Runaway Saint

I read most of this book, Runaway Saint by Lisa Samson, last night.  It tells the story of Sara and her family.  Sara lives in Baltimore with her husband Finn.  Her mom lives outside of Baltimore in a tent on an organic farm.  Sara's dad lives nearby in a house he built himself.  Without notice, her Aunt Bel shows up after a twenty year absence.  This is a story about spiritual journeys and the complexities of family.  A well written story with very human but likable characters.

Wonder

I finished reading Wonder by R. J. Palacio this weekend.  This is a novel written for children but would be worth reading if you are an educator or parent.  If I had fourth, fifth, or sixth grade students, I would consider reading it to them.  The story is of a boy named August "Auggie" Pullman.  He has a seriously deformed face and has always been homeschooled.  This is the story of Auggie's year as a fifth grade student in a school.  I liked how Palacio tells the story from the perspective of different characters, not just Auggie.  A well told story that kept me reading. I recommend you pick up to read, either by yourself or with your child. 

weekend sewing

Sewing for me is often reserved for weekends because I have bigger chunks of time to work on projects.  Here is a pot holder I made for a bridal shower I went to on Saturday afternoon.  It doesn't take long to make one of these and it makes the gift unique.

A few simple bags I will use as gifts.  Sometimes when I am giving a bag like this as a gift, I make several so the recipient can choose the one that she likes best.  I have been making these kinds of bags for at least three years and like how quickly they go together. 

And the binding I put on a coworker's king sized quilt.  She doesn't like binding and I don't mind it.  This is the third quilt I have done the binding on in exchange for home cooked meals.  Binding a king sized quilt is a bit different than most of the ones that I make for myself.  King sized quilts are just so BIG.  I haven't ever made anything of that size and have no plans to do so anytime soon. 

reading aloud

Reading aloud to children may be the best investment you can make in a child's education.  This link reminds us why it is important to read aloud.  Over the weekend, I was babysitting some of my nieces and nephews.  They can read themselves, but still enjoyed the time that I spent reading to them.  If you aren't in the habit of reading to your children, start today.  Need some book ideas?  Go to the library and look for some of your favorites from when you were a child.  If you are on Goodreads, you can also peruse the children's book section for ideas.  My guess is once you start looking, you will be amazed at the variety of children's books out there.