Just had to share this (*Updated with new video*)

Some of you are probably like me. You let your kids watch television.

I know, I know. I'm probably scandalizing some of you right now. But the fact of the matter is my kids are familiar with TV. They even have favorite shows (gasp!) and Elmo, Super Why, Simba and Muno are some of their favorite things (I would include Thomas in that, but they don't care at all for the show. Just the toys!).

Now, granted, even as a TV-loving mom, I know there's such a thing as too much. I typically let them watch it after their naps while I'm in the kitchen making dinner (basically I need something to capture their attention and keep them from jumping off of the furniture). And it's definitely a go-to activity when I'm feeling less than perfect (which has been a lot in recent days). I try not to abuse it, but there is always a little guilt factor there when I let them watch a bit too much.

But not anymore. That's because one day while searching YouTube for some Catholic videos for them, I came across a cartoon that was about a brother (as in priest). Since this time the clip was just a very short preview (we watch a fair amount of YouTube videos around here.. they're free, after all!), I just had to actually order it.

And oh my gosh, the kids love it. It's a really well-done cartoon video (the production value is on par with any kids show out there) with catchy music that also happens to be totally Catholic (and really orthodox!). I believe there are four in the series and they all star the title character, Brother Francis. The video we have is all about the Rosary, complete with the Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, and an explanation of the Mysteries. Clara already knew the Hail Mary, but now knows the Our Father because of this video, and Luke loves saying "Hail Mary" now. And after the very first time they watched it, Clara used the word "mystery." Not necessarily in the proper context, but I couldn't believe it was already sinking in on some level!

They'd be happy if it was the only thing they ever watched, which it actually is these days. They get so excited when I put it on and dance like crazy. Here's a clip of them in action...

So no more guilt. I can make dinner and know they are learning about the Rosary. It's a win-win!

Is this starting to sound like I am doing a paid promotion? Haha.. I wish! Although it might seem like it from my overly enthusiastic post, I am not. I just love it, and thought you might too. I was always looking for a good Catholic video for my kids (if I'm going to let them watch something, why not have it be teaching them about their faith?), but thought there wasn't really anything out there. I even considered taping me and my husband saying all the prayers for them to watch! Thank God it didn't come to that ;)

Here's the website if you're interested. I'm definitely going to get the other videos at some point. Let me know if you do, and if you like them!

*Update - I discovered last night during bedtime prayers that Clara knows the Hail Holy Queen. What?! It is ALL from this video. I've literally never tried to teach it to her, ever. Who says TV's not good for anything? ;)

Here she is saying it today (with a lot of help from me since she kept getting caught up on the "children of Eve" part and just kept repeating it). As you'll see, she still can't even form most words correctly with her little bitty toddler mouth, but if you know the prayer you should be able to make it out. And obviously she has NO idea what she is saying, but hopefully she will soon enough!