Don’t Mix the Play-Doh: Motherhood, Memories & Letting Go

🎙️ Don’t Mix the Play-Doh: Motherhood, Memories & Letting GoA heartfelt conversation with Jacki Ascough.What if the very chaos you’re trying to survive today becomes the thing you miss the most tomorrow?In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with new friend and fellow mama Jacki Ascough — a Texas native who spent over 30 years raising her family in Ireland before returning to the United States.Together, they share an honest conversation about motherhood, memories, grief, family culture, launching children into adulthood, screen-time struggles, perfectionism, faith, and learning how to hold each season of life with open hands.From mixed-up Play-Doh and overflowing laundry baskets to adult children returning home with guitars, grandbabies, and new memories to make, this episode is a beautiful reminder that love matters more than perfection, and that the little moments we rush through today often become the moments we treasure most later.Michelle and Jacki reflect on:The bittersweet transition from raising children to launching themWhy moms often cling to perfectionism and controlCreating a home your children actually want to come back toThe grief that comes when kids leave home - and the beauty that followsRaising children in a screen-saturated worldThe importance of apologizing to your childrenLetting go of shame and embracing growthWhy discipline, warmth, faith, and fun all matter in family cultureLearning to savor every season before it changesIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood, discouraged by your imperfections, or afraid you’re “getting it wrong,” this conversation will remind you that love covers far more than you think.Because someday, you may just miss the noise, the mess, the socks on the floor… and even the mixed-up Play-Doh.💬 Key Takeaways:The seasons of family life change faster than we realizeYour children won’t remember perfection - they’ll remember loveA peaceful home is built through connection, not controlIt’s okay to apologize to your children and model humilityCreating warm memories matters more than maintaining perfect orderSocial media and screens require intentional boundariesGrieving changing seasons is healthy and normalThe goal is to create a home your children want to return toGod can redeem every imperfect part of our parenting journeyLiving fearlessly means surrendering our children - and ourselves - to GodResources MentionedThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyBrené Brown and her work on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted livingThe Dialogue of Saint Catherine of SienaSpirit RadioSome links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.💛 About JackiRadio Presenter/Consultant at Mother of Divine Grace School Jacki met her husband, Tom,  over a game of volleyball in Houston, Texas.  Her “yes” to Tom that day led to her conversion to Catholicism, moving to Ireland, 27+ years of marriage, ten children, and (so far) six grandchildren.  Jacki divides her time between teaching NFP (Natural Family Planning), presenting Saturday Magazine on Spirit Radio, and home-educating their children.  She is also a private consultant supporting Irish families who are enrolled in Mother of Divine Grace School, a Catholic online Classical Curriculum. Jacki speaks publicly on Catholic issues, and has appeared on KTRK-TV Houston, RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC, and various American, Irish and UK radio programs and podcasts.You can find Jacki on Instagram at:@jackilinn67Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released weekly.➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement.✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at [email protected].