The Amish Cook, Week of April 13, 2026

Hey, hi to one and all.

This is the most interesting week, but I'll try my best to not bore you by going into detail about how we got stranded in the Walmart parking lot or how the tractor gave out while doing grading for my sis's wedding. Yep, it's true. Little girls grow up. My, make the best of it and be happy, or try to slam the brakes — it won't make any difference. Perhaps the second best thing to getting married yourself is watching your baby sister with stars in her eyes. I will add that she is taking this step quite seriously. Early on, when she came to my house and would talk about this "Jonathan," I had this feeling that one day it would work out.

Today I stopped in at the new shed where the reception will be held. Rows and rows of long tables are there, ready to be set in the morning. Wow. It's true.

Some Amish and Mennonite weddings are hosted in community centers, while others are hosted at the home of the bride or neighbors with facilities large enough to accommodate everyone. While renting is the easiest option by far, there is a satisfaction that goes with the toil of gathering all the needed pots, bowls, utensils, serving bowls, and so on.

When Daniel and I got married, we had the wedding out here in the shop where the guys are currently building furniture. Thanks to my dad for cleaning out and spending endless hours, days, and even weeks or months prepping for the big event. I was blessed by the way my parents graciously released me into this new stage in life, where I would no longer be at home to play the role I had filled for many years. But you know, now as I look at my daughter, I take a deep breath,  no, I cannot imagine just yet what it would be to see my oldest daughter getting married. I know I don't need to face that now, yet it makes my mind go to the reason we raise our children. Why do we do it, anyway? Because we have no choice? Because they make us feel or look good? Or to equip them to be channels of God's love? Where God will lead them I do not know; what He has in store for them, I have no idea. But I do embrace the thought that where He leads, He will provide grace.

This afternoon the children and I plan to go to the large shed where the reception will be held on Saturday. My cousin put it up for business purposes and made it big enough to comfortably host several hundred people.

Some time ago, my dear sister so kindly asked if she could come talk with me about her wedding. We sat at my kitchen table as she apologetically told me she would like to have her three sisters and several of her fiancé's siblings and their husbands as bridal servers. Of course, that meant it would be all couples. "What do you want to do?" she wanted to know. There was nothing to do but to look it in the eye. There would be no husband there to walk in with me. I've never been one to couple up with someone I don't belong to,  we discussed the option of going in with a cousin, but it simply didn't click.

"Could I have Julia do it with me?" I wondered.

"Yes, of course!"

It was a plan. Though Julia misses her daddy, I told her this is her opportunity to enjoy the honor of being our oldest child. As sad as it makes me, I tear up thinking how precious it is to have my daughter doing the day with me. Yes, when Daniel told me he hoped our firstborn would be a girl, he was right that she would be a blessing to me!

I'll be on the move, as I'm super busy with wedding prep and getting ready for guests at our house for a few nights. Cousin Amy, who had also been widowed, her new husband and son, and her parents plan to spend time with us. I am eager to have them here. There is that pronounced bond with others who have walked similar pathways. Praise God!

Hey, I'm back. Most of the children are settled down for the night. Gotta tell you about our supper before I do the same. Since we had done some cleaning in the house, we opted to eat in the yard. We enjoy doing so anyway, but it just felt extra good to have the mess all out there, so we gathered around in front of the flowerbed where we had a breakfast-for-dinner menu of waffles, eggs, hash browns, and sausages.

Well, Tizza our pony has grown to be a vital part of our household. When Jesse got off from his perch on her back to join us for supper, he pitched the reins over the railing post so she wouldn't run off. Jesse is a born horseman and would do anything for "his" pony. He took his plate over next to her and offered her some hash browns. She seemed pleased. Next he was feeding her a strawberry— she did look a tad ornery with red juice running down her pony chin.

As I started washing the dishes, I glanced out the window to see two children riding bareback. My heart was warmed. Yes, they need to get their share of riding in, but doing dishes comes first.

Lastly, I'll be passing along a recipe for Parmesan potato wedges from my aunt, who is coming tomorrow for the wedding. Enjoy a bite of her outstanding cooking!