move forward in faith toward the redemption of Captain and Sister because we know that He who called us IS faithful and works all things for the good of those who love Him and are CALLED according to His purpose.
That said, we ask for you prayers as we continue.

Spring was BUSY! This was our first year to have 3 kids playing baseball

 

Melo and Joshua made lots of new friends on their teams, Isaiah turned out to be a pretty good catcher, Daddy learned not to make bets and poor Caleb just wanted to get out there and play so bad!

...and of course we made time for the Rangers

Somewhere in the middle of it all I managed to run my first (and last) full marathon. The lead car took the runners on a wrong turn at the start and we ended up running 27.7 miles! That extra mile and a half felt like eternity. My sweet husband surprised me at the finish line with the kids! He always knows just what to do.

May and June are really busy for Jacob so I decided to take the kids on a 7 day road trip by myself...

 We spent a lot of time in the car.....a lot

 and ate way too much McDonalds

 We stopped in Austin and spent time with Papa Phil

and got lots of sunshine!

Then we headed to Houston to see Peyton

If you've never been to Kemah it's a fun and inexpensive place for younger families. The kids and I have made it our yearly tradition.

Of course we found some time for fishing

I was so excited after days of sleeping on different floors to finally have a bed....

...well I found some room at the end to share with 8 little feet



When we got home I literally pulled in the driveway, left the kids with Jacob and went straight to the car wash....for obvious reasons

                                                                      Car floor - day 7
The rest of the summer has been full so far. The kids went to VBS at Willow Park (best one around). Isaiah and Melo went to Noize Camp at New River and Pine Cove Base Camp.  I finally understand how my parents felt when we got home from camp!

Joshy brought home a new pet which he cleverly named Guinea Pig.

It turns out that Guinea pigs really aren't great for families with dogs. Now I have 2 cages, plenty of toys, bedding and even food FREE to anyone interested.

A couple of weeks ago I got to run the Jalapeno Half Marathon with my friend Natalie. It was

Hot Hot Hot! but lots of fun....Ok, my friend Tiffany was there too but her 6 month pregnant self must have gotten tired waiting on us to finish. Its ok, I make a habit of finishing behind pregnant women...and the occassional wheelchair...true story


Alright, I promised a surprise...and trust me-no one is as surprised as me! Looks like the Holts will be growing even more than we thought this year...in more ways than ever imagined. When we chose the path of adoption we knew that meant no more newborns and that was ok. That season had ended for us and we were embracing the next. Well God (who is not surprised by anything) had a different plan. Baby Holt #5 should make his/her appearance in March...but probably April cause we know these Holt babies like Mama's belly.

Catching up

I've been putting off posting for a while now. I wanted some BIG news to share but that just hasn't happened...yet. I think its coming though, tomorrow actually!!!!
So before tomorrow I guess I should catch up a little.

First a huge THANKS to everyone who helped with the fundraisers for Beatrice! Not only were we able to raise over $2,000 but Sweet B has a committed family coming to her rescue! Hopefully she will be safe at home in Mama's arms this summer. They still have a ways to go so keep them in your prayers. I'm going to leave the link on my blog (ok, partially because I had to get someone else to add it and I have no idea how to take it off ;)) so if you feel led please continue to support them. Adoption is expensive but these children are in desparate need. You have been called to help and if you can't adopt please give!
Here is the link to her amazing family's blog if you'd like to follow their journey.

and second....a little bit of Christmas! This year we were able to visit Grandpa Don and Grandma Gail in Virginia. It was beautiful and we had a great time

The kids got to meet their new little cousin Lilly

We got to see some SNOW!

It was wonderful!

Of course the trip home....well, it will always be a great story

Our flight was extended by an hour because of weather. Normally no big deal but there was this baby...
I'm pretty relaxed with noise. I'm used to crying and I completely understand how hard traveling is on a little one but this was crazy! Literally 4 hours of non stop screaming. I was so impressed by the kindness and patience of everyone on that plane. It was truly remarkable. Still it was a great relief when we landed. We got our bags and waited for the car seat...and waited...and waited. Finally Jacob pulled the car up and me and the kids loaded while he when to figure out where the car seat was. I loaded the last bag and closed the back hatch...and it popped right back open. It was broken. Would not latch. So here we are parked at the airport pickup, 30 degrees freezing, back door open and Jacob comes with the news that our carseat never made it on the plane! He decided to work on the door while the airport found us a loaner seat. Unfortunately the key he used to try and fix the door was also the one needed to start the car and it BROKE! At this point we had to just laugh and face the fact that we would never leave that airport! We made the most of it. Ate a delicious vending machine dinner, bundled up in our freezing van and watched movies on the IPad while we waited for my awesome dad to come to our rescue.

We also enjoyed some much needed playtime with our California cousins. Kristy and I even managed to get a few hours away and discovered these FRIED AVOCADOS!

We had our annual group anniversary date (minus Hannah and Daniel who were home with their new Bundle)

A night out with the sisters

And finally our own little family Christmas. Melody has turned popstar

And the family gift was the best gift ever. They have not gone a day without a Nerf war since!

 In other news Caleb is now only referring to himself as BatBaby

My newest niece is here and we are ALL IN LOVE!

Miss Peyton is a doll and we can't get enough of her!









After Christmas we were able to Celebrate Sweet Sister's 5th Birthday. Praying she'll be here with us for #6!