Labor pains...

Well not for me but for my poor children! Every fall it is time for some serious yard work and we have a lot of large shrubs and plants that need to be trimmed, dug up, and loaded into the trailer for a trip to the dump. It takes a few days to get it all done.

The truth is I am so grateful for the chance the kids get to really labor in the yard like this. We always have fun in the Spring when it is time to plant new things and they all love to help but the Fall clean up seems to spell dread for them. I am always happy that their dad has the patience and ability to make these big work days fun and rewarding for them. That doesn't mean we never hear complaining (Maddy, I'm lookin' at you!).

I remember dreading the looooong Saturdays of yard work as a child but It taught me so much and I can now say that I love getting my hands dirty and smelling the soil. Besides at the end of the day we always went to the 7-11 or Harts convenience store for hot dogs, fountain drinks and my dad would make THE BEST oreo shakes that night.

I know that as they grow they too will come to appreciate the hard work that it takes to enjoy a beautiful yard. Now Josh and Alex are off the the U game and we get to stay home and drink hot chocolate and watch a movie. I mean you have to reward yourselves after a day of hard labor ;)

Pumpkin Patch '09

Josh took the older kids to the Pumpkin Patch this year while I took T to the Dr. to check out his croup :( ! Anyway since I wasn't there I'm not sure how it went other than they all picked out their own pumpkins and a few baby ones for Teagan. I know they had fun and I'm always happy when Josh remembers the camera because you know me I love to photo document everything I can!!

Now to carve them up!

Too funny

Teagan has discovered Alex's DS and now I think we have a junkie on our hands! He doesn't know how to play it but since when does that matter to little boys? It's funny to watch Alex try and beg him to give it back to him and Teagan is just in a zone, fascinated by the buttons and sounds. But like all techie toys that are in our house, we practice moderation so Teagan only enjoyed it for a little while and it got put away to play with on another day.

Baby Thorne

Well to update, I am now 20 weeks along and we just found out that we are having a boy!

The boys will now outnumber us Thorne ladies but that's ok 'cause we are a fiesty bunch and we know how to tame those men when they need it. The kids were all really happy to have a new little man. Maddy wanted another sister but not bad enough to feel sad about getting a sweet brother. Sadie didn't care about a boy or girl she just wants to have her very own baby to love. Alex was super stoked to get another boy in the family and Teagan doesn't even realize what is going on :) but I know this little guy will have to be tough as nails to deal with T-man as a big brother. I can't wait to watch them grow up with each other.

Josh and I are always just grateful that the baby is healthy and well so far. I just hope I can maintain my sanity and get through the wild holidays ahead :))

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

You have got to be kidding!!

Alright, I've had enough! This is my personal kitchen pharmacy right now. If you know me you know that I loathe taking meds of any type. I would almost prefer the ailment to the cure. But this cold from you -know-where has had me seeking out anything that can offer some relief at all. Everyone who has had it has told me that it takes about 3 weeks to run it's course. I hope not!!! I'm starting day 11 tomorrow and I am ready to rip my own head off! It's the sore throat that is the worst about it. If anyone has any remedies that have worked for you, then please, for the love of pete share!! :)

Here's hoping I'll be all better by the weekend :))))

My independent girl!

The great thing about Sadie is that she is the most chill, go-with-flow kind of girl. She does what she wants when she wants and as long as you're cool with that she's cool with you. I love her sassy but sweet little personality so much.

Anyway she decided to teach herself to ride her bike without training wheels last week. Josh tried with her a few weeks ago but she wasn't having it. And then she hopped on her little bike last week and just took off. It took her a few times of not falling but she was persistant about getting it. Now she puts in her brothers helmet and rides like a crazy maniac.

A cute side note about her bike, it is her brothers first bike so it's blue with a crocodile decal on it. I noticed that all her little friends on the street had all gotten brand new pink and purple "pretty" bikes for their b-days this year so I asked her if she would like to get a pretty new bike too. She just said "no, I already have a bike with a crocodile on it" and she merrily went on her way. It was the sweetest thing to hear! I hope she'll always remain this grateful for what she has in life. Plus it will save us some serious $. We love that girl!!

Labor Day II

Just some pics from our fun with our friends. Our kids are seriously more like cousins than friends. They have all known each other since birth. I love The Wardle Family, we always have so much fun together! Sad though, I didn't get any pics of their cute new little one Stevie! She is so adorable, I could eat her up!