When it comes to getting something they want, the Henkes children know that it will take more than just asking their parents. From early ages, Chelsea, 18, Bethany, 16, Miriam, 10, and Abigail, 5, have earned an allowance for helping their parents, Capt. Herman Henkes of the 47th Combat Support Hospital, and Geana, not only around the house, but also around their family farm.

The family settled in Yelm a few years ago, and the Henkes created a farm life for their children that includes caring for chickens, turkeys and sheep and sprawling vegetable and fruit gardens.

If the girls have something in mind that they would like to purchase, they save the money they have earned. And the Henkes children have come up with some creative ways to earn money.

Bethany, a sophomore at Yelm High School, has taken on the responsibility of caring for the family's nearly 50 chickens. She has raised them since they were chicks. Every day, she feeds and waters them and collects the eggs, which she cleans and packages in egg cartons.  For now, Bethany sells her chicken's eggs to local friends.

"I would like to get to the point where I am able to sell the eggs off our family's land," Bethany said.

Right now, she is saving the money she earns from selling the eggs to purchase a car. Through the experience of raising chickens, Bethany has learned about time management, something that a lot of teens may struggle with.

"I'd like to go places and do things, but I know that I have to take care of the chickens first," she said.

She already has her mind set on going to college to become a nurse and would like to attend college in Texas. A lot of the skills she is learning now may help her in her future goals.

"Taking care of the chickens has helped me realize what it takes to help others," she said. "It takes a lot of time and effort."

Like her sister, Miriam has found a creative way to earn money. Miriam has her heart set on purchasing an American Girl doll, but is very aware of how expensive the doll is. When attending a festival with her family, she witnessed someone who was face painting. That person had a long line of eager guests who wanted their face painted. Miriam thought that face painting was something she could do not only because she is a budding artist, but also because it could be a way to earn extra money. Since Geana is the market manager of the Yelm Farmers Market, Miriam asked for permission to set up a face painting booth there.

Herman and Geana provided the initial investment of the face paint, and Miriam worked hard practicing before she eventually set up her booth. Every Sunday during the Yelm Farmer's Market, Miriam gets up early to help set up her booth. She collects tips for her artwork.

"The best part is that I am not sitting at home being bored," she said. "I'm here with my family and earning my own money. It is awesome!"

Both Geana and Herman share in the pride and excitement their children have as budding entrepreneurs.

"Seeing them learning skills and how business works is something not all children do normally," Geana said. "We should encourage all kids to try new things and to make something of their ideas."