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