Working to Play, Playing to Work

View in browser Working to Play, Playing to Work  My kids have been enjoying some newfound freedom lately. A couple of years ago, for Christmas, we bought them some simple walkie-talkies. They have had a lot of fun using them to play their own version of hide-and-seek, and to take with them as they bike and explore near our house. But this summer, they have discovered the joy of venturing farther while still being able to communicate with me. Suddenly, they can pop in to visit with Nana and Grandpa Bob, walk down to get the mail, or go find Dad without waiting for me to have time to run them all over. But the biggest freedom of all has come in the form of them being able to go and pick their cherry tomatoes anytime they want.    For around five years now, my kids have planted a large row of cherry tomatoes at the farm. Once they start producing in the summer, the kids have their hands full as they pick, pack, label and sell all the tomatoes. At first, this consisted of me doing most of the work with the kids in tow. But persistence has paid off, and they are now completely self-sufficient! I am so proud of them, as they scamper off to the farm to work. I have seen their confidence grow as they contribute in a real way to the family business. For sure, there are days when they do not want to do the work. There are times when they get hot, sweaty and grumpy. But these moments never last long, because the rewards far outway the discomforts.    They have learned so much from working alongside their Papa (Tom). I get a kick out of hearing them rattle off marketing slogans such as: “Pile it high, watch it fly!” They love it when their cousins are on shift; the laughter and silly banter is medicine for the soul. Working alongside Ramon has been a big highlight for them as well. He is so patient with the kids and delights in teaching them some Spanish, with the trade-off of them teaching him some English. It warms my heart (and makes me laugh) when the kids count how many baskets of tomatoes they ended up with en español: “Uno, dos, tres, cuatro….” I don’t think they realize it right now, but these summer experiences of working while they play and playing while they work will follow them into adulthood and equip them with confidence, work ethic, knowledge and strength of character. That is a lot of benefits from a row of cherry tomatoes and a set of walkie-talkies. As the month of August goes by, I hope that you too are able to incorporate some play into your work and some work into your play. I think this is just as important for adults as it is for kids! We all need to find enjoyment in our tasks, no matter what the job is, so that at the end of the day we can remember that each human being is created with meaning and purpose. It’s not so much about what you are doing, but rather about the spirit in which you do it. Case in point: five happy kids with dirty hands, smudged faces and a pails full of tomatoes. Blessings, Rachel, for the Family Pizza Pockets P.S. Keeping these busy kids fed is no small task! We have been enjoying eating homemade Pizza Pockets lately (see attached recipe video). They are perfect for picky eaters; the kids don’t even know they are getting a healthy dose of summer veggies with every bite. These Pizza Pockets are my new go-to for beach / boat / picnic suppers because they taste great warm or cold, are not crumby or sticky, and they freeze perfectly making them easy to make ahead, grab and go. Print Recipe Check our Produce in Season "to be a sustainable farm business that builds loyal customers, fulfilled staff and positive memories in a wholesome environment for our community to enjoy." Davison Orchards 3111 Davison Road, Vernon 250-549-3266   Davisonorchards.ca I want to unsubscribe