My name is Angie, and I have been married to the love of my life, Larry, since 1995. We have six adorable children: five boys and one girl. I have always stayed at home full time while Larry goes out into the world to earn a living for us serving as a Lutheran pastor. Except for a few months at a Lutheran day school, we’ve always homeschooled the kids.
I am an avid seamstress, mainly sewing for myself and the children but also for Larry and our home. At times I have sewn for hire, mostly costumes for our dance studio.
I enjoy baking, especially chocolate treats and cheesecakes but also yeast breads. I’m not so crazy about cooking dinner although I do enjoy trying new recipes from time to time. Cooking for small children tends to stifle my creativity, though, since they prefer to eat the same thing day after day after day. . .
I have a B.A. in English, with a focus on children’s literature. I had considered getting my Masters in Library Science, but Larry’s proposal was a better offer. I don’t read nearly as much as I once did; I’m not sure whether to blame that on less free time or fewer brain cells. So I mostly read practical books these days, dealing with homeschooling or parenting or sewing. . .or new chocolate recipes.
If you’re curious about the name of my blog, it’s simply a nod to spending most of my energy trying to raise five sons (and a husband) who simply won’t grow up, in spite of my best efforts! 
hi,
i came across your blog upon doing a search on ottobre. i hv a 6 months old son and 21 months old daughter. i am finding it hard to decide which ottobre would be best. i want to find an issue that will hv some boys clothing too.
is owning a serger important for otto patterns? what are good past issues?for the women clothing issue, do you think it will be ok for a petite?
thanks, you can reply me to my email.
Hi Angie
You have a wonderfull family!
I liked reading your blog.
I wish you and your loved ones all the best.
Kind regards,
Lucia
The Netherlands, Europe
Hello,
I came across your website looking for a skirt pattern. I’m due in about 4 weeks and I’d like to wear something different than a hospital gown. I’m not an expert by any means, but I do like trying new things.
By the way, I also LOVED your daughter’s first cross stich project! Do you have a pattern for that? My 6 1/2 really wants to learn how to sew and I want to take advantage of that to teach her as much as I can.
Thanks for your help! What a lovely family you have, God bless!
—Jacqui
Jacqui,
Thank you so much! The project was from the second book in the Winky Cherry series published by Palmer & Pletsch. We only have the first two books but she has enjoyed making projects from both of them.
God’s blessings on your impending arrival!
~Angie