Welcome, Sweet Children

Hi there, friends.  It sure as been a while since my last post.  I had such great intentions so many times of updating sooner than now...haha, time has a whole new meaning these days.
Let me give a quick synopsis of how quick the last month has been for us.  We were notified on March 29, 2011 that we were matched with four children.  That Saturday, April 2, we met them for the first time.  The following weekend we had an overnight visit with them in Hershey, PA.  Then, the next weekend they moved in to our home.  So, if you're doing the math, we had 18 days to prepare our home for four children.  Holy Cow!  Kids need so much stuff (I'm sure all you seasoned moms out there are just snickering right now)!  I kid you not - we spent every waking hour rushing to stores, filling out paperwork, organizing, and packing.  Thank you all SO MUCH for all the support you've given to us in preparing for these children.  So many people...even people I have never met, were beyond generous (Thank you notes are coming soon, I promise!).  You were all so giving of yourselves for the sake of our precious children and we are yet again beyond humbled.  The amount of sacrifice that has been shown by all of you leaves us speechless.  We cannot wait for the day our children will be old enough to truly understand this huge love story.  The Lord saw a need to place these children with us and you all helped us receive these precious gifts into our lives.  Thank you.
So - It's April 16th and we have the children...and we've been moving non-stop ever since.  I think May is the busiest month of my life...EVER.  Not only did the children move in (along with all the time and energy they require) but we must keep up with all the paperwork and various appointments during this transition, we have Jordan's graduation, Jordan's commissioning, our Very Ames Celebration Party, and we're moving to VA.  Whew!  Our plates are full but our hearts are overflowing with joy.
So the moment you've all been waiting for:  Meet our Children:

(We're still keeping the names off for now)



They are such precious gifts.  We love learning about each of their personalities.  Our son reminds me of the boy from the Sound of Music:  he wants so badly to be independent but still craves love and attention from his parents.  He is an excellent reader, a new bike rider, a vegetable eater, and a talker!  Our oldest daughter (on the right) is my little shadow.  She loves to help do anything:  fold laundry, cook, vacuum, feed the dog.  She loves to be a part of anything that is going on around her.  She's such a tiny little one but she is brave.  Our middle daughter (on the left) is our imaginative child.  She loves to pretend just about anything.  She can have 5 minute conversations with her dolls while she is "teaching them in school."  She's strong-willed and opinionated but sweet and cuddly.  Our youngest daughter (middle) sure is our baby and she'll remind you of that by saying "I'm da baby."  She has a great vocabulary for only just turning two and understands most everything we say.  She likes to be held and LOVES her baby dolls.
It's been quite a ride we have many things to work through (legally and with adjustments) so please don't leave us out of your prayers.  We continually pray that God's grace will just cover our children and fill all the needs that we can't.
Thank you again, really.  Jordan and I will never be able to express how thankful we are for your prayers, your love, your gifts, and your time.  I promise you that we will always remember your kindness and generousity.