FHE (Family Home Evening)

Dear y'all,

Every Monday evening we hold a FHE with our kids.  Anyone is invited but most of the time it's just us.  This has been directed by our church leadership to help strengthen the family. Adding a spiritual message, songs and prayer re-enforces our beliefs in Christ in our home.

We can add an activity sometimes a special dessert, both if we really want or none at all.  The point is to spend quality time together. Electronics are only used to access music and scriptures. We don't answer it, text anyone, check social media  or play games as that would deminish the quality of time. We have done this for every monday for most of Luke's life. Apart from occasional visit to family, which we count as FHE anyways.

Last night was a little different than our normal routine. We had a lesson planned,  songs picked out (ones they practice in their classes at church) and I even had dessert planned.

Luke had the day off in honor of Memorial Day. Dennis had to work all day so we visited/barbecued with family on Sunday to honor those who sacrificed all for our country. The kids and I played together nearly all day. Lego's, playdough, coloring, going over letter/numbers, playing with toys in their bedroom just to name a few activities.

When Dennis came home Monday we got dinner taken care of and as usual FHE is directly followed. I helped Amy out of her toddler booster seat and not missing a beat gives me a hug and kiss her adorable young voice rings out  "come, let dance!" She darted to the rug and starts twirling. Luke doesn't even respond he immediately follows her and started moving. No music, no background TV sounds. The only thing that was heard was the sound of their feet and the squeaks they caused in the floor below them. As they moved giggles erupted from them and only encouraged them to move forward. Luke starts singing one of his favorite Weird Al songs titled,  "Yoda." Amy having heard this song many times sings along "...oda....oda."

Normally I would try to settle them down
and start the FHE but something inside me was different at that moment. Instead of starting the usual way I decided to turn on our favorite playlist on my phone, and hooked it up to the speakers. We made up dances as the songs changed. Slow songs meant we took turns slow dancing. At first it was just Dennis and I, while Amy and Luke tried to rock out to the slow beat. Then Luke took Amy's hands and they slow danced together.

The next song was "Chicken Fried" by the Zac Brown Band. We decided to do a Ring Around the Rosie style and every time he sang the words 'chicken fried' and 'love' we sat down. They absolutely loved it. The next few songs we just twirled and rocked. The next slow song it was Luke and I, Amy with Daddy. It was time to get ready for bed when I noticed we had completely forgotten about the formal FHE.  I was sweaty and tired so we decided that counted for this week. We didn't even remember to eat the dessert I planned.

It was fun seeing their happy faces. I loved seeing Dennis hold Amy as they slow danced together.  My heart is full of love for them. I love being their mom. They are precious children of God. I have a feeling we will never be able to 'just listen' to "Chicken Fried" again. I wouldn't trade last night for anything.

Love Ya,
S