Family Home Evening Testimony

Admitting: Brad and I have been married for 6 years and from the beginning we have struggled with having a regular family home evening. When we had kids we said for sure we knew it was important to start, but still we struggled. We would do it for a month and then get back off track for awhile. We knew it was important and that is why we kept trying. But it wasn't until recently that we've done a really good job of it. The Ensign in July had a great tip on doing FHE jars with scripture stories or mission, family etc. stories that were already ready. That way when the night came you aren't a) scrambling or b) deciding to give it up since you aren't ready. I took it one step further and made jars for songs, and activities also. By doing this here is what I have found:

First, for one thing we haven't missed a day in 2 months! Second, Garrett loves family home evening! We used to have a hard time getting him to sit still and listen and now we've even had him ask if we can do family home evening on other nights. He loves picking the songs, lessons and activities out of the jars himself. The stories aren't long and we usually have at least one picture or prop ready for each one. Third Garrett had started this phase of not wanting to say the prayers himself and I put all of our names in a bowl (since it worked for the rest) and have him draw who says the prayers. He even tries to pick his own name! He is excited when we say prayers! Fourth Here is where my testimony has really grown on this topic. I think most of you know how it feels sometimes while putting the kids to bed everyone is going haywire? Well a lot of times by the end of the day my 3 year old (who has stopped napping) is wound way up and bouncing off the walls while his tired parents struggle to just get them bathed and in bed. Garrett is usually fighting his exhaustion by tormenting his baby sister and she has had it too so she is crying. Brad and I are trying to keep our patience. (Hopefully I am not the only one who goes through this routine or this could get embarassing.) Well on the nights when we have family home evening there is more peace in our house than any other night. Things run more smoothly and we all enjoy it. I can feel a peaceful spirit in our home and it is truly a relief. I had a testimony of Family Home Evening before and I've always known it is important for preparing our family against many things they will face, but this has really taught me something more, something I didn't expect. I am sure that I never want to fall out of the habit again because I can see how much our family is learning and growing from it!

As you can see she takes after her mama. Embrie's favorite part is the refreshments! She thinks anytime she sees a popcicle it belongs to her!