We try every Monday night to have Family Home Evening. After dinner we try to plan out the next weeks events, and then sing a song, have a prayer, have a short gospel story or lesson and end with another song, prayer and a fun treat. Sounds pretty simple, right? Then why is it usually so hard? It seems that every Monday afternoon, the kids refuse to take a nap, so they are grumpy and tired by dinner time. And most Monday nights, it seems that Stephen is extra busy at the clinic, and doesn't get home until almost 7:00. We usually don't get started with FHE until 8:00. And by that time, someone, if not all of us, feels like crying.
Well, this time, everything went right for a change...
The kids did not take their naps (as usual), but I was determined to have a fun family night. I fed them early, and Stephen was home from work by 6:15. We started by 7:00, and it seemed to make a big difference. With Thanksgiving next week, we talked about our blessings. We sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me", which Christopher is learning in primary. He really loves the song, and the truly wonderful thing is that he understands it. When he offered the opening prayer, he thanked Heavenly Father for the beautiful world that we live in. I felt so happy, I felt like crying. But not from usual frustration...but from pure joy of knowing that my little boy was gaining a testimony. For the lesson, I asked each family member to name three things they are thankful for. Christopher said "Jesus, my family and my friends." I then asked Stephanie the same question. I didn't really expect her to fully understand the question. But guess what?! She did!! She very seriously placed her index finger at the side of her cocked head and said "Hmmmm...I know! Mommy, Daddy and 'Sisapher' (her word for Christopher). How about that! I didn't even prompt her! And the cutest thing is that after she said this, she knew that she had said something very wise and was very proud of herself. She cupped her chin in her two hands and gave us all a huge smile. So adorable! After this little discussion, we played a memory blessing game, found in this month's issue of the "Friend" and Christopher set-up a homemade version of bowling involving tennis balls and vacuum attachments. Then we ate yummy chocolate chip cookies together that I had made earlier in the day. No crying, no fighting, no drama! Although the time was short, I feel we really came closer as a family, and each came away with thankful hearts for the blessing of our little family.
