I can’t believe it’s already time to pen another column. These weeks fly by much faster than I like. Today was Monday and of course laundry day around here. Daughters Verena, Loretta (and children) and Lovina (and 10-month-old Brooklyn) came over, and I made grilled cheese with homemade bread for whomever wanted something to eat. I went down to the basement to start the laundry, and the girls sat outside with the children.

We filled the little kiddie pool for the children. They enjoyed it and were really relaxed afterward. Kylie fell asleep on Verena, and Byron looked like it wouldn’t take long for him to fall asleep. Denzel kept sitting in the pool playing with toys. How entertained he was pouring water from one small bucket to another. He loves to talk out loud when he plays, which is okay until he wants to do it during church services. He doesn’t get the concept of how to whisper yet!

Church services were hosted at son Joseph and Grace’s house yesterday. They were under a tent. Our whole family attended. I had quite a few of the grandchildren come sit with me. It is funny how thirsty they get when they can go get a drink from the water cooler during the service. Byron would always say, “Grandma, me come back.”

Halfway through, snacks are passed around for the younger children. This is the highlight of their day. They’re usually handed to the first bench and then everyone passes them back. We were the second to the last bench and Byron never lost sight of them. Their mothers give them a sandwich baggie and they can put their cookies, crackers, pretzels or whatever snacks there are in it. They’re usually content after their little tummies are full.

We were served a delicious lunch consisting of homemade wheat and white bread, ham, cheese, egg salad, pickles, peanut butter spread, red beets, hot peppers, butter, jelly, iced tea, coffee and a variety of cookies. Then, after lunch we had popcorn, and Joseph served pop to everyone that wanted some. Joe and I, and sister Emma went to a viewing of our late son-in-law Mose’s uncle. Before we left a lady came up to me and asked if I’m Lovina and told me she is Joanna’s (son Benjamin’s special friend) aunt. She said she and Joanna’s dad are cousins to Mose’s uncle who died. What a small world!

We came home after the viewing and I took 20 pounds of chicken out of the freezer. Ervin and Susan dropped their seven children off here while they went to the viewing. Our supper guests were daughter Elizabeth, Tim and family, daughter Susan, Ervin and family, daughter Verena and Daniel Ray, daughter Loretta, Dustin and children and Joanna. Joe started the grill but the sons-in-law took over for him; he was glad they did. It was a warm job but very delicious! I made macaroni and cheese, and we also had pickles, cheese, grapes, peanut butter pudding, ice cream and sherbet. Even though I didn’t prepare ahead, we had a good meal and no one left hungry.

Aunt Betty and cousin Brian showed up as we were getting supper. Brian went to go see a friend and Betty stayed here until he came back. Betty ate supper with us. She told us that my widowed Aunt Mary Coblentz (Jake) is not doing well at all. Our prayers are with her.

Last week we attended the evening meal at the wedding of David and Lucinda. They served a delicious meal. Lucinda is a niece to Tim and Elizabeth so they had to help. Sister Emma went with me and Joe. When we were ready to leave, Tim’s three youngest children came home with us. They picked the children up on their way home.

Tomorrow son Kevin has a doctor’s appointment close to home. Last Friday he had one in Ann Arbor and I went with him. With over four hours of traveling, we were glad to be back home. My husband Joe has two doctor appointments this week too. He had X-rays done on his hips. He will get the results this week. I want to go help Elizabeth with prep for hosting church services Sunday. It will be on her 32nd birthday. Until next time….God bless!

Zucchini bars

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 1/2 cups shredded zucchini

2 teaspoons soda

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and bake in a greased cookie sheet pan at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting or sprinkle with chocolate chips when almost done baking.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients:

6 ounces cream cheese

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 cup margarine

2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Beat well until mixture is smooth.

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife and mother of eight. Her three cookbooks, “The Cherished Table,” “The Essential Amish Cookbook” and “Amish Family Recipe,” are available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email questionsforlovina@gmail.com and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.