Juanita, Darrel, and their three girls follow the rhythms of everyday life on the Buschkoetter farm, reminiscent of a forgotten, simpler time in America. When an early frost in September destroys a third of their crop, Darrel must earn extra money working a nearby farm by day and do his own farming by night. Juanita cleans houses while trying to get a college degree so Darrel can stay home and farm, but Darrel worries that if she goes off the farm she'll find something she likes better. By Christmas, they are broke and unsure of their future.