Gratitude Post #10: Routine

When I married Brad, I instantly found myself immersed in his world. I had stepped in a new home, a new life, and a new routine. Brad's structured routine began shortly after he gained full custody of his children in 2003. Every morning and every evening he would have family prayer with his children. He read stories, read scriptures, and sang songs to Scott and Emma every night before they went to bed. They would go to the library once a week, have Family Home Evening every Monday, and go to church on Sunday.

Now, 7 years later, the routine is still basically the same with a few minor adjustments. I'm now a part of the routine. I participate fully and pick up the slack when Brad needs some extra help.

Having a routine has blessed our lives tremendously! The children know what to expect every day. Even Lizzy knows what to expect, and she's only 17 months old. She's always enthusiastic about participating in our routine. She knows when it's time for prayer and instantly folds her arms and bows her head. At scripture time, she grabs her own little Book of Mormon, sits on the floor, and turns the pages. She knows what "grab a book" means, too, and she knows when it's time to brush her teeth. This is without ANY coaxing from us, by-the-way. She is modeling what she sees.

I'm grateful for the routine in our home. It makes our lives stable, predictable, and less complicated. I'm especially grateful for my husband who started it all. He's such a wonderful father.