Painted Rocks

 "I know how I can make more money," my 6 year old William shared with excitement.  "I can have a stand and sell painted rocks!"  He was trying to earn money to buy a toy he desperately wanted for over a month now, which, for a kid his age, is quite a long time to unwaveringly desire a particular toy.  Justin and I suggested that in addition to the rocks he also sell some berries, eggs, and other things from our little 'farm.'  William didn't understand one bit why he ought to sell anything other than his painted rocks, but he obliged us once we explained it would be a good idea to have a variety of things for sale. "$3 for eggs!?" he said in alarm as we set everything up. "Why so much more than my 30 cent rocks!?"

 

William helped me all day to prepare for our stand, which would be from 5:00-6:30PM when neighbors would be coming home from work.  If I may confess, I have wanted to have my own stand ever since we started a garden and raising chickens years ago... it's just that I'm not ready for the full-fledged roadside stand business, and anything less seems laughable unless it is being hosted by a 6 year old.  So, with William ready for a sale of his own now, I was eager to jump in to help make something worth pulling over for.  

 

 All Day long William asked if it was time to set up the sale.  He was so excited to have customers.  I explained many times how we might only get one or two people to stop, and how most cars would just keep driving by us.  Even still, with every car that passed he and his 4 year old sister were disappointed.  "This is boring," he added after sitting a while with no cars driving by.  Well, I think it is good to be bored every once in a while, and a little disappointed too.  I told them to find shapes in the clouds, and then they got interested in a robin hopping around on the other side of the road.  But we did get customers.  Five people stopped during our time out by the road, and they enjoyed choosing between eggs, berries, herbs, carrots, banana bread (made with William's help from freshly ground organic whole wheat... and it is good if I do say so myself), and of course the painted rocks.  One very sweet neighbor even chose a few of the rocks to take home.   
  

William was overjoyed when he realized he had made enough money for his toy.  It was a great time to talk about being responsible with our money and making good choices.  We talked about the importance of giving and not just satisfying our own material desires.  He was happy to set some aside to give to church and help the poor. 

Who knows, maybe the Winter Farm Sale will be back once we are getting overrun with cherry tomatoes, okra, and cucumbers.  Regardless, it was a fun experience to share with the kids.