The sun is shining brightly and the temperature is in the upper twenties. The wind makes it feel colder than that. Twenty-one years ago we moved from our Indiana home to our home here in Michigan in March. It was cold with snow on the ground that year (2004). It doesn’t seem possible that it has been that many years ago. Daughter Lovina was born three and a half weeks early and arrived before we were all unpacked. Son Kevin was born the next year completing our family of eight children. Life has brought many changes during those years.
We are touching up on our cleaning in preparation to host church services here Sunday which will be for daughter Loretta and Dustin’s turn. March 2 and March 16 were for our turns. We decided to take it twice so we don’t have to host it again later this year. With baby Kylie only being 11 weeks old we offered Dustin and Loretta to take their turn here this time.
On March 16 we invited family and neighbors back for the evening meal. We had around 85 to 90 here for supper. On the menu was Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, ham sandwiches, lettuce salad, taco salad, corn chip salad, and a variety of desserts and pies plus ice cream.
This past Sunday March 23 nephew Ben and Crystal hosted church in their district. Our church divided with theirs last fall due to the size. This was the first time we visited their district since. Daughters Elizabeth, Susan and Lovina are all in that district. Son Joseph and Grace are in another church district but also attended as did Loretta and Dustin. It was so nice to have the whole family there. Of course, this grandma was very happy to have all her grandchildren there and some of them sat with her during the services. Ben and Crystal have living quarters in the pole barn at sister Emma’s place. Brother-in-law Jacob is still missed on a day like that. It seems like he should be around there. He always loved passing out candy to the children. We have many great memories of him. Rest in peace dear one.
We spent the afternoon at Lovina and Daniel’s house and enjoyed popcorn and other snacks. Our whole family joined us there. Joseph and Grace assisted Elizabeth and Tim on Saturday with their work and spent the night there so they could attend church on Sunday.
Last week Susan left her three youngest sons here while she went to a doctor appointment. Ryan was telling me his name is Ryan Isaiah Bontrager then Curtis said his name is Curtis Dale Yoder. Sister Verena was here and Ryan asked her if she is a Bontrager too. Verena told him that she is a Coblentz. Ryan thinks a little then says “A call blast?” We had a good laugh over that. You could never tell that those two little boys were not biological brothers. They were both the youngest when they lost a parent. God has a plan for our life although we don’t always understand it. May he always keep his protecting hand over these sweet little ones. The two little boys kept entertained playing Uno and Cover Your Assets. I’m not so sure they knew how to play the last game but I think they might have been making up the rules as they went. Haha! Ervin Jr walked around finding his own entertainment. He is very content here.
Saturday April 5 I plan to be at the Plain and Simple Craft Show, Lord willing. I hope to see you all there if you can come. There will be lots of vendors there. The Address is 345 Van Buren Street Shipshewana, Indiana 46565 (in the Shipshewana auction building)
We received a wedding invitation to Devon and Karen’s wedding on May 8. Congratulations to the couple! Devon is a brother to son-in-law Ervin. I really hope we can go.
God bless you all!!
Corn Chip Salad
1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce (chopped)
2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb. bacon
6 hard cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
2 ½ C. corn chips, crushed
Dressing
1 C. whipped salad dressing
¼ C. milk
2 T. apple cider vinegar
¼ C. brown sugar
¼ C. white sugar
In a large bowl, toss together all salad ingredients, except for corn chips. Whisk together dressings ingredients in a separate bowl. Just before serving, gently stir the dressing in the salad. Top with crushed corn chips.