Hurray, we’re home from another marvelous visit to Lancaster County, PA! Not until I began writing about the Amish did my husband and I celebrate our autumn anniversary in glorious Lancaster County. Can you think of a better place for me to do research on the Amish and the location? My husband enjoys chauffeuring me at a leisurely pace—even when I yell “Stop!” so I can take a photo. Over the years, we’ve grown close to many folks in Lancaster County, both Amish and English, not to mention relatives we’ve come to know better.
With views like this Amish farm, is it any wonder I make my husband stop so I can take a photo?
In the past, my husband and I have each forgotten our anniversary. When I overlooked the auspicious date, my spouse thought I was joking. I mean, how many wives forget their anniversary? However, the very next year my husband—a man with a remarkable memory who can be quite annoying when playing Trivial Pursuit —forgot our anniversary. Of course, I let him. We’re even, thus no hard feelings.
No forgetting now that we travel across country to Pennsylvania! We even decided not to exchange cards or gifts. One less must-do, but he occasionally randomly brings me flowers.
Always work to be done on an Amish farm!
Recently, an English friend told me a fun and true story about herself. She and her high school sweetie got married, but soon divorced. Both remarried, but their next spouses died. Years later, the lonely man told his children the only woman he’d want to date was his first wife, my friend. They encouraged him to locate her through instabang.org. Fast forward: the two love-birds retied the knot last year and are ecstatic. How cool is that? I should ask her which anniversary they celebrate.
Can you think of anniversaries that have nothing to do with marriage?
Do you celebrate a unique or quirky accomplishment? For an author, it might be the first day his or her article or book was published, or was a top-10 finalist, or won an award. One year ago, my husband self-published his first book. Happy anniversary, to him!
How about the day you or a friend were pronounced cancer free? The day you or he/she gained sobriety? The day you opened a business or graduated from a class? I remember the morning a woman I’d known most of my life, called me, her voice ringing with jubilation, to tell me the last of her three children was officially in school. Although, I suppose this could make some mothers sad. How about you? What gives you cause to celebrate?
Win this charming Amish-made doll couple, plus a copy of one of my books.
Leave a comment on my blog to enter to win this charming Amish-made couple, Rebecca and David, plus a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County, or one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy—either CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.
Winner has 3 days to respond. USA and Canada entries only. Winner will be chosen at random and announced in one week.
It’s an anniversary that I don’t think of much but I’d have to say it’s the day that I accepted Christ as my Saviour….this month will be forty-three years. Wow. Best decision of my life.
Thanks for sharing your best decision ever, Loretta! Certainly worth celebrating. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
The anniversaries of the death of my Mother are sorrowful times, as is the death of my father earlier this year. I spend the day each year trying to be thankful that she no longer suffers and is watching over us from heaven rooting us on and encouraging us to do better.
I can relate, Dawana. Suddenly a grown woman feels like an orphan when both of her parents die. Bittersweet days. Thanks for writing and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My spiritual birthday! October 28, 1973
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Yahoo, your spiritual birthday is more precious than all. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Happy Anniversary!! We celebrated out 20th anniversary on April 5th with a renewal of our view ceremony 🙂 There wasn’t a dry eye in the church. Beautiful day!
My salvation in Christ is something to celebrate everyday, good health and a great family God has blessed me with! Thank you for the giveaway chance, Kate.
That’s suppose to read ” a renewal of our VOWS not view…autocorrect strikes again, lol!
The renewal of your marriage vows sounds like a beautiful day, Trixi. Since I always cry at weddings, I would have no doubt been teary-eyed too. Thanks for your good reminder to celebrate each day. You are indeed blessed. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m cekebrating the engagement of my second son. We are thrilled that he finally proposed.
How exciting, Deana. I’m sure his fiancée is celebrating too. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
For me it is the day I chose my son over drugs. He was just 6 months old and I saw his face flash before me when I was going to do a harsh drug. I set it down, looked at my ex husband and said I can’t do this any more. On February 23, 2003, I wiped my life of all drugs, on my own, with the face of my son before me and Jesus by side, I quit drugs cold turkey, no rehabs, no doctors. I struggled for a long time with the cravings and withdrawals but I did it. That is my anniversary celebration and this would be a wonderful thing to win in my time of grief of losing my grandmother whom loved the Amish so. Thanks for the chance!
Congratulations to you, Molly. I’ve known several people who have quit drugs cold turkey, with the help of the Lord. A miracle, really, without rehab, a necessity for most. Whatever it takes is the right road. So sorry to hear about your losing your grandmother. How cool that she loved the Amish. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Eight years ago my sister had a heart transplant on Mother’s Day. She is doing great. She turned 61 in June. Thank God for the wonderful doctors and for God keeping watching over her. I Love “Rebecca and David” and have not read, A Letter from Lancaster County. Love your books and thank you for the chance to win. Have a blessed week.
I’m delighted to hear your sister is doing well after her heart transplant. Mother’s Day would be an easy day to remember. I’d love you to read A Letter from Lancaster County. Perhaps check it out of the library if you don’t win this contest? Thanks for entering!
Kate
My hubby and I just celebrated 32 years of marriage on October 18. We are so blessed because he has been at deaths door so many times in the last 17 years! Every Anniversary is a celebration of our life together, and a reminder that God is not ready for him yet! Each passing day is a celebration of life!
Congratulations on your recent anniversary, Sandy. Sorry to hear your husband has had major health issues, but grateful that the Lord is not ready for him yet. You are right: we should all celebrate each day. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve celebrated so many anniversary milestones. Thankfully I realize I am blessed. May 25 1984. Tvecday i started dating my now husband of 29 years!
Congratulations to you, Margaret, celebrating your first date with your husband of 29 years. Must be a good marriage. Wonderful! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I would say I love to celebrate the day I received Christ as my Lord and Savior!!I also, love celebrating Jesus’s birthday every year!!!
Two excellent days to celebrate, Dianna! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would say I am celebrating today . If I felt like it LOL.
I had a cystoscope done this morning and am celebrating cancer free in the bladder 7 years …David he did not see any sign of cancer .. Praise The Lord he is still answering prayers . You have a great blog and this giveaway is great . Would love to win it . Thanks for the chance .
Thanks for entering the giveaway and sharing your fabulous news, Elizabeth. Cancer-free should be a new word in the dictionary, don’t you think? As well as Answered prayer! Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Happy Anniversary What a great place to celebrate than in Lancaster County in the fall I celebrate each day as it comes Thaks for the chance to win this great giveaway
Celebrating each day is a great outlook on life, Patti. I admit I often forget. Thanks for the excellent reminder and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
There is a disease on my husbands side of the family. Six of them have it and recently my husbands sister died from it. I am celebrating that right now even before the tests my husband shows no symptoms.
Praise God ahead of time your husband has no symptoms of this disease, Lori. May he be protected and live a long and productive life. Very sorry to hear about the loss of his sister. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What gives me a reason to celebrate is seeing my children happy and to see them getting good grades in school!
I agree, seeing our children happy does bring us joy, Hope. Glad to hear they’re getting good grades at school. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I like to celebrate the day I got saved and it was a lot fe changing experenice. I celebrate it by renewing my covenant with God
Thanks for writing about your life-changing experience, Connie. Wonderful that you renew your covenant with God, something I should do more often. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I celebrate everyday when God gives me and my family another day of life & good health.
Much to celebrate when your family is enjoying good health, thanks to God’s generosity, Karen. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We’re like you we don’t do cards or gifts on our anniversary which happens to be the same day as yours. We travel to Lancaster or do a day trip. We celebrate the anniversary of our first date. My husband and I worked together and he asked me out 33 years ago this December 26th, I said no because I didn’t want to date a home I worked with, but changed my mind and we t out with him on February 9th. We got married that same year on October 26th, 10 months after he first asked me and I said no. That’s kinda become a joke with us. Just celebrated 32 years so we did something right.
What a fun story, Sandy. It sounds as though my husband and I got married the same day you and your spouse did. I’m glad your guy didn’t give up. An excellent trait in a man. Both of you have done many things right. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I celebrate (in my heart) the beginning of a new milestone in my life when I graduated a little over a year ago, and began my new career as a Medical Assistant, then went on to become both Registered and Certified. This is the beginning of a better life for my family and I. God is good!
Congratulations on graduating and starting a new career as a medical assistant, then becoming registered and certified, Cris-Annette! I admire your tenacity and giving God the glory. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love to celebrate my anniversary.
If you love to celebrate your anniversary, then I assume you have something excellent to celebrate. Yay! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I always remember July 19 because that is the first day that I worked at the library that I eventually retired from. I was hired for one day if work per week but by year three I had advanced to 4 days per week and it was the next year that I was hired full time. It truly was a dream job!
How fabulous that you landed your dream job at the library, Connie. Not many have your tenacity and are later rewarded. Congratulations. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The day I started working at my job. It was 32 years ago and next month I will finally retire. Then my wedding 43 years ago
Congratulations on two counts, Sonja. I assume you loved your job to stick with it for 32 years, but congratulate you on your upcoming retirement! Also, congratulations on 43 years of marriage. Thanks for sharing your good news and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Happy anniversary!!!We should always remember our wedding day, as it is such a special time in our life. My husband and I will celebrate 51 years this month. I would love to win your giveaway, especially the Amish dolls. I have two mini dolls just like yours. Thank you.
You are right, Carol, and both my husband and I have been making a supreme effort to remember the date. Congratulations on 51 years of marriage! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
March 1, 2017 the day I actually believed that I had lost the weight that people were telling me that they saw. When you’ve been heavy all your life. It was a day to celebrate.
A day to celebrate, indeed, Lisa. Way to go! It is my opinion that too much emphasis is put on weight, and yet doctors have proven that it leads to health problems. Happy anniversary (on March 1) and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Everyday I celebrate my daughter’s achievements and how far she has come being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 10 years ago. She doesn’t let anything limit her.
Wonderful news that your daughter is doing so well, Heidi. Excellent cause for celebration. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I know most will take offense to what I celebrate but for me I know that my son was born into Jesus’s arm. My son was stillborn and I celebrate his life each year on the day he was stillborn. Not a year goes by that I don’t remember my precious boy. I know he watched over his sister who was born a year and 4 days later.
I think that is beautiful D. Crawford!One day you’ll be with him again, oh what a beautiful day that will be.
My heart stopped as I read your comment, D. How wonderful that you celebrate his birthday, rather than pretend it never happened as I’ve seen other people do. Praise God for his younger sister, born a year and four days later. Thanks for giving me something to ponder over all day. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win and boy would I celebrate!! I love Amish dolls, books, especially YOUR books!
I’d love to give you something to celebrate about, Cherie. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks Kate for the opportunity to win! Right now it’s hard for me to think of celebrating but as a Christian when I hear a Praise report I just break out in my “happy dance” in the spirit of course. My sweet cat just passed away on Friday and I’m trying to be thankful for the time God allowed me to have her. She was a Joy & Blessing in my life.
Answered prayer is always cause for celebration, Denise! I’m sorry to hear you lost your sweet furry friend. You have a great attitude as you recall what a joy she was to your life. Wishing you best of luck in the giveaway.
Kate
I just celebrate the usual birthdays and holidays. I did this past year go to my 50th High School Graduation Reunion. It was a lot of fun and we had quite a few show up. But, showing our age, we had several who couldn’t come because they of the spouse were having knee or hip surgery.
I’m glad you had fun at your graduation, Pen. Great that so many people showed up. Hip and knee surgery are two things my husband and I are determined to avoid unless due to an accident. But, sometimes people have no alternative. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
April 1,1991 when Igot saved.
A monumental day, Rita. What could be better? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I celebrate life every morning when I wake up by Thanking God for each day. Being grateful has given me a different perspective on living each day to the fullest.
Thank you God for all You have given me – Your love, my life, my family and my many friends.
Thanks for writing, Jan. I need to put a little Post-it note next to my bed that says Gratitude. Right off the bat, I should remind myself of the many things I have to be grateful for, instead of wishing I could sleep in another hour. Or worrying about all I need to accomplish during the day. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books would be and honor to win this and put them in the shelf under my Amish picture love Amish books and things made made by the Amish
Hi Ernestine, thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I like to remember March 31, when we became engaged. No one believed me until April 2, because our friends kept thinking that it was an April Fools joke.
What a delightful story, Kaye. A good example of: He who laughs last, laughs best. Thanks for sharing it with me and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I celebrate my work anniversary. It will be 23 years on the 21st of November. Little did I know when I accepted the job that I would be there for so long.
You must love your job, Kristi, or you wouldn’t celebrate it. Wonderful! Thanks for leaving a comment in entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading your blog.The anniversary my husband and I celebrate is our second marriage wedding date. We were married,divorced and remarried. It happens to fall on his mother’s birthday and a young lady we had in our life’s for nearly six years. She was the daughter of our daughter’s friend. We loved her as our own granddaughter. We see her occasionally. We have so much to celebrate that day!
Indeed you do, Mary! Congratulations for your restored marriage. Many celebrations going on that day. Thanks for sharing your uplifting comment. All things work together for good … Wishing you the best of luck in this giveaway!
Kate
I can’t think of an anniversary that I celebrate.
Cecilia, no matter. You are officially entered in this giveaway! Thanks for writing.
Kate
My favorite anniversary is when my husband and I went from Florida up the east coast. Myrtle beach, Virginia beach,across Chesapeake bay. A tropical storm was in the ocean and we was in the truck. Had to put everything we had in the front with us. We went to Washington D.C.. I wish he was with me now so we could do it again. He died 6 years ago.
If I would win I would try to jump up and down. It would make my day.I have been sick yesterday and today.
I hope you’re feeling better today, Sue. I recall years ago when we didn’t have satellites tracking tropical storms. They still don’t always call it right, but at least we get warning that even the Amish heed. Still, it sounds like a very fun anniversary trip filled with fond memories. Thanks for leaving your engaging comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to celebrate if I won this giveaway.
If you win this giveaway, I hope you will celebrate big-time, Virginia! Good luck!
Kate
I don’t have one special day that I celebrate. I celebrate everyday good, bad, or the ugly. I am grateful for my life, my husband and kids, family, and friends. life!!
We should all have your terrific attitude, Linda. Not enough gratitude floating around. I’m just as guilty as the next person by forgetting my many blessings. Thanks for writing and giving me a terrific reminder. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My most recent celebration was when I saw my friend, whom since I have known her to be in a wheelchair, walking!
Wow, Hannah, my mind is spinning with possibilities. What a fabulous moment that needs to be celebrated and remembered. Thanks for sharing that stupendous miracle. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I was so glad that the doctor said that he had gotten all my skin cancer on my face.
Yahoo, Nancy Jo. Your doctor’s diagnosis had to feel terrific. Thanks for writing and sharing your good news and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Celebrate being free of two cancers. And 16 years with my husband.
I couldn’t help but notice that you put celebrating being free from two cancers first, before the 16 years with your husband. But let’s face it, when struggling with a life-threatening illness, even a wonderful husband must take the backseat until you get well. I’m celebrating with you, Cheryl! And praying you stay cancer-free. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Every day is a cause for me to celebrate… But I especially like to celebrate the day the spark caught between my flame and myself. Dec 27th it will be 22 years.. every day has been a blessing!!
That must have been a powerful spark, Kim. I think my husband would chuckle when I say not every day of our marriage has been a fairytale. But we have both learned much along the way and are still learning. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to have such a cute coup,e visit me.
Sending this cute couple over to visit you would be fun, Jeanine! The winner is chosen at random, so who knows?
Kate w
We celebrated our 50th with a Vow Renewal and Anniversary party with beef brisket and ham with all the trimmings.
As I enjoy bites, if I could win is would: display dolls, make my cup of tea and the curl up with a book!
Our wedding seemed to gallop by so quickly I scarcely recall what the pastor said. Sure would loved to have a video … Maybe a Vow Renewal is the way to go. Sounds like a fabulous mouth-watering party. When all is said and done, there’s nothing like a cup of tea and a book to read. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We celebrated the anniversary of my mom being cancer free.
Hooray for your cancer-free mom, Carol! May she remain that way many more years. Thanks for sharing that terrific news. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We try to celebrate my parents anniversary every year, this year was number 43! But that’s pretty much it. My brothers and I are all single so we don’t have any anniversaries like that. Things that happen yearly that I look forward to? The biggest is the town’s annual old car show, my mom and I are starting to make an annual event of attending the burnout and lights show the night before the actual show part of the car show. But I think the most important things that I look forward to each year are the first robin and the first flower in spring…
I bet your parents are delighted that you help them celebrate their anniversary every year, Jasmine. My husband and I sure would be. Thanks for leaving your colorful comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Anniversaries are definitely marked in our minds and on our hearts. One usually anniversary is March 1st, my mom and dad celebrated, “Getting thru February,” as that meant winter was half way done!
Your parents must have (or have had?) delightful senses of humor, Babs. I’m not sure anyone loves the month of February. Thanks for leaving your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We celebrate June 10th – the date we moved to the 1808 farmhouse that has been in my husband’s family for four generations. We were just in our sixties and moved from a one story rancher to a three story farmhouse. I kept saying this is so strange, as all our other friends are downsizing at this stage of life!
That sounds like so much fun, Joy. Maintaining the house in the family is splendid, and those stairs will keep you in good shape. My dad lived in a three-story home in his 80s. My mother once told me the reason we all got along so well is because our house was big, so we could all find needed privacy. They bought it back in the days when everyone wanted split-level homes. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I find something to celebrate each day. Even a small task completed makes me happy.
I could use a good dose of what you have, Penny. There are some days it seems I haven’t completed a single task, which of course is silly. Thanks for your inspirational comment And good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
My thankful anniversary is a little different in that I just began my third year working as a part-time children’s librarian for two small rural libraries. Some days, I’ve had only one little preschooler and others, seventeen in attendance at story time. My little ones are precious to me and it is rewarding seeing them have fun each week. I also work the circulation desk and observed how many adult patrons enjoy the Amish fiction genre. I enjoy it too. If my name is chosen, I will be donating the books to my libraries so that others may also borrow them. Thank you for the contest opportunity!
You sound like the perfect person for your job, Kathy. I have a friend who is a librarian in the children’s section of a large library. He loves his job. Perhaps you could order my most recent book (A Letter from Lancaster County) if you don’t win? That would be a huge gift to me. In the meantime, good luck in the giveaway!
Kate