Mighty Dads News Letter 

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Thanklessness is being aware

The past few days have felt a bit heavy. The house has been noisier than usual kids raising their voices, the kind of chaos that hits differently when you’re already carrying a lot. And somewhere in the middle of it all, I quietly turned 49.

Birthdays aren’t my favorite anymore but seeing Abby and Andrew’s faces light up as they asked what I wanted made it all worthwhile. We went to a Japanese steakhouse, and the kids were mesmerized watching the chefs flip shrimp, build onion volcanoes, and light everything on fire (safely… mostly). It was one of those moments that nudges you back into gratitude before you even realize it.

Later, as I tried to write this, Andrew staged an epic battle on my bed leaping from pillow to pillow like he’s defending the galaxy. Loud, messy, a little exhausting… but also the reminder I needed that even on the heavy days, joy still finds a way in.

And then there was this small, quiet moment: Serenity kneeling beside Abby after her bath, gently untangling her hair. “It hurts, but I’ll be gentle,” she said. Abby winced, then grinned as Serenity finished with a soft braid. These tiny acts sometimes difficult, always meaningful keep me grounded. They remind me that even in the mess, there’s love.

Jason Townsend Founder, Mighty Dads

October Review:

Planning Ahead: Let’s Make Next Halloween Even Bigger!

Hey everyone!

Thanks again for making this past October such a memorable one! It was awesome seeing all of you and your kids dressed up, laughing, and roaming the neighborhood together. The decorations, the costumes, the energy… you all made it special.

And it got me thinking…

Let’s build on this tradition next year!
I’m thinking of hosting a Halloween costume contest for kids and adults. Friendly competition, prizes, creativity, bragging rights…the whole thing. I think it could really bring everyone together and make the night even more fun.

What do you think?

Hit reply and let me know if you love the idea, or if you have any suggestions to help make our next Halloween celebration the best one yet!

A modern parable: The cracked mug

What a day, Jack thought as he closed the laundry room door behind him his arms full of mismatched socks and superhero pajamas. The house roared with the sound of kids bickering over a board game. “I had it first!” yelled his oldest, while the youngest stomped away in protest. Jack just wanted five minutes of quiet, maybe in the bathroom, the only place with a lock.

He shuffled into the kitchen and reached for his favorite mug, the old one with a crack trailing down the side. He ran his thumb over it, remembering the mornings when he’d clutch it tight while sleep still clouded his mind. The mug wasn’t perfect, but it had seen him through laughter, spilled juice, and midnight worries.

As coffee brewed, the shouts faded into giggles. Jack paused, smiling as he overheard, “Tag, you’re it!” echoing from the living room. He looked at his cracked mug and thought, maybe our family is like this cup a little cracked, a little messy, but still holding together because of what’s inside.

He took his first sip, warm and comforting. That night, he set down the mug, joined the kids on the couch, and laughed until his sides ached. The coffee tasted better than it had in years.

Reflection: Thankfulness isn’t the absence of cracks; it’s feeling the warmth despite them. Being a dad means finding gratitude in the chaos, not because everything’s smooth, but because we keep showing up together.

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Community Check IN

November has been tough for many of us, with flu outbreaks forcing school closures and late-night ER visits. If you need support meals, rides, groceries reach out; we’re here for one another.

Though November has been messy and exhausting, our community keeps going and supporting each other.

/Dads get 10% off Christmas light installation. 5% will be donated to Medow Rue Montessori

Holiday Kick Off

Light the Lights + Christkindlmarket

And now, for a little ligh iterally.

One of our favorite traditions is Light the Lights, and you’re invited to join my family on Friday, November 21 at the City & County Building. The switch flips at 5:00 p.m. sharp.

Light the Lights Ceremony
• City & County Building, 1437 Bannock St.
• Friday, 11/21
• Lights turn on at 5:00 p.m.

Walk to the Market
After the ceremony, we’ll take the short 15–20-minute walk to the Christkindlmarket (the classic German-style Christmas market). Due to construction at Civic Center Park, the market has moved to the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. The new space has wider walkways, easier stroller access, and better parking.

Christkindlmarket Details
• Location: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus (1000 Larimer St.)
• Dates: Nov 21–Dec 23
• Hours:
– Mon–Thu: 1–9 p.m.
– Fri–Sun: 11–9 p.m.
– Festival Hall: open to 10 p.m.
– Thanksgiving Day: 11–4 p.m.

New This Year
• Roomier campus layout
• A refreshed vendor map
• Season-long nighttime shows and drone displays
• And a beautifully restored carousel—a huge hit for kids and nostalgic dads alike

Thanks for reading

Jason Townsend