Spent 10 years climbing the ladder at a big firm. Making great money but working 60 hour weeks and missing everything. Missed my oldest's first day of school because of a meeting. That was the moment. Took the leap into freelancing 2 years ago and yeah the paycheck is smaller but I'm home by 3pm mos...
Taking 4 families out to the lake for a long weekend in July. We're doing tents, cooking over the fire. I'm in charge of meal planning and I want to do something better than hot dogs and beans. Thinking burritos for one night, maybe some kind of cast iron skillet meals? What have you guys done that'...
Started at 4am Saturday with a 12 pounder, kept the temp at 225, wrapped it at the stall around hour 8. Pulled it at 6pm when the probe went in like butter. We had about 20 people over and that thing was gone in an hour. Everyone was asking for my rub recipe and technique. Honestly the hardest part ...
Went with a simple design, 2x4s and plywood, took me maybe 8 hours total with breaks. Used pocket holes for cleaner joints and they turned out pretty solid. Kids think they're the coolest thing ever. Their room looks way less cramped now and we actually have floor space for them to play. Constructio...
First time really committing to it and holy crap we're getting way more produce than expected. Tomatoes, zucchini, peppers are all producing like crazy. The zucchini especially, we're giving them away to neighbors because we can't keep up. Downside is the watering schedule is intense in this heat. W...
Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing my kids a disservice teaching them to be respectful, hardworking, and traditional when the world seems to reward the opposite. But then I remember that being a good man isn't about what's popular or easy, it's about character. So I keep teaching them to stand firm, tr...
We've been separated for 6 months and things are finally getting official. I want to see my kids as much as possible but I also want this to be easy on them. Does anyone have experience with a mediator? Like should I expect the process to be super adversarial or can it actually be civil? My ex and I...
I get the kids every weekend but my ex handles all the school logistics. I found out about a teacher conference from my oldest and it kills me that I wasn't included. We're pretty amicable for the most part but I don't know how to bring this up without sounding like I'm questioning her ability to ha...
Started a spreadsheet of dad jokes organized by age and difficulty level. My wife thinks I'm insane. She doesn't understand that this is serious preparation. By the time this kid is born I'll have 300+ premium content ready to go. Dad jokes are my love language at this point.
My old man taught me that being a man means keeping your word, respecting women, and standing up for what's right even when it costs you something. I'm trying hard to pass that on to my two boys. No excuses, no shortcuts, no talking bad about people behind their backs. Teaching them that your name a...
I love my kids more than anything but I feel so isolated sometimes. All my time and energy goes to them and I've lost touch with my friends. My wife is overwhelmed so we don't get much couple time. I feel like I'm just existing not living. Started looking for a dad's group at my church. Hoping to fi...
Been working with him for like 3 months. Today he just took off down the driveway and didn't fall. I was running behind him like an idiot with my phone recording. My wife came out and started crying. Best day ever man. He's asking to ride again tomorrow. I'm exhausted but so proud right now.
My kids are asking harder questions about why bad things happen and why people act the way they do. I want them to understand that we live in a broken world but that Jesus is our hope. I want to protect their innocence but also prepare them spiritually. Been reading some books on Christian parenting...
Our daughter is 6 weeks and we're doing combination feeding. When I give her a bottle, she seems way more content than when my wife breastfeeds. I'm worried my wife thinks I'm taking over or something but I genuinely want to help. Also how do I know if she's getting enough? She seems to drink the wh...
Did 8 years in the Army and that was my whole identity. When I got out I had no idea who I was without it. Found out I was a dad though and that became my new mission basically. Had to learn how to be present instead of always being in soldier mode. Miss the brotherhood and the structure but being t...