things they'll do

• be creative, let them make messes
• get them library cards, and tell them to choose whatever they want
• travel as much as our budget will allow
• raise them on classic rock
• have tea parties and take them on picnics
• teach them my favorite folk songs
• encourage participation in sports and the arts

things they should know

• before you use the words hate and love, think long and hard. for two words with only four letters, they have a huge impact.
• respect. respect yourself, me, your father,your grandparents, your friends, your siblings, everyone.
• manners. we'll teach you them. and you should have enough respect (^) for yourself to use them in public (and just in general), so the world knows we taught you well.
• i will always try to protect you from the things i've been through. don't think i'm trying to hold you back, i'm trying to keep you safe.
• i will tell you that i love you as often as possible. it's just how life works, and you have to deal.
• i promise to dance with you, and read you all kinds of books.
• i will let you go barefoot as much as you want.
• i'll play with you in the mud