Kite Strings and Apron Strings

Today, a good portion of my morning was spent untangling kite string and if you're wondering how this inspires a blog post, well.......let me start at the first....

This year, I decided that it would be a great idea for the kids to receive Earth Day presents. You know, things that would encourage them to get outside, enjoy nature and get a little exercise. So I found these amazing kites at the store and figured flying kites as a family would be exactly the right thing. We went out in an open field and tried flying our kites. The wind didn't seem to want to cooperate, so there was a lot of running involved - yeah for extra exercise!! It was a fun hour or so even without the wind. We laughed at each other and the many experimental ways we employed to try to make our kites fly. It was a good day.

Yesterday afternoon, while I was gone, a good wind was blowing and the kids decided that the moment was right to give kite flying another try. They were wildly successful!! I feel bad I wasn't home to hear the giggles and be a part of the fun. Herman was anxious to fill me in on their adventure. He was so proud that he had flown his kite to the end of the string. He had taken it to the height of glory, his frog dancing, being tossed to and fro by the power of the wind. Then, he sadly told me that in that moment of sheer excitement, he panicked, afraid that the wind would overtake his kite and blow it far away. This is when he made the split-second decision to start reeling it in. The reel that the kite came equipped with wasn't fast enough, so he started pulling it in by the string, hand over fist, making a massive ball of tangled thread on the ground. This is how he brought home his kite.

Now, to this morning and the time I spent untangling the mass he'd created. I was frustrated and cussing under my breath about all the other things I could be doing - or should be doing while in the background, Pandora started playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It's a Wonderful World. And, just like some sappy, inspirational commercial, I starting gaining a new perspective on the whole situation.

I got thinking about how excited he must have been, his choices in that moment, what I would've done and the counsel I would've given him if I'd been there. Then I asked myself, would I have let him fly it that high? Would I have been supportive of him during such a strong wind or...... let him fly his kite in those conditions at all? Would I have just told him to wait for better day? Would I let him have the freedom to make those decisions himself or just take control to avoid a catastrophe like the one I was now trying to sort out?

Now, in even a sappier moment, I started to parallel all of these thoughts to parenting. Raising kids is so much like flying a kite. I hold the string, but so much of the control is beyond me. I hold on with faith, that as they grow, flying farther and farther away from me, that they will be safe - hoping that the conditions will be just right for a successful flight. And if/when that moment comes and I am holding the end of the string, will I take the opportunity to marvel with excitement as my creation dances beautifully at the end of the string for all to see or will I panic in fear that the wind may overpower them and take them away from me? Will I pull them back hand over fist, making a big mess as I try to protect them - a mess I will have to sort out later? So many questions. So many unknown answers. I hope I have the strength, that when the time comes and my control is dwindling, that I can sit back, look up in amazement, and marvel in excitement. I know that there will be fear, but I hope my faith and trust in them will overcome my fear to hold them back. I want to allow that moment. I want to enjoy that moment. I want to live in that moment because it's only a moment and then it's gone.

Earth Day.........Shouldn't It Be Everyday?

It doesn't seem like that long ago that the bulk of my days were filled with Disney movies, Teddy Grahams, and sippy cups. One of Em's favorite movies was the Lion King. I got so tired of watching that movie. There are still parts I'm sure I could quote verbatim. But today, I find myself thinking of the dialogue between Mufasa and Simba about the circle of life. Some pretty fine points were made during their discussion.

With tomorrow being Earth Day, I find myself slightly confused at some of the attitudes that accompany a day set aside for us to marvel at the great gift that we've been given. I'm sure that my own attitude is fostered by the profession that we are engaged in. When you live and breathe the nurture and well being of not only the animals in your care, but soils and plants, it's hard to not be in awe regularly of the power and graciousness of the earth.

I think what disturbs me most, is the fact that many want to politicize this holiday. That if you celebrate it, you must be an extremist. So some, in an effort to make clear that they are not in favor of the extreme, find it necessary to use this holiday to flaunt their objections by making sure that they use, in excess, the resources that are given to us. The reality is, I believe, that there are many that live in between these two extremes - ones that realize that this earth is such a precious gift - a gift from God - and feel a deep responsibility to do what they can to preserve and respect our planet. That kind conviction is not something that you can legislate, it's just too personal and for some, innate.

As parents, we all want to instill in our children those things that will help them be successful - successful in their relationships with others, in their careers, and in their lives. One of the things I hope I can give to each of my children is a deep appreciation, love and respect for all that the earth gives us. It is a precious gift. A gift to be treasured. A gift that sustains us. A gift to be used in a respectful way. And, with that gift, comes responsibility. I hope that they each will embrace that responsibility and take their place as caretakers.

So, I am excited to celebrate Earth Day - a day to pause in awe, appreciation, and humility. A day to go outside and fly a kite, plant some seeds, look at the stars - whatever makes you smile. Hopefully you can find something in this great earth of ours that inspires you to celebrate it! Happy Earth Day!!!

*At our house, we not only celebrate Earth Day, but a true example of a caretaker on all levels, Happy Birthday Grandpa Ellis!!

FFA............Family, Friends, & Agriculture

During high school, I believed that FFA was a club solely for boys. I'm not exactly sure what I thought they did out there in the Ag shop, but I did know a few things - they wore overalls, they drank a lot of Pepsi, and, I'm pretty sure, they didn't watch their language. I have been privy to the telling and retelling of many a story of all that they "accomplished" during those afternoon hours. I won't be conveying any of those stories here!

Since marrying into a dairy-farm-family consisting of one sister and five brothers, I have had a first hand education on the finer points of farming, and I've been re-introduced to FFA. David and his brothers were all active in FFA on some level and over the years I learned more. I was glad to learn that overalls were not "official dress", that girls are more than welcome, and that there is so much that can be accomplished by an individual if motivated to do so. It wasn't until our own children went into high school that I truly gained an appreciation for all that it had to offer.

Our first four children are girls, and since acquiring a somewhat-feminist attitude, I was bound and determined that if they wanted to join FFA, I would be more than supportive. Our oldest, Emilee, wasn't thrilled with the idea, but signed up for an Ag class simply because she was disinterested in the other electives that were being offered. And, as many freshman do, she paid her FFA dues simply to get a school excused pass to go to the state fair. Initially, I'm sure the social aspects were very enticing. They seemed to have more activities than most clubs and they knew a lot of kids from the other high schools. Over time, she started to notice that the kids that were really involved in FFA and it's competitions, had some personal qualities and characteristics that she admired. They weren't afraid to speak in front of a crowd, they had a level of confidence not seen in many h.s. students, and they were a fun, loyal group. So once Em decided that she was "all in" we began our journey into finding out what FFA was truly about.

Since that time, we now have two daughters that have been very active in FFA. They've participated in multiple contests - ranging from parliamentary procedure to dairy judging. They've been able to attend the national convention and see parts of the country that they otherwise wouldn't have. They've competed on state and national levels. Most of all, they've found a place to develop those personal qualities that will someday help them in real life situations. They've gained interview skills, speaking skills, and been given the opportunity to be responsible through leadership positions. They have found a voice.

We spent last weekend at the state FFA convention watching Emilee compete. It was a joy. Her Ag Sales team took first and will now represent Idaho at the national convention. She's worked hard and we are very proud. FFA isn't really a spectator sport and not many show up to cheer these kids on. It's kind of sad really. I looked around at all the kids there, honing their mental skills through career development events, giving speeches on current issues, and working as teams and individuals without any expectation that people outside of their FFA circle will fully understand or appreciate what they've done. As a parent, I am so grateful for their teachers that are willing to put in the extra time to nurture students through these types of opportunities. Most of all, I'm grateful for the growth I've seen in my girls, their willingness to work hard, and make the most of every chance they've been given.

FFA stands for Future Farmers of America, but for me it means so much more. Yes, they do take Ag classes and learn about the future of farming. They also learn to strengthen themselves and their communities through leadership in agriculture while learning to place value on those things that are pertinent and real. I am grateful for the FFA program.

Preston's 2011 All Girl Parliamentary Team:

Abbie Shaffer, Kylee Fellows, Lauren Gleed, Emilee Roberts, Heather Winn, and Sara Smith

*Life on the Farm - Business or Pleasure?

*From Farm to Table - Monte Cristo meets BLT

Leaving on a jet plane - I wish!!

I'm feeling a little down today. Not because life isn't good - my life is great! It's just that I could be on a plane later today, headed to La Farge, Wisconsin.........but, sadly, I'm not. There is a very good reason for our absence in La Farge. Our daughter, Emilee, is receiving her State FFA Degree this week, so we will be in Twin Falls supporting her. We are so proud of her accomplishment and wouldn't miss being there to make sure that we get the credit we deserve - for producing such talent. All kidding aside, we are looking forward to watching her in Ag Sales and Parliamentary Procedure competitons and especially, to see her get her State Degree. She's worked hard and it's now paying off. This definitely is a great time for us all!!

So why am I so down? Well, five years ago, we signed to produce milk for Organic Valley- a farmer owned co-op out of La Farge. David was instrumental in getting a pool of milk here, in Cache Valley, and has been the Idaho/Utah Dairy Executive Committee representative since that time. Friday and Saturday is their annual meeting. Business is discussed and decisions are made. As a committee representative, David and I are flown out for those meetings. We have attended the last five meetings and have made some dear friends.

We truly enjoy our connection with the co-op and the people who are a part of it. In so many ways, this decision we made to "go organic" has been one of the biggest blessings in our lives on so many levels. It truly is something we celebrate on a daily basis - through the way we farm, new attitudes towards the stewardship of our land and animals, and the way we view the world and those around us. We live in a small town where most everyone has similar backgrounds, religious views, and standards. I am not complaining, but it leaves room for judgment and fear of differences. This has been eliminated for us. We have had the opportunity, through Organic Valley, to be exposed to and befriend people from very diverse backgrounds. We have friends from one end of country to the other, from one end of the political spectrum to the other, and with a wide variety of religious beliefs. It has made us realize that we have so much more in common than we do in difference. The commonality that we share is our love for family, our earth, our farms and animals, and the way we produce our milk. It might sound silly, but it is our life that we celebrate when we are surrounded by people that hold dear the same things we do. We always leave with a renewed focus on what is truly important to us and an excitement to continue on. That's what I will be missing this weekend.

* Life on the Farm - Meet Bomba

*Re-use, Re-purpose, Re-cycle - more uses for old crates

April Fool's Day 2011 found me wondering which one of the six kids had something "special" planned for me. Much to my surprise, no one had even given thought to the holiday. I was shocked!! Especially since it's the one time all year that "legally" they can pull pranks on David and I without getting reprimanded. To my benefit, Friday, April 1st also happened to be the first day of spring break and the day that we would travel, as a family, to Salt Lake for a big family get-together. I think they were all more focused on the other reasons to celebrate, forgetting the once-a-year opportunity that was right in front of them. So, once lunch was over, I considered myself lucky and breathed a sigh of relief - inwardly, of course, not to give anything away!

Around 3:00, we headed south for the big city. We had planned on meeting at my brother-in-law's house at 5:00, and figured we would make it just in time. The one thing we forgot to plan on was rush hour traffic!! URGHH!! The children were not the only absent minded people that day..... A usually two hour trip was now turning into more of a three hour excursion. No joke - or maybe this was the universe making sure that I didn't get off scott-free on this, the day of practical jokes. Being from a small, two stop-light town, we are not used to this kind of torture and we were all feeling a little picked on. There are, at times, thoughts of a desk job and weekends off, that the "grass is greener on the other side". This was different. This was a time that we found ourselves truly grateful for our own green pastures, peaceful, quiet moments, and the slower pace at which life on the farm moves.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by all but one of David's siblings, their kids, and his parents. This hasn't taken place in quite a few years and being all together is really so much fun. Some of the cousins have grown and changed sooo much - some not so much, but the one thing that doesn't change is the love of family. We took pictures, played a family game of basketball, talked a lot, laughed a lot, ate a lot, and loved a lot. Family is definitely what it's all about!! No joke!!!

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