What we want our kids to KNOW.

This time of year many parents, myself included, work with our kids to ensure they are not completely stressed out and overwhelmed with the state testing and everyday life in general. We do what we can to calm their nerves and reassure them that they know their stuff, they'll do better next time, and to hang in there. But, at the end of the day, what do we REALLY want them to KNOW?

Trent and I REALLY want Ben and Haddie to KNOW that they can do anything, and they come from people who know how to get things done (in the good times and the bad times). 

We want them to KNOW that their Grandad Woodrow loved refinishing furniture with their Granny Tyson.

We want them to KNOW their Granny Hughes used to sew clothes and quilts to keep her family warm. We want them to KNOW how much their Ninna used to sew for the exact same reason.

We want them to KNOW how much their Ninna loved cooking for those around her (especially red beans and cornbread), and how much their Great Grandmother, Lois King, loved saving her recipes.

We want them to KNOW how their PaPa Roberts could look at an old crock and find a new use, and how he loved making old things new.

We want them to KNOW how much fun their Poppy was. How he loved to play Pinochle and dominoes. We want them to KNOW how much joy he took in "The Game".

 We want them to know the incredible knack for detail their Gramz has.

We want them to know how much their PaPaw Tyson loved performing at Cowboy Symposiums, how much he loved Hank the Cowdog, and how much he loved his border collies.

We want them to KNOW how hard their Pa worked as a journeyman/lineman. We want them to KNOW the many hours he worked without sleep to provide for us.

For those that don't know, these are old electrical insulators that used to be put on poles.

When times get tough, and they begin to doubt themselves, we want them to know that they can handle anything! It's in their blood!! They can make it through the lean times with faith and hard work. They can enjoy all the little things life has to offer through fellowship with family and friends. Sometimes it takes looking back before you can see your future. I know as I look at these things daily, that WE can make it through anything because we have what is most important. We have faith, family and friends. After all, as you can see from the things we surround ourselves with, we learned from the best. No matter what life throws at you, step back and enjoy the Simple Things in Life.