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I do not even know how to begin this post. 
It’s because this post represents my 10^th anniversary here at The Life of a Father of Five. 

• Ten years. 
• One decade. 
• The Roman Numeral X.    

Never in my WILDEST dreams would I have imagined that this endeavor would have lasted so long, brought me this much joy, caused me this much frustration, challenged me in ways I never considered, broadened my horizons in the scope that it has, introduced me to so many new and different friends, or helped me connect with so many others.  I simply had no idea.      

What started as something to “try out, just for fun” has grown to become part of who I am.  It has become an “identity” of sorts.  I have co-workers who know me as “that blog guy” or “the father of five” (and have even found out that my supervisor’s, supervisor’s, supervisor’s, supervisor stops by to visit here from time to time).  I have helped inspire a few new blogs.  I have assisted others with configuring and content on their blog(s).  I have won awards.  I have been named in several “top lists” of “dad bloggers”.  I have had “major media outlets” discuss with me how “giant” my cyber footprint is.  I have had corporations, PR firms, and even publishers contact me to try to promote, sell, share, or collaborate.  I even had an opportunity to have one of my posts published in a book! 

(I have turned down each of these offers.  Why, you ask?  To be discussed in a future post.  Maybe.)

So much has changed since I began.  My blogging has ebbed and flowed throughout the years.  Posting was, at one time, as often as every other day.  More recently, I struggle to maintain a paltry once-a-month average. 

Originally, it was pretty easy to keep a thin veil of anonymity between our REAL lives and our VIRTUAL lives on the world wide web.  There was this blog and nothing else.  A few years into blogging, is when the phenomenon of “social media” exploded.  MySpace (what’s that??), FaceBook, and Twitter just to name a few. 

With the explosion of “social media” came a decline in blog readership (and “writership” too).  It was so easy to keep in touch, and share quick simple thoughts, ideas, experiences, and photos (not to mention how “interactive” social media can be) compared to a blog.  Sharing my blogposts on Facebook became commonplace (and even automated, as it is now).  The more I integrated my blog and my other “social media outlets” the more of that thin veil of anonymity I lost.  It wasn’t long before Googling my name came up with my blog, and Googling my blog came up with my name.  Eventually, I connected the two with links and badges (and lived to tell about it).     

When I started this website, the kids were all younger.  There was so much to write about.  So much I wanted to share.  Almost every day I found myself saying “that would make an awesome post” or “how can I get this on the blog”?  I also found that I could write about them without their knowledge (or consent) and could do so under the veil of that anonymity I previously spoke of.  Over time, the kidddos became more and more aware of my blogging status, and how much of their lives were documented for the world to see.  They would sometimes visit my blog from school, or (gasp!) their friends would visit my blog.  The original anonymity of the blog began to crumble, and I had to adapt.  I have had to strike a deal with my children (at least the oldest ones) over the years.  The deal is that I can write and post about them, but they have an opportunity to see, edit, and/or veto any post that is about them PRIOR to going live.  I’ve been pretty respectful of that and so far, it has worked out well for all parties involved..     

Initially when I started blogging, I located a few other husbands / fathers who were doing the same thing.  Admittedly, they were few, and they were far between.  I would often visit one of their blogs and see they had already connected with another blogger that I had previously discovered.  It was a relatively small and tight knit community. 

That once small group of dads have expanded exponentially.  Nowadays, there is a whole world of “Dad Bloggers” out there.  Not only a single category, but dozens of sub-categories that all fit under the Dad Blogger umbrella.  There is no possible way I could keep up with all of them anymore. 

To aid in networking all these dad bloggers there are social media groups established just for dads that blog.  Even more recently a national convention dedicated to fatherhood and more specifically dad bloggers has really made some traction.  Products, corporations, sponsors, PR firms, and publishers have really started taking notice of the genre.  What was once a tiny niche has become a significant movement.  Seeing how much the horizon has changed over the years is pretty mind blowing. 

Of the original dozen or so blogs that were my “regular haunts” there are only two or three still regularly updating.  Actively blogging, or not - I still converse with most of those original blogging connections through other social media outlets.  I am truly grateful for two or three in particular who have become close friends. 

So, with all this change – I hear you asking me “What’s one thing that has NOT changed over the last ten years?”  One thing that has NOT changed is my vision statement.  My “why am I doing this”.  When I set out blogging, my intent was to… “keep[ing] this blog as a collection of thoughts for my children (but others are welcome to enjoy too). Someday I hope they have the chance to read this and get just a small glimpse into the mind of their father.”

If you peruse enough of the content here on The Life of a Father of Five I believe you agree that I have kept pretty true to that goal.  No promotion, peddling, hawking, freebies, giveaways, product endorsements, or sponsors.  It’s just me.  It’s my thoughts.  My observations.  My family.  My friends.  It is what I set out to do, and what I have been successfully able to accomplish so far.

This is currently a VERY hot topic in the Dad Blogger community.  I am not making judgement on anyone who does, or does not choose to "monetize" their blog.  I am only pointing out what MY original intent was, and what MY intent still is - and how I have been able to stay true to MY goal.     

How much longer will “The Father of Five” continue?  I honestly do not know.  I have no long term plans or changes in mind.  I will continue to do what I have been doing here as long as it is still fun to do so (and it really is – when I have the time to spare).   I have enjoyed participating in this endeavor over the past ten years and am grateful for the friends I have made, the lessons I have learned, the challenges I have met (and the ones I have failed), and am looking forward to what the future holds for me, and for My Life as a Father of Five! 

Thanks to each and every one of you that have been a part (large or small) of my decade long journey. 
You all mean more to me than you will ever realize.

  

The "Barf Egg" revisited...

It's been SIX YEARS since I first introduced the world to just one of the (many) peculiarities of my wonderful life as a father of five...  The infamous "Barf Egg".  (If you need to educate yourself or refresh your memory on what the "Barf Egg" is all about, be sure to follow the link above.)

A lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge of life since then.   Some of that "water" is my triumphant return to the night-shift (#BestKeptSecret).  Working overnights has resulted in a few changes in our day to day routine(s).  Since it's been nearly a decade since my last stint on the overnight shift, one obvious improvement is that the kids have done a lot of growing up.  Three of the five are adults.  The remaining two are at (or on the brink of) their teenage years.  The kids are MUCH more independent.

This year, the Mother of Five was working on the day before Easter.  I was in the middle of my work-week (working overnights) so I spent most of the day asleep.  When I finally awoke, I came out of the bedroom to make sure the house had not burned down around me, and to see what the kids have been up to while I was asleep.

#4 of 5 and #5 of 5 were both eager to show off their accomplishment!  They had dyed the Easter eggs!  Not only had they dyed the eggs on their own, but they had continued the tradition of the "Barf Egg" - and were more than eager to show it off!!

Here, you see #5 of 5 PROUDLY showing off this year's "Barf Egg"!
(A proud fatherhood moment indeed!)



The "Barf Egg" was not alone this year!
Barf Egg had some company in the carton of "traditional"  eggs...

#4 of 5 debuted her "Angry Egg" and her "Happy Egg"
(Remind me not to open that Angry Egg...  Not sure what to expect inside there!)

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

It's Been a Great Run

Well, it sure has been a great run.

Way back, (if memory serves me correctly - circa 1986) I made a new friend. Actually, this “new friend” was actually a former co-worker. As co-workers, we primarily worked opposite weekday shifts, but we worked together on the weekends. I think it is safe to say that we got to know each other as “acquaintances”. Our stint of being “co-workers” was (relatively speaking) short lived. Eventually Ed followed other opportunities - but would still stop in to shop and say hello to his former co-workers from time to time. One fateful summer day he came to the store for some bicycle parts. I helped him find the parts while we made small talk. While we were catching up, he asked what I was doing for lunch. I thought it odd (and almost declined), but in the end I agreed to meet him after my shift for pizza. We had lunch, and my life was forever changed. If you have spent any time here on the blog you should recognize know him as “Best Bud Ed”. This is the story of how it all began.

One of the things that happened after meeting Ed was that I learned how to play cribbage.  I had never played, and Ed needed an opponent, so he taught me.  Over the next several years whenever we hung out, we would often end up at his house at some point – and when we did, the deck of cards came out, and we would be “throwing down fifteens”. Over the next thirty years the frequency in which we played cribbage would (as they say) wax and wane – affected by things like proximity, availability, interest, weather, and more. Through it all, there has been one pretty consistent aspect of playing cribbage with Ed. A deck of cards. Not just any deck of cards. No. A deck of Remington cards. The cards depict a slough in what I always perceived to be the fall – during duck hunting season, with their slogan… “Remington, first in the field”.

(They look very similar to the photo to the right)

Last weekend, I made a trip to visit Ed (we live several hours apart nowadays). As you may suspect, during this visit we broke out the cribbage board and the deck of cards. As we played the first (of many) games that weekend, we both noted how much the cards have “yellowed” (with age) over the years. It was actually quite noticeable. About half way through that first game we had both also commented on how degraded the actual “structure” of the cards have become. The cards were actually kind of difficult to shuffle due to how broken down they have become. Finally, towards the end of the game, Ed made a suggestion (a suggestion that I agreed was due…)  Ed suggested that the game we were currently playing may need to be the last for the infamous deck of Remington playing cards.

He suggested (and I agreed) that the time had come to retire the cards from use.

 

Yup… The deck of cards you see in this photo (staged and then taken while Ed was retrieving a new deck of cards) is the very same deck of cards Ed used to teach me how to play cribbage. It is the same deck we have spent COUNTLESS hours and a staggering number of games playing cribbage with. It is the same deck of cards that will forever be etched into my memories. Memories of good times, with a great friend. This deck of cards has earned its well-deserved retirement.

Lessons, Karma, and Lessons in Karma

Today, I was having a little interaction with #1 of 5 on Facebook. 
It all started simply enough.

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In case you cannot read the text, #1 of 5 had locked his keys inside his car and had to get creative in retrieving them. 

#1.5 of 5 (his girlfriend) captured a photo of the surprising results of having tried to unlock the car and posted it on Facebook.  He turned around and shared it.     

When I saw this post, I (of course) had to comment.  What right-minded father WOULDNT take the opportunity to poke fun of while dishing out some sage fatherly advise?? 

Not this fella.  No way!

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As Paul Harvey would say so very often,  “…and now, here is the REST OF THE STORY”.

As SO MANY FAR TOO MANY people can (and will) attest, I tend to get a little “forgetful” about certain things.  (Here is a little throwback to a 2007 Father-of-Five post called “A Key to Happiness” as proof.)  My cell phone and car keys are often the primary victims of my forgetfulness.  More often than I care to admit, I require a return trip to my desk (at work), or the dining room table (at home) to retrieve one or both items after getting to my car.

The last few days were no different.  I had misplaced my “regular” key for the car, but since the car was parked in the garage – I knew the key had to be somewhere around the house, so I don’t much worry about it.  (Many years ago, this would have turned me into a crazed lunatic, ripping the house apart and refusing to leave until the misplaced key was found…)

Nowadays, when I temporary misplace my key I simply grab a spare set.  (More on that in a moment!)
Well, I was on day two of using the spare set (not unusual), and running a number of errands before meeting the Mother of Five for a “lunch date” near her workplace.  I parked the car, and texted her that I was there.  Since the mutually agreed upon location of our date is walking distance from where she works, I waited in my vehicle for her arrival.  While waiting, I opened up Facebook on my phone and discovered the previously mentioned post.

My reply turned into a little fun banter.  You can see the (slightly edited) interaction below. 

See if you can catch the irony. 

    
Yup.  There I was, sitting in my car (waiting for the lovely, lovely, Mother of Five – YES… Two “lovelys”) teasing dishing out a heapin’ helping of sage fatherly advise (in the form of getting a spare key) to #1 of 5 – when all of a sudden, a little “karma” came a rapping on my car window.

Startled, I turned to see who it was.  No one I recognized.  So, I got out of my car to find out what this man knocking on my window wanted.  The man turned to me and asked me if I knew that I had a key hanging from the lock of my trunk?


…crickets chirping…

I hopped out of the car, and sure enough – there it was!  The key I normally use and had not been able to find for (at least) two days!! 

I had been to Walmart, home depot, Lowes, Great Clips, Jordan Ace Hardware, the Post Office, the CREC, to name just a few of the places this car had been parked since I had last seen the key…

Of course, this lesson (my lesson) HAD to come at the very moment I was trying to sound so “sage”, “fatherly’ and “wise” myself!   

A Fool and His Money…

A Fool and His Money are Soon Parted – Unless (or is it especially if) he takes a Personal Finance college course.

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College. 

#2 of 5 is attending the same college I graduated from twenty five years ago.  Initially I was certain I could help him navigate the sometimes confusing waters of college with my VAST experience.  Boy, was I wrong.  I attended college before mainstream computerized class scheduling and online class registration was a “thing” – so my ability to help him in this area was a bust.

Last week was the beginning of a new semester, and with a new semester comes the “privileged” of having to obtain new textbooks.  I was pretty frugal when buying textbooks back in the day.  Almost every one of mine donned the big yellow “used” textbook sticker.  Nowadays, there are new, used, and RENTAL textbooks.  In addition to the school bookstore, there are online options as well (for new, used and rental).

The time came last week that #2 of 5 needed a new textbook.  And by “new” I mean a brand new.  JUST RELEASED.  This was the first semester the new “fifth edition” of the textbook was in use.  (In fact, so new that there were no used or rental copies available… Anywhere…).  This means there was only one single source for us to obtain the book.  The school Bookstore. 

Since he was not going to be (physically) at the school before he needed the book – I thought I would be the good dad and save him the 50 mile round trip to school (since I was passing directly by the school on my way home from work).  This would allow me to redeem myself and allow me the opportunity to show off my VAST experience of shopping at the school’s bookstore!

Boy oh boy, was I wrong…

There is a bookstore – which sells pencils, pens, calculators, tee shirts, snacks, etc, etc, etc – but NO BOOKS!

I was informed that the bookSTORE no longer sells textbooks, and books are now purchased at a bookWINDOW.  I was given directions and made my way to the window.  When I first arrived, I was a little out of my element, but was happy to see what seemed like a small to medium sized line at the window.  Nothing too long, but not too short that I could not “observe and learn”.  

 

There were roughly a dozen (give or take) students a head of me.  Should not take TOO long, right??

WRONG.

It took well over an hour to get through those twelve (plus or minus) students.

Then, when I finished and started to leave, I was struck with just how long the line had become behind me. 

Many are not visible in this photo because the hallway curved. I am not sure if you can tell from the photo just how long the line is – but suffice it to say that I stopped counting when I got to 30.  I wanted to turn to student #13 through #30 (and beyond) and give them a little heads up on just how long they were (realistically) going to be waiting. 

(Instead, I snapped the photo to “document” the experience.) 

 

 

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The irony hit me when I finally got to the car and was reflecting on this experience.  The shock and surprise really wasn’t about the window, or the line, or even how much things have changed since I attended college…

No…

It was about the cost and the content of what I just purchased. 

I just realized that I dropped $170.00 for a copy of a PERSONAL FINANCE book.  This book was not even hard covered!  

Think about that for a minute.  ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY DOLLARS…  

FOR A BOOK!

I asked myself if I would drop that much on a copy of the Holy Bible that Jesus himself signed. 
(I answered “no” by the way.  Jesus is in my heart – I don’t need his autograph.) 

I didn’t unwrap this book to look inside because (quite frankly) I was a little very worried that Rule #1 on Page #1 of the “Personal Finance Handbook” would say something to the effect of “NEVER be so foolish as to pay $170.00 for a textbook.”

…or, in a later chapter…

“The best way to make a TON of money is to write a college text book”.

I told #2 of 5 that he MUST ask the Personal Finance instructor what his thoughts were on dropping that much for a book.  

I can only begin to imagine what the answer may be..

Christmas Mass is "Disorienting" to Me

My “About Me” page lists quite a number of little trivial tid-bits about this feller known as the father-of-five.   One of the traits mentioned is that “I am a man of faith”.  It further goes on to explain that I was born and raised in a Catholic family, and that I still consider myself a practicing Catholic.  I will never be likely to be voted “most Catholic” in any sense of the imagination.  I do not agree with every aspect of my religion (religion vs faith.  Different animals.  A discussion for a different date and time), but I do my best.  As they say sometimes, “It’s complicated.”  Nonetheless, one of the things I DO try to do my best at is mass attendance. 

We grew up going to mass EVERY week.  When I got older and started working (16-23 years old) – I still continued to attend mass.  Often, I went to an earlier mass on my own so I could still arrive to work on time.  I married a wonderful woman who’s religion and who’s faith (remember, they are different animals) mirror mine very closely (and might I add that this has been truly a gift!).  So as my life progressed into the realms of marriage and family, my religion and my faith remained largely unchanged.

 

One of the things I am grateful to God for is my career.  I landed in a career that I believe in, feel I am contributing to the “greater good” of mankind, and that I (mostly) enjoy.  As much as I love my career, it comes with cost.  One of the biggest downsides of my career is it’s unpredictability.  24/7/365, non-traditional (not M-F), rotating, extended, and forced shifts mean that my availability is often unpredictable at its best. 

I would love nothing more than to commit more within my church.  There is a men’s club, bible study, and such, but due to my schedule it would be impossible to maintain regular attendance.  How do I know this?  I know this because (and here is where I bow my head in shame and admit one of my “failures” as a practicing Catholic) I am not always able to attend weekly mass. 

It’s not that I am lazy or that I don’t want to go – I actually enjoy attending mass.  It’s one of the few times I can slow down, and really reflect on my life and the direction I am taking it.  Mass is meaningful to me.  It is just that the unpredictability of my schedule often prevents me from attending as often as I want to.  I am frequently at work for both Saturday evening mass, and Sunday morning mass.  There are a few other times throughout the year that my attendance is lacking by choice - usually around a hunting, camping, or fishing trip.  When I am not able to attend, I do make it part of my weekend to spend time reflecting on the same things I focus on while at mass.  When this happens, it is often in “God’s country" (the woods, on a lake, etc) where I often feel most connected to God – even more so than Church sometimes.  So even though I am not in "church", I feel as if I am in the presence of God.

 

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So, what does all this have to do with a “disorienting” Christmas??

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Well, whenever I am able to attend mass I almost always sit in the same general area in the Church.  Not only do I sit in the same general area – but many of the other “regulars” that attend the mass I do also sit in the same general area.  Even if we don’t know each other's names we sort of all recognize each other – and there is always a polite nod of the head, or quick hand shake symbolizing a friendly “Hey, nice seeing you again”.  It’s comfortable and familiar.  I like comfortable and familiar. 

 

Typically, on “any given Sunday” our church is anywhere from one-half to two-thirds full.  Again, that’s on “any given Sunday”.  Then, there are the “big two”.  The “big two” are Christmas and Easter.  For those who are even more “mass attendance challenged” that I am (or for those “twice a year” parishioners), the “big two” are typically the masses they attend.  So, when you factor in the “big two” parishioners and travelers / visitors for the regulars as well as the “big two” attendees, you can imagine just how crowded our little church gets!  (Don’t get me wrong – it’s nice to see!)  It gets so crowded that if we want a seat in church, we have to drop someone off 30-45 minutes early to reserve a pew.  This year was no exception.

My work schedule and commuting time left me with fifteen minutes in which to prepare for church, and to get to church.   When I arrived home, I noted that I had received a text message from #4 of 5, indicating that she was able to reserve a pew, but informing us it was not in our “regular” area.  I quickly got dressed, and headed to church, where I was met with full house.  Not only was the church full, the choir loft and the gathering area was filled with temporary seating and a large screen TV in which to view mass.

Throughout mass, I noticed several people I have never seen before.  (Don’t take that the wrong way.  I am not passing judgment – only observing the large number of faces that were new to me.) – but what really became a weird “phenomenon” to me was seeing the “regulars”.  Every angle I turned I noticed a few faces I recognized – but what made it odd was that they were not where they were "supposed" to be.  I am so accustomed to seeing “that big family” (ahem… not that mine is any smaller) ahead of us and to my left.  The retired couple that sits in front of us were not sitting in front of us.  The former City Council Member was not sitting behind me and to my right. #4 of 5’s friends (the twins) were also not sitting behind me and to my right.
Some of these “regulars” were either not there, or I was unable to find (think “Where’s Waldo”).  Others were sitting in a different areas.  They were mostly facing the wrong direction from my perspective.  Those who’s heads I usually see from behind were to my side or behind me, and some that I am accustomed to seeing their face I was seeing the backs of their heads. 

The large number of attendees for these “big two” masses has us “regulars” all mixed up!!
This is why I always find attending the “big two” masses so “disorienting”. 

(For the record, being a creature of habit (some would argue that I am “to a fault”) the fact that I was being forced to sit in a different area, with different folks around me is not a “complaint”.  It’s merely an observation - and  honestly, I think it’s  a good and healthy for me to do from time to time!)

My vantage point from our seat on Christmas Eve.
The altar is located behind the big pillar just left of the center of the photo.

Where We Call HOME

I tried this once in 2008, and again in 2010.  These were previous attempts to start a “viral” trend or “tradition” using the (self admittedly) VERY cheesy titles of “Cribs” and/or “Blogger Cribs”.

These embarrassing titles were loosely based (and a play on) the title of a then popular MTV television series called “MTV Cribs”.  The premise of this show was to feature televised tours of the (quite outlandish, and often exaggerated and sometimes discovered to be fabricated) homes of celebrities, musicians, actors, and athletes.  

(As I reflect upon my choice of using “Cribs” as a title,
I shudder…  Ugh.  What was I thinking?) 

Both attempts had limited (and arguably… “VERY” limited at best) success.  A few in my “blogger circle” commented and I did get a couple of others to actually follow through with their own version, and asking those in THEIR circles to do the same.  I tried hard to follow, but the whole premise quickly fizzled out. 

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                         ** Fast forward five years **

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This year (as with every year) it came time to “winterize” our property.  Where I live we have to blow out the sprinkler systems, put away patio furniture, pack, tuck and store anything not bolted down,  rake up the last of the fall leaves, mow the lawn one last time, and generally prepare the house, garage, patio, deck and yard for no (or very limited) human contact for the next six months.  This process usually takes a few days.

While I was in the process of completing these “winterizing” projects, I had a discussion with fellow blogger, good buddy, and all around nice fella Backside-of-Forty (link).  We were discussing how good it feels (despite the looming winter weather) to have our yards cleaned up and things tucked away all nice and tidy.  We talked about how “minimalistic” everything seemed, and how nice it feels to have it that way from time to time.

On (what I hope to be) my final day of exterior winter preparation, and a long day of raking and mowing the lawn one last time, I paused a moment to take in the fruits of my labor.  With everything “buttoned up” for the winter, the leaves all down (and raked up) and the lawn cut one last time – I really LOOKED at our home.

 

Reflecting on how nice my house looked, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude.  Ours is a modest home.  It’s not big, but it’s not small.  It’s what I would call “well lived in”.  It is messy at times, but not unsanitary (hey, there are six of us, three (yes, three) cats, and two guinea pigs all living under the same roof – things tend to clutter). 

Looking at my house, and feeling both happy and grateful for what we have – I was reminded of the previous attempts to interact with my friends. 

So, I broke out the camera and snapped a few photos with the intent of another shot at sharing one of the things I am proud of, and grateful for – and request that others do the same! 

So, no matter where you live - be it a multi-million dollar mansion, a large beautiful house, a modest and well lived in home, a town house, an apartment, your car, a cardboard box, or that niche in the concrete under the bridge – I would really like to see it!

Please, join me in this year.  Peek over some photos of what “home” looks like to me, then take a moment to share what YOUR place looks like!  

 

   

#WhereICallHome

The St. John’s Guardian Angel

As I walked into church to attend school mass with #5 of 5 this morning, it occurred to me that I have neglected a SERIOUSLY past due topic that I wanted to share here on Father of Five. 

The subject?  St. John the Baptist School’s Guardian Angel.

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HISTORY
(optional, but interesting reading – I am intrigued by all things historical)

From what I have been able to piece together from the web, and some historical books on our town, St. John the Baptist was first envisioned in the fall of 1855 when fifteen Catholic families living in “Holmes Mill” (which is now known as the City of Jordan, MN) began gathering in the home of William Nashbar to discuss the establishment of a formal church.  After a few meetings, a location was selected and work began on a log cabin church about five miles outside of town.  That log cabin was never completed and the group split due to geographic challenges.  The original planned location (five miles outside of town) became the future site of St. Benedict (which sadly has now closed it’s doors).  

The second group sought to establish a church closer to what is now downtown Jordan.  In 1858, this second group completed construction on the first St. John the Baptist church.  This was a log cabin built high upon the hill where Calvary Cemetery is now located.  Parishioners had to hand carve log stairs, and dig them into the hillside to aid in accessibility.  By 1866 the St. John the Baptist log cabin Church was too small for the number of parishioners and by 1867 the first brick building was built on the site of the current church.  In 1875 the order of the Bishop, the operation of St. John’s (along with several other neighboring Catholic Churches) were given to the Order of the Franciscan Fathers.  There were 110 families registered with St. John the Baptist by this point and in 1877 the first official parish school was built.  The following year (1878) the parish put together a proposal to have the Order of the School Sisters of Notre Dame operate the parish school, and they arrived in August of 1878 to begin operations.

By 1878, the first stone church had become too small to accommodate the needs of the parish, and on April 22, 1889, the cornerstone for the church that still stands today (and I attend now) was laid.  Much like it was with the church, St. John the Baptist School thrived and quickly outgrew the building they were operating from, and finally in 1908 St. John the Baptist School opened the brick building that still stands across the street from the church.  The brick schoolhouse built in 1908 was in use but very inadequate, inefficient, antiquated, and non-complaint with many modern building codes.  

So, in 2004 St. John the Baptist built the new “Education center” connected to the church.  

Photo – 1911
     St. John’s Church seen upper right corner of photo.
     St. John’s School seen across the street – face to face with the church.

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Photo – 2015 – Credit John Chvatal of Gazing Skyward.  (Permission requested / pending)
     St. John the Baptist Church and connected Education center along the top.
     The former St. John the Baptist School used from 1908-2004 (the red brick building) across the street.
     (You can also see in this photo the hill that leads up to Calvary Cemetery.)

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NOVEMBER 1999 – MAY 2015
(and beyond)

When we moved to Jordan we enrolled our children at St. John the Baptist School. 

Back then, #1 of 5 was just finishing his sixth grade.  Since St. John’s only goes to sixth grade – we elected to enroll him into the Jordan public school instead of attending 5 months at one school, and have to start over again in the fall in a different school. 

#2 of 5 on the other-hand was just beginning his academic career – and he was enrolled in Wee Angels (their preschool program, which is now called “Littlest Angels”).   Back then, the K-6 grades were held in what is now called the “old” school.

Since then #2, #3, and #4 of 5 have attended St. John’s School for two years of pre-school, then K-6th grades.
(That’s nine years per kid)  

This year is #5 of 5’s sixth grade and her final year at St. Johns.  It is the end of an era for our family. 
She will be the last of our children to attend. 

It is proving to be an emotional year for us because of this. 
(More on that in future Father of Five posts…)

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SPRING 2015

From all accounts I have been able to find - St. John’s brick schoolhouse was built with was was affectionately referred to as a “Guardian Angel”. 

When the school was constructed, an alcove was build above the door to the school.  It was situated such that once the “Guardian Angel” statue was placed in it, she would be overlooking the parking lot and playground where the children played.  The Guardian angel was put in place when the school was built in 1908 and there she stood guard over the children that attended that school, and even beyond.  The “Guardian Angel’s” alcove also faced the parking lot and playground for the new Education center built across the street.  

The Guardian Angel statute is plainly seen in this photo taken in 2012 for the post I wrote about opening the 1991 Time Capsule.  This photo was taken from the parking lot / playground area of the new Education center built in 2004.  You can see how she still watched over the students of St. John the Baptist from her home in the “old” school. 

In the spring of 2015 (107 years after the school was built) some routine maintenance uncovered the fact that the Guardian Angel’s anchor (the apparatus that held her to the building) was failing – and that she (and anyone below her) could be at risk. 

St. John’s hired a construction crew to carefully remove the Guardian Angel – and bring her safely back to the ground.

I had wanted to generate a post here on the The Life of a Father of Five to document the move, but alas – I was busy, unavailable, and/or both.  Then, life got busy and I never got around to it. 

Thankfully, the removal was documented by our local paper – the Jordan Independent. 

In the first of two articles, the J.I. (as it is called around town) documents the removal of the Guardian Angel, and then later in a second article about a week later they delve in the history of the school and the Guardian Angel – and discuss options for her new home.

The photos below are from the articles and document the removal of the Guardian Angel.
(Photos used with permission from the Editing Staff at the Jordan Independent – Thank you!) 

 

 
Top Left: Michael Bechner and Dennis Harrison of Diverse Instruction moving towards the Guardian Angel.
Photo by Rachel Wittlock – Kind permission for use from the staff at Jordan Independent

Top Right: Michael Bechner and Dennis Harrison of Diverse Instruction carefully removing the Guardian Angel.
Photo by Rachel Wittlock – Kind permission for use from the staff at Jordan Independent

Bottom Left: Michael Bechner and Dennis Harrison of Diverse Instruction back on the ground with the Guardian Angel.
Photo by Rachel Wittlock – Kind permission for use from the staff at Jordan Independent

Bottom Right: The (broken) anchor necessitating the remove of the Guardian Angel.
Photo by Rachel Wittlock – Kind permission for use from the staff at Jordan Independent

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Now, let’s fast forward six months and tie all this “history” all together!

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OCTOBER 2015

Each Wednesday, the students of St. John the Baptist school attend mass.  The Mother of Five or myself (sometimes when we are lucky it’s both of us) make a point to attend mass with our kids.  Being a social media user junkie (ahem… Blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc) – I often enjoy “checking in” on these morning masses – I usually do so with a fun photo from somewhere on the school or church grounds. 

This morning, as I made my way from the school to the church entrance through the gathering space – I walked up on what I thought was a fantastic photo opportunity for this morning’s check in. 

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL

You see, here in the gathering space of the church and school, the Guardian Angel has found her new home.  She is in a place where she can welcome students and parishioners alike, and continue her century old vigil of watching over St. John the Baptist.

That is when I was reminded that I had never really taken the time to tell (share, document) her story as I had planned to do earlier this year.  Here are a few more photos of our Guardian Angel in her new home!

In this first photo, you can even see her original home – the (now empty) alcove in the “old school” across the street can be seen (pointed out by yellow arrow).    

  

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Seeing the old school and the empty alcove still saddens me, but I quickly remember my gratitude for the new school my children have attended (with one still attending), and how absolutely delighted I am that the Guardian Angel who has done so well watching over my children will continue to do so from her new home! 

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Thanks to St. John’s, and the St. John’s Guardian Angel!

Rancid Brownies and Rice Krispy Bars!

The Mother of Five was at work, #2 and #3 of 5 had their girlfriends over, and #4 of 5 was at a volleyball game so that left #5 of 5 and myself for dinner.

I let it be “daughter’s choice” night – allowing her to select where we went for dinner.  She decided upon Subway. 

#5 of 5 had a 6” toasted Black Forest Ham on Italian Herb and Cheese bread, with shredded cheddar cheese,  lettuce, cucumbers, pickles, ranch and Mayo.  This was washed down with a Dr. Pepper.

I had a 6” toasted oven roasted chicken on Monterrey cheddar bread, with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, heavy green pepper and light southwest chipotle.  This was washed down with a fresh brewed Fuze half and half (iced tea and lemonade)

While enjoying dinner with my daughter, I had a brilliant notion!  Let’s go home and bake cookies!!

We stopped at the grocery store on the way home, and picked up a premixed “Cheesecake Swirl” brownie mix, and the fixins for Rice Krispy Bars. 

Somewhere between dinner, and the grocery store – an “ear worm” made it’s way into my head.  I started singing it on the way home – and once we got set up for baking in the kitchen, I connected my phone to our under cabinet radio and turned it up!

  

 

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Once the brownies were in the oven and the Rice Krispy bars were cooling, we really got into the music!

What was the “ear worm”??    Rancid’s Ruby Soho!

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Enjoy!

                                        

A Special Happy Birthday!

Seventy-two years ago this very day - a little girl was born to two people - two very special people who meant the world to me.

These two raised this little baby girl. They shaped who she was to become as she transitioned from a delightful little girl, into an enchanting young lady.
She continued on to became an amazing mother & grandmother!!

This little girl has had SO MUCH influence on my life. There is no possible way for me to thank this woman for all she has done for me - all she has been to, and for me, and the things she will continue to do for me - until the day I die.

I am proud to proclaim to the world that this little baby girl I am speaking of, is MY MOTHER!!!!

The "Mother-of-the-Father-of-Five"!

Happy Birthday Mom!! You are beyond the best ever!! You are an INSPIRATION!

I love you beyond words!

FOF Observation #31

The "FOF Observations" are a series of "Perpetual Posts" where I will share with you, my readers, short little "one line" observations that I have made (or will be making) on being the father of a large family. You will be able to access each of the posts in a cohesive list by clicking on the "FOF Observations" link in the "Perpetual Posts" group on the sidebar.
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There is something special (as a parent) watching your child and their "significant other" sitting on the deck, during a beautiful summer evening, simply enjoying each other's company.

Life (as a Father-of-five) is grand!

(Forgive me #2 (and 2.5) of 5 for the “stalker” photo… But it sure was cute!)

Stronger Every Year!

“Of all God’s miracles large and small, the most miraculous one of all is the one I thought could never be…  God has given you to me”       

(Lyrics from “Miracle of Miracles” – Soundtrack of Fiddler on the Roof )

Twenty Two years ago today was a pivotal moment in my life.  This is the day the Mother of Five became my wife.

Since that fateful day so much has happened and so much has changed.  There is far too much to actually list here.  Let’s just say most of it for the better, some of it for the worse.  We have seen richer, poorer, sickness, health, good times, and bad times.  Through it all, the Mother of Five has stood by me (and I have done my best to stand by her).  She is my rock, my island, my reason, my strength (and weakness),my focus, and so many other things.   

Without her - I am only “me”.
With her - I am “we”.

We have now been married for 22 years.  TWENTY.  TWO.  YEARS.  As I contemplated that number, It occurred to me that the Mother of Five has now been a part of my life more than she hasn’t…  (We first met when I was twenty years old.) I know it’s cliché to say, but you will have to trust and believe me when I say that as the years have passed, each has been better than the year before.  Each year I feel as if our relationship has strengthened somehow.

I do not know how to express the gratitude I have for all she has been and all she has done for me.  I don’t think I even can.