Bedtime Prayers

As a kid growing up my parents would say a bedtime prayer with me. I remember every night as I lay in my bed, my mom or dad would come in and say a bedtime prayer with me. I was a little sad when they no longer did that with me. It was a special time with my parents, just me and them saying a prayer together thanking God for all the blessings he had given me as a kid.

About 5 1/2 years ago, I started with Tanner, saying a prayer. We used the prayer that his prayer bunny said. "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. To angels watch me through the night, until I wake in morning light. Amen." I started saying one with him before he could talk well, so he would know that it is a special time with me or Ryan. We still continue to say a prayer every night with him.

When Ella was first born, Tanner would always want her in his room to say a prayer before he went to sleep. As Ella got older she was going to bed before he was, so she wasn't always awake for him to say his prayer with. Now, that she is older, she is the one who is asking to tell Tanner goodnight and to say a prayer with him. All of us, Ryan, Tanner, Ella and myself all pile on Tanner's bed to say a prayer, tell each other goodnight and that we love them. Last night, I thought we were going to have to call Tanner to say a prayer with him over the phone. I told Ella that I would say one with her. At first that wasn't good enough, but she finally relented. We said our prayer and then she leaned over to me and kissed me on the forehead and said "Goodnight sweet Momma. I love you." I then leaned over to her and kissed her forehead and said, "Goodnight my sweet Ella. I love you." It wasn't long and she was asleep.

By far, this is my favorite time of the day. My children and husband are actually sweet to one another and they really do love one another. As a mother, that is the best feeling in the world. To have my family together with love.