Starting Harvest

Harvest started! All the kids were on deck to see the big machines get rolling. The blessing of being together and working together cannot be overstated. Everyone has a part to play and all hands on deck is a real situation. As I pondered our purpose and management of what we have I wondered what we do wrong. Our focus is not on wealth but on our family and the lessons we can learn together. Truly this harvest thus far has been full of learning. But these pictures are just the start of the week. When all was exciting and hopefilled of what will be lots of time riding together and playing independently while mom takes load after load to the feedlot. 

Of course, we filled the truck to the brim and had to redistribute the load a bit. 

The kiddos with me in the tractor and we moved the grain cart into position to unload what was on it. 

Them in the truck excited for the first ride. They are bigger and know the drill. They were patient and sharing. 

We also harvested the garden one day. Oh how I love picking the results of our care and work. I heard kids free unstructured outside time has decreased 50%. These days, we really strive to spend as much time outside as possible. 

We chopped and chopped all those good vegetables and made salsa. It's just so pretty in the pan. 

We got three boxes full so also enough for a batch of spaghetti sauce and plenty to eat. 

 There is profound peace and happiness in self-reliance. I love it when my shelves are full and my kids have helped make them so. From planting and growing, to weeding and watering, to picking and preserving then finally putting away they are part of the process. We are blessed by the process of waiting and watching life grow and mature. I am truly thankful for the life we live and the bounty we enjoy.