I’m a 41-year-old entrepreneur, mom to five incredible boys, and a passionate advocate for balancing a fulfilling career with a rich family life. I may have a few talents here and there, but gardening is DEFINITELY not one of them!
So it’s a good thing that Luis, my amazing partner affectionately known as Papi, is a force of nature. He’s a man who’s as skilled in the boardroom as he is in the garden. And when it comes to teaching our boys about the beauty and bounty of nature, Papi’s green thumb shines brighter than any sun.
Growing up on a farm, Papi learned the value of hard work, the importance of self-sufficiency, and the simple joy of growing your own food. He wanted to pass these values on to our boys, and so he started by introducing them to the wonders of growing our own vegetables.
Creating Our Own Garden
It all began with a few tiny pots on our kitchen table. We planted seeds together, watched them sprout, and tended to them with care. The boys were fascinated, their eyes wide with wonder as they saw the miracle of life unfolding before them on the window seat of our dining room.
The boys loved watching them grow taller and stronger, and they took great pride in caring for them. When the plants were big enough, we transferred them to a table, then into small planters on our back patio. The boys were thrilled to have their own little gardens to tend to.
Instant Learnings
Papi’s knowledge and experience have been invaluable in teaching our boys about growing their own food. He’s shown them how to plant seeds and how to water properly. But more importantly, they’ve also discovered the joy of eating fresh, locally grown food and the pride of knowing you grew something all by yourself.
Excitement for the Future
Now, we’re getting ready to take our gardening adventure to the next level. We’re planning to create a full garden in our side yard, where we can grow a wider variety of fruits and vegetables. We’re excited to transfer our cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and cilantro to their new home, and we can’t wait to see how they grow.
And of course, we wouldn’t be the MV Squad if we didn’t think about how this fun, sustainable activity, could also turn into one of our entrepreneurial ventures. From visits to local farm stands and farmer’s markets, the boys are now planning out how to set up their own vegetable stand in the neighborhood to share their creations with our neighbors and see how hard work can really pay off.
Papi’s farming roots have been a source of joy, learning, and connection for our family. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there’s always time for nature, family, and the simple pleasure of growing something beautiful.