This summer feels like someone hit fast-forward.

One daughter is learning to drive behind the wheel, another is working on her online driver's ed, both are working gals now, and somehow my middle schooler can stay home alone for a few minutes without turning the house into a disaster zone. The world is getting bigger for my kids, and if I'm honest, it's forcing me to accept a new chapter of parenting.

In this episode, I'm talking about the strange mix of pride, panic, and nostalgia that comes with watching your kids become more independent. We get into why parents give advice that sounds annoying (hint: we've already made the mistakes), the reality of having a child who is almost 18, and why things like medical paperwork suddenly matter more than you think.

Plus, a moment that caught me completely off guard: realizing I almost said, "They're not kids anymore" before remembering something important.

They may grow up. They may drive themselves, work jobs, and make their own decisions.

But they'll always be my kids. ❤️

#Parenting #TeenParents #MomsOfTeens #KidsGrowingUp #ShhhMyKidsAreAsleep #PodcastLife #ParentingPodcast

Sourdough double dutch” is me standing in the middle of my kitchen watching ig reels thinking Do i wanna do this? No, I don't; yes, I do. Wait, no! Because one rope is saying I should totally join the sourdough era and become a bread girlie, and the other is like, nahhh, I do not have the patience to babysit a YEAST (Starter) for days.

I’m watching everyone else jump in like it’s easy while I’m stuck timing it out, thinking about it, almost doing it… but never fully committing.... Should I do it?

Three kids. Three birthdays. One exhausted mom. 😅

This week starts with me trying to figure out who stole the batteries from my on-air sign and why my podcast microphone looked like someone had been hosting a karaoke night in my office. I have my suspicions...

Then I take you through the chaos of celebrating three birthdays in one week. One kid wanted a family day with LEGO, boba tea, and cheesecake. Another wanted a simple kickback at the house. The third wanted a movie and coffee shop party. Same parents, same house, completely different personalities.

I also talk about helping my oldest daughter create her college application list as she gets ready to apply this fall. It's exciting, a little overwhelming, and one of those parenting moments that reminds me just how fast the years go by.

As if birthday season wasn't enough, we've officially entered hurricane season here in Texas. As a transplant, I'm still learning the rules, and I'm pretty sure lifelong Texans are judging me. In my defense, I'd like to see some of them handle an earthquake. Then again, maybe we can all just agree to stop judging each other and be nice. 😂

If you've ever planned multiple birthday parties, raised kids with wildly different personalities, helped a teenager prepare for college, or wondered how anyone survives hurricane season, this episode is for you.

Thanks for hanging out with me for another week of parenting, laughter, silliness, and whatever is happening in my house these days.

This episode is basically a full family recap 😂

My two youngest have apparently been telling teachers and friends we are “moving soon”... news to me. Unless they mean moving to another house in the same area 😅

Then we get into surviving a 3-day weekend filled with our 19 year wedding anniversary, my daughter’s birthday, and TWO more kids birthdays this week. And yes… people always ask if we planned the birthdays like this. Absolutely not 😂

We also talk about why my kids will probably appreciate those long weekend birthdays one day… and the “secret” to a 19 year marriage. Spoiler: there really isn’t one. Just be nice to each other. 💛

This episode I talk a little about Mother’s Day before getting into a huge milestone...my older girls officially landed their FIRST summer jobs as lifeguards. Honestly? Elite summer job energy/Big girl energy! While they’re training, I become completely distracted by the many alligator warning signs and start overanalyzing the fencing around the water because apparently that’s who I am now.

Then comes the moment that sends me spiraling.

A casual shopping trip to the outlets turns into a random run-in with Houston legend Paul Wall. I literally looked at him and asked, “Excuse me… is your name Paul?” Meanwhile, his grill had already answered for him. 😭 He smiled so big, the store clerk instantly knew who he was, and my husband? Completely clueless until I started playing his music in the car.

And instead of acting cool, radio-professional me apparently left the building.

I asked "The People's Champ.. The Iceman" Paul Wall to take a photo with my kids instead of me like an absolute dork. Then when he offered to take one with me too, I acted like it was no big deal… even though internally I was losing my mind.

But here’s the worst part.

I HAVE A PODCAST.

And somehow… I never even mentioned it.

No invite.
No “hey you should come on sometime.”
Nothing.

I completely fumbled what could’ve been the most Houston podcast moment of my life. So now I’m just hoping the universe gives me another shot… or maybe somebody who knows Paul Wall hears this episode and tells him there’s a podcaster out here still recovering from the biggest content fumble she ever made.

Did I mention he was the NICEST guy ever? He was.

This week, my husband takes over and asks the kids questions all about me for Mother’s Day… and let’s just say the answers are different from what I thought, but still, sweet, and way too honest 😂 Then the kids flip the script and start asking HIM questions too.

We talk about why they think I’m such a great cook, what they think I actually do all day while everyone else is gone, and we revisit the unforgettable moment dad was in charge and one of the kids got hurt 👀 Of course, somehow, we also end up talking about The Rock because honestly… would it even be our family podcast without random detours?

It’s funny, wholesome, and full of family energy for this Mother’s Day special.

This week’s episode didn’t go as planned… and honestly, that’s the point.

I was going to record a Mother’s Day episode, but between prom, karate board breaking, open house, kids having friends over… and getting bit by a tiny Texas mosquito on my ear… life happened.

And somewhere in the chaos, I realized something:

Not everything revolves around mom… but everything runs because of her.

In this episode, I’m talking about the invisible work of motherhood, the mental load we carry, and what it looks like when the day doesn’t stop for us—but still happens because of us.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing a million things behind the scenes… this one’s for you.

🎙️ New episodes of Shhh… My Kids Are Asleep drop weekly.

Also, why did a Texas mosquito bite me on my ear today? Like of all places??

A quick, honest episode about something we’re working on in our house right now...bad sportsmanship.

Because it’s not really about the game… it’s about learning how to handle big feelings like frustration and disappointment.

We’re not raising perfect kids… we’re raising growing ones.
And at the end of the day, all we want are happy, healthy kids.

If you’ve been through this too, I’d love to hear what’s helped.

Email me at [email protected]

Note: This episode includes discussion of mortality. It may be best to listen on your own before sharing with little ears.

(I know, I don't say the episode title on the podcast. I wanted to think on the title and not just slap something on it. I wanted this to reach the hearts of , teens and parents... It is labeled on the episode though.)

She looked up from her phone and told me her friends were dead… and she was crying.

I wasn’t prepared for that moment, and I didn’t have the perfect words. This isn’t an episode with expert advice—this is just me, sitting in it, processing what went through my mind and what felt important in that moment.

Sometimes our kids bring us questions and emotions that feel too big… and all we can do is meet them where they are.

If you’re a parent, this is one of those conversations we don’t always feel ready for—but we’re walking it together.

And at the end of the day… it’s not just my babies. Your babies deserve to be happy and healthy too, darlin’.

*This episode is not sponsored by or affiliated with MADD.*

...unless, they want too.

I spent the day at the dentist with my kids… and somewhere between appointments, something shifted.

Watching them get their braces made me realize how much goes into building kids’ confidence—and how easy it is to overlook where that support comes from.

Some parents are the face of the family—the ones you see in the day-to-day moments. Others are working behind the scenes...providing, planning, and showing up in ways that aren’t always visible to someone on the outside, looking in.

This episode is about learning to appreciate both… and recognizing the love, effort, and intention that shape our kids, even when it doesn’t always look the same.

If you’re navigating parenting roles, raising confident kids, or trying to be more intentional in how you show up for your family, this conversation is for you. Be sure to hit follow! Let's chat! dm me on Instagram!