It’s early morning, even our early risers with tussled hair, blinking eyes, and big smiles are sound out.

The day ahead looks eventful. How do you decide to prioritize your days? Last night when I fell asleep, I was obviously wondering how everything will come together in the day ahead. I dreamed I was desperately trying to get a card ready for the mail, and I just couldn’t get the right name on the envelope. Silly. How good it felt to wake up, and even better, what a blessing to give the day ahead to the One who can make the most important thing happen.

I don’t know what your days look like. Here’s a little glimpse into this Amish housewife’s home. Okay, first thing today after spending time in God’s presence is getting in touch with you all, which generally ends up taking an hour or two hours until the correct recipe is summoned, adjustments made on it, and have the column ready to send.

Next is school. Remember our churning of plans and us home-schooling this year? Well yeah, we are in the first week. So good so far. It seems to work best to start at 6:00 a.m. Between having their classes and answering questions, I try to do some checking and get wash in the washers.

After an hour, we’re ready for the four little ones to wake up. That is, unless they are already awake and have joined us for their preschool work. Baby Joshua has been a pro at waking up just as school starts. Next is the norm of having breakfast, Bible reading, and prayer together as a family.

The children then hop to their assigned morning chores, knowing that the incomplete jobs will be waiting on them at recces time. Each child has a job according to their ability, such as filling water jugs for the shop, gathering quail eggs, having each child pick up the number of toys that match their age, and the likes.

This forenoon looks like an ordinary day; the next few hours will be spent doing school and having recess with them. Get the picture, we’re downstairs, there are five desks in a row. Teacher Mama sits on an office chair with baby Joshua on her lap, sliding her chair from desk to desk on her full-time job of keeping little hands busy and quiet.

I love watching the three-year-olds as they importantly raise their hands to summon me to their side. Life may be intense, but it really is so good. After school hours is the normal practice time with the younger ones. We actually act out various scenes of sharing, responding with, “Here I am,” when they hear mom’s voice saying their name, or even practicing introducing themselves to strangers. We determine what to practice according to skills that need to be sharpened.

Okay, back to the musings of my day. After lunch and naps, the girls and I are heading to the Wengerds where the birthday surprise will be hosted for the ladies and girls. As much as I want to take the boys, they will be fine with Daniel, and if they know they get a pony ride when I get back, they will be fine. Somewhere in between, I’ll need to find out what dish I can bring to a birthday party this afternoon and get the gifts and cards ready to take along. I enjoy giving gifts if I can get settled on what to give. It seems like I didn’t inherit my mother’s natural knack of always coming up with the perfect idea.

Okay, it’s time to slip into Julia and Austin’s room to wake them without waking their siblings. We’ll hang on to the recipe till I get back from the party, then I’ll be filling you in on that.

I’m back- the party was fantastic, the fellowship was super, and yes, the food was worth talking about! Each time I have some of Mary’s seasoned pretzels, I’m impressed all over again. Be sure to try them. They are way better than eating them as-is from the store.

SEASONED PRETZELS

1 pound pretzels

1 cup canola oil

3 tablespoons cheddar cheese powder

3 tablespoons sour cream and onion powder*

Instructions

Mix together oil and seasonings. Pour over pretzels (we prefer thin sticks). Now mix thoroughly. Bake at 250 for 30 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

*This can be purchased at a bulk food store or you can use ranch powder instead.