Time to pick blackberries. We have quite a few wild vines growing along our yard.
When my children were small I'd read this cute Mennonite book published by Rod and Staff.
The children in these stories are always helping their parents with chores and bringing in the harvest.
These stories have encouraged me to raise my children this way. One thing I did differently than the mother in the book though is I went with my children to pick berries.
Berry picking is a special time to be with my kids.
My older ones are adults now and they are still wanting to pick berries with me.
I still remember the very first time. Harrison was four and Victoria was three. Jessica was a baby on my back inside a backpack. One reason I remember it so vividly is that we had fun. Most days when the kids were young were hard. I kept wondering when would it get fun to be a mother. I enjoyed being with my little ones so much. We truly had fun that day, and I knew motherhood was going to get better and better as the children got older, and it turned out to be true. I'm so blessed.
Another book that I just love is
Blueberries For Sal.
Robert McCloskey's illustrations are so endearing.
I must have read this book to my little ones over one hundred times. It's a favorite for sure.
Maybe that is one reason the kids still want to pick berries with me.
It was cool on this morning, but believe it or not it was 80 degrees by afternoon, this August day.
Intermission on the trampoline.
Looks like the beans are ready too.
Garrett found a tiny one.
I enjoy this time with my children.
Like the two story books, my kids continued to help me put away the food for the winter. They washed and bagged the berries. I blanched the beans and they bagged them and both were put into the freezer for this winter.
Blessings, Kathi
"Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded..." Song of Solomon 7:12
7 comments:
I am so glad I stopped by this morning Kathi, Your posts always brighten my day, I enjoy reading about time well spent with your family. The dividends of investing in your children will bring you more joy than you will ever know, as you are already receiving.
I read Proverbs 31 this morning, and am now seeing another one.
Blessings,
Sue
I can't think of anything more wonderful than picking fresh blackberries and beans ... oh yes I can, picking them with your children! What a wonderful way to spend quality time together.
I love the illustrations in the books too.
This is such a darling post! i love it! I love the pictures and your story and all the illustrations from the children's books. I can't believe how much a like we are with seeing ideas in books, especially as mothers and housewives, and trying to incorporate them into our own lives. I believe that's a gift from God! We prayed to Him about being Mom's and He helped us by inspiring us through books! You have been a wonderful mother to your kids!
Love you! Sharon
Hi Kathi!
I have been busy doing the very same thing ~ berries and beans! My girls are grown and gone now, so I do the job myself, but I remember those days when we all picked together. I miss having them with me at times like these.
Be Blessed today!
You are so lucky to have the berries! We have had green beans coming on, and I spent the morning with my only daughter getting the beans done and in the freezer.
What a wonderful tradition to pass down to our kids.... harvest and love of the land :)
What a fun post! Blueberries for Sal was always one of my favorites, too! Happy week!...hugs..Debbie
Love this post, Kathi, and thinking of my own sweet memories with my three children who refuse to stop growing up! Thank you for your kind comment on my blog. May the Lord bless you with His presence!
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