The American Dream

A few (okay, probably more like 8ish) years ago, I was riding with my Dad in the combine. (I'm sure I've mentioned it here before, but I'll proudly say it again -- that's one of my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE things to do.) While on that particular ride, something just came over me -- a feeling that made me proud to have grown up on a farm, thankful for the work that my Dad was raised to do, and the knowledge of the farm that he imparted on us kids.

Granted...I wasn't overly involved in the day to day tasks -- I could probably drive a tractor with a quick reminder lesson, and I never did learn how to drive the grain cart, or the trucks (especially not the semi's)....but I could do something (that was very important) for the farm. I could feed the men who needed the nourishment to survive this wonderful (and tiring) work. We all played a part come spring planting and fall harvest -- and I think that's what kind of all culminated on that one particular ride with Dad.

As I looked out from my perch in the buddy seat -- likely listening to Dad while he chatted away on his cell phone or listened for the particular dings, buzzes and sounds of the machine -- I watched the grain dump out of the auger and into the grain cart....while the sun was setting and all I could think was -- "We're lucky enough to be living the American dream". (Here's where I made a mistake...I texted my good friend Gumby a picture of this "dream" and to this day -- he gets in touch each year during his own fall harvest, and mocks me talking about the American dream. Secretly though..I know he agrees. You wouldn't be a farmer if it wasn't a labor of love.)

So, you can imagine the torture I subject my whole family too, by begging constantly to be making trips to Wolcott, breaking bedtime routines & rules, all for a simple pass or two down the cornfield. No one really objects -- or would call it torture...although, Jason hates breaking HIS bedtime routine! :) Colton's like his Momma....and Emmalyn's learning to enjoy it too. (Remember last year -- Emmalyn couldn't stay awake for her combine ride?) Jason I think even secretly likes it -- loves helping drive the grain cart, move equipment, and last year he even learned to help run the semi's. He's making leaps and bounds from when we were dating (and might have overfilled the truck!).

Last night was no exception....only this time, we brought along a professional...photographer, that is. For Mom & Dad's birthday's this year, we offered to make them a coffee table book, with pictures capturing harvest...a favorite time for all of us. Jason's Uncle Q, who took our wedding photos and has done family photos for us before) came up to spend an evening capturing shots of the action. He got pictures of us hanging out in the roadsides waiting for the Semi's to fill, the kids playing in the grain, etc. What you'll see below aren't exactly professional -- I didn't even remember to take out my real camera, but caught some footage of the fun on my camera. Enjoy. I hope these shots continually help remind us of why the family farm is so important, and why fall harvest is always my favorite.

We are beyond blessed to be living the American Dream. As corny as it sounds....we are beyond blessed to be a part of this line of work. Truly a labor of love.