(This one hits a little differently than some of my other posts. Fair warning.) Life as a dad of six is a whirlwind of chaos, messes, and noise, but it’s also overflowing with love. Lately, I’ve been grappling with the idea and possibility of some really big changes: my wife’s seriously chasing a new job,… Continue reading Thirty-Four: Chasing Change: A Dad’s Thoughts on New Jobs, Big Moves, and Holding Onto Home
Tag: Family Life
Thirty-Three: One of Those Days
Today was one of those days where the universe seemed to have a personal vendetta against me, but somehow, it all ended up okay because of the people who matter most. It started with a jolt on the way to church. I was in the right side of a dual turn lane, minding my own… Continue reading Thirty-Three: One of Those Days
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
Twenty-Eight: Summer’s Exit Stage Left: A Teacher’s Bittersweet Farewell
Summer 2025, you’ve pulled a fast one. One day I’m lounging with my six kids, basking in the glory of no lesson plans, and now it’s practically gone. As an English teacher, I get two precious months off to soak up family time, but this first summer as a family of eight? It’s slipped through… Continue reading Twenty-Eight: Summer’s Exit Stage Left: A Teacher’s Bittersweet Farewell
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