Popsicle Sales!

     This is the third summer we have been involved in selling popsicles.  Two summers ago, we just subbed occassionally for our good friends, the Hemonds.  Last summer, they sold in June and we sold in July and August.  This summer, they moved (frowny face) and we have inherited their ever changing popsicle route (smiley face).
     What is a popsicle route, you might ask.  Well, we sell Otter Pops to workers at construction sites in a certain area of our town.  Almost every afternoon, Brinley (11), Parker (9), Tanner (7) and Aubrey (5) go to work, and work it is!  They get out under the scorching West Texas sun in the middle of the afternoon, and offer popsicles for "a quatah each" as Aubrey's says it.  (That is "a quarter" for those of us who need a little intrerpreting.  She is still "woking" on saying her R's.)

Tanner being goofy for the camera.



Only Brinley and Tanner went on this day. (More money when you only have to
divide it with two siblings!)  I can't remember where Aubrey and Parker were.

      The construction workers are awesome.  They are very kind to the kids and really appreciate the refreshment on a hot afternoon.  They often tip them (maybe a quarter, fifty cents or even a dollar or two.)  When we don't go for a day or two, they are quick to ask the kids were they have been and maybe tease them a bit for slacking off.  They are friendly and patient as the kids count out the popcicles or search their ziplock bag for the right amount of change.
     I love that our children our learning several skills.  They are learning how to approach others and speak to strangers.  (Not that I want them to practice that when I am not there, but just thinking about future job interviews, their missions etc....  I want them to have people skills, not just the computer/texting skills I am sure they will gain as teenagers! )  They are practicing adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. 

1500 Otter Pops in our pantry will last about 10 days.  Craziness!

     They are learning how to run a small business.  They are learning the value of a dollar.  They are saving for personal items, for a mission and paying tithing.  They are learning to work together.  They are learning to make tough choices.  Sometimes they would rather sell that day and make some money but other days they would rather go swim or have a friend over.  I like the balance of work and play, and I like that they discuss it among themselves and decide mostly all together what they are going to do for the week.  (Sell three days and take two off, for example.)  They usually want to all go or all stay because they know if just two of them go, the other two make a ton of money without them!

Aub Daub counting some of her summer savings.

     I don't know if we have the dedication that our friends the Hemonds had.  They were faithful and went almost everyday.  However, we will go many days and I will enjoy spending the afternoon watching the kiddos sell the popsicles, divide the loot, and restock the freezer.  And don't worry, if you stop by our house, you can have a popsicle for free anytime!