Dad came through for me! Here's old Big Pete! Note that the sticker on the front tells us that Big Pete was "CB Equipped"!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Big Pete
Dad came through for me! Here's old Big Pete! Note that the sticker on the front tells us that Big Pete was "CB Equipped"!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Charlie Jo Predicts the MSU Football Season
Sonia's interview by Bob Costas was brilliant. So, I decided to shamelessly copy and let Charlotte predict Michigan State's football season this year.
Dad: Michigan State starts the season against Montana State. Do you think we'll start the season with a blow-out win?
Charlie:
Dad: We follow with Central Michigan. Michigan State famously lost two in a row to Central Michigan about 15 years ago. How would you feel if an overconfident Michigan State blew it again?
Charlie:
Dad: I would feel the same way. Will you be excited when Michigan State makes it seven wins in a row at Notre Dame?
Charlie:
Dad: Wisconsin's been tough to beat the past couple years. How do you see this year's game going for the Spartans?
Charlie:
Dad: Can you give us a demonstration, with you playing the part of Michigan State and Quinn playing the part of the Michigan Wolverines, of how seriously Michigan State is going to savage Michigan this year?*
Charlie:
Dad: Are you worried about Illinois this year, particularly after coming off what is sure to be an emotional game against Michigan?
Charlie:
Dad: Will Michigan State demolish Northwestern?
Charlie:
Dad: What if I told you that Michigan State will drop one to Iowa?
Charlie:
Dad: Halloween in Minneapolis at the new stadium? Will the Spartan party be on?
Charlie:
Dad: Michigan State will meet Western Michigan at Ford Field. Show us, with a doll being Western Michigan, what State will do to Western.
Charlie:
Dad: By the time Michigan State and Purdue meet, State will be in top gear again. Will State make monkey-meat out of the Purdue defense?
Charlie:
Dad: As always, Michigan State will end the year against Penn State. How do you feel about ending the regular season on with a guaranteed loss?
Charlie:
Dad: Thank you, Charlie! I can't wait to watch State with you this year!
*Neither Corey, Niki, nor Charlie Jo, through Quinn's playing the part of Michigan in this picture, mean to imply that Quinn, in any way reminds us of, characterizes, or resembles anything associated with the University of Michigan. Quinn is a Spartan through and through and we would never question that. He simply, as a good Spartan and helpful younger cousin, was willing to play the part of Michigan for a picture. Thank you, Quinn.
Dad: Michigan State starts the season against Montana State. Do you think we'll start the season with a blow-out win?
Charlie:
Dad: We follow with Central Michigan. Michigan State famously lost two in a row to Central Michigan about 15 years ago. How would you feel if an overconfident Michigan State blew it again?
Charlie:
Dad: I would feel the same way. Will you be excited when Michigan State makes it seven wins in a row at Notre Dame?
Charlie:
Dad: Wisconsin's been tough to beat the past couple years. How do you see this year's game going for the Spartans?
Charlie:
Dad: Can you give us a demonstration, with you playing the part of Michigan State and Quinn playing the part of the Michigan Wolverines, of how seriously Michigan State is going to savage Michigan this year?*
Charlie:
Dad: Are you worried about Illinois this year, particularly after coming off what is sure to be an emotional game against Michigan?
Charlie:
Dad: Will Michigan State demolish Northwestern?
Charlie:
Dad: What if I told you that Michigan State will drop one to Iowa?
Charlie:
Dad: Halloween in Minneapolis at the new stadium? Will the Spartan party be on?
Charlie:
Dad: Michigan State will meet Western Michigan at Ford Field. Show us, with a doll being Western Michigan, what State will do to Western.
Charlie:
Dad: By the time Michigan State and Purdue meet, State will be in top gear again. Will State make monkey-meat out of the Purdue defense?
Charlie:
Dad: As always, Michigan State will end the year against Penn State. How do you feel about ending the regular season on with a guaranteed loss?
Charlie:
Dad: Thank you, Charlie! I can't wait to watch State with you this year!
*Neither Corey, Niki, nor Charlie Jo, through Quinn's playing the part of Michigan in this picture, mean to imply that Quinn, in any way reminds us of, characterizes, or resembles anything associated with the University of Michigan. Quinn is a Spartan through and through and we would never question that. He simply, as a good Spartan and helpful younger cousin, was willing to play the part of Michigan for a picture. Thank you, Quinn.
We've got a name!
Niki and I have decided a name for our boy. It's one we have always liked, and have kept coming back to. So, on this, our 6th Anniversary, Niki and I decided to make it official. Our son's name will be Peter James Stringer. Approved nicknames: P.J., Pete, Petey.
We really like this name. It is formal, and traditional, but can be shortened into any number of good nicknames. Besides, it means "rock", and there are a number of historical/literary/mechanical characters in history with that name, such as:
Peter Gunn - Combined, Niki and I played this song about 1,000 times in our high school pep bands! Now that you have read this, you will have this tune in your head all day. You're welcome!
Peter the Great. Peter the Great has always been one of my favorite historical figures. I have read this book about 15 times . . .
And, who could forget Peter Rabbit?
Finally, I need to post a picture of Big Pete, the plastic rig that Stephanie and I used to ride up and down the driveway! If anyone has one, send it my way!
We can't wait to meet Peter in person!
Corey, Niki, and Charlotte
We really like this name. It is formal, and traditional, but can be shortened into any number of good nicknames. Besides, it means "rock", and there are a number of historical/literary/mechanical characters in history with that name, such as:
Peter Gunn - Combined, Niki and I played this song about 1,000 times in our high school pep bands! Now that you have read this, you will have this tune in your head all day. You're welcome!
Peter the Great. Peter the Great has always been one of my favorite historical figures. I have read this book about 15 times . . .
And, who could forget Peter Rabbit?
Finally, I need to post a picture of Big Pete, the plastic rig that Stephanie and I used to ride up and down the driveway! If anyone has one, send it my way!
We can't wait to meet Peter in person!
Corey, Niki, and Charlotte
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A day at the salon
Charlie Jo got her first haircut! It took only about 10 minutes total, but I swear I held my breath the entire time. Grandma Jo Jo and I were prepared for all sorts of screaming and histrionics, so we came armed with an Elmo doll, books, and (most importantly) a bag of Skittles.
We went to Grandma Jo Jo's regular stylist, Angela. She didn't seem daunted at all by the prospect of a screaming sixteen-month-old in her chair. She plopped a booster seat down and snapped a full-size smock on CJ before CJ even knew what was happening. We skipped the whole hair-washing step (and didn't even wet it down, actually) since CJ only has about half a dozen hairs on her little head.
Our fears were completely unfounded! We started popping Skittles into CJ's mouth as soon as the haircut began, but she never made a peep. Elmo and the books stayed in my bag as we watched CJ gaze at herself in the mirror (one of her favorite pastimes) and clap her hands happily underneath the drape.
The results were great! We didn't want to cut bangs, but Angela helped trim off the stragglers to clean up CJ's act while we wait for the front of her hair to catch up with the back. She also evened up the back of CJ's hair without taking off too much length.
I'm so glad CJ looks a little less like a ragamuffin! Now if we could only do something about the scabby knees and bruised shins from all of her "adventures"...
We went to Grandma Jo Jo's regular stylist, Angela. She didn't seem daunted at all by the prospect of a screaming sixteen-month-old in her chair. She plopped a booster seat down and snapped a full-size smock on CJ before CJ even knew what was happening. We skipped the whole hair-washing step (and didn't even wet it down, actually) since CJ only has about half a dozen hairs on her little head.
Our fears were completely unfounded! We started popping Skittles into CJ's mouth as soon as the haircut began, but she never made a peep. Elmo and the books stayed in my bag as we watched CJ gaze at herself in the mirror (one of her favorite pastimes) and clap her hands happily underneath the drape.
The results were great! We didn't want to cut bangs, but Angela helped trim off the stragglers to clean up CJ's act while we wait for the front of her hair to catch up with the back. She also evened up the back of CJ's hair without taking off too much length.
I'm so glad CJ looks a little less like a ragamuffin! Now if we could only do something about the scabby knees and bruised shins from all of her "adventures"...
Halfway there!
Today I am officially 20 weeks pregnant, thus marking the halfway point of the pregnancy. Now that we know the baby is a boy and have hit the 20-week mark, the screws are beginning to tighten. We need to prepare Charlie Jo's "big girl" room, start collecting masculine and gender-neutral infant clothes, and PICK A NAME! I'm afraid we still haven't hit on the right one.
I am really starting to show, and luckily I'm getting past that point where it just looks like I had a big lunch, have bad posture, and need to quit eating so much ice cream. I'm filling out maternity clothes and starting to groan a lot when I stand up. I'm going to need to stop carrying CJ around so much, because her squirmy 23 or 24 pound bulk is starting to get a little difficult to manage. She also doesn't understand the concept that her baby brother is inside of me. I'm going to need to tape a drawing of a baby to my tummy and remind her to be "GENTLE!" when we're playing. Otherwise, I'm going to need to design a suit of armor to protect the little guy.
When people told me the second pregnancy could be very different from the first one, they weren't kidding! I haven't had any heartburn yet (by this time with CJ, I was gulping Tums like they were going out of style), I have had more nausea (which seems to be continuing in the form of car sickness -- nothing like yakking by the side of a mountain road in front of your parents, daughter, and husband), and I don't have the time or luxury of obsessing over every tiny ache or pain (or the baby's tiny kicks). I practically forget I'm pregnant sometimes, in sharp contrast to spending every waking thought contemplating the meaning of my pregnancy (as I did with CJ). This time I recognize the Braxton-Hicks contractions and shrug off other twinges that used to send me running to my pregnancy "bible" (What to Expect When You're Expecting) for reassurance.
We've got 20 weeks, and then ready or not, here he comes!
I am really starting to show, and luckily I'm getting past that point where it just looks like I had a big lunch, have bad posture, and need to quit eating so much ice cream. I'm filling out maternity clothes and starting to groan a lot when I stand up. I'm going to need to stop carrying CJ around so much, because her squirmy 23 or 24 pound bulk is starting to get a little difficult to manage. She also doesn't understand the concept that her baby brother is inside of me. I'm going to need to tape a drawing of a baby to my tummy and remind her to be "GENTLE!" when we're playing. Otherwise, I'm going to need to design a suit of armor to protect the little guy.
When people told me the second pregnancy could be very different from the first one, they weren't kidding! I haven't had any heartburn yet (by this time with CJ, I was gulping Tums like they were going out of style), I have had more nausea (which seems to be continuing in the form of car sickness -- nothing like yakking by the side of a mountain road in front of your parents, daughter, and husband), and I don't have the time or luxury of obsessing over every tiny ache or pain (or the baby's tiny kicks). I practically forget I'm pregnant sometimes, in sharp contrast to spending every waking thought contemplating the meaning of my pregnancy (as I did with CJ). This time I recognize the Braxton-Hicks contractions and shrug off other twinges that used to send me running to my pregnancy "bible" (What to Expect When You're Expecting) for reassurance.
We've got 20 weeks, and then ready or not, here he comes!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Grandma Jo Jo, tell me again about the time I was almost kidnapped by a gorilla...
Grandma Jo Jo and Grandpa Spike took Charlie Jo on her first trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo. We rented a stroller, but mostly used it to hold the back pack and camera bag. Based on the other kidless strollers we saw, we weren't the only ones.
The little zoologist was fascinated by the flamingos.
She could have watched those elephants all day.
Having recently learned to thump her chest just like a gorilla, CJ was excited to finally meet some real ones.
Who is that in the monkey/ape family tree?
CJ and I crouched down in the viewing enclosure to check out the gorillas and...
... then this guy (gal?) galloped by the glass and punched it right at my face! Our theory is that he/she thought CJ was his/her long lost daughter and came to reclaim her. I screamed like a ninny and CJ jumped a little. She still likes to thump her chest like a gorilla though, so she doesn't APPEAR to be scarred for life. Yet.
The little zoologist was fascinated by the flamingos.
She could have watched those elephants all day.
Having recently learned to thump her chest just like a gorilla, CJ was excited to finally meet some real ones.
Who is that in the monkey/ape family tree?
CJ and I crouched down in the viewing enclosure to check out the gorillas and...
... then this guy (gal?) galloped by the glass and punched it right at my face! Our theory is that he/she thought CJ was his/her long lost daughter and came to reclaim her. I screamed like a ninny and CJ jumped a little. She still likes to thump her chest like a gorilla though, so she doesn't APPEAR to be scarred for life. Yet.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Somebody call Baywatch!!
I'm too pooped to write explanations for these photos, but suffice it to say we met a lifeguard at the beach after he watched in alarm as we were nearly swept out to sea... Or something like that...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Doing our part to keep the grass green and the trash cans empty
Compared to Tennessee, it's barely warm enough here (Thousand Oaks, CA) to wear shorts let alone run around in the sprinklers. Did that stop Charlie Jo? Heck no! Grandma Jo found a crispy spot in the front lawn that needed some watering and set up a sprinkler with a CJ-size spray.
Whew! Time to take a break on a little step stool Grandpa Spike made in junior high. We think the wood might be petrified by now.
SMOOCH! Thank you for the sprinkler time, Grandma Jo Jo!
Yes, that IS the world's cleanest garage. It's amazing what an empty nest (and hence a lot more time on their hands) can do for a couple. Lemmetellya, that thing was NEVER that clean when I lived at home. I'm also pretty sure that my parents are having a contest to see who can be quirkiest as they move into grandparenthood. My father (the first in our family to have a cell phone ages and ages ago) keeps his cell phone off 99% of the time, and my mother can't STAND having trash in the inside trash cans (to the point where she takes the trash out several times a day). But they will do anything to entertain little Charlie Jo, so CJ thinks they are terrific. We miss Corey, but are grateful to be able to spend a few weeks with my parents so CJ can get to know them. We may not get to visit California as often as we would like, so we're trying to make this trip count!
Whew! Time to take a break on a little step stool Grandpa Spike made in junior high. We think the wood might be petrified by now.
SMOOCH! Thank you for the sprinkler time, Grandma Jo Jo!
Yes, that IS the world's cleanest garage. It's amazing what an empty nest (and hence a lot more time on their hands) can do for a couple. Lemmetellya, that thing was NEVER that clean when I lived at home. I'm also pretty sure that my parents are having a contest to see who can be quirkiest as they move into grandparenthood. My father (the first in our family to have a cell phone ages and ages ago) keeps his cell phone off 99% of the time, and my mother can't STAND having trash in the inside trash cans (to the point where she takes the trash out several times a day). But they will do anything to entertain little Charlie Jo, so CJ thinks they are terrific. We miss Corey, but are grateful to be able to spend a few weeks with my parents so CJ can get to know them. We may not get to visit California as often as we would like, so we're trying to make this trip count!
Happy 80th Birthday Grandma Jane!
My parents and my aunts and uncle threw a terrific surprise 80th birthday party for my Grandma Jane (the reason for our trip to Arizona). Isn't she a cute octogenarian? My brother, Jordan, and I think we both look a lot like her.
My mom was in hog heaven with both of her granddaughters together in the same place. We played "pass the potato" with Sonia all weekend long.
I loved having both my paternal AND maternal grandparents in the same place.
Charlie Jo copied everything her 2nd cousin Emma (age 4) did.
Sosi grew some hair! Okay, maybe not.
Do Jordan and Jessica still count as newlyweds even though they already celebrated their first anniversary?
Inexplicably, Jordan and Andrew held a crab-walking exhibition. Charlie Jo thought it was HILARIOUS.
Grandma Jane and Aunt Mary Jane met the newest member of the family.
Sosi has a sweet little grin!
Cuddle time with Grandma Jo Jo.
My cousin, Audrey, just turned one year old. She followed Charlie Jo around and climbed all over everything. In the years to come, Emma, Audrey, Charlie Jo, and Sonia are going to be one scary herd of little girls to reckon with!
My mom was in hog heaven with both of her granddaughters together in the same place. We played "pass the potato" with Sonia all weekend long.
I loved having both my paternal AND maternal grandparents in the same place.
Charlie Jo copied everything her 2nd cousin Emma (age 4) did.
Sosi grew some hair! Okay, maybe not.
Do Jordan and Jessica still count as newlyweds even though they already celebrated their first anniversary?
Inexplicably, Jordan and Andrew held a crab-walking exhibition. Charlie Jo thought it was HILARIOUS.
Grandma Jane and Aunt Mary Jane met the newest member of the family.
Sosi has a sweet little grin!
Cuddle time with Grandma Jo Jo.
My cousin, Audrey, just turned one year old. She followed Charlie Jo around and climbed all over everything. In the years to come, Emma, Audrey, Charlie Jo, and Sonia are going to be one scary herd of little girls to reckon with!
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