Ellen stroked her daughter’s olive-tone face. “Wake up, sleepyhead. You need to brush your teeth and go to bed.”
Yawning, Becky sat up and swung her legs over the couch. “I missed the rest of my show, Mom. I wanted to see how it ended.”
“I’m sure it’ll be back as a rerun soon.”
“Yeah, and since school will be out for the summer soon, I can watch all my favorite programs.”
Ellen shook her head. “Sorry, honey, but you’re not going to spend the whole summer watching TV. There are lots of other things you can do.”
“Like what?”
“I’m thinking about signing you up for a children’s cooking class.” Ellen pointed to the newspaper lying on the coffee table. “I read about one, and I believe you would enjoy it.”
Becky squinted her hazel-green eyes, the way she always did when she was thinking. “Would it be just me and the teacher, or would other kids be there too?”
“I doubt it would only be you. I’m sure other children would take part in the class.”
“I don’t wanna do it then.”
Ellen sighed. Sometimes Becky’s shyness got in the way of her making new friends. It was something she needed to work through. Learning how to cook with other children might be exactly what her daughter needed.
“We’ll talk about this later. Right now, you need to get your teeth brushed.”
“Okay, Mom.”
Ellen watched her daughter skip down the hallway toward the bathroom. Then a smoky aroma reached her nostrils.
“Oh no!” Ellen ran toward the kitchen. “Bet I forgot to turn the oven temperature down. Maybe I’m the one who needs cooking lessons.”
Walnut Creek
“I’m not tired. I don’t wanna go to bed.” Randy sat on the living-room floor with his arms folded, staring up at Heidi defiantly. His blue eyes held her steady gaze.
This wasn’t the first time the boy had challenged Heidi’s authority. Just when she felt they were gaining some ground, Randy exuded stubbornness.
In a firmer tone, Heidi said, “Please do as I say and help your sister pick up the toys.”
Randy continued to sit, holding his lips in a straight line. Marsha sat beside her brother, seemingly oblivious to the conflict going on. Her blond ponytail bobbed as she rocked back and forth, holding her baby doll.
With a sigh of exasperation, Heidi turned to look at Lyle. He sat on the sofa reading the latest edition of The Connection magazine.
Lyle set the magazine aside and rose to his feet. Then he marched across the room, bent down, and looked directly at Randy. “Okay, little buddy, let’s go brush your teeth, and then I’ll tuck you into bed.”
Without a word of argument, the boy gathered his toys, put them in the wicker basket across the room, and padded down the hall.
Heidi pursed her lips. Now why couldn’t Randy have done that for me? Although pleased because the child obeyed Lyle, it frustrated Heidi that he hadn’t listened to her. Do I need to take a firmer hand or try to be more patient?
At times like this, Heidi wondered if she had what it took to be a good parent. Of course, she reminded herself, if I had been given the opportunity to raise a child from infancy, things might be different.
For a brief moment, her thoughts went to the baby she and her husband had almost adopted—until Kendra Perkins changed her mind and decided to keep her infant daughter. Well, that was in the past, and she needed to move on.
Remembering that Marsha still sat on the floor, holding her doll, Heidi knelt next to the child. “It’s time for bed, Marsha.” She held out her hand.
The little girl looked up at her and blinked several times. Then, with a quick nod, she took Heidi’s hand and stood.
Heidi smiled and hugged the child, relieved that Marsha hadn’t put up a fuss. This was progress. Often, when Randy became stubborn, his sister did too.
Heidi led Marsha down the hall and into the room that would have been their baby’s nursery, had they been able to adopt. Since Marsha sometimes woke up crying during the night, Heidi wanted her to sleep in a room close to the bedroom she shared with Lyle. When the children arrived last December, Lyle had set up two small beds in the nursery so Marsha and her brother could be together. But a few months later, Randy decided he wanted to sleep in one of the upstairs bedrooms. The little guy tried to be so independent and brave, but at times Heidi found him crying. She tried to offer comfort, but Randy always pulled away. He seemed more comfortable with Lyle. Heidi assumed the boy had been close to his father and related better to a man.
“Let’s put your doll on the bed so we can take off your dress and put your nightgown on.” Heidi spoke softly to Marsha, and she felt grateful when the little girl did what she asked.
Once Marsha was in her nightgown, Heidi led her down the hall to the bathroom so she could wash her face and brush her teeth. After the task was done, they returned to the bedroom.
Before Heidi pulled back the covers, she handed Marsha her doll, and then helped the child into bed. Leaning over, she placed a gentle kiss on the little girl’s forehead. “Sleep well, little one.”
Marsha’s eyelids fluttered, then closed. In no time at all, she was asleep.
Seeing a need for the Amish-style dress the child had worn today to be washed, Heidi picked it up and quietly left the room. She’d begun dressing Randy and Marsha in Plain clothes soon after they’d come to live with them. She and Lyle were also teaching the children some Pennsylvania Dutch words. Since Marsha and Randy would be staying with them, perhaps indefinitely, it only made sense to introduce them to Amish customs, as well as their traditional language. Someday, if the children desired it, they might join the Amish faith.
After Heidi put Marsha’s dress in the laundry basket, she returned to the living room, where she found Lyle sitting on the sofa reading The Connection again.
“Marsha’s in bed sleeping. How’d things go with Randy?” she asked, taking a seat beside him.
He placed the magazine in his lap, turning to look at her. “I don’t know if he’s asleep or not, but at least the little guy is in bed.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if he will ever respond as positively to me as he does to you.” Heidi sighed. “I think Randy resents me for some reason.”
Lyle shook his head. “It’s not you he resents, Heidi. Randy is still trying to come to terms with his parents’ death, and I suspect he might be angry at them for leaving him and his sister. If there’s anything he resents, it’s having to live with strangers.”
She bit down on her bottom lip. “Do you think he doesn’t care for wearing Amish clothes or being asked to learn our language?”
“I don’t know. Randy is hard to figure out, but I’ve never heard him say anything negative about wearing Amish clothes or learning our Pennsylvania Dutch words.” Lyle clasped Heidi’s hand, squeezing it gently. “We need to be patient and keep showing the children how much we care about them. Eventually they’ll come around.”
Heidi slowly nodded. “I hope and pray you’re right. When Gail Saunders, the social worker, comes around again to see how things are going, I wouldn’t want her to think Randy and Marsha don’t like it here.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I want them to continue living with us, Lyle.”
“So do I. We need to remember that if it’s the Lord’s will for the children to remain in our care, things will work out for everyone.”
Chapter 3
Since I don’t have an auction to preside over today, why don’t you leave the kinner home with me while you visit your friend Loretta this morning?” Lyle asked as he and Heidi sat at the kitchen table having a second cup of coffee after breakfast.
She blew on the steaming brew. “I appreciate your willingness, but it’ll be good for Marsha and Randy to interact with Loretta’s children. They need to make some friends; don’t you agree?”
“Very true, but you’re with the children all day, so I thought you might enjoy some time to yourself.”
&
nbsp; “If I was going shopping for groceries, I would prefer to go alone. But since Loretta mentioned that her kinner would enjoy spending time with Randy and Marsha, it’s best I take them along. Sure wouldn’t want to disappoint Conner and Abby.”
“All right then, I’ll spend the day catching up on a few things around here.” Lyle placed his coffee mug in the sink. “Since it’s so nice out this first day of June, would you like me to hitch your horse to the open buggy?”
“That’d be nice.” Heidi joined him at the sink, running water in both cups to prevent any coffee stains.
“Guess I’ll head outside now.” Lyle kissed Heidi. “I’ll let you know when your horse and buggy are ready to go.”
“Danki.” She tenderly squeezed her husband’s hand before he went out the back door.
Dear Lord, she prayed silently, I’ve thanked You many times for this, but again, I’m grateful for Your blessings, including my marriage to such a thoughtful, loving man.
As Heidi guided her horse down the road toward the Millers’ place, she thought about Loretta and how she had joined the Amish church and married Lyle’s friend Eli. What a blessing it had been to attend their wedding last spring. Plus, it was nice having Loretta and her two children living closer, since they’d moved into Eli’s house. Heidi and Lyle had also attended the wedding of her former student Charlene this spring. Weddings and births were always time for celebration.
Heidi redirected her thoughts when she heard Randy whisper something to Marsha from the back seat of the buggy. She strained to hear what he said but couldn’t make out the words.
“Look at the baby kieh in the field over there,” Heidi called to the children.
“What’s a kieh?” Randy questioned.
“It’s the Amish word for cows.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Do you remember the word for baby?”
“Boppli.”
“That’s right. And more than one boppli would be bopplin.”
“Boppli kieh,” Randy said.
Heidi nodded. “You’re schmaert, Randy.”
“You think I’m smart?”
“Yes, I do. You’re a bright boy, and you catch on fast to the new words you’ve been taught.”
“My sister’s schmaert too,” Randy asserted. “But she don’t talk much. Not since Mommy and Daddy died.”
Heidi’s heart went out to the boy. “You’re right, Randy. Marsha is smart.” She glanced over her shoulder again and smiled at Marsha. “You’re a schmaert little maedel.”
“What’s a maedel?” Randy asked.
“Maedel means girl. Marsha is a schmaert little maedel.”
Marsha giggled and repeated what Heidi had said.
Hope welled in Heidi’s chest. Marsha was talking a little more and beginning to learn some new Pennsylvania Dutch words.
“I’m glad you and the kinner could come visit us today.” Loretta gestured out the kitchen window, where they could see her children and their two dogs playing with Randy and Marsha in the backyard. It was good to see them interacting and having a good time.
“The kinner seem to like both of your hund.” Heidi nodded toward the happy scene. “Marsha and Randy took a quick liking to our dog, Rusty, too.”
Loretta smiled. “It’s hard to believe we’ve had Donnelly over a year already. Eli’s dog, Lady, and our Donnelly, get along well. Those two stick together like glue.” She chuckled as the sound of laughter rippled through the open window like a pleasant breeze. “I have to admit, though, I wasn’t too sure it was a good idea when Eli surprised us with Donnelly last year. He must have known what he was doing, however, because that pup quickly became one of the family.”
“Isn’t it amazing how our lives have changed in one short year?” Heidi looked toward Randy and Marsha, both squealing with glee as Donnelly lapped kisses on their faces and Lady sat patiently waiting her turn. “And now, because of our foster children, I’m going to teach a children’s cooking class.”
“Oh yes, that’s right. When do you start the first class?” Loretta asked, handing Heidi a glass of lemonade.
“Two days from now.” Heidi seated herself at the table. “I am hoping it won’t be too big a challenge.”
“You’re a good teacher. I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Loretta took a seat across from Heidi. “I would have signed Abby and Conner up for your classes, but they’ll be spending a few weeks with my parents this summer, and it will come right in the middle of your cooking classes.”
Heidi smiled. “Well, maybe some other time, if I should ever decide to teach cooking to children again.”
The sounds of the children’s laughter and barking dogs grew silent. Loretta and Heidi jumped up at the same time and went to the window.
“Who’s that man talking to the children?” Heidi asked.
“Oh, that’s Sam Jones. He was my neighbor before the children and I moved here.” Loretta shook her head. “The kids sure miss him, but he visits as often as he can.”
Heidi watched as Sam made his way to the back door with the kids following close behind, and the wagging-tailed dogs trying to sniff the bag Sam carried.
“Did you sell your house in Sugarcreek yet?” Heidi asked.
“Jah. It was on the market only a week before a solid offer came in. The last time Sam visited, he told us he got some new neighbors who also have young children.” Loretta picked up her glass and took a drink. “I’m sure Sam has them spoiled by now. He was the best neighbor and has the most amazing raspberry patch. I won’t be surprised if he brings us some from his first picking. He’s been like a grandfather to my kinner. And speaking of children… Will Randy and Marsha take part in the cooking classes?” Loretta asked.
Heidi nodded.
“Those two are fortunate to have you and Lyle as foster parents.”
“We feel privileged we’ve been given the opportunity to care for them.”
“Have you considered adopting the children?”
Heidi’s tongue darted out to lick some sweet lemonade from her lips. “Perhaps if they do well in our care, we will be given the opportunity to become their legal parents.”
“From what I can tell, they are already doing well.” Loretta leaned forward, placing her hand on Heidi’s arm. “I’ll be praying for you and Lyle, as well as the kinner.”
“Danki. If it’s God’s will for us to adopt Randy and Marsha, I’m confident things will work out.”
Chapter 4
Are you ready for the big day?” Lyle asked when he entered the kitchen Saturday morning.
Heidi turned from the stove, where she’d been boiling a pan of eggs, and watched her husband wash his hands at the kitchen sink. “I believe so. My only concern is the age difference among those who’ll be attending the class. Counting Marsha, the children range from three to eleven years old.” She shook her head. “Some of the older ones may catch on quickly, while the younger children will likely have a shorter attention span and may be harder to teach.”
After drying his hands, Lyle walked over to Heidi and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “There you go again, worrying about something that may not happen. Remember how you fretted before your other two cooking classes started? And look how well those classes turned out. You made some lasting friendships too.”
“You’re right. I did.”
Lyle turned, plucked a grape from the bowl of fruit on the counter, and popped it into his mouth. “You never know. The younger students might surprise you with their ability to follow directions. And maybe some of the older students will help the younger ones if they struggle or fall behind.”
“I suppose.” Heidi blew out a series of short breaths. “I’m also concerned about how well Randy and Marsha will interact with the other children.”
“Isn’t that the reason you decided to teach these classes—so they could be with other kinner?”
Wiggling her bare toes, Heidi nodded. “It doesn’t mean things will work out the way I’d hoped.”
Lyle glanced at
the clock on the kitchen wall, then pulled another grape off its stem. “Here, eat one of these. They’re sure good.” He held the juicy morsel up to Heidi’s mouth.
Heidi took the grape and ate it. Her husband was only trying to take her mind off her nerves, but it didn’t help much.
She removed the kettle of eggs from the stove and was about to rinse them in cool water, when she heard Marsha’s shrill cry from the living room.
“Ach! I hope she’s not hurt.” She hurried from the kitchen behind Lyle. Seeing Marsha on the living-room floor, Heidi rushed forward, stubbing her big toe on the leg of a chair. “Ouch!” Guess that’s what I get for not putting on my shoes this morning.
Lyle looked at Heidi, his brows pulling in. “Are you okay?”
“I stubbed my toe, but I’ll be fine.”
They both went down on their knees beside Marsha. “What’s wrong?” Heidi asked. “Why are you crying?”
With tears rolling down her cheeks, Marsha pointed at the scratch marks on her arm. Seeing a clump of gray fur on the floor beside the little girl, Heidi realized what had happened. One of the cats must have gotten into the house and scratched Marsha’s arm. A crying child—a sore toe—she didn’t need to deal with either of these right now, not with her first class starting soon.
Heidi looked at Lyle. “Would you please search for the cat while I put some antiseptic and a bandage on Marsha’s arm?”
“Sure thing.” Lyle rose to his feet. “Want me to see where Randy is too?”
“Jah, please do. We all need to be ready before my young students arrive for the cooking class.” Heidi helped Marsha up and took her by the hand. Then she limped her way down the hall to the bathroom. Hopefully the rest of this day would go better.
Canton
“Are you ready to go, Kassidy?” Denise rapped on her daughter’s bedroom door.
“Go where, Mom?”
“Remember I told you last night that I’d be taking you somewhere special this morning?”
Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration Page 2
