Earth Blessings

Oh, it is almost gardening time! I am so looking forward to see what this year's garden will bring us. Last year, we were blessed with alot of potatoes, onions, green beans, tons of squash, turnips, we would have had corn galore, however the raccoons ate most of it.

I am busy this weekend making my garden layout and thinking of what all to plant. I enjoy the planning part of my garden. We usually make a pretty good size garden, last year it was 50x50. We planted a great variety of vegetables. Most of the vegetables did wonderful, and some I will try different and I may try some new veggies as well.

My darling husband plows it for me and my mother in law and I make the rows and plant. Of course, the little ones help with their helpful hands and enjoy being apart of planting our garden.

This year, the tiller that we are going to use will plow and till and make the rows for us. Wow, how simple this will make the planting process. I do love playing in the dirt though.

My older kids do help hoe and weed the garden with my husband and I. It really does take hard work and dedication, but the benefits are great! You get to enjoy working your land, watching something you worked at grow, eat all the amazing fresh vegetables, and best of all work with the blessed Earth that our God has made! Watching and waiting for the vegetables to grow is such a life learning experience. A true blessing , indeed. Seeing the vegetables ready, picking them, preparing them, and eating them is a treat that I long for each year.

For me, another reason I get satisfaction in my garden is not only for the greatness of it all, but I do it as a big thank you to our loving God for the blessings he has given to me of having been blessed with such great children.

As far as working together as a family there are many benefits: Natural lessons, studies have shown children who work in gardens adds to their abilities with math and science.It also improves their eating habits and their appreciation for their world.

Intangible lessons, It is hard for one to look at a garden and not be in awe of the wonders of all that God has made. Family life lessons, working together, team work, discovery, and brightens all the senses of smell, touch, and feel.

~ Play in the dirt and be closer to God.