We had the opportunity to do some work on a friend's farm. We love spending time with them. Our children really want a farm. I did... do too... it is a lot of hard work. If I had to choose between raising children and raising a farm... I would choose raising children. Only because, that is what I am currently engaged in.
I once feared raising children. I volunteered to babysit my niece and nephew for a weekend when they were ages 1 and 2. We did not have children of our own and after that experience, I clearly knew I was unprepared and terrified of having my own children. However, raising children on a farm would be ideal. So many life lessons. Practical life lessons. For example, my children have never pulled carrots before. For all they knew, carrots grew on trees.
Farming (from my limited experience) and rearing children both require constant care and attention. And once you begin, there is no end (unless you sell the farm but you can't sell the children). I took the plunge of starting a family nine years ago but I have yet to take the plunge of even starting a garden. You cannot plant once and be done. Planting and harvesting comes every year. Not to mention weeding, watering and keeping pesky bugs or animals away. Yes, I'm afraid to plant that garden.
Routine and consistency is important too in both. I haven't come close to perfecting these virtues but I am trying to do better. I must ensure that I am doing all that I can each day. Just do your best, right? I fall short daily but so far, I have been able to raise each new day with a resolve to do better.
It is hard raising children. Maybe that is why the birth rate is down in our country. More adults are opting out of the challenges of parenthood.
Just yesterday, a friend commented on the difficulties of parenthood and she concluded by saying,"But I wouldn't trade it for anything" followed by a smile. I feel the same.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said,"We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity."
"Hi, Lucas!"
Nicolas pulling carrots for the first time.
Lucas helping to pull carrots too.
Corey adding to the pile of pulled carrots.
Spencer pulled a gigantic carrot.
The goats are always a favorite. Corey especially loves the goats and made friends with Snowbell.
Lilly eating a carrot.
Lucas in the field. He and Spencer were hiding in the tall grasses. It proved to be a great location for Hide-N-Seek.
As for the farm... I don't want to opt out because I am afraid of the challenges. Until that dream is realized, I am grateful for friends who let us come and work on their farm and have a small taste of what farm life is like. Raising children on a farm is still ideal in my book.
