Day 20 - Thankful Blog - Mennonites, bikinis, and cinnamon rolls

Several years ago, a group of Mennonites moved into our community.  It was a little weird at first, because we didn’t know anything about them, but they’ve been great neighbors.  They work hard, they are friendly, they have the cutest babies, and THEY HAVE A BAKERY right down the road from my house.  You have not eaten a pound cake until you’ve eaten a 5-Flavor pound cake from Anna Mary’s Bakery. 

Not too long after they moved to our community, me and Willard were outside.  Two very odd things were happening… first, we were doing yard work, and second, I was wearing a bikini top. 

We’ve been hiring someone to mow our yard for years – even WAY before we owned a lawnmower dealership.  Why don’t we mow our own yard now? Well, I don’t really know…  Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. 

As for the bikini top.  Ugh.  I had a tank top over it but I took it off for some reason.  I’ve NEVER been in my front yard in a bikini top because, well, just because.  It’s TMI, trust me.  Anyway, I took it off and I was pulling weeds right up against the house, thinking no one would see me.  I was squatted down with my back to the road.  No biggie.  Then a truck pulls in the driveway.  Crap.  I figured (hoped) they were just turning around, and I also thought I’d draw more attention to myself if I stood up to go in the house, so I just stayed put.  Willard walked over and started talking to the driver.  In a minute or so, I hear Willard say, “Hey, Amy, come here!”  Double crap.  I stood up and pulled on my tank top, and noticed then that it was ripped and small and covered not much more than the bikini top.  As I got closer to the truck, I noticed the passenger wearing a little white hat… omg.  The Mennonites were in my driveway and I had on a BIKINI!?!?  In case you don’t know, this is how Mennonite women dress….

 

Can it get any worse? Oh yes, it can.  Willard introduces me to the driver, who just happens to be the Mennonite PREACHER.  I’m fairly sure my name was at the top of the prayer list the next day…Please pray for Willard’s heathen wife who runs around the yard half naked…

Here's a picture of me in my bikini. 

 

Not. 

 

As if!

So, fast forward to present day.  There’s this Mennonite lady who thinks Willard is so nice.  She knocked on my door today and handed me a homemade gigantic cinnamon roll that was STILL WARM.  All because my husband is so nice.  Say what? It probably would have been appropriate for me to make sure she had the right house, but you think I’m turning down a homemade cinnamon roll? You got that right!  

So, on day 20, I am thankful for the Mennonite folks who brighten my life with their cute kids and their baked goods.