Daughter Elizabeth, 16, and I are doing some sewing. I am teaching Elizabeth how to cut out the material. I like to show her how to save the material when she is cutting by positioning the patterns so material is not wasted. Material is so expensive so it pays to be careful how to fit the patterns on the material in order to save space. My mother taught me this when I was learning how to cut out material. This advice has saved me money many, many times. Right now we are sewing new work shirts for Joe. It seems his work shirts are all giving up at once.

Elizabeth received a sewing basket with all the sewing supplies so she is eager to try it out. Her scissors work real well on cutting material. I was teasing her and asking if she would like to trade with mine. This was a very nice 16th birthday gift from a good friend. I am sure she will also think of her when she is using the sewing basket.

We don’t have any special plans for Thanksgiving so far. I bought a turkey for that day but am not sure what we will do yet.

Next, the Christmas season will be coming up. Joe’s family gathering this year will be held at his sister’s house in Berne, Indiana on January 6. On my side of the family it is sister Susan and Verena’s turn to have the gathering. I think they plan to wait to have it next summer since they don’t have room for everyone in their house. With the coming holidays let us always put God first. We have so many blessings that are so often forgotten. Let us give us thanks for God’s many wonderful gifts in life.

The children are excited about their upcoming Christmas program that they will give to family and friends in December. They have been practicing their songs.

This is now after lunch and I still need to add a few lines. Kevin is home from school and fell asleep on the couch. He doesn’t usually take a nap but I think the rainy, dreary weather made him sleepy while looking at books. Susan is doing her school work. I will need to give her a spelling test after I finish this. I also want to do some grading. So far she seems to enjoy the home-schooling.

Verena was very happy to see her first report card and still be on the honor roll. She works so hard with all the days she missed this term. After a difficult two weeks she seems to be doing better now, let’s pray it will soon be to stay.

I will share a barbecued meatball recipe with you that a reader shared with me. Venison can be used instead of hanburger on this recipe:

Barbecued Meatballs

3 pounds hamburger (sausage or deer meat can be substituted)

1 cup milk

2 cups minute oats

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

2 eggs

Mix together and form walnut-sized balls. Bake in 350 degree for about 15 minutes until brown. Pour off juices.

Sauce: 3 cups brown sugar, 2 cups catsup, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Mix together and pour over meatballs. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350.

From now through Dec 15, the Amish Cook’s “Amish Christmas” by Elizabeth Coblentz and Kevin Williams will be for sale. This is an approximately 100 page booklet of holiday recipe, Thanksgiving blessings, and Christmas memories. This is an updated reprint of the original “Amish Christmas” first published in 1992, with additions by Lovina Eicher and her children.This was our very first cookbook. Cost is $12.99 plus shipping. To order visit www.oasisnewsfeatures.com/special, call or send $15.99 to Oasis Newsfeatures, PO BOX 157, Middletown, Ohio 45042. All phone and internet orders will ship same day from Amazon. Free shipping on orders of 2 or more copies. Mail orders take 2 - 4 weeks.