The mowing season is in full swing...and a few changes have happened! Plus, Connor's testimony

The mowing season's been in full swing since March. Normally things don't get under way until April.  With a  warmer than usual winter and a  wonderfully rainy spring it's been a good season so far.  Rain is a two edged sword-- Barry's work schedule only allows for a few days a week to be devoted to mowing...and if it's raining that day, well....we are thankful for the rain and then hope that we can catch up when it's not.  The boys have become so good with the work, they are attentive to the details, that Barry has had them take care of a few of the yards on their own.  With the truck loaded with equipment for a job, Vicki drops them off and she comes back to get them when the boys call that the yard is done.  This has been quite helpful in keeping up with the demand.

While Vicki and the boys were at home school conference, Cailin helped her father...and he realized that she's a great asset to the crew.  She's a hard worker and does a good job.  She's even acquired her own mower...whom she lovingly calls "Bob".  She and Bob are quite a force to be reckoned with.  The boys have been quite happy to have her join them as they see that they are able to get a yard done in a shorter amount of time.  Connor's especially happy as he sees that they may be able to add more clients.

Connor loves his mower..".it may not look as nice as Cailin's Mom, but I know how it works and all it's little quirks."

Ryan's moved to "weed eater man" status.  He's getting quite good and attentive to the details of weed eating too.

They are working hard to save money for a mission...and a little play money for a special purchase at the end of the season.
Cailin's working hard for an IPod touch. Connor wants some sort of hand held gaming system and Ryan wants to add some memory capabilities to his XBox system.

They are required to save 75% of their earnings, plus they pay tithing.  That leaves them 15% for their own, but it's enough to keep them going strong.

Connor bore his testimony a month or so ago about his goal of going on a mission.  He said that he's always wanted to go on one, but recently, that goal really became a goal from the heart...not just a goal because it was expected of him, but he really wants to serve because he loves the Lord and wants to serve him.  I thinks that's pretty cool!  I'm so proud of them all.

When the business was started five or six years ago we had goals set in mind for this business...1. to give the boys an opportunity to earn mission money. 2. to help them learn how to work...and that work is an essential part of a happy life.  This truly has come about.  I wouldn't say the kids jump for joy about going out to mow lawns, in fact they have grumpy days about it, but they go and do it with a smile...sort of :)
Ryan, when we started would fall to the ground, so sure that he could go no further...he had only pushed the mower two or three rows by that time.  Now, he's going strong as the weed eater man!  Connor's joined and has quite a strong work ethic [even if he get a bit grumpy about working at home], he does great.  One day Barry called Vicki just to say how proud he was of him....he was looking around to find him-- and expecting to find him in the truck waiting for the next instruction-- but he didn't, he was out blowing grass from the sidewalks....on to the next job without being told what to do. Super job.  And now, Cailin joins the crew...and she's quite the worker too...(of course Mom would love to see a bit of this at home from time!)
3. Although we didn't plan this in the beginning, I've also come to realize how great it is to have something meaningful for the youth to do...instead of just sitting in the house in front of the tv.  They've come to develop a sense of purpose and pride in the ability to do a good job at something.
4.  Also, they are having some wonderful memories working with their Dad....plus, they love it when he splurges and takes them out for milk shakes or an impromptu lunch at Bella's pizzeria....I think they even have a tradition of getting $.35 sodas from time to time!