Menu Plan Monday: November 21- November 27

It's finally here! It's the week of Thanksgiving! Do you have special family traditions to celebrate Thanksgiving? We do! I would love to hear all about your traditions too. I'll be sharing all about our family traditions and much more We already got started with our celebrating yesterday with our Friendsgiving Celebration at my cousin's house, which was absolutely amazing! There is a little snap shot of our evening yesterday further down the post. I'll be sharing about our night more in my Thanksgiving post later this week!

Don't forget that the first Sunday of Advent is this upcoming Sunday too! It's called Stir-it up Sunday and it is traditional to stir-up some Christmas pudding together as a family. Some fun facts about Christmas Pudding:

• Christmas pudding is traditionally made with thirteen ingredients that represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. 
• Coins and charms use to be added to the Christmas Pudding and if you were lucky to find one in your slice on Christmas it meant you were in for some good luck. 
• Christmas Pudding is traditionally stirred by everyone in the family from East to West. The direction is given to remember the Wise Men that came to visit Jesus in the Nativity Story.
• You are suppose to make a wish while it's your turn to stir-up the Christmas Pudding!

I am so excited to see what everyone has planned for their menu's this week! Here is my menu for this Menu Plan Monday:

Monday:

Chicken Nuggets and Mac and Cheese

Tuesday:

Daddy is Cooking so probably Pizza :)

Wednesday:

Leftovers

Thursday: Thanksgiving

Baked Turkey, Green bean casserole, Cranberry sauce, stuffing, peas, mashed potatoes and so much more... you'll have to come back to checkout the entire spread!

Friday:

Leftovers or Turkey Soup

Saturday:

Leftover Casserole

Sunday: First Sunday of Advent

Turkey or Chicken Stir-Fry and

Christmas Pudding for Dessert

I figured I would share an awesome no-bake (I mean no steam) and healthy recipe for Christmas pudding. Its extremely easy to make and can be shaped into almost any shape.

More Healthy Christmas Pudding:

1/2 cup soft pitted dates

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 cup ground almonds

1/2 almond flour 

1/2 cup milled flaxseed (or rolled oats)

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 tbs vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp cardamom

1-2 tsp orange zest

Combine all the dried fruit and vanilla extract to your blender or food processor and blend together until you have a sticky mixture. Remember to scrape the sides of the blender or processor when you dump the sticky mixture into a bowl. Then add the ground almonds, almond flour, flaxseed (or oats), salt, spices, protein powder and orange zest with a wisk or large spoon. Continue to blend all the ingredients together into a sticky dough. Don't forget to allow the entire family a turn to stir up the Christmas pudding and make a wish! Shape the dough into balls (whatever size you like) and place in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up. You can use ice cube trays that have those cute little shapes too! If you want to make them look more traditional, you can dip them in chocolate before placing in the refrigerator or freezer again. You can freeze some to save until Christmas Day! I normally put them in the refrigerator on Christmas Eve to defrost. Enjoy!

Seven Affordable Advent Gift Essentials

There is not much time to get ready for Advent! It's only about a week away. I thought that I would share seven gifts that I think could highly benefit your family during the Advent season. Advent is a time to focus on family and a great season to get everyone excited about their faith. I have already shared 2 parts of a 4 part series I am writing up on Advent and will be including more gift option ideas in those posts but for now here are Seven Quick Takes on affordable Advent gift essentials. All the items listed are under $10, so give yourself the gift of an amazing Advent with these seven ideas. This is a post is hosted by the Zelie Group!

This post may contain affiliate links. I would make a small commission if you click the link and choose to purchase something. There is no increased cost to you and All opinions here are mine. I greatly appreciate your support!

{ONE}

Welcome Baby Jesus

This is a family devotional that is only 99 cents for Kindle and $1.99 to purchase the book. This would be a wonderful addition to reuse year after year. If you are looking for a way to get your family back to the reason for the season this will be your go-to resource. I am always searching for great deals and you really can't beat this one.

{TWO}

Ginger Bread House Kit

This is not a pre-made kit but a kit that includes EVERYTHING you would need to start some great family traditions. The box includes a recipe for gingerbread and also includes two cookie cutters- one for the sides and roof, and one for the front & back. Instructions included, from baking to assembly. Gingerbread is used to celebrate several liturgical days throughout the year, not just Advent. At only $6.99 this kit would be a great addition to your Advent, Liturgical Year and family traditions.

{THREE}

Greatest Heroes of Legends of the Bible: the Nativity

The story of the Nativity is the pinnacle of the Advent season. This particular movie is only $4.05! I can personally say that my children love to watch cartoons and movies that are about their faith. We actually have this movie and they have already been asking to watch it because everyone is talking about Christmas. Well, I am having them wait to enjoy this movie for one our family movie nights during Advent but it is an amazing bargain, especially for a Religious movie. 

{FOUR}

Advent Calendar Colouring Book

What could be better than relaxing by the fire with this coloring book that allows you to focus on the season of Advent. This could be an individual of family activity and a great calming way to end your evening. I have already shown this book to my hubby in hopes that he will gift this to me. Just so you know, this beautiful book is only $5.95!

{FIVE}

Advent Adventure Sacrifice Manger

Advent is suppose to be a mini-Lent. Utilizing a Sacrifice Manger, also known as a Christmas Crib, will help the whole family remember to say a couple extra prayers, do some good deeds and sacrifice just a little more during the weeks leading up to the birth of baby Jesus. This particular manger is only $3 right now as an early bird special but will be $5.95 soon.  This is a 5 pack so you can share this great idea with friends and family!

{SIX}

Jesse Tree Ornaments

A great tradition to start with your family! The Jesse Tree will help you explore the "root of Jesse" and explain stories from the Old Testament. There are many options for Jesse Trees but I thought this one was a great deal because it includes ornaments, the book that explains all about the Jesse Tree and a pattern to make your tree. It's only $8.97!

{SEVEN}

Holy Heroes Advent Adventure

How about something that's FREE?! I saved this gem for last because it is such an amazing gift to give for Advent. Sign your children up and surprise them with amazing coloring pages, word searches, crosswords, prayers and so much more! This is a tradition in our home and my kids have been asking me everyday when their first email will arrive! 

I am a frugal mom that is always looking for a great deal and ways to save. I hope these great Advent ideas are useful to you and help you stay on budget and increase your families faith activities during this upcoming Advent season. Looking for more Advent ideas? Check out my Advent Series! Parts 3 and 4 will be posted later this week, just in time for Advent!

God Bless!

{JEI}: What's in Your Closet?

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info or just, JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Clothing! Let's get started with this week's questions:

If you had to wear the clothes from another time period, when would it be? 

If I could wear clothes from any time period it would be from the 1940's-1950's time period. I love the classic looks and the beautiful dresses of the era. The only problem I have in finding dresses like this nowadays is that they are always too short. I am a pretty tall woman (5'7") and most dresses are made too short for me to feel comfortable to wear on a regular basis. The dress I am wearing below is the closest I own to a 1950's dress. 

What are you embarrassed that you wore but used to think was cool? 

I have to say that I have never worn any clothes that have really embarrassed me because I have always been a t-shirt and shorts/ jeans kinda gal or workout clothes. I never really got into fashion because my family has never had a ton extra to spend on clothes and I was and still am happy rocking the same stuff I've always worn. The outfit below is a normal workout/ hanging out outfit for me. I love my crazy lime green socks too. 

Now I will admit, I did put a RIDICULOUS amount of hair product, clips and other hair accessories in my hair though and that IS embarrassing. 

What's your favorite article of clothing in your closet right now?

I'd say it would have to be this beautiful green dress I got at JC Penny's for my cousin's wedding this past September. I love the price (under $10!), color and style... I do wish it was a tad longer but It is my favorite!

You have all week to answer this week's questions all about Clothing:

1. If you had to wear the clothes from another time period, when would it be? 

2. What are you embarrassed that you wore but used to think was cool? 

3. What's your favorite article of clothing in your closet right now?

Next week we will be discussing Thanksgiving:

1. Do you have to cook for Thanksgiving?  If yes, what’s on the menu?  If no, high five!

2. What famous person would you like to invite to your family Thanksgiving?

3. Excluding family, health and basic needs met - what are 3 things that you are thankful for?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

God Bless!

#WorthRevisit: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

This is my contribution for #WorthRevisit with Theology is a Verb and Reconciled to You this week:

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: Prayer is a Wine which Makes Glad the Heart of Man

If you have been visiting my site you already know that I have a special connection to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. A famous quote he said is the tagline of my blog:

An interesting fact about the time period of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is that Abbots were responsible for preparing wine. Saint Bernard was the Abbot of Clairvaux.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is considered a Doctor of the Church and is often referred to as the apostle of the Crusades. Saint Bernard is also known as the Mellifluous, or sweet tongued. He is the patron saint of bees, candlemakers, wax-melters and chandlers. Saint Bernard was born in Burgundy, France at Fontaines-les-Dijon - the castle of the Fontaines. He was born into a wealthy family and had a very strong relationship with his mom. After her death, he decided to become a monk to avoid falling into the temptation of the world. He entered the Cistercian monastery at Citeaux with thirty young noblemen, including his father, brothers, uncles and friends. After Saint Bernard made it clear that he was making great progress in his personal spiritual life, he and twelve other monks were sent to found a new monastery. It was known as the Valley of Wormwood, better known as the Valley of Light, or Clairvaux. Saint Bernard had a great devotion to the Virgin Mary and was contributed with many miracles. Saint Bernard was a man of many talents and wrote often, including poetry and hymns. Check out Hymnary if you would like to listen to some of his beautiful songs. 

During my research of Saint Bernard, I came across a wine brand that references my favorite Saint Bernard of Clairvaux quote and speaks of the great saint in detail on their homepage. I will be checking out some places to try to find a bottle of J.Jencquel & Cie in honor of Saint Bernard later today. As of right now I have been unsuccessful because I believe this brand may only be in Europe but if I can't find a bottle of J.Jencquel & Cie, I will purchase a bottle created from the Burgundy region of France.

There are so many fun and simple ways to celebrate this great saint. Purchase a new candle, make some candles, change out the scents in your wax warmers. I changed our wax warmers over to autumn scents like spiced apples and pumpkins! Try out a recipe that uses honey too. There are many different desserts or entrees that incorporate the sweet ingredient. My husband bought me a Shadow box to hold my wine corks earlier in the week! I don't think he knew how appropriate the gift would be for this week

My husband and I used the quiet morning to enjoy a small hike and go grab a cup of coffee. Getting that hour alone was a nice, rejuvenating way to start the day and helped us complete our Date Your Mate Dates this week. A nature and adrenaline date all in one! I have to write him a love note tonight to complete the additional challenges for our first week of the challenge. I think I'll do it later tonight while I am relaxing with my bottle of wine since he is working late tonight. 

My family will be enjoying a delicious dinner of Crockpot Honey Dijon Chicken with rice and vegetables by candle light with a nice glass of wine for me and a bottle of sparkling wine for the boys! Maybe I will play a hymn or two during dinner too. I chose the recipe for Honey Dijon Chicken because it incorporates honey made from bees since he is the patron saint of bees and Dijon mustard as a play on words because he was born at Fontaines-les-Dijon. Here is the recipe I used.

Crockpot Honey Dijon Chicken:

2-3 Large Chicken Breasts

1 Cup Honey

1 Cup Dijon Mustard

1 Tbsp Miced Garlic

1 Tsp Italian Seasoning

Combine Honey, Dijon Mustard, Garlic and Italian Seasoning together in a bowl and set aside. Place Chicken in a lined or pan sprayed crock pot. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours. Serve over rice and Enjoy!

Saint Bernard was such a brilliant writer! There are many quotes that are shared nowadays that he has been contributed to including:

"We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place for those who love us."

It is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment."

"What I know of the divine science and Holy Scriptures, I learnt in woods and fields."

"You wish to see; listen. Hearing is a step toward Vision."

I hope everyone had a great day celebrating the feast of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux! I know our celebration was short and sweet and sometimes that's all you really need. We will probably end the day with a nice cup of honey chamomile tea on our porch and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend before hurrying back to real life and the craziness it brings.

Prayer to the Most Holy Name of Jesus:

{Written by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux}

Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills the breast! 

Yet sweeter far Thy face to see And in Thy presence rest. 

No voice can sing, no heart can frame, Nor can the memory find, 

A sweeter sound than Jesus' name, The Savior of mankind. 

O hope of every contrite heart! 0 joy of all the meek! To those who fall, how kind Thou art! 

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah! this Nor tongue nor pen can show 
The love of Jesus, what it is, 

None but His loved ones know. 

Jesus! our only hope be Thou, As Thou our prize shalt be; 

In Thee be all our glory now, And through eternity.

Amen.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us!

Angel Baskets: A Story of Giving in the Midst of Heartbreak

As the Year of Mercy draws to an end, I felt that I should share a story that I think is so admirable and the essence of what the Year of Mercy is all about. I honestly believe that we  are put into people's lives and people are put into our lives by God to be good examples, to make us better and to teach us about life, loss and suffering. I have many people like that in my life and I consider myself to be blessed beyond measure. The family I am about to introduce you, I believe, were put into my life for a special purpose and they have taught me so much and I feel that their story can serve as inspiration for many and a beacon of light to those who have found themselves in their same position.

This is Shannon and Chris. They are an amazing couple, outstanding friends and loving parents. I have known Chris since I was in high school. We met during Confirmation and attended the same Catholic youth group through our church. He is such a hilarious person that can light up a room and can be friends with anyone. His wife Shannon, I had the pleasure to meet after a meeting I hosted in my home about five years ago. I instantly fell in love with this woman and knew we would be friends. She is one of those people that lights up the room with her smile and she emits happiness, love and friendship. These two amazing people are more incredible than words can describe and they have an even more extraordinary story to share.

Shannon and Chris are parents to three children. Two here on Earth, Ethan and Sydney and one in heaven, Sean. This is their story of love, loss and mercy. 

On November 13, 2014 Shannon went in to the hospital for contractions. She was 38 weeks pregnant but was sent home thinking everything was good with her and her soon to be born son. The next day Shannon and Chris were walking around the store and when she came home to relax and take a bath, she noticed Sean wasn't moving. At the time they had an at home fetal monitor that they used frequently and when they tried to find Sean's heartbeat... it was beating extremely slow. So slow that they panicked, knowing that something was not right, they called the doctor and rushed back to the hospital.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, the nurse couldn't find a heartbeat. They sent for Shannon's doctor to bring the ultrasound machine to examen Sean more closely. When they came in with the machine, he turned it around and showed Shannon, Chris and their oldest son, Ethan, where Sean's heart had stopped. They were completely devastated. Sean was delivered via C-section on November 15, 2014. 

Shannon and Chris agreed to allow a photographer take pictures of their family with Sean before he was taken away. This is one of the beautiful pictures they have allowed me to share. This beautiful baby boy looks as if he were just sleeping. In one day they went from joyously waiting for their baby to be born to learning that he had become an angel with no warning. Everyone was able to spend some time with Sean and I am sure these photos are worth more to this family than any material item they own. 

Here for a Moment. Felt for a Lifetime. No truer words can be said. Shannon, Chris and their son Ethan have endured a terrible loss. One that was completely unexpected. Their family's world was turned upside down, yet their love for each other and the love they had for people around them became stronger than the pain in their suffering and grieving. This does not mean they overcame their loss, in fact, it's quite the opposite. They still grieve and their hearts still ache for their child. But they did not give up hope or love.

A few months after their enormous loss, they found that God had blessed them with another pregnancy. I could not imagine the mix of emotions that poured from them during this time; Anxiety, happiness, fear and confusion. A child that is conceived after a loss is called a Rainbow Baby. A beautiful and bright rainbow follows a storm and is a sign of hope. They embraced this pregnancy with grace and they prayed fervently and they gave birth to a happy, healthy baby girl. She was born November 24, 2015. 

If you looked at the time frame than you can see that their miracle baby was born only nine days after the first anniversary of Sean's passing. Although there were still tears, heartache and pain, Shannon and Chris thought that a great way to honor Sean would be to bless another family. This was the beginning of the Angel Baskets.

"In honor of Sean's first birthday this year we put together a gift basket and dropped it off at the hospital where we had him to be given to the first family whose baby is born near the time Sean was born (November 15th at 11:26 am) we didn't realize how hard it would be to have to go back up there after all this time but we hope this basket is a blessing to someone's little angel like Sean was to us:)" --Shannon Boswell

How many of us can say that in times of suffering that we think of others? I can honestly say that I have not. I often allow my sufferings to control myself and the way I live my life. I think that this act of pure love is something that we all can learn something from. Let's all take a look into our lives and realize that we need to take care of each other, no matter the circumstances. 

Thank you Shannon and Chris for allowing me to share your truly amazing story with the world. I hope that anyone reading this that has suffered loss in similiar ways will be touched by your story and know that they are not alone in their pain and sufferings.

Today is November 15, 2016. Today is the second anniversary of Sean's passing and there is already an Angel Basket ready to be given to a family in Sean's honor. 

This post is in honor of Sean Boswell. Here for a Moment. Felt for a Lifetime. Would you honor this amazing family today by lighting a candle in their son's honor? Please keep them in your prayers today as I am sure it will be a hard one. 

Menu Plan Monday: November 14- November 20

I have been attempting to get back onto the fitness train lately for No Excuses November and although it has been a struggle, I have managed to complete a water challenge with my husband so far. Now I am rearranging my schedule to get my workouts in before my day has actually started so say a few prayers I can get my body into a new routine with as little issue as possible. I am starting my Thanksgiving Planning too..especially since I have a Friendsgiving to go to this weekend! What are you making for Thanksgiving? Here's my post for Menu Plan Monday: 

Monday:

Pizza 

Tuesday:

Leftovers or Turkey Hot Dogs (Daddy is cooking)

Wednesday:

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Thursday:

Boys will Eat at Cub Scouts Meeting, Leftover Soup and Salad for me!

Friday:

Turkey Burgers (Special Request by Hubby)

Saturday:

Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans and Cranberries

Sunday: Friendsgiving!

We will be enjoying a Friendsgiving Celebration tonight and will be potluck so I will share recipes, pictures and more on this fun event later in the week!

As I promised in an earlier post, I will start to share some of the recipes I'll be using here so you can give them a try. If there are recipes you have seen throughout my Menu Plan Monday posts you would like recipes, pictures or maybe some ways to modify to fit your diet or time constrictions, please let me know! I am always up for a challenge and I love to share. This week I decided to share my recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup. I am warning you that I use this recipe most often when I find I have lots of canned items in the household so it is super simple to make. With the cool weather turning cold and snow right around the corner I will be preparing many hearty but healthy meals like this one. 

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe:

1 lb Grilled Chicken (diced)

2 (15 oz) Cans of Corn

2 (15 oz) Cans of Black Beans

1 (15 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes

1 Green Pepper (diced)

1 Onion (diced)

1 (20 oz) Container of Chicken Broth

1/8 Cup Lime Juice

Cumin, cilantro, garlic salt and pepper to taste 

Crushed Tortilla Chips (garnish)

Garnishes (optional)

Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt

Avocado

Shredded Cheese

To start, Grill approximately 1 lb. of chicken. You can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned chunk chicken (I have made this recipe with all three). Drain and Rinse the cans of Black Beans. Dump all ingredients into the crockpot except the crushed tortilla chips. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high 2-4 hours. When you serve this soup you can either place the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the bowl and pour soup over it or sprinkle it on top with any of the other listed garnishments. 

Enjoy!

How to Prepare for a Holy Advent Series: Part 2

Prayers and Devotions are very important to a Holy Advent Season. Neither have to be extremely long or tedious just something that you do each day to help you grow in Faith. This particular post is going to focus more on an adult version of Advent. Don't get me wrong, I fully participate in all the kids activities I discussed in How to Prepare for a Holy Advent Series: Part 1 because I love arts and crafts, and all the fun you are allowed to have as a child, but you also need the prayers, readings, devotions and the other deeply intriguing parts to even you out as an adult. Most of the topics here can also be modified to be more easily understood for children too. So take what you like, modify it or share it with your friends and family. I would love to see how this information was used to help bring a meaningful Advent to you and those you love. Let's get started!

This post may contain affiliate links. I would make a small commission if you click the link and choose to purchase something. There is no increased cost to you and All opinions here are mine. I greatly appreciate your support!

Prayers:

Prayers are so important to incorporate into your Advent Activities. Most of these prayers are copyrighted so I will link to the sites that offer the prayers on their sites. Some of the websites even include an option to print the prayers for your own person use. I would encourage you to create a notebook with prayers like these to have on hand and easily accessible when they are needed.

Blessing of the Advent Wreath:

Advent Wreath Prayers for each week:

Jesse Tree Blessing

Blessing of the Nativity

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena:

**To be said 15 times a day from November 30th to Christmas Eve**

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

Blessing of Candy Canes on Feast of Saint Nicholas

Blessing of the Family Christmas Tree

Blessing the Christmas Ornaments

Advent Prayer Packet:

Free Download and Resource from Loyola Press

O Antiphon Prayers:

The O Antiphons are a special and ancient part of our liturgy. I am dedicating the third part of my Advent Series because there is so much wonderful information to share and activities that can be done to make these days the most memorable, especially as these days lead up to Christmas Eve. These night celebrate the special names given to Our Lord by prophets.

December 17

O Wisdom of our God Most High,

guiding creation with power and love:

come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18

O Leader of the House of Israel,

giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:

come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19

O Root of Jesse’s stem,

sign of God’s love for all his people:

come to save us without delay!

December 20

O Key of David,

opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:

come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the

shadow of death.

December 22

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:

come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:

come to save us, Lord our God!

I suggest that you sign up for Novena reminders through Pray More Novenas. They will send reminders to you directly via email so you never forget when a Novena and other prayers start. I use the resource and love it.

Devotions:

Devotion is a fancy word for love. Love is the key to everything in our Catholic faith. Find some devotions, or loves, that bring you closer to Christ. This can be anything to 5 minutes of time for you to doodle in your prayer journal, to reading devotional books or anything that allows you to fully dedicate yourself to time with you and Christ. I am going to list a few devotionals I think are worth looking into and you can choose what works best for you!

Photo Challenge by The Zelie Group:

This is a Photo-a-day Challenge I am helping to host with The Zelie Group. Take a picture and share it with us each day throughout Advent and share what makes it special or meaningful to you. I am excited to be a part of this devotion and I can't wait to see what beautiful pictures are shared.

There is another Photo Challenge by I Love my Shepherd as well. Check out their post and follow their link to the PDF they created for Advent 2016.

Advent Devotions for Busy Families

2016 Magnificat Advent Companion

A Catholic Family Advent: Prayers and Activities

Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta

I am super excited to be using this devotional throughout this upcoming Advent. I received it in my Little Catholic Box subscription and it's sitting on our home altar just waiting for me to open it up November 27th.

Daily Advent Devotional for Women by the Littlest Way

This is a FREE email subscription devotional and I just registered to complete this devotional along with several others with my family. Sign up so you have an extra option for Advent.

By the Manager in the Morning Advent 2016 by Blessed is She

Devotionals are some of my favorite things to do during periods of greater prayer. They are very insightful and can help focus your intentions and grow your faith. If none of the devotionals above caught your eye, you could always do a scriptural devotion in your prayer journal too. I like to do both because doodling and writing are some of my favorite activities but I also enjoy reading. With so many different options, you can find something that will work for you!

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Advent and bring back the spark you had as a child? Checkout these very Grown-Up Advent Calendars. I think one of these would be a perfect Advent present for someone you want to include in the festivities that may not always join in the fun normally.

Music:

Advent music is COMPLETELY different from Christmas Music. The sounds of Advent are suppose to increase our anticipation of the joyous Christmas season. Here is a short (10 song) list that you should take a listen to during Advent to help set the mood in your household. Most people aren't aware that there are different types of Music for this season and I'll be honest, I listen to Christmas Carols and Christmas music during Advent sometimes too. It's just one of those things that is hard to not do during Advent. Well here is a short Advent play list for you. There are several different versions of each song so take a look and choose your favorites! Any song that Celine Dion has sung is my favorite (Ave Maria makes me tear up every time I listen to it). Tell me what songs do you listen to in this time of waiting? Or are you like me and struggle with holding back on the Christmas Music too?

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Come Divine Messiah

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Ave Maria

Come Thou Fount

Every Valley Shall Be Exalted

Lo! How A Rose E’er Blooming

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent

My Soul Rejoices

Come and Reign

In the third part of this Advent Series, I will be taking a closer look into the O Antiphons. I will discuss what they are, fun ways to celebrate, traditions and some crafts. I'll include some great family movies and books that you should checkout this Advent too. The final portion of this Advent series will include an Advent Bucket List that can correspond with specific days throughout Advent or you can just use it as a list to help you fully enjoy the season. I will also include a Christmas Shopping Guide. Is there anything you would like to see added before this series is complete? I am already working on some Christmas posts as well.

God Bless!