I was shocked to learn recently that Americans spend 93% of their life indoors, and the average child spends about 4 to 7 minutes playing outside and 7 hours a day in front of a screen. Of course, these are just the averages, and I know plenty of kids that spend a lot of time outside. There are many documented health benefits to getting outside, and I have noticed these in my own family too. Even before this research was done into the benefits, people knew of the value and health benefits of the sun and getting outside, because we have noticed that when we read old books, there is mention of it.  

While I was researching this subject, I wasn’t surprised to find that children (I’m convinced this goes for adults too), have more creativity, are more physically fit, have less depression and hyperactivity, better health (including stronger bones), improved eye sight, better balance, longer life span, and tend to sleep a lot better than people that spend little time outside. I have also noticed, at least in my own children, that allowing kids to build forts, climb trees, plant their own gardens and then experiment in the kitchen, and entertain themselves gives them better problem-solving skills and very few complaints of boredom.

I love the seasons in Nebraska, but I always feel the most thankful for this change of seasons and especially when the grass starts to green up, babies start arriving, the bees have food again (we love dandelions), the fruit trees start blooming, and there’s a greater need to get outside more frequently. While this spring has been a little tougher to get through with lack of rain, consistent wind, some morning sickness and fatigue, and the loss of our beloved 30 something year old horse, there is still so much to be thankful for.  

“Your nutrition dictates how well your body works, and therefore how well you feel each day. As summer approaches, make a commitment to make smart choices for your health and visit local farmers markets for produce, seek out regeneratively-grown produce, meat and dairy products and consider buying your meat and dairy directly from local farmers. . . it’s important to recognize that you’ll never out-exercise a poor diet. So, it’s the first factor you should address if you want to maintain a healthy weight, which is important as obesity is one of the major triggers for preventable disease.”

Dr. Mercola

“Yes, it’s a fact that more than 90% of all cancers are caused by diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors (NOT genetics)…

And the #1 place you have the most control over your risk is…

What you eat!”

Dr Z.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

By Kailey Mentink

The longest winter I ever survived was the one where I caught a cold about every two to three weeks. I would sneeze and cough through one bout just to catch another a few weeks after the previous one had cleared up. It seemed like my immune system was acting much like a guard who is supposed to be watching a house but is instead greeting the “bad guys” at the door and welcoming them inside. Something obviously was wrong. Lots of people catch the common cold in the winter, but this was insane.

Involving children in the work of the house, teaching them new skills, and helping them to learn about healthy meal preparation from an early age will benefit the family and even more importantly the child in the long run.

This picture of Annika cooking eggs was taken last summer. I had been out milking and was feeling really behind because the milk cows had escaped during the storm in the night and chores had taken a long time. I was surprised to find Annika (age 7) with breakfast almost ready when I walked in the door with milk buckets in hand. That was a huge blessing and relief that morning.