Q&A with the Kids - Part V - Jack

NOTE: You always hear from me, so I thought it might be fun to hear from the kids for a change. Here's our latest Q&A With the Kids interview, this one with my 19-year-old son Jack. He's the last one still living at home with us, and I love the chance to talk with him every day. He continues to impress me and make me laugh.

What was the best thing about growing up in a big family?

The best thing about growing up in a big family (specifically being the youngest growing up in a big family) is that you get to see everything. Even if I don't remember it all that well, I've watched all of my siblings slowly but surely move out, dozens of parties being thrown (whether birthdays, anniversaries, or concerts), and different collections of my siblings' friends over the years. And though it IS sad to be the last one to do everything, with not as many people watching, I'm really, really appreciative to have had people to watch and learn from over the years.

What things didn't you like about it?

Splitting up all of the attention among five kids is hard, like REEEALLY hard. And it made it so that until around high school, I didn't really get as much time as I could have with Mom and Dad. Although I have been VERY spoiled at home ever since I became an "only child" around 2021. They say you spend 90% of your time with your parents before 18, so it's somewhat unfortunate. But one thing it did teach me is independence and being able to thrive on my own. And I'm grateful for that.

What are your favorite memories of things we did as a family?

To name a few, going to Red Robin for everyone's birthdays, getting our trees at Christmas (when we got real ones), hanging out around our firepit, and ALL of the family dinners.

What is something you wish you could have done or had growing up, but you couldn't because you had four siblings?

For me personally, there wasn't really anything wrong with growing up with four siblings. I truly believe I had a really great childhood and I can definitely attribute that to Mom and Dad. Anyways, a pool and a trampoline.

Do you want kids of your own? Why or why not?

Yes, definitely. Once again, it can probably be attributed to me being the youngest and not having to experience the terror of having five small kids in your home. But I can definitely say that being in a big family has made me want at the very least a medium-sized family. Up to the wife, though, to be fair.

What was your favorite thing Mom used to make for dinner? Do you ever make it for yourself?

Chicken marsala. I've never, ever had any chicken marsala like Mom's. I believe I've helped her make it once, haha. But you better believe I'm gonna be making that recipe WEEKLY when I'm moved out.