Monday, September 07, 2009

happy labor day


My twin sons are quite accomplished at chopping and stacking wood.  They realize that very soon, the labor will be a crackling warm fire during the colder temps.  Various jobs are given to them, such as stacking wood, raking leaves or washing a car.  From time to time, they have helped me with computer assistance, and even an excel spreadsheet for their Aunt.  

One son landed a life-guarding job this summer which has taught him a tremendous amount. He has worked at a total of 4 different pools, all located throughout the county.  Since he only has his learners permit, I have been driving him to and from his work.  He was surprised to see his first check and the amount paid towards taxes.  Welcome to the labor force!

Yes, labor day is a time to rest, but also a time to remember those around us who may be searching for work.  I give thanks for work and for my laborers!    May each of you have a day of rest and some work to be thankful for.  To all the teachers and students preparing to go back to school, I wish each of you the pleasure or learning and the joy of gaining confidence in work and the joy in play.  
Happy Labor Day today to all!  

22 comments:

Debra said...

Happy Labor Day. I little 'labor' is good for the soul and building muscles. It's keeps us honest!
Back to school-ahhh Autumn, the finest time of year.

CashmereLibrarian said...

Thank you, Patricia! Happy Labor Day to you, too! And my best to your woodcutters. I was just gathering some kindling yesterday, to start getting ready for the next season.

Joyce said...

Happy Labor Day My Friend!! Your kind words said it all, so beautifully. Your handsome Paul Bunyans might have had aching muscles after chopping all that wood, but during the chopping they have created memories to share as they get older.
Patricia, the "tax" story of your son's check made me giggle. It reminded me of my nephew when he was younger wanting something, asking my sister to use her "magic" card. It actually was her credit card he was talking about, but in the wee eyes I guess it was magic. Enjoy your day! xoxo

Shani said...

Happy Labor day to you! Thankful is a good way to feel today, I know we are after coming off of a short layoff situation for my husband. We are glad to be back on track and thinking of those who are still searching. It sounds like you have some wonderfully responsible and industrious children. Kudos to you for instilling such great qualities in them!

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Patricia. You're right in that today is a time to feel grateful for our jobs and to remember those who are still seeking. I've been blessed with a good job with an excellent organization. I'm so thankful!

Also today I'm thinking of the people in our nation who plant, tend, and harvest our food. My route to work takes me through fields and crops. It's a beautiful drive, but each day I take note of how hard the planters and harvesters work. It's back breaking. Thank you and God bless them.

Karena said...

Labor Day, a good time to honor the work ethic of many Americans, be grateful for a career, and wish those on the quest for a job laid off the best.

Summer is a Verb said...

Yes, I will be giving mucho thanks to Babe today for working so hard to give me my summer at the beach. Thanks for the prompt! XXOO

pve design said...

Carey,
I just sent my Dad a wonderful book on "Hudson Valley Farmers" as my Dad was raised on a farm and then began his produce shop in 1945 - I always think of him, the stories he would tell of the farmers and the truckers who would deliver the goods to the store. Many have hours that would make you cringe, just wondering how they manage on so little sleep.
I think we are going to have to go back to some different work ethics in order to ride this recession.
I have hopes for small entrepreneurs as well as family businesses.
Happy Labor Day dear!
pve

Unknown said...

Happy Labor day! Great post!

###### said...

happy labor day!!!!!!!!!!!!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Happy Labor Day! Sounds like you are teaching your children great work ethic. Great post!

Swetha said...

Happy Labour day:)

Megan Coyle said...

Happy Labor Day!! :)

Unknown said...

Good to be reminded, thank you and Happy Labor Day to you too!

Kelsey B. said...

Happy Labor Day!

Nadine @ BDG said...

What good lumberjacks you are raising!

Kwana said...

Happy Labor Day! Yes we should be grateful. I see the boys look thrilled to be posing up there. But they are great sports and so helpful. Looking forward to the start of the school year tomorrow.

style chronicle said...

Good for you for teaching your children the value of hard work, something much of our culture's youth knows nothing about. Even at a young age, we try to instill in our children a strong work ethic by giving them age appropriate jobs around the house.

LOVE the new header over at "The Devine Life." You captured him perfectly!

Prairie Girl Studio said...

hope you have had a delightful labor day, pve! i really appreciate the labor that your boys put into their chore ~ good for them! by the time i read your posting, my twin boys (of similar age, i would think) were off for a last day of freedom with friends, so no work from them today!
take care,
prairiegirl

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

PVE,

You never cease to surprise me - twin boys! Wow!

I'm so thankful to my father for teaching me about hard work and responsibility. It made me who I am today.

~Melissa

Charlie said...

It is so important to pass on a positive work ethic to our children. It does payoff for them later, and I'm not talking about money. Great subject!

I hope you had a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing about your father and the farm. . . no wonder you take such delight in your own garden:)