Farm Lifestyle Allows Mom to Focus on Kids
Experiencing the small moments where her children's
individual personalities shine - this is what Samantha Miller finds most in
becoming a mother.
Miller said of his three young children, "Although they
look like siblings, they are a lot of people.
Hallen is 6 years old, Remley is 4 years old and Reliance is
2 years old. Millers, who farm near Houghton in northeastern Dakota, will
welcome their fourth child this summer.
She remembers the moment with her oldest, Heidi.
"She has her own Bible, and although she can't read it
yet, she came down and said, 'Mom, I read the first three pages of my Bible. I
don't know how to read yet, but Jesus and I, we go through it.
Because she lives at home with her children and home school,
Miller says she works in many small moments every day. Due to the recent
epidemic of CoVID-19 epidemic, he decided to take a break from his small
business, The Farmer's Wife, which was a clothing store in Aberdeen.
She adapts Heidi's curriculum to the kindergartener's
interests and learning style.
"She's a hands-on learner, so I incorporate math or
reading into baking or other crafts," Miller explained, explaining that if
they're part of an already acquired activity, Bones pick up ideas quickly.
Miller says she and her husband Nathan were influenced at
home by her mother, Julie Melts, who dropped her younger sisters off at home
school.
"We always agreed that this was the job we were
interested in," Miller said. "It suits our farming lifestyle. We are
able to go to the zoo or aquarium on days when Nathan is not busy with the
farm.
Nathan is in the fields with his father and brothers. The
family lives on Nathan's grandparents' farm and just six miles from Nathan's
mother and father.
When she worked in the city, her children spent a few days
each week with Grandima Barb. And yet, they spend time each week crafting or
baking with Grandma.
"We are a family focus. I like the kids to spend time
with grandma or ride the tractor with grandpa.
Although he grew up in the city, Miller has fond memories of
the days he spent on his grandparents' farm. Raising your children on the farm
is something that Miller admires.
"They can be outdoors," he said. "There is a greater sense of security and freedom than if we were living in a neighborhood."
Although she attends school, COVID-19 has affected Heidi's
life because her ballet lessons have been canceled and she is unable to keep up
to date. Miller says she has been careful in explaining the matter - sharing
only information that Heidi understands why things have changed, but not that
she is worried.
"I just told him there is a new disease that makes you
sick. And they're trying to keep people healthy by keeping them at home.
A special thing for the family is the drive to church. On
Sunday, his pastor and church bands stand on the roof of the now-closed Abdin
retailer. Thanks to a local radio station, participants can sit in their cars,
roll up the windows, and attend the service via their car radio.
Faith Miller plays a major role in the family and farm.
"I keep saying that that's what farmers have to go
through all the time - not knowing what happens," Miller said. "You
plant your crops but don't know what will happen. It's all in God's hands -
whether it's the weather or the market. We don't really know. We can only pray
one thing and know that God's one. There is a plan and he will take care of
you.
In honor of Mother's Day on May 10, the South Dakota
Farmers' Union is exhibiting South Dakota Farm and Farm Mother.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
