Because children are so visual, we try to surround them with the kind of images that will enrich and inspire their imaginations. And hopefully, open them to the grace that alone can lift them up to become all they were created to be.
Plenty has been said about filling our homes with "loveliness" and pointing our children toward true beauty, so I need not chime in with my own version here. I'll just say, "Ditto" to all that.
Here I simply want to share a few of our favorite things, like this porcelain Jesus and children (that I found at a discount store for under $20! You never know what you might find during the holidays, and you've got to seize the moment!). My photo leaves much to be desired, but you can see why this would attract the attention of the littles. The faces are very nice. Isn't that the first thing you look at before you purchase a statue or a picture?
Last year, I also purchased this statue of the Divine Child, 
simply because the beautiful face drew me in and I hoped that it would affect my family in the same way. I did not know until recently that this is a replica of the miraculous statue in Bogota that turned to Mother Angelica and asked her to "build a temple" for Him.
This statue is always on our family altar - during Ordinary Time, He reminds us of His simplicity and littleness; during the weeks of Christmastime, He seems to remind us that He was born because He loves us; during Lent, we are reminded that even as a child, His love impelled Him toward the cross for us; in the weeks following Easter, we look on Him risen and glorified, yet still willing to become small for us. So that we are not afraid to draw near to Him.
It is this statue that I had in front of my mind when we composed this song, which we sing every morning before breakfast:
Jesus, Jesus, come to me;
all my longing is for Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, come and stay;
use me as You want today.
Jesus, Jesus, I love You
and I know You love me too.
Jesus, though my heart is small,
help me bring Your love to all.
Jesus, while I work or play,
help me always to obey.
Jesus, Brother, Lord, and Friend,
help me be good to the end.
Dad likes to sing extra loud on the words "to obey" and "be good," which gets all the kids grinning for some reason...
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