Does a Heart Good

We do a monthly trip to Trader Joes in Tyngsboro once a month to stalk up on many non perishables as well as fruits and vegetables. Feeding nine people, five of them children, can cost a lot of money, but with their prices we usually manage to walk out of there with lots of food to last about a month, for little money...(when I say little I mean anywhere between $300-$400).

On this trip, my parents followed me and my crew done to Tyngsboro. All of the kiddos were asleep except for Ethan, so my Dad stayed in the van with them while Ethan, my Mom and myself went in to do the shopping. Ethan, as some of you know, can be quite chatty. Most of the people we come in contact with end up learning more about our family than necessary. In any case, the employees loved him and thought he was very smart, funny and cute. While we were checking out, (our two overloaded carriages), Ethan was talking about all of the people that live in our house. When the cashier was done ringing everything up he excused himself and said he would be back in a moment so Ethan continued talking to the gentleman who was bagging our food. The cashier came back with a bouquet of flowers for me telling me lots of nice things that made me feel all warm and fuzzy, and Ethan was very excited about the flowers. So, I asked him what we should do with them when we got home, and here is how the conversation went:

Ethan: We need to put them in a vase because flowers like to eat water and soil.
Me: Well, once they are cut they only need water. When they are growing, then they need both water and soil.
Ethan: Okay Mommy. Will they last forever?
Me: Honey, does anything last forever?
Ethan: No Mommy.......Well, except for God's love!

How great is that?? My heart just about exploded out of my chest. I was so proud of him and told him so. The cashier and bagger were speechless with eyes and mouths wide open. Then the bagger leaned down and said to Ethan, "We could all learn a lesson from you!" Ethan just smiled. What a great moment!

John Deere Expo Pix

These pictures were from the John Deere Expo in Kensington NH. It is held every year in August, and we have made it there the past 3 years. The kids LOVE it. They don't have a ton of stuff to do, but what they do have is just enough for our kids!

The twins had a great time riding around in the double stroller!

Yes, I color coordinated for the occasion.

He looks comfy doesn't he? It's been taken under consideration as a new bed for him!

She is just so darn cute and little!

This was by far their favorite part. Yes, that is Bekah driving! She did an incredible job, and Josh was nice enough to give her a turn. They switched off and on. Ethan on the other hand, was perfectly happy doing his own thing!

We Are Still Here!

So, it's been about a month since I last posted. A lot has happened that has not only kept me away from the blog, but just kept me so busy, that finding the time to type something out is near impossible.

Here are some of the things that have kept us so busy: a John Deere Expo, a gluten free BBQ with our ROCK support group, my parents moving in, a birthday party for the twins, apple picking, the Deerfield Fair, day trips up north to see the foliage, plus many hours of driving to and from various therapies and doctors appointments for Ethan and Joshua, as well as teaching Ethan first grade! Yup, we've been busy. With the volumes of pictures I have it would be impossible for me to pick out a few to post here to show you where we've been and what we've done. That and the fact that I just don't have time to wait around for blogger to download the darn things!! :)

When I can, I promise to post some pictures...hey maybe tonight...we'll see. In any case, we are still here and going...just busier than ever.