Learning Lessons

glean (verb) -
     a. to pick up after a reaper
     b. to gather bit by bit
     c. to pick over in search of relevant material

We recently had an amazing opportunity: to glean potatoes from the Church's Farm in our area.  I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised despite the drizzling rain and cold fingers.

We picked up the potatoes that were too small, or oddly shaped to be picked up by the diggers.  They were the size of Tanner's fist, one even resembling a "thumbs up".

Tanner and Taylor were fantastic help!  We were ironically blessed that Ryan had a bad enough headache to stay home from work (the man has NEVER, in 7 years, called in sick!), and left Baby Kortlen at home with him.  Thank goodness!  The stroller and Kortlen wouldn't have fared well in the mud that covered us from head to toe.

After filling our own sacks, I put away the camera as it started to rain more heavily.  We helped friends and neighbors fill box after box after box to be distributed to those who couldn't make it or are less fortunate.  My boys made me proud, gleaning for over two hours! Thankfully the individuals who put together this gathering had cache cookers and pots for us to add a can or two of beans or veggies for chilli...that warmed us right up in the middle of it all!  What a fun activity to teach my children about service!

We also made a quick trip to our garden, a bordering patch to the potato fields, and picked our pumpkins, squash and as many tomatoes we could gather before leaving town for the weekend.

One of 14 pumpkins!  I need to remember
to plant them near the FRONT of the garden,
not the back!  LOL!

Needless to say, we had to hose down at home, and warmed up with hot baths and hot chocolate before resting our exhausted heads for the night.

Tonight we learned about agriculture, service, and gratitude.  Our hearts are full and our tummies will be for the winter as well.