Wasn't he cute? Then look what happend. He grew up! Hard to believe but it's true, Tucker turned 16 last Tuesday evening. A pretty low key family event. We went out for dinner at Taco del Mar (his choice) then came home for peanut butter pie (again his choice) with Oma & Opa. We got him a couple DVDs and the blue Italia soccer jersey. (Even as a baby he looked good in blue. Still does.) He has a little more hair than back then but still has great eyes. When asked recently by the missionaries what kind of things you get to do when you become a priest, Mr. Smartypants Teenager responded "Date!" Then he answered seriously. But truly, turning 16 is all about dating. Only problem...no money. And mom and dad are not paying for dates. (That's just the mean kind of parents we are!) He is also quite anxious to drive and has visions of getting a car. Again...no money. I'm sure it will all sort itself out over time. Serenity is fleeting though. The next day, he found out he would not be making the high school soccer team this year :-( Why? Not because of his lack of ability. In fact the coach told him he had what it took to make the JV team. Problem? Poor grades. He had been hoping that he could make the team and then get his grades up but the coach said Tucker obviously did not want to be on the team badly enough to do well in school. Hard lesson to learn but we are thankful to coach reinforced what we had been saying all along at home. On one hand, you hate to see your kids have to go through something so disappointing. But on the other, it is important that they learn that there are always consequeces (good or bad) for choices that you make in life. He just happened to suffer for some poor choices he made all this past fall (not turning in homework, not doing homework, not studying for tests....) Life is like that. Your choices always catch up with you sometime.
Other than his scholarly underacheivement, we can't complain about him too much. He makes good decisions in so many other areas. (Although Dennis really struggles with the flippy hair. Myself I prefer to pick other battles.) We are looking forward to this Sunday when he will be baptising Cooper. I think it will be an amazing experience and something that they will both remember all their lives. Spencer will also be ordained to be a Deacon this Sunday and Tucker will stand in with that as well (I think). A big priesthood weekend coming up for the Chandlers. Mom, Dad, Roberta, Aleta and her three youngest will all be here for it. We are really looking forward to it.
2 comments:
WoW! Hard to believe he's 16! You're right he was a handsome baby and is still a good looking young man.
I'm SO glad the coach stood his ground. We have one coach here who is really good about that and several more who are "flexible" the difference in the caliber of the students is marked. Not to mention the lifelong lesson that is being taught. Sorry to hear he won't get to play- but I concur with your sentiment about natural consequences. Those are the best and most lasting teachers.
I hope all goes well this weekend and that you enjoy the visit.
I'm super impressed that the coaches stuck with the academic standards. That is quite uncommon particularly in small schools. It IS good for him to see there are consequenses everywhere not just with mom and dad.
He has always been such a fun happy guy, and though I too am not a fan of the flippy hair I think it is small compared to all the other great things about him.
I'm jealous of everyone coming for the big days for your boys.Wish I could be there too. I hope it all goes well and that it is the memorable day you are hoping for.
ps. good kids don't turn out very often without some good parenting.
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