I'm in a rut with meal planning. Keep making the same 5 things over and over. Taco night, pasta, chicken with rice, pizza, burgers. The kids aren't picky eaters thank god but I want to actually cook something different without spending 2 hours on it. What are your quick wins that don't feel like tot...
First time smoking a brisket. I've done ribs and chicken a bunch of times so I'm not totally lost, but I'm weirdly nervous about this one. Got a 12 pounder sitting in my fridge right now. Planning to smoke it low and slow, maybe 225 degrees for like 15 hours? Trimming the fat cap tonight. Anyone els...
Our daughter is 3 weeks old and she will only sleep if we're holding her. The second we put her down in the bassinet she wakes up crying. We've tried everything the hospital told us. White noise, the right temperature, swaddling, all of it. I haven't slept more than 90 minutes at a time in like 2 we...
Taking him out on the water this weekend. My grandfather taught me and his father taught him. It's more than just getting dinner, it's about patience, discipline, reading nature, and providing for your family. These are skills and values that matter. Tired of kids raised on screens. Time to be outdo...
Been going to practice all season and he was frustrated because he hadn't scored. Today in the game he got the ball, drove it down field, and BOOM right in the net. Whole team went nuts. He ran over to me on the sideline with the biggest smile on his face. We did the biggest hug. Worth every early S...
My youngest told his buddy that his dad (me) is the strongest dad he knows because I can fix things and I don't get angry. His sister chimed in that I make the best pancakes. Wasn't trying to listen but man that hit different. All those boring moments of just being present and consistent actually ma...
I'm the head of my household but I've been thinking a lot about what that actually means. My dad ruled with an iron fist and honestly it made me resent him for years. I want to be a strong leader for my family but also listen to my wife's opinions and make decisions together. I want my kids to respe...
Got offered a promotion that would mean traveling twice a month and longer hours. Pay bump is solid but my youngest is only 6. I keep thinking about all the practices and family dinners I'd miss. My wife said it's my decision but I can tell she's hoping I don't take it. Why does it feel like you hav...
My 9yo hit her first home run at softball today and I literally couldn't stop myself from screaming like an idiot from the stands. Her teammates were looking at me like I was insane but I didnt care. The smile on her face when she rounded third base was everything. Already told her we're getting tha...
Looking to build a gaming PC for like $1200-1500. Haven't really gamed since college but my buddy got me back into it. I want something that can handle modern games at decent settings but I'm not trying to spend a fortune. Anyone have recommendations on components or should I just buy pre-built? Als...
So I'm changing diapers and feeding my daughter but I feel pretty useless otherwise. While my wife is nursing or doing other stuff I'm just standing around. I want to be more involved but I'm kind of lost on what I can actually do. Anyone have tips on how to step up as a new dad beyond the obvious s...
Woke up at 4am to get the brisket on. Neighbors probably hate me but dude it was worth it. Pulled it off at 6pm and it was so tender it fell apart just looking at it. Family thought I was a genius even though I mostly just babysitted a smoker all day. Pretty sure I'm doing this every month now.
Honestly wasn't sure how it would go but we both showed up for our daughter's 8th birthday party and kept it civil for her sake. Even had a few laughs. Didn't think we'd ever get to this point after how ugly things got. My daughter seemed genuinely happy having both of us there without the tension. ...
Taking the boys camping for the first time next month. They're 4 and 7. I've got the tent and sleeping bags but I'm worried about keeping them entertained and making sure they don't lose it when they get bored. Anyone done this with young kids? What games or activities actually work? Also how do I k...
Went to the store today and the cashier asked if I found everything okay. I said 'Yeah, everything except the aisle with cheaper prices.' He just looked at me. My 9 year old actually put his face in his hands. When did I become that guy? Actually I know exactly when. The moment they put the hospital...