Last night when we were doing our bedtime routine we came to a decision for our focus in 2015 in regards to our nighttime devotionals. From the time that Eliza was three-years-old we have had the same bedtime routine: read the scriptures, say the article faith of the month, sing the primary song being taught in primary that month, then pray and go to bed. (With the addition of use the bathroom, brush your teeth, and say individual prayers in there before actually getting in bed.)
When it was time to say the article of faith last night, Jon started to say it in Spanish. That's when the light bulb went on, or I guess you could say inspiration hit. We decided that since we've been doing the same thing for almost 12 years (!!!!) we could change it up. Maryanne is the only one (aside from Nadine) who is still memorizing the articles of faith. So everyone else has been kind of bored.
In 2015 we are going to learn the articles of faith in Spanish! We are also going to add a hymn in Spanish to our routine. For January, it's easy: "I Am a Child of God."
After we decided that, Jon spontaneously started to speak Spanish to the children. As we sat there, I remembered some friends in Minnesota who have spoken German to their children since they were babies, so their children are bilingual.
I suggested that Jon always speak to the children in Spanish. My limited understanding allows me to help translate for them when needed (occasionally). The best parts about it though is that there is no yelling to get the children to listen, they listen much better, they follow instructions better, and the overall feeling in home is light hearted and peaceful. (It probably helps that sometimes Jon uses a silly voice.)
It is such a blessing. And I am so grateful.
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