Just wanted to share a win. My lawyer told me yesterday that the judge approved 50/50 custody. Been a long year of court dates and legal bills but it was worth it. I get every other week with my kids and it feels like I'm actually their dad again instead of just the weekend guy. If anyone else is in...
Just wanted to share some pics of the garage setup I've been working on. Got the pool table in, mounted the TV, and built some shelving for my gaming collection. The wife said I could have Fridays after the kids are in bed. Spent way too much money but it's my happy place now. Been going out there a...
Even with the weather turning cold I'm still out there most weekends. Got a new reverse sear technique dialed in for steaks. Started a grill club with some neighbors where we rotate houses and someone brings the meat. Best decision ever. My backyard has turned into the hangout spot which is hilariou...
Studied for like 3 months while juggling work and kids. Barely had time to think. Got the results back this morning and I passed on the first try. Feel like I can breathe again. My oldest made me a card that says I'm the smartest dad ever. Pretty sure that's not accurate but I'll take it. Got a nice...
We were driving home and she just out of nowhere asked if I was proud of myself. I said yeah, for what though. She said because I'm a good dad and I work hard. Man I couldn't talk for like 20 seconds. She's 9. Those moments hit different when you're in a work rut.
My company finally approved my paternity leave request and I should be excited but I'm already anxious about coming back. There's a huge project launching while I'm gone and I feel like I'm letting my team down. My manager says it's fine and they have coverage but I can't shake the worry. Anyone els...
Wife had to stop breastfeeding due to medication and we switched to formula. Part of me is relieved because now I can actually help with night feedings but I also feel like I'm missing out on that bonding thing everyone talks about. Anyone got advice on connecting with the baby during bottle time? O...
Been divorced for 2 years now and we had a pretty straightforward agreement, I get every other weekend plus Wednesday nights. Lately she keeps texting me last minute asking if I can swap weekends or she's picking up the kids late or bringing them back early. I want to be flexible but it's making it ...
We're doing a 3 day camping trip next month with the boys (ages 4 and 7). I've got the tent situation figured out but I'm worried about meals and keeping them entertained. We're going to a state park with a lake nearby. Anyone have experience with this? Should I pack way more food than I think we ne...
Been putting this off for like two years. Got to a point where I'm snapping at my family over nothing and I know something's not right. Scheduled my first appointment and I'm weirdly anxious about it. What do I even say to a therapist? Do they expect me to have everything figured out or is it okay t...
First time trying the low and slow method on my offset smoker. I was nervous as hell because I've burned stuff before but this turned out perfect. Pulled it at 203 internal temp and the bark was insane. My wife said it was better than the bbq place downtown which honestly might be the best complimen...
Why did the cookie go to the doctor? Because it felt crumbly! I know I know it's dumb but they absolutely lost it at dinner. My 6yo was laughing so hard he snorted milk out of his nose which made everyone laugh harder. These silly moments are everything. My teenagers pretended to hate it but I caugh...
Spent the last 6 months organizing and setting up my garage as a real workspace. Got pegboards on the walls, tool chest is organized, got some led shop lights that actually make a difference. Now I actually want to spend time out there instead of just throwing stuff in corners. Working on a small wo...
Real talk - I tell my kids about Jesus and living right, but then I lose my temper over something stupid or I'm scrolling my phone instead of being present with them. How can I expect them to take faith seriously when I'm not living it? I want to be that dad who actually walks the walk instead of ju...
I know this gets asked a lot but I'm actually making a decision here. I've been a gas guy for 10 years but my neighbor keeps bugging me to try his charcoal setup. Had some burgers at his place last month and they were noticeably better. The thing is I don't have time to mess with charcoal every week...