Paper Route ~ A History

We have lived on our street
for over 17 years.
When the children were little,
I observed the paper route
family as they dutifully delivered
week after week.

Two papers per home.
Twice per week.

One family was employed
by both papers.
They were delivered
on the same days
to the same homes.

I was intrigued.

As they passed by our home,
on occasion, I let it be known
that if they were ever going
to give up the route,
we would be interested.

At the time,
our children were very young.
If I remember correctly,
Emma was just a newborn.
She may not even have been a
part of the family yet ~
I cannot recall.

But, I could see the potential.
And, I was right! :)

It was something the children
and I could do together.
The routes were
eventually given up.

But, not to us.
Two papers.
Two different families.

And I was back to square one.

This time around,
I called the papers
and got my name on the list.
If ever the routes should become vacant,
we were in line for the take-over.

It took time.
First, one paper became available.
And then, about six months later,
the other one.

Seven years ago this June
was when we began.
Austin was 10 years old,
Calvin was 8, Fraser was 5,
and Emma was 3.

It was busy.

But, we did it.
Together.
The five of us.
Rain, snow, hot sun, and
everything in between ~
We delivered.

And we saved.
I paid the children a small
amount each time,
and the rest was socked away.

After two years and four months,
we had enough money to
go on a family vacation.
All the way to Florida!

The children were very excited that
they were able to take
Daddy on a holiday!
Very excited ~
And so was I. :)

(Of course, travel rewards
were used and whatever we could
get for *free* was secured ~
BUT ~ the cash portion of the trip
was paid for with our paper route savings).

That was in 2008.

When we arrived home from
our holiday, the boys
took over the route as I was no
longer needed.

The boys were old enough to
do it all by themselves.
Emma was still too little.
Her paper route days were over.

Until recently.

Austin withdrew himself from
the roster last summer,
and Emma took his place.
(Thoroughly protected by her
brothers, of course)!

She's pleased to be able
to earn a little money again.
Actually, it's more than a little.
Since the children do it without my help,
they equally divide the proceeds.

It's a sweet deal.

Unfortunately,
that means I am out of work.
(Is a Mum every really
out of work)?!

Currently, I'm trying to
figure out a way to build up
my reserves ~ LOL!

Many Blessings,
Camille