You've Got To Know...

I love old school Kenny Rogers' songs. 

I've had The Gambler stuck in my head the last few days. 

I think it's because my husband told me that Paula Deen, the celebrity chef, is getting a divorce from her husband. 

And her husband looks like Kenny Rogers before he had plastic surgery.

Well, to me he does. Don't you think?

 

But wait...why does my husband know Paula Deen is getting a divorce?

He knows obscure things like that, but doesn't know how to find a hubcap for our car that fell off. 

Okay, back to The Gambler.

When I sing the lyrics, a section reminds me of parenting. 

Maybe parenting and gambling aren't so different, really. 

You do your best to get the best hand. 

You have moments when you screw up and make a bad choice. 

You can get cocky and blow the whole deal. 

Or you can have a really great day and come out a winner. 

You've got to know when to hold 'em. 

Preferably on your lap, for as long as they'll allow. I'm sure they'll fight me on this in the teen years. 

Know when to fold 'em. 

So much quarreling!  Both of you go to separate areas of the house!

Know when to walk away. 

Independance is a wonderful thing to see your child develop. 

Know when to run. 

To the ER!

You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table. 

Because they'll see your money and take it to buy earrings and Minecraft tees at the mall. 

There'll be time enough for countin' 

when the dealin's done. 

When they move away and I know I'll be lonely without them.