If I could sum up why it is we do everything we do…
… the early morning milkings…
…. the cleaning out of the chicken coop…
… the tending, caring, and slaving over the garden beds…
… the answer is actually quite clean and easy. It's the food. We do what we do for the food. The benefits of growing one's food completely overwhelm the work load. And even though it's easy to question that in the mid-day sun in August, it remains the truth. To say that growing your food is rewarding seems a gross understatement. Growing your food is revolutionary.
But beyond the culinary enjoyment of the succulent bacon, crisp snap peas, and dreamy milk, one of my greatest joys in this lifestyle is getting to share this passion with my children. They are beside me, hands in the dirt, learning about bugs, soil systems, weeds, watering, moon cycles, planting dates, pests, harvest, preservation…. and taste.
They're eating carrots pulled right from the earth. They're witnessing the blessings of a bumper tomato crop and the frustration of loosing the broccoli to a rouge chicken. They're learning that potatoes are planted and harvested from the soil, brussel sprouts are best after a light fall frost, greens are the backbone of the year-round vegetable garden, and flowers do more than just look pretty lining the garden beds. They're learning that as we take care of our animals, they can care for us. They're learning to compost and utilize every scrap of food or garden waste. They're learning how to bake with natural yeast, can peaches, weed a garden, collect eggs and recognize a broody hen, and that good food involves patience and work.
They're learning that there are times of plenty. And times of want.
…and that most things are out of our control.
And much to my great joy, they're getting to witness God's fingerprints all over His earth.
Is it just me, or have we robbed our children of these joys? We seemed to have dumbed our kids down to hot dogs, peanut butter sandwiches, and iPads. Instead of teaching them to savor the flavor of an earthy beet, they're get soda. We don't expect them to eat the spiced lamb shoulder roast. We expect them to hate it and then whine for macaroni and cheese.
There seems to be no where safe from this “kid zone” in our culture. However, as our farm lives and breaths, there aren't kid zones. This is a family zone. It's ours together and the life we lead, songs we sing, and food we eat is done together. Ain't no kid menus on the farm, man.
I'm inviting my children to take part in a food revolution.
The Revolution
I want my children to know the flavors of fresh pork, chicken livers and tree-ripened cherries. I want them to enjoy sautéed kale and swiss chard gratin. Idealistic? I don't think so.
In defense of all vegetable-hating-children, I will say this: If my measure of taste was based on standard grocery store vegetables, I'd hate vegetables too. They're tasteless! Bitter! Unripe! Old!
… but garden produce is a completely different beast. Just like fresh meat. Or even eggs. Freshness affects taste. The care that went into the production of the food affects taste. The animal's diet affects taste. The harvest date affects taste, people! There is an entire world of delicious tastes out there to be had!
We've got to stop assuming our kid's are limited to canned spaghetti sauce and cereal. Please. STOP.
We had a young boy who visited our farm every week last summer. He'd arrive early in the morning to help milk the cow before coming up to the house to help me with breakfast. We eat a hot breakfast 365 days a year around these parts and this was a new concept for him, as he was pretty set on cereal or the like before heading off to school. We would cook together, grating garden potatoes into sizzling lard in the cast iron skillet. We'd cut up fresh peaches over our steel cut oats that had been simmered in spices and cream. Each week the breakfast was different, but that didn't really matter. What mattered was sitting down over a hot breakfast, sharing that moment, exploring vegetables and tastes together for the first time, and having a hand in the production of them.
I loved watching his face as he drank the milk, still warm, from that morning. Knowing he'd helped in getting it to the table brought him such pride and recognizing the phenomenal taste difference of fresh, raw milk was always fun to witness.
It would seem as if our children don't enjoy this type of food because we don't give them opportunities too. Why is that?
When did we become so flat and lifeless?
Food, for thousands of years, has been a method of communication and fellowship. It was reflective of a time, a culture, a people, a season. This is easy to see on the farm, as our menu is reflective of that very moment… that very time. April eggs aren't the same as August eggs. Nothing is continual or uniform, but rather, ebbs and flows with the weather and the season. The menu is living. And our kids are getting to witness that.
Georgia asked me the other day if we could grow bell peppers. I explained that I had started bell pepper seeds in February. They'd been placed on a heat mat to encourage germination, before being set under special grow lights to encourage healthy growth. A few weeks back, they were moved into the greenhouse for safe keeping until fear of the last frost had passed. They've been watered daily. Soon, I explained, we'd plant them in the greenhouse where they would remain through the summer. Peppers can be sensitive to the heavy winds we experience around here, so the greenhouse would keep them safe. In July and August, we would be able to begin harvesting some of our bell peppers, assuming no pests or rogue chickens get the better of the plants, that is. “Well, how many days away is that?” she asked. “Quite a few.” I explained, “But just think about how fun it will be to finally get to eat them! And think about how good they'll taste snapped right from the plant!” She smiled. She may only be 4, but she gets it.
Food doesn't have to be fake. Or dyed with Yellow #5. Or dumbed down. Or even fast.
Food, grown with care, teaches gives our children some of the most valuable lessons they could ever hope to learn.
YEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! Hallelujah!
AMEN!!! Well said an soooo very true!!!!
Excellent perspective. Glad you shared it.
Thanks, Daniel 🙂
Shaye, seriously best post ever! I feel so passionate about this too. My children love veg, eggs, raw milk and homegrown meat, but most importantly they know where it comes from and how much hard work goes into nurturing and growing it. My favorite part of this post is seeing Gods fingerprints on everything:)
– Abby Jo
Well said And Amen!
Loved this pist! Amen, sister
*post
I don’t think it’s an either/or thing. Just because someone doesn’t have a cow or acres for farming doesn’t mean that they can’t instill a sense of appreciation of food in their children. I’m sure you didn’t mean this post that way but I can see how someone may be sensitive to it and believe that you are judging them. Especially someone just starting on a whole foods/natural living path. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and think you’ll never be as perfect as others. For example, my family isn’t ‘flat and lifeless’ because I allow my children a hot dog now and again. We also have a large garden, frequent our local farm for meat and eggs (where we buy those delish hot dogs!) and discuss the origins of all the things we use (not just food!). I believe that everyone tries their best for their children and just might not be aware that there are better choices out there.
Well said.
Great post!!! 🙂
We have a less than 4000 square foot lot in a small city in Los angeles and my boys and 32 week pregnant self were just in our front yard ripping out the cabbage that had worms galore, watering our apple, pomegranate, peach, tangerine, and persimmon trees, and weeding the strawberry/rose patch. They got all muddy; Threw rocks, ripped out Swiss chard, the leaves I harvested for freezing, and filled their dump trucks with water to make some type of soupy concoction. The boys are beasts! Living in the city is no excuse to not share in the wonder of planting and experiencing Gods wonderful bounty! We also live less than 5 minutes from the ocean and get the blessing of hanging out at the beach. The boys and poppa like to gather seaweed for our garden its amazing to see how God has created everything so interconnected! No matter where we live it’s an amazing responsibility to guide our children into the presence of God through what we put in our bodies. And now I mourn my cabbage and curse nasty wormies that eat them! Urgh and amen.
A hearty amen to all of this!! Very well put, Shaye!
This was beautiful!!!!
I’ve wondered the same thing about vegetables. Maybe nobody wants to eat them anymore because the ones from the grocery store just suck.
Love this post! I grew up with a “fish stick and tater tot” diet and unfortunately my older kids did too somewhat. When my baby boy (now 16) was diagnosed with a kidney disease we converted our whole diet to a healthier one. We all feel so much better. Now to save money we are converting our 0.88 acre to a little homestead to grow and raise as much of our own food as possible. Love reading about your homestead!
This was the best post, we live on a small farm and produce 99% of what we eat. Most do not understand the fact that food is to have some taste. I will never forget the girl that told me my homegrown chicken was bad (as we were eating it) It was strong and she could not eat it. OMG, I said it tastes like chicken 🙂
Had to explain what she was used to eating was from the store and had absolutely no flavor Oh my
Sitti´ here, waiting for the chickens to hatch…..
Amen from overseas!!
Wonderful post! My husband and I have always planted our own vegetable garden and our son loves helping and participating the process of it all. We have even begun to do some research about getting some animals to raise on the acres we own, I am hoping for some chickens and goats. However, my step daughters have having a little harder time with the changes. Their mother and my husband and I share two completely different thoughts when it comes to food and teaching them how to eat healthy. She does not have the means, skills or care to provide anything other than frozen or fast food options. So whenever I make a wonderful homemade dinner I either have to make something else for them just so they eat, or they cry until we allow them to leave the table. It is heart breaking to see them not enjoy these delicious fresh foods. I was only told that the baked French fries could not be eaten because they are not real ones like those at McDonalds. Any suggestions, hints, or recipes to offer to them to make them see how wonderful this lifestyle really is? That this food is not gross or not “real”? I always have them help me start my seeds and help in the garden to know what it is like to make food, and they help me cook too! But they won’t eat the end product. Help?
Give them time. Unfortunately, processed food is so laden with chemicals that trigger our brain into thinking it’s good, it’s a tough cycle to break.
Love this! We’re slowly but surely turning our bit of land into a little “homestead.” We only have bees, animal-wise, but we have a bunch of raised beds and fruit bushes/trees. The costs, amount of work, how much time it takes to actually reap the benefits – they can all be very discouraging! But definitely rewarding. And we’re passing on so much to our children. This year we’re trying to grow brussels sprouts, which my kids love! My daughter says she could eat a whole pan of them. 🙂
Yep! Totally agree with this awesome post!
I grew up on the standard American diet, but I dream of having a fruit and herb farm someday growing as much food as possible. I am 32 weeks pregnant right now with my first baby and I can’t wait to show him or her how to grow food. It’s so exciting and amazing that such a little seed can produce food that sustains us. And, I love the part in your post, Shaye, about all the different tastes due to harvest time, weather, plant genetics, etc.!
This post was really inspiring and just reinforced my dreams 🙂
This was a beautiful post. I want to do the same for my kids one day. I am so thankful that I was raised in such a way it has not been until I am older do I realize how disconnected most people are from their food. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication I really enjoy reading about all of your adventures!
Excellent!
Great post. I make almost everything from scratch and one of the reasons why is because I don’t want my daughter to think that breakfast comes in a box or bread comes sealed in a plastic bag. Most people have no idea how simple it is to cook – they think something as simple as peanut butter or cottage cheese are things that you couldn’t possibly make yourself.
Yay! I totally agree. We aren’t as radical as you but I love watching my 2 y/o pick a tomato and eat right in the yard, or dig into a big bowl of curry, or whine for more lima beans. To be fair, she does love mac ‘n’ cheese but we usually save it for church dinners and such. You forgot to add to your post baby food in jars. Does it get any grosser?
I have followed this blog for a while, but this is my first time commenting. This resonated with me so much that I think I’ll print out and save it. I’m 21 years old and working hard to get to the point where when I have babies, I can raise them in communion with God’s creation. I’ve worked with kids that don’t know that pork comes from a pig or that beef comes from a cow. I want my kids to recognize when produce is perfectly ripe, not their favorite grocery store brand.
And amen.
I am in love with this post. I constantly get so frazzled when people “hide” veggies in their kids food, or they tell them that all meat is chicken just so they will eat it. Children need to learn where their food comes from. I always say ‘if they grow it, they will eat it!” And it rings true here on our farm.
YES.
my 5 year old granddaughter will not eat meat – at home ,but, while staying w/ us for the weekend i cooked a whole home-grown chicken and she saw it in the pot…totally uninterested ! a bite to try new foods is required here,so she had the tiniest of slivers and i was feeling pretty lucky to get that past her tight little lips- suddenly she declared she WAS hungry and wanted a big piece- 3 times! kinda humming the whole time she was eating it…decided she like “home-grown’ chicken not the store kind LOL i don’t blame her 🙂
Shaye…as much as I love all your posts, this is my favorite so far. Spot on and well said…this message needs to reach a wider audience
What a great inspiration! Thank you!
How did you know how to put our life into such eloquent words? Today my husband read this aloud to our kids as part of homeschooling. They totally “get it”. It’s almost like you have visited our home and wrote about it. Well done!
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic post. My son is a month old, and within 4 weeks of finding out we were pregnant, we moved out of a tiny one bedroom in NYC to start a farm in Hillsboro, OR (well, that took a bit longer than 4 weeks, but the moving out happened that quickly!) It was always a dream we had had that we put on the back burner, but finding out that Ethan was coming was enough to make us say, “let’s do it now” for all the reasons you describe. And now? We have a “farm” – that is, 6 chickens, 2 batches of seedlings under grow lights, 12 fruit trees and a bunch of fruit bushes. Hey, it’s a start. I admit, considering he’s my first baby (or maybe just because he’s a baby?) caring for this amount of life is overwhelming and I thought for the first time yesterday, “you know, we could have just moved to town and shopped at the farmer’s market, bought ethical meat, and called it a day…” but this post inspired me to press on and plan our meat chickens. 🙂 As always, thank you, Shaye.
You’re welcome 🙂 Glad you’re here!
Shaye, thank you for your reflective post. Even though I don’t have any kids yet myself, I just wanted to shout AMEN after I read this. I was raised in a family that always seeks to grow or raise the food we eat. My desire for my future family is to do the same. I am so tired of all the crap we eat in this country, something I see all to often. Thanks for another AWESOME post! 🙂
We are just beginning this journey ourselves. It is so rewarding to eat from our garden and raise our own beef, pork and chicken! I love that my city raised teens are taking to farm life so well. They are growing in maturity and brawn! 🙂
Great post, Shaye. There is no comparison to growing and harvesting your own whether it be produce or meat. The satisfaction is unparalleled and even the moments of defeat enrich our lives for the better. I wish everyone could experience the joys of living on a farm.
Truly inspiring. While I do not consider myself up to the challenge of your level of homesteading, my children have been brought up on real food (some home-grown) and have never even heard of mac and cheese. You should know that your hard work and teachings will continue to pay off. My boys, now aged 12 and 15, are in prime junk-food age, but stay away from processed foods because they now understand and can identify the association between poor food quality and illness. My youngest consistently reads food labels, and just yesterday at the supermarket asked, “Mummy, what’s titanium dioxide?” When I said, “Well, I really don’t know, sweetie. I’ve never heard of it before,” he responded, “Then it can’t be good for you,” and put the bag of candy down. The revolution has already started…
Definitely! I was at Sams the other day, trying to find some things, and I got sidetracked looking up various chemicals with Siri. For heavens sake, why would anyone decide to put carcinogens and eye/skin/lung irritants in yogurt! Candy! Bread! As soon as I get into a position to become more self-sufficient, I’m doing it. So tired of not knowing what went into my sandwich.
Katie
I have flowed your blog for a very long time. This is quite possibly the first blog post I have been in love with and didn’t feel like you were just bragging about how awesome you and your life is but giving a perspective towards food that I also share. Thank you for this post!
I just started following your blog, and this post is one of the reasons I am now hooked. Our modern society has taken so much out of the world that God has created for us. Until I started getting into traditional and real food several years ago, I thought all food came from the grocery store. What you are doing cannot be easy, but I hope to one day raise my future family in the same way.
I sit here in western WA crying my eyes out, literally, knowing my days of homesteading in Eastern WA are soon coming. Reading your posts Helps me considerably. To know that some family can uproot themselves and carry on is a blessing to my soul. We are going to be moving to almost 25 acres in the Okanagan probably before the snow falls this year, which means me leaving my job after 15 years and moving my son just as he starts high school. He has been a considerable help on what little land we do control and a kick in the shorts to help me carry on. I can’t help but think of how amazing, and difficult, yet rewarding, life is Going to be. In my heart of hearts, I know I can do this. But it helps to know others have gone through the trials and tribulations I and my family are going to face. Thank you for the mental and spiritual help I know we are going to need. I would like to talk and meet with you on a more personal level if you have the time. Thank you so very much and God bless.
Congratulations on the move! I love Okanogan.
This! This is why I do it! so wonderfully put! raised my kids as a ladder climber on all of that fast food. Hoping to watch my grandkids grow up just like this!