We have a desire to go backwards. To embrace playing in the dirt and caring for animals.

I grew up in the suburbs on a street by a park. We played outside until dark, chasing each other in a game of tag, riding bikes, coming home absolutely filthy. My mom loved to see that we needed baths when we walked through the door, because she knew we played well on those days. Being dirty meant we had a lot of fun.

My dad showed us the basics of gardening and a love for tending to our lawn. This was something I grew to appreciate later in life.

It wasn’t until I had my third child that I had my “lightbulb” moment. I started seeing things differently; doing things differently. I desired to go back in time. I desired to go against the norm, and approach life in a “crunchy” way, as they say.

Soon after my lightbulb moment, we began homeschooling. Our kids love playing board games, using their imaginations, and finding creative ways to make anything they do entertaining. We find that playing and learning go hand in hand. Playing is important. Intentional time with parents, doing fun activities, and bonding in those moments are important.

By the time baby number eight was a toddler, we moved to our farm and realized earthing is

really where it’s at. Playing in the dirt, with the animals, and sometimes poop *wink* became part of our kids’ lives. I have to beg one of our boys to put shoes on when walking through the woods. Being in touch with nature just comes naturally to kids.

The garden is one of my favorite spots. It’s so quiet, so close to nature. I enjoy watching my kids wander in to grab a fruit or veggie to snack on. They love planting seeds, tending to the daily needs of the garden, and picking baskets full of fresh fruits and vegetables.

I love this old fashioned lifestyle. I love seeing the kids cuddle a chicken or any furry friend. I also love seeing them run with panic if an animal needs shelter from a storm. They’ll brave the storms themselves to make sure the animals are safe and warm. What kind humans they are.

I’m learning that this life often means a dirty floor, swept many times a day from my kids running in to show me their latest find in the dirt, or to tell me about something exciting that happened outside.

This farm is a safe place for my family and friends to come enjoy nature and have an adventure. To witness their joy makes my heart happy.

Let the kids play. Let them enjoy the gifts the earth provides. Give them animals to care for. All the dirt washes off, but the memories, the empathy they gain by tending to a sick pet, the

laughter they express while being their silly selves will not wash away. It remains. It stays! We feel a closeness to God in the country and in the dirt, and for that I am thankful.

“And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31(a)