Eight years!

Today is the day - Ed and I have been married for eight years. Where did the time go? If you had told me ten years ago that I'd be sitting here, married to someone I hadn't met yet, with three kids, I would have told you that you were off your rocker. Yet here I am. And for all the ups and downs over the past eight years, we've still come out ahead. I mean, there haven't been any homicide charges filed against either of us, so that's a plus, right?!? I would post a picture, but we got married before the days of digital cameras. HA, just kidding - but all of the copies of our wedding pictures I had on a computer weren't on *this* computer, so I have to scan some. Maybe I'll post some next year!

The last day at Harrington's

The cutie in the house

ER trip #4675497483

ER trip #4675497483 occurred last night. And I bet you can't guess which child was involved this time! Aww, you're right. It was Henry. Such a surprise, I know. Did you know AI DuPont has a wing named after him? At least they should. Actually, this accident wasn't REALLY his fault. He was leaning against the screen door looking at Keith playing in the backyard, and Keith decided to come in. So he pulled the door open and out tumbled Henry, who proceeded to land, face first (of course!), on the brick step. So off we went. Six hours later, we got home with the diagnosis of split lip (they don't stitch those), a broken tooth (but not broken enough to do something about) and a loose tooth (go see a dentist). Yeah. The pictures aren't that great, mostly because Henry doesn't understand the words "stand still!".

The end of an era...

For those of you familiar with Kennett Square, I'm sure you've heard of Harrington's, right? The coffee shop? Been in Kennett for almost 13 years now? Well, I strongly suggest you go have your last cup of coffee there this week. Why, you ask? Well, it's closing.
Yes, for real.
No, I'm not kidding.
Saturday, September 27th Harrington's will be closing at 3pm for the last time. It's a bit bittersweet, because while *I* am not going to work there anymore and Adam isn't going to work there anymore and my parents aren't going to work there anymore and we're all pretty excited to not have to work at the coffee shop anymore, we're going to miss it. It's been our morning routine for EVER - Keith, Henry and now Caroline and I go and get our coffee every morning. My kids have grown up at Harrington's, and Keith seems to think that I'm kidding when I tell him it won't ever be open again after Saturday.

But I'm not. So, go and sit and enjoy a cup of 45, and buy a pound or two. Because you won't be able to after Saturday!

Here's looking at you, kid!

Mr. Fix-It and his gang

My singing machine

Henry walks around the house singing Sweet Caroline all the time now. I wish I could record him because it is hilarious. If you know him you know that enunciation is not his strength, so all you hear is "la la la line" over and over again. But, he can follow a tune! Now if he would start calling Caroline by her name instead of baby we'd be good!

Numbers

The other day Keith came in and asked to see the number on my stomach. I looked at him blankly and asked "number? What number?" and he said "you know, from when I lived in your stomach. What number is on your tummy?" I had no clue what he was talking about. So a day or so later he came in and said "Since Caroline was the third baby, did she put a number three on your stomach?" I, being the caring mom I am, said "what are you talking about? There are no numbers on my stomach!" to which Keith replied...

"You know, you keep saying all of us kids put a number on your stomach."

And all of a sudden the lightbulb went off and I asked "you all DID a number on my stomach?" to which he replied "YES!"

Priceless.

Meeting Darth Vader

So, about a month ago I got an email from Pottery Barn Kids. Usually I delete them, but I think the subject was Star Wars, or at least something catchy which prompted me to open the email. Lucky I did, because it told me that some of my favorite Star Wars characters were coming to a mall near me and I should get myself a ticket so as not to miss out. So I did. The next day I dragged the whole family to Christiana Mall (on a weekend, no less) to get tickets to see my favorite Star Wars characters. Actually, I could have cared less, but Keith absolutely loves Star Wars and hey, it was free. So today was THE DAY. Keith, Caroline and I packed ourselves into the van and headed back to Christiana Mall. On a weekend, again. (Side note - I worked at malls for 7 years at Victoria's Secret, so it takes A LOT to get me to go back into one. Especially Christiana, also known as an absolute madhouse.) The Star Wars characters were going to be at Pottery Barn Kids (did you see the Star Wars room they have?) from 12pm until 2pm. We arrived at 10:30am, and there were already 6 families in line. I dragged Keith to the bookstore to finally buy Twilight because there was no way I was waiting in line without something to do, and by 11am we were back and in line. I think we were family #11. So we waited. I read. Keith waited.

About 11:15 the PBK manager brought out the Imperial Cadet Training Manual for the kids (I'd tell you what was in it, but then I'd have to shoot... er, lightsaber you):

and told us parents that the characters would be signing autographs and PBK 'just happened' to be selling Star Wars books. So, being such an awesome mom, I had some other mom who gave up her Saturday to stand in line with her child keep an eye on Keith and I ran in and got him a Star Wars book for the characters to sign. Fortunately looking through said book kept Keith occupied for a while.

I was only asked ten times "how much longer?". Not too bad, considering we were waiting for Star Wars. Keith made friends with the little boy in line behind us.

That kid was quite a talker and knew every single bit of Star Wars trivia known to man. And now, *I* know every single bit of Star Wars trivia known to man, because the little boy felt he must share his information with me. Finally, noon arrived. PBK set up security, opened the rope, and let one family in.

I thought Keith was going to die. I managed to point out that there were only ten families ahead of us and approximately three hundred (yeah, I'm NOT kidding) behind us, and he kept it together. Finally it was our turn. We were let into the store, and there they were. Darth Vader and his three Stormtrooper sidekicks. Also known as Keith's very favorite characters ever, thank the Lord. He got their autographs and then got his picture taken with them.


He was thrilled, and made me promise to get the pictures framed to put in his room. At 12:15, we were done. On our way out we passed the three hundred other families waiting for their five minutes with Darth Vader, and Keith said "Man, mom, they're going to be waiting until midnight!" And you know what, I think he's right.

Happy One Month (and a day) Birthday, Caroline!

Yes, Caroline turned a month old yesterday. And no, her mother didn't realize it until late in the afternoon. I know she was thinking "I'm sure you remembered KEITH'S one month birthday" and you know what, she's right. Unfortunately for her, my memory and attention span are both shot. She can blame that on her brothers. So here's my baby girl at a month and a day old...

Congratulations are in order!

To Keith's school! His elementary school was designated a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. Way to go Chadds Ford Elementary!!! What IS a Blue Ribbon School, you ask? Well, I didn't know either, so I hit up my trusty friend, google. And here is what I found, from the Department of Education's website:

The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. In addition to being honored at a ceremony in Washington, DC, where each school receives a plaque and flag signifying their status, these schools serve as models for other schools throughout the nation.

I must say, I'm impressed.

It's that time of year...

Fundraising time!! Woo hoo! Can you hear the sarcasm? Anyways, it's fundraising time for Keith's (ahem public) school. So if you need wrapping paper, or magazines, or chocolate (how do all those go together??) feel free to order it from Keith. If you don't need wrapping paper, or magazines, or chocolate, feel free to still order it from Keith! He won't mind! There's even prizes if he sells certain amounts. Of course, I didn't show him the prize list. Do you think if I close my eyes and sing la la la la la this fundraiser will go away?

And no, I'm not going to get started on fundraisers and school taxes. Not going to do it. Nosireebob.

I am a great mom!

We made brownies for Keith's after school treat today. Henry got to lick the beater after we were done. Yes, he is standing on the kitchen table.

Plumbing issues

Wow, what a surprise. We have more plumbing issues. First it was the bathtub - the overflow drain worked, but a bit TOO well - it drained through the foyer ceiling. Ed fixed that. Then it was the upstairs bathroom sink - it didn't drain very well. Ed fixed that, too, for a week. Then it STOPPED draining. We called a plumber. He came, fixed it, for two weeks. Then it started draining too well, too - right through the foyer ceiling. So we called the plumber again. He came, cut a hole in Keith's wall, fixed it again, and said we had a lot of plumbing issues in that little bathroom and he'd probably be back. So far, knock on wood, the upstairs bathroom has had no plumbing issues for the last two or three weeks. But the kitchen, I guess, was feeling left out. So now we have some plumbing issue in the kitchen. I actually don't even know what is wrong, because when Ed said 'honey, we have an issue' I stuck my fingers in my ears and ran away. But Keith and Henry said "WE'LL HELP!" - check it out...

Crockpot recipes!

So, it's a windy, rainy, overall crappy day today. It's cool though, and it got me thinking about the fall, and the winter, and my favorite cooking utensil, the crockpot! And, fortunately, it got someone else thinking about crockpots and they linked me to this blog. So here are some of the recipes that I'm going to try (except the first one!)...

Crock Pot Haggis Recipe - OK, first off, there is NO WAY I'm making Haggis. If you don't know what it is, don't worry - you're definitely not missing much. But you have got to read this entry about the pluck. I was almost crying I was laughing so hard!

Crock Pot Blue Cheese and Dried Cherry Meatloaf - I'm certainly not a meatloaf fan (I hate ketchup, and apparently you must always have ketchup on top of meatloaf. Who knew?) but this actually sounds like I could eat it! Maybe because I love blue cheese!

Black Bean and Goat Cheese Little Dipper Recipe - I also love goat cheese. And dip. Enough said.

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu - can't go wrong with chicken Cordon Bleu. Trust me.

Baked Brie Crockpot Recipe - I love Brie, too. Actually, I just love most kinds of cheese. But Baked Brie is REALLY good.

Crock Pot Swiss Chard Soup - Swiss Chard is pretty good. I never had it before I made a Rachael Ray recipe which called for it (I think it was the REALLY REALLY GOOD pasta recipe - swiss chard, bacon, ricotta, lemon juice, pasta... it was good). And soup is good.

Crock Pot Blue Cheese Potato Soup with Olive Tapenade - did I mention I'm a fan of blue cheese?

Crock Pot Vietnamese Roasted Chicken Recipe - I don't know what, exactly, Vietnamese Roasted Chicken is, but it sounds good.

Crayons! - OK, we won't be eating this recipe, but it sounds like a fun thing to do. Lord knows we have some crayons around here.

Crock Pot Spinach and Feta Quiche - Yup, I like Feta, too. And spinach. And quiche.

So, there's more, but I figure this is a good enough start. Did I mention I love crockpots? And the fall?? And cheese?

Mushrooms!

This weekend was the ever famous 23rd Annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square, PA (also known as the Mushroom Capital of the World - we have a water tower, you know). This weekend is also the first anniversary of the washing machine saga, but that's another story. On that note, however, I find it humorous that we don't even OWN that washing machine anymore. After all that work... Anyways. Back to the shrooms. Yesterday there was no way in hell you would have found me at the Mushroom Festival, because Tropical Storm Hanna was visiting the area. Tropical Storm Hanna plus the Mushroom Festival equals Amy staying home on the computer. Fortunately, today was beautiful! So we piled the family into the van and went out to Kennett to spend the morning celebrating mushrooms. We saw the parade and walked around a bit - saw, you know, mushrooms. I didn't manage to take too many pictures, but got some during the parade. Keith got to ride on one of the floats with Grandpa playing the trumpet - he was thrilled! Who knows, maybe he'll join the band in a few years! Of course, we had to get home by 1pm to see the Eagles play, so it was a short visit to the Festival this year. Here's hoping for nice weather next year!

Better than TV

Yes, my sons are watching Tropical Storm Hanna through the screen door. I must say, it's a heck of a lot better than Spongebob.

I'd like to thank....

Stacia for being so kind and having a drawing for a Mom's Organizer - Lord knows I need one! Thank you thank you!! In appreciation I'll be doing a giveaway so stay tuned!

Those are some big shoes to fill!

Woe is Henry

Life is so rough for Henry. I forget what, exactly, the drama was about, but I think Ed was making dinner and wouldn't share the onions with Henry. Go figure.

Pictures of the kiddos

Holy lightsaber, batman!

So, if you scroll down a couple of posts, you'll see the Star Wars room from Pottery Barn Kids. See the lightsaber on the wall? The red one? Do you know how BIG that thing is?!?!? Grandma got Keith one for his birthday, I heard. We stopped by their house this morning (we had an appointment in Kennett, but it was too early to go to it, and we were in Kennett, so...) and there was this box laying in their entryway from Pottery Barn Kids. Seriously, it had to be 8 feet long. EIGHT FEET!!! (Upon reading the product description, I realize it is only six feet. But still. It's taller than me!) So I glance at it and figure it was something for their house. A little while later we were leaving and Keith was out in the driveway and my dad says "did your mother tell you what that is? It's a lightsaber." It's HUGE, I tell you! I don't even know where he's going to put said lightsaber, but I know one thing - if he hits his brother with it we'll be on our way to the emergency room.

I freaking LOVE naptime

And in honor of naptime, here's some music for your listening (and viewing, I guess) pleasure. I finally have Henry and Caroline going down for naps as soon as the bus picks Keith up for school. 12:13 in this house is Amy time! Woo hoo!!!

For those of you who don't get mail from me...

And, I guess, those of you who do. But those of you who do can check your mailbox in the next week or so for your hard copy!

Guess who is Keith's homeroom mom???

Why, yes, it IS me!! And no, I DON'T have a damn clue as to what a homeroom mom does.

Monkey Boy

This isn't even the best picture of Henry being a monkey. The other day I walked into the kitchen and found Henry hanging in the window, standing on the chair rail. I had no clue HOW he got up there, but then I got these pictures and I'm starting to get an idea. He climbs on EVERYTHING - I need to bolt my furniture to the wall!