A birthday can feel like a spotlight and a mirror—bright, fun, and a little revealing. We sit down for a spirited mother–daughter chat to celebrate twelve with all the beautiful contradictions that come with it: Apple Watch excitement and school-day boundaries, snowmobile and babysitting licenses next to sprinkle pools and sleepovers, faith made simple alongside questions about bodies and growing up. The result is a warm, funny, and surprisingly grounded look at what responsibility, freedom, and joy can look like in a real family.
We talk candidly about tech rules that actually work, how to keep trust strong when devices enter the picture, and why “no food in the new car” isn’t about crumbs—it’s about follow-through. School life gets its moment too: favorite teachers, science units on cells and DNA, puberty class awkwardness, and the value of asking anything without shame. The conversation flows into youth group—worship, retreats, hospitality team service—and how community gives tweens a place to practice leadership, build friendships, and grow a steady kind of confidence.
There’s plenty of laughter here: the new puppy with endless energy, ribs in the oven, a Chicago train ride, and the Museum of Ice Cream on the agenda. Gymnastics reminds us that grit is learned one rep at a time, just like kindness and courage. Along the way we swap small prayers, talk about manifesting better habits and maybe a seven-seat car, and land on a quiet promise: live your life with intention, be yourself without apology, and let tomorrow take its turn.
If this made you smile or sparked a thought about your own family’s milestones, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. What’s one small rule or ritual that helped you grow with your kids?
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