Saturday our family came home for the day to assist us with our work except daughter Loretta and Dustin. Daughter Verena and I made 50 breakfast burritos to serve for breakfast. Daughter Elizabeth brought frosted sugar cookies and doughnuts and daughter Susan brought frosted pumpkin bars. Also, on the menu was coffee, hot chocolate and rhubarb juice.
Loretta had surgery on Friday to remove a big blood clot in her left leg. She was pretty sore on Saturday so they stayed home so she could recuperate. Dustin is good at helping her and taking care of their three precious children. Baby Kylie is almost 6 weeks old and is very alert. She smiles a lot and has already won her grandma’s heart. We sent burritos over for their breakfast since they couldn’t be here.
The men worked in the new barn putting in the three remaining horse stalls. Some also worked in our old barn tearing out the old horse stalls. Eventually we plan to tear the old barn down. It is getting to be in bad shape and not worth fixing.
My daughters and daughter-in-law Grace helped me in the house. They washed off the walls and ceilings in the kitchen, dining room, and living room. All the windows in the bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen were cleaned as well.
For lunch we made a simple meal of tacos for everyone. Son Joseph and Grace brought supper to make here for everyone in honor of her birthday which was Feb. 6. They made a delicious meal consisting of hot wings, barbecue chicken and banana poppers — also, shrimp and mushrooms cooked in butter on the grill along with chocolate cake and ice cream. Everyone ate supper before leaving for home. Joseph and Grace, and daughter Lovina and Daniel stayed for the night.
I thought we accomplished a lot on Saturday. We will host church services in two and a half weeks. It will be an extra-big church attendance since two young souls will be baptized, Lord willing. We need to clean both sides of our pole barn to make room for the extra people attending.
Sunday we had a brunch consisting of fried eggs, potatoes, bacon, cheese, toast, jelly, butter, and hot peppers. Dustin, Loretta, and their children came over to eat with us. It was good for them to get out of the house for a while. Loretta kept her leg elevated a lot which was still quite sore from the surgery. The doctor told her to move it often so the blood keeps flowing. With her handicap it is harder to do when you have to sit in a mobility scooter all the time. A power chair would be much more comfortable for her which they hope to get in the future.
Yesterday a lady from our church district offered to bake the cookies that I was supposed to take to church this coming Sunday. That will really help out and give me more time to clean. I really appreciate it! The women in our church take turns baking bread and cookies for each other when they host church.
Recently Joe and I assisted daughter Elizabeth and Tim with their garage they are making into living quarters. It is getting closer to being finished and ready to move in.
A few cute stories my daughter Elizabeth told me … Allison, 5, said about her 2-year-old sister, “Andrea is not very strong and not fast and she can’t reach high, but that’s OK cause God made her that way.” haha! Andrea will be 3 years old on Feb. 14.
Eight-year-old Abigail wanted one-kettle soup for supper one night. She couldn’t remember what the soup was called so she said, “That stew with potatoes, noodles, and meat in it.” After a few guesses from her Mom, she said, “It’s that soup you never put enough salt in.” haha!
God’s blessings to all!
Chocolate Sheet Cake
2 C. white sugar
2 C. flour
1 C. water
½ C. shortening
½ C. butter
4 T. cocoa
2 eggs
½ C. buttermilk or sour milk
1 t. baking soda
¼ t. salt
1 t. vanilla
In a large bowl mix sugar and flour. In a saucepan, bring water, shortening, butter, and cocoa to a boil, stirring constantly and pour over flour and sugar mixture. Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, salt, and vanilla mixing well. Pour into a greased 12-inch-by-15-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Frosting
½ C. butter
6 T. milk
4 T. cocoa
1 t. vanilla
3 C. powdered sugar
Nuts (optional)
In a medium sized bowl add 3 cups powdered sugar and set aside. In a saucepan mix butter, milk, cocoa, and vanilla bringing to a full boil, stirring constantly. Pour over powdered sugar and mix well. Pour over the cake while the frosting is still warm. Sprinkle with your choice of nuts if desired.