Image by AndyPandy from Pixabay
by Lisa Hauf
In the blink of an eye my calendar went from seagulls at the dump to midnight crickets. Trying to keep our family schedule at bay was a job in itself. Who is picking up who, who is dropping off who and who is taking who to practice and who is feeding the guinea pigs were our everyday discussions. Today, the conversation is more along the lines of, “What should we do tonight and what should we make for supper?”
Personally, these evenings are a nice little break from the chaos of life. I find myself enjoying time with all three of my children, instead of breaking up the time between nightly activities. The stress of dropping the ball is off my shoulders. It’s like life pushed “pause” for a moment.
My family is blessed to have freezers full of food, thanks to my brother-in-law for the beef, my coworker for the pork and my husband for fishing and hunting. I’m also thankful for my apple tree because we have enough apple pie filling for a dozen pies to get us by. Oh, and I can’t forget about the sweet corn my husband froze for us this past fall; along with the salsa from my sister-in-law and aunt and the canned food from my mother-in-law (it really does take a village!). Now comes the decision of what to do with it all, especially since we have the time to cook! I’ll be searching for recipes, yet the children will be wanting their mac and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Before you know it, the evenings will become hectic again and our moments at home together will become limited. As for now, I plan to take advantage of our time together and become creative with the food we are provided. The work the farmers are gearing up for with spring planting is critical to it all. Agronomy centers are adjusting their way of business, but the seed will get into the ground and our supply of food will continue on.
Take this moment in time – this too shall pass – and find all that you are thankful for. For me, it will be evenings together and enjoying meals provided by my village.
Lisa is a mom of three boys and the NDFB Director of Public Relations.