Our First Camping Trip

Enjoy the sites and sounds of our camping trip to Hunting Island, SC on May 20th - 22nd, 2011.

This is Mitchell and Landon's first camping trip and our first vacation shot with our new Sony NEX-5.

Mitchell's Life Coach Video Blog #5

Need Groceries - Mitchell answers your toughest life questions in this video blog series. Send your questions via http://twitter.com/jdestratis or in the comments below.

Mitchell's Life Coach Video Blog #4

Better Gas Mileage - Mitchell answers your toughest life questions in this video blog series. Send your questions via http://twitter.com/jdestratis or in the comments below.

Mitchell's Life Coach Video Blog #3

Mitchell answers your toughest life questions in this new video blog series.

Send your questions via http://twitter.com/jdestratis or in the comments below.

Mitchell's Life Coach Video Blog #2

Mitchell answers your toughest life questions in this new video blog series.

Send your questions via http://twitter.com/jdestratis or in the comments below.

Mitchell's Life Coach Video Blog #1

Mitchell answers your toughest life questions in this new video blog series.

Send your questions via http://twitter.com/jdestratis

Dr. Kelly

My Sister in law Kelly was recently interviewed on the dangers of tobacco use. Kelly looks like a pro on TV... check it out.

Wonderful World

Its safe to say that our boys enjoy listening to music... and singing along. In this video, Mitchell handles the vocals and the guitar while Landon works the percussions. They're still working on tightening things up, but I figure this is pretty good for a 2 and half year old and 1 year old.

Number 100 (Our Return to South Carolina)

I've had 99 posts on my blog for a long time... and was really looking for a good reason to publish my 100th post. That day is today. Today we move back to Irmo, SC

I've been talking about it on twitter and facebook for the last few weeks, so it probably not a surprise to those who are reading this. It's been almost 3 years since we lived in our house in Irmo, but after many heartaches trying to rent and sell the house we decided to reconsider our approach. Ever since we moved to Massachusetts in 2007 we've lived in several apartments and family members house's (my grandfather's house, Charlie and Nancy's house, a duplex we rented, and my Dad's Condo).

We are totally thankful for everyone in our family who has helped us in our attempt to move to the central Massachusetts area. Our first choice would have been for the house to sell and then with a little savings put away, we could then look for a house in the Worcester area. That didn't happen. And with the understanding that the real estate market wasn't favorable for us to sell, we realized that the best house we could buy for our family is the house that we already owned.

My Dad and my in-laws, Charlie and Nancy have provided a place for us to live for a majority of our time in MA... and unanimously offered to let us stay here as long as it takes. We couldn't be more thankful for their generosity. Also, my company IKON, has been very understanding. They hired me in 2005 in South Carolina, even though I still lived in Holden, MA. In 2007 the transfered me to the Boston area and now they are transferring me back to the Carolinas. Without that kind of flexibility this move would not be possible.

As you can see, we are conflicted about this move. On one hand, its an admission that our original plan to move back to Massachusetts didn't work and we will not be able to live close to our family. On the other hand, we can finally take advantage of a house that has spent the last 3 years either vacant or occupied by tenants who thought paying us rent was optional. Erin and the boys will be able to take advantage of our yard (though I have a lot of work to do on that) and a park that is within walking distance. We'll also jump back into our strong group of friends, many of whom also have small children. Plus, its hard to ignore the improved weather scenario (we never go skiing or really take full advantage of the New England weather). So, in the end we are excited and optimistic for this move back to our home in South Carolina.

So, for those of you in the New England area, we will miss you. We'll be back for vacations and holidays, so hopefully we'll see you then. And to our friends in South Carolina, we are looking forward to see you on a regular basis. To everyone, we truly appreciate your support. We couldn't be more thankful.

- Jason, Erin, Mitchell, Landon & Remydog

Coincidence on My Way to New Jersey

Coincidence was all around me on Friday, December 11th, 2009. I woke up totally excited about how the day was going to unfold. My enthusiasm was due to the fact that I was about to hit the road and drive to my brother's house in New Jersey. Chris turned 30 that day... and I figure that was only going to happen once. Surprising him at his front door seemed like the right thing to do. As a father of 2 young boys, I don't get to do leave for a night very often, but in this case, Erin really encouraged me to make the trip.

I also felt like there was something more significant than the trip. There was something about this nearly spontaneous decision to take on the open road that was inspiring me. It might have been the left over joy I felt from the hugs I got from Erin and the boys before I left or that I sense life change in the near future. But mostly, I was excited to see the next scene of my life story take place... a chance to see a band that my brother and I haven't seen together since 1997. Switchfoot was playing at the TLA in Philadelphia and we had tickets... only Chris didn't know that I had one as well.

Switchfoot always inspires me. Their music is the poetry of hope that I need to hear when I feel like my heart is in a rut. Just list the titles of their songs and I start to feel inspired: "Meant to Live", "This is Your Life", "Dare You To Move", "Awakening" and so many more. On the drive down to see my brother, I promised myself that I would sing the words of these songs until my voice was sore. It felt like the thing the 1997 version of myself would do.

I was excited about one other thing on this trip. I haven't been doing much reading over the past several months and this trip was going to include 10 hours of drive time. So, I signed up for Audible, the audio book service that allows you to download a book and listen to it on an MP3 player or phone. I decided to listen to: "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller. The poignant question posed at the beginning of the book is this: "Why would you want a Volvo or anything of perceived value if you wouldn't be interested in watching a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo?" To put it another way, the elements that make up a story for a great movie are the same elements that make up a great life.

I was seriously challenged by this premise. I mean, I've always known that real value in life is generated by the relationships we cultivate and not the things we accumulate. But I never thought of putting life in the context of a good story. I love a flawed character, vibrant scenes, the challenge of the antagonist and so many of the other components of a great story. I just never thought of those elements of story being important to my life.

And in that moment, somewhere on I-84 in Connecticut, I realized the coincidences all around me. The book, the band, the trip, and my relationship with my brother. I was about to play out a major scene in the story of my life... the kind of musical montage that sums up my relationship with my brother. Just picture us walking on South St. in downtown Philadelphia, eating a Cheese Steak and having a drink all while the sounds of Switchfoot played in our heads... "This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?"

Calculator (The story of my trip to Burlington, MA)

As some of you heard on twitter today, I went to Burlington, MA for a training event at work. It was a pretty good event with plenty of food and the promise of a prize for those who could answers questions at the end. Like any other perpetually broke person, I was excited for the chance to get something for free. That included a free lunch, which also made it a poor choice for me to go to the Chick-fil-A at the Burlington Mall... so I didn't go (refer to the tweet).

Anyway... back to the point. I was anxious to answer a question at the end of the training so that I could reap the benefits of paying attention all day long. The first question was impossible, so I didn't raise my hand. The second question was a little more realistic and my hand rapidly flung up in the air as if I had channeled the 4th grade version of myself. I confidently... and correctly answered the question and was rewarded the 1st prize.

It was a calculator.

I tried not to look outwardly disappointed but I'm sure a smirk flashed across my face. After we were dismissed, I put it with my things and headed for home.

When I got home, Mitchell greeted me with his usual enthusiasm. It's a joy that can't be explained until your 2 year old runs up to you, hugs your leg and yells, "My daddy's home!" I started to look for a place to put my things down; Mitchell followed me to the couch, with Landon looking on from his spot on the floor. Mitchell asked what has now become a very common question, "... This is...?" (interpretation: What is this?) I showed Mitchell and Landon my new calculator. The wonder and amazement was over the top. "A Calculator!.... WOW!" In an effort to keep things equal, I actually handed it to Landon first. He didn't say anything, but he did grab onto it with his unusually strong, 9 month old hands as if to say, "I love this calculator!"

The calculator was free. The reaction was priceless. These are the invaluable moments available in parenthood no matter how broke you think you are.

(Plus... the calculator situation reminded me of this SNL skit from last year. Check it out!)

Happy Birthay Erin (Mommy) - We love you!

Erin - On your birthday, I wanted to take a moment to publicly brag about the amazing mother and wife that you are! Mitchell, Landon and I are blessed every day by the little things and the big things that you do.


We've been together for 10 years now. Back then, I wasn't conscientiously thinking, "I want to marry her because she is going to be a phenomenal wife and mother", and yet I knew that you were the perfect woman for me and whatever children we may have. I couldn't put it into words then, but there was something about your ability to care for others that drew me to you. I couldn't resist.



And now 10 years later, I get to see how that potential to love as it is actually lived out every day. Every day you nurture and challenge us to be more caring ourselves. For the boys, they don't know any better. As far as they are concerned, Mommy and Daddy love them... period. For me, I know that they are loved by a woman who's capacity to care for her children far out ways my wildest expectations. I can't tell you how many times I come home from work to hear of the latest example of what you and the boys do for fun and learning and think to myself, "how does she think of so many great ideas?"



So... I wanted you (and everybody else) to know that I love you! I know the boys love you (Mitchell says it with words and Landon says it with his eyes) . They can't resist... and neither can I.

- Jason (Mitchell & Landon)

Mitchell Likes Ice Cream

In case you haven't seen Erin's blog, here is a video she recently posted of Mitchell expressing his love for ice cream.

Landon Cosmo DeStratis

Many of you have already seen the news on Facebook... but in case you haven't heard, Landon Cosmo DeStratis arrived at 2:53am on Sunday, February 15, 2009. He weighed in at 7lbs 6oz and 21 inches long. Erin and Landon are healthy and happy... and so is Mitchell!

Mitchell, Remy and the Tennis Ball

Mitchell really enjoys playing, "ball" with Remy.

My mother's husband's sister's son Maurico.

Have I ever shared that my mother's nephew (by marriage) is a spectacular amateur golfer?  We were in Puerto Rico this past week.  

From Puerto Rico -October 2008

I had assumed that he was no longer playing competitively, however while hanging out at his parents house, his father Oscar let us know that Maurico had been doing well in the World Amateur Championships.  Here is the update below.

USA clings to two shot lead

The USA, bolstered by matching 5-under-par 68s from Rickie Fowler and Jamie Lovemark, opened up a two-stroke lead over Scotland at 10-under-par 136 in the first round of the 2008 World Amateur Team Championship.  Playing at the par-73 Royal Adelaide Golf  Club, the Americans capitalized on optimal scoring conditions.

“We are off to a good start. All three played well,” USA captain Walter Driver said of his team. “Conditions were benign here at Royal Adelaide.

"Until we play both courses, it’s hard to tell exactly where you stack up against the field.”

Fowler, the American collegiate player of the year in 2008, made five birdies in his first nine holes and finished with seven against two bogeys. Lovemark, who won the American collegiate title in 2007, carded an eagle, four birdies and one bogey. Billy Horschel’s 1-under 72 did not count for the USA.

Mauricio Muniz of Puerto Rico shot the lowest round of the day, an 8-under 64, at The Grange’s West Course to pace his team into third place at 137. His score was one stroke shy of the championship record of 63 by Jason Dawes of Australia in 1994 and just the fourth 64 on record.

“I think I got the speed of the greens just right,” Muniz said. “I was reading the putts. The key was the speed of the greens. They are a lot faster than in Puerto Rico. Once I got comfortable with the speed, the putts started falling in.”

Trailing Puerto Rico were France and Wales tied for fourth, New Zealand and South Africa tied for sixth, Sweden in eighth and England, Korea, defending champion Netherlands and Spain tied for ninth.

In the World Amateur, the team’s two best individual scores count.

It's a boy!

Today was a big day. 20 weeks into the pregnancy and we're finally able to find out the gender of the baby. Erin has felt like this pregnancy has been so different from Mitchell that she believed this baby was likely to be a girl... and I felt like the probability of girl to boy was about 60:40... but... there was no doubt, this baby is a boy!

From September 2008

This is the profile view.

From September 2008

Erin thought that this was a cute shot of his foot.

From September 2008

This is proof of his manhood (don't' embarrass the boy by staring).

Mitchell is Walking

Enough said!

Filson Bluff

Have I shared with you that our beautiful property in South Carolina is available ? Check it out for yourself at www.123filsonbluff.com .  Yes, its true, our house in Irmo is on the market.  Over the past year and a half, we've rented the property out, but it is now on the market just in time for you to escape the harsh realities of the northeast (or wherever you are).  Enjoy walks with the dog and the family around the Foxborough Hills neighborhood.  Jump in the car, and you're only 10 minutes away from every retail option you can imagine in the Harbison area.  The housing market in the Carolinas is one of the only places in the country to hold its value despite the housing market slump, so you can feel confident that you are investing wisely.  

Big Brother

Many of you have already heard that Mitchell is going to be a big brother! Erin is 3 months pregnant with baby #2 and hoping to be out of the woods in terms of nausea soon. She has said that the morning sickness and other pregnancy related ailments are more intense this time around, but she's been doing a great job managing it. Mitchell hasn't specifically said how excited he is, but based on his enthusiasm for his new cousin Brody... I think he's going to be ready.



We'll find out if baby #2 is a boy or a girl on September 30th. The cool thing is that Mitchell and his new younger sibling will be just under 2 years apart, which is the same as my brother Chris and I. And while I'm sure we were a handful for my mother, our closeness in age provided for a lot of fun times. Anyway, I'm sure Erin will post some more information on her blog, http://erindestratis.blogspot.com/