raising the curtins

The emotional process of moving out of our family’s home and seeing the space where you spent the last 4 years of your life, completely empty.

That moment when you realize your itchy scalp for the past two weeks has not been dry skin.

Bittersweet reality of parenting a teen, where they reject your hugs and crush your heart. But the next day, is a new day. Just hang on.

The day I woke up when some people just went to bed. I didn’t do this on purpose.

I recount the time I actually had time to myself during the day, away from my clingy 1-year old. Sure, my legs went numb, but those 10 minutes were glorious.

When nostalgia sucker-punches you in the moments you least expect it. I found myself holding back tears during my daughter’s optometrist appointment, of all places.

Sometimes the people who change your life are the ones who never even knew they were auditioning for the part.

Is my toddler a musical prodigy or are my standards just that low? Watching Evie sing along in the bath, I couldn’t help but wonder. Parenthood definitely has a way of making even the smallest moments feel genius… or maybe I just need more adult friends.

Our Christmas plans took a surprising turn when a farm became our holiday adventure! From petting pigs to harvesting veggies, we found peace in the dirt and sun, trading screen time for real life.

I grew up with one Big Christmas. Just one. And it’s been haunting me ever since, shaping the way I approach Christmas with my kids. Do I overdo it? Is this year their last Big Christmas? Welcome to my annual holiday mind-wrestle where childhood scarcity meets modern-day parenting… but this year, I’m letting go of that fear and just embracing the joy.

We don’t do date nights. Not because we’re too cool for them, but because, well, life. But after 20 years and 3 kids, we tried it out: dinner, axe throwing, and not talking about the kids for once. Spoiler: we survived.

Ever wish you could clone yourself to be everywhere at once? Yeah, me too. 

Why does school sometimes feel like a creativity-killer? When my daughter Scarlett came home upset because her teacher criticized her unique writing style in front of the class, I was furious. Why do we box kids in and force them to conform? Let’s talk about how rigid standards can squash creativity and why we need more room for imagination in our classrooms.

Are you a parent who sometimes feels like you’re barely holding it together? Same here. In my latest post, I’m sharing my “Mother of the Year” moments—the times I definitely didn’t nail the whole parenting thing. From letting my kid eat hand sanitizer to approving a show I should’ve said no to (yep, it happened), this is the real, messy side of motherhood. If you’ve ever had a #momfail, trust me,...

TikTok… love it or hate it? I was firmly in the “hate it” camp—until my daughter pulled a fast one on me, using a TikTok persuasion trick to get herself a glass of orange juice at dinner. Turns out, TikTok might be teaching her more than I thought. This post is about how my 10-year-old schooled me with her negotiation skills—thanks to social media. Maybe TikTok isn’t all bad after all…

Ever wondered why women have to do all the primping to look good? Kristina sure has! In this quick and funny post, she explores the idea of flipping beauty standards on their head—what if men had to be the pretty ones, like peacocks? Grab a seat at her vanity as she navigates makeup, motherhood, and why life would be so much easier if Vince had to keep her interested.

Is cheerleading a sport? Kristina’s take might ruffle some pom-poms! With a blend of humor and reflection, she dives into her high school days, when she cheered on the sidelines but wasn’t convinced it qualified as a sport. Listen to find out why she thinks traditional cheer is more about entertainment than athletics—unless it’s competitive cheer, of course.

What happens when you mix a competitive soccer tournament, a road trip, and an unpredictable toddler? A “perfect recipe for disaster”—or maybe not. This lighthearted look at managing family chaos on the road will leave you laughing, nodding, and wondering how moms keep it all together (hint: strategic use of snacks and…boobs).

Ever wonder how COVID hit a house full of girls (and one man with a “man flu” immune system)? Our family’s journey through mild symptoms, testing woes, and a side of dark humor may just make you rethink the pandemic’s impact on everyday life. Plus, a few thoughts on personal choice in the age of COVID.

Ever feel like your biggest critic stares back at you from the mirror? In this raw and relatable post, I take a hard look at self-awareness, diving into the struggles of accepting the person reflected back at you. Join me as I share the messy truths about identity, self-doubt, and learning to give yourself grace. If you’ve ever battled that inner voice, this one’s for you—grab a seat and prepare t...

Raising a child who reinvents herself every few months isn’t easy—especially when you’re the one footing the bill. From fashion overhauls to room redesigns, join me as I share the wild ride of Scarlett’s ever-changing identity (and my drained wallet) in this hilarious look at life with a middle child!

Ever had your 1-year-old treat you like a blow up doll? Join me as I share a hilariously uncomfortable parenting confession that’ll leave you both laughing and reassured that you’re not alone in this weird world of motherhood.

A simple day turns into a profound journey of connection, memory, and love. Join me as I share the serendipitous series of events that brought me face-to-face with my guardian angel—and a lesson I’ll never forget.

Disney’s Luca may be a fun movie for kids, but it also has a powerful message for all of us. Find out how naming your inner voice can help you silence your doubts and start living fearlessly!

In “Bite,” Kristina Curtin recounts a frustrating legal and financial ordeal that began in February 2020 when her elderly dog, Coco, was accused of biting a woman while they were on a walk.