Sunday, November 15, 2009

Doing what he does best

Jake talking to a shopper at the St. John's Farmers' Market.



Answering questions and showing pictures where necessary...


We've been busy with the St. John's Farmers' Market these Saturdays. As I've probably mentioned quite a few times...Jake loves to sell and this no exception. He's up early, has breakfast, makes us some sandwiches, helps load the van and ready to go by 7:45.

It's about half an hour drive to the market, but when we arrive, he helps unload the van, finds out where our table is and then helps to set up. After pinning on his name tag...he's ready to go.

It's become a game of sorts for him. He would never let me 'pay' him, nor would he let me give some chocolate (always insisted on buying it from me)....but after me suggesting I put him on commission (and an explanation of what that was exactly).....he thought that sounded like an excellent idea. Sooo....commission it is. Mostly Larry and I stand back and let him go....he does most of the talking (with me answering some of the chocolate-related questions) and Larry overseeing/checking Jake's math skills (adding up purchases and making change).

It's become a great learning tool for him....and enabled the rest of us who aren't so outgoing, to step back into our comfort zone. Next Saturday though, we have two shows. Jake and Larry will go to the Farmers' Market. The other one is a woman's breakfast...so Brittney and I will attend that one. Time for Brittney and I to step back out of our comfort zone. Jake doesn't help much.....he's declared it battle of the sexes and is pumped to see which team sells more. Time will tell ;)

6 comments:

Renee said...

How great for your kids..and the whole family. I guess I did not realize the scale of your chocolate making and selling....
Hope you are feeling good.

Becky said...

Uh Oh! Jake better be a great seller next week, you know how us ladies lOVE our choclate!lol

When I read you title I knew Jake was selling something ;-)

yofed said...

He seems like such a great kid! Too bad you live so far, I qould love to be one of your customers! :D

At Home on the Rock... said...

Thanks, ladies.

Becky....I'll pass that info along to Jake...or on second thought maybe I'd better keep it to myself...he's already sure his team will win lol

Thanks, Renee. Yes, it has been helpful for our family. Although I am feeling better than I was last year at this time, I'm still no where close to what I was (or where I'd like to be). There is so much more I/we could be doing with chocolate (and would like to)...if only my energy level/health would co-operate and allow me to do so.

I do try to pace myself (which as you know is difficult to plan out sometimes)..which helps...but there has been many Sundays (since mid September as that is how long we've been going to the market this year) I've ended up flat on my back at home while the others go to church. Not what I like at all...but resting for that day helps me to be able to get through the rest of the week. I get frustrated with having 5 hours out...then paying for it for a whole day...but seemingly, that's the way it goes.

I did get to church today, but have spent the rest of the day in bed (achy and the whole bit)...I'm hoping by resting today, those aches will be gone tomorrow.

Also, our chocolate is very seasonal (busiest at Christmas time) so I keep telling myself ....soon I will be able to rest (only two markets left this year). Next weekend will be interesting and I'll be curious to see how I stand up (it's a woman's breakfast with a speaker etc., so the actual sales time will only be about 1.5 hours...but still, it will be a morning out, socializing etc.)

Sigh.....I do get so frustrated with this whole CFS thing. I would like to do *all* of the things I enjoy doing (which I know all CFS sufferers would like)...

I just wish it would go away...I have so much I want to do :)

At Home on the Rock... said...

Thanks, Yofed (guess we were posting comments at the same time)

Shannon said...

Sounds like Jake thrives on the excitement! lol!