the stringers

Banks LOVE pizza

2012-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

goo goo ga ga

2012-01-11T12:39:00.001-08:00

Banks is talking more and more every day! His vocabulary now includes:
mama, ball, dog, hot, and no!

Smith at 3 and a half.....

2011-12-21T09:05:00.001-08:00

Smith wearing his "ear glasses!"

*Can knock the baseball OVER the fence.

*Throws the football and baseball acurately.

*Loves Baby Jesus and says "Mary and Jo-phes"

*Likes to help me cook

*makes me turn around or close the down when he goes to the bathroom!

*likes Bob the Builder, Mickey Mouse, Super Readers, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates

*wants "chicken nuggets and french fries" for every meal!

*is better at directions than most adults

*knows shapes

*is very polite - says SORRY and THANK YOU a lot!

*likes to jump and flip on the couch!

*wears a headset - pretending to be a football coach - but calls them EAR GLASSES!

*loves to "run out" like the football team.

New Orleans Bowl 2011

2011-12-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Reed and the UL coaching staff led the CAJUNS to their first bowl game in 40 years!!! It was a great experience for the fans, and we had a blast, too!

Wednesday:

Dinner with the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner at Commander's Palace
Thursday:
Banks is ONE!
(and into everything!)
Breakfast with CC and Pop at our favorite, The Camellia Grill!

Our favorite server Joey - wishing Banks a happy 1st birthday and inviting him back to New Orleans for his 21st birthday!!!

Staff Family Day - Tour of Mardi Gras Word

...and a cooking demonstration with LIVE music!

Banks LOVED it! peek-a-boo!

...then masking making for the kiddos!

Grandpa, Tizzie, and Drew arrived Thursday at lunch!

Wives Progressive Dinner

By Friday morning the WHOLE crew was here!

Banks birthday party at Cafe du Monde!

Aquarium

Pep Rally and Graduation Ceremony!

UL Graduation was Saturday morning of the game so they allowed the 5 graduating seniors from the team to receive their diplomas from the school President during the pep-rally in front of thousands of fans! It was really amazing!

Parade to Spanish Plaza for Battle of the Bands

My sweet boys at the hotel! They loved staying in the big hotel!

Smith said he wanted to live there FOREVER!

Saturday:

Tizzie and Smith went to see The Polar Express at the iMax! Once Smith had his popcorn, m&ms and an Icee, he didn't budge through the whole movie! He LOVED it! After the movie, he and Tizzie rode the trolly while Grandpa, Andrew, and I toured the new WWII museum!

Banks after a GOOD nap Saturday afternoon!

After a long week of fun activities, it was finally game time!

We were excited AND overwhelmed after winning in the last 6 seconds of the game!!!

Smith was kicking until 2:45! He was just as excited as everyone else!

UL 32 San Diego State 30

GEAUX CAJUNS!

ONE-derful BIRTHDAY!

2011-12-21T08:11:00.001-08:00

Banks is ONE!

It was a very special birthday for him! Since we were already in New Orleans for the bowl game, we decided to have a classic NOLA celebration!

We had his party at Cafe du Monde! He loved all the powdered sugar and we had a fun time with all the family there, too! After breakfast, we went to the aquarium and then had lunch at Daisey Dukes. Banks celebrated ALL week and got lots of LOVE!

At ONE:

29 pounds

*walking 10 steps at a time, but still favors "scooting"

*says "ball, mama, dada, dog, and no"

*loves Stella

*wants to play outside all day

*thinks he is as big as his brother - and soon he will be!

*sleeps like a rock from 7pm to 7am

*likes playing music with his horn or piano

*plays with cars

*says "RRRArrrr" with the dinosaurs

the last saturday.

2011-10-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

We always try to do something together as a family on "the last Saturday" before the season starts and Daddy's weekends disappear. Luckily, our neighborhood was having another fun event! Smith was a little timid and didn't want to go down the big slide, but he found something else that caught his eye and captured his attention for the rest of the event!

TENNIS! He had so much fun...and he was really good, too!

First Day of School

2011-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

My boys are so big! Smith loves K-3 and Mrs. Becky's class.

Banks' teachers are Ms. Donna and Ms. Carolyn.

When I picked Smith up at school he was so excited to tell me about his day!

The first thing he showed me was how to sit "criss cross applesauce!"
He gets in the car every day and entertains me with wonderful stories and songs! It is by far my favorite time of my day!

UL FAN DAY!

2011-10-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Alex and Erin Munoz.

I think somebody looks like their daddy!

Daddy's star player, LaDarius Green!

Smith had all the tight ends to sign his jersey!

Daddy's "twin" tight end! Reed and Ian look like brothers!

rare family photos!

2011-10-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

We toook advantage of having company one Sunday morning and got a much needed family photo! Smith 3 - Banks 8 months

special moments

2011-10-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

I happened to capture a few special moments on camera after a scrimmage one day.

The RAGIN' CAJUNS are 4-1 and we are so proud of Daddy and his team!

Momma's helper.

2011-10-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Mississippi Visit

2011-09-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

snip. snip.

2011-09-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

School was about to start and the poor kid couldn't see because his hair had gotten so long, BUT Smith hates getting his hair cut and that was not a battle I willing to fight that day. I decided it couldn't be THAT hard to snip some hair out of his eyes!

I think it actually turned out okay, accept that I only cut around the front so he totally had a mullet when I was finished. He stuck it out a few days with the mullet until we finally made it to the "hair tut place" - as he calls it. It's a fun memory, but I don't think I as "cut" out to be a beautician!

tackle me while you can.....

2011-09-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

because one day, I'll be bigger than you!
Just the first of many bumps and bruises between brothers!

i survived.

2011-09-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

When you are married to a football coach there is one thing you dread all year long.....AUGUST. Once September comes, the schedule settles into a routine and the fun and excitement of the games comes along! BUT... first, fall camp comes around and they pound in about 18 hours a day for a straight month - no weekends- no lunch breaks - no family time - just football. Its just part of our life and we mentally prepare ourselves for this time of getting back into a school routine, shopping for school supplies, and meeting the teacher at a new school....We just hope and pray nothing "arrises" that would cause us to depend too much on our husbands.

We had a very eventful August. We spent the first week in MS and came back ready to get in gear and start school. That is when the boys got sick. Vomiting, diarreaha, high fevers of 104...the works! After several days and two trips to the doctor, we found out they both had salmonella! Poor Banks had the worst time because his diaper rash got so bad that it was like having 3rd degree burns on his bottom. He and I both cried every time I changed him - which was often!

After 6 days of caring for the boys, I was run down emotionally and physically and then I started showing the same symptoms! I obviously had the bacteria in my body, but I never got as sick as the boys were. The saving grace for me was when my sweet mama came down to take care of me and the boys for a few days! I was sick - tired- and lonely. She was JUST what I needed!

While mama was here, Banks fever spiked again and we spent several hours in the ER having lots of tests run. The fear with salmonella in infants is that it can easily get into the bones and blood stream. All the results came back negative and we found out that he had croup! Thankfully, the salmonella was gone, but then we had to do 4 breathing treatments a day for week. Mama took Smith back to MS so that Banks and I could focus on getting him well.

Needless to say, we survived Fall Camp 2011 and are very excited that our season is here!

8 months.

2011-09-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Banks is 8 months old now and I have decided that his "monthly photo shoots" are going to have to end with 6 months! HE WILL NOT COOPERATE so I'm going to just take what pictures I can get and try to KEEP UP!

Just like Smith did, he is looking VERY red-headed in all his pictures, but not in person! He looks more and more like Reed every day AND shares all of his daddy's expressions, too. He is crawling, or as we like to call it - "the one-legged booty scoot" - pulling up and cruising all over the place.

He is SO happy and sweet. He has the cutest dimples and he smiles ALL the time. He is FULL-BLOWN momma's boy!

He LOVES his brother. He really thinks he is getting big enough (well, he is big enough just not old enough) to play rough with Smith. They are going to have so much fun together as he gets bigger!

He loves eating REAL food and anything he can pick up himself. He is still too lazy to hold his own bottle, but sucks it down when you hold it for him!

He LOVES to sleep! He is like and infant. He will play hard for about 2 hours and then he is ready for a nap. He sleeps LONG and HARD and wakes up HAPPY!!! He sleeps approximately from 7pm to 7 am AND takes at least 2 naps during the day!!!

travel MS

2011-09-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

The boys and I spent a few days in MS the beginning of August and we had a wonderful time visiting with our friends and family! I need to get better at taking more pictures, but my TWO little guys are keeping me pretty busy!

Even with our busy schedule, we squeezed in some time to spend the night with our friends The Rutledges. Smith and Wilkes think they are superheros and had a blast together - they finally calmed down long enough to watch Spiderman! We also got to see our friends The Beamers. Smith and Sutton have been friends since before they were born....We HOPE one day we can live in the same town AGAIN!!!
Sutton's daddy may want us to stay FAR FAR away!

Grandpa took the kids to the Wildlife Extravaganza in Jackson and they saw everything from stuffed animals to four-wheelers and gators.

Smith's favorite part was shooting the bow and arrow.

We are headed back to MS later this week and can't wait because Uncle Drew with be home, too!!!

The Gordons...

2011-08-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have lots of things to update on the blog and I promise to get to them soon, but for now...I want to tell you about our friends The Gordon's who are in the process of adopting a sweet little boy from Ethiopia. I am so proud of them for stepping out in FAITH and with a heart to serve the Lord and HIS children!!! To find out more about the Gordon's and to follow their adventure, check out their blog at thewesgordonfamily.blogspot.com.

There are lots of ways you can help...
On their blog you can DONATE money to help fund their adoption, you can BUY a t-shirt, or you can dontate or attend their BIG GARAGE SALE EXTRAVAGANZA on September 2 and 3 in Starkville!!!

Happy Birthday, Pop!

2011-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Pop got to spend his birthday with us! Happy Birthday, Pop!

"choot em! choot em"

2011-07-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

We LOVE Swamp People....and obviously, so does everyone else in South Louisiana! Smith and I were so excited about walking over to our neighborhood supermarket today to get our picture with TROY from our favorite show!

We DID get to see Troy and I took several pictures, including this one!!!

But we didn't wait in THIS line!!!

The meet and greet was from 11-2. When we got there at 12 they told us it was a TWO hour wait from where we were and that they couldn't promise us we would get to the front before he had to leave! I obviously didn't come prepared for a two hour wait with two kiddos in a stroller...but these people were not joking! They had folding chairs, coolers of Milwaukee's Best, cartons of cigarettes, and we decked head to toe in their "choot 'em" gear!
note: I am not being judgemental, simply stating facts.
One lady behind me was commenting to her friend that "Troy was the hottest man on TV" and she would "wait TEN hours to hug his neck!" Fact people, true fact.
I finally made the decision to go in a just buy a few groceries and maybe we could catch a glimpse of him from the check-out line. LUCKILY, that satisfied Smith just fine and he even got close enough to wave at Troy!
Smith was so excited and wanted to come home and watch Troy "choot sum gatas!!"

Sugar Jams

2011-07-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor is always having special events - parades, parties, music fests - you name it! Saturday night, after some fancy front porch dining - McDonald's Happy Meals- we all loaded up and headed to Sugar Jams! The weather was iffy, but we enjoyed some music, dancing, and yogurt at the new neighborhood ice cream shop!
Smith and Isaac really were having a fun time!

front porch party

2011-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

We live in a "front porch neighborhood." Everyone is always outside, kids playing...we love it! The boys and I sit on the front porch EVERY day and most days are joined by Smith's friend Issac and his momma, Bridget. They are wonderful neighbors and becoming great friends, too!

Isaac missed Smith's party bc he was out of town. He and his momma were SO sweet that they threw Smith his own little private party on their front porch - cake (that Isaac made himself), presents, and a sparkler candle!!!

Thanks, Isaac...for making Smith feel so special!!!

celebrating SMITH!

2011-07-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

Smith had a wonderful birthday party! We had a beach theme with lots of water toys in the backyard and the kids had a BALL!

Meena, Smith, Connor, and Ella eating their snack!

Smith's favorite gift...a new bike from Momma, Daddy, and Banks.

Smith is THREE!

2011-07-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Height: 3'4"

Weight: 34.4 pounds

Here are SMITH's answers to the following questions...

Some of his favorites:

Food - chicken nuggets and french fries and sticks

Drink - Grandpa Juice (V8 Fusion)

Activities - drawing, play dough, dancing, ball, riding bikes

Books - animal book, Goodnight Moon, Cordoury

Toys - bike, Buzz Light Year

Movie - Cars

TV Shows - Swamp People, Wipeout, America's Got Talent, Mickey Mouse

(and yes, he listed them in THAT order!

Sorry, Mickey...he's growing up- he's three!)

Store - Target

Team - Ragin' Cajuns

Q - What do you love about Momma and Daddy?

A - "You went to that trip and Randi was here and you come back and I so happy!"

Q -What do you love about Banks?

A - "Ridin' in the car by me."

Q - Where would you like to take a trip?

A -"To Tizzie and Granpa's house!"

Q - Who are your best friends?

A - "Isaac and Alex and Ava."

Some of Smith's other favorite things are:

Firetrucks, Ambulances, and Police Cars

Cooking - in the kitchen with momma and on the grill with daddy

dancing to "daddy's beat"

Randi - our babysitter

washing his hands

driving - or ASKING to drive

My favorite "Smithisms:"

"Momma, I wanna tell you sumpin."

Calling across the house - "Momma! Where you are? You hidin' for me?"

"I want more milk."

My favorite words:
hornt (horn), ring-bell (his bell on his bike), wimmin soup (swimming suit)
"new cookies"
"new Randi"

beach 2011

2011-07-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

the beach pictures.

2011-07-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few....I will post more when I get the disc in!!!

God Bless Texas.

2011-07-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Kiley who lives in Texas came for a little visit on her way to a wedding in Mississippi.... and Smith had an instant new best friend! We had so much fun having her here and can't wait for her to come back!

5 years.....

2011-07-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

three states...two children...one dog. Happy Anniversary!

6 months.

2011-07-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Banks now has two bottom teeth, NEVER turns down food, loves playing with his brother more and more, and is on the verge of "taking off!"

This is absolutely the happiest baby! He is always laughing and smiling!

He's a much better sleeper than his big brother - sleeping from 7pm-6:30am! (Smith still ends up in our bed by 4:30 or 5 every morning!)

I love watching them grow up together and "figure each other out!" Banks thinks Smith is hilarious and laughs at everything he does!

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

2011-07-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

We have been so blessed to have great neighbors! They moved in the SAME day as we did AND they have a little boy who is a year older than Smith. They play together outside EVERY SINGLE DAY and have become the best of friends! Happy Birthday, Isaac!

bird's eye view.

2011-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

a little like daddy.

2011-07-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

We may have an entire offensive line if I keep trying to until I get a kid that looks like ME!!! Banks looks more and more like his Daddy every day!

5 months.

2011-06-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind posting Banks' 5 month pictures.

(okay, a lot behind!)
The kid is growing SO much and he looks SO much like his Daddy!!!

We don't go to the doctor until 6 months, so instead of weight stats I will just say that he has grown out of all of Smith's 12 month clothes and the onesie he is wearing in the picture is 18 mo!
and....the little guy got his first tooth on June 2. He has been drooling a lot and gumming on everything. When I looked in his mouth at 10 that morning I told Gannie (who was here visiting) that his gums looked pretty red. For about an hour after lunch he was so fussy. I couldn't get him to nap or take a bottle. When I looked in his mouth about 3 that afternoon THERE WAS A TOOTH!!!

Smith was around 10 months when he got his first tooth so I guess little brother is already getting competitive!!!

At 5 months, Banks is:

rolling over

scooting around on his tummy

sitting up (but topples over if he gets disracted!)

laughing so much...he has the cutest chuckle

sleeping through the night (8:30pm-6:30 without the swaddle!)

eating all fruits and veggies - his favorite is squash and bananas

His brother is almost three. I know he is mine, but I am pretty sure many people would back me up when I say that he is THE funniest child. He is so dramatic- don't know where that comes from - he laughs at himself, and he says the wildest things!

FIRSTS.

2011-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture, ever. Smith had his first day of Mother's Day Out in Lafayette and he was SO proud that he got to take his new cow lunchbox that his friend Sutton gave him! I guess it was the combonation of his excitement, the bright morning sun in his eyes, and how grown-up he looks in his vintage tee and khakis just melts my heart!!!

Later that day, the excitement wore off and he had a total meltdown at school. He was supposed to stay until 2 (which includes a nap from 12:15-2:00) and he totally lost it when the teacher said "naptime!"

We have decided to stick with the 12:00 pick up time to escape all the drama and just take our nap at home.

Smith's teacher is Ms. Nett (Annette) and his assistant is Ms. Rachel. He really likes school and the thing he loves the most so far???? Throwing his lunch in the garbage! I guess Ms. Nett makes a big deal about them cleaning up their lunch and he is SO proud of himself.

Now, before I go on, I must share with you that I have learned a valuable lesson in motherhood here. Do not plan two big FIRSTS in two days. If the first one (MDO) doesn't go so well, then your chances of FIRST #2 being a well, disaster!

FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST!
Smith was SO excited about going to the dentist. We talked about it for a week and he LOVES brushing his teeth. When we pulled up in the parking lot our conversation went like this...

Smith: "Is this the dentist?"

Me: "Yes, this is it!"

Smith: "Momma, You're AWESOME!"

He was so excited.....So how bad can it be, right?

This is the only picture I got of him - in the destist's waiting room - because for the rest of the visit my arms, my legs, and ALL of the strength in my body were all tied up holding down a SCREAMING little boy! He was not a fan of the dentist. He was fine sitting in my lap and he even let them count his teeth, but as soon as they wanted him to lay down on the chair, it was like trying to cage a wild animal!!! Luckily, he has great teeth and they said we were doing a wonderful job at home. Gannie was in town and was so sweet to stay home with Banks. I just think that MOMMA would have been the one having the meltdown if I had had both of them with me!!! Let's just say that we can't wait for DADDY to take us to the dentist next time!!!

"Look Momma! I colored you a picture!"

2011-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

2011-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sundays.

2011-05-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love dressing the boys up for church on Sundays....unfortunately, most of the church's around here are very casual. I have given in on letting Smith go casual, but Banks has too many things he needs to wear before he RAPIDLY outgrows them. Smith is a mess. He doesn't like doing what he is asked...especially if it means smiling for the camera. We have just started this whole "going limp" thing when we don't get our way!!!

At least sweet Banks was cooperating!

Mother's Day/ Banks Baby Dedication

2011-05-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Mother's Day I had this year!

We celebrated Mother's Day by having Banks Baby dedication at our "family church" in Carthage. Neither of us grew up in Carthage, but it just so happens that my parents and Reed's dad and step-mom now all live there....AND are in the same Sunday School class! It's also great that my dad's parents attend church there and my sister, my Ganne, and Reed's mom are all only a short drive away.

It was great having all of our family there as we promised to raise our children in a Christian home and to love them as the Lord has called us to love.

We also celebrated all the wonderful MOTHERS in our life!

Now I love my boys, but taking a picture with them is just NOT FUN!

I hope your Mother's Day was as HAPPY as mine!

brothers.

2011-05-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

OUR weekend.

2011-05-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Reed and I took a little weekend get-a-way to nearby New Orleans a few weeks ago. With all that we have had going on in the past 6 months, it was great to spend some time together where didn't have to yell over screaming children just to have a conversation!

GREAT food, sleeping in, walking, shopping, and just having my man by my side!!! I coudn't have asked for a better trip.

GREAT grands!

2011-05-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Reed and I were so happy to finally have the chance to take the boys to see his grandmother, Mimi Stringer and his grandfather DeDe Earle! This was Banks first time to meet them!

DeDe passed along some pretty good genes to his grandkids! He has FIVE grandchildren who played or are currently playing a college sport....FOUR of them had the opportunity to play for a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in their sport!!! Pretty impressive!!! Let's just hope the good genes continue!!!

Kid Fest!

2011-05-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Anne Parks, Nora, Smith, and Banks had a blast at the Kid Fest in Ridgeland a few weeks ago!!!

"Up from the grave He arose!"

2011-05-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Easter with our family was such a blessing.

The Easter Bunny found the boys at Tizzie and Grandpa's house!
Smith was so excited! He grabbed the raquet and yelled, "A tennnnnnis plaaaaaaay-er!!!"

Uncle Drew was super excited when he realized that his shirt matched the boys....I think we will have to get them matching outfits every year!!!

(You can tell the boys were thrilled about taking pictures!!!)

4 months!

2011-05-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Banks is 4 months old.

He weighs 19.1 pounds and is happy as can be...

(as long as you keep his belly full!)

He loves:

rolling over

motor boat

his brother

rice cereal

"riding the billy goat"

sucking on his hands

his feet

and is:

laughing out loud (so hard that he gets the hickups!)

rolling over from front to back

playing well with toys

grabbing his feet

drooling and chewing on toys and hands

sleeping through the night

(as long as he is tightly swaddled! I don't know how we will ever get rid of that thing!!!)

eating rice cereal twice a day - will start veggies soon!

His brother is 2 years and 9 months.

He thinks he's 15.

Some of our favorite things/and maybe not-so-favorite things about Smith these days:

*He wants to DRIVE every time we get in the car.

*He's very polite. Says thank you, yes ma'am, yes sir.

*Loves hot pockets, chicken nuggets, french fries, and tacos. I have never seen him eat anything green, ever. The doc says that's okay. He drinks tons of "grandpa juice" (V8 Fusion) and takes his vitamins.

*Are you a terrible mom when you drive up to Walgreens drive-thru to get a prescriptions and your kid yells, "Chicken nuggets and French fries!"

*STILL doesn't sleep through the night. He is in our bed usually between 3 and 4am!!!

*Loves American Idol and shaking his booty!

*Loves all things ball. He can hit the baseball and golf ball OVER our back yard fence! He got a tennis raquet and his becoming quite the little pro at that, too!

*Loves to play "tackle" with daddy.

*Loves sticker books.

*STILL IS NOT POTTY TRAINED!!!!

(prayers graciously accepted.)

new friends to celebrate!

2011-05-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have made some wonderful friends in Lafayette. One of the best things about being a coach's wife is that when you move to a new place, you have somewhat of a "built-in" support group. Only we understand each other and "the job" and makes the transition much easier.Several of us celebrated the END OF SPRING BALL (woo-hoo!) at a local favorite, La Fonda! Then, my sweet new friends, suprised me by celebrating my birthday, too! It's tradition at La Fonda that the birthday girl gets cheesecake AND this creepy little plastic clown!!! Very strange, but very fun!

my silly goose

2011-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

just like drew.

2011-05-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

I found this Kelly's Kids outfit that was my brother's! It has to be 18 years old and is still so cute!....a little short, but still cute!

sweet boys.

2011-05-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ragin' Cajuns Spring Game

2011-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Spring Game was a lot of fun! It was SO hot that day, but luckily, they had bouncey houses to keep the kids entertained!

The team looked great and we can't wait for the season to start!!!

GEAUX CAJUNS!!!

fun weekend!

2011-04-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

CC, Pop, Uncle Awesome, and Aunt Jess all came to visit this weekend. We were glad it worked out that they were all able to come and love that Woody and Jessie drove the LONG drive to come see us!!!

Banks had a pretty relaxing weekend getting spoiled by all the family!

We thought this picture was a good idea when we were taking it....

Now, we are pretty sure we should submit it to "awkward family photos!"

Its our "prom done cajun style" photo!

Smith LOVES dancing!

from bulldogs to tigers to cajuns!!!

2011-04-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

When we moved from Starkville to Clemson, I decided to start a tradition. I wanted a photo represnting the school that we were leaving behind and the team that we were joining! In twenty years, who knows how many places that arrow will have pointed to!

neighborhood crawfish boil!

2011-04-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

golfing with grandpa

2011-04-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

3 months.

2011-03-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

the cousins!

2011-03-27T05:59:00.001-07:00

Laura and the girls came to visit and we had so much fun! Smith was so excited that Anne Parks and Nora came to his "new house" to play!

Trying to get this whole crew to settle down and get in bed is a chore!

I guess this is what I get for asking them to say "cheese"

while they were eating lunch! We had dinner at Randol's, which is a true cajun restraunt with great seafood and a live zydeco band! First, we ate dinner and watched all the cute older couples (in their matching outfits) dance like their life depended on it. They were SO cute! Then....the kids hit the dance floor!!!

(Have you ever noticed that every picture of me is always blurry??? I guess I need to give my sweet husband a photography lesson!)

There was some serious dancing going on. I mean serious.

I pretty sure the crew at Randol's will see us again next time the girls are in town!

bumbo and brother.

2011-03-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Banks is getting so big and strong...AND he is so sweet!

He is so cute when he laughs and coos and I just can't get enough of his "tight" cheeks!

The other day I decided he was big enough to try the bumbo.

He was not a fan at first... But then big brother decided he would show him how its done!!! (good thing I happened to have two of these things, or Banks would have never gotten to sit in one!)

Gannie's here!

2011-03-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Gannie had her spring break a few weeks ago and we were so excited she decided to spend a few days with us in Louisiana! Gannie brought Smith a new baseball tee and they wore each other out playing in the yard all day!!! Banks and I enjoyed watching from the back porch!

Then, we took Gannie to the zoo!

We had lots of fun and can't wait for Gannie to come back and visit again very soon!

throw me somethin' mista!

2011-03-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

Now that we have experienced our first Mardi Gras,

I think we can offically call ourselves Louisianans.

Our sweet new friends, the Munoz family, made sure we got in on all the action. Smith, with Alex and Ava, waiting for the parade to start.

The police motorcycles were Smith's favorite part!

The second night we went to a parade it was freezing!!! I stayed in the back of the car with Banks and Smith occasionally jumped in to warm up his hands!

Mark and Tyla rode in the parade and threw us some pretty good stuff!

Check out those beads I caught!

Happy Mardi Gras!

i love you, too!

2011-03-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

starkville.

2011-03-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

While we were in Mississippi, we also spent one day in Starkville. Smith had so much fun playing with Sutton;

and I was pretty excited to visit with her mom, too!

We got to see Heidie and Halie, too!

Then we had fun playing at Mary Cameron's house! I didn't get pictures of all the kids, but my how our lives have changed in the past few years.

There were 4 of us there and we each had two kids. There were little ones everywhere!

go AP!

2011-03-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

The boys and I were able to spend a few days in Mississippi last week. We got to visit with lots of friends and family; and one of the highlights of our trip was to watch Anne Parks play in her soccer game.
Smith's favorite part was the victory tunnel after the game!

at least its better than jackson.

2011-03-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

We have a zoo. It's not great, BUT unlike my last trip to the Jackson Zoo, I didn't have the urge to break in at night and let all the animals escape!!!

They have all the animals that Smith was excited about seeing and a great playground that even has a real fire truck you can play on! He loved it!

the backyard.

2011-03-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

As much as we loved our little house on Strawberry Lane, it was lacking one important thing and that was a backyard. Our yard is just the right size for Smith to run and run all day, but not so big that I can't keep my eyes on him!!!

2 months.

2011-03-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

The first two months of this sweet boy's life have been crazy! We are finally settled into our new home and all together as a family again!

No matter how busy we have been, the kid has ALWAYS found time to eat!!!

Two month stats:

14 lbs 12 oz

26"

Smith's stats at 2 yrs. 7 months:

34 lbs. and 38" tall

"frosty no-man"

2011-03-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Smith was afraid of the snow until I showed him how to make a snowball!!! After that, I didn't think I would ever get him back inside!The boys in their first real snow!
Grandpa had to take over....Snowball fights are exhausting!

Our "no-man!"

Complete with a french toast stick nose and reece's cup eyes!!!

merle.

2011-03-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our parents for keeping the boys and my grandparents for the tickets, Reed and I enjoyed a dinner and Merle Haggard in concert at the

Golden Moon a few weeks ago!

happy birthday, daddy!

2011-02-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

Daddy had a birthday in January and we wanted to make it very special! Smith made cupcakes!
And helped Daddy blow out the candles!

We celebrated by having dinner at the Mexican place!

...and then lunch the next day at Little Dooey in Starkville!

one month.

2011-02-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

buddies

2011-02-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Smith really is the best big brother! He is so sweet and loves Banks!

copycats

2011-02-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

I promise I did not pose them for these pictures!!!

BIG BROTHER night

2011-02-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

Smith had a fun night out with just Momma and Daddy!

home for the holidays

2011-02-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

Andrew Banks Stringer

2011-02-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2010

5:30 pm

8 pounds 9 ounces

20 1/2 inches

the final photos.

2011-02-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

goodbye Strawberry Lane.

2011-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

One last picture of our wonderful little home in Clemson.

james.

2011-02-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Smith was very sad to say goodbye to his friend James. We met James and his family at church. He and Smith were best buddies and his mama and daddy were wonderful friends to us.

hold onto your hats, people! i'm back!

2010-12-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

When I posted last on Tuesday, December 7th, I had no idea what was in store for our family in the coming days! Let's just say that you will never catch me saying that the life of a coach's wife is boring!

On Thursday, December 9th at about 1:30...Reed accepted a job at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette and was asked to report to work on Monday morning. We were so thrilled for this opportunity but a little nervous about the timing. I wasn't about to let him leave his 38 wk pregnant wife and 2 year old son alone in South Carolina while he was in Louisiana and all our family was in Mississippi! So the next twenty-four hours went a little like this...
*Called my OBGYN in Starkville to discuss options. He told me that he would love for me to deliver the baby in MS but there was a very tight window and I needed to get to MS quickly.
*Packed EVERYTHING I thought I would need for TWO months - including Christmas AND the arrival of a new baby.
*Called my mom and said, "Reed just got a job in Louisiana. I don't want to stay in Clemson by myself so is it okay if I (along with my 2 year old, my dog, and soon - my newborn) move in with you and daddy in your 2 bedroom rental house until say.....umm....February?" THANKFULLY...she was so excited (a little overwhelmed BUT excited) and I said, "Great! We will be there TOMORROW!"
*I cleaned out the fridge, made plans for our mail, house, etc, and about 8 hours after the phone call, I was sleeping in my sweet home in Clemson for the last night!
*By 11 am on Friday we were LOADED down in two cars leaving Clemson just as quickly as we had arrived.

I want to stop here and say this. I. LOVE. CLEMSON. What an amazing little town filled with wonderful people. The Lord gave Reed and me this short time in Clemson to teach us a lot of things and even though it was very short, we are so very thankful for every minute we spent there. We were blessed with a great church and small group, wonderful friends, and a great football staff. I loved my little house on Strawberry Lane and will miss it dearly. I am thankful for all the memories we made there.

*Friday, December 10th we arrived in Carthage about 8pm and started to unpack and get settled in.
*Sunday morning Reed left for Lafayette.
*On Monday, December 13th my mama drove me to Starkville for my first appointment with Dr. Pearson since this summer at about 16 weeks pregnant. The excitement of the weekend and I'm sure the 8 hour drive had done me in. I was 2.5 cm dialated and we scheduled an induction for Thursday, December 16th!
*I woke up at 1:30 Wednesday morning with really bad lower back pain. I waited and waited and walked around the house and finally woke my parents up about 3am. My in-laws came over to stay with Smith and my parents loaded me up and we headed to Starkville about 4am. I called Reed and he got up, showered, and left Lafayette at about 4:30.
*When we got to Starkville at about 5:30, I was surprised to find out that I had not dialated ANY MORE!!! Dr. Pearson came in and we made a plan.... He was leaving for his normal Wednesday morning trip to see patients in Kosciusko and Reed was still about 4 hours away. He told me to sit tight and we would start pitocin at noon. How fortunate to have MY doctor there with me and that he was kind enough to make sure he AND Reed would both be there for the delivery!
(The Lord's hand has been in every single detail of all this madness! I had three nurses throughout the day and I knew ALL of them!!! That would NOT have been the case at the huge hospital in Greenville, SC. What a blessing!)
*Pitocin started at noon... epidural at about 2:45... at 4:00 I was STILL only 4 cm...but by 5:00 I was 8 cm and getting ready to push!!!
*ANDREW BANKS STRINGER arrived at 5:30 and was 8 pounds and 20.5 inches. He was beautiful! He looked so much like Smith but so different, too! I couldn't believe his dark hair and olive skin!!!

After exactly two months living at my parents house with the boys and Reed in a hotel in Lafayette, we are back together again and getting settled into our new home.

Over the next few weeks, as I adjust to life with two little ones (I have had my parents help with the boys since day one) and tackle all these boxes (many of which have not been unpacked since we left Starkville) I plan to "archive" the past few months for my own sake and then back to blogging it will be.

hiccups make me happy.

2010-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

I am confident that I have experience one of my favorite moments in my entire life to date. I have been trying to get Smith to feel the baby kick forever and he has not been too interested, or at least didn't want to sit still long enough!

Baby Brother gets the hiccups ALOT and the other night I finally got Smith to sit down and put his hand on my belly. He thought it was THE greatest thing ever. He laughed and laughed and laughed. The faces he made were priceless! I could have sat and watched him feel his baby brother's hiccups for days.

I have a video I will try to upload soon.

I would normally NEVER post these pictures of me in my pjs....but I HAD to document my sweet boy and this sweet moment!

small group shower

2010-12-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

We have been so blessed to find a wonderful church here in Clemson and I love our Small Group. We meet on Sunday nights and this past Sunday all the guys went out to eat while the girls threw a baby shower!!! My friend Heidi is scheduled to have a sweet little girl on December 31st so they spent the night showering Heidi and me with wonderful gifts and lots of great food!

Tacky Christmas

2010-12-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a neighborhood "tacky" Christmas party last weekend and I totally forgot about it until about an hour before the party!!! I had great plans to be really creative when I first got the invitation, but my "mommy brain" got the best of me!!!

Smith and I weren't too hard...

(side note: I had to turn of my flashing light earrings for the picture)

But Reed was a chore. He wanted to be festive but I just don't have XXL Christmas sweaters laying around the house. Luckily, I had just bought myself a cute Santa nightgown that worked perfectly for him! I think if he tried to cross his arms it would have ripped right down the middle!!!

We were glad we remembered and made it to the party. We have wonderful neighbors and had a really FUN time!!!

football finale...

2010-12-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

We finally finished our football regular season and we loved every minute of it. Being a Clemson Tiger is lots of fun and Smith is the BEST ballgame buddy! I PROMISE there is not a two year old in the world that is as content as he is at a football game. It can be naptime OR bedtime and even freezing cold outside and my little man is good to go....when it's game time...he is HAPPY!

Congrats to the Tigers on a winning season and we can't wait for the Mieneke Car Care Bowl on December 31st!!!

"sucker m&m's"

2010-12-07T17:35:00.001-08:00

The ELF has made his appearance at our house and Smith loves him ALMOST as much as his daddy does! Reed loves this little guy and I have really enjoyed watching the two of them with the ELF... His name? "Sucker M&Ms!"

I'm not sure his name will stick around next year, but when I told Smith he had to be a "sweet boy" ...I think the first thing popped into his mind was SUCKERS and M&Ms....his frequent treats for being a sweet boy!!!

2010-11-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

A few of the coach's wives took me to dinner this week and loaded us up with amazing Gift Cards to finish up our "baby shopping!" It is such a blessing to have wonderful, caring women on the staff who have "been there and done that" WHILE their husbands were working 16 hour days, too!

We LOVE Christmas.

2010-11-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

Smith is spending the week in Mississipi with his WONDERFUL grandparents, so before he left, we wanted him to help us put the Christmas tree up!

You should know by now that Daddy LOVES Christmas and would leave the tree up year-round if I would let him.

So you can imagine his disappointment when he pulled the box up from the basement and realized that the bottom of our tree was MISSING! There were only 2 of the 3 parts! We guess it must have gotten "lost" in the move.

So we headed on a late night run to Lowe's for a new tree!

Smith ran and got his tools and loved helping Daddy!

We hope you are having fun getting ready for Christmas, too!

fall in my front yard.

2010-11-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

a visitor from the city.

2010-11-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Elizabeth, or as Smith says, Witz-betz flew in for a visit last weekend! Liz lives in New York City so we don't get to see her much. We were very excited when she decided to spend a relaxing weekend away from the city with US! Reed was away for a football game and unfortunately, Smith was sick the whole time she was here, but she was a trooper and completeld a crash course in Motherhood 101!!!

Hopefully, we will get to visit her in the CITY soon!

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see her again!

2010-11-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Smith is having fun helping mama prepare for Baby Brother's arrival!

Missi- sitti!

2010-11-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

Daddy was busy with football, so Smith and I took advantage and made our last trip to Mississippi to visit our family and friends before Baby Brother arrives!

Here are some highlights from our wonderful trip!

Smith and Anne Parks had so fun,

but they are a MESS when they get together!

Tizzie and Smith had a fun time at the church's Fall Festival.

Smith played LOTS of golf!

...and lots of cousin time, too!

Tizzie and Grandpa were happy to have everyone there!

Then we headed to Starkville to visit with MORE friends!

Lunch in Jackson with Kim!

Hanging out with Uncle Drew....

...and Ganne.

Smith also stayed a few nights with CC and Pop.

He spent the day with Gannie, too and they went to visit DeeDee!

We had a great time and can't wait for our next trip to

MS with Baby Brother in tow!!!

Elmo and a visit from Gannie!

2010-11-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

Gannie came to visit and we had a FULL weekend of fun!

Sesame Street LIVE!

"There's ELMO!" "Where'd ELMO go???"
The whole gang.

Game Day.

Gannie and Smith with the TIGER!!!

he's two.

2010-10-11T10:49:00.001-07:00

...and here are a few things that two year old boys do.

I picked him up from MMO this morning to find out that he was put in "time out" for TACKLING a little girl today! He has this new thing about wanting to "tackle" all the time. He knows he can't tackle momma and Baby Brother and that he is only supposed to tackle daddy...but I guess since daddy wasn't around, this tiny little girl at school would just have to do! I think my mother was right when she said that she hoped Baby Brother was born wearing a football helmet. I think he's gonna need it!

I guess the theme of the day is that my child is resourceful. Can't find daddy? Tackle the first person in site. Can't find a ball? Hit the first thing in site with a baseball bat.

After hearing a loud noise, I turned around and found this.

He wacked his juice cup (which happened to be FULL of V8 juice) with a baseball bat and juice went everywhere. He got in trouble and was sent to "time out!" When he saw this picture on my computer he said, "Smith's mess. Time out, momma. I sorry."

He may make a lot of messes and spend a lot of minutes in "time out" but he is the sweetest thing in the world and I love him!

Pendleton Fall Festival

2010-10-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Pendleton is a great little historic town outside of Clemson. They have a beautiful square and today was their annual Fall Festival. Smith and I headed out early for "donut balls" and then on to the festival. The weather is perfect here and we had a fun morning! Now we are back home gearing up to watch the Tigers play football on tv!

Smith loved the banjo music!

...he could have watch the banjo player all day!

Smith got to decorate his own pumpkin and he did a great job!

they even had a petting zoo!

the highlight of the day was the PONY RIDE!

he was so proud of himself and looked so big up there!

We hope you're having as much fun this fall as we are!!!

2010-10-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

the pumpkin patch at denver downs

2010-10-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Smith and I joined some friends from the MOMS Club at the pumpkin patch this week! There were lots of activities and the weather was perfect!

Smith and his friend McKain.

Smith made his way through the pumpkin patch...

and picked out the perfect pumpkin.

Of all the pumpkins in the patch, this is the one he wanted. I thought about making him put it back to get a "good" one, but it was just too cute and he was so proud of it!

It was the most beautiful day. Look at that sky!

hay maze.

horsey swing in the hay barn.

Pumping the well...

Smith loved the BIG tube slide. It was FAST and most of the kids Smith's size were going down with a parent, but I was alone and obviously didn't think 7 months pregnant and a 30 foot high tube slide were a good combination so I was proud of him for being so fearless and going alone!

The cow ride was a BIG hit with all the kids!

They also had a petting and feeding area with goats, sheep, and pigs.

Smith loved the goats.

Here he is making a goat sound.

When we got home, Smith wanted to put the pumpkins by "momma's fours."

I am so excited that October is finally here. It is one of my favorite months and I am already loving eveything about my first "REAL" fall in South Carolina!

10 things i loved about this weekend.

2010-10-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

1. I loved the homecoming displays.

Fraternities and Sororities are paired together to make what I called "non-moving floats." They have been working on their chicken wire/tissue paper creations all week and it has been neat to drive by and see them coming together! They were REALLY good and you would never guess they were make out of tissue paper!

2. I loved spending time with family.

Reed's brother Woody (Uncle Awesome) and his wife Jessie came to see us this weekend for the first time in Clemson. CC and Pop were here, too, and we had a great time!!!

3. I love that I am almost 6 feet tall and my husband makes me look short.

4. I love my two (and a half) boys.

5. I love that EVERYONE in Clemson wears ORANGE all. the. time.

....but that doesn't mean I am going to do it. I have realized that orange is just not my color AND I firmly believe that no pregnant woman should EVER wear orange, especially in OCTOBER!So I reverted back to my majorette days and decided that a festive TIGER PAW on our cheeks would have to do!

6. I love when Smith says, "Go Tigers!"

7. I love that we can walk to the football games from our house!

8. I love pre-game.

I am so impressed with Clemson's pregame. Besides all the excitment about the game, Howard's Rock, and running down the hill, they say THE PLEDGE, sing GOD BLESS AMERICA, sing THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, sing the CLEMSON ALMA MATER, and PRAY!!! It's GREAT!

9. I love Homecoming "Mississippi Style" much better.

Their version of homecoming was a tractor pulling a float with 5 girls on it...the Queen and her court. What happened to big poofy white dresses and being escorted by your daddy?

Clemson's Homecoming Queen

10. I loved watching Smith play with Uncle Awesome.

Woody and Jessie don't have any kids yet, but they will be ready when the time comes! Smith wore them out! I'm not sure if Woody or Smith had more fun but they BOTH had a blast!

We had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed our company!

Come back and see us again, soon!

abc123.MOV

2010-09-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

a rare day with Daddy.

2010-09-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Clemson doesn't have a ballgame this weekend which means that Daddy gets a rare day off! We had planned a great day trip to Sky Top Orchard and I was really looking forward to it, but I have been having some trouble with my hip and lower back and decided that I would give my body a break and not spend the day hiking and walking!

Instead, we took a morning trip to Greenville to "clock" the drive to the hospital where Baby Brother will be born, played around, and had lunch. Then we headed back to Clemson where Smith and I took Daddy to our favorite park to play!

Smith and I have BOTH enjoyed having Daddy around today and now we are back home waiting for our GUESTS to arrive from Mississippi!

Tizzie, Grandpa, and Ganne should be here soon!

a true DUNKER.

2010-09-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is what I found when I heard Smith calling me from the other room....
I guess that's what you get when you try to stand
on the couch and dunk into the goal!!!

high heels and happy times.

2010-09-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

***Preface: Sutton will be coming to Smith's house very soon to play with his workshop and tools, choo-choo trains and trucks, bats and balls, and ALL things BOY!

Smith and I spent the weekend in Columbia with the Beamers. Daddy was in Auburn and we decided to take advantage of him being away to go see our friends!

The kids had so much fun! (...and the Emily's enjoyed our time together, too!)

they played dress-up...

enjoyed the fountain at Sand Hill....

practiced for the 2025 Homecoming Parade...

and went to the park...

We had so much fun and can't wait to see them again, soon!

headed to the park!

2010-09-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

I asked Smith yesterday if he wanted to go to the park and he a few minutes later he came to me with backpack and keys in hand... He said..."C'mon, momma! On go park. I drive!"