Over the last week, I’ve been implementing a bunch of new routines into everyone’s lives. Last week Greg was out of state on a business trip, so I took the opportunity to do something radical: putting Elise to bed earlier. It’s gone over relatively well – she has had a couple of nights of protest but for the most part is hitting the hay without complaint. She does wake up a little earlier, but nothing outrageous (yet).
After she goes to bed and after Benedict has fallen asleep; Greg and I can do whatever we want – usually putting the house back together from the day’s antics, having a light snack, or just hanging out together. I found a wonderful “read the Bible and the Catechism in one year!” plan from Marcus Grodi’s Coming Home Network that has been a tremendous blessing for me.
During the day I’ve been more vigilant on praying a daily Rosary while Elise plays. Greg and I were discussing how we really want to pray WITH our children as well as FOR the children. Even though she would rather play than pray (which is fine at her age), I know she’s benefiting from hearing the Rosary, as well as seeing me pray. She likes to make the Sign of the Cross at all the Glory Be’s, so I know she is listening and participating in her own little way. I’ve found that the Rosary is like my escape valve if things get a little too nutty – I can sit down and spend some time asking Our Lord and Our Lady for their help and guidance. And even when things aren’t nutty, it’s always nice to pray.
God willing we can keep on with our new routines and help our children (and ourselves) be more balanced.
I have been trying to finish that very same Bible-in-a-year plan for–wait for it–three and a half years now. But, as the promise says on the first page, I will not give up. I’m almost at the halfway point, at least.
I am so far behind, as well. I figure it’s more important to read as opposed to “staying on the schedule”.
YOU CAN DO EEET (I’m still in Genesis, I think around chapter 24 
).
@ Antonia – I stole the idea from Rosary Group. :X I figure the times I can’t make it to pray with the Mamas I could pray at the house, and I figured why not pray it every day. I hope Elise will learn the prayers that way as opposed to rote memorization.
[...] there’s going to be a bunch of watermelon and sun tea in our future. 4. Keep on our new routine and my health routine to make sure I am running at top capacity for Greg and the [...]
During the day I’ve been more vigilant on praying a daily Rosary while Elise plays. Greg and I were discussing how we really want to pray WITH our children as well as FOR the children. Even though she would rather play than pray (which is fine at her age), I know she’s benefiting from hearing the Rosary, as well as seeing me pray. She likes to make the Sign of the Cross at all the Glory Be’s, so I know she is listening and participating in her own little way.
That is so awesome (and cute!)
And even when things aren’t nutty, it’s always nice to pray.
Amen.
that sounds fantastic! We too have started putting Joseph to bed earlier at night.
Also, I NEVER considered saying a rosary while Joseph just plays around. That is such a great idea, I think I will do that too!
xxx