The season of Advent is the time when we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. It is also a time of great anticipation and joy. Reading special children's books about the season is a great way to prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus and build a sense of great anticipation. We kept our favorite Advent books in a box in the attic all year long. On the first Sunday of Advent, I would bring the books and place them in a basket in the living room. The kids were always so excited to see these books that had been stored away! They would “ooh” and “aah” and yell, “I remember this one”, or “I love this one” with total delight! Each child would grab their favorite and for the next couple of hours, there would be complete silence as they looked through the books. There were some that we read aloud. There were some that we read together as a family. There were some that they read on their own. Some were particularly Christian and some were just really sweet and fun. Today I am sharing some of my favorite books to use with your children during the season of Advent: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever This is probably my favorite. I read this book to my children every year and, even though I knew what was coming, I always started crying when I got to the end. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is about the Herdman siblings who are“the worst kids in the history of the world” and how they took over the annual Christmas pageant. It is hilarious but it is also so profound. I always tried to time reading it so that it ended right before Christmas Eve. That way my children's hearts were really open to the true meaning of Christmas. Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and Stories for the Season of Advent ‘Twas the Season of Advent is a 25-day devotional containing beautiful devotions and stories for you to read with your children during the season of Advent. The Legend of the Candy Cane Did you know that the candy cane has a Christian meaning? I didn't! This is a sweet board book explaining the importance of the birth of Jesus and the Christian roots of how the candy cane was created. Look!: A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas Look! A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas presents Advent as a special time for waiting and watching—paying attention—to the ways God comes to us. Told from the point of view of a child, the story weaves together familiar Advent traditions like the Jesse tree and the Advent wreath, biblical stories and characters, and reflections on what these stories call us to do and be. This book reassures children of the presence of God in all times and places and invites them to become part of the holy work of making Christ present in the world. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book: 24 Guided Crafts, plus Games, Songs, Recipes, and More This is a fun guidebook filled with crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book highlights the significance of the Nativity and the meaning of God’s most precious gift. Great Joy This is such a sweet story! This is a Newberry winner and tells the story of an organ grinder and a monkey who appear outside of a little girl's window right before Christmas. It's a beautiful story about kindness and generosity. Read and Write: The First Christmas From Glenys Nellist comes Read and Rhyme The First Christmas, a sweet lift-the-flap board book that tells the story of Jesus's birth through interactive rhyming and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy guessing the hidden rhyme that fits into the story and discovering how Mary and Joseph made it to Bethlehem in time for the birth of baby Jesus. Manger A legend describes how, at midnight on Christmas Eve, all creatures are granted the power of speech for one hour. In this beautifully illustrated book, poets imagine what responses they might offer. The poems represent a diverse group of animals, but all come together with one singular purpose: celebrating the joy of the miraculous event. The Legend of the Poinsettia I love anything by Tomie dePaola. He is a Newberry and Caldecott-winning author. In this beautifully illustrated book, he tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. The Night of Las Posadas Another wonderful book by Tomie dePaola. In this book, he tells of Las Posadas, the Mexican tradition in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter at the inn on Christmas Eve. All is Bright: When God Came Down One Silent Night This is a precious board book where we follow Mary and Joseph in a rhyming story built around the lyrics of Silent Night and we discover how the baby born in the manger changed the world. I hope that these books are a blessing to your family and that they help you bring the season of Advent into your home! Do have a favorite Advent book for children that's not on my list? Comment below. I'd love to know what it is!

The season of Advent is the time when we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. It is also a time of great anticipation and joy. Reading special children's books about the season is a great way to prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus and build a sense of great anticipation. We kept our favorite Advent books in a box in the attic all year long. On the first Sunday of Advent, I would bring the books and place them in a basket in the living room. The kids were always so excited to see these books that had been stored away! They would “ooh” and “aah” and yell, “I remember this one”, or “I love this one” with total delight! Each child would grab their favorite and for the next couple of hours, there would be complete silence as they looked through the books. There were some that we read aloud. There were some that we read together as a family. There were some that they read on their own. Some were particularly Christian and some were just really sweet and fun. Today I am sharing some of my favorite books to use with your children during the season of Advent: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever This is probably my favorite. I read this book to my children every year and, even though I knew what was coming, I always started crying when I got to the end. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is about the Herdman siblings who are“the worst kids in the history of the world” and how they took over the annual Christmas pageant. It is hilarious but it is also so profound. I always tried to time reading it so that it ended right before Christmas Eve. That way my children's hearts were really open to the true meaning of Christmas. Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and Stories for the Season of Advent ‘Twas the Season of Advent is a 25-day devotional containing beautiful devotions and stories for you to read with your children during the season of Advent. The Legend of the Candy Cane Did you know that the candy cane has a Christian meaning? I didn't! This is a sweet board book explaining the importance of the birth of Jesus and the Christian roots of how the candy cane was created. Look!: A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas Look! A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas presents Advent as a special time for waiting and watching—paying attention—to the ways God comes to us. Told from the point of view of a child, the story weaves together familiar Advent traditions like the Jesse tree and the Advent wreath, biblical stories and characters, and reflections on what these stories call us to do and be. This book reassures children of the presence of God in all times and places and invites them to become part of the holy work of making Christ present in the world. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book: 24 Guided Crafts, plus Games, Songs, Recipes, and More This is a fun guidebook filled with crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book highlights the significance of the Nativity and the meaning of God’s most precious gift. Great Joy This is such a sweet story! This is a Newberry winner and tells the story of an organ grinder and a monkey who appear outside of a little girl's window right before Christmas. It's a beautiful story about kindness and generosity. Read and Write: The First Christmas From Glenys Nellist comes Read and Rhyme The First Christmas, a sweet lift-the-flap board book that tells the story of Jesus's birth through interactive rhyming and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy guessing the hidden rhyme that fits into the story and discovering how Mary and Joseph made it to Bethlehem in time for the birth of baby Jesus. Manger A legend describes how, at midnight on Christmas Eve, all creatures are granted the power of speech for one hour. In this beautifully illustrated book, poets imagine what responses they might offer. The poems represent a diverse group of animals, but all come together with one singular purpose: celebrating the joy of the miraculous event. The Legend of the Poinsettia I love anything by Tomie dePaola. He is a Newberry and Caldecott-winning author. In this beautifully illustrated book, he tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. The Night of Las Posadas Another wonderful book by Tomie dePaola. In this book, he tells of Las Posadas, the Mexican tradition in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter at the inn on Christmas Eve. All is Bright: When God Came Down One Silent Night This is a precious board book where we follow Mary and Joseph in a rhyming story built around the lyrics of Silent Night and we discover how the baby born in the manger changed the world. I hope that these books are a blessing to your family and that they help you bring the season of Advent into your home! Do have a favorite Advent book for children that's not on my list? Comment below. I'd love to know what it is!

One of my children’s favorite things to mark our movement through Advent is the Advent Calendar. My children are teenagers now but they still want to take turns pulling out the nativity figures and placing them on their Advent Calendar! Advent Calendars were created in nineteenth-century Germany as a fun way to mark the days of Advent. There are many different kinds of Advent Calendars: ones you hang on the wall or place on a table, ones that are keepsakes that you use every year, or disposable ones that you use and then throw away. Whatever the differences, they are all used in the same way; for each day of Advent, there is either a window or a pouch that is opened and reveals something. They can hold a figure from the nativity scene, a trinket, a piece of candy, a coin, a picture, or a Bible verse. My mother-in-law gave us our keepsake Advent Calendar when we had our first child; I love it! It has brought so much joy to our family and has been so fun for the kids to hang out and play with each year. I have also used the beautiful paper ones that have a scripture behind each flap or a piece of chocolate. They are all fun! Today I am sharing some of my favorite Advent Calendars that can be used with your children during the season of Advent: Pockets of Learning Fabric Advent Calendar $43.95 A keepsake made of fabric with Velcro-affixed stuffed figures which are removed from the pockets and added to the scene each day of Advent. Vermont Christmas Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar $42.99 A keepsake made of fabric with Velcro-affixed stuffed figures which are removed from the pockets and added to the scene each day of Advent. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift On sale now! Regularly $34.99 now $19.99 From Ann Voskamp, open the book to see a 13-inch, three-dimensional Jesse Tree pop up from the page. At its foot are 25 doors, one for each day of Advent, which hide meaningful, beautifully detailed ornaments―including the Christmas star―that are ready to be hung on the tree. Also inside is a simple devotional book with a reading for each of the 25 ornaments. Magnificent Manger Sticker Advent Calendar $5.95 A cute calendar for kids where you add a sticker each day. The Story of Christmas Book Set and Advent Calendar $17.99 This unique advent calendar features 24 jewel-like miniature board books to help children count down to Christmas. Each day from December 1st through Christmas Eve, open a book, just like the peek-a-boo window on an Advent calendar, and then hang it on the Christmas tree by its gold thread loop. Read in sequence, the books tell the magical story of the first Christmas, from Gabriel’s visit to Mary to the Three Wise Men gazing at the star to Jesus' birth. A treasured keepsake to reuse year after year. Journey to the Manger $9.99 From Focus on the Family. Take your family on a fun-filled journey to the manger this Christmas season! Learn more about Bible characters related to the Nativity and help teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. Dive into each day of Advent with devotions and activities that will engage the entire family. Packed full of fun activities, Journey to the Manger Advent Calendar includes an Advent poster, Bible character stickers, readings, kids’ puzzles, and more! Fabric Advent Calendar With Scripture Cards $30.95 Count down the days 'til Christmas with this family Advent Calendar. The beige fabric calendar hangs on a wooden dowel and features the Nativity scene at the top, and a series of daily pockets below. Attractively colored scripture cards are included for use each day in a special drawstring bag. Read the card and slip it into the pocket until you have read the entire Nativity story by Christmas day. For added fun, place special treats in the pockets, which are sized perfectly for little hands!

One of my children’s favorite things that we use to mark our movement through Advent is the Advent Calendar. My children are teenagers now but they still want to take turns pulling out the nativity figures and placing them on their Advent Calendar! Advent Calendars were created in nineteenth-century Germany as a fun way to mark the days of Advent. There are many different kinds of Advent Calendars: ones you hang on the wall or place on a table, ones that are keepsakes that you use every year, or disposable ones that you use and then throw away. Whatever the differences, they are all used in the same way; for each day of Advent, there is either a window or a pouch that is opened and that reveals something. They can hold a figure from the nativity scene, a trinket, a piece of candy, a coin, a picture, or a Bible verse. My mother-in-law gave us our keepsake Advent Calendar when we had our first child; I love it! It has brought so much joy to our family and has been so fun for the kids to hang out and play with each year. I have also used the beautiful paper ones that have a scripture behind each flap or a piece of chocolate. They are all fun! Today I am sharing some of my favorite Advent Calendars that can be used with your children during the season of Advent: Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar $42.99 A keepsake made of fabric with Velcro-affixed stuffed figures which are removed from the pockets and added to the scene each day of Advent. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift On sale now! Regularly $34.99 now $19.99 From Ann Voskamp, open the book to see a 13-inch, three-dimensional Jesse Tree pop up from the page. At its foot are 25 doors, one for each day of Advent, which hide meaningful, beautifully detailed ornaments―including the Christmas star―that are ready to be hung on the tree. Also inside is a simple devotional book with a reading for each of the 25 ornaments. Magnificent Manger Sticker Advent Calendar $5.95 A cute calendar for kids where you add a sticker each day. The Story of Christmas Book Set and Advent Calendar $17.99 This unique advent calendar features 24 jewel-like miniature board books to help children count down to Christmas. Each day from December 1st through Christmas Eve, open a book, just like the peek-a-boo window on an Advent calendar, and then hang it on the Christmas tree by its gold thread loop. Read in sequence, the books tell the magical story of the first Christmas, from Gabriel’s visit to Mary to the Three Wise Men gazing at the star to Jesus' birth. A treasured keepsake to reuse year after year. Journey to the Manger $9.99 From Focus on the Family. Take your family on a fun-filled journey to the manger this Christmas season! Learn more about Bible characters related to the Nativity and help teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. Dive into each day of Advent with devotions and activities that will engage the entire family. Packed full of fun activities, Journey to the Manger Advent Calendar includes an Advent poster, Bible character stickers, readings, kids’ puzzles, and more!

GIVEAWAY! 🙌🏼🙌🏼 I’M GIVING AWAY A BRAND NEW COPY OF TWO OF MY FAVORITE ADVENT BOOKS FOR KIDS! I just passed 2,700 followers and I wanted to say “thank you” to all of you! Since Advent is quickly approaching, I wanted to give you two of my favorite Advent books for children. Read and Rhyme: The First Christmas. This is the sweetest book for little children! It is like an interactive Advent Calendar in board book form. It tells the story leading up to Jesus’ birth in rhyme and children are then invited to guess the hidden rhymes under 24 flaps. Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and stories for the Season of Advent. Twas the Season of Advent is a family devotional containing 25 beautiful devotions and stories for you to read with your children during the season of Advent. The illustrations are precious for each book and they both have wonderful activity packs to go along with them which I’ll share in stories. Enter to win by commenting below with your favorite thing about Advent. I’ll pick a winner on Thursday, November 9th. This giveaway is sponsored by Zonderkidz and is open to US entrants with a physical street address (no PO boxes.)

In the world of Christian children's literature, few authors have captured the hearts of both young and old as masterfully as Tomie dePaola. His stories and illustrations are a treasure trove of faith and whimsy that have become beloved classics in countless households. De Paola's unique ability to blend storytelling with the Christian faith is what sets him apart as an author and illustrator. He has an extraordinary gift for taking the saints and presenting them in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers. I was so sad to hear of his death in 2020 but recently learned that Ignatius Press had taken his illustrations and compiled them into a new book. "Through the Year With Tomie dePaola," is a delightful compilation of his illustrations and short passages, guiding you through the Liturgical Year. The Liturgical Year is broken down by month, featuring every special day such as feast days for saints or special events in Jesus' life. The book gives a very easy way to incorporate the Liturgical Year in your home. Through the Year With Tomi de Paola A few of my other favorites of Tomie dePaola: "Brother Francis of Assisi": This beloved tale introduces readers to the St. Francis of Assisi, a man whose life was radically changed by Christ and who embraced a life of poverty and a love of nature and his fellow man. "The Clown of God": In this heartwarming story, readers follow the journey of a young juggler named Giovanni who finds his true purpose in life through the gift of selfless love. It's a poignant reminder of the power of using our talents to bring joy to others. "The Legend of the Poinsettia": This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. "Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland": Through the life story of St. Patrick, dePaola invites readers to explore the importance of faith, perseverance, and forgiveness. It's a wonderful introduction to the life of this beloved saint.

Happy first day of October! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year; we are still moving through the season of Ordinary Time, the longest season of the Church Year. We start with St. Francis' Day where we honor a man whose life was radically changed by the power of Christ, we celebrate St. Luke, the Evangelist, writer of the Gospel of Luke, and the Book of Acts. We also celebrate St. James of Jerusalem, St. Simon, and St. Jude. We October with the celebration of the Vigil of All Saints also known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: St. Luke the Evangelist Day St. Simon and St. Jude's Day

Today is the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude! It is CRAZY TOWN in the Wallace household today. It is homecoming weekend for my senior and sophomore so we are on overload with float making, football and a dance. We read the prayer for today and I am making…homemade popcorn! That’s celebratory, right? Hey, it’s all I can handle and it’s better than nothing! Moving on to the history of the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude - St. Simon and St. Jude were both disciples of Jesus and later  became “Apostles” or ones sent on a mission to spread the Gospel. St. Simon is referred to as the “zealot” in the Gospels and we know that St. Jude was the brother of James the Less. It was St. Jude that asked Jesus why he revealed himself to so few people and not to the whole world and it was St. Jude who later wrote the letter of Jude in the New Testament. They are celebrated on the same day because they preached the Gospel together in Persia where they were both martyred. Ways to Celebrate Read the letter of Jude in the bible. Make cookies in the shape of gingerbread men to represent St. Simon and St. Jude. Locate the area that used to be Persia on a map and then look at where Israel is. Discuss how far of a distance it would have been to travel by foot or by boat to spread the Gospel. Make homemade popcorn!

Happy first day of September! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year; we are still moving through the season of Ordinary Time, the longest season of the Church Year. We start with Holy Cross Day where we marvel at the redemption that occurred through Christ's cross, we celebrate the Ember Days which are days of thanksgiving for the harvest, St. Matthew the Evangelist, and end by celebrating St. Michael and All Angels Day , honoring the warrior angel, Michael, and all other angels. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: The Liturgical Calendar for 2023 Holy Cross Day Basil Pesto for Holy Cross Day The Feast of St. Matthew, the Evangelist How to Celebrate St. Michael and All Angels Day Happy Feast of St. Michael and All Angels Lemon and Rosemary Chicken for St. Michael and All Angels

Making the Sign of the Cross can be very controversial within some Christian circles. Some see it as a rote gesture that holds no meaning or a superstitious act that is done to ward away evil. Others cherish its rich symbolism and spiritual significance. Today, I'd love for us to put aside any prejudices we might have or a lack of understanding and delve into the meaning of the Sign of the Cross, looking at its roots in the early Church and exploring its relevance and importance in our lives. The cross holds profound significance for Christians. At its core, it represents the central message of Christianity—redemption and salvation. Christians believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified on the cross to atone for humanity's sins. His death on the cross is seen as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe in Him. In our rich history of Christian traditions, there exists a simple yet profound act that unites believers across denominations and centuries—the Sign of the Cross. It is an ancient Christian practice of marking the shape of the cross of Christ upon one’s self or upon another person or object. It is usually accompanied by the words, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This universal gesture, often made casually and frequently, bears a history rich with significance. In this post, let's delve into the origins, meanings, and enduring relevance of the Sign of the Cross, seeking to understand why this ancient practice continues to hold a special place in the hearts of believers. The Origin of the Sign To grasp the essence of the Sign of the Cross, we must journey back to the earliest days of Christianity. It was in those formative years, amidst the trials and tribulations faced by early Christians, that this sign emerged as a symbol of faith and a source of strength. Historians believe that the Sign of the Cross began as a simple marking of one's forehead with the thumb, a practice dating back to the second century. This act was a clandestine identifier for Christians in a hostile Roman world. A subtle, yet powerful declaration of their allegiance to Christ, it was not only a courageous act of defiance against the prevailing pagan beliefs but also a sign of kinship amongst fellow believers. As centuries passed and Christianity gained acceptance, this symbol evolved into the sign we know today—a cross traced over one's body. This simple motion became an embodiment of Christian identity, sanctification, and a visible affirmation of the belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Profound Meaning The Sign of the Cross encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity. As fingers move from forehead to chest, then from one shoulder to the other, the power of the Holy Trinity is invoked. The Father, the Creator of all things; the Son, who redeemed humanity through the cross; and the Holy Spirit, our divine guide and comforter, are all invoked in this simple, sacred gesture. The Sign of the Cross is also a sign of sanctification. Sanctification is the process by which a Christian is made holy and set apart for God's purposes. Through the sign of the cross, we are reminding ourselves with our bodies that we are being made holy and that we are setting ourselves apart for God's purposes. You will often see Christians sign themselves before communion, or as the Gospel is read. You will see the priest sign the entire congregation or a person's forehead at baptism. This is all done to set something apart as holy. The Sign of the Cross is also a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice. When we make this sign, we recall His crucifixion—the ultimate act of love and redemption. It's a tangible, physical connection to the very heart of Christianity. Why We Should Continue In today's fast-paced world, the Sign of the Cross may appear as a fleeting, rote gesture. However, its significance remains timeless. In making this sign, we reassert our faith, expressing our trust in the triune God, reminding ourselves of our sanctification, and remembering Christ's sacrifice for us. Furthermore, this practice grounds us amidst the chaos of life. It invites us to pause, even if for a brief moment, and connect with God. It's a spiritual reset button, a reminder of what truly matters. So, as we celebrate Holy Cross Day, let us not forget the power of the Sign of the Cross. It's a beautiful tradition that transcends time and space, connecting us with the countless believers who have gone before us. In this simple act, we find unity, strength, and a profound affirmation of our Christian faith.

Today is the feast of St. Michael and All Angels! St. Michael’s and All Angels Day is also known as Michaelmas (pronounced mik-uhl-mus) which means the mass of St. Michael. It is the special day set aside by the church to celebrate St. Michael, the captain of the heavenly host as well as all other angels. If you’d like to know why we celebrate this day along with all of the ways to celebrate, here’s the link. One of the ways to celebrate is to make something with blackberries. According to an Irish legend, when Michael cast Lucifer out of Heaven, he fell on a blackberry bush and cursed and spat on the blackberries, making them sour. So after September 29 all blackberries must be eaten up. In honor of this amazing legend, make something with blackberries for dessert!

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to paint the landscape with hues of red and gold, our kitchen comes alive with the warmth and coziness of autumn. Just kidding! I live in Florida so NONE of that is happening right now! It is still really hot where I live but all of the advertisements are for fall and fall is the season for comfort foods. What better way to deny what's going on in my area than with a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall? This Sweet Potato Apple Bake is a personal favorite of mine that really captures the flavors of the season. Layers of tender sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and pecans, create a dessert that's as comforting as a cozy sweater on a chilly evening (which I won't be wearing for quite a while!). Sweet Potato Apple Bake 6 medium cooking apples 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about four medium sweet potatoes) 1 cup pecans, chopped 2 Tablespoons corn syrup Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prick the skins of the sweet potatoes and bake on a sheet pan for 45-50 minutes until tender. Allow to cool. Peel, core, and slice apples. Place apple slices in a large bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent darkening. Blend flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping. Add the rest of the flour mixture to your mashed sweet potatoes. Spread sweet potato mixture over the bottom of an un-greased 9X13 pan. Drain your apples and place on top of the sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle with pecans and drizzle with corn syrup. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the sweet potatoes and apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.