School just started and everyone is swamped. So it may seem really odd to release a podcast on bug collecting now. But Anna and Cathy have NOT lost their minds. They just think we can make the connection between something as simple as bug collecting and, you guessed it, humility. You may have noticed as you swat at flies, dirt daubers, and wasps, the best bug catching time is now. So turn you children loose to find bugs and wildflowers now. Next spring, your children will think you’re a genius next spring. 

Plus, you’ll be encouraging humility in their sweet hearts. We think that’s a win for mom. Listen in to see if you agree.

Today, Cathy and Anna talk about a big topic in our culture right now: Social Justice. But so much of what we hear is based on codependency. Thomas Jefferson said, “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.” So how do we differentiate between compassion and codependence? How do we teach our children to love true justice? Anna shares how to teach your kids to love justice in a simple way. Just teach them to love yard games. She tells personal stories about how her older nieces and nephews live out justice as they play with their young cousins. Plus, she talks about how justice looks in her classroom. Cathy shares the purpose of law. And it’s non-stop affection between this mother and daughter duo. Don’t miss the wisdom and the laughter!

In today’s episode, Anna joins Cathy to talk about how volunteering can impact 4 generations or more of your family. Plus, teach kids the difference between compassion and codependence. Anna shares more personal stories, including why she still loves to connect with a hug. Are we cheating our family by saying “no” to other good stuff? The answer is absolutely not. Time with family is limited. Our kids grow up. We have to make a the most of our time together now. Don't miss Cathy's no-fail cure for being too busy and how their family decides where to serve!

What if you could replace family drama with joy during the holidays? Today, Anna and Cathy share how drama --that is, acting out plays --can actually be a really fun and hilarious family activity! Oh, the benefits of drama!

In this episode, Anna shares how the thespians at her school teach students to respect their characters. She talks about teaching family servant-hearted leadership for sons. And as usual, Anna shares embarrassing stories and they laugh a ton! Want to give your kids and grandkids the BEST family Christmas? Theater productions -- even at home -- can give your kids and grandkids a love of history and drama. Plus, create servant-heartedness in your nearest and dearest. And be tons of fun!

In this episode, Anna joins Cathy to talk about some of their favorite topics: textile art, creative kids, reading, and our crazy culture. American Patchwork; Americans seem to be holding it together, like one giant crazy quilt. An educator and artist, Anna talks about how textile projects can help kids’ brains connect in wonderful and creative ways. She even shares a super-easy lesson plan she uses to teach her art students to love sewing. Plus, she shares some ideas for vaccinating your kids against defeat and self-doubt. And how textile art can give your child a sense of belonging and a healthy identity. And she shares how textile art helped her process grief. And she gently edits my definition of mindfulness. Yep, we packed a ton in this episode!

Anna and Cathy get together to create a series of summer podcasts just for YOU. Summer is the perfect time to change things up a bit. First up? Timelines! Are you, like us, concerned about all the self-rejection free loading around in our culture? Nobody wants a time bomb of self-rejection taking our their kids. Maybe you'll think they're crazy, but Cathy and Anna think timelines are perfect tools for helping your child recognize and love the identity God gave them. As always, Anna's ideas are creative, simple, and mom-friendly! Because we love ya. And we sure know momma needs a little change of pace, too!

Jason Karpf returns to give us the details about how he's using sci-fi to knit the generations together. At church! Yep, Cathy asks him some tough questions about the dark side of sci-fi. Jason debunks her preconceived ideas with biblical insight about story telling. He tosses in some insights on how rock and pop music speak to a generation of worshippers. Don't miss this lively and fun conversation with a guy who is single-handedly transforming the way churches come together in youth group.

Jason Karpf joins Cathy to geek out about science fiction. How can we use sci-fi to bring all the generations together at church? If you have a creative child, you’re gonna love today’s podcast with science fiction author, screenwriter, and once-upon-a-time child actor Jason Karpf. You may have seen Jason in episodes of The Bold Ones, The Courtship of Eddy’s Father, or a Krafve family favorite, Bonanza. Maybe you find yourself wondering how to inspire your child’s imagination so they won’t get bored. Can’t keep up with their reading or viewing? There’s nothing worse than wondering if your child is getting weird stuff pumped into their brains! You’re gonna love the encouragement in this lively conversation with Jason.

Cathy and Anna talk candidly about how tough the teenage years can be and what parents can do to check rebellion at home. “We are talking about rebellion in teenagers. I changed your title because I think rebellious teenagers is kinda giving teenagers a bad rap,” laughs Anna. “Rebellion in teenagers is a better title because there’s rebellion in my heart and I’m way past being a rebellious teenager!” Take that, Mom! Well, you can see it's a fast paced, very real conversation between mother and daughter. Both tell stories from their teenage years. If you're wondering what to do with your "teenager in rebellion," listen in now because they loaded this episode with tons of practical ideas that work and lots of laughs!

Robin Melvin returns to talk to Cathy about true identity. She offers some insight about how the Church can help dispel identity confusion in our culture. Of course, with Robin, all her wisdom is served up with a heaping helping of gentleness and personal stories. She even shares how she developed empathy for her parents.

How do we foster confident hearts in a culture that keeps telling us self-rejection is normal and healthy? The secret is knowing our true identity. You're gonna love Robin's insight and her big, beautiful heart!