Cheers to Moms!

Unlike many of you I was not blessed in life with children, but don’t get me wrong I am the best Zia around (that’s aunt in Italian).  My brother and his wife brought Paige into our world just about three years ago. Paige lives on the Ranch with all of us and loves being engaged in many of our day to day activities.  She always manages to scoot outside and help either Papa or Daddy or Z (as I am referred to) with some sort of ranch task. Seems as of late, she thinks all water troughs need to be fixed just so she can roll up her sleeves and put her hands in the cool water!  I have come to love Paige like my own and I think I might have just a glimpse of what mommy hood is all about.  What a tremendous joy!

The more I am involved in Paige’s everyday life the more I find myself interested in the Mommy Blogs and what Mommies have to say.  I want the best for my niece and through their stories of raising their children, foods they enjoy or experiences they have had I find myself really learning from them.  Craziness I know, who would have ever thought.  I have come to realize the importance of the Mommies out there telling our ag stories. There is a connection between them, camaraderie of sorts, a friendship, a common bond.  I find myself wanting to learn from them and hear what they have to say.  They are important, they have a voice, and they are the influencers of our ag future.  These little people someday will be doing what we do, they will be telling the ag story. 

I can only hope that I can instill good things into my niece Paige so that she will be a responsible young advocate, not afraid to share her thoughts as she goes to school or on the playground.  To know wrong from right and to know how her food is produced and that farmers and ranchers are the core of that. 

 I want to thank all the mommies out there for being my inspiration. For taking the time out of your crazy, busy days to share your stories with the rest of us . As a dear friend told me, you don’t need to give birth to be a mommy; it’s the love in your heart that makes you one.  This made my heart smile!  Hopefully I can be a good influence on many of my little friends :)

Best Wishes Baby Paige on a life filled with agriculture and appreciation for your roots!

Z loves you very much and is already so proud of the little lady you are becoming!!

Until my next thought~

C