Yesterday was an exciting day. Usually I spend my day worried I am failing my children, or they won't get into college, but not yesterday. We started our day with breakfast, then proceeded outside to start the garden. We worked on the tractor, got the big tiller running, and worked the garden with the little tiller. We showed our boys how to put the tiller belt back on, and how to jump the tractor. Andrew rode on the tines of the tractor to weigh it down a little, he was so proud he was the perfect size. William and I planted an apple tree, William is my professional hole digger. We reviewed our previous discussion on why we plant apple trees on hills. We added some sand to the hole to help with drainage, and built a giant hill for the tree. I taught the boys the correct way to plant beans, and how we heel up the row. Next we taught them my technique in planting turnip greens. When we were done with the rows, we started learning how we heel up tomatoes. I taught them that you always dig the hole, gently place the plant inside, then fill the hole with water, last lightly cover with dirt. I explained that though trial and error we have learned to never cover the hole, then water the plant, if you want a big strong healthy plant. I proceeded to show them how to place the tomato cages and bury the last row of wires, this helps prevent the entire cage of falling over when the plant gets heavy and large, or the wind blows hard. We showed them that you plant squash in hills, and that they take up alot of room, much like the tomatoes. By the end of the day, the boys had gained knowledge that they could actually apply to their lives; They learned a skill that no school could ever teach them. For the first time, I really saw them as young men, and not just young boys. William and Andrew actually showed an interest, I had never seen before. They asked questions, paid attention, and actually volunteered to help. Sure toddlers and very young kids love to help mom, but yesterday amazed me. My boys are growing so fast, and yesterday I saw the as young men.