Category Archives: Casseroles

Lovina Explains the Process for Butchering Pigs

Today is granddaughter Andrea’s (Tim and Elizabeth’s) first birthday. Friday evening, we will go to Tim and Elizabeth’s for supper in honor of her birthday. She has the biggest eyes and the sweetest smile. Tim came tonight to pick up their lard press which we used last Saturday when we butchered pigs. He brought along grandson … Continue Reading ››

A Day in the Life with Lovina and Her Family

Diary of February 7th 4:00 a.m. The alarm rings, and it’s time to start another day. Dustin, Loretta, and Denzel, seven months, come over. Loretta and Denzel lay on the recliner to take a nap since it’s still so early. Dustin leaves for work. Loretta has another appointment with the doctor tomorrow. They want to see if … Continue Reading ››

Lovina Mourns the Loss of Loved Ones

Friday, January 31, is a day that brings sad memories to our family. Two years ago, sister Susan died at age 44; five years ago, brother Amos died at age 56. Both were still so young and are still greatly missed. Joe and I, daughter Verena, daughter Loretta, Dustin, and baby Denzel started out with Heather … Continue Reading ››

Lovina Shares More from Susan and Ervin’s Wedding

A brand new year lies before us—2023. What does it hold in store for us? Do we thank God enough for all the many blessings he sends to us? This is now 11 days since the wedding of daughter Susan and Ervin. The five children are enjoying living together in one house. It’s like having their … Continue Reading ››

Cherishing Time and Memories of Loved Ones

It’s 5 a.m., and the temperature is 39 degrees. Yesterday we had a cold, rainy autumn day. We also had a few snow flurries and a little ice this week. Old Man Winter is just around the corner, it seems. Our tomato and pepper plants still didn’t get a killing frost, so we are still … Continue Reading ››

Celebrating More Summer Birthdays & Anniversaries

On July 15 our family all gathered here for supper in honor of our 29th anniversary. (July 15 is also brother Albert’s 58th birthday.) A delicious supper was made on the grill, including banana poppers, wings, and chicken. Daughter Liz and Tim brought a nice, decorated cake. Abigail, 5, was so excited to give us … Continue Reading ››

Daugher Lovina’s 18th Birthday & Hosting Church

Today—May 18—is daughter Lovina’s 18th birthday. Lovina was born soon after we moved to Michigan. It’s hard to believe it’s been 18 years. She has grown into a lovely young lady with a great sense of humor. Her special friend Daniel is an important part of her life and she has enjoyed his friendship for … Continue Reading ››

Spring Cleaning and Tending to the Garden

We are into the first week of May. The grass is growing fast with all the rain April brought us. We need to buy a new mower. Ours last year was getting repaired constantly. I couldn’t believe what new ones are selling for now. It seems like one thing or another is giving up or … Continue Reading ››

Caring for each other when family members are ill

The menfolk just left for work so I decided to write this column while all is quiet. Dustin and daughter Loretta and daughters Verena and Susan and grandchildren Jennifer and Ryan spent the night here. Loretta wasn’t feeling the best last night, so they decided to stay. I’ll try to be a nurse to her. Jennifer … Continue Reading ››

Daughter Lovina takes a turn at writing

Dear readers, I’m Lovina’s youngest daughter (also Lovina). I feel very privileged to share the same name as my mom. I’m proud of how far she has come in life and hope to maybe write a newspaper column someday like she does. It’s a lot different being the only girl living at home right now. I like … Continue Reading ››