Soon

I want to be working as a nurse.

Sooner than later. Oh, to be job hunting!

The Crew

Here is a blog that I have wanted to post for a month or so: people that make the farm roll.

Brother Andrew: He brings joy and intensity into every deed he does.

Dad: the ever patient hay instructor and head hauncho.

Heather: The natural farm girl. We were delighted to have her be one of us for one month.

Mom: The irreplaceable superwoman.

The faithful Brodie. "Wake up, Emily! James is already here to work!"

Sister Elisa: A joy to have for a few days. Home is always brighter with her around.

Anna: A fun and silly child that actually has a hard time eating corn without her front teeth.

Sandra: She kept us eating ice cream.

Brother Luke: Without him, many things would not happen.

Myself: Luke's sidekick.

Madalyn: A child that likes to make fun and silly faces.

Lydia: Sweet Lydia with an ever ready smile and a tender heart.

Just because they are such good helpers.

Thanks for making an awesome summer, crew!

Summer Pictures

A Sabbath walk on the "Crooked Bridge"

Harry picking wild cherries.

Nuyaka Mission- Ellen White visited this place many a year ago.

A favorite spot at Oklmulgee Lake. The brave walk the upmost ridge.

A common sight.

Life Lessons from Corn

Friends often ask me what it is like living on a farm. I don't always know what to tell them. I usually end up telling them something vague, that living on a farm is hard work, but rewarding. A nice pat answer that they half-way expected and already known.

This summer I have analyzed the question more (this is what you do when you pick pink-eyed purple hulled peas for hours) and have come to more specific conclusions about my life. The first being: I don't have a typical American life. (Who in their right mind freezes 10+ bushels of corn and calls it a party? And on the same day we decide to can 60+ jars of salsa? Prime example of my family.)

In general we don't get out much- mainly to sell vegetables, buy life's necessities, and to pick up tractor parts.

Currently it is corn season and I can't help but say something about it. We dream in corn and live in corn and we eat corn at least once a day. And tomatoes too.

On a good day, we can pick about 50+ bushels of corn in a few hours. And in those hours, here are a few things that caught my attention in regard to picking corn:

Endurance: being in the corn field as the sun rises is beautiful, but really? It is hard to stay motivated.

Community: My dad's motto is that no one should work in the garden alone. It makes even the most optimistic person get a rainy forcast in life. It is overwhelming. Corn picking is usually done in a herd. It can be fun.

Humor: Andrew is a walking radio. This morning he sung a operatic rendition of "Carol of the Bells" while picking corn.

Effeciency: Who can pick 10 buckets the fastest? The best way to pick corn: Give it a quick downward snap. It promotes better wrist health.

Focus: It is easy to wander through all the rows and to pick your neighbor's corn. No doubt it will always be bigger than the corn in your row.

Good Things.

Here are some favorite things that Heather and I thought of on our drive back from Market this afternoon. Too many blessings!

1. Not thinking twice about riding in the back of a truck or wagon.

2. Dirty Fingernails.

3. The drive to market.

4. Knowing the difference between "crispy" and "creamy" corn.

5. Eating cherry tomatoes from the garden.

6. Having Heather around.

7. Picking vegetables in the rain.

8. Forgetting about my cell phone.

9. Seeing my horses in the pasture.

10. Being home.