The season has come for new life and land. The new calves are running in the field in the evenings racing around and playing as though it’s a game of tag. The trees are blooming with the aroma of sweet blossoms and the grass is becoming green. With this season on our farm comes an opportunity to teach the value of nature and hard work. The farm, raising cattle and planting a garden serves as wonderful teachers for my children. Whether you live on a farm or live in a city, gardening is a great activity that teaches the value of self-sufficient living. Have you ever considered a more self-sufficient lifestyle? I can attest that although it takes work it can be rewarding and enjoyable.

Currently we our tilling the land and growing grass on our acreage as a way to fuel our growing herd of cattle. We are getting the soil ready in the garden and planting our first seeds of corn and peas. From the growing of the grass to the garden, all these efforts are being put out ultimately to promote self-sufficient living here at Simple Acres. All the while our children get to watch and interact in these actions of hard work and love.

The value of a simple self-sufficient lifestyle. 

• Hard work is the first value that comes to mind. This is something I still am coming to appreciate when it comes to getting down and dirty on our farm. I will say hard work whether it be the farming we do or even the simple goal of growing a small garden and having chickens teaches appreciation.
• Appreciation for the positive end result when effort is spent toward self sufficiency.
• Resourcefulness teaches children to be creative, value nature and not be wasteful.
• Frugal thinking, encourages more responsibility in the goods and monetary blessings our children will experience in their life.

Not always can our children play an active role in the many duties farming or simple living calls for. This inspired me to share how gardening with my children has helped them value our self-sufficient lifestyle and also feel a part of all the fun.

We chose to partner with Miracle-Gro Gro-ables as a wonderful NEW product that is a fun activity for kids and families that get kids outside and interacting with nature and food! While my “Sweet Cheeks”  is planting 5 acres of grass to feed the cows that ultimately feed US, the kids and I are replicating the same self-sufficient action by planting herbs and vegetables we too will eat and enjoy as a family.

How To Start a Simple Garden with Miracle-Gro Gro-ables

1. The seed pods come completely ready in biodegradable cups that include the plant food to guarantee growth.

2.    Push the seed pod into loosened soil until the top is level with the soil’s surface and water daily.

3. In 1-2 weeks your seed will sprout. Several months after planting, flowers will appear which means produce is close at hand.

I can attest that my kids loved this activity! “Daddy” was literally out on the tractor as they were also doing their own planting and contributing to the family. Gardening these seeds caused an excitement they have talked about daily since and a sense of pride in their hard work. With all honesty friends, EVERY SINGLE one of our seeds planted is sprouting! We labeled our plants with up-cycled and stamped vintage spoons. The tutorial can be found here.

I stand confidently with the Gro-ables Project belief.

There’s a lot to learn from even the smallest plants and the smallest gardening project! (Heck we planted in pots on our porch for start up.) The Gro-ables Project is a movement to share the joy of growing herbs and veggies while giving kids truly hands-on learning experiences.

My kids walked away with hands dirty from hard work and hearts uplifted and encouraged by the excitement of taking part in our self-sufficient lifestyle! I can not wait until we are enjoying our fresh herbs and salad at dinner time and can thank the precious hands of our children for their efforts. The appreciation and reward of their gardening will be priceless. What do your children learn from gardening? I would love to hear. Dovidenia. XO

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Simple Acres has been an opportunity to grow as a person. Country living has always been in my blood as I reflect on fond memories as a child in the Wyoming mountains hiking with my dad…learning about life, nature and all things great. This year I have been Growing Confidence in the new venture my love and children have begun…exploring in much the same way.

Just as the seasons change, so has our journey been at Simple Acres. Some seasons are easier than others. I am learning new things and also learning to be more confident in the new realms of life I have not yet mastered. Believe me when I say, there is SO MUCH more to learn in this new lifestyle of farming, being a mom of three beautiful vibrant children and a new(er) lifestyle blogger. Mastering balance is a challenge but what makes everything that much more valuable….is the CONFIDENCE that is gained by dreaming, believing and living the life you have always wanted!

5 Ways to Grow Confidence
1. Speak your dreams out loud…soon enough you will BELIEVE them
2. Lean into your God given gifts and utilize them
3. Try new things
4. Never give up and speak words of edification to yourself
5. Value your ability to create the life you choose

In this last year we have been blessed with a home and acreage that allows us to have cattle in our own backyard. I have learned how to vaccinate cattle. I have learned that….hard work outdoors (for me) is an area for growth at times. I have learned how to garden and feed my family with food from our own soil. I have learned the joy of renovating a nearly 100 year old home. I have been blessed to find people actually enjoy reading and following along with my ramblings and creativity. I have learned failure is only a matter of attitude. When your attitude is that failure is not possible….NOTHING is impossible.

There are many things that grow confidence in our inner selves. I want to remind you that the things we do on a daily basis to build confidence on the outside is an amazing part of this journey we call life as well. One thing that I have done for the last few years is wear cowgirl boots. One reason is because….well, who doesn’t love them and think they are such a complement to a girl’s attire? (wink)
We live on acres of dirt and since living here I have needed something comfy and also cute! Durango boots were one of the first boots I bought and…friends to be honest… I fell in love and they are thee most comfortable shoes I own to date! In the last few years I have worn them with shorts, jeans, sweats…and well even my swimsuit in the summer (ha)!

I am so excited to get to partner with Durango boots and share a product that has been a symbol of my inner growth this last year to me! Not only that, but friends, this is a product I stand behind and would tell you with all honesty, is a great boot! If dirt and cows isn’t your thing, they have so many fun styles that are also suitable for my “city-folk” as well (only joking you know I love you XO).

Durango boots give me the spirit of what’s written on their bottoms…I am a Rebel for dreams and making them come true! I am excited to celebrate this first year with you all and I feel encouraged to help you do the same!

What do you want to achieve in this short blink we call life? I want to know! I want to be in your corner encouraging your dreams to come true as well…and when in doubt…pull on some Durango boots! They aren’t boots…THEY ARE AN ATTITUDE! Now lets hit the road running in CONFIDENCE! Dovidenia. XO

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