“Every single thing Ryan and I do is for our children,” Angie said. “They are our legacy. We want to raise them to be good, hardworking and appreciative men who respect others and are thankful for everything they have. We hope the boys want to come back to the farm someday—it is in their blood—but in the end, we do not care what they do when they grow up, just so they are passionate about what they do.” But, “at this point, I have a feeling we will probably have a couple of farmers on our hands,” she added with a smile, describing Tate and Jace “farming” the rug in their living room, pretending to plant it in the spring, spraying it in the summer and harvesting in the fall “just like Daddy.” Playing with the pedal tractor in the mud is another favorite playtime activity for the boys. Graduate to gracious living... Walnut Village ...a refined choice for your golden years.. A Day in the Life A typical day in the life of the modern farm wife isn’t all play, however. Angie wakes up early to complete book work. Once the boys are awake, her focus switches to motherhood, making breakfast and getting ready for the day. After a morning cartoon on the television, they go outside to do the chicken chores. While the boys play nearby, Angie works in the vegetable garden and does some lawn work. Then, it’s time to go inside to make lunch. Angie takes advantage of the time during Jace’s afternoon nap to mow, spray weeds and do more book work. After Jace wakes up, Angie makes time to do something special with the boys. It may be going to the swimming pool, park or library. But one day a week, the boys go to a childcare provider in Randolph, during which Angie spends the day in her office catching up on the paperwork end of the farming operation and trucking business, such as billing out trucking business, payroll, paying bills and dealing with insurance. “A typical summer day for us is hard to explain,” Angie said. “Every day brings new adventures and sometimes hardships to conquer. Things that are daily in my life are our children, feeding people, lawn and garden work, book work, laundry and cleaning. You can usually throw in a random task each day, as well, like unloading a new shipment of hogs or branding cattle. There is never a moment to just sit. If I get behind on any of it, it makes for more work in the end. Some days, juggling it all is difficult, but I just could not imagine it any other way. I love my life and all its craziness.” Angie involves Tate and Jace as much as she can with the farm. Ryan brings their sons with him when he is watering cows, checking pivots, going on runs to pick up a machinery part and any other activities that are safe. “Ryan spends an incredible amount of time with the boys. It’s a priority,” Angie said. “My husband is incredibly busy and manages a huge load, but he still manages to always put us first. Some days, I wonder how he does it.” Angie may make it seem easy, but she’s quick to admit that this lifestyle takes a lot of balancing of priorities and a little bit of sacrifice. “I feel incredibly fortunate to live the farming life,” she said. “We work very hard and do not get away much, but we get to spend time together and watch our children grow. The values that farm life instill in children is remarkable. At young ages, our children are already showing life values that will stay with them through adulthood, regardless of what path they take.” n By Rita Brhel 10 v HERVOICE JULY/AUGUST 2014 Senior Apartments The perfect blend of privacy and community 2 RN’s on staff for your safety and security Many other features included such as church services, activities and exercise class. Elevator and gathering/party rooms available. Additional ala carte services such as respite care, garage, and heated/AC workshop available. Independent Apartments: •Homemade breakfast and lunch •Kitchen with appliances •1 or 2 bedroom apartments available Assisted Living: •Assistance with personal tasks •3 delicious meals daily plus snacks •Medication management YHS Historic District 613 Walnut, Yankton, SD • 605-664-4220 WalnutVillageCare.com