[mallory4]

Echo, First of all, I love the baby picture--are they squirrels or bunnies?
Second, kudos to you for opening your heart and home to older kids--it can't be easy, give yourself lots of credit for courage!

About sibling issues, there are a few books that really helped me a lot.

They are: How to Talk so Kids Will Listen (by Faber & Mazlish, almost every library has a copy)

Kids Are Worth It by Barbara Coloroso

and Siblings Without Rivalry (I think this is also Faber & Mazlish but it has been a while since I've read it--because it really helped!)

One thing I have found is that even though there isn't a "silver bullet" which will give you well-behaved, getting along perfectly kids all the time, trying new strategies from time to time works wonders, even if it is only because it keeps kids from getting into "hostility ruts" with each other --and us.

Good luck with your growing crew!