I don’t understand all the science behind it, but giving gifts has been linked to increased levels of gratitude and thankfulness for the gift giver, not just the gift receiver. Amazing, right. For our two children, my husband and I decided to have them buy or make the Christmas gifts they want to give with money that they have earned from doing chores on the farm. Each child buys for mom, dad, each other, and their grandparents. They can choose to pool their money together and buy a gift or purchase a gift separately. Each child sees how much money they have and then starts the planning and budgeting process.…

We all heard our parents say “It’s time to go. Stop what you are doing.” As parents we have probably told our kids “Time to go! Shut it down!” (as we are in a technology world). We live in a very fast-paced world where we are always on the go. Our days are chockful of activities. As well, our planners hardly have empty space between the events and to-do lists. I know all too well about the busyness. As a farmer, I and my family seem to be racing against mother nature to get spring’s work and the harvest done.  Whether we are talking about our business, technology, or other…

We cannot, in all honesty, have a frank conversation about conflict if we do not discuss the influence of power in conflict. Conflict is relational. Power is relational. Conflict is negotiable. Power is negotiable. French and Raven (1959) defined five types of power. Reward—power from the ability to provide rewards for specific responses or behaviors Referent—power through interpersonal relationship or the ability to influence Expert—power based on knowledge or skills Coercive—power based on fear of a negative consequence Legitimate—power based on a specific position of authority Within conflict, power can be wielded as power over through aggressive or assertive tactics or as a partnership in integrative tactics (Jones & Brinkert,…

First thing that comes to mind when thinking about hunting is orange and camouflage colored clothing. Hunting always starts in the fall. Some like to hunt geese, pheasants, elk or white-tail deer. I, myself, have never gone bird hunting, only deer hunting, which I enjoy. I have many memories of going hunting with my dad and two of my older sisters. Also the fun times with family after hunting has ended for the day. Hunting  over the years has taught me several things: Patience: You have to wait for the game to come to you in a deer stand.  Strategy: Sometimes you need to strategize when walking in an area…

Fall is my favorite season. The colors, the weather, the smells of baked goods, and the feeling of rest and renewal. This time of year starts the scurry of baking for holidays. One of my most treasured indulgences at any time of the year is a slice of fresh pie. I love about any type of pie…most are simple…apple, pumpkin, pecan, and fresh blueberry to name a few and I think that is what makes them the best…being simple. For a number of years, I avoided making pies because I didn’t have a no fail pie crust. I tried my mother’s, my great aunt’s and about any no fail recipe…