Sparkle Stories Blog

In this *Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar* story, "Christmas Morning - Advent Memories," brother and sister lay in bed early Christmas morning and wait until it is time to go downstairs. As they wait, they chat quietly about the 24 days that have led to this morning...

In this *Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar* Day 4 story, "The Advent Table," Martin and Sylvia’s family creates an Advent Table each year to celebrate the season. This year, they get to go on an Advent hunt for something special to add to the decorations.

Oh, how Martin and Sylvia love to pull out the Christmas books each December! This year they enjoy a little something new. Pulling out all the holiday books is one of the highlights of early December in our house. Here are some fun book related activities to try today.

In *Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar* Day 6 story, "The Bakers," Martin and Sylvia aren’t sure this 6th day of Advent is going to be so magical — they are just running errands with Daddy. But when they get to the bakery, they get a surprise invitation that turns their afternoon into sweet fun!

In this *Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar* Day 8 story, "The Elf," it is the day that Martin and Sylvia’s family decorates their Christmas Tree. And what is that hidden in the branches?

In this *Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar* story,"The Warmth of Wool," what do Christmas Angels and sheep have in common? Find out today in Martin & Sylvia’s Advent adventure to the Brown’s farm!

Valentine's Day is almost here, Sparklers, and in accordance with your requests, we've made some very cute Valentine's Day cards for you to print out. Instead of candy or chocolate or disposable gifts, spread the love with an hour of FREE stories!

Learn how to make your own Indigo Dyed Napkins from the By Thistle By Thimble story, "Purple" with this tutorial.

You can use sponges to grow sprout inside as a quick, easy way to get fresh micro-greens with almost no space. Designing and building little sponge sprout houses for them is a fun way to get the kiddos involved and excited, too!

This week's craft is a super simple pillowcase. If you have an older child learning to sew, this would be a great starter project. For younger kids, you'll probably have to make it for them, but my kids really loved going to the fabric store and getting to choose their own patterns and prints.