Mike: As all farmers know, no two growing seasons are the same. They do, however, have their ups and downs, failures and successes, and their learning moments.

Like most in the industry, the past couple years have been tough for us: More downs, more setbacks, more stress and more very strong words. I have always thought that I was good at handling stress and that I could juggle a bunch of things at once, all while being a positive person.

The past few years, though, I found myself being more discouraged and disappointed.

Sheilah: When we first got married, Mike had a little more help around the farm. He was better at the juggling part; the stress part, not so much (contrary to what he believes).

Before Son No. 1 was born, I warned him that our life was going to change and that he might not be able to get as much done in a day as he wanted.

I suggested cutting back a few acres and maybe cutting out some practices that weren’t necessary. My advice went unheeded, and the increasing gray hair on his head proved it.

Before Son No. 2 came I again gave the same speech: You don’t really have a lot of help anymore. You can’t do everything yourself. You’re not 25 and single anymore.

Finally, three years after my first request, things seemed a little different this year.

Mike: During my busy time, when things are running wide open, it has always been hard for me to step back and take a break. Some days I would hardly take a break to eat. “There isn’t time for that” was my attitude.

This spring, Sheilah told me that she didn’t care how early I left the house or how late I came home, on one condition: She wanted me to try to stop every day to take a supper break. The time could vary, and she would do her best to accommodate it.

Sheilah: I knew that some days it would work better for me to bring the boys and supper to the field.  Other days it was just easier for Mike to come in. I knew he wasn’t crazy about the idea, but I told him to give it try.

I didn’t really expect him to listen, let alone for the idea to work. At one point, I even asked him “What’s wrong with you? You’re not stressing like you normally are. Something must be wrong.”

Mike: I never knew how much more relaxed I could be during planting season. When I had a little bit of time to step back from the action and clear my mind from what wasn’t working or what needed to happen next, things seemed to go smoother.

FUN AT THE ZOO: The Reskovacs have found some time to get away this season, including a recent visit to the zoo.

Little things, like taking my boots off for a while, seemed to relax and rejuvenate me more for the evening. Taking time to eat with Sheilah and the boys, and even helping with bath time on a few occasions, seemed to put me in a better mindset, and I found myself not stressing out quite as much.

I also found it easier to work a little longer into the night with better focus.

Sheilah: I think I finally convinced Mike that it is OK to stop and take some family time, take a little rest and refocus. We shall see if this continues when harvest starts!

Mike and Sheilah Reskovac and their sons farm near Uniontown, Pa. Check out all of their "Two Hearts, One Harvest" blogs.