Chance Family

Allergies

2009-03-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well it is now March and once again poor little Tommy is dealing with his really, super bad, horrible, worst I have ever seen allergies. While this only happens once or twice a year, I forget how bad his little face looks, how red his eyes get, and how hot his little body operates.

Thing is all the issues really don't bring him down at all. I was putting him in the car the other day and I told him "Sorry about your allergies" he looked me in the eyes as he rubbed the side of my head explained "It's ok, daddy".

I hate having a cold, I hate having a stuffy nose with itchy watery eyes. While I know these conditions bother him, he does not let it affect his joy. He is still the little boy who loves sports, loves his quad, loves his school, and loves his Church. He does however, ask Jesus to make his allergies all better every night in his prayers.

Sweet little guy.

Aaron James fortunately has been spared the Allergy gene from his mother. As a result, he is just pluggin along. While he is not yet crawling, he has been showing interest in becoming more independent. Believe me I can't wait until he takes up walking.......

Dan

Tic Tac Won Do

2009-02-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

I have written a few times about my passion for Krav Maga, the fighting and self defense that I have been practicing for the last couple of years. I am still doing it and have enjoyed training with my brother the last few months.

Well the time has come to get Tommy involved. For as long as I have been training he has wanted to be involved. Before and after I leave the house to train, Tommy will want to play Krav Maga with me. He swings and kicks, falls down, pretty funny stuff. Well now he is old enough or advanced enough to be able to take tiny tigers Taekwondo.

Our gym is moving so this evening we were in the vicinity of the new location so we stopped by to see the progress. I spoke with the GM Ryan and he made the determination that Tommy was ready to begin training himself. He got his uniform as well as his first assignment to do 3 Good deeds to receive his white belt.

He was sooooo excited when we got in the car it was all he could talk about on the way home. Tic Tac Won Do, is what he kept calling it. Annette and I were once again reminded of how precious these times are. I look forward for Tommy and eventually Aaron learning the skills to protect themselves as well as the self control aspects of the martial arts. Congrats Tommy Bob!!!

Greater Things

2009-02-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we all get confused and need direction in some way and in one way or the other. I am a follower of Christ, albeit better at it sometimes than other times. I have been struggling with a difficult decision that will have an enourmous effect on our family. Those effects are supposed to be positive, but the potential negative effects and the risk involved is what scares me and has become the main focus of this decision.

After going at in my own way, internallizing and dwelling on the potential impacts I came to the conclusion that I needed to seek guidance. I got in my car this morning and started thinking about who to seek, I prayed and asked God to not only help me with the decision, but to give me something to give me peace.

Well this afternoon, I logged onto my computer, I guess I had left the KLOVE website up on my computer from earlier in the morning. A song started to play, it was called "God of this City". A song that I had never heard before. Not paying it any attention I was contining living through the thoughts in my head when the chorus started to play, it was talking about the greater things that are yet to be done, and that greater things are still to be done in this city.

You see God is the ruler of my city, though he should be the mayor, I often religate him to a positon outside of city hall, because a lot of things I can do on my own. How wrong I am!!! I prayerfully asked for guidance and Peace, and God has provided me both, with the knowledge of respected source and a song that drove home what I needed to hear.

Updates later on the decision.......Until then, I will pray for you all, will you pray for us???

Tommy and Chandler

2009-01-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

Tommy and his best buddy Chandler Smoak both got quads from Santa. Sunday Jeff and I took them over to the park across the street to let them ride together as Jeff and I do often times. It was sooo much fun Until Tommy's quad ran out of battery...kinda sad he didnt want to have to stop. Next year I think that we will get the real deal.

Christmas

2009-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas, Tommy and Aaron both were sooo happy with what Santa had brought them. Here is a video clip of Tommy singing his favorite song with one of his new Santa Toys.

Funny Video

2008-12-09T10:10:00.001-08:00

My passion the last year and a half has been Krav Maga. I am now moving up the ranks in the advanced class. I am having a blast, and getting better with my boxing, kicking, and technical skills. As a result, Tommy has taken an interest in the sport. It never fails that at some point throughout the day Tommy will want to PLAY Krav Maga. The video below is a demonstration of his interpretation of what I do in class. This was taken on Annettes cell so the quality is poor.

Being a Better Dad

2008-12-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

I know that I probably sound like every parent, but I have got to say that I have two of the most precious kids. Tommy is so smart, his memory is beyond that of a supercomputer. He can remember where we went by landmarks on the way there. He knows mommy's office, where Grammy and Papa's Laundromat is, even where the kids discovery museum is in San Jose. Aaron, is great, smiley, and now knows who momma and dadda are, and can say our names whenever he wants to.

With that said, I just wish that I could be a better role model for them. I wish there was more time in the day to see them and teach them what is good about the world. As I see them interact with each other and with us, they represent what IS right and pure in life. No fear for tomorrow, no worries or pressure associated with life. Just a sincere love for living.

As I have been noticing this I have taken a look at my life and wondered where am I as a person. Why am I cranky sometimes? Am I too stern with the kids? Do I really need everything to be so perfect? Am I the dad my kids will actually look up to, and seek for guidance?

All of these questions are in mind at some point throughout my day. However, often times I get so busy with life that I fail to work on answering them. I find myself tired and cranky, and harsh with my family. Then I look back and wonder what really matters?

I have two of the best kids and wife a person could have. In reality the only two things in life to me that are important to me is God and my family. I feel that I have had a good example of a dad in my life, and wonder if I will be as good to my kids, or will they even care?

It is just as I get older (30 in July, errr) I realize that I cannot count on any aspect of society to teach or provide direction for my children. Leaving to demonstrate the good in life to both Annette and I. Seeing the excitement of Tommy's first real Santa Claus Christmas, has been like turning the clock back for myself and living that dream all over again. The anticipation, the real hope that Santa will bring that certain toy. It saddens me to know that this trust and belief in something so innocent and beautiful, will eventually be replaced by worldly pressures, crooked politicians, and irresponsible business operation on wall st.

You read parenting magazines they tell you not to give your child too much. Don't let them watch tv, more veggies. While there are aspects I support in those writings, I cannot see the logic in not rewarding what is so special. A time in a kids life where they have no knowledge of corruption. God has blessed us immensely, but I would give the world to my kids if I could afford it. Not because they need or don't need it, but because they deserve any and everything just because they are soooooo good and special.

What if instead of holding back on rewarding our kids in fear of spoiling them, we gave all we could to helping them develop and reinforcing that there are no limits to good behavior, intelligence, and sincerity. What if we taught them respect for their possessions, and that they are earned through hard work, in school, in play, and at home. If we tell them they can reach the stars maybe then, they may actually be able to reach them.

November...OMG

2008-11-14T08:38:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that it is almost Thanksgiving. I was working this am on budgeting for Christmas, hard to believe that it is that time again. Wow!!! This month is always a busy one for us. Monday will be our 7th Wedding Anniversary, really it does feel like just yesterday. God has blessed us immensely with a passionate love for each other, and two wonderful kids. As well as parent, siblings, and friends, that we love dearly. Thank you all for your support over the last 7 years, hard to believe that it has really been that long.

Check out the video below of Aaron rocking in Pod, hilarious. He will do this for like 30-45 mins, usually not making a sound. The picture below is a result of what happens next.

My sister had her 22nd birthday this week, and my parents celebrated 36 years of marriage the same day. My brother and sister-in-law will celebrate the 9th wedding anniversary on the 20th. We will celebrate my dad's, brother's, and Carly's birthday in the next week.

Oh yea, Thanksgiving is in there as well. Hey Football, Thanksgiving morning at Livermore High School, if anyone is in town, 8am.

Oh yea, we got a dog last weekend. Her name is Alley, she is a great dane. Too cute, well behaved. We named her Alley, "because everyone is afraid of a dark alley"..lol Her pic is in here as well

It would be great to hear from any and all of you. Hope all is well....

Dan

Halloween

2008-10-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have never been a huge halloween guy. The only thing I enjoy is scaring people, and I feel that that can be done anytime of year. Scaring my mom is a favorite activity of mine, however, I do like to jump out and scary Tommy (he loves it), and even Annette (she doesn't).

With that being said, I think days and celebrations such as Halloween are a great time to do things together as a family. Last week we took Tommy and Aaron to the pumpkin patch to get some pumpkins. Tommy enjoyed it as he does most things, and Aaron was a blast to watch. While looking for the perfect pumpkin Tommy say the "may corns" and wanted to go over there. Once we figured out what "may corns" was we agreed to take them to the "CORN MAZE".

That was a lot of fun, running in front of Tommy and scaring him was a blast. However, watching the excitment on his face as he run behind the rows of corn and tried to scare us was a priceless moment in time.

Aaron continues to grow, he is begining to look a little more preportionted as he is growing a neck, as mine starts to hide behind my chin.......errrr. Tommy is as talkative as always, and is now absolutly loving his school program. Every night when he lays down to sleep he want either Annette or I to lay there with him and talk about his day.....too cute.

Well finally here are some pics of pumpkin patch visit.

This weekend

2008-10-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Annette's brother and sister-in-law were in town from Washington state. We went out to eat and Sweet Little Aaron fell asleep in his highchair. You would not believe how many people stopped to take a look and smile. Except for one cranky old lady who looked at Aaron, looked at us, then walked away shaking her head.......Whatever. Not to be outdone, Tommy made sure that I took his picture as well.

Sunday

2008-10-14T07:25:00.001-07:00

After our trip to the Rubicon it was time for some family time with the kids. Tommy loves sports, so Annette and I took he and Aaron to their first 49er game. Tommy loved the cheerleaders, the inflatable helmet that the players run from underneath, he even loved the football game. The best part however, was his face when during the National Anthem there was a fly over with some military planes. Annette said his face was priceless. Here is a pic of both Tommy and Aaron sporting the "Game Faces".

The Rubicon

2008-10-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

A couple friends and I had the opportunity to do some riding in Tahoe at the famous Rubicon Trail. This trail is famous for its difficult terrain and seemingly impassible obstacles. Most people take there Jeeps on the trail, but we rode our Quads. It was an absolute blast.........Here are some pics.

Great Pic of TB

2008-10-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went with some friend and their two children to see the Veggie Tales. This is a picture that T. took and sent to me. Thanks for the pic T, too cute not to share.

Dan

Hillarious Video of Aaron Laughing

2008-09-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Funny Video of Aaron laughing at Annette. I think he gets that from me....lol. I dont know what is funnier, him laughing or her.

Pic of the boys

2008-09-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Here is Tommy and Aaron yesterday. Tommy had just taken a shower and wanted to watch TV with his bro. It is amazing to me how much they love each other.

Usually Aaron is kind of fussy the mornings when he is with the grandma's alone, but once Tommy arrives he is a different kid. On the way to school and on the way home Tommy is always asking where brother is.

Sweet little Aaron James is now 4 months old, he went in for his shots on Tuesday. "Tank" as he is affectionately called tipped the scales at close to 17lbs. 16/14 to be exact. Wow!!! I guess he has really taken hold of his nickname. Aaron is a pretty smiley little guy, way easier to coax a smile from him than it was to get Tommy to flash one. Must be that second child thing.......I would not know anything about that.

Dan

Veggie tales, Veggie Tales.........

2008-09-19T15:05:00.002-07:00

Lastnight we went with some friend and their two kids to see the Veggie Tales. Tommy loved it and Aaron even got in on some of the fun. Here are a couple pics of the big kids.

Breaks My Heart Twice a Week

2008-09-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

Tommy has started school twice a week for a half day at a time. We thought he was ready, and thought that it would help his developement with people other than his parents providing him direction.

The adjustment has not happened as fast as we had anticipated. Each day it breaks my heart as he crys when we leave him for the day. His second day at school he told his teacher that all he had to do is go outside and call his daddy and that I would be there to get him. The teacher asked me if I worked close to the school, I now know why.

As we have been trying to get him acclimated to the change, I laminated a picture of both Tommy and I, as well as Mommy and Aaron. That has seemed to help, but even today as I dropped him off he started to cry. I told him that he would be fine, he cryfully responded with "I don't want to be fine".

It is no reflection on the teachers at Sunset, but all Tommy wants is to go to his Church School and see Miss Debbie (Debbie Leglu). Here are some pics from his first day of school.

Just Got Back From Vacation

2008-09-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our annual 10 day trip to the Trinity Alps Resort. My family has been going for the last 24 years, and it has been so special to continue the tradition with my own family. Annette and I have had our own cabin the last 4 years and it so nice for everyone particularly now that we have 2 kids.

Here are some pics of the kids as well as some water ski videos. My new favorite thing to do is WakeSurfing. My brother and sister-in-law, as well as my parents bought me a board for my birthday.....check it out pretty cool, kinda boring to watch but so fun to do..

Otherwise things here are well, Tommy started school last week. His two half days are the days that Annette and I both work, so to help aide in his development as well as to relieve the Gmas from some of the work load, Tommy is now in school. I have a couple pics of the big boys first day, but i cant find my camera....Hmm.

Annette is back to work, again after vacation so if you need anything insurance related, she can help. Personal lines and small commercial are her deal, please pass her name a long to her friends, also her company is licensed in all 50 states so she is not limited to only California clients.

Post again soon..........
Dan

Me Wake Surfing/Annette Getting Air

Kids Say The Darndest Things

2008-08-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

All of the sudden Tommy has been dealing with his allergies this August. This along with potty training have lead to a few quotes that I wanted to share. Annette's mom, "Nana", has been watching Tommy on Fridays while Annette is at work for the last 2 years or so. Well his voice has been kind of horse as a result of his allergies, etc. So she told him that he had a frog in his throat.

Yesterday I driving down the road and Tommy says "Daddy I have a frog in my throat". I said "yea, where did you get it?". He explained to me "I got it at Nana's house", "from what" I asked, "eating grapes" he explained as if I should have known that grapes lead to froggy voices.

Then the other night Tommy, who has been soooooo good at potty training through the night, had an accident in his bed. So Annette and I stripped the bed, but instead of replacing the sheets, we wiped Tommy down and threw him in bed with us for the final hour before getting up. As we laid down, I pulled him close to me and asked "did you have an Accident?", his reply to me was "NO, I not have an Assident, I just want to get cozy!". Annette and I laughed as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Once again I am reminded to sit back and enjoy these moments, because every day Tommy and Aaron both grow and Mature. Tommy's sweet little lisp disappears a little more and his grammar and pronunciation improve daily. Soon stories like these will be about Aaron, and Tommy will be hitting home runs in little league...........I am thing a professional batting average of over .300 and 30+ home runs......mark it down now you heard it from me first.

Dan

Summer Activities

2008-07-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pics from our summer activities. We have been busy this summer. We recently made it back from a week in Lake Tahoe, then to a friend of ours beach house in Monterey. Then another weekend on the houseboat. We have been busy, and we have forgotten the camera. So once again all I have are few snaps from my cell phone. Hope everyone is doing well.

We have our annual trip to the Trinity Alps coming up. Annette goes back to work on the 18th, then on vacation the 23rd. Not a bad deal for her, ease back into the working world.

The top pic is of Aaron, who is becoming quite the smiling little boy, and the bottom is of Tommy who likes to wear my fight gear. Hilarious.

Dan

This Morning

2008-07-10T07:33:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke up to my regular routine, Tommy crying for his mommy walking down the hall at 5am, climbing in bed with me (Annette is usually with Aaron at this time of the day), kicking me and rubbing my head until I get up at 6:24am. Today was no different, except I realized how grown up my little boy Tommy is becoming.

After my shower I got dressed, Tommy then started stirring and popped out of bed as if he was never asleep. I then checked his diaper and put him on the potty where he did his business. He told me that he deserved chocolate for being dry all night. Not wanting to discourage his good efforts I agreed and he went off to the Kitchen. I then walked over kissed Aaron and Annette good bye, and headed to the kitchen for my phone, gay-bluetooth, and wallet. I met Tommy in the hallway and he gave me a big hug and kiss with chocolate in his hands. He said "lub you daddy" and "I walk you out". Once again I conceded and he walked behind me as I grabbed my supplies for the work day. Then to the garage door to grab my shoes, and out the door. There he was right behind me, chocolate in hand walking me to my truck. I opened the door, started my truck and gave my little man the biggest hug, not wanting to let go...........He said "lub you" again and walked back through the garage never looking back, eventually getting to the door leading into the house. I hurriedly backed my truck into the street, I saw Tommy start to close the door then stop to take one last look as I pulled away. He reopened the door and gave me a big smile and a waved goodbye. Fighting back tears I pulled away from my house thinking about how lucky and blessed I am to have a family who love each other, and want nothing more than to spend time with each other. Not afraid to say "I lub you" to much, or give a kiss when the moment is right. I have been blessed.

As my 29th birthday comes this weekend, I am reminded how fast life goes, and to ignore moments like these would make time go just that much faster. I leave you with this cliche', Remember to live, laugh, and "lub" because tomorrow is soon yesterday, and yesterday you may have been 28.

Dan

Time may change the faces and even the belt line, but the good times remain the same.

2008-07-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

Things here have not slowed down since Aaron's Birth. We have been on the move every weekend with one weekend as the exception, and that weekend we entertained at the A's game. Annette is doing well since her delivery, she is back to Krav Maga, our self defense class. Google it, it is pretty cool. And I have been continuing with my activities, softball, Krav, and boating.

We have been making good use of the houseboat, every weekend actually, been a good time for all of us. I read this book called "Raising Dad" and the key point I took from the first half of reading was to make memories. I remember so much of my childhood, and how fond I am of the memories that I have with both my parents. I feel that it is essential that Tommy and Aaron both have great memories of us as a family. I know that those memories will include all those who surround us/them, thank you for that.

As for everything else, I have some terrible pics from my celly that I will post, a couple of "Tank" (Aaron) and a few of Tommy. Tommy still loves baseball, and has taken a keen interest in golf. He loves to hit at the driving range with me. One of the pics is of him with his first Otter Pop, pretty funny. Sorry had to post the pic of my buddy Jeff and I posing with Wonder Woman.

Hope everyone is doing well, hope to hear from you soon.................

Dan

Tommy Spelling His Name

2008-06-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

More recent pics of the boys.....Check out the video on the bottom

Here is a video that I thought was too cute not to share. Proud Big Brother spelling his own name.

New Pics

2008-06-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is Tommy being the perfect big brother.......he is also demonstrating to his little brother what "big boy" pants really look like....

It Has Been a While

2008-06-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
It has been a while since we have had time to update our blog, but OMG what a difference a second child can make to a family. Aaron is now 2 1/2 weeks old and is starting develope a little stubborn personality, Annette is quick to point out that he is "just like his dad", although I dont know what that means. Anyways he is healthy, and sleeping most of the night....no complaints there.

Tommy has adjusted well and is taking really good care of his little brother. Rubbing his head and giving him kisses. We have our announcements so you all should be recieiving them soon.

I will attach some photos of our recent activities.......Hope all is well with everyone love to hear from you.

He is Finally Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

It is with great joy that I bring this post. Yesterday at 6:35am Annette gave birth to our second son Aaron James Chance. Aaron weighed in at 7 pounds 5 ounces and 20" long. He has incredible black hair and has been pretty quiet in his first day of life. Tommy is adjusting well, and I have caught him looking at Aaron when he thinks no one else is looking at him. Trying to figure it all out......

Annette did so well, I am so proud to be her husband and best friend. She completed her labor after four pushes. We are all kind of tired, but moving forward with our new addition. Here are some pics of Aaron and the rest of the family.

A quick thank you to our family and friends who helped out tremendously these last few days. Thanks for your visits, babysitting, encouraging words, and just your presence in our lives we love you all

NST

2008-05-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Annette had a doctors appt yesterday. We saw our favorite doc Eaton who is just absolutely awesome. Anyways, he said that he wanted Annette to go to Labor and Delivery for a Non-Stress Test. No big deal, high blood pressure (probably from me) and protein in her urine(probably not from me). So we hustled over to the hospital where of course everything checked out good. We have to go back on Monday to get checked out again, another NST. Otherwise things are fine, she has been feeling good for the most part. Wednesday, Annette had contractions for 5 hours. Every five minutes, lasting one.....but nothing.

As for other stuff, have you heard the song by bluefield about the butterfly. Awesome song, been released on country radio in last couple of weeks. The singer is the guy who wrote the BBQ Stain song for Tim McGraw, as well as Do it Anyway preformed by Martina. Pretty good message, it is about abortion, pretty bold song in today's world. Her is the link to their myspace. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

http://www.myspace.com/bluefieldband

Sweet "TB"

2008-05-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of sweet Tommy Bob last weekend on the boat. He experienced his first tube ride behind the boat with mom at the helm. He had so much fun that he had to take a long nap afterward. See attached.....lol

Softball

2008-05-15T14:45:00.001-07:00

What to do about softball. There are few things that I do that I love more than softball, so you can understand the dilemma I face in figuring out what to do. We have been playing softball for the last 7 years, it has been a blast, and we have created quite a reputation around town as being one of the more competitive teams.

However, I have been struggling getting people to pay, let alone show up for games. It becomes frustrating to me because I have a lot of money invested in this, simply because people fail to pay me back the league fees. Fees run me $1,500 twice a year, the occasional non-payer is expected, but the last two seasons have gotten ridiculous. Now in addition to people not paying, they are not showing up.

So I have a lot of money invested in a game that I love, but can't ever win because we can never field a full team. And the times we can field a full team the chemistry is not there because there are unfamiliar people playing unfamiliar positions, just annoying.

I have decided to take a season off in hopes of sparking a little more interest and possibly accountability. But in doing so means I will no longer be playing ball on all those nice warm summer nights.

What to do........

Every 20 Mins

2008-05-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

So Annette just called me and it seems that she is having contractions a little more regularly. Every 20 mins or so lasting for about 1 min. I am getting really excited to see little Casey John Chance.................JK thats not his real name.

Guess Not

2008-05-06T10:02:00.001-07:00

According the Cranky doctor who had been up all night......no news.

Is Today the Day??

2008-05-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

After having contractions the whole day yesterday, Annette experienced the uncomfortable gift all night last night. We have a doctors appt. this morning, so I guess that will determine how soon we are going to see the face of our little boy.Annette has a high tolerance for pain, so when I ask her how bad she just says not too bad.

When Tommy was born, the hospital was going to send us home because she did not show the signs of discomfort and that there was no way that she was in Labor. How wrong were they.......I will post after I know something......Otherwise continue to pray for her and the baby as the time approaches.

Our new favorite thing to do

2008-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

We purchased a houseboat because we will soon be having a second child (boy), we thought that it would be easier to just stay on lake than go home every Saturday evening. We have been out on the lake ever since the middle of March (Freezing Cold). The lake level sucks, but there is still a lot of lake left. Come play anytime

Last Week

2008-04-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Tommy, Annette, and I at the A's game last week. He loves to chant "Lets Go Oakland!!!!!!!!"

First Blog

2008-04-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, My college friend has been sending me updates to her blog and Annette and I decided that it would be fun to start our own.....Crazy weird. Anyhoo, things here are going well, we are getting ready for our second son due to arrive sometime in the next few weeks. Annette is doing well, different this time around for sure. But needless to say that I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, and a most excellent son Tommy.

Last night Tommy woke up with a hacking cough, although I think that it sounds horrible and real, Annette seems to think that it was a ploy to get some attention. Who knows, but how can you not love something that sweet.

Well I had to post something on our new blog, I will put some pics up later.