Handlines, Handlines, Handlines

Growing up, moving handlines was one of the least enjoyable jobs on the farm.  It ranked right up there with picking rocks.  But, it had to be done.

For a lot of children, work is used as a punishment.  As a result, the word 'work' has a negative connotation attached to it.  This is a factor that arguably contributes to the rising generation of lazy people.  Work (especially hard/dirty jobs) is something fewer and fewer people want to do because it is looked down on as bad or not fun.

One goal we have with our kids is to teach them that work can be fun.  That is actually not as difficult as we thought at first.  It is really all about the attitude you take with you towards doing a job.  Since there are still handlines that need moved/started on the farm, we decided that this would be a good opportunity to teach our kids that working can be fun.  A few times a week, some (or all) of us will go out to start a handline on the pasture.

One of the most liberating things for a child is doing a 'grownup' task all by themselves.  So, when we go out to start a handline on the pasture, they are in charge of putting the pipes together and hooking them.  The best part is that this is the one time where they get to tell me what to do.  As we put each pipe together, they tell me when to push, and after they get them hooked, they tell me when to pull to take the slack out of the line.  Once the line is together G and R each get out a little 6 inch piece of wire and walk down the line to unplug any nozzles that are plugged up.

G. recently became aware that he's strong enough to carry one end of the pipes.

Following my orders of "in in in in in........ PULL!!!"

Moving on to the next pipe.

R. being the 'hook man'

Putting pipes together.

R. coming dangerously close to getting water down his boots.

R. and A. waiting to help hook the next pipe into the line.

Unplugging a nozzle.

Success!  Each unplugged nozzle is accompanied by a cheer and a happy dance.

After the line is going, that's when the fun really begins.  Last year one of their great Grandmas bought them some umbrellas.  Since we live in a desert climate and only get 10-12 inches of annual precipitation (if we're lucky), it was very unlikely that those umbrellas would ever be used in the rain.  So, we found another way to get some use out of them.  As we head toward the opposite end of the pasture, the kids get out their umbrellas and have a great time playing in the water.

A pipe with a crack in it is better than a splash pad at a water park.

Her interests lie mainly in picking flowers and stomping in puddles.

Whether we like it or not, a large portion of our lives is spent working.  The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to find work you can enjoy, and find a way to enjoy the work you are doing.  I realize that this is not always possible.  However, with the right attitude you can enjoy more of the work you do, more easily tolerate the unpleasant jobs you can't avoid, and set a good example for the little ones who watch everything you do.