Lent

So, we are preparing for Lent [though I'm still in shock about how early it is happening this year LOL!]. DH and I sat the kids down this afternoon for a family meeting / discussion of Lent and what we plan to do. We discussed what Lent is, what it means, why we give things up and add things, etc. We also talked about how they weren't old enough to be required to make these sacrifices, but they could if they wanted too. They ALL chose to [which is awesome]! So, then each of us took turns telling what we are planning to do for Lent.

Monkey1 [9yo] is drinking only water and giving up chocolate. [The kids and I are all saying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy together each day at 3pm for Lent, so that is the thing we are "adding"].

Monkey2 [6yo] is giving up all video games [this is a HUGE sacrifice on his part - I was truly impressed!]

Monkey3 [4yo] is giving up candy.

Then we asked Monkey4 [2yo]:

Me: "What are you giving up for Lent Monkey4?"

Monkey4: "My Baby" [this means Monkey5, in case you don't know, and that is her *favorite* thing LOL!]

Me: "You want to give up your baby? Do you want Mama to go ahead and sell her to the Gypsies?"

Monkey4: "Yeah...Give away my Baby."

This is funny because she really IS, in her very sincere 2yo way, trying to give up that which she loves the most. I was touched. She finally agreed that it would be OK if we kept the baby and she would give up candy with her big sister instead.

Dh and I have also decided to read the Bible for a half hour every day as well. He is giving up coffee and I am giving up coke. [I bet our house is going to be really grouchy for a few days....;) ]

In addition, I am committing to read a little bit of some spiritual book each day - even if only one page. I've ordered a few books, including a couple of Saint Biographies I've really been longing to read. I'm looking forward to that.

Anyway, so those are our Lenten Preparations. We also plan to do the "pray for people" thing that I found on the totus tuus blog.

I am looking for other ideas, especially for the kids. Anybody have any great plans to share?