On my daily worksheet, I have ‘smile’ in the section titled Care for Self. Yup, I must remind myself to check in and see if I've made the effort to smile during some of my busy and often chaotic days. Recently, I had a conversation with my friend, Livia. She has an alarm set on her phone that reminds her to smile. Whew, I am not so weird. The truth is, we need prompts to remind us to do the things that often get left behind in the business of the day. Join me as we explore how to make that happe...
Jul 06, 2025•3 min
Once a month, I talk with my friend Joy Petty. I LOVE these calls. They are interesting and resource-filled. Sometimes I share something that helps her, and she does the same for me. We both go away elevated. On one of our recent calls, the subject of how I have been feeling about writing came up. The reason it happened was that Joy said a recent article was just what she needed. She was going to be teaching a class on forms, the old word for systems. Some of what I wrote about systems was helpf...
Jun 29, 2025•8 min
I have shared some wonderful Learning Pay Days. But I don’t want you to get the idea that Learning Play always requires a lot of thought or special activities. Sometimes you just get together, play, and learn. It doesn’t always require fabulous, well-researched information. There are times when we want to kick back and rest while remaining consistent in our efforts to bond, enjoy, and learn. Then, there are times when an intervening circumstance requires that we do something that takes less plan...
Jun 22, 2025•5 min
A few Sundays ago, my husband tuned in to a show my mom likes to watch, Music and the Spoken Word. The episode he pulled up for her was from Jan. 12, 2025. It was an interesting and thought-provoking 30 minutes, and Don and I had a conversation about it. We had experienced what was shared. Our experiences weren’t as dramatic as the one shared in the program, but they were powerful for us, nonetheless. Join me today as I share the power of starting where you are, using what you have, and doing wh...
Jun 15, 2025•8 min
One day in 2011, I found the most amazing book at the library!!! I happened across it accidentally. It was about Leonardo Da Vinci and the amazing visions he had. But that wasn’t all. The book showed how, in time, all his inventive ideas were created by other people and who those people were. Oh my gosh, I wanted to share this with my grands. Join me as I share what we learned about and the Super-duper Rocket-propelled Robot we invented. You are going to love the story of when the lights went on...
Jun 08, 2025•7 min
Recently, while rereading an article I had written in 2011, I read a note I received from a mom who wondered how I had stopped being a yeller. Here’s what she asked: “I wanted to thank you again for a great class. I wondered if you could tell me more about the yelling you used to do. I grew up in that type of household, and swore I would never be like that… but guess what, I do? I’d love to hear how you mastered that part of your life. I didn’t do it when I only had 1 or 2 children and they were...
May 11, 2025•9 min
A couple of weeks ago, I introduced 'learning play' in an article called Learning Play - Cows. It tells how valuable immersive learning is for all ages and helps you begin by learning about cows. Join me today as I share what we did to immerse ourselves in the world of the circus and the tremendous fun we had learning all about clowns, circus food, how to walk a tightrope, and how to juggle. I am sure it will help you decide to have a family activity that will be rewardingly fun and help build w...
May 04, 2025•7 min
This week, as I walked with my friends Livia and Alysia, the conversation turned to their teens and the issues surrounding accomplishing things at home. At one point, Livia mentioned the need for successful systems. I told them how interesting the conversation was because I was working on my article for today, and it was about creating systems that work. Life can be so serendipitous. : ) When I began speaking and teaching, I met a woman who became a friend and mentor, Kim Flynn . She was a syste...
Apr 27, 2025•11 min
When I first began writing and publishing articles, it was in 2010. My grands, the ones I still live with, were all under five . As their grandma, I wanted to find ways to play and connect. I'm not a board game person! Tea parties and dress up are not on my list of fun things! The truth is, I like learning. I always have. I thought a lot about how I could ‘play’ with my grands and make it work for all of us. What I came up with was learning for fun. I’ve been moving articles from my old site to ...
Apr 13, 2025•9 min
Your love of learning and growing is a legacy you leave for your children. But how can you find the time to read, study, or write while raising a family? It can be a challenge, but I know it can be done becuase I am doing it now, amid the chaos of a four-generation home, caregiving, and a busy life. This is something we can all do. Join me as I share an example of the importance of giving your children an example of learning and growth. This can be done by anyone, no matter your circumstances. L...
Apr 06, 2025•9 min
I've written many articles on the importance of making sure the story we tell ourselves is helpful to our sense of well-being, relationships, and happiness. How we perceive something matters. Last week I shared one of two experiences that cemented what I have learned in over a decade and a half of taking control of how I 'see' what is happening in my life. Today I share the second. As with the first, it is powerful.
Mar 30, 2025•9 min
I’ve written many articles on the importance of making sure the story we tell ourselves is helpful to our sense of well-being, healthy relationships, and happiness. How we perceive something matters. Recently, I had two experiences that cemented what I have learned in over a decade and a half of taking control of how I ‘see’ what is happening in my life, both in the past and present. I’m sharing one experience today and the other next week. They are powerful. There is a common belief in the mind...
Mar 23, 2025•9 min
I have learned from lived experience that simple systems are usually the solution to difficult problems in time and life management. This was not an easy lesson to learn. In fact, understanding what a system looked like took some time. Join me as I help you understand what a simple system looks like and how it can be life-changing in your life and family.
Mar 16, 2025•10 min
When I was sixty-two, I emailed a very successful, well-known woman and asked her to help me with something in my business. It was as intimidating to me as writing the queen. She responded, shocked that I would think enough of her to ask. Imagine! We shared our hopes, dreams, struggles, and some of our fears. Here's what I discovered: She is me, and I am her. We are more alike than we are different. I think that's true of all of us. We worry that what is coming won’t live up to our expectations,...
Mar 09, 2025•6 min
In 2011, I took a class on body language because I had begun speaking from stage and knew it would be helpful. Then, the company offered a class taught by one of their trainers, Amy Walker, on how body language can assist you in understanding your kids and avoiding conflict. I loved the class and gained much from it. Since I was working with families and children, I asked Amy if she would write an article on what she had taught the mothers and fathers in her class. She did. I love the informatio...
Mar 02, 2025•14 min
My husband was watching the show The Irrational. It’s about a behavioral science professor who solves tough police cases. I was in the kitchen and could hear it. The main character had an appendix surgery. He tried to rise from his bed a few times because there was a case he wanted to get going on. His sister had to nag at him to remain in bed and heal. At one point the professor spoke with a priest, while still in the hospital. The priest said, “St. Stillness has visited you." Then he smiled an...
Feb 23, 2025•10 min
I received this email from a friend: “I recently watched the podcast Follow Him with Hank Smith and John Bytheway…. Their guest presenter…was Dr. Matt Townsend, who is a therapist. Many of the things he was saying reminded me of you and what you have shared about being present and communicating.” I wasn’t familiar with Dr. Townsend or the podcast, but I took the time to listen because I love Susan and know she cares about me. I'm no scholar so it was heartwarming and edifying to see how close I ...
Feb 16, 2025•7 min
This is my birthday article. : ) I turn seventy-five today, February 9th. This article was suggested by a dear friend and is, frankly, very vulnerable. I have pondered whether to publish it or not, whether it would be of value to anyone. However, it's my birthday, and I can do what I want, right; even if it may be somewhat risky. 😊 Today I am sharing my story about death, how it impacted me as a youth, in my marriage, and today. Join me as I share the ups and downs of learning to manage this st...
Feb 09, 2025•13 min
In 2012, because of an experience, I decided to be more open to receiving help from others. Trust me when I say my progress has been slow! I’ve always prided myself on my independence, ingenuity, and ability to do whatever needs to be done. I have always felt confident in “doing it myself.” However, it’s a challenge to do everything by yourself, all the time, and you miss out on the other side of the coin, the value that comes from receiving. I’ve had to learn this the hard way. My inspiration t...
Feb 02, 2025•11 min
My friend Livia read a book about Neal A. Maxwell. In the book, they used the phrase 'peaceful intensity' to describe how he managed his busy life. It’s a way of being that can be cultivated. It involves how we perceive what is happening in the moment. Maxwell said you can be busy but still function from a place of peace. As Livia and I talked I wondered, “How can those two words even go together?” I was intrigued by the idea and this unique phrase. This is becuase I've been experiencing this pl...
Jan 26, 2025•10 min
This week’s article was written by an online friend of mine, Laura Pearson , who shared it with me via email. When I read her article, I realized that my daughter Jodie has incorporated many of these tips into her home and family life. They’ve been useful to my grands. Although they are all teens now, they have been using tools like these since they were in grade school. These tips will assist parents using regular school options, as well as those who homeschool. In both cases we want our childr...
Jan 19, 2025•9 min
I’ve thought about how I want this year to feel, what I want to accomplish, and how I want to be. I read and reread my daily commitments (affirmations). I pondered what changes I should make. Was there anything I needed to add? The last two years have been challenging, as I have aged. It has been stretching and I've had to work to keep a positive attitude about building my life while fulfilling my mission of caring for my family. Here is the truth - you don’t stop building a life because you gro...
Jan 12, 2025•7 min
In 2011 I wrote a three-part series of articles about a principle that helps families manage better. I must confess it’s a principle I still work on because it isn’t easy to keep. I know the stories and the principle are worth repeating because principles never change and when lived, they impact us for good. I’m compiling the three-part series into one article. That will keep it simple for you. LOL Join me as I share how making the intentional decision To Keep It Simple, helped us get what we ne...
Dec 08, 2024•12 min
Parenting is a place to learn to grow as a person. Seriously. : ) Even now, when I’m caregiving, rather than parenting, I experience examples of this type of growth. It always takes me off guard because I would like to think that in almost 75 years, I had gotten this growth thing handled. Silly, because learning and personal growth are a lifetime endeavor. Today I am being vulnerable and sharing one of these growth moments. I hope it brings a smile to your face and puts you in a thoughtful posit...
Dec 01, 2024•9 min
Recently, I read an entry from Feb. 2023 that contained information I thought would be useful to some of you. It isn’t new. I’ve written on , the power of story, the importance of perspective, and the value of controlling our thoughts often. But when you attach powerful ideas to an event, they become more relatable and easier to institute into one’s life. In February 2023, I was taking an Emotional Resilience class. At the same time, I was endeavoring to come to terms with time because my story ...
Nov 17, 2024•9 min
In October I asked myself this question - “How can I strengthen my relationship with each grandchild and great-grandchild despite age, technology, or distance.” There are impediments of time, finances, the ability to travel, different lifestyles, and beliefs, kids who are adults or teens, and technology, which often gets in the way of real connection. Recently a friend mentioned that her son, Curtis, said - “When you only send cards and not letters, I can’t reread them.” What, this from a grown ...
Nov 10, 2024•10 min
Let’s pick up where we left off last week. I shared a cookie-baking experience I had with some neighbor children, who were my buddies. Today, I share the second baking experience, one I had with two of my grandchildren. Watch for the connections as we explore how to determine a successful activity. You are going to love Story 2, my second baking experience with kids and you will love how both stories illustrate what makes a successful activity....
Nov 03, 2024•6 min
In the article published on Oct. 13 , I told you I LOVE using sparks and that in the coming months, I would share experiences I have had with them that can Spark you with bonding activities for your family. As promised, here is a spark I followed with two groups of children. However, I want you to notice something else as important as following a spark or igniting one. Often, we let our expectations get in the way of learning and fun. As I said in my book, Becoming A Present Parent, “Keep expect...
Oct 27, 2024•6 min
Thirteen years ago, I had a wonderful evening with my eight-year-old friend, Hailey. It was successful because time had been set apart for the activity, it happened consistently so Hailey could count on it, and I was present. When we want to solidify relationships in our family these three ingredients make all the difference. I was 61 when I had this experience. Hailey was eight. Join me as I share an experience that illustrates how important structured family activities, held consistently, and ...
Oct 20, 2024•6 min
Two weeks ago, I shared a few examples of how useful and fun seeing and responding to your children's Sparks can be. I explained sparks and how they can help you and your kids connect. Last week I illustr ated how you can Spark your kids and give them interesting and fun opportunities for learning. This week is more of the same. : ) I have written about sparks, kids, and the connection between the two for almost fifteen years. I’ve watched for and used sparks with my grands all that time. When I...
Oct 13, 2024•11 min
