Started the treehouse project last weekend. Got the main platform framed out and secured to the oak tree in our backyard. My 8 year old son helped me attach most of the joists and he was so proud. Taking it slow and safe - doing a lot of checking online for weight loads and making sure everything me...
This morning before I've had coffee my 6 year old asks me why the sky is blue and if dinosaurs could have survived if we gave them medicine. Then wants to know why I have a beard and if I could grow it down to my feet. I'm sitting there half asleep trying to form actual words while she's just firing...
So the company actually came through and approved my request for 3 months when the baby comes in June. I should be thrilled right? But honestly I'm freaking out. My manager seemed cool about it but I keep thinking about how behind I'll be when I get back. Plus my salary is the bigger one in the hous...
Just thinking about how different my life is now. Used to go out 5 nights a week, slept til noon, made decent money doing events. Now my biggest thrill is watching my kid score in a game and I'm in bed by 10pm every night. I miss some stuff honestly - the money, the freedom, the parties - but I woul...
Saved up for like 6 months and finally pulled the trigger on the Traeger pellet smoker. I've been smoking brisket and ribs every weekend and my neighbors hate me but in a good way I think. Started a little side thing where I smoke meats for people's parties. Might actually make some money back on it...
So the court finalized things last month and I have the kids Wednesday nights and every other weekend. My ex and I are actually getting along pretty well which I'm grateful for but I'm struggling with the Wednesday night routine. By the time I pick them up from school and we eat dinner it's already ...
Got a nice wooden swing set kit delivered today. I've built some IKEA stuff before but nothing like this. Anyone have experience assembling these things? I've got Saturday and Sunday to knock it out. Should I rent some equipment or just go with my regular tools? Want to make sure it's actually safe ...
My 7 year old asked me what my favorite thing about being a parent is. I said "the punchlines are free and the kids are hilarious." He didn't get it at first then he did and he lost it. Wife rolled her eyes but I saw her smile.
Just got back from a 3 day camping trip with the boys ages 5, 8, and 11. What I learned: bring way more snacks than you think you need, set up the tent before everyone gets tired and cranky, and don't try to teach them fire safety when it's dark and they're cold. One kid didn't want to sleep in the ...
Started this project thinking it would take a weekend. We're on week 3 with about 5 more to go probably. I've learned a lot about structural integrity and also that my 7 year old is way more useful than I expected. He's been measuring, holding boards, helping me figure out angles. The treehouse isn'...
Used to play competitive shooters solo. Now my 9 year old and I play co-op games together a few times a week. He's actually getting pretty good at strategy games. It's not the same as my old gaming, less intense, but honestly it's way better. This is gonna sound cheesy but watching him get excited w...
My ex has been picking up our kids late almost every other week now. She says traffic or work runs late but honestly I think she's just not respecting the agreement we made. I don't want to be that guy but I'm trying to plan my life around this schedule and it's impossible. Should I document everyth...
Been going back and forth on this job for a year. Good work but felt stuck. Well they came through today with a real promotion, decent raise, and get this, they're letting me work from home 3 days a week. Perfect timing because my wife needs me more flexible this year. Took a risk negotiating for th...
Been working 50+ hour weeks for the past month but my wife needed me home more because she's dealing with some health stuff. Cut my hours back and rearranged my schedule. Money matters but family comes first, always. That's the deal I made when I got married. Providers take care of their people. It'...
Been working on this for months. This morning he just... did it. Double knot and everything. I literally teared up at the breakfast table. My wife thought something was wrong but nah, I'm just a proud dad.