The Amish Cook: Welcome, Joshua David!

THE AMISH COOK
BY GLORIA YODER
What a miracle. What complete innocence. I can not wrap my feeble brain around it. Only God in His Sovereignty could design anything so perfect.

As a new mom, I am not able to find words to express all that has been going on in my heart for the last two weeks since our treasure has arrived. Why I think I've had some of the best days of my life. When little Joshua was born, and I cradled him in my arms for the first time, I felt the presence and power of God in a new and vivid way. Who but God could create life- the first breath, that first cry, which is then comforted by mama? And who am I that God would trust me with this little life which has a soul that will never die? Only the Maker of life will be the One providing wisdom to bring this soul back to Him.

We are absolutely in love with this new little guy in the house. Why he's a little prince charming with a head full of medium to dark wavy hair and big blue eyes, I love his cowlick, it's off to the side just like our other three biological children. I have spent days holding him, just marveling over this most amazing gift. In the meanwhile Daniel, my mom, and sisters have faithfully helped with the housework. I feel like I've been pampered for sure. They want me to take it easy these first weeks, so that's what I've been doing. Besides caring for baby Joshua and filling other little love tanks, I have been off duty around here.
Yet we do have 'real' times with tired days and frazzled brains; those aren't the most fun moments, but then we also need those times. Despite some adjustments for the younger children, they do love Joshua dearly. Having older children does add a very rewarding dimension in many ways. They all love holding him and wearing the tag of big sister and big brother.

fresh zucchini

I am most deeply thankful for Daniel's sister Mary, from Danville, Ohio, who came this week and plans to stay for two months. Yes, that's two months worth of additional mental and physical rest for me. She takes charge of the housework, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and the likes. Telling you that she is capable would certainly be an understatement; there is simply nothing for me to worry about when she's in charge.
Yes, Joshua is doing fantastic. Most of the time, he is a very content baby. Even his nights are good with him, only waking several times.
Now, to all those of you who helped by giving name suggestions, I want to thank each of you. Even though we couldn't use them all, it certainly gave us a lot of food for thought. Little Joshua David is named after my dad and Daniel's brother, who are both named David. Joshua has been on my list of favorites for some time, perhaps because of my cousin Joshua who is eight years older than myself; even as a young girl, I looked up to him. He is now married and has a beautiful family of five children. Not only do we enjoy having them as neighbors, their love and support have enriched our lives in many ways.
We have been super blessed by friends and family bringing in food. Perhaps one of our favorites was a zucchini cake, my cousin, Judith made. Honestly, when Judith left some leftover cake here for us, I kept it hidden for a 'Mama snack'! She had made a healthy version of it; I'll go ahead and give you the original recipe since you're more likely to have all those ingredients.

The Amish Cook’s Summer Zucchini Cake

 

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Ingredients

• Zucchini Cake
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup oil
• 1 ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (opt)
• 2 cups grated, unpeeled zucchini squash
• 2 cups flour
• CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1 /2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Blend together eggs and oil then add remaining ingredients. Pour in a greased 9 by 13 inch cake pan. Bake at 350 for 50- 60 minutes . If desired, spread with cream cheese when cooled frosting.
2. Frosting: Whisk together until smooth. More or less powdered sugar may be used to obtain desired consistency. Spread on cooled cake.

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