Storytelling

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

Dear Jack: A New Family Tradition of Sunday Night S’mores

13 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

During your first week of school here in Alabama, you were assigned a project that told your classmates more about you.

One of the specific items you included on your family crest was family traditions.

I can definitely appreciate you saying that. As your parents, it has always been important to us to focus on fun activities for our family.

And some of those family activities end up becoming family traditions.

This past Saturday, Mommy and I had the entire morning to ourselves, since you and your sister stayed the night at Nonna and Papa’s house.

We legitimately had fun working on the yard. In doing so, we discovered a fire pit and a set of Adirondack chairs left behind by the previous owners.

After seeing the way Mommy set them up nicely in our yard while I was mowing the lawn, I said, “You know what sounds really good to me right now? S’mores.”

So Sunday after church, we made a quick trip to the store to pick up everything we needed for that night after the sun started going down.

I suppose it’s official that our family motto since settling in here in Alabama is “Make life meaningful and create beautiful experiences.”

For me, at least, having a new family tradition of “Sunday Night S’mores” would definitely qualify for that.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: An Extra Photographer

8 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

I feel like it’s pretty much official by now: Aunt Dana has largely replaced me as your main photographer.

Since we live in the same town as her now, and considering that you and your cousin Darla are in the same classroom, Aunt Dana often happens to be where you are; when I am not around.

She sent me some photos of you, Darla, and your friend Charlee last week. I responded, “I was at the school book fair. You got a lot of pictures that I didn’t even know you were taking.”

Turns out, there was also a “during school hours” version of the book fair that I didn’t even realize was taking place earlier that day. But Aunt Dana was there to capture the moment!

Otherwise, I would have had no clue that event even took place.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Our Apple Picking Adventure

8 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

Since moving to Alabama, we as a family have adopted a collective theme of “making life meaning and beautiful”. It’s all part of our new ability to “live a quiet life”.

Now that our Saturdays are no longer filled with house renovations, we get to go have fun as a family; participating in meaningful and beautiful activities together.

We recently visited Little River Orchard in Mentone; where we picked apples. It was a new experience for you!

Then, that afternoon in preparation for guests coming over to our house for dinner, you and your cousin Darla helped Mommy make an “apple crisp” for dessert.

We live a a meaningful and beautiful life… because we are making it meaningful and beautiful.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: You Have a Football Mom

13 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

Well, it’s evident you have fans, as an 8th grade football player in a new school.

Not only do you have family members willing to drive an hour away during the tale end of business hours to watch you play, but you also have a mom who spent time carefully ordering several football shirts to wear to your games.

She’s got your name and number on her shirts, themed with your team colors.

You may not be able to realize it now, as you’re living it in real time, but you are surrounded by family and friends who keep showing up for you.

And we are proud of you.

It’s undeniable that playing football is bringing out a new sense of confidence in you.

You show no fear out on the field and you are always eager to be a part of the action.

This is clearly such an important part of your development as a teenage boy. I love being able to see this play out.

 

Love,

Daddy

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

Dear Holly: You’re Around Here Somewhere

8 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

With Aunt Dana and Uncle Andrew living on the same street as us, it is now a common occurrence that I don’t necessarily know where you are sometimes, I just know that you are A) being well taken care of and B) having fun, whatever you are doing.

Earlier this week while Mommy and I were still working, Aunt Dana started sending me pictures of you and your cousin Darla at what I now know is called “Cook With a Book”.

Only just now as I am writing this, I learned it was hosted by the local high school FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America); collaborated with the local elementary school library.

You had a great time… even if I didn’t know where you were or what you were doing at the time.

And that’s one of the many reasons I love living here in Alabama.

There’s always something unique going on- and we never have to pay to park!

 

Love,

Daddy