Hello New Year, Hello BIG Plan! (And the first planting of the year) | VLOG

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[@bigmamankc6101]

Make him a life time memory Honey, ask to barrow his knife sometime when y’all are out working in the garden or in the yard. I am 66 and I remember where we were and what we were doing when grandma asked me for mine. I was so proud to have something she needed right in my pocket ‼️and I still have that pocket knife in my jewelry box, memory and all. Happy New Year Everyone 🎆

[@revonda5204]

What a sweet and important memory. Thank you for sharing. This is a great reminder for parents. 👍

[@chrisleiser1013]

Loved this comment.

[@LoriG75]

I’m 63 and still have my first pocketknife, too! It was one of my greatest treasures as a kid 😊

[@LLAMA-LLAMA]

What a great story!!

[@veracsimmons]

This warmed my heart ❤

[@Bettyjo54]

Totally agree on giving kids responsibility, including a pocket knife.

[@mstonitoni7381]

Kudos to Miah for listening to your concerns and respecting your requests to allow some projects to be shared with hired assistance.

[@nicoleolson1347]

“There is a great benefit in praising imagination and weird stuff….” 👌🏻 this is amazing

[@conservativetothecor]

My Daddy taught me how to shoot a rifle. My big brother taught me how to fish and handle snakes. Life lessons of survival are so important.

[@teslinjoe5938]

All those active boys and Ben's the first one to need stitches -- that almost qualifies as a miracle. Happy New Year, Jess!

[@dlsdyer9071]

Agreed. Our kids had more injuries from sports than exploring outside. As far as knives, driving etc.. all done based on the individual development. We did tell our youngest , "If your brothers say, 'Hey, I've got a great idea.. ' Run! Run as fast as you can!" That advice kept the youngin' from being catapulted over a chain link fence with possibility of impalement.

[@denisewilson8367]

My boy was known by name at the local E.R. I would call ahead & tell them what had happened & how so that they were ready for us. The one trip they told us to come & they would call poison control to know what to do by the time we got there. My 3 year old son was trying to make the inside of our outhouse pretty by spray painting with yellow rustoleum paint. Problem was it had no push button so he was using a screw driver and the paint eventually squirted out backwards and he ended up with a yellow face & eye ball. That was a 3 week experience I don't want to repeat. LOL Yes they need a pocketknife as youngsters on a farm. Creative minds, limited tv/screen time. The nurses always said he is giving us on the job training for any potential injury. Hanging by his rib bones on the barbs of the 4 strands of barbed wire fence. With his feet 2 ft off the ground was another interesting event. Good thing he was a light weight child. #allboy#farmchild

[@angeladebruhl3510]

My older kids are grown now and over the years they really did some crazy things to each other. My youngest son (now 33) was placed in the dryer and they turned it on. The oldest hit the middle child in the head with an axe. She was behind him and he swung to put the axe in a tree. That was stitches and she still has a scar with a small bald spot! The older two took the ladder from the tree house and left the youngest stranded. Believe it or not.. they all still love each other. That was country kids growing up!

[@Montanajade]

From one momma with 3 grown sons to another momma. Your doing it right! I struggled just like you when my boys were young. As grown men they thank me. My eldest own his own thriving business, my middle is a firefighter/paramedic, my youngest is a marine veteran and a lineman.. Just trust that momma instinct!! Your doing great!!

[@choirmom78]

For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity-to give you a future and a hope. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[@tanyagray9097]

I love how you teach and raise your boys and absolutely adore how you try to play to each of their individuality. It is so commendable how you praise their uniqueness and do not try to make them each fit a specific mold while still teaching them the things you find important. You are such an inspiration!

[@jacksaffell3981]

When you guys disclosed that you had decided to buy a place and relocate I was so excited. My thoughts were, "maybe they'll buy a farm already built? Maybe they'll buy just land and we can watch them build a beautiful homestead from scratch?" What an awesome adventure this is. I'm not sure if anybody else got emotional when Miah showed us the drone video but I'm glad I was home alone cuz everybody woulda thought my dog died I was crying so much just knowing that your beautiful dream was coming true. In the not so distant future you're going to find yourself showing some well-loved grandbabies your old videos of what the property looked like before they were born. It is my hope and prayer that they too will one day be able to swing in your beloved swing next to the pond. God bless you guys.

[@godsgoldenacres4290]

Happy tears are just as beautiful as the land

[@lindaedwards9756]

Wise is the man who listens to his wife when it comes to preserving his body 😝. There is absolutely nothing wrong with supporting others who need to work as well . My husband is just now learning that at 62 !! He has a childhood back injury and some other medical issues as well . Miah is awesome.

[@terrihart2133]

Imagination makes children creative. Creative people make inventions.

[@jodywilson2382]

From one DV to another, thanks for your service Miah.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

thank you as well!

[@crystalmunsell4249]

My grandsons are not farm kids but they are home schooled and adventurous, imaginative, creative, independent, compassionate, responsible, and all of them are inventors. Their Mom, my daughter, is an amazing Mom.

[@shawnmariemann]

When I was in school in the 1970's and 1980's, nearly every boy had a pocket knife at school. The male teachers did too. Some wore them on their belts. Never did anyone use it as a weapon and we had plenty of fights for sure. These were rural kids, hunting kids and farmers kids. They knew what the tools were for and respected them. You don't see that today.

[@dumbbunnie123]

We gave our boys ( now in their 40's) pocket knives,saws, hatchet s etc. They built a camp site on our land at Ben's age, that 5 tents fit well, that they still use with their children. The path to the pond leads right to the camp and they fished, and snared rabbits with the understanding that they eat what they killed. They are very responsible hunter's to this day. Ben will be fine...it's good he knows you trust him. The camp was originally an old pig pen that was here when we bought this place and they worked very hard to clear that overgrown area by themselves to have it. They camped out all summer and fall ,coming in o ly for food baths and clean clothes. They talk all the time about how much they loved growing up out side.

[@meagantrout2127]

This sounds like a dream! Good job mama!

[@lesleyrutz50]

Learning is risking and messy. We loved science and such. My kids built a trebuchet, made thermite,dry ice bomb and the “Grandma Killer”. No one died. Even the Grandma.

[@meagantrout2127]

😂😂 I snorted reading this comment!

[@christymartin9404]

Farm kids have the best upbringings. If all kids were raised on a farm or just outdoors in general, that world would be a much nicer place.

[@HappyCanadian_2021]

Children learn from doing and getting hurt is all a part of gaining hands on knowledge😉 it just makes them stronger!

[@sydneykasmar]

Love the barn. It is majestic. It would be nice to see a hand drawn plan for the land you are focused on now. This would provide perspective and sort of a grounding of my brain when your sharing the different areas.

[@teresaminnick2252]

You KNOW we l❤️‍🔥VE that metal sunflower!!!! 🌻

[@kmuno1783]

It is good for children, they need those lessons so they grow from them. Kids building little shelters and such are all really good for them and teaching them to be independent.

[@tracygarns9611]

Love me some farm kids! My past self would never have envisioned my future self telling my son, "Please do not bring your machete to the dinner table." Our kids have built all kinds of amazing things. I wouldn't change it.

[@rachelfrees1268]

You did right to give your children pocket knives at the appropriate age with training. All farm kids should have them, girls and boys.Taking them to school might pose a problem. Love your show and family.

[@lilygirl5099]

That barn is beautiful. Great job to the builders and Miah for designing it!

[@jkq9717]

As for Ben...that's wonderful what he is doing! Pour into them all whatever you can to learn to survive. They are going to need it. Good job mom and dad!

[@butterflybounty]

I had my first knife at his age. I tried to purchase one for my 7 year old son because he helps me in the garden, we camp and he's now a scout. He told me he wasn't ready because he didn't think he could be safe. Little does he know I was so proud of his answer that he has one in my closet for when he feels like he's ready.

[@mlee7037]

Allow yourself some grace. There is a lot to do, but there are more important things. Prioritize, but remember, no one is perfect. Enjoy every moment! Life can be so short. I love you guys. ❤️

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

My boys learned early how to be responsible with kitchen knives. My eldest gravitated to pocket knives and bushcraft. Now he's a dad and they are teaching their toddler kitchen utensils too. As my hubby always told me, "You're raising sons and not daughters."

[@north40lady98]

You are exactly right teaching your boys respect for knives. We are losing this in the males coming up today. I work with teenage boys in a treatment facility and because no one taught them these things and they were raised on video games, they would mis-use a knife in a hot minute from sheer carelessness. Thank you for keeping the spirit alive!

[@samanthalewis005]

I grew up on a farm and my brother was always building forts out in the woods with his dog buddy, Rudy. Rudy just passed away last week. The life skills my brother learned have turned him into a highly effective engineer. It will serve Benjamin well :)

[@dignit1620]

Whole heartedly agree with giving children responsibility for a lifetime of real life skills!

[@bonniedugle1763]

Raised my 3 boys in the Indiana country side. You just carry on girl. Farm kids are intelligent, resourceful & compassionate. They'll make fine men.

[@tarabauerle1239]

Yes! Love this! Boys need a pocket knife!! Heck, girls do too! Actually trusting them and teaching them to be responsible can take away so much temptation to do things they shouldn't. My son had pocket knives and other tools at a young age. He got his first lever action 22 rifle at 10. He was always supervised with the gun and has shot every firearm we own. He is 17 now and I have no worries that he doesn't understand what these tools are used for.

[@jenniferrosario1489]

My little girl just turned six and we've been preparing her to give her a pocket knife later on. We gave our two oldest their pocket knives when they turned seven. They used them responsibly and still have them.

[@1stAmbientGrl]

Both of my parents were iris enthusiasts for many years, including hybridizing, judging at regional iris shows, and Dad being president of the Louisville Area Iris Society. The best way to plant the rhizomes is to make a mound with a moat around it, set the rhizome on top of the mound, drape the roots around the mound and then cover the roots all the way up to the rhizome. They don't like to have soggy feet and can easily develop root rot. 😉👍

[@jaelmommaj8735]

Thank you so much for this info, I have really struggled with my irises blooming. They are growing but not blooming.

[@1stAmbientGrl]

@@jaelmommaj8735 I asked my dad about this. He said they are either buried too deep or they need to be moved because of soil nutrient depletion. You might need to amend the soil with 0-10-10 or 0-10-20 fertilizer. I forgot to mention that if you want to plant individual rhizomes into a group, the "noses" should be pointing toward each other rather than placing the part with the fans next to each other. The leaves of an iris are called a fan.

[@pwit4186]

@@jaelmommaj8735 usually lack of blooming is directly related to the rhizome not getting sunlight. If they're thick, you'll need to divide them so the rhizome gets sunlight (every 2-3 years I have to divide mine). If the rhizome is covered, such as mulch or soil, uncover it.

[@starrmeadows7033]

City kids don’t know how much fun country kids have. Even fun doing farm/ranch/homestead chores

[@sharithompson1672]

My father gave my sons knives when they got to be about 8. He taught them safety and how to use them properly. He also taught them to whittle and to descale trout with them . I nearly had a coronary at first, and followed them around like a herd dog making sure they were safe. Eventually I realized that they treasured their pocket knives and treated them with a type of reverence. I’m so glad he left them that legacy. 💕

[@kellybelanger2561]

We have 3 boys, now young men, we have always raised them to respect guns, knives and tools, we hunt, hike and they have always been outside kids. . we live in the country by choice so they could be raised self sufficient and have skills. we never had any video games or such in our house. the outside was their playground. Never regretted it, no matter how many cuts and bruises.

[@izby2652]

my dad used to give swiss pocket knives to us in our stockings, but also included a penny because there is some custom (perhaps english?) where you can't gift knives, so by including the penny, the receiver was essentially 'paying' with the penny, because we'd have to give it back.

[@maryturner3534]

We raise adults, or at least that’s the goal 😉. I got my granddaughter a Red Ridder BB gun when she was 8. She has been taught the safety rules. You guys do a great job raising your young men. Be Blessed

[@gods_soldier971]

Absolutely agree!! A pocket knife is a perfect starter tool for a young boy. My boy has one and has now for 2 years, he respects the responsibility of carrying one.

[@kellyknowles794]

It is your choice as your boys parent what you want to introduce them to and when. Such great creativity, is important to all children

[@SowGrowandSustain]

Love the new plans! HELPFUL HINT- run conduit for your electrical at the same time you run your water lines! I’ve learned from experience 😣

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Our 9 year old has a multi-tool that has a small knife on it!

[@jenniferrescott1149]

I agree with you 100%about giving the the kids responsibility with tools and stuff. Many people are way too overprotective with there kids. Not realizing the the best thing you can do is let them learn how to do it safely rather than avoid the potential danger. It builds confidence. Confidence is a good thing.

[@lisettegarcia]

Hiring out is another way of being a good citizen. Everybody needs an honest living and it's part of stewarding one's community to pay a fair wage or trade equivalent commodities for valuable work. Even if the reason is just to have more time to spend with your family. 🤗

[@SunnySensei]

Work smarter not harder! Sometimes being smart is knowing your limitations and asking for help.

[@heidigib01]

I’m not a farm kid but one year we lived in Virginia backing to woods. We found an old shed and created a forte and built stuff with our dads tools ( without asking). We were always creating and learning. We even started an earth worm farm and we planned on selling our worms to fishermen but unfortunately had an extremely bad winter and worms escaped or died, then we moved to California and played under overpasses on the freeways, I think we were much better served by the creativity we had in Virginia. We were not afraid, it wasn’t about survival, it was simply being creative and probably was inspired by boxcar children, and other books. I think it’s wonderful that your children are exploring their surroundings and using their imaginations.

[@saracross5121]

I was big into bushcraft at Benjamin’s age. It was super fun, creative, and taught good lessons of skill, perseverance, and courage!

[@marthabradas8873]

supporting local workers is an awesome thing!!!! it's all good!!!!

[@heatherk8931]

JESSICA 5:00 my mom and I were talking today about the very thing of loving our kids to be responsible with chores, imagination (bones on a stick), and consequences of bad behavior. That is the reason so many children and moderately young adults are so badly behaved. They just do not care about rules, authority or consideration of others. Farm kiddos are the good old fashioned ways!

[@garyb4929]

Yes, a parent does a disservice, when sheltering their kids from life. Teach , educate them on things around them, so they are prepared. You'll have a great family.

[@edkosterman5864]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We are a retired military family and bought land in Alabama this past year. We are eagerly absorbing all the information we can find to educate us on our journey.

[@pamelamurphy4765]

You’ve got the right idea. Let boys be boys. I sent my children to a week long wilderness survival camp. They learned a great deal of useful skills and they have continued to expand on those skills. It was the best thing I ever did for my kids!

[@dixsigns1717]

It will beautiful when they all bloom. We all do things differently, don't we? I put my Iris in the back so I did not have to work the rest of the bed over the top of the Iris plants. Blessings from Idaho.

[@angiedaoust]

I always loved knives as a kid. I did the Sparks and Girl Guides and all that kind of things. My parents never said anything about it. I turned out to be a Chef for over 30 years, and now I am a Butcher in a shop and still uses knives daily! Who knew back then what it meant...

[@home_edventure]

My 8yo just got her first pocket knife last Xmas. She got a tool kit when she turned 7 and we've got my almost 5 yo some basic kids tools for his birthday. We have only lived on our farm for about a month, we got it last Nov. But I'm glad there are other parents who value life skills and outdoor time more than screens :)

[@sherryballington1583]

I grew up with the Hoover's and went to high school with them. Their Dad started the business many years ago. Good company.

[@lustraveller717]

I was wondering why Jeremiah wears a compression sock. Thanks for informing us. I never noticed a limp but then I'm physically challenged and have a severe limp. I'm glad he realizes his limitations and is smart about caring for himself. He has a lot of people counting on him. Happy new year. I just love you guys.

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

noticed as well.. I have lymphedema in my right leg... so I wear them too. I have learned new meanings to self care..

[@Gardendreamsforme]

helicopter parenting…. When we strive to limit our children’s experiences we stifle their learning and our opportunities to teach them valuable lessons. By doing this we as parents have failed our God, children and country. You and Miah are great parents and your children are blessed to have you❤️

[@MissJens]

Love that bone tool. My brothers always had pocket knives. My Dad taught them how to handle and care for them first. I love that your kids get to explore so many things.

[@goodgriefgarden]

A good sharp edge is a man's best hedge from the vague uncertainties of life!

[@schex9]

I always like the Scouting policy of rights and responsibility regarding permits for carrying a knife. If they are seen using a knife unsafely, one corner is cut off of their permit. If they do it again, the permit is revoked and must be earned anew.

[@mancavegamingandgardening9901]

My dad got me my first .22 when I was Ben's age. It was a great squirrel gun then and it remains a reliable veteran to this day! Surprised y'all don't do more hunting, fits perfectly with the lifestyle!

[@susieclark1498]

Those of us that are older are thrilled that homestead or city children are allowed to have knives and guns when appropriate with personalized instructions. This is the way life was and should be (in my wise older opinion) ;)

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

I hire out on projects when it's hard on the body. My husband is a disable Veteran. He always wants to do all the projects. I don't want to see him in pain or struggle when trying to get a project done. Heck, even I have issues, and I'm 59 YOA with arthiritis, and a shoulder disability. As we get older, we're realizing were not able to do what we used to do when we were in our 20's (were no longer young spring chickens). It's good to have the help when ever possible 😊

[@mountaingardenamma8730]

My son in law let my 3-4 year old grandson use a kitchen knife to help cook- with supervision. It freaked me out but he’s responsible and safe and he’s 8 now. No knife accidents.

[@greenecrayon]

Bushcrafting is fun and so are video games, a healthy balance of the two sounds like an excellent childhood

[@dianamcanally5515]

A pocket knife is not a weapon of war. 🙂 You're taking the right approach with your kids.

[@MKCarol-ms7lg]

So thankful for the male gender. Our natural protectors and providers. I had to join Girl Scouts to get my first pocke knife and build a natural shelter in the woods. I was 9 years old that summer. In the 1950s life was different.

[@EvaVilla-pm5mv]

Ben the adventurer, he has the most genuine soul.

[@woods-haven-half-acre]

You guys are making great progress! Glad to see that! On the subject of kids, I’m losing one of mine because he hates our lifestyle and has left to live with his father. He’s obsessed with screens and we are are exhausted from the constant conflict. I still get to homeschool him through the end of this school year. He’ll then do two years of high school in public school when he and his Dad move away this summer. :(. it is what it is… we just have to “let go and let God”. …

[@kolafoltin]

This is so hard. I am sorry.

[@billfisher9247]

My Dad gave me my first pocketknife when I was 6 or 7 years old. Sure, I cut my self at times but then again, I still do. I am now 65 and I still have that knife.

[@lindasabin8040]

My grandson received a larger snake cage for his 3 ft. snake and also better magnified glass for checking out the bugs in the garden. He also plays football after school. He is in the first grade. His sister who is 12 got another set of paints as she painted her gifts to the family. I agree that they must show responsibility for actions. But grandma needs to be in prayer for them. I love your channel and the stimulation it gives me.

[@godsgoldenacres4290]

I'm 28 and I carried my pocket knife all the time even in school. Yes my public school didn't care, it was a farming community we had knifes in our pockets and guns on our trucks

[@StefFrederick]

Can't believe there have been no other stitches with all those boys! What a blessing. May Ben heal up quickly. It's funny because we think of girls as less likely to hurt themselves, but I had stitches at a very young age because I cut my thumb open using a box cutter to make little cardboard flowers LOL

[@jeanninemorgan3526]

I loved your riff on raising kids. We have 4 girls all grown now. But we began homeschooling long before homeschooling was “a thing”. And we limited screens. The result is 4 imaginative, self-reliant, creative young women who are capable of problem solving, innovation. We also had 20 minutes of quiet reading each day together and they are all avid, curious readers.

[@trinapellegrino621]

🙋🏼‍♀️🕊. I hope the storm doesn’t effect the farm animals. 🐄…..🐖🐓🦮🦙🐃. We can’t get through life without patients.🕊🕊all the best to you both and your family blessings 🕊🕊🕊💕💕💕💕

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

I totally agree with encouraging kids to have experiences. I gave my kids(3 girls and a boy)growing up, knives then BB guns and then finally .22. Taught them safety and purpose. Sent them out with boards, hammer and nails to "build something". Kids in a cacoon become fearful adults.

[@carolholmes5565]

Imagination is a good thing our children need it even though I don't have any. I remember playing with a slingshot with a knife with a gun at targets when I was four to seven years old. Living in the states you can do that living overseas you can't I have other memories of what I was doing in other country. It's good for the young men to know how to work with tools and how to bring home food. With my brother's slingshot I brought home squirrels to eat for dinner what a great memory. Happy New Year and God bless.

[@lovelyrainflowerfarm]

Watching you helps me with the concept that I don’t need to be precise about everything. If it were me, I would stress about dirt spilling everywhere and planting in a straight line and how the colors would look in the end. But when I see you being free about such things and being happy with the result, it gives me confidence that even without being very calculated, I can still be happy with the result. I have OCD. Also, I think you would appreciate knowing that, looking at your videos always lowers my anxiety. I have GAD. And I live with anxiety every day. Thank you 🙏

[@sharonloves]

I remember as a little girl roaming in the woods on our property collecting rocks, eating wild berries and crab apples and I had a utility Swiss Army knife with a spoon, fork, flint and a little flashlight. I would just hang out with the rabbits and deer and skunks and the such that ate berries from my hand. I was all of 7 years old this was back in the day when a 7yo could be out and be safe. My dad would whistle and I would come home or my dog an Akita would find me and I knew it was time to come in for dinner lol yes I was a wild and proud nature girl. I will tell you it’s some of the most treasured memories of my life.

[@hamrad645]

Jess, there's no reason to "feel bad" about physical limitation. We all have them. God knows, I have my share -- all in all, I've had four spinal surgeries, a neuro-stimulator implant, I walk with a cane (a true necessity) and I'm subject to falling. When I fall, I cannot get up by myself, so I'm very cautious. The lumbar spine is the worst part of it. I do not expect, nor do I want pity from anyone because of it, but denying that we have limitations only leads to problems. I am 76 years old and I suppose should expect limitations. So, I make quilts -- not to sell, but for family and friends. I also make hand-stitched folded star potholders which I give to family and friends. I feel like I need to keep my hands busy. As you know, the Bible teaches that idle hands are the devil's workshop and I don't need that in my life. I admire your whole family for the "keepin' on" attitude. God bless, and don't work too hard, any of you!

[@jeanielipskey1272]

Farm kids are different in that they have or learn to be responsible at a earlier age. This includes how to use tools, so learning about pock knifes would also be learning a tool. Can't believe with all those boys, Ben is the first to get stitches. LOL You've been lucky. The plans for your farm sound so good. Can't wait to see what you do next.

[@Naninapastlife]

Not random at all. Mom of 6 boys here. I too, frequently come across all sorts of creative weaponry. I agree. I'd much rather them learn to handle a knife safely than fear touching them. You all are fantastic parents.

[@rhondafloyd9792]

I think you are absolutly right playing in the woods and using imagination to entertain is best for kids

[@laurielangley2306]

Right on, Jess! My four kids grew up as mountain kids (including knives, bones, etc..), they all grew up successfully now having 13 grandkids that are being raised as mountain kids too!! Wouldn't have it any other way!

[@jangrahame4891]

We all had knives by 6. Not razor sharp, but good enough to carve with and cut rope. We ran outside on the farm all day from breakfast to suppertime. If we didn't want to go home for lunch, we packed a lunch. If we were pushing the boundaries past things already taught. We were careful in the extreme. We knew we would get a scolding if a little brother got hurt. Or an animal. Our hurts were patched up and served as reminders to learn more about something and be more methodical and careful. As adults we all think so far out of the box, because we've never seen the box. You are doing right by your children.

[@clarapappas1829]

That is one of the things I admire the most about children growing up on a “homestead “ versus the city. My neighbor’s 3 years old rides a buggy has great conversations and loves to be outside on the other hand I have my grandson also 3 years old who is glued to phones, TV, iPads and had to sanitize him from head to toe when I took him to see the new baby chicks in the coop the first time. Here they play in the street (sure is a dead end street) over there they need to set up play dates. Cannot talk too much about it since when they were growing up we lived in the city and they basically did the same thing with both their father and I working full time out of the home. Wish I could have given them the country experience. Ok rambling on. Bottom line is that you are doing a great job raising your children and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Bless you all.

[@chayh.6249]

Hey!! Look!!! You are at 490k subscribers. That's wonderful!!! Sending Blessings!

[@stephaniewilson3955]

The younger children learn that a knife is a tool the less likely they are to be thinking they are toys or romantic. The same is true with guns. Teach them how to use the things properly (which includes safety warnings, of course) and they appreciate them as tools. Your good sense shines through in all you do.

[@jennifercullison]

From my experience...I have fourth generation irises...meaning I have riazomes that came from my great great grandmother and I'm 60...when you plant them cut off the top 2/3 of the blades especially when planting in fall and winter so the energy to the riazomes and not the folliage...goes for all plants..roots will establish and a better chance of survival especially in colder weather....and a mock orange that one is 7 generations old that I can trace

[@jennifercullison]

I have peonies and roses from my great great grandmother also

[@jennifercullison]

As you know winter time helps build root systems

[@justpatty7328]

So wonderful to have all of those!

[@jennifercullison]

Yes I am blessed...not only with the plants but the knowledge of how to pass them on to future generations. This I am thankful for

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

@@jennifercullison I have also learned to help the rhizomes get to the flower stages quicker than the eternal foliage making is to plant them in groups with the cut sides of rhizome facing into each other and the foliage side outside .. in a circle... then I would stagger the clumps of rhizomes and offset them diagonally from each other creating a ribbon effect so not in a straight line but undulating when mature...

[@borealliving5859]

I totally agree with everything you said about the kids! We homeschool and try to raise them "wild", trying not to be helicopter parents, letting them have experiences and take risk. You might already know about Peter Gray: Last child in the woods along with all his other books, definitely worth a read/listen!

[@patriciahernandez-qm1nx]

I have been watching your channel for about a year now. the one thing I have enjoyed is your down to earth way of doing everything. listening to what you are saying about the kids and safety and responsibility with knives and such, I truly believe that you have nothing to fear. the way you are teaching your kids about the reality of farm life, you have taught them to be responsible and safe with all tools. i loved what you said about imagination. that is a big key factor in farm life. being able to improvise and use what you have, whether it is for the garden or in a barn or in the woods if you have to survive, you both have taught them all that. I applaud you in being able to do that in todays age and I know in a bad situation your family will survive.

[@tinabloomfield7228]

So happy to just sit back and watch you guys while I'm healing from surgery ❤️ even tho I want to be up and moving. It helps pass the time.

[@AmandaGreenman]

I was raised in the country but live in a big city now. I have every intention of raising my little one with curiosity and connection to the land. We have a community garden and the amazing thing is because we are in a city we're exposed to so many others from different backgrounds and cultures "farming" their 10x10' pieces of land. It's such an educational experience for me too (I've discovered so many new plants this way)! I believe that no matter where kids are raised, curiosity and encouraging them to craft and be exposed to the land can be accomplished. In fact I'm quite enamoured with our "urban farm life"!

[@AmandaGreenman]

P.S. our urban garden came with irises from the previous gardener and so far I love them! If I had a bigger space I'd grow more! Looking forward to seeing yours grow.

[@sharonnorris5984]

What a Blessing Miah is to be able to build your dreams. Looking forward to seeing the build and the gardens coming to fruition.

[@ambethk77]

SO fun to see you planting again!!🌿🌷🌹🌻🌽🍅🏵️

[@kathleencrozier2584]

I was shocked during my first year of living in South Carolina of how much it rained! Then I promise you, the day you plant out your summer veg, it won’t rain again until fall! Lol. I am in the upstate so I hope the rain doesn’t delay you too much! One good thing is I never have to water my fall/winter garden.

[@laverneepperson-harp1464]

I love watching your family and learning! I just got my first green stalk and excited about planting soon. I appreciate all your videos! I feel like I can still do anything but the green stalk will make gardening easier for me at 74 years young. I still do yard work myself and love growing things. Thank you so much!