Random Musings #16

A dad realizes he’s stopped truly holding his older kids, vows to start again before it’s too late.

Random Musings #15

It seems as though, sometimes, an overlooked fact of parenthood is the abandoning (or at the very least reimagining) of your own dreams. You become (or almost should become) overwhelmed by putting the wants and needs of your family first, so much so that it’s somewhat assumed that your own goals and dreams take a… Continue reading Random Musings #15

Thirty-One: Packing Lunches for My Crew

Yesterday morning marked a milestone: my first time packing school lunches for four kids, as our four oldest are now all officially tearing into the school year. I stood at the kitchen counter, a one-man assembly line, crafting their homemade lunchables with crackers, cheese, and pepperoni, stacking them neatly into each of their lunch bags.… Continue reading Thirty-One: Packing Lunches for My Crew

Thirty: The Annual Back to School Rollercoaster

As summer fades like the last glow of a firefly, I’m sitting here writing this post, feeling the weight of back-to-school season settle in. The end of summer always hits me hard, with those glorious days of no alarm clock, filled with spontaneous adventures or late nights watching baseball games. Those moments of pure, unhurried… Continue reading Thirty: The Annual Back to School Rollercoaster

Twenty-Nine: Our Family’s Corpus Christi Adventure

Last week, our last full week of summer, our family of eight embarked on our first big trip together to Corpus Christi, Texas. With six kids in tow, we packed up the car and hit the road for an adventure filled with unforgettable moments. The drive itself was an experience, especially crossing the stunning new… Continue reading Twenty-Nine: Our Family’s Corpus Christi Adventure

Random Musings #13

Let’s call this one, On Parenthood and Perspective I was scrolling through Instagram soaking in a few moments of me time when something hit me like a ton of bricks: why are so many parents out there using the platform to just dunk on their kids? It’s all rants about the messes, the tantrums, the… Continue reading Random Musings #13

Twenty-Seven: A Day of Faith, Family, and Fun: Our Catholic Retreat Experience

Last Saturday, our family embarked on a soul-nourishing journey at an all-day Catholic outdoor retreat, the first one we’ve ever attended as a family. It was certainly a day to remember! From praying together in the presence of Our Lord to a serene rosary walk with a stunning replica of the Our Lady of Guadalupe… Continue reading Twenty-Seven: A Day of Faith, Family, and Fun: Our Catholic Retreat Experience

Twenty-Six: Reflections on a Restaurant Compliment

Last week, my family and I visited a historic local restaurant, an amazing old-fashioned delicatessen with lots of natural light and the comforting aroma of fresh bread and pasta wrapped in a century old building. The kids, as usual, were their lively selves, chatting and giggling, but mindful of their manners. We’ve worked hard to… Continue reading Twenty-Six: Reflections on a Restaurant Compliment

Random Musings #11

“I’m a boy mom!” “I’m a girl dad!” Gag me already. You’re a mom. You’re a dad. You’re a parent. Stop with this garbage. Being a parent isn’t about trendy labels like “boy mom” or “girl dad.” It’s about the real, messy, incredible work of raising a human. Those terms are just social media fluff,… Continue reading Random Musings #11

Twenty-Five: Six Months (or so) of Bring Back Big Families

It’s been a full and fast-paced six months here at Bring Back Big Families. Between swimming pool clean-ups, late-night reflections, and a deep dive into what it really means to be a strong dad, I’ve covered a lot of ground lately. The Dad Strong series unpacked the four pillars of strength—physical, mental, spiritual, and intellectual—and how they play… Continue reading Twenty-Five: Six Months (or so) of Bring Back Big Families