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 and Family Enjoy Another Christmas Gathering

January 24! First of all, happy birthday wishes to sister Liz, who turns 54 today, and also to daughter Susan, who shares the same birthday. She turns 27 today. It’s unbelievable that our secondborn is that old already. A lot has happened in her young life, but with God’s help she was able to go … Continue Reading ››

Lovina and Family Celebrate a Late Christmas

On January 14 we had our family home for a late Christmas. With the preparations of daughter Susan and Ervin’s wedding, we decided to wait until later. We told everyone to be here around 9:30 a.m. for a brunch. Our brunch was simple but still good. We had a breakfast casserole made from eggs, potatoes, bacon, … 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 ››

Daughter Susan and Ervin Get Married

I am Lovina’s “English” friend Ruth, and I had the opportunity to help Lovina the week of Susan and Ervin’s wedding by taking photos of the wedding prep, running a few last-minute errands, and also attending the wedding on Friday, December 30. Typically, Amish weddings are held in the shed (pole barn) of the bride’s … Continue Reading ››

Daughter Lovina Shares Humor and Fond Memories

Dear Readers, I hope everyone is doing great! This is daughter Lovina, and I decided to write for Mom again. It’s a cold Tuesday night here. My brother Ben is grilling ribs for supper. Dad, Mom, and my brother Joseph are in the shed making deer jerky, and my brother Kevin is sitting across the table telling … Continue Reading ››

Lovina Shares Four Snack Recipes

This week I will share some recipes. Everything is extra busy with preparations for the wedding of daughter Susan and Ervin. Plus, it’s right around the holidays. Our church district will have services on Christmas Day and a potluck afterward. It is always a nice time to have fellowship with the church family. [caption id="attachment_2565" align="aligncenter" … Continue Reading ››

Daughter Verena Reflects on Life’s Transitions

Hello! I am Lovina’s daughter Verena. Today (December 10), I turn 25 years old. I used to think a birthday was just another day and another year older. Which is true! But after losing three loved ones within a year, I look at birthdays a little differently. Now I believe that every birthday should be … Continue Reading ››

Continuing Preparations for Ervin and Susan’s Wedding

The menfolk have left for work, and I need to pen this column before getting started for the day. On my agenda today is to cut out my dress, cape, apron, and also daughter Lovina’s for the wedding. Ervin and Susan’s wedding is in three weeks, and it seems I keep pushing the sewing off. Last … Continue Reading ››

A Full House for a Happy Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday. We hosted a dinner here for our family, sister Emma’s family, and sister Verena. We are a total of 39 now. The table was set for 36 people. Andrea, 9 months, was in the highchair. Denzel, 4 months, was in a seat, and baby Jazlyn, 3 1/2 weeks, … Continue Reading ››