The Moments Your Kids Will Remember Most (It’s Not What You Think)
Host Michelle Barnett welcomes listeners to the Mommin’ Together podcast and shares how ordinary moments can become the memories kids cherish most, then talks with her friend Anna Thomas about creating meaningful traditions in simple, realistic ways. Anna, a mom of three in Pennsylvania, explains how her mom modeled small celebrations and how, after struggling with comparison and early motherhood challenges, she embraced celebrating as a God-given strength. She shares practical ideas like a “birthday box” instead of a baby book, easy holiday table surprises, reusing decor, wrapping paper as table runners, and end-of-school celebrations. They discuss bigger moments like mid-year kid-focused parties, sibling “share sessions,” speaking affirmations over kids, avoiding social-media pressure, and keeping celebrations rooted in joy, humility, and faith.
00:00 Welcome to Mommin Together
00:31 Why Moments Matter
01:41 Meet Anna Thomas
03:20 Learning to Celebrate
04:53 Letting Go of Mom Guilt
07:08 Birthday Box Memory Hack
08:50 Simple Traditions That Stick
13:56 Faith and Everyday Joy
15:24 Bigger Celebrations Midyear
17:41 What Kids Remember Most
20:23 Celebrating Each Personality
23:09 Passing the Joy Forward
24:24 Modeling Joy at Home
27:15 Milestones and One on One Time
28:13 Speaking Life Over Kids
31:18 Simple Creative Celebrations
35:18 Gratitude Jar Tradition
36:51 Vacation Learning Rhythms
39:14 Books That Inspire Celebration
42:55 Mom Hacks and Final Encouragement
Connect with Anna:
Anna Thomas is a long-time friend of mine. She hails from Texas and currently resides in Pennsylvania. She’s a devoted wife, rockstar mom of 3 busy pre-teen/teens, a creative homemaker and one day at a time she’s attempting to create a little ☀️ shine in the lives of others.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abelleinthesun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbelleThomas
Resources:
Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary of Everyday Life by Shauna Niequist
Choosing Real: An Invitation to Celebrate When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned by Bekah Jane Pogue
The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Fears by Mark Batterson
Connect with Michelle:
Mommin’ Together Instagram: @Mommin_Together https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/
Michelle Barnett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/
Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993
Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230