Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Year in Review
577 Plays3 days ago
Join Caitlin, Kallie, Charlotte, and Megan as they reflect on 2025, share their favorite holiday treats, and laugh through the “pits and peaks” of the year. From stepping back from social media to difficult life changes, the hosts discuss what made this year memorable, the lessons they’re leaving behind, and their favorite family and friend moments. Plus, get their honest takes on what they have learned in 2025 and how they will be going into the new year.
Whether you’re looking for laughs, relatable mom moments, or thoughtful reflections on the past year, this episode has a little something for everyone.
Recommended
Transcript
School Half Days and Parental Challenges
00:00:00
Speaker
We're in it. and It doesn't feel like it, but we're in it. i know I know. That's like all the parents were complaining about our – because we had all half days last week, and then we had no school Friday because something happened with the power. So then they gave us another half day this past Monday, and all the parents were like, why do we have conferences during the busiest time of the year? Can't they do it in January when there's like nothing else going on? You know? i know Like why do it the second week in December?
00:00:25
Speaker
Half days. insanity. You can't get anything done. Yeah. Yeah. No. Yeah, that's where I am. It's like so many, so many half days or days off. And then now that I have kids on two different school schedules, it's like, forget it. Yeah, forget it. Yeah.
00:00:39
Speaker
We only have one half day today. And it's kind of inconvenient because it's my day that I'm not in the office. Yeah. They're all going to be home bothering me. why is Why do you have a half day?
00:00:51
Speaker
They have one half day a month for professional development for teachers, which is that's fun the biggest load of crap. Yeah, it it seems ah like too much. They should have it.
00:01:01
Speaker
it air But you know what? I bet it is. I was only a teacher in private schools, so the scheduling was just different. And we had time baked in to plan and prep and do all that. And that is not the deal with least the teachers in our public school. So I bet for you guys, the half day, professional development is literally like- Get shit done.
00:01:22
Speaker
Yeah. Cleaning your- No, it's actually professional development. bring in someone to talk to them. Yeah. I mean, that's even better, but- They're supplementing stuff. But I mean, when I just think back when I taught, we had- Like there would be two days, like twice a year that the kids would be out off and we would have professional development. And I would prefer if my family was doing that versus yes one half day every month on a Thursday, because then you have to factor in conference. Whenever it's a conference month, you have to factor in if it's a holiday month, because then you will have more half days and it's just stupid.
00:01:57
Speaker
And I feel like as a mom, a half day, it's that's a wash. Like I'm not i'm not getting it. The time I get you to school and I get home and I've switched the laundry, like I'm not i'm not working and I'm just turning around and getting you again. i just feel like it's not, you know what I you mean? Yeah, I'd rather have the whole, just give take a whole day off. And then- i wonder if you work out of the home, if there's, can you take a couple hours versus a whole day? Like I always i always think of the parents who have to go to a,
00:02:25
Speaker
place of business. Is that like, is it better for them not to have a full day off? I don't know. Oh, I don't know. We have that norovirus, whatever the heck in the, okay. So get this. So it's going through, please, dear God, it's going through the dance studio and we had the tea party last weekend and two girls puked at different times. And then parents have it, teachers have it,
00:02:53
Speaker
The schools have it, and I guess, like, it's uncontrollable. Yes. And then Ava's group the other night finished early, and they're teenagers, and they couldn't even make it to the toilet. So at the rehearsal studio, there was puke.
00:03:08
Speaker
And then last night, they had to rehearse because tonight's the dress rehearsal, and all the kids were wearing masks, and one kid puked in the corner of the studio of the ah theater last night. Okay. we should but Why don't we officially start? That's a great segue, Meg. Okay.
Introduction and Podcast Purpose
00:03:21
Speaker
welcome to just for moms i'm charlotte i'm caitlin i'm megan and i'm callie we are regular moms talking about regular stuff like aging parenthood work-life balance and figuring out what's for dinner again no judgment zone to talk laugh and maybe cry about all the things women think about on a daily basis things i'll plan
00:03:41
Speaker
Anyways. Anywho, welcome back everyone. Just for moms, just prattling along. This is episode 40, guys. I feel like that's a nice round number.
00:03:52
Speaker
Yeah, I do like it. And, oh, our friend there. Sorry, she's into it. She's cheering for us. Yes, she is. She's learned how to jump up onto the kitchen counter when Amazon comes.
00:04:04
Speaker
So I suspect I can mute. Someone can take it. Oh, no, it's fine. No, kind it. It's real life. She's got a lot. She's got a lot to say. We're hanging out with you.
00:04:16
Speaker
I see that um we're we're supposed to be recapping about Thanksgiving is what Charlotte would be telling us if her dog was not singing a beautiful tune. How did everyone Thanksgiving go? Megan, was there so much food at your italian your big fat Italian Thanksgiving? Yes. Yes.
Thanksgiving Meals and Funny Airbnb Stories
00:04:30
Speaker
There was a ton of food, lasagna, pasta, ham, turkey, some drama. You know, the normal some drama normal family drama, but that's expected. And yeah, it was wonderful. How about how about yours, Callie?
00:04:45
Speaker
ah Yeah, ours was good. It was sort of small this year. We didn't have quite as many. We never do a huge one, but there was like eight of us or 10 of us or something. and it was really good. We did Thanksgiving. at the The theme was Thanksgiving staples with a twist. So everything had to be like a typical thing. but like So we had goat cheese mashed potatoes. So instead of the full turkey, because it wasn't a big group, I did a turkey breast, which was actually good, like a stuffed turkey breast, which came out really good. My only problem was...
00:05:15
Speaker
i I almost, and i've I've got this down to a science where I don't like having too much food. I'm like the opposite. But I could have had a little more because there wasn't quite, and this is the one meal where you want the leftovers, you know? I mean, I still would have preferred no over too many. Yes. Because like there's nothing worse than having way too many leftovers. But that was- Next time you can text me and I happily drive you probably seven dishes from ours because the leftovers were- i will.
00:05:43
Speaker
Too much. I know. Yeah. It's funny that there's certain leftovers that like we didn't, I made a corn pudding and it was so good the day of, we haven't touched it since. Oh, really? Isn't that funny? Some things just don't, yeah. Some things just don't travel as a leftover. It's true. You don't really need it. Yeah.
00:06:00
Speaker
That's fair enough. Yeah. I love corn pudding. I know. Charlotte, you hosted. How was it It was great. It was great. It was my sister's family was at an Airbnb nearby. The Airbnb left...
00:06:13
Speaker
nearby there bn b left I haven't done a lot of Airbnbs, but there's an interesting, like there's interesting protocol that it just, there were like, they showed up and they were like, it seemed like there was like personal items sort of around.
00:06:30
Speaker
Oh. And then it was clear that like one of the toilets hadn't been cleaned, but like the sheets had been cleaned. Like we spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was happening. Yeah. And I DMed the, um,
00:06:44
Speaker
And my mother, P.S., is the one who booked it. And so she's like, she messaged me and she's checking her text messages. And we're like, well, no, that's in the app. So it took a while to, like, get to the person. And she was like, oh, yeah, I'm so sorry. The contractors have been in. And we were like, okay, that would explain, like, a dirty toilet if you had bunch of contracts. But then, i don't know, there were just... We spent a lot of time trying to figure out, like, what is...
00:07:08
Speaker
like people who run Airbnbs that are not a dedicated property. Yeah. It's curious. Yeah, it is. It's always, yeah, it's always weird. Like, I like i think there was an apartment over the garage. And so we were like, is it a college kid that's like gaming over the garage? And then when no one's, whatever, it was great.
00:07:26
Speaker
And the house, this house was like, we were piled in, but there's enough little spaces that it just fit the group in a really nice way, which don't know. Now I have folding tables and chairs. So guys, I can host 20 people whenever. Awesome. I love that.
00:07:41
Speaker
I know we haven't seen you forever, Callie. I know. It does feel like it was forever. That's why I was like telling you about my Thanksgiving. Like, wait, did we do this already? but then like, no, I haven't seen you. No, and we recorded, when we recorded without you, we forgot, we remembered the first time to be like, Callie's not here. She just double booked. But then because we do two at a time, yeah I realized the second episode, we didn't say anything.
00:08:03
Speaker
Because we... like we yeah i hope this' I hope that people start, I hope like ah cut there's conspiracies. Right. Where is Callie? Where is, you know, I'm just hoping for that. I mean, we're not, nobody cares, but I just, in my mind... I like to think that somebody would do that. Where the world Callie Brantford? Yeah, especially – then they can come up with drama. Like I said something about Megan and she told Charlotte. And especially – That's what I'm hoping. Because you don't go on Instagram so much, Callie. So they could like tie that in and – Yes. We could tell her anything we wanted. Yes. I'm in a cult.
00:08:35
Speaker
I'm in a cult and they're trying to find me. I went into AI psychosis. Yeah, just so many good things they could do.
00:08:43
Speaker
um I was trying to think about when we were, because like you said, a year in review, we sort of, I don't think we're going to have another
Holiday Treats and Drinks
00:08:49
Speaker
episode go live before the holidays. And then we have that no man's week between Christmas and New Year's and then Lord knows. yeah But we were like, let's do sort of a year in review, but it's still a couple weeks before Christmas or at least a week and a half. ah Like, i don't know. And so I was thinking of chitter chatter, pitter patter.
00:09:07
Speaker
And i was just hanging out with girlfriends and it was very holiday and festive. But like, what is your favorite holiday indulgence? Like this time of year, I feel like there's certain things that enter the chat that are not present any other time of year. Like, what is that thing where you put the saltines and then you put the chocolate chips on top and sprinkle? It's crack.
00:09:27
Speaker
Yeah. Like there's so many of those little things, but then also like show me a holiday cocktail menu. And I'm real down with that. i don't have an answer for me. I was just spitballing, but what are like, what do you think about like your favorite holiday indulgent?
00:09:42
Speaker
Mine changes every year. usually It was Christmas cakes for the, for a very long time. We talked about this before the little Debbie's, but people still send me DMS like, Oh my gosh, look at this funny Christmas cake.
00:09:55
Speaker
real or whatever. And I'm just not into them this year. I'm sorry. Um, don't send her them guys. It's like anything that is like a special festive only this time of year treat.
00:10:09
Speaker
Trader Joe's has these peppermint meringues. I ate an entire container of them yesterday. They were delicious. They're probably serving size is 48 and I ate them all. um And then I ordered peppermint Oreos from Whole Foods because they're dairy free. And I probably will eat that entire container. And then, yeah, um everything just if you walk into the store and there's an end cap that says holiday festive, yes, and I will buy it all. yeah all
00:10:40
Speaker
Like peppermint stick ice cream. Yeah. ah Oh, that is good. That's my favorite. Yeah. I mean, I'm into like the excuse to just like have any of the cookies and the brownies. I mean, that's, I love it, but I do feel like for me, and I don't know that like favorite is the right word, but this is the time of year for me that like, I'm just like drinking on a Tuesday, which is not like usual par for the course, but I'm like, it's a Christmas party. So like, i I feel like that that's the one for me. That's always like the marker of the holidays. It's like, you know And then you get to Christmas and like you said, that week between Christmas and New Year's, you're just like, what I don't even know what day it is. I don't, eat you know. I'm like, sure, I'll have a glass of wine. what It's Tuesday at 1. I don't know. doesn't matter. No.
00:11:20
Speaker
What is yours, Megan? Definitely the Christmas spritz that I had a few too many of at a holiday party a few weeks ago. Yeah, I love the Christmas cocktails. And then one thing I've – well, no, two that are on my list to try.
00:11:38
Speaker
Van Leeuwen came out with like a Grinch ah ice cream that we all want to try. You know me, guys. I get suckered into all the stuff like that. Yes, yes. And then we had Grinch cereal this morning, which was, ah you know, of course the marshmallows all went. And the little, um the other cereal was just green. So those are like kid related. But for me, definitely the Christmas spritz.
00:12:08
Speaker
You know, McDonald's had a Grinch, make like, Happy Meal. And we were – our kids loved the Grinch. And we're like, Michael, let's go. We'll take the kids to get – don't know. It was Grinch salt. I don't even know. It's already – Michael's like, it's gone already. He said that, like, they've sold out. Yeah.
00:12:22
Speaker
Oh, that's sad. Yeah. i don't know if they're getting it back, but – What's a Christmas spritz? Yeah, thank you. Sorry. Sorry. ah So I love Aperol spritzes. And it's just a holiday version. And it had the really pretty, you know – accents on top of fruit and leaves and all that. And it was like, probably, I feel like, was it maybe cranberry juice mixed in there to make it look Christmassy? I can send you a photo. It was very pretty.
00:12:51
Speaker
Sure. Yes. My husband's been making a salted caramel oo cocktail and it's bourbon, syrup, and some other stuff. I don't know.
00:13:03
Speaker
it is It is so good. Real good. He shakes it up and then pours it it like as a martini. Yum. And they're very dangerous. Yeah, scary. Yeah, it's delicious. It's so good.
00:13:14
Speaker
I had, do you guys know what a cure royale is? it's like It's in a cool bottle. Yes, it's in a little round. And what's the berry? Whatever it is. But you just add a little bit of that to like a Prosecco or a champagne.
00:13:28
Speaker
And so I like it because it just adds a little bit of sweet. But I ordered one that was a holiday version and they had just mulled with like cloves and a little cinnamon first. Like they had just let it soak for an hour or two. And so the Kier had a little bit of that clove in it, which is such a holiday.
00:13:47
Speaker
and I was like, I can i can do that. I'm to pour a little into a mason jar with some cloves. freeze a cranberry a little rosemary sprig that's fancy a it says it's a french cocktail oh the key royal i guess this is like also what i mean like there's no other time of year that you could be like i'm gonna put syrup or a milk product in your martini and i'm like yes but like this time of year i'm like yeah yeah sure put the milk in there i put the syrup do it whatever yeah I also, for Thanksgiving, what what are they called? Like monkey balls or something? I made ah i made a version of that.
00:14:24
Speaker
um It's basically you get like a prefab like puff pastry or biscuit mix or crescent roll mix in the tube. And then you put it in little balls and then you put it in like a bunt pan. and then Monkey bread. What did I say? Monkey balls. Oh, they're balls. Close enough.
00:14:40
Speaker
Monkey balls. And I made like a pumpkin version that i saw. I'm going to call it that forever. Okay. Sorry. It means they're right there. Yeah. No. Yeah. It was there for the taking. And I made a pumpkin version for Thanksgiving and it reminded me, i'm like, this is so easy because it's just like butter and sugar.
00:14:59
Speaker
So I might For a few years that was our Christmas morning, but then we just, we over consumed them and now we can't have, but that was used to be what we had every Christmas morning. Yeah. I'd like your monkey ball recipe yeah yeah for Christmas. I have to say, though, I'm not into all the like eggnog drinks that everyone has and like chocolatey ones. I don't know why. You know what I think? Maybe like for me, eggnog, I don't know why do I think it's like a morning afternoon thing. So when you're out to dinner and they tell you about these Christmas presents, I don't know why. I don't know what it is. I've never tried it. mean, it's like drinking a cup of cream. It's so heavy. Yeah. Not if you put enough rum in it. It's not. That's true.
00:15:39
Speaker
Is there real egg in it? Real eggnog, yes, but not the stuff in the store, no. So like in Christmas vacation, when they're like drinking it out of the- the yeah Yeah, it was probably made.
00:15:51
Speaker
But do you think there's rum in that or is it alcohol-free? yeah, definitely. Probably. Probably. No, i in my opinion, drinking eggnog without rum in it, like, yeah, you're just drinking straight up cream. I mean, that's just you need like alcohol to thin it out. I can't imagine drinking it without something else in there. But do we want to quickly talk about that week between Christmas and New Year's?
00:16:16
Speaker
yeah it's No, I don't want to talk about it. Well, I never know if the strategy is to just sort of just lean in and be chill. And we usually have a couple of puzzles going and we try to find one day to go into the city. And I actually don't hate it, but I always feel like I just don't know what end is up. And so I'm wondering, I mean, Callie, you have little kids, so it's a little bit different to fill the time.
Strategies for the Post-Christmas Week
00:16:40
Speaker
you guys have any tips? I mean, I guess I just gave you my tip. We do one day in the city and the rest of the time we just don't overthink it. And we're sitting around and maybe we'll go to like a movie on Tuesday when it's cheaper. and I'm going to work. Smart. have that smart hi it i i mean, I could have taken it off, but I straight up was like, oh no, I'll come in. I mean, it's only Tuesday. I think I'm working.
00:17:02
Speaker
and maybe in the morning on New Year's Eve. But one of my coworkers was like, oh, you're you're not going to be home with your kids. And I was like, by that day, I'll have been home with them for five days in a row.
00:17:14
Speaker
And I'm going to want to I'm going to want fine. Yeah. I'm good. Yep. Bye, guys. Are you traveling, Megan? Yes. I feel like sometimes you guys leave. We always go to my parents in Florida. But one tip I would have is, you know, maybe get like a group chat or even leave a piece of paper on your counter and have, you know, dad, mom, even the kids fill in stuff.
00:17:38
Speaker
of what you want to do during breaks. So when they're like, what are we doing today? And it could be like, oh, you know, Nico wanted to go see this movie, you know, or, you know, so-and-so wanted to go to the show just so it's all there. I always, am I feel like Callie. I'm always like a list person. That's smart. You know?
00:17:57
Speaker
But then, because my kids, the first they always they're like, let's go to jump off. I will go to any length to avoid going to like a place like a jump off. yeah It's so expensive. The risk of just breaking your body is just always right there. it's Anyway, it's not my favorite. And so I always am like, what are some other things that aren't going to cost us $200 to get in the door? yeah I mean, you're- I also don't- Yeah, I don't like going to any of those places that week anyways, because yeah that's what every other parent is doing. So like, I refuse to go to those places. Yeah. I just, I mean, but I don't i don't ever want to do anything, really. Like, we kind of just hang out with our family-
00:18:36
Speaker
We have drinks at two o'clock in the afternoon. if it you have a random warm day, we light a fire in the backyard and let everybody run around outside. But yeah I don't want to go to the movies. I don't want to go shopping. i don't really want to be around crowds of people.
00:18:52
Speaker
I do nothing. Yeah. Yeah. That's what we do it's good to recharge too or play dates. I feel like sometimes, you know, that might help. It's easy enough. I feel like I want – do you have any of these items that you've bought for yourself three or four times and every time it's like, o that's not great. And then a year later you donate it and then three years later.
00:19:12
Speaker
A fondue set is one of those items. I have definitely purchased one of those in the past. I was like, this will be so fun. going to do it. And I think we did it once and it was fun and then we moved and I was like, I don't – Goodwill is going to get my fondue set. yeah Something about – like right now I'm like, that would be really fun to do fondue one night. My kids are old enough. Would they be into it?
00:19:31
Speaker
We have that, um it's, has, you could make like a little flame in the middle and you roast marshmallows. Have you seen? we have that. Same thing, Charlotte. We used it once and now it's collecting dust.
00:19:45
Speaker
Yeah. You should pass them around your friends like groups though. Right. Yeah. You guys could share them. That's smart. Get one to share. That was a good idea. All right. Well, let's move on to our year in review. Rather than trying to think back on all of the stuff we talked about on the podcast, again, for me, it felt like a little too
Year-End Reflections and Positive Outlook
00:20:04
Speaker
early. I feel like that's the week between Christmas and New Year time to really do a year in review.
00:20:09
Speaker
I thought maybe we could each come up with questions that are sort of meant to help us reflect back. P.S. I have not thought about my answers. I just found a couple of questions. But think back because I do think reflection is important and helpful. And even Arthur this morning was like, I can't believe it's almost 2026. And I said, yeah, I can't either. Did you have a good year this year? And he was like, yeah. it was great. And I was like, what was so great about it? And he mentioned, he finally mentioned his teacher from last year, but I was interested to hear like his specific answers. We didn't get there, but Caitlin, you're first on my list. Do you want to start with your question?
00:20:50
Speaker
Sure. And, um, this, this question is like, I feel like something I talk about in therapy a lot is like, what's the,
00:21:01
Speaker
how can we spin this awful situation? Or do you think that this awful situation might turn out to be good? And so my question for you is what is one awful thing that happened this year that ended up being good?
00:21:13
Speaker
Like at the end of the day or at the end of the month or three months later, or four months later, you were like, that wasn't that bad. It actually snowballed into something that was good. And I can start if no one else has any. Okay. And actually I thought of this question because there's this new show called Ripple. Have you seen it on Netflix?
00:21:32
Speaker
No, but is it like the butterfly effect or something? In a good way. Okay. you It intertwines four main people, but then there's little things that happen along the way that end up coming into episode two. And so far it's really, it's only a limited series, but that's where I got the question also from. So at the beginning of the year, we had a really big,
00:21:53
Speaker
life, career change, and you guys know about this, but listeners probably don't, for our family. and it set me into a very like depressed, anxious state for months.
00:22:06
Speaker
It is the best thing that ever happened to our life, like to our family, to everything that the terrible thing that happened in January. Now we keep looking back and being like, wow, like I am so happy this happened.
00:22:18
Speaker
Granted, we had a lot of time where we thought, how are we going to get out of this? How are we going to climb out of this hole? um And it's just one of those, everything happens for a reason and to push through it because,
00:22:32
Speaker
It sucked. It sucked really, really bad. um But now there's, you know, the sun is on the horizon again. It's not all darkness. And I know a lot of people can't say the same thing. But if you asked me even four months ago, I'd still say, no, this is the worst thing that happened this year.
00:22:50
Speaker
So that's us. I like that. The first thing that came to mind for me is that we had a kiddo that was sort of struggling and like grades and just performance across the board was just like, oh and.
00:23:10
Speaker
we Through this, we were able to get a little more clarity as to what was going on. And now, you know, the kiddo has been working so hard with like the toolbox that having, you know, a little more clarity on just the overall situation. I'm trying to speak very generally, as you can tell, just so I don't. But it's just, you know, we got a little more information as far as like, this is how, you know, you learn and process and all the things. And, you know, this kiddo was able to take that and sort of apply it. We were able to bring in some sort of support and guardrails at school. And it's like on the up and up, like, it's great. It's so fun to get notes from teachers that are like,
00:23:57
Speaker
things are great. You know, the report card in the comments. And it's just like, when your kids are at a certain age, it's really, it's sort of this collaborative effort. And so that was something, there was a minute when it was like, whoa, this really snuck up on us that there was such a challenge. And, you know, it just felt like the wheels had just come off and, you know, it was not, it, it Like we were sort of surprised by it because you sort of, you feel like your kids are just trucking along and doing fine. And then all of a sudden the wheels are off and you're like, well, where did this come from? Like, welcome to being a parent. And so it was just, it was, it was, I'm so proud looking back at how like the support we were able to get the like openness that all of us were to getting said support. Like it just, now we, we just have a different toolbox, which is great and going to help us like moving forward.
00:24:52
Speaker
That's amazing. I love that. But I know probably in the moment, it seemed like it was like, well, shit. Right. Right. And then now you're like, okay, yeah. Yeah, that's exactly right.
00:25:08
Speaker
How about you guys? Megan and Callie look like they're still thinking. No, I mean, i yeah, I mean, like the, the whole purpose of your question, like I have so many moments in my life that I can attribute to that exact. I mean, like there's so many times now, like when bad stuff happens, I'm just like, it's, it's cool because like, I've done that. Like, I'm just having a hard time thinking of like a specific one from this year. I like, I think the most stressful thing, like something we were really stressed about and we didn't know how it was going turn out. is we um moved my son to – we were at a private school that our kids were in the preschool program there, and we decided to stick through it with elementary. But when we moved to Newtown, we decided to try at the public school. And it just – I don't remember, like, ever knowing, that like, as a parent, like, where you sent your kids to school and even daycares when they were younger and, like, the babysitter and the nanny and, like, all of that. Like, I just never –
00:26:01
Speaker
anticipated there to be something you like worry us so much about, right? Like having the right babysitter or having the right whatever. So we were just really nervous. It was a much, much bigger school, obviously going to public school. And so we were just sort of stressed about how he would adapt to it. And he had been at this other school for like you know, since early before preschool, basically. um But it just turned out to be like so great. He's thriving. He loves the school so much. Like he's just like having the best time ever in public school. And it's allowed us to get into the community a little bit more, which has been really nice since we just moved here last year. and get to know other families. And so it wasn't like a worst thing. It was just like kind of a thing we were stressed about having to do this year. And it turned out to be like so great. Like now we're so excited for Finley to get to start kindergarten. And so it's been really nice.
00:26:47
Speaker
That community connection that you get from school, we grew up and the public school that we were districted to Is that the word district zoned for? it just, it, um my parents didn't love the way it was set up. It felt very segregated at the time. Like they had veiled the sort of gifted and talented program for like one part of town. And then the other, it just, they were like, it sort of gave us the ick. And so we drove 20, 25 minutes away to sort of a newer private school,
00:27:19
Speaker
And so we didn't have any friends. Like, it was just different. i mean, we loved that school. I ended up teaching there. It's one of my favorite places. But now that my kids are in the neighborhood public school, it's like, oh, this is really wonderful. yeah That they're all in the same sports together. And, you know, they're my neighbor. So I totally get that.
00:27:37
Speaker
Yep.
00:27:39
Speaker
Megan? So something that just comes to mind is something that happened to not my family of five, but a cousin. And feel like teaching the kids about how to handle things. And when you have to go to certain things because of the outcome of what happened to the cousin, i just feel like, you know, you don't know how your kids are going to react and you try to like guide them and teach them through it. So I feel like it was a lesson for us to learn as a family now that they're older on how
00:28:14
Speaker
you react and how you treat, you know, your other cousins. And again, I don't want to get into all the details of who and what, but I just felt like for us as a family, i was so nervous about handling it.
00:28:28
Speaker
And then you have to like sit down, you know, you want to talk all as a whole. I don't know if it's just my family, but like, then it's like, everyone is like this, that, that. So I feel like each one I'd be like, so you know, this is what you should do when you see this person that had to do with the cousin. And when we go here and, you know, shake hands and ask if they need a hug or what are they So it was just like, I was so nervous and it ended up being a learning experience and for like the future for them as an adult. So that's the thing that just came to mind without getting in all the nitty gritty. Cause I just feel like, you know, it's not good to share certain
00:29:05
Speaker
you know, but yeah yeah. So I know, you know, I know what you mean when something kind of crummy happens in your family, but in the end it kind of brought you all closer together. yeah yeah Yeah. Or just allowed you, like she said, like it, you know, our kids will need to learn some of these lessons. So like who better to learn it from than to be able to. Yeah. learn And then, you know, as parents, you, you hope that, you know, the right way to handle it Right. I just always feel that way. And it's just, yeah. And it's, you know, and you don't, And then I always worry about like the way, even though I shouldn't, how people look at your kids and how they handle it too. It's just, you know, go and give a hug, shake their hand. Like it's like, we and well, mama, I don't want to. I don't care if you don't want to, just do it. You know? Yeah. I'm always amazed at how my kids surprise me. Not always, but there's definitely been situations whether it was like
00:29:57
Speaker
I don't know, a few years ago, we brought a couple of them to my grandmother's funeral. And I look over and one of my kids is shaking hands with a person they've never met saying, hi, nice to meet you. name's whatever. yeah Having a conversation.
00:30:10
Speaker
Like, who are you? Where did you come from? i am delighted that you have this in the recesses of your soul, the ability to do this. Yeah. That's awesome. That's a cool moment.
00:30:22
Speaker
Megan, what is your question for
Memorable Family Experiences
00:30:24
Speaker
us? Oh, yes. Mine is Did you have a favorite family experience in 2025 that will be a memory to last forever?
00:30:37
Speaker
ah I don't know if it's a vacation or even a special restaurant night, you know, like, so that was just like my thought of something that was like extra special to your family that'll now be a memory and a Christmas ornament on the tree or something.
00:30:56
Speaker
I have a good one and it kind of flips the script a little bit. So we went to, we go to Vinyl Haven, Maine every year, every other year, which is an island off the coast of Maine. So you have to drive like six hours and then you get on a ferry for two hours to go there. um And it was not the trip that is my memory, not that I won't remember the trip. It was a really nice trip, but the drive up,
00:31:17
Speaker
I will remember forever for the peaks and the lows, like we went like somebody, somebody pooped their pants in the first hour of the trip. We decided to forego screens on the trip. So there were no screens. So we were like dance partying. We were having snacks. And so like,
00:31:36
Speaker
It was one of those experiences where it was like kind of ah like a a shit show, but literally in some aspects. But like, I will remember it forever. Like it was such a family. We're all crammed in the car. There's no room. I've got the dog on my lap. And I i mean, I'll just always remember the drive up to...
00:31:53
Speaker
um I just remember like we got on, we're like singing, we're so excited. And then we got a pullover at CVS because you know somebody pooped their pants. It wass just it was just a it was a good time. It's awesome. Caitlin, it was you that went like two hours in the wrong direction for a family trip. Yes. Was that Cape Cod? Yep, we did that. i I was wondering if that was, I was like, wait, was that Cali and this is all part of it? No, well that was us. We were on our way to Maine, not Cape Cod.
00:32:21
Speaker
I would say Cape Cod, like we went to Cape Cod this year more than we normally, we usually go in the summer. And then in the last calendar year, not even calendar year, 365 days, I started working with a property company. And so as a reward, every time I helped book so many different vacations there, they would say, okay, well you can go stay in a home. And so we got to go to Cape Cod off season.
00:32:46
Speaker
And those like, the It was just us. And like the times that we had in the house was really, really like the different houses that we went to was really cool. And there's not like one specific moment. It's just, I know my kids will always remember this. Like, remember that time that we stayed in the house with the big windows that face the beach. Remember the time that we stayed in the house where you had to hike down the hill to get to the beach, like all these different little things that we did. And I think that this year, you know, we traveled,
00:33:18
Speaker
a lot together thankfully because of that while all of this, all of this tough, like just difficult things were going on behind the scenes, we were able to do these happy things with them. And so, um yeah, that's my favorite.
00:33:33
Speaker
um And then one more thing. We went to the Great Wolf Lodge over the weekend and there was a movie before bed. And I was like, there's no way that we could take Arbor to go see this movie. She was like feral by nine o'clock. And then I found out it was only a 15 minute movie. So I'm like, fine, let's just go.
00:33:50
Speaker
And everyone like laid on the floor in the lobby and watched it over the fireplace. There was a big picture frame that ended up being like a frame TV that turned into a se screen.
00:34:02
Speaker
And at the, somewhere in the middle of 15 minutes, it turned into like Disney world. Like there's fairy lights going everywhere and sprites. And it looks like there's magic in the whole entire room. And then it started snowing ah on top of us. And my girls were freaking out and Arbor's freaking out. And me and Brandon are looking at each other. Like we will never forget this. Like that is just yeah so magical. Um,
00:34:29
Speaker
And yeah, that's, those are mine. Shout out, Great Wolf Lodge. That's awesome. That was great. um We went to my parents' parent house for spring vacation. And so we didn't have my oldest daughter because she, her vacation schedule is different and she's away at school. But we went to my parents' house mostly because we just couldn't swing anything fancier or, you know, it would have been nice to get on a plane and go to Florida or whatever. But it was like, what, we'll drive to DC.
00:34:58
Speaker
And so when we were there, I sort of wanted it to be a little bit fun. And we've done a lot of sightseeing in D.C., but when I grew up there, one of the field trips that I remember taking in middle school was to Luray Caverns, which is one of these caves with like stalagmites and stalactites that you sort of can't imagine. But I had this faint memory from middle school. And so we just got tickets and we did it It's like an hour and a half drive, but my kids are old enough that they could sort of make it work. And it was so freaking fun. My parents were with me, which I love. I can hang out with them all the time. It was, I feel like it's sort of rare as a parent to bring your kids into a place where there's a real sense of wonder.
00:35:40
Speaker
like, I did it. And everyone was you know old enough to be well behaved. And we were just was really, really fun. And because I think it had had a little bit of a childhood memory for me, it was really nice to see my family do the same thing. So that's probably i mean, it was nothing over the top. But that's when what I think of if I look back to all the things that we've done, that one was sort of exceptionally unique.
00:36:06
Speaker
So mine was, we had a family trip this past summer to Italy that we had been planning for a few years and that we did the tourist part, which was fun. But then we had to go to where Joe's family is from and it's a Calabria arena and it's in a village and you feel like you're stuck in 1990 and That's very specific. That's funny. And, ah you know, like they have like guests and Tommy Hilfiger shirts and yeah, and yeah, the outfits. And then there is barely Wi-Fi, like one bar.
00:36:47
Speaker
And then there's no dryers. So I had to hang all of our clothes out on Uncle Sal's laundry line. And there was barely air conditioning. So. And weren't there like 40 of you? Oh, yeah. Yeah.
00:37:00
Speaker
So it was like fun because like it was such a shit show that like it made it fun, like with the cousins and stuff. But like and then, of course, I'm not going to name who. One of my children when we got to Arena was crying because of the whole situation in the setup. And I was like, listen.
00:37:19
Speaker
we're gonna We're all in it together. We're all doing the same thing. We all barely have Wi-Fi. And, you know, even the water situation, too, is, like, tricky with – you know, there's like running water, but like it's strong at some points and then other times you shower in it and it wasn't. So, but it was just, it's good for these kids today to see this, experience it and just deal with it. And I'm like, if I can do it, you can do it. And we're, and like, yeah. So it was just, and again, I love the tourist see, she, she parts, but the part that sticks out was the part you know, where the things that we have here today, they these people don't have. So it was just, yeah. So I, that was the first thing that came to mind is just, and you'll always yeah remember it. I love that. Yeah. I do too. And Nico didn't care. You know, he could care less. but Little kids don't care. It's the older ones. It's like, there's no this and there's no yeah that. And, ah, it's like, yep.
00:38:18
Speaker
Deal with it. huh That's very cool. Yeah. i'm Who is left? Megan, your question. That was Megan's question. i still have a question. Oh, you do. Okay. Sorry. Yeah. um Okay. I did something that you're leaving behind in 2025. So whether it was like advice or a trend or like a thought process or like something that you've, you know, like maybe you've been letting go of in 2025 and like, you're not going to take it with you into 2026. Yeah.
00:38:53
Speaker
Everyone's thinking. i i i kind of thought about mine. I don't really even know how i'm going to word it, but I feel like something that I have been trying, I've been like really conscious of a lot in 2025, and I'm going to just try to be better, even better about in 2026, is i realize how much stuff I've done or purchased or basically just spent money on, not even for myself, but because of how it would look to other people. And it's sort of like embarrassing and humbling to say it
00:39:24
Speaker
But like when you step back, there's so many things that I'm like, I spent money on whatever. And like when when I really think about it I'm like, it wasn't because I really wanted it or because it was going to make my house better or whatever. It was like literally when I like peel it away, I'm like, it was just ah like an ego trip. It was just for how it would look. And so obviously there's always going to be some of that, but I, I've just been trying to be more conscious of it. And I think a lot of it is like, I think about how much money I've wasted on stuff that wasn't really even for me, you know?
00:39:55
Speaker
So that's something I'm working on and I'm going to try to to continue to do and until even 2025 is like spending money on stuff just because of how I think it'll look to other people.
00:40:06
Speaker
Yeah. And that Birkin bag doesn't fit a lot of things. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And where are you using that to go to stop and shop? Right. um I know mine. Mine is um it's kind of like twofold.
00:40:23
Speaker
When I was turning 40, somebody said that in your 40s, you just start. It's not that you don't care about things. It's just you only do things that serve you. So if you feel like it's not serving you anymore, then you just say, so be it. Farewell. And um I think that.
00:40:39
Speaker
This year, I've started saying no more to things that I don't want to do, saying yes to things that make me uncomfortable, but I know in the long run will serve me. So if it feels uncomfortable at first, just pushing through and doing it anyways, like yeah leaving group chats or or not going to an event that you don't want to go to. or Yeah.
00:41:03
Speaker
i mean the like Or going to an event that maybe you didn't, you know, that usually you wouldn't have, but like, you know, will be good for you to go to. Yeah, yeah. like Like my daughters, um'm I'm a room mom, but there's like eight of us. And part of me feels guilty that I'm not going to all the parties in the class. But the other part of me is I only have certain hours I work during the week and I need to make money for my family. And so I'm choosing work over my kids' school. and yeah And I just decided I don't feel bad.
00:41:35
Speaker
I donated money. I don't need to be in there with four other moms and all the kids running amok and like, And I don't feel bad. feel at all. and you shouldn't. So that's It's like only doing things that – I'm leaving behind doing things that don't serve me and doing more of what does, I guess. Yes.
00:41:56
Speaker
Charlotte? I'm still thinking. Oh, boy. Megan, did Megan do her? So I feel like a little bit like what Caitlin said. I would just say for me – and again, same thing as I'm getting older here – is people – that you meet that maybe don't put in the same effort that you would put in to be their friend or, you know, with different, if it's with ballet or sports groups or whatever it is. Cause I just feel like for me, i always try to be nice to everyone be friends with everyone. I'm not into the drama.
00:42:28
Speaker
I just, I don't have time for it. There's too much laundry to fold. And yeah. So yeah, I feel like just letting go of people that don't want to put in the time for you Because who has time for that? And if, you know, what's, who's that big guy on social media? Oh, well, where it comes to mind is let them, that whole let them theory too. I hate to get into it. You know? Yeah. I know there's another gentleman, but beside but Mel Robbins. And I just feel like same thing. Like sometimes you try to
00:42:59
Speaker
Someone will be like, oh, let's get together. Let's do dinner. And you send the text. And then they're like, well, let me check with my husband. And you never hear back. So it's like if they really wanted to go to dinner with you, they would put in the time. So it's like, you know, I tried.
00:43:14
Speaker
um And I know little things like that you shouldn't let bother you. And then I just want to say I'm hoping as a whole, as a family, that we could let go of Starbucks Because i am so over that place and the charges and my girls going there. And it's like, can't, like, please, like, you know, like, just we need to let it go. I can make, I have made coffee here. You don't need to go there every day after school, you know? And I try to enforce it once a week, small drinks.
00:43:49
Speaker
You know, it's my fault too, because I need to be better about saying no. But yeah, I'm ready to let go of the Starbucks trips. Yeah. That's funny. I have two. One of them I feel like I've sort of had in the past. So I didn't. So personally, i feel like I always want to do better making time for life.
00:44:08
Speaker
friends, like people, and it may not be someone that I've hung out with in the past. Like it's sort of, it's also identifying people that may be like another mom at school or someone who lives nearby from social media, just taking the time to just like, let's get a coffee, let's have a drink. And then with friends that I do see a lot of, every time we all hang out, there's always a like, we should do X, Y, and Z. And we always are spitballing 500 things and we just never get around to doing Like we should go here for the day or go here for the weekend or go here for the night. And I think a lot of times it's just having one person like remind everyone that we talked about it.
00:44:42
Speaker
And so like I'm trying to be better about being that person person. Yeah. Like like being specific like these are three dates that work for me. Let's go and spend the night like let's go to Rhinebeck or whatever.
00:44:55
Speaker
And then professionally, i feel like, you know, this industry is ever changing. It's just a roller coaster. But I feel like recently, because the last couple of years have been so quiet and it's changing a little bit now, I feel like I've sort of authenticity isn't the right word because I feel like we've all gotten pretty good at just sort of being ourselves, you know, when we're on camera or whatever. But it's also just not overthinking it. I feel like there was a time when I was a little too precious about like what I was putting on social media or what projects I was doing. And now I'm trying to find a better balance between like, I'm not going to post everything, but I'm also just not going to let it
00:45:31
Speaker
I don't know. Like I might just post something that's like, i don't know. I'm not finished. I don't like it. Come back tomorrow. Yeah. um yeah And it's so much more fun. um yeah So I guess those are two personal and professional. love that. It's probably freeing too. that you yeah Yeah. I love that you say that. Cause I feel like that too with my posts every day. I'm like, you know what? Someone's always going to have a comment about what you said, what you did, what you wore. Oh my gosh. I can't believe they, like I took Gianna cause she's in the nutcracker. She wanted to get her eyelashes tinted.
00:46:00
Speaker
Oh my gosh. But it's like, everyone's going to have something to say. So just if you like it, do it. Who cares? Yeah. Yeah. I thought of something I'd like to leave in this year and that's slime.
00:46:12
Speaker
Oh, good luck. All of the slime and the foam and the floam and yeah it just all go in a a container and just be set on fire.
00:46:23
Speaker
Yeah. And not come. We could do that. I wonder if it's flammable. Yeah. um Oh yeah, you're right. we should I should try it later. um Okay. My question, I know we need to move through just so we don't lose Callie. My question, I had two, but I feel like the one that might be more interesting is what was a moment in the past year that you felt most like yourselves? Like you weren't, I don't know, just schlepping kids or whatever. For me, it's probably going to be the same answer that it has been for a while, but whenever...
00:46:53
Speaker
I have a few opportunities to like collaborate with other creatives. And that is when i feel like I can have fun, I can create, we're working towards a goal, we're brainstorming, we're problem solving. So I love like when I'm with the HDTV Dream Home crew, like I love that we're all just together and at night we're having a cocktail, but during the day we're working and we have fun. i did a couple of TV things that were the same way where you're working with like a crew or a partner and you're trying to make something fun happen. Those are the times when it's like, oh, yeah, I'm still in there.
00:47:30
Speaker
This is great. Because we i like I'm alone all day creating content and I'm engaging with my audience. And so I love that. But it's just so different from being a mom or yeah being being alone in my craft room. Yeah. Yeah.
00:47:46
Speaker
Mine's similar. I'll do mine because i do have to hop off for doctor's appointment. So that way, if you guys want to keep going, um mine is sort of similar when I saw you put that question up. So something that I did in 2025, as we've talked about a little bit, is i stepped back from social media a lot and it wasn't necessarily intentional. It just sort of snowballed and I was never...
00:48:08
Speaker
going to stop putting content on social media, but it just sort of happened. And it sort of has allowed me to go back to where I started because I never started as a social media creator. Like I was never an Instagrammer. Like lots times people were like, oh, you're not an Instagrammer anymore. Like, what is your job? And I'm like, well, that Instagram was never my job. I always started as a YouTuber and that's always what I have done. And so it's just allowed me to take all of my effort And all of my extra time, my working time into long form content, into my YouTube content, which is like where I started. And that's where I get the most joy. and so sort of like taking that off my plate and just being like, you know what I'm just not going to do it.
00:48:45
Speaker
has allowed me to like really get deeper into how I edit things and how, like, i I don't feel like I'm rushing through the process of filming things and I have extra time to get these extra fun clips if I want to and get the lighting just right. And so I've really enjoyed that just, and I feel like it's just coming back to like, instead of trying to do all of the things, like pick one,
00:49:06
Speaker
thing and really focus in on it. So that was mine. And that's when I feel like, especially in my professional life, that's when I feel the most like in a jive is when I'm doing that type of really good, creative, deep work.
00:49:18
Speaker
And you don't professionally, you haven't noticed any repercussions from that, because I agree, we have this pressure to be all the things to all the people. I mean, you had a really huge channel before you pulled back, which is certainly helpful, but yes,
00:49:32
Speaker
Yeah. And I, well, yeah, again, i mean, it was never like, that was never my base, you know, like I started on YouTube, I came into Instagram and then, you know, I just felt like I was having to juggle all the balls. So, I mean, I was always still making way more money on YouTube. That's where, you know, that's where my revenue stream is. Am I losing some money from not being on Instagram? Yeah. But I, I feel like it's balancing out in the sense that, you know, i'm I'm able to create content that like, I really am feeling good about yes I'm not trying to keep myself going and in multiple directions. Right. Yeah. And that's what you like best. So do what you It's what I enjoy doing. Right.
00:50:07
Speaker
Yeah. I feel like as content creators, I'm sure you guys, you know, you feel like you have to be doing all you have to be on Pinterest and TikTok and Instagram and Facebook and you have to be doing this and write a blog post and bla blah, blah, blah, and have a shop and whatever you need to do all the things. And now they're like, now you need a sub stack. And it's like, how many things can we be on? No, we can't. We can't do pick one.
00:50:27
Speaker
Yeah. Megan or Caitlin, do you have one? Caitlin, you can go. Um, I guess professionally going to work for somebody other than myself has been really kind of just, I get to just go be me and talk to other people during the day and somebody else is telling me what to do and it has nothing to do with my blog and I don't have to talk about.
00:50:49
Speaker
how I used to be on Instagram. Like i just I just work as an office manager and I really enjoy it and it's nice. um And I kind of, I'm on Instagram, but I just made this conscious decision that I would stop tailoring everything I shared to my audience and I was just sharing for myself. And I'm going back to just using it as a place where I store memories. And if brands don't wanna work with me anymore, I'm okay with that because I'm not relying on it for financially anymore. It's just for fun because I took a like a job in an office um and all and taking away Instagram has allowed me to start writing more, which feels really good. um
00:51:31
Speaker
And just writing stuff that feels good for myself. And I don't know, I feel free from that. So that feels like me. And then the other thing that feels like, I was trying to think of like one moment, cause I think you said one moment. um The group of moms that I met through my daughter's dance class, my middle child's dance class, has become very, very just... I don't know how we all... I mean, I kind of all... I knew them all before this, but you know with some news about you know my father in the summer, which I never talked about on here, but now I did. My father in the summer, my cousin passed away, some stuff that happened with...
00:52:11
Speaker
careers, they were there like every single step of the way without me having to ask and no questions asked and just kind of like, Hey, who wants to go out for a drink for a dance? And every,
00:52:23
Speaker
When I'm with them, I'm just allowed to talk and no one's fighting for attention, which is kind of a lot of groups of friends I've made in the last couple of years. I feel like everyone's there just to talk about them themselves. And in this, it's like everybody wants to share and engage. And so when I'm with them and we've gone on a lot of dance trips, I feel like myself again. Like I feel like Caitlin before kids, Caitlin. That's great. What was yours, Meg? For me, I would say just some, you know, partnerships this past year that were,
00:52:53
Speaker
good. Like I just like enjoyed them, the the people that I worked with. And it was just, it for me, I feel like it broke, I, as a mom, it's hard to balance it all. So it's nice to have this podcast and being on Instagram for o ourselves. So we can feel like something other than being a mom, which I, I get some people. And again, I don't want to go into that where if,
00:53:21
Speaker
You're just into being a mom. I respect that too. But I'm just saying for me personally, now that my kids are all in school, I need to fill my time with something. And I feel like I filled my cup with some partnerships and some really good friendships that I've had for a while that when I always am around those people, you feel good inside and good after. Same like being on this podcast, being with you girls. I always feel good after I leave. And now that we're getting older, i just, I need that. I don't need the negativity and being around people.
00:53:53
Speaker
you know people that don't want to see you succeed and be a good even just being a mom same thing they love your kids just like they love their own so i just feel like the work and being around good true friends and good people that's yeah i came to my mind i like our show because i feel like we are ourselves like no we're not coming on here to perform like we're on social media or doing a campaign or reading a script about swim safety,
00:54:25
Speaker
for something like we did on our old podcast. I was like, where did that from? was waiting for you guys to be like, I remember doing that. Oh, I do not. Wasn't that poor, oh, was that you and I, Caitlin or Charlotte? Yeah, we had to read a script about skin safety. Oh, maybe that's why I forgot it. Oh my God. Cause it was an ad. I wouldn't have heard it. Yeah.
00:54:46
Speaker
Like we just, this is just us. Like we're just able to just come on here and talk about real life stuff. And I like, I've, this i feel like I hang up here and I'm not tired. I'm like, woo, let's go something You're like motivated. You're like in good spirits and you feel good inside. yeah yeah That's my favorite when you leave, and maybe this will segue into peek and pick, but when you have a group of friends and you leave and you've already made like five other plans. like I was in the city. My peak is that I went into the city on Friday, which...
00:55:16
Speaker
I don't know. it Sometimes I go in by myself, but this time I was going in to meet friends, and we went to like that new French department store, and we had dinner at a place that I'd never been. It was just like a basic... There's nothing super fancy about it, but it was just so fun to see these... Two of them live nearby, so I see a lot of them. One of them was in from out of town. But like I get to see them again tomorrow, because we're going to see Brandi Carlile, who I love. She's my hero. And it's like... I mean, my...
00:55:46
Speaker
Meg, it's like your group. Caitlin, it's like your group. It's like when you hang out, it's like, okay, how can we do this tomorrow? yeah And I always feel like a little bit of, like, you know, when you're first dating someone or you make your first best friend, like I always feel a little bit like giddy and thirsty because it's so fulfilling yeah that it's like, wait, am I being too much? yeah Like, should I be playing this cooler? Cause it's like, when we hang out next? I love that feeling. Me too. Yeah. Yeah.
00:56:15
Speaker
You're right. It is like dating. You had your overnight wrapping? Oh, yes. When is that? It's finally next week. Oh, fun. That's going to be great. But we had our bad mom's Christmas party last Friday night, and that was oh god boys epic.
00:56:29
Speaker
yeah That's funny. yeah Callie had to go. I love that she just like closed. Yeah. She was like, I got to go to the doctor's. What do you guys have a pit or a peak?
00:56:40
Speaker
My peak is just all the fun stuff that's coming up. And this is the chillest I have ever been in a December. And I feel like my brain was like, you know what? I feel really bad that I was just so manic for,
00:56:55
Speaker
10, 12 months. So I'm just going to be really nice. And like, I, I don't even care if I'm not organized, like it's disorganized chaos, like with gifts and all that stuff, but I'm chill since December 1st. It's been a very nice feeling.
00:57:10
Speaker
So yeah. And you're better mom that way too. Cause yeah. Yeah.
00:57:17
Speaker
What's yours next? So mine is a peak. I took my middle daughter to see the Rockettes in the city and she didn't really want to go because one of her friends couldn't come. And you know how it is. It's like, no, I don't want to just go with you. And I'm like, you're going to love it. And we'll be together and I'll take you shopping too. And we got to spend one-on-one time together.
00:57:38
Speaker
And she was like, ah she loved it. And I loved it. And I love spending that one-on-one time. And we got home and my husband was like, you know, how did you like it, Gianna? What do you rank it on a one to 10? And she was like, a 10. I was like, yes.
00:57:52
Speaker
with Does she have social media? You know, she does. But like my kids like are on Instagram and TikTok, but like they're not super active, which I love.
00:58:02
Speaker
And they don't really post a lot, you know? Have her follow the Rockettes show. They're a fun follow. so that's where she got this idea that she wanted me to take her. She follows all them on TikTok and she watches them on YouTube and stuff. But yeah, they're great. And it's a great show. And it's their, is it the 100th anniversary this year?
00:58:22
Speaker
feel like that might be it. don't know. I don't know. I just that it's the first time. I mean, i listen, the Rockettes are amazing. I don't know that they are winning awards for being wildly progressive with their like diversity of casting. But I did just see that for the first time ever, they have someone with a visible disability because there's one of the Rockettes has a deformity on one of her arms. I don't know how or why. yeah But I mean, that's yeah good for them, I guess. I feel like it was 100th. They did an intro part of all the girls through all the years. And I'm almost positive it was 100. Oh, at the show? um like um Yes, but like it was like a video clip through the years and it showed all of them and you know they they meet up and there's ones that have been in it for, you know, there was one that was active for 18 years and it was just, it's, you know, and it's a fun, positive show.
00:59:18
Speaker
And they're dancing and it's Santa and, you know, the little kids behind us were whining and kicking our seats. And it's like stuff like that, you know, she'll always remember. And that's what, you know, they whine. They don't want to go. They don't want to go. And I'm like, trust me, you're going to love it. And then, you know, she was like, mom, I'm glad we went.
00:59:37
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. um Well, I love that. Well, I guess we did it. But this is, I mean, Merry Christmas. Happy New Year, guys. I'm sure we will be talking, but we won't have a podcast out there. So thank you to all our listeners. Happy New Year. Happy holidays to all of you.
00:59:54
Speaker
We love hearing about, Meg tends to run our social media and we love getting screenshots from her of you guys that are like, yay, this was a great episode. We love listening. So that makes us all happy. Yeah. The Spotify wrapped.
01:00:06
Speaker
top listeners. Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. That was awesome. That was so cool. Yeah. Yeah. We love the messages, so keep them coming. Or if there's topics, we love that too. When people leave topics of, can you do this for an episode?
01:00:21
Speaker
And it helps us too. hundred percent. Yeah. Happy holidays. Well, thank you everyone. All right. Bye guys. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.
01:00:34
Speaker
how i've tried written down the words to say it is time i've been waiting five days to explain how you make me feel inside