The boys were lucky and got to spend a few overnights in Avalon, New Jersey with Steve's parents. They truly enjoy camping with them and we are thrilled that they get the opportunity to spend time with their grandparents doing things we don't typically do.
Steve and I traveled from Lewes to Cape May to pick them up after a few days. {Note} The title of this section is a tribute to Steve's dad. They boys filled out little Father's Day questions for all the fathers in their lives. William wrote in response to the question, "What does Grandpa always tell you?" "He always says let me tell you something."
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Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.
Earl Nightingale We are blessed with wonderful neighbors on Shady Lane. They have presented many new opportunities for our boys & we are thankful.
"Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." -Bob Feller
How do you describe a person that has exceeded all expectations in every aspect of your relationship? My husband, the father of our two boys, amazes me on a daily basis. He is strong yet sensitive. He continually makes us laugh. He provides for all of our needs. His sincerity is the most genuine I have ever seen. The kindness he expels encourages us to be better people. I am forever thankful we crossed paths 18 years ago. I was certain he was 'taken' when we first met. I lucked out! I am grateful he chose me to be the mother of his children, a partner in this world. Together we are raising two amazing boys in a home filled with love, laughter, choices, expectations, and responsibility.
The boys will be completing this little survey for Steve in celebration of Father's Day. I think it will be hilarious to hear their responses {in their own words}. The boys will also fill out one for each of their grandfather's. All documents are free for your personal use. Enjoy!
"It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert." -Jacques Yves Cousteau William has been telling us for weeks he didn't want to play in his Spring concert. Unfortunately, it is partly our fault as parents. We didn't force him to practice. Honestly, we didn't even encourage it. He told us he wanted to play last summer and we told him it was on him, as neither Steve or I play violin. My mom plays, but time constraints and distance make it hard for the two of them to get together. So, a year of school has passed that consisted of weekly lessons at school and hours of missed opportunities to practice at home. The easy thing would have been to say, "Okay, it is our fault you didn't practice. You don't have to do the concert." Believe me, it was enticing as the daily complaints grew in intensity. Ultimately, we explained he had two choices. He could play in the concert. Or, he could skip the concert. Both sides had rewards and consequences, but it was up to him to decide. For days, you could tell he was soul searching. William has always been a reflective, insightful boy. His wheels were turning as he gathered the strength to make a decision that he would be happy with. During his personal process, he indicated he was thinking of how we would feel as parents with his decision. We gave very little hints since we truly wanted this to be his decision. Ironically, I remember holding very close to my own heart my parent's views of choices I made in life. I know holding their approval/acceptance in my peripheral helped me walk a straightened arrow. It encouraged me to strive to be better and make them proud. William made a choice that day, with just hours to spare. He played in his first ever concert on June 5, 2014. Afterwards, he reflected on his accomplishments. "I am so proud of myself. I can't believe I did that. I am glad I played in the concert because if I didn't I would have missed the opportunity to feel so proud." -William Chandler Amazing. Lesson. Learned. Without further adieu, William in a last minute practice session . . .{watch til' the end}. A shout out to the little boy that put himself on the 'DL' last year. He didn't want to do another year of T-ball and we couldn't blame him. The one that now carries his glove around everywhere. Yes, this kid who had to use a back-up glove for tonight's game because he left his regular one in Daddy's truck. Well done! You hustled to first base after hitting every chance you had and fielded the ball so well that the other teams' coaches acknowledged your effort. You, young man, are turning out to be quite the ball player. We are so very proud of YOU! Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.
-Yogi Berra William had his first playoff game this evening. We had a slight rain delay & rain during the game. However, the team played well. William pitched during the 5th inning and caught a line drive. It completely surprised him & his expression was one I wished I had captured on film. After a valiant effort, they lined up, shook hands with the other team, and smiled. They didn't seem bothered by a 4-2 loss. They had fun and played hard. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. -Dolly Parton
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AuthorTraci, a wife, mother of two boys, Special Education teacher, and sole proprietor of Eco Alternatives LLC. Archives
September 2021
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