Celebrating New Beginnings: Brooklyn’s Arrival and Family Milestones

The Eicher family recently marked two significant milestones: the arrival of baby Brooklyn Nyah and the tenth wedding anniversary of Tim and Elizabeth. Brooklyn, born on August 16, weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19 inches long. The joyous news brings excitement to the family, especially for Lovina Eicher, who expressed her anticipation to meet the newborn.

Reflecting on family changes, Lovina reminisced about her firstborn’s wedding, which took place on August 14 a decade ago. The transition of her oldest child moving away from home was significant, but she has found solace in seeing her daughter thrive alongside her husband. Over the past ten years, Tim and Elizabeth have welcomed four children: Abigail Elizabeth, aged 8, Timothy Josiah, 6, Allison Lovina, 5, and Andrea Ruby, 3. Lovina conveyed her heartfelt wishes for continued happiness and health for the couple.

In addition to personal milestones, the family recently enjoyed their annual church picnic, hosted by neighbors Joas and Susan. The event featured deep-fried fish—caught by Joas—as well as various casseroles, baked beans, salads, and desserts. With nearly all 22 families from their church district in attendance, activities included croquet, volleyball, and a bouncy house for the younger children.

As summer transitions into autumn, Lovina’s grandchildren eagerly prepared for the new school year, which began on August 18. They participated in an open house where they met their teachers. Abigail and Kaitlyn will be in third grade, while Jennifer and Isaiah are entering second grade. Timothy (T.J.) starts first grade, and Ryan, Curtis, and Allison will begin kindergarten. Abigail expressed her excitement upon learning that her teacher shares her name, Abigail Elizabeth. Coincidentally, Kaitlyn will celebrate her ninth birthday on the same day.

The family also experienced a sudden loss with the passing of their horse, Midnight. The 10-year-old horse had been a reliable companion for eight years. Lovina shared that Midnight was well-trained and cherished, with Joe having trained her from the age of two. The veterinarian suspects heatstroke as the cause of death, despite Midnight having adequate shade and water during a particularly hot week. The family is now training Midnight’s 2-year-old colt, Jett, hoping he will inherit his mother’s dependable nature.

In a productive week, Lovina and her daughters canned 49 quarts of peaches, gifted to them by Joas and Susan, who have over 30 peach trees. This bounty allowed them to prepare for the upcoming winter, as peaches can often be expensive to purchase. Lovina expressed gratitude for the generous gift and the joy of preserving their harvest.

Looking ahead, church services will be hosted at the home of Lovina’s son Joseph and his wife Grace, marking a new chapter for them as first-time hosts. As part of their contribution, Lovina planned to bake 10 loaves of wheat bread to share with the congregation.

The arrival of Brooklyn and the celebration of family milestones highlight the joys and challenges of life in the Eicher household. Lovina looks forward to the continued expansion of her family and cherishes the memories being created with each new chapter.

For readers interested in Lovina’s delicious recipes, she shares a simple yet delightful recipe for Easy Peach Cream Pie, perfect for enjoying their peach harvest.

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1 (9-inch) pie crust (unbaked)

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

Dash of salt

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Place peaches in the pie crust. Beat eggs slightly in a bowl; blend in sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in cream and vanilla; blend well. Pour over peaches. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center shakes slightly when moved.

Lovina Eicher is an Old Order Amish writer, cook, and mother of eight. Her cookbooks, “The Cherished Table,” “The Essential Amish Cookbook,” and “Amish Family Recipes,” are available in bookstores. Readers can connect with her at Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, P.O. Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091, or via email at [email protected] (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply). Lovina does not personally respond to emails.