Today, July 27^th, is grandson Ryan’s second birthday. Three little boys in our church share this date: Austin turns 3, Ryan turns 2, and niece Emma and Menno’s son Menno Ray turns 1. Happy birthday to the three little boys.

On Friday night, daughter Verena had a dozen friends at daughter Susan’s house for a hot dog roast, and they all brought snacks. It was nice for Verena to have a night with her friends. She has dedicated a lot of her time to be there for daughter Susan and children. May God bless her for thoughtfulness. It makes me feel better to know someone is there with Susan and her sweet little ones. Jennifer and Ryan think the world of their Aunt Verena.

On Saturday, son Joseph turned 19, so we decided to have our family come home for supper in honor of his birthday. Those here for a supper of pizza, wings, and ice cream cake were daughter Elizabeth, Tim, and children, daughter Susan and children, daughter Verena, and Dustin, Daniel, and Grace (Loretta, Lovina, and Joseph’s special friends). It was a nice evening to sit out on the porch. Tim and Elizabeth had everything done for church services at their place, so it was nice for them to leave and come for supper. Joe and I helped them with last-minute jobs on Saturday.

They had a tent up to have church services in. Quite a few visitors were there, so the tent was filled quite full. It was a nice day, but warm. I had made 24 gallons of iced tea from the spearmint and peppermint from our garden. Also on the menu for lunch was homemade wheat and white bread, ham, cheese, peanut butter spread, pickles, red beets, grape jelly, butter, and lettuce (I had enough from my garden to take), as well as cookies, coffee, and iced tea. Noodles were made for the younger children.

After church services the bishop announced the wedding dates of two girls in our church. Mary and Danny chose September 24 for their wedding date, and daughter Loretta and Dustin chose October 1st for their wedding. Congratulations to both couples! It’s always sad to me when another one leaves home, but I am happy for them, and I feel as if I’m gaining a son, not losing a daughter. Dustin is a very nice young man and so helpful with Loretta and her handicap. May God be their guide as they begin their life together.

It has been five years since we prepared for our last wedding (daughter Susan and Mose’s). I am sure it won’t be an easy day for Susan. I do admit that I still get nervous thinking of all that needs to be prepared for the wedding, so I try to just think it will all get done.

Elizabeth and Tim had well over 100 people back for Sunday supper. Joe helped Tim grill 50 pounds of chicken, and Elizabeth had made four roasters of ranch potatoes the day before. Along with that, there were salads and desserts brought in.

Today daughter Lovina, son Kevin, and I picked our green beans. We had three big tubs full, so Loretta and Lovina washed them all and we bagged them for the freezer. We will use them for the wedding. Hopefully I’ll get another good picking to use for the wedding.

I have our clothes all cut out and have started on my sewing for the wedding. My plan was to be done already, but it seems one day after another slips by. Tomorrow my five daughters, son Kevin, my five grandchildren, and I are going to the zoo. Susan wanted to do this for Ryan’s birthday. If I would look on time I wouldn’t go, but we need to sometimes stop and enjoy a day with our loved ones. I am sure the little children will enjoy seeing all the animals.

Take care and God’s blessings to all!

Cheesy Carrots

6 cups carrots, partially cooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Layer carrots and cheese in a 2-quart casserole. In medium saucepan, melt butter and add spices. Whisk milk and flour together and add to butter, stirring constantly until thickened. Pour over carrots. Sprinkle with the crumbs and drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Yield: 6 servings.

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. Readers can write to Eicher at PO Box 1689, South Holland, IL 60473 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email LovinasAmishKitchen@MennoMedia.org and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.