Gotta Love Family Podcast

3-8-26 From the Archive - Panoramic Sugar Eggs Your Family Can Make

I've taught hundreds of children to make sugar eggs. I taught two groups of kindergartners every year for over 15 years. I taught children how to make sugar eggs in Girl Scouts, community groups, and for the city in Laurel, MT. I traveled to Colorado to help over ninety children in my grands school classes. I flew to Washington, where more grands lived and helped many other children, do the same. It has become an Easter tradition in our family, and traditions matter. Join me as I share a hilarious Easter experience making these eggs with kids, and also a wonderful spiritual comparison. I share the directions so you can help your family make some fabulous Panoramic Easter Eggs. 

Learning Play - Math and Science Through Levers

Some children love math and science, while others find these topics unenjoyable or uninteresting. My grandson, Ben, was interested in both. He spent time on the computer looking up science questions rather than playing outdoors. As a child, I wanted to understand both math and science. I was intrigued by them, but my learning style made both very challenging. I had children who weren't interested at all! Math and science are important subjects that our kids will encounter in school, regardless of their educational setting, whether public, private, or homeschool. What can we do to respond to our children who are sparked by these topics, while creating interest in children who aren't? Join me as I share a TON of ways you can make math and science into fun, exciting, interesting, and at times, messy family activities.

2/22/26 Five Principles of Power Series – A Marvelous Example of Being Present

When my youngest daughter, Kate, was a senior in high school, she was in an advanced writing class. One of her assignments was to write a poem using iambic pentameter. She was overwhelmed by the assignment and wasn't clear as to what iambic pentameter meant. They had talked about it in class, but most of you will relate to how clear it was by the time she got home. LOL So, it wasn't a happy circumstance when she came to me and asked for help. I had no idea what iambic pentameter was. But how could I say no to my daughter who needed my support? So, we sat at the computer together and began. Join me in this session for an excellent real-life example of what being Present looks like

2-15-26 Leave a Legacy of Growth and It Will Be Enough!

A mom in our neighborhood has become a family friend. She has spent time in our home. She has shared meals, and we have had the opportunity to talk. She has observed our four-generation family, our little ecosystem, as my daughter calls it, from inside and out. Not too long ago, she said, "I wish you were my mom. You're the best mom. My mom didn't share love; she was a stone." This comment has caused me to ponder my past, my in between, and my now. I could understand some of what Christy was feeling when she made her comment. However, as genuine as what she said was, I realized that she only knows the person and mother I am today. Join me as I share the legacy we can and will leave our children as we learn, grow, and let go of our baggage.

Listening, Trusting, and Following Through Make a World of Difference

The day of my hip surgery, September 3, after returning home, I was going up and down our two stairs, caregiving, and managing as if I had never had surgery. At the end of the first two weeks, reality descended. I fell into extreme fatigue and became depressed. What had happened? I was desperate for answers. So, I did what I do. I prayed for help, resources, and thoughts. As I knew it would, help came. I had a thought that when heard, trusted, and followed through with, was life-changing. Join me as I share this very odd thought, where it led, and why it made such a difference.