Learning the Rosary

Since we've begun the 40 Day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary for Families (we're on day 23), the kids have been much more involved in our family prayer time. In the past, when we've said our Rosary, it's either been myself or Dan actually leading the Rosary and it was all we could do to keep the kids quiet while showing respect for Our Lord and the Blessed Mother. By the time we were finished...the kids were either asleep or very, very cranky.
Once we made the commitment to go ahead with the consecration, we made some changes to the way we did things. First of all, we only say one decade. This has made all the difference in the world. At some future time, we can begin to do the entire Rosary again. But for now, this is what is working best for our young ones. Second, we take turns leading the prayers. We go around the room and let each child say the beginning of the prayers. This has worked out great! Nathan and Amelia have known the prayers for awhile now but I think this is because we say them at home and they both say them everyday at school. Olivia is finally at a place where she is feeling confident enough in herself to say the prayers out loud. Up until recently, she was just too shy....even though it was only our family.

Thirdly.....our family friend Kathy was here this week visiting for Easter. She is really into beading and so we took a trip to Hobby Lobby the other day because she wanted to do a project with the kids. She bought all the supplies to make Rosaries. She was so patient with them. Each of them got to make their own Rosary! They actually put most of the beads on all by themselves! This went over REALLY well!

Our family prayer time has been very special since we've implemented these changes. I think it's a great way to help them settle down before bed. Because I'm such a proud mama....I wanted to share this video with you! I know the Blessed Mother must take great delight in little Olivia today!!!