Marina is in her fairy-dress era, which would be completely adorable if she didn’t wear every dress backward and pair it with a face full of snot and an attitude the size of Jupiter. A routine bathroom stop with both girls turns into lice questions, pee-water frustration, and one deeply unfortunate wardrobe decision.
Welcome to my own little source of personal therapy.
Raising the Curtins is where I share the inner workings of my mind, the absurdity of motherhood, and the life I’ve built despite a less-than-ideal upbringing.
I write about raising four daughters, marriage, personal growth, and all the ridiculous, messy, wonderful parts of life. Sometimes I overshare. I curse. I talk about things most people probably keep to themselves. But I also share the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
It’s real life. Unfiltered.
I started this blog as an outlet for myself, a digital legacy for my girls, and a way to connect with people who appreciate a little honesty. If it makes someone laugh, think, or feel a little less alone, even better.
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New book · Available now
I wrote a book. About motherhood. I know.
Four daughters later, I had a few things to say. WELL, THIS IS HARD (that's what she said) is my unfiltered take on raising good humans, including yourself.
Kristina
Mom
Vince
#girldad
Gianna
The Best Accident
Scarlett
Tester of Limits
Evangeline
Boss Baby
Marina
Last Nugget
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I decided it was time to chop my hair off before I got any more “Little House on the Prairie” looking. Vince liked it, Gianna loved it, Evie didn’t notice, and Scarlett told me I looked like the mom from Jon and Kate +8. Apparently, cutting your hair short also means opening yourself up to a full family review.
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I remembered my water, my phone, my keys, and a sweatshirt because obviously I was fully prepared for the DMV. Except for the minor detail of bringing literally any of the documents my daughter needed to get her learner’s permit. My newly 15-year-old daughter had some thoughts about this.
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We leave for Ireland in seven days, and Vince’s passport is gone. I’ve ransacked every toy bin and checked my travel wallet twice – empty. Just as I’m ready to commit myself to the nearest ward, the blue book appears on the counter like it was there all along. Is it early-onset dementia, or did a guardian angel just pull a major shift? A raw, hilarious, and slightly supernatural look at travel prep, family binders, and the miracles that happen when you’re at your breaking point.
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Marina is the ultimate independent nugget. At age two, she’s dressing herself, throwing away her own diapers, and commanding me to leave her room. Is she an adult already? Parenting the fourth child is a whole different ballgame, especially when they start calling you “Bro.”
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For years, I was the girl in front—the human shield between my father’s belt and my older brother. I thought I had moved on, but my therapist pointed out that I’ve forgiven the people who hurt me, but I haven’t healed the child they broke.
It was time to go back to that dark bedroom floor, pick up that little blonde girl, and tell her she doesn’t have to be the protector anymore. A raw, honest look at trauma, marriage, and why sometimes the person you need to save most is yourself.
LISTEN TO RAISING THE CURTINS
If you love sarcasm, unfiltered motherhood stories, and the occasional chaos of my life (think: a mind that never stops over-analyzing everything. single. thing., parenting 4 daughters whose age ranges are ridiculous, and being married to an asshole)…you’re in luck.
Whether you're in the carline, folding laundry, or taking an extra long time on the toilet, throw on my audio files and pretend we're having a large glass of wine together and getting real. Because sometimes, you just need a voice in your ear telling you all the crazy shit about a middle aged woman and her family.
SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN HERE
