I cannot minimize Fourth's role in the improving of the farm and home. She too, has been a critical part in bringing our home to where it is today.
As each one moves on in their lives and perhaps creates their own families, they will all have a tremendous sense of ownership and satisfaction in how the farm looks. I can almost hear the conversations that will occur down the road on how hard it was to dig out hundreds and hundreds of mesquite...with a pick ax and muscle. I imagine how each of the children will share their part in ripping up horrible floors, insulation and what not, and then replacing it with the tile and wood flooring we have today. As with every project lots of laughter filled the house~with the floor projects we had topics that dealt with the finding a crime scene to the entire made up back story. The farm's previous owner was an eccentric woman that had a good deal of pets in the home...
The clothesline was put in pretty early in our farm journey. For the kids, it has been a stop station for pull-ups as they go about their outdoor activities.
No one likes how sheep make you smell. That is a universal gross out. Everyone can make the turkey gobble with their own sound trigger. All of us enjoy the dogs and cats. Shearing sheep manually was a bridge we crossed and so all can say they partook...
The rights of passage for the kids include fairly extensive animal care training. We have assisted in birthing lambs, kids, cats, and pups. We have cared for sick critters, maintained hoof health, and have set the limb of a billy goat to name a few of the things we have done.
Each of us has a ram story. Mine was typical of anyone in any setting. I forgot that the ram has horns because of their docile nature and with my lack of memory I had an elevating experience. I was rammed a good 8 feet.
All of us can reflect upon the butchering. In times where many don't know where their food comes from, here the kids all can look back and appreciate the life they gave the animal...and with that life we all knew the end game. It did not make us callous as we do not butcher every day. It made us appreciate that each has a place. We name practically everything and while here each is absolutely free ranging organic eating critter. None of us wanted to butcher. None of us likes the smell of a butchered hen.
Walking out the door to gather dinner has been something that may seem simple but has been tremendous for me as a parent. I have taken the kids to a level that I never considered when we first began homeschooling. We allowed each one to see that with hard work...nothing can become something. With a smidgen of dreaming, a heck of a lot of sweat, and the unity we have as a family nothing was impossible. Well to be sure to anyone that is a new visitor...we begin all of our thanks to God...as He can do all things. He can transform anyone, anywhere, anyhow. And with that we as parents of four have worked hard to teach our children this.
Back to my sons. Each one is on their own. And each one is in a special relationship. The times of teen years and training our children up is nearing an end and we are now uplifting them instead. Our roles are changing, and we as parents now see that although we were not perfect while raising them, we were consistent and worked hard if we did falter, to bring the family together and refocus. I have a feeling...that 2013 will be the beginning of new families that branch off on their own. I have never sought fame, fortune, or even tried to be all that...but I have worked daily, if not hourly, to be the mom that leads each of her children to the next level. Did I ever expect to reach this point? Nope...but as I see the branching begin, I am overjoyed and must once again say all of this...everything is because of God bringing a small town girl from the Midwest to a small town boy in Nevada together~
May each of my children seek God first and allow life to happen in spite of everything. I believe with all my heart Romans 8:28 as I have our lives as a witness.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
*photo credit Wall Art From the Heart
