Fatherhood Series - Brennen Cull

As you all know, Father's Day is on June 21st, therefore, I wanted to give dads a voice too. I asked several fathers a series of questions in order to get their thoughts on work, life and family balance. I am ecstatic to share their responses. 

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Brennen Cull is married to his beautiful wife, Amber, and father to three, Emily, Ethan and Sofia (and baby on the way!).

Tell me about your work and how you handle work/life balance:

For the last 7 years I have been a youth minister in the Diocese of Sacramento, as well as having the opportunity to travel throughout the country giving talks at different churches and youth events. However, I am currently transitioning into a new career, that career remains unknown! (Congratulations on your new job Brennen!)

Balancing work and family time, as well as personal time is an ongoing struggle. Some months I am better at it than others. As a youth minister, I found myself readily available for the teens I served. I want them to know I am always here for them. However, my wife has helped me better understand my need to "unplug" to turn my phone off, to get back to them later, and to be more present to my family when I am home. I am always much more at peace when I do "unplug" because my true joy and happiness is being a father and husband. 

What are your thoughts on married life now that you are juggling life and fatherhood?

I try to nurture love and support in my marriage. My wife knows that she is my favorite person in the world. My kids know that my wife is my best friend. Keeping that in mind is important. Nobody wants to disappoint or hurt their best friend. I try to love my wife the way Christ loves me so our marriage can be a witness to the world as to how God loves. I don't always succeed at this, but I love my wife with all my heart and I think she knows that!

Tell me about your thoughts on being dad and what you enjoy most?

I love time with my kids. I am the wrestling and tickling dad. There is no better sound in the world than hearing the little ones scream my name as they see me walking up to the house. I try to be very present to them. I am also all about the daddy time. Grocery store trips with my son, or doughnut dates with my daughter, I love having some one on one time with the little crazies!

How/when do you take time for yourself?

As for "me time," I really enjoy getting out and playing some golf. Its not always convenient for my family, so I am learning how to find "me time" without abandoning my family on what little free time i have .

My wife and I have recently gotten into CrossFit. This has become a great way for us both to have some "me time" while at the same time helping us be healthier and more active parents. 

At this point in your Fatherhood journey--What is your Best lesson learned?

At this point in my fatherhood journey the biggest lessons I have learned is to pick your battles, laugh a lot, always tell your daughters how beautiful they are, and a steady mix of wrestling and cuddling is good for a son!

Fatherhood Series - Marco Salazar

Happy Birthday to the love of my life and best daddy ever! Today's Fatherhood Series features my husband discussing work and life balance, marriage and fatherhood. 

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I am Marco Salazar, husband to my best friend, writer of Two Plus Luna, and my love Lendy, and daddy to my baby girl Luna. I am an Electrical Power Engineer and the leader and provider of my family.

Tell me about your work and how you handle work/life balance:

I am a firm believer in the benefits of waking up early.  My approach to balancing life is to have alone time from 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., career from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (this varies depending on my projects or travel), family time 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and time with my wife from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  For me, a schedule and being physically active  are an absolute must.

What are your thoughts on married life now that you are juggling a career and fatherhood?

Since we do not live near family, and do not have much choice in the babysitting department, putting our daughter on a schedule since she was a baby has been a life saver for our marriage.  This allows us to have time for each other every evening.  We do not watch television during the week and that helps too!

Tell me your thoughts on being dad and what you enjoy most?

I spend time with Luna before I go to work, after work is play time, and I take her a bath every day, and then my wife and I both take turns reading bedtime stories. I taught Luna to kick the ball in the house (it may be a bad habit, but it's so much fun!).  I am definitely the one that teaches her to be more fearless. I also love seeing my girls during our weekly lunch date. My time with Luna time is very important to me, I acknowledge I am the one setting the bar.  

How/when do you take time for yourself?

I work out in the evenings at least three times per week and I get bi-monthly haircuts during my lunch time.  I try to take care of business and to-do's during the week and focus on my family during the weekends.  I also like to play soccer, but I am taking some time off.  For now, I enjoy playing FIFA soccer on my iPad.

At this point in your Fatherhood journey--What is your best lesson learned?

Do not to take your fatherhood time for granted.  If you are the sole provider, it means you will lose time away from your wife and children while you are at work. Therefore, take advantage of all the time you can get and be all in.

May all your wishes continue to come true and Diosito continue to bless you! You are a man like no other.  Every day I am thankful for everything you do for our family. I am a lucky woman to have such a loving husband and hands on daddy. I am amazed at what a wonderful father you are. Happy Birthday & Happy Father's Day my love!

Fatherhood Series: Michael Sandoval

Happy June! In commemoration of Father's Day this month's Mindful Mondays will be dedicated to the men in our life! I have asked several fathers a series of questions in order to get their thoughts on work, life and family balance. I am ecstatic to share their responses. 

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Michael Sandoval is married to his beautiful wife, Alma, and father to two-and a half year old Mikey and is a successful real estate agent. 

Tell me about your work and how you handle work/life balance:

As  a licensed Realtor, I am able to set my own  hours, which is a blessing and a curse,  as I need to be accommodating to my clients. I try to maximize my time by setting priorities at work. It’s a dynamic process, but I think I got a handle on it (sometimes). 

What are your thoughts on married life now that you are juggling a career and fatherhood?

Spending time with my wife is a must. We try for two date nights per month, if possible. This is a necessity in any marriage to reconnect with your spouse.

Tell me about your thoughts on being dad and what you enjoy most?

I love spending time with Mikey.  I enjoy hanging out in the front yard and watching him run around.I love seeing what wild and interesting things he does. When I come home from work is when I spend time with him, and on the weekends when I am not at work. He really enjoys going to the park and playing on his jumper.

How/when do you take time for yourself?

This is an interesting question, with all the craziness with work and  family time, I don’t have a lot of time for myself. The little time I have I really enjoy being with my family. So guy time doesn’t really exist for me at this point, but maybe in the future. 

At this point in your Fatherhood journey--What is your Best lesson learned?

The best learned lesson is that kids don’t stay little forever and to really have fun with them while they are little. Also, take lots of video and pictures.

Note from Alma to Michael:
Happy Father's Day! You are our world! Mikey and I love you so much!