We have entered the first week of February, though it would be hard to tell by the weather. Yesterday was sunny and 50 degrees. I hung all the laundry out to dry, and most of it could be folded and put away the same day.

Happy birthday to Grace (son Joseph’s special friend). Her birthday is today (February 6). Yesterday would’ve been son-in-law Mose’s birthday. Rest in peace Mose. We will forever treasure the memories we have of you. Gone but never forgotten.

Sister Verena is back home after staying a month with sister Emma and sons. Daughters Verena and Lovina took advantage of the nice weather and went to Verena’s house to visit with her awhile.

After they came back home, the girls made a taco supper. We usually have Doritos, taco hamburger, tortilla soft shells, lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, sweet onions, salsa, and ranch dressing for a taco meal. It’s easy and always a favorite meal here in our household.

This morning, daughter Verena left to go help daughter Susan clean out cabinets. She will stay there until later tonight. Ervin and Susan will attend the parent/teacher meeting at Kaitlyn’s school. Verena will stay with their children while they attend the meeting.

Saturday, we had a nice surprise when my friend Ruth stopped in for a short visit. It’s been a while since I had seen her, so it was nice catching up with her. Ruth and her husband Jim keep busy with their family, and time has a way of slipping by.

I am holding 6-month-old Byron (daughter Loretta and Dustin’s son) as I write this. He is getting tired and ready for a nap. He sure can chatter already. Denzel, 18 months, is trying to talk to him, but it’s actually annoying Byron more than helping. These two little boys will be playing together before we know it in the next year or so. Or maybe I should say getting into trouble together. They are a joy to have around. Denzel has this habit of throwing the plate on the floor when he gets done with his plate of food (when sitting in the highchair). So of course, all the leftover food he has spreads all over. We need to find him a plate that suctions to the highchair tray. Never a dull moment with him around. Haha!

Sons Benjamin and Joseph worked until dark last night. Benjamin was cleaning out horse stalls and Joseph was putting up the purlins on our new pole barn roof. It is now ready for the roof metal, which should arrive this week from the metal/truss shop that Joe works at.

Last week, the shop had a great turnout at the customer appreciation dinner. There was hardly ever a break in the line of people coming through the food line from 3–7 p.m. Hundreds of people came to this event. We served grilled pork burgers and chicken patty sandwiches, pork and beans, french fries, ice cream, fry pies (strawberry, cherry, apple, black raspberry, and peach), coffee, and lemonade. It was all delicious! Joe and I arrived back home around 8:30 p.m.

Granddaughter Andrea has a small fracture in her foot. She jumped off a piece of furniture she had crawled on and injured it. It’s hard to keep active little children from climbing. The doctor put a wrap on it and said to limit activity but that is hard to do for a two-year-old. She will be two next week. Until next week… God bless!

Cinnamon Roll Bites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon roll bites.

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.