Livestock barns have a smell all their own. The mixture of hay, sawdust, and manure, combined with the naturally pungent odor of goats, pigs, cattle, and sheep, creates an aroma that clings to your nostrils and doesn’t easily go away—even with multiple grills cooking hamburger meat and wieners nearby. Once you get past the ripeness of the barn, though, the spectacle of boots, hats, and showmanship is entertaining. Watching an eighteen-year-old veteran of stock shows expertly guide a pig past a judge while using a short stick to keep the porker’s head up is impressive.

I absolutely loved back-to-school time when my kids were growing up. Yes, I am a weird dad, and I enjoyed going clothes shopping and supply gathering. What could be better than helping them find the perfect first-day ensemble by throwing outfit after outfit over the dressing room door of Old Navy? I had my own collection of OPI nail colors, complete with bottom coats and topcoats (as a daddy of four girls, I had to find a way to save money).

When we think of supporting kids, it's easy to picture packed bleachers at football games or crowded auditoriums for dance recitals. But what about those quieter, less-attended moments—the robotics competitions, chess tournaments, coding clubs, or even anime drawing sessions? Supporting children isn’t always about what they’re doing; it's about making sure they know someone believes in them while they're doing it.

The return to school often brings a swirl of emotions—both excitement and anxiety. While the new academic year promises fresh opportunities, friendships, and growth, it can also stir feelings of uncertainty for students and parents alike. The good news? Those back-to-school nerves can actually fuel positive energy when channeled into meaningful preparation and uplifting traditions that set a hopeful tone for the year ahead.

The first weeks of a new school year are full of excitement—fresh supplies, new classrooms, and the chance to make friends. But for children in foster or kinship care, these transitions can bring added layers of anxiety. New teachers, unfamiliar routines, and the uncertainty of change may feel overwhelming. As caregivers, there are ways we can make the start of the school year a little smoother and a lot more supportive.

Summer invites us to pause and take a deep breath. Or maybe that's just the oppressive heat. Either way, with less rush during the morning routine and fewer afternoon activities, the longer days offer more than just time to play. They offer space to connect, reflect, and grow together as a family.

When the words “I’m bored” start echoing through your house this summer, don’t panic—embrace it! Those long, lazy days are actually a golden opportunity to teach kids simple, old-fashioned skills that are both fun and useful. Don’t know how to do some of these yourself? That’s okay! Ask a trusted friend or even search the internet—then learn it together. Modeling a willingness to learn is just as powerful as teaching.

When we think about legacy, we often imagine the big things—career accomplishments, family heirlooms, or life lessons passed down. But for children, especially those impacted by trauma or uncertainty, legacy is shaped not in grand gestures, but in consistency, safety, and love. 

At CK Family Services, we know that stability can be life-changing. A bedtime routine, a favorite dinner, someone showing up to the school concert—these small acts add up to a powerful truth: you are safe, you are wanted, and you belong.

“And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,

he’d grown up just like me

my boy was just like me.”

Harry Chapin

There’s something powerful about creating something with your own two hands — especially when those hands are working side by side with your child’s. From the clink of tools to the final brush of paint, every moment becomes a memory. You're building more than projects. You’re building connection.