How do you stay genuine in a “small town” like Charleston?
I am confused by this question a little. Genuine in a small town? I guess I don’t know what else to be other than genuine. I think consistently staying true to yourself. Trusting yourself and knowing what serves you and what does not. I don’t think this question needs to be specific to a small town, I think this is a relationship that you build as you get older, wherever you are.
Has your therapist had advice on dealing with your parents aging?
We talk a lot about fear. I think this falls into the fear category. In general, a lot of our conversation is around fearing everything vs. living in the moments the best that we can. I have moments where I get really in my head about aging, health, constantly feeling like I want to protect everyone (which is always when something slips through the cracks!). I told my therapist this one time and she grabbed my hand and said “you must really be struggling inside.” The truth is, we waste a lot of happy moments living in fear. We can’t control everything and letting that go is a big step towards enjoying the moment we are in.
How do you get comfortable leaving your kids with a babysitter so long? I’m struggling with it!
I’m definitely not “comfortable” but I know it is necessary. I am the mom who texts the babysitter constantly for updates. It is a bandaid you have to rip off in parenthood. It is so good for us as parents and for our kids! Finding babysitters you can trust is a really big task (and not easy this day and age) but once you do, it makes leaving so much easier.
Will you be in Kansas for Thanksgiving?
Yes! We can’t wait!! My parents own a ranch in Central Kansas.
What is your mantra when going through a marriage rough patch?
This too shall pass. Dave and I like to say “I’m in this for the long haul.” As a reminder that in the end, we are here for each other. A girlfriend going through a divorce told me her therapist told her once to think about her words, are her words towards her spouse love or fear based. I think about this a lot, fear is the anger, resentment side and love is well, love. We all have our moments but communication is key. You have to get it all out on the table otherwise it sits in your body and rots until you can’t dig yourself out.
How do you handle different opinions on the election with family members?
I talked a little bit about this in my Substack article this week. I’ve heard valid points from each side (and have lots of friends/family members voting opposite of me). I don’t think candidates are a true reflection of party choices. Unfortunately, no one wants to run for president anymore so we are faced with some hard choices. Long story short, I’m open to hearing other’s opinions/reasons for voting but I don’t like when people try to change my choice. My family doesn’t try to do that. We openly talk about the issues we care about and why.
What is your most used cookbook for an easy dinner?
Really into Caro Chambers What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking!! The chapters of her book are based on the time it takes to cook her recipes – 15 min, 30 min, 45 min and so on. I love it!
What suggestions do you have for clothing for a fun couples weekend in Naples, FL?
This gorgeous dress stopped me in my tracks!! It also comes in this mini version.
How will you create the same loving, safe-haven for your kids that you had?
Lots of I love you’s, open conversation, building trust, showing affection, giving space to figure it out themselves, freedom to share/show emotions. All the hugs and support!
Can you update us in where your parents are going? Are they downsizing?
They are selling my childhood home in the town I grew up in. They will split their time between my family’s lake house in Wisconsin and their home in Kansas. They will be here in the Spring!
What would you wear to dinner and drinks to your 40th birthday?
Ohh fun! I just ordered these faux leather pants and would pair with a fun top like this sequin tank (so beautiful) or something like this. I also love this fun fringe dress!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Sitting in my bed alone for an extended period of time, cinnamon rolls and croissants, being alone. Haha.
What are your favorite parts of Round Hill?
Honestly everything, ha. You can read a recap of our trip here.
Have you found a tennis necklace that doesn’t roll?
Dana Rebecca makes this Ava Bea Tennis Necklace and it doesn’t go around your entire neck so it sits perfectly! Big big fan.
Were any of your kids mama’s boys? My oldest is a stage 5 clinger. What are your tips?
Yes and no! Jack is probably the ones that exerts energy but then needs to hide. I always say if any of my kids could still live in my body, it would be Jack. He is just a little old soul but definitely not dependent on my presence. I think making them feel my presence within their brothers and Dave is important.
What do you recommend for a mid-November long sleeve baby shower dress?
I love the Corinne Nap Dress in plaid from Hill House (the best stretch for a bump!) and the colors on this ASOS maternity dress are so pretty!
How do you deal with conflict with your adult siblings? I know you are super close with them!
We talk! We really don’t keep anything inside. I will say we really don’t have much conflict but there is no conversation off limits with us. I think that has served us well.
What age did you move into your childhood home?
I was in 3rd grade! I left at Christmas and started a new school in the new year. I was 8 years old, like Charlie is now.
