My daughter can listen to me and technically do all of the right things, but if I’m not getting to the heart of the issue, then this is all for nothing. As they get older, we’ve really tried to ask, ‘Why did you make this decision? What is this saying about your heart? What would God have to say about this situation?’ I’m literally figuring this out as I go, and I tell my daughter that, too. I’ve never had a 14-year- old. We’re going to mess up. I think that being really communicative with your kids, being humble, and even apologizing are important. We humbly approach parenting and just stay a team. What are some things your children have taught you about yourself? KATIE: My kids teach me lessons every day about where I need to grow and where I may be failing. How do you and your husband spend quality time together? KATIE: Our favorite time is when everyone’s asleep and we watch TV together and catch up. We probably also talk more than most couples—we talk a lot during the day. My husband is a communicator and he’s always telling me what’s going on. We love a scheduled date night, too, and now that my daughter is old enough, she’ll watch her brother. But every
night, we just try to catch up a little bit before bed.
all in the same season of life, with a bunch of kids living on the same street.
What’s a piece of parenting advice you’ve received that has stuck with you? KATIE: The main one is lots of prayer. You’re never in too good of a place to not need to pray. You’re never in too bad of a place to not need to pray. And your child, as much as it feels like they’re a reflection of you, is going to get to a point where they’re their own person. They’re going to mess up in life. If she makes a bad grade, that isn’t about me because it’s her journey. If my son has a bad day at baseball, that isn’t about me either. It’s their own little journey. Do you have any favorite traditions with your family? KATIE: We go to Disneyland every year with not just my family, but also my parents and my sister and her kids, and my kids look forward to it every single year. What do you like about raising a family in New Orleans? KATIE: I love my little route that I go on walks and love that we’re close to the lake. My daughter can walk to school, and it’s a little bit further away from Moxie and Glow, so when I leave work, I have a place to retreat a little bit. I have great neighbors, and we’re
What would you tell another mom who is thinking about starting her own business? KATIE: It’d be twofold. I’d tell them to absolutely go for it, as long as your husband is supportive, because you don’t want to alter your marriage over a business. And be prepared to fall in love with it when it gets hard, because that’s when you’re going to want to quit and start second-guessing yourself. You have to learn to fall in love with the hard. That’s what I would advise. Just go for it, because you’re going to regret not doing it. QUICK Q’S Favorite vacation? Any trips with both sides of our family. Favorite night out? Irene’s in the quarter in the St. Joseph’s room, and with Michael as my server. It’s the chef’s kiss every time. Go-to coffee order? Black cold brew, or vanilla cold brew with cold foam if I want something fun. One word that best describes your family? Blessed.
Something you’re looking forward to? I’m always looking for the next opportunity to grow!
NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 13
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