Monday, August 31, 2009

My Farm Girl

Turns out, I have a real farm girl on my hands. Kelly has been itching to drive the tractor. We just started letting her drive the riding lawnmower this past year and that was out of desperation because the grass grows like it’s on steroids around here and the weed-whacker, a weapon of mass destruction even with goggles on and long pants, was out of the question. But the tractor? The tractor is big. It’s a vehicle on steroids. I don’t even drive the tractor! And I probably would have kept saying no but it happened while I was taking a nap and the father was in charge. I heard it running when I woke up and looked out the window. Kurt was raking the riding arena. Maybe he’d do the trails next. He’s so sweet. I sat down at this computer to do some work and the next thing you know I saw a shadow behind me as someone stepped up to the back door and came inside. I turned around. It was Kurt. Odd, since I could still hear the tractor.

“Is that our tractor?” I asked.

“Yep. Kelly’s driving it.”

“Kelly who?”

“Com’on, com’on, come and see,” he waved at me to get up. “Now don’t get mad,” he warned as we hurried across the yard.

What could I say? She probably wouldn’t be riding a bike either, if it wasn’t for Kurt telling me to stop being a big worry-wart. Or feeding the horses because they’re rude and obnoxious at feeding time so she might get stepped on, or even baking the cake like she’s doing right now in the kitchen because what if she gets her fingers caught in the mixer? I know, the tractor is a little bit different. But farm kids have been helping on the farm by driving tractors for as long as tractors have existed. Plus it’s much better than sitting in front of the TV watching reruns of iCarly or playing Farmville on the computer. This is the real farm.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome, Debi! I'm lovin' the thumbs up pic and it deserves a frame somewhere in your house. It's going to be great to have the help!

Snappy Di

Beth said...

Oh Lordy, Debi, I know just how you feel. I'll never forget how I felt when I went out to the workshop one day and found my kids using the large, sharp, capable-of-severing-your-arm power tools (under the supervision of their carpenter daddy). I felt like I couldn't breathe. But learning to do things like that gave them such confidence, not to mention how handy it will be for them to know that stuff in the future. So I just try to stay out of the workshop when they're doing that sort of thing--it's better for everyone concerned that way. :-)

Kelly looks like she's doing great driving that tractor---as though she's been doing it for years.

Gilly said...

Kelly looks so competant - you sure she hasn't been practicing surreptitiously??! ;-)

Looks like the place keeps you busy!

Leonora said...

Tractors now, cars later. I bet she'll be a good driver when she gets on the road! That's a really cute "thumbs up" photo.

gingerhillery@mac.com said...

Awesome! What a confidence builder, not mention how great it will be to have another hand on the farm able to drive a tractor.

"Hey, Kelly, why don't you go move that big pile of manure for me???"

Chris said...

I think it's great for kids to get all the positive learning experiences they can soak up, skills do translate. Just be sure and teach "safety first" tractors can be very dangerous, especially on hills.

Rural Rambler said...

Let a girl get a hold of a tractor and just see what she can do! The thumbs up photo puts a smile on my face this morning :)

Cynda said...

She sure is a true farm girl!! Now send her this way!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

I think it's great that she has learned to drive the tractor. She will be a big help around the farm. It's also great practice for driving a car. But, I can understand your anxiety.

Becky Mushko said...

OK, she's officially arrived as a farm girl! Is she driving the truck yet?

CountryDew said...

I think that's great!

Clementine said...

I love it!!!! Go Kelly!!!!

Jeff said...

Sure beats computer games or TV! When is she going to give you lessons? But yes, do heed Chris's advice: safety first! Kids, with their sense of immortality, seem to need extra reinforcement of that maxim.

Claudia Condiff said...

Silly boys, tractors and trucks are for girls!!!!!
You go Kelly!!!!!
Mom, chill out, she looks like a natural!
Love the blog, "grass on steroids"..
I can relate!

magicbeanbuyer said...

hah! Tell Kelly that's awesome! I've never driven a tractor before. Typical Kurt and Kelly behavior when the mother is blissfully asleep.

nyredhead271 said...

Kelly is a true farm girl. Shge looks like she is having so much fun! I might want to try it!

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

And who says girls can't do everything they set their minds too?!

Motley said...

Wow, look at that kid go!