1. What name were you given at birth?
Cynthia Dale Burke. Named after Dale Evans Rogers, wife of Roy Rogers, yes...the cowboy. My mom was (still is) a fan and collector of Roy and Dale memorabilia. And yes, I've heard "Be glad she didn't name you Trigger" once or twice in my lifetime. ;-)
2. What is your hometown/town of birth?
2. What is your hometown/town of birth?
St. Louis, Missouri. GO CARDINALS!!! My family is all still in St.Louis, so we have a very close connection to my hometown. Plus, it's technically my hubby's hometown too. It's always fun to see old friends when we go back to visit.
3. What was your major in college? Any regrets?
3. What was your major in college? Any regrets?
Elementary Education, University of Missouri-Columbia (MIZZOU!). No regrets.
4. What was your career before being a mom?
4. What was your career before being a mom?
I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in 3rd grade, bossing around my sister and all the other littler kids on the block making them play "school." I taught 3rd grade in Madison, Wisconsin while Chris was in grad school for 6 years. When Andrew came along, I took a leave, and then we literally left. For the West Coast. Now that he is in SECOND grade (what?!) I miss the classroom terribly. But I am coping by volunteering all of my free time at the school, and will be PTO president for the next two years. I'm chalking that one up to a resume builder and hopefully making some good reference connections. :-)
5. How did you meet your significant other?
5. How did you meet your significant other?
Chris and I met in February, 1991, in High School. Yep. HS Sweethearts. We were both in Orchestra (he, much more talented than I), and we were taking a train trip to Chicago to see Phantom of the Opera (since we had just played that for our Pops Concert). I was taking pictures the whole time, and he was cracking jokes left and right. Did I mention my parents were on this trip too? ;-) Long story (albeit a cute one) short, I broke up with my current boyfriend when we returned, and started dating Chris a month later. Our relationship survived me leaving for college (I was a year older), a move (his family to MN), and then different colleges. We were married July 31, 1999 (in St. Louis...it was 105 degrees that day), and just celebrated our 11 year anniversary. Next February, we will have been together for 20 years. Wow. That sounds crazy even to me! We're celebrating by Chris taking Sabatical and heading to Hawaii (without children).
Chris and Cyndie, 1991
6. What are the ages of your babe(s)?
Andrew Michael, 7, starting second grade in the fall
Lauren Grace, 3.5
I attempt to blog about our family here, although I've just started: http://peltofamilyblog.blogspot.com/
7. What are your hobbies?
Lauren Grace, 3.5
I attempt to blog about our family here, although I've just started: http://peltofamilyblog.
7. What are your hobbies?
Photography, running, Stroller Strides!, music, biking, Geocaching with Andrew, anything active and fun! Couldn't do any of it without my daily Cup (or two or three) of Joe! ;-)
Right now it's my smart phone. Seriously, I don't know how I would keep track of the insanely busy schedule my kids keep without it. Plus, I can play on Facebook all. the. time. ;-)
9. Why do you participate in SS?
Chris, Cyndie, Andrew and Lauren