Life as Mrs. Emerson

When I originally started working on this project I told Evangeline I was going to make her a poncho.  She let me know that she didn't have any desire for a poncho.  (That's exactly what every seamstress wants to hear halfway through a project!  Guess I've still got some work to do with those manners.)  I decided to call this project a cape and she was elated!  Kids can be so funny!  Evangeline loves watching me sew when she isn't busy working on her own art projects.  It's been a while since I actually sewed a pattern that involved fleece fabric! I picked up this adorable fleece fabric from JoAnn Fabrics last spring along with Simplicity Pattern 8524 (D0852). The pattern includes some great tips for sewing with fleece so be sure to read those if you end up making this pattern.  I did use a ball point needle and tried out some new zig-zag stitches on my Babylock.  I ended up using stitch #9 on my Babylock Soprano which worked like a dream.    Design and

Ah May Reads.  Two thumbs up for summer reading.  Our library actually pays adults in library cash to read.  Translation: If I spend lots of time reading this summer I won't actually have to use real American currency to pay those pesky library finds.  If I actually return my books on time (I usually don't) then I can spend it all at the used book sale.  It's a fabulous win win either way.  Here's a look at what I read in the month of May.   The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie: I have enjoyed listening to Sarah Mackenzie's podcast "The Read Aloud Revival" for years.  When I found out she was writing a book on reading aloud to your children I jumped at the chance to read it.  I loved this book.  Mackenzie's book was such an encouragement and just a plain delight to read.  Not only does reading aloud have the power to change your family, but it also has the power to change the world.  Reading remains a high priority in our family and I hope to

I'm finally posting my February Reads which means that spring is just around the corner!  Hooray!  Is anyone else already dreaming of summer vacation?  I've caught myself more than once dreaming about reading curled up in a comfy chair and reading in our backyard.   Make it Happen by Lara Casey: This book escaped my picture but it was delightful.  I loved the sweet insights into Casey's life.  Her testimony is a beautiful example of the Lord's grace as she sings His praises throughout each chapter.  I have been following her Instagram account for a while and began using her Power Sheets last summer.  I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.   Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education by Susan Wise Bauer:    I absolutely loved Bauer's advice on taking control of your child's K-12 experience.  She advocates learning to flex the system so that it fits your child vs. the other way around.  In this book the autho

I ended up reading 5 personal books in January and they were all pretty good.  I'm really thankful after last months reading!  Looks like I'm on track to hit my goal of 52 books this year.  We also finished up two children's books.  Although it wasn't intentional, I am glad to see a little more variety in the books that I read this month.  Last month almost everything I read was fiction.   All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: This book contained two parallel stories set during World War II.  A bright, young orphan boy named Werner lives in Nazi Germany when he becomes spellbound by a nightly science program broadcast from France.  Mari-Laure is a clever girl who lives in Paris, France with her locksmith father who works in an art museum.  When she goes blind her father builds her a detailed miniature model of their neighborhood.  Germans invade and Marie-Laure and her father must flee to the town of Saint-Malo to live with her great uncle.  For the most pa

While I usually make it a point to read books of different genres that didn't really happen this month. It was almost straight fiction.  Should I blame it on the road trips or poor planning?  Most of these are light fiction reads that I read as we traveled this month.   December Reads  The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen:   This is the second book in the Tales from Ivy Hill  series.  Since I read the first book,  The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill last month, I had high expectations for this book.  The first book in the series was quite the page turner and I definitely stayed up past bedtime to finish it!  The story line continues in this second book where the reader learns more about Miss Rachel Ashford.  She opens a circulating library to help alleviate her difficult financial circumstances after her father's passing.  Along the way Miss Ashford discovers a number of mysteries as she deals with her own complicated friendships.  The second book moved a little too slow for