Still fighting...but the odds are looking better and better!

Before I go into detail about the court hearing please read this:
We are so very thankful for the unfathomable amount of support we have received.  I was humbled by all the support when the children came to us but am even moreso now.  I simply cannot believe how many people were rallying for us and our children.  I have lost count of the emails, the text messages, facebook comments, cards, phone messages, and gifts...I'm once again blown away.  From Happy Valley to California to Japan to Italy to the Midwest - we are grateful...just grateful.  Once again God has shown us His provision - only in a completely different way.  I am 100% convinced that I have only made it through this past week from the support of each of you - many of whom we don't even know.
I'm also very thankful for the grace you have shown me.  Thank you for not expecting much of me lately.  I have hardly returned one of those messages, comments, cards, or calls.  Please know that each of them were listened to or read and each of them was sincerely appreciated.  Thank you for knowing that I needed them and thank you for giving them without strings attached.  You each have shown so much of Christ's love to us and our children.  Thank you will never be enough.
We are thankful for YOU.

Now for the update:
Long story short, no decision has been made...yet.  But, friends, continue.
There has been a (fortunate for us) turn of events that we didn't quite expect that now have both biological parents in a condition where they are currently unable to care for the children.  Although we truly are sad (though not probably as much as we should be just yet) for them, we are rejoicing that this is the case.  This looks really, really good for us.  As upset as we were that we did not have a court date last month as we had hoped, it was for the best (as we know it always is but don't always believe it to be so).  If the hearing was last month, this turn of events may not have occurred.  PRAISE GOD for his sovreignty.
The judge is pleased that the children are "in a pre-adoptive home, are all together, and are thriving."
Those who are familiar with court (attorney's, caseworkers, etc) do believe that the judge will make a decision soon for the following reasons:
1.  The turn of events that just occurred
2.  The very few questions she asked and little concern she showed in court about the children (she had clearly read all the information sent to her - PRAISE GOD!)
3.  The fact that she scheduled a review hearing in six months from now (we're thinking hoping it won't get to this point and that she'll make a decision before then)

It is our prayer that a decision will be made in the next eight weeks...or even sooner.  I know, I know, that sounds so long.  We're learning that it's not :)  Visits still must occur, but we've been given a little slack with those.  We're only travelling once a month and when it's convenient for us and the children's school schedule.  PRAISE GOD!
This battle is not over, friends.  I will not rest until all the papers are signed and my children legally have our last name.  Please keep praying.  We're still fighting while we keep believing.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal."
2 Cor. 4: 7-9, 16-18
Thank you, Erin xox

The (Business) Day Before

I didn't like today so much.  I didn't really like yesterday or the day before so much either.  Today is the day that all parties must have their paperwork complete for the court hearing on Monday.  So, the past three days were spent on the phone and on e-mail with each of the workers involved:  the caseworker from our agency, the caseworker from the children's agency, and the caseworker from Virginia.  I have no problem spending time with them giving every single detail about my kids.  I have absolutely no problem running back to our well-kept records of dates, appointments, milestones, behaviors, etc to ensure that every single detail is correct for Monday's hearing.  I want everything to be perfect for them.  I need everything to be perfect for them. 

I do have a problem thinking about it all.

So, what does a Type-A-hates-to-feel-too-much-emotion do?  She stays busy. This week I have tried to make myself extra busy by doing extra house cleaning, preparing extra meals, planning for Christmas, planning vacations, and anything else to take my mind off of Monday.  I was doing very well just resting in His peace.  I was doing very well until all these well-meaning folks need to know information.  I was doing very well until they try to prepare me for the worst.  You see, talking about it makes me think about it.  I have to sit in the reality of it.
At the last court hearing we weren't at all worried.  This was supposed to be a slam-dunk case.  We heard great positivity from everyone involved.  This time, however, it is quite different.  We hear the "let's try to stay positive" sort of comments.  I hate hearing those.  I know what they mean.  I've said them to patients and patients' families before.  You say that when you really have no bloody idea how things are going to turn out.  You say it with sensitivity and hope because you really do care, but nonetheless you just don't know.  Believe you me, I'd much rather be in my lab coat telling my patient to stay positive than be in my bath robe having someone tell that to me.
The part that I don't like the most about this week is that Jordan has been away since Sunday and won't return until Sunday.  I do quite well when he's not here...which is a heck of a lot in his current program.  The kids and I manage fine:  the house stays clean, the meals are still prepared, and everything and everyone is accounted for.  Don't get me wrong - I'd much prefer him around.  I do love that fellow and love it when he's home.  We've just learned to pray for him while he's away and seize every possible moment with him when he's home.  We eagerly count the "sleeps" until Daddy returns again and when he does...watch out - we're selfish!  He is a good man. 
Along with my Dad, Jordan is the most reasonable and level-headed man that I know.  I love the fact that he isn't overly emotional.  I love the fact that he actually thinks with his head before acting or speaking.  I love the fact that he is always grounded despite the situation.  I need that (I think most women do).  This week I miss that.  So thank you to all of you who have filled-in in his absence by allowing me to stay busy with you, by not making me talk about it, by following my lead if I did, and for all the sweet notes, emails, and cards.  I appreciate it and I know he does too.
The hearing is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Monday.  It is a block schedule, though.  This means that it could be heard at 1:30, it could be heard at 3:00.  Regardless, I have made the caseworker who will be present at the hearing promise to call me AS SOON AS she comes out of court.  There is a decent-sized chance that the entire case won't be heard on Monday and they'll have to reconvene on Tuesday. I'm okay with that. Don't worry, she'll still call me on Monday.  We are praying for a decision to be made at the conclusion of the hearing.  Good or bad, we do not want these children to remain in the purgatory-like foster system.  Pray however God leads you to pray.  There are so many different angles.  Just pray for my kids.









15 Pages of Love

The court hearing is in less than two weeks.  A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who is praying.

There is some good news, however.  We were sent paperwork from the court giving us the opportunity to submit a report on the children's adjustment, behavior, and conditions.  These reports will be distributed to all parties involved in the hearing.  The paperwork has some very specific questions to answer about each child as well as an "open comment" section where we have the opportunity to speak freely (the poor fools, they obviously didn't know to whom they were sending these papers - haha!).

Jordan and I spent literally hours filling out these forms and commenting freely.  We tried our best to include every possible thing we could think of regarding the children.  Thankfully, my Type-A self has kept impeccable records...see, I knew that part of me would come in handy some day :)

What we ask now is that as I am about to overnight this paperwork in just a few minutes that you pray for every set of eyes that read this.  Pray that they feel the love we have for our children radiate right off the very paper on which it is printed.  Pray that their hearts are softened and open to the needs of these children - whatever they may be.  Also, please pray that a decision is made at the end of the hearing so that this does not need to be drawn out any longer.

Just so you know a little about what we are up against, I'll copy in our closing paragraph from the 15 page, single-spaced word document (whew!):

"We understand and are sympathetic to the union and reunion of families.  However, it is clear to us and to all others who have met these children that their lifestyle of inconsistency and uncertainty has been detrimental to their well-being.  These children have not had ANY consistency in their life (please refer to the list of all the homes and moves they’ve endured) and this is clearly evidenced by their behaviors and insecurities.  Since becoming a part of our family we have dedicated 100% of ourselves to these children and their emotional, physical, academic, spiritual,  and social growth.  They have thrived in a home where all their needs are regularly met, where they are permitted to explore various interests and activities, and where a schedule has been maintained.  They have been provided with multiple opportunities and experiences such as but not limited to:  family vacations to the beach, amusement parks, hiking, swimming, gymnastics, jujitsu, Sunday school, boating, picnicking, church, and play groups.  They are being taught to be a responsible citizen and an irreplaceable family member.  We enjoy “doing life” with them so they can understand the value of everyday chores and activities such as:  cooking, cleaning, shopping, lawn care, laundry, and pet care.  They are a valued member of our family and we strive to make that known to them in words and actions.  They are also valued as a child of God, of which we also equally strive to make them aware.  We dearly and deeply love these four children.  It is our daily prayer and hope that any decision made for them will ultimately be in their best interest only.  If these children are not permitted to remain with us, we implore you to ensure ALL their needs continue to be met, appointments be maintained, and consistency be at the forefront of their lifestyle."

While we wait for this hearing, Jordan and I are trying to squeeze in any extra hugs, kisses, and love that we can.  I often find myself peeking in on them at night more than I usually do, taking an extra sniff of their hair, or holding their hand just a tad bit longer...just incase.

First Day of School - aren't they gorgeous.  I know I'm biased
but these are some beautiful kids!

 Her beauty captivates me.

 My two little pretty gymnasts.

She ate nearly three full apples!

 I know, but she's so photogenic...and beautiful.

Mr. Man with his sugar fix.

The six of us after apple picking in the rain!