fatherhood

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Nostalgia, parenting, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: You Started High School This Week

14 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

This is the question that came to my mind this week:

“Am I really old enough to have a kid in high school?!”

I mean… I guess I am. I’m 44. The math checks out. I was 29 when you were born.

So now, here in the fall of 2025, you have now started high school!

Something I am specifically excited about is that on your schedule for your freshman year, you have “Personal Finance” your 1st semester, then “Career Preparedness” your 2nd semester.

I feel you will be attending a progressive high school that will lead you to a bright future.

After all, I would know: I graduated from the same high school in 1999!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: You Started 4th Grade This Week

9 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

After a short summer of hanging out with your cousin Darla, the two of you now begin 4th grade together. But this time, you will be in separate classrooms, unlike last year when you were still a new student here.

But you are smart, confident, and friendly; so I know when you will easily make friends in your 4th grade class. Perhaps there will be new students who you help welcome to the school, now that you are settled in.

Though you won’t have your cousin right next to you the whole time this year, she’ll still be in the same hall; the classroom next to yours, actually.

I loved 4th grade! I think you will too.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on car reviews, fatherhood, Nostalgia, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Trading in Your Pink Surfer Girl Jeep

9 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

I admit. It was sad to see your pink “Surfer Girl” Jeep out by the side of the road to be picked up; along with your old car booster seat and the stroller we used to push you around in. And for the record, someone picked it all up before we even went to bed that night.

The pink Jeep was your main gift from us for Christmas 2020; over 4 and a half years ago when you were only 4 years old.

And you certainly got so much use out of it all these years. It served its purpose, for sure!

But, I have to accept that you are growing up and that means you eventually outgrow certain toys. Now, your brother’s new “side-by-side” vehicle serves as the new upgrade to your pink Jeep!

 

Love,

Daddy

 

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Trying Italian Sausage

14 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Nearly a year ago when you turned 14 years old, you casually mentioned that you might try eating some meat; since you have never tried it on your own.

When you were a baby, we fed you some baby food with some meat in it, but it has been your choice your entire life otherwise to be a vegetarian.

Well, nearly a year since you mentioned your curiosity of trying meat, this past weekend after I cooked the Italian sausage for our class at Sweet & Savory Classroom in Chattanooga, you saw your sister serving as the “taste tester” and then said, “I think I’ll try some of that sausage.”

And then you did.

So this might be the beginning of you slowly transitioning to increasing your protein intake, during the middle of your continued growth spurt further into adulthood.

For what it’s worth, you are currently 5′ 4.5″, just an inch and a half shorter than Mommy now. Though we did discover you now outweigh her by a few pounds!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, food reviews, funny, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Sweet and Savory Classroom

9 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

This past Saturday our family tried a new activity: We took a cooking class at Sweet & Savory Classroom in Chattanooga.

I was pleasantly surprised at how we collectively and authentically enjoyed the experience!

As our family worked on our calzones, I took notice of how Mommy and your brother quickly picked up on each new set of instructions; as they confidently and instantly began each next task.

Meanwhile, you and I were in our own similar situation. Our mindset was more, “What could I do to help now that the main job is already done?”

As for me, it meant cooking the Italian sausage for the entire class; including for all the strangers next to us.

For you, it meant carrying the newly prepared ingredients to the next table… as well as being the official “taste tester” for the meat I cooked for the entire class.

I’m still laughing at the thought of how everyone trusted my cooking abilities… when they totally shouldn’t have!

Love,

Daddy