Now that Thanksgiving is over, we now are starting our baking, cooking and cleaning for Christmas. I also would like to make some gifts for Christmas. David and Michael are starting to make gifts for some friends and relatives for Christmas. I will pass on some of the recipes that I use for Christmas cookies and candy.
David’s parents have purchased the farm we were thinking of buying. We didn’t buy it because there was not enough land with it to farm that we needed. There is the main house and an extra house on that farm. David’s grandmother was suppose to live in the extra house, but she went (passed away). David’s parents were thinking of renting the second house, but after seeing it and discussing it-my grandparents are going to move into the extra house. So David’s parents are selling the farm they are at and my grandparents are selling their house. All my grandmother asked for was a garden she could enjoy in during the summer months. David’s parents promised her she would have one. This is the fourth farm David’s parents have owned and they hope the last one. They would like to be in it by Christmas. My grandparents would like to be in the extra house by Christmas. My parents feel everyone is moving away from them-so they are looking for either a farm or land over where David’s parents purchased. We have purchased property from Martha and Joseph where we are planning to build a house.
At Thanksgiving Michael had spoken with my grandparents and they came to David and I. Michael would like a family Christmas Day with just David, Susan, Baby David, himself and myself. He also wanted a Christmas tree and lights for just one Christmas. We don’t know why but he was afraid to ask us. Before we could protest my grandparents had already spoken to the head of our meetings (church) and seeing he was a foster child it could be allowed if the decoration were in a private place of the house. He is living in both worlds and the felt we shouldn’t take everything away for him especially seeing this is his first Christmas that he is celebrating with us, His parents never celebrated Christmas. So we told Michael he could decorate his room within reason. Marilyn is giving him a small Christmas tree with lights and decorations that she has. A friend of his is giving him some window lights.
We said we would wrap our Christmas presents this year-which is something we don’t do. Our way is not to wrap presents. I told him to think of what he wanted for Christmas Dinner, but he said that didn’t matter as long as we were together. There will be no one but us for Christmas dinner. Usually it would be us, my parents and David’s parents for Christmas Dinner. We will have that dinner on the December 26th. We asked why he didn’t tell us he wanted these things. He didn’t say much. My parents said we don’t give like they will. At first we were upset about this worldly way, but after we stopped to think about it and pray-we agreed to do this just one year. He agreed in no Santa, elves, etc. So our Christmas will be a little different this year.
We were asked what are some of things in the outside world Michael does not want to give up. One evening we had a discussion with Michael about this-no anger-we wanted to find out how he feels and wants. Like most young people he wouldn’t want to give up the car when he gets old enough to drive. Also, he would like a computer, for his school work, personal use and even farming. It bothers his that we have a television in our attic and never use it-as his school friends know what is going on in the world before he does. We find things out in the paper or from one person to another. He doesn’t know if he could dress the way we do all the time-he likes to dress in modern worldly clothes. Michael would also like to have more contact with people of the outside world as that is what he was brought up in until he came to Old Order Mennonite foster homes. He is not putting down our ways-but wants friends in both worlds. We explained we have friends who in the outside world. He likes farming, but does not know if that would make him enough money in the expenses of today. He might want to go into some other work or work for someone and own a small farm.
Other divisions of the Mennonite do allow cars, televisions, computers and more. Some even allow to dress in the worldly way. They also work at other jobs aside from farming. As we have said, we would like Michael to stay Old Order Mennonite, but if he stayed in another – more modern group of the Mennonites-we could understand. We just don’t want him to leave Mennonite all together. Michael wants to be able to go to movies with his friends, listen to the radio, and more-which we do not allow. We know he has listened to the radio with his friends, worked on computers at school, and more. I know he and we wish we could come to a happy center. If he were in our school, he would graduate this year and be working on our farm. He does work with David, but he would not be going on in school. This concerns us because he might change his ways and leave our ways all together. Michael says he wouldn’t but he is young yet, He could go either way.
Someone asked if the Old Order Mennonite wear sold color dresses or print dresses. I wear dresses with very small prints on them like flowers during the week. On Sunday, we dress in black for meetings (church). Also we wear black for weddings and funerals. The lady getting usually wears a light sold color-like light blue, green, etc. You may see some Old Order Mennonite who still wear black all the time. When they were little that was what they wore-the couldn’t wear print dresses off their property. Now we can wear prints anytime except meetings, weddings and funerals.
I also was asked why don’t some Old Order Mennonite and Amish don’t like to have their pictures taken. This is to us in the Bible, Exodus 20:4 “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” That quotation from the Bible is one of the Ten Commandments. Our beliefs is in following the Bible and the Ten Commandments.
Please feel free to ask questions as I would be glad to answer them as much as I can. Richard would like me to tell about our Old Order Mennonite Christmas which I will closer to Christmas.
Be With God,
Jean
Jeans homemade recipe for Shoo-fly-pie |
Don’t miss Martha’s post this Friday
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Morning everyone on this rainy and dark start of the day, and have some of you decorated your homes yet for the holiday's ? My idea of doing up a house is keeping it simple with a Christmas tree (if you celebrate) with a wreath on the door, and that's pretty much perfect for me. I do enjoy looking at the Christmas light's, a tradition that started with my mom taking me around our neighborhood in the Bronx as a chold. Do you folks have such memories growing up? Richard
Enjoy the shoo-fly-pie recipe from Jean and even though this would make number 3 of the amount of times that I've posted this recipe, its the first time that Jean has shared it with Amish Stories. My favorite type of shoo-fly-pie would be the wet-bottom type and warmed, whip cream is a must as it gives some of the sweetness a creamy taste. If anyone has ever been to Lancaster before and you have had some shoo-fly, which bakery or restaurant in your opinion serves the best pie ever! Richard
I love shoo-fly pie with a good cup of coffee. They seem to go together. I also would like to thank David and Michael for putting my vacuum cleaner together when I was at their house last weekend. Jean had called me and asked me to come to their house on Saturday and on the way over I bought myself a badly need vacuum cleaner. I didn't know you had to put them together until I got there and David told me. While Jean and I were talking the fellows put it together for me. I really appreciate it-I couldn't have done without them.Marilyn
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy Jean and Martha and Lovina's stories…especially Jean's adventure with Michael!As far as Holiday decorating…we are usually Christmas minimalist but this year I have decorated everything that has a surface…we had a new fireplace installed and that mantle started it all :)Keep up the wonderful site and God's blessing to allGerri
This was an amazing lesson in the art of compromise. It's so refreshing to hear how well Jean and David really LISTEN to Michael and care about what is important to him. Vicki
I know my mom has a shoo-fly pie reipe, but I don't think she has ever made it. I will have to try this one and see how everyone likes it. I hope Micheal, Jean and David can all find a middle ground on their beliefs. It will take a lot of communication on the part of everyone, but it can be found. I didn't know the OOM don't wrap gifts. Interesting. I try to wrap gifts using something useful- pinwheels instead of bows for childrens gifts, a blanket or throw, instead of paper, tote bags instead of gift bags. That way it is all useful instead of wasteful. I think someone changed the weather around for the country. It is 39 degrees here in AZ and our high today is 54. Brrrrrrrr!
That pie looks mighty tasty!
I really do enjoy these stories. Am so glad there is open communication going on. I have always wanted to make a shoo-fly pie. Sounds pretty sweet. Well I have to say I decorate to the hilt. Shelves are cleared and replaced with Christmas decorations. Lights are put up and of course I tree we cut from our property. I wasn't going to do much this year, but was looking at photos from previous years and just love all the color. So pulled out all the decorations yesterday. As a child we use to drive around and look at all the lights. I do miss that. Today is a cloudless day and it is still a winter wonderland here so I am off for a walk to enjoy it.
I'm going to decorate my house in these days.I like these Amish stories and even recipes, thanks a lot, ciao Flavia
Thank you thank you for the shoe fly pie recipe. Love to hear these stories right from the sourceBenny & Lily
Hi There, I'm sure it's hard for Michael to be part of two worlds.. I don't blame him for wanting a lit Christmas tree —and wrapped presents… BUT–I can understand the predicament Jean's family is in… That pie looks fabulous. Thanks for the recipe.Betsy
It sounds like you have found a good middle ground between your beliefs and Michael's wish for a more mainstream Christmas. I love Christmas but I tend to try to keep decorations a bit more on the moderate side. I put an electric star in a window, electric candlesticks in some windows as well and a santa and a Christmas buck (bucks are traditionally made out of straw and are found in many homes in Sweden around Christmas)is in the bedroom. Two smaller santas are on the kitchen table in a bowl and I also have an advent candle holder which is traditional in Sweden. We light one candle each advent Sunday until all four are lit, a tradition which is important to most people here even those who do not believe in god even. In two weeks I will decorate the tree, I love colorful decorations and my tree is not that plain but other than that I do not decorate very much.
Neat post, great photos! Thanks for the visit recently to Family Fountain.
Happy to have found your blog.I too enjoy the Amish way of life.I will be back for another visit~Cheers & Blessings Kim
I imagine it must be hard for a teenager to have a foot in each world. Especially during a time w/ all that searching for identity.
Greetings folks and as for myself I'm enjoying how Michael seems to be coming along, which is to say just fine so far. And he seems to be adjusting extremely well for someone who comes from an English background and up bringing, and he seems to have found a family who loves him very much. Richard
And I've recieved all of Jeans Christmas post's which will be in 2 parts and include holiday recipes for both. And Martha has also sent in her Christmas post so it looks to be a very productive ending to this year. Martha's post will also include recipes courtesy of Jean with a holiday theme so I'm looking forward to posting those as well as my own Christmas post. Richard
It's always so interesting to read about Jean's life. The Shoo-fly pie looks and sounds amazing.
Thanks to you, Richard, for sharing Jean's posts with us. And thank you Jean, for sharing insight about your life. I also appreciate the recipes; haven't tasted Shoo-fly Pie in a very long time!
As I read about Jean and David as they try to understand Michael's desires, I am brought back to our own situation with our youngest son whom we adopted when he was ten years old. He came to us after years of abuse as he was shuttled between family members. We know the Lord wanted him in our family specifically because too many obstacles were overcome for it to be any other way. I have the greatest respect for Jean and David as they try to give Michael freedom and yet expose him to their beliefs. May God's greatest blessings be given to their family.
RICHARD! ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM THE BRONX? My husband was born there and his best buddy here in the Twin Cities is a Bronx boy too!!!!Oh you are so kind to come to visit with such kind words. Hmmmmmmm….you ask about a French dessert. WELL…let me tell you, there are so many fabulous TARTES that you could make. I would look up some recipes for CHOCOLATE GANACHE cakes or pear tartes, but my favorite are the chocolate tarts with CRÈME ANGLAISE…Martha Stewart's PIE AND TART recipe book has a nice selection. GOURMET MAGAZINE also has some fine recipes along with CHOCOLATE and CHESTNUT tea cakes. Ooooooh, have fun and come with any questions. BON APÉTIT!!! Anita
Hello Richard,I enjoyed reading Jean's story and understand how conflicted she must be feeling. But yes, compromise is needed.The pie looks delicious!Yes, I do decorate, not as much as I used to, but more than many!
I love a good shoo-fly pie! And I loved reading Jean's story here- very interesting. So far for Christmas I have my tree decorated and the creche displayed. I usually don't have time to put up much more than that. Thanks for sharing these stories here! 🙂
it is amazing to me how open-minded Jean and her husband are in raising Michael…there are millions of orphans in the world…i can't think of better people to place them with than Old Order Mennonite or Amish people. they would bring up wonderful, Christian boys and girls.thank Jean and her husband for all of us Richard…they are truly doing the Lord's work!your friend,kymber
Dear JeanFirstly, many thanks for sharing this blog. From where lived, and a far way from here, we are cultures apart. I find it very interesting to read this blog because it is something totally new to me. Have a pleasant day.
Oh as usual so fascinating to read these stories. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
First Anita i was serous about trying to come-up with something French for a recipe of the week. I did love a certain raspberry tart that i used to buy when id stay up in Canada (Montreal), and all i can remember is that they called it a tart? and i thank you for the offer because i may need to ask you what the heck i was eating and enjoyed in Canada. Richard
Look for part one of Jeans Christmas post starting next week, and Martha will also be posting hers for the holiday's as well. Richard
I enjoy these conversations with Jean. She and David are very kind, tolerant and patient with Michael. Michael does have a foot in both worlds and he is young. There is still plenty of time for Michael to decide what he wants to do with his life but in the meantime he is safe and well grounded with Jean and David. He is acquiring skills and living a unique lifestyle. Time will tell.Very enjoyable post and thank you Jean for opening up your life with us. It is interesting to learn about the lifestyle. Thanks for the Shoo Fly Pie recipe.
Good Morning Richard and everyone!What a great post this is. I can relate to Jean and her family. My kids are a little older now and I am trying to really emphasize that Christmas is about Jesus and not Santa. I wish I would have taught them this as babies. But now at 11, 9, and 6 they are really learning about what Christmas is really about. I have made some changes this year and next year I will make more. Anyway, we will have alot of fun and keep our focus on Jesus. (0:What a great post! It has helped me too. And thank you for the shoo fly pie recipe. I will try it! God Bless all ~ Lissa
Hi Lissa and i believe you when you say that you "will try this shoo-fly-pie recipe". Maybe after you make it you could send me a picture, and knowing you i know it will be coming out the way it should be. Like i had said i prefer mine being the wet-bottom kind and not dry, so i think this type of shoo-fly taste best! Richard
I didn't see anyone sharing as yet their favorite place to get shoo-fly-pie, or maybe you folks prefer to make your own. Me ill leave that task to the experts and prefer to by mine, and when i do but some the first place i go to is the Dutch Haven in Lancaster county. They make a perfect pie and have been doing it for a long time, so they know shoo-fly-pie. Richard
I have two favorite places to get shoo-fly pie-Jean's house is number one and when the farmers markets come out another Mennonite lady makes shoo-fly pie the next town over. In fact she was the lady that talked me into trying it. The only reason I go to her over Jean sometimes as she is closer to where I live than Jean is. Marilyn
So Marilyn when Jean sells at the local farmers market does she sell her shoo-fly-pie's. If she does how well do they sell for her. Richard
I called Jean and she said she does make and sell shoo-fly pies at the Farmers Market. She says during the Spring and Fall she doesn't make as many as she does during the summer when the tourists are here, but she sells all she brings. In the Spring and Fall she brings 10-12 and they sell. In the summer she brings 20 or so and they also sell. She has some people that come just to buy shoo-fly pie. Others she has to explain to them what is in it before they try it. She never brings any home.Marilyn
You know Marilyn when i went to Ohio in the mid 1990's i had a very tough time finding any shoo-fly-pie while there, and i was in their Amish settlement. I had found only one restaurant at the time that made and sold it, in fact the Amish family that i was staying with told me the pie is much bigger in Pennsylvania than Ohio. So considering how tough it was to find anyone serving it there i believed them, so i was surprised when you said Jean's pies were selling out most times at the market. So maybe her customers know about it from their travels to my neck of the woods, and everyone seems to sell shoo-fly-pie even our food markets here make it in their own bakeries. I bet Jean does make a mean pie and maybe one day we can see what they look like through pictures, and ill post them on Amish Stories for sure. Richard
Jean did say when people see her dressed the way she does-they figure she must make shoo-fly pies. She didn't make as many as she does until people started asking. Of course many people think she's Amish and she has to explain she is Old Order Mennonite and people want to know about their religion. I will ask if I can come out and take pictures of her pies sometimes. Of course Farmers Markets are closed now, so she won't be making that many more until Spring. I never thouoght it would be so hard for you to find a shoo-fly pie in any Amish area. Like you say maybe it is a Pennsylvania pie-that spread.Marilyn
Wow I would love to bake with Jean!!All those pies!! fun, fun!! (0: ~Lissa
Lissa your a food wizard in the kitchen,lol. All i can say is please open a restaurant so you can share more of your food with other's That's a good point Marilyn about the way that Jean dresses, i think most folks think of the Amish and old order Mennonites as making a high quality product. So have that kind of reputation can only help when your trying to sell your baked goods. Richard
On my home today i pulled into the Dutch-way market to pick-up some hamburger meat since i think they have the best meat in the area, and outside the store they were selling Amish made chicken pot pies. This store has a good amount of the Amish who shop there so I'm always seeing a bunch of buggies outside tied to the buggy post, and their bakery makes a pretty good shoo-fly-pie considering its a market. They have a very good restaurant connected to the market with good food at fare prices, and the Amish seem to like it a lot as well! Richard
I'm late getting caught up on my blog reading. Interesting post Jean. I suppose in the end, it will be God working on Michael's heart. The recipe looks good to, as do all the recipes this week.
I know what you mean Leigh about trying to catch-up with our blog visit's, which is pretty much what I'm doing this Saturday morning! Richard
Oh! so are so lucky Richard! I would LOVE to go shopping at Dutch-way market! I will have to put that on my places to visit list! ~Lissa
Hey Lissa and even though its a market, they really have good food at a fair price. So its my all around restaurant that i love to go to when eating out. Richard