We surprised Verena for her 13th birthday on Friday. While in town to get groceries I bought her a Dairy Queen ice cream cake and ordered pizza at a pizza delivery restaurant. Verena kept asking what I was making for supper as I didn’t have anything started yet. I asked her if it is okay if we just have eggs and toast or something easy. She said that is fine but I thought she looked a little disappointed. When it was time for the pizza to arrive Susan and Loretta kept Verena occupied upstairs. When the pizza came we quietly took the pizza to the basement where we planned to eat. Sons Benjamin and Joseph carried the plates and cups downstairs and we also had carrots and ranch dressing which Verena enjoys. We then told Verena to come down to the basement.

On the way downstairs from her bedroom she said she thought she smelled something good so she asked Benjamin what she smells. Benjamin told her Mom has a casserole in the oven. Verena opened the door and the oven was cold and empty, but before she had too much time to think about it we were ready to eat in the basement. She was so surprised to see the pizza. Elizabeth’s friend, Timothy, also joined us. When we brought the ice cream cake down she was so delighted. We put on 13 candles and had her blow them out. For her birthday gift we gave her a pink helmet and a youth bow and arrow. She was very excited for both. She always wanted a bow and arrow. She has used the helmet already to go sledding. We hope this will prevent her from having any more accidents where she hits her head. Verena was also excited to receive a letter from Joe’s 97-year-old grandmother on her birthday, making the day extra special. She has still been doing well. Life just seems so different again - in a good way!

I have four batches of bread rising. The children want to give their teachers a loaf of homemade bread for Christmas.

Last week we used the rest of our tomatoes from our garden. We had picked all of the green ones before the frost. I kept them in the back porch and they turned ripe gradually. They tasted pretty good but not as good as when they ripen in the garden.

We just received the sad news of the death of our neighbor, Ken, age 70. Ken’s wife, Ann, and Ken both drove for the Amish in this area. He will be greatly missed by many. Our sympathy goes to Ann and the family. Death is so final. Ann took Emma and I to the hospital when Baby Marilyn passed away. Her support meant to so much to us at that time. May God be with her through this time of sorrow.

Benjamin and Joseph’s class are having a bake sale to raise money for needy families. So Loretta and Verena made some chocolate chip bars for them to take for sale. I will share the recipe.

Due to demand, orders for “An Amish Christmas” are being accepted through Dec. 22. AN AMISH CHRISTMAS by Elizabeth Coblentz, Lovina Eicher, and Kevin Williams is a 100-page booklet filled with holiday recipes, Thanksgiving blessings and Christmas memories. This is an updated reprint of the original “Amish Christmas” first published in 1992, with additions by Lovina and her children. Cost is $12.99 with free shipping. To order visit www.oasisnewsfeatures.com/special, call (513) 849–9158 or send $12.99 to Oasis Newsfeatures, P.O. BOX 157, Middletown, Ohio 45042. All phone and internet orders will ship same day from Amazon. Any books ordered on or before Dec. 22 will be guaranteed arrival by Christmas. $10 per book on orders of 5 or more. Orders received Dec. 18 or after must include a $5 extra shipping charge.

Chocolate Chip Bars

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup shortening, softened

1 teaspoon vinegar

1/2 cup sour milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10 by 15-inch baking sheet.

Mix the salt, baking soda, brown sugar, egg, shortening, vinegar, sour milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Then stir in the flour, followed by the chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the chips are melted, 20 minutes. Let cool, and then cut into bars.