Daughter Verena will be 26 on December 10. Grandson Timothy (T.J.) will be five on December 17, granddaughter Allison will be four on December 27, and my husband Joe will be 55 on December 22. Happy birthday to all of them!

Church services will be held here in three weeks on December 24. There is so much to do yet. As the children leave home and have their own work to do, it seems like it gets busier and harder for this “Grandma” to keep up. It doesn’t help that it is also the holiday season with many gatherings.

Church services will be held here with a potluck meal to follow, Lord willing. Then on Christmas Day, our family all plans to be here for our family Christmas. So, with cleaning and shopping, we will be kept busy.

Let us not forget the reason for the season. Let us take time to reflect and be thankful for all our blessings.

Friday was the Christmas dinner for the metal shop where my husband Joe has worked these past three years.

A co-worker and his wife picked Joe and me up around 11:45 a.m. When we arrived, they started the ping pong tournaments for the workers. After that, they had cornhole tournaments as well. Tables of good food were there to snack on all afternoon. There were barbequed wings, jalapeño poppers, clementines, summer sausage, cheese, crackers, a variety of homemade candy, Rice Krispie treats, lots of other candy, and other options. And to drink, there was coffee, pop, water, tea, juice.

At around 4 p.m., we saw a show by Jasen Magic. He was quite a good entertainer, and it was probably different for him to entertain in an Amish home for mostly Amish people. He had us all laughing at his many tricks; he is a great comedian as well.

After the show, we were served a very delicious supper consisting of mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, mixed vegetables, meatballs, ham, homemade bread and butter, and a variety of pies and ice cream. It was all very good!

The owner Daniel presented all the workers with gifts and a speech. We appreciated the hospitality we received.

After supper, the cornhole games continued among other games.

Joe and I arrived home after 9:30 p.m.

To all you readers that sent names for our colt, we finally decided on a name. We picked the name Jett. Thank you for all your suggestions. It was a hard decision between Sarge, Major, and Thunder. We hope we will have Jett here on the farm many years. He will be six months old in a few weeks and will be weaned from his mother Midnight.

Son Benjamin is driving his two-year-old in the buggy for short rides now. He named her Star. She has done really well so far. His buggy is ready now at the repair shop from his accident. He has another checkup Wednesday.

Baby Ervin is three weeks old and over eight pounds. He is doing well. Before he was born, Kaitlyn and Jennifer were saying they wanted a girl because they already have three boys. I knew it was going to be a boy, so I asked them if I could have it if it was a boy. They said, “Oh no, we still want him, but we would rather have a girl.” I think now they don’t even mind what it is. They just enjoy him so much already. They’re such good little helpers.

Our hearts are sad as we received word that my cousin Joey, age 67, passed away. Also, what a shock to hear of the death of Susan, an old friend from years ago. She was only 54. Our sympathy to both families as they mourn their loved ones. May God comfort them. God’s blessings to all!

Butterfingers
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white syrup
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
4 cups slightly crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 250 degrees. In a heavy saucepan combine sugar and syrup. Place over heat; stir constantly until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Turn off heat; stir in peanut butter. Add cornflakes; blend thoroughly. Press mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Bake until marshmallows and chocolate chips soften. Remove from oven; swirl marshmallows and chocolate chips; let cool. Cut into 3/4 by 2-inch strips.

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.