During the early months of marriage it’s easy to go the extra mile to do special things for your spouse. As time passes, though, things like busyness, fatigue, distractions, and disagreements make this more difficult. I’m simply not as eager to make my husband’s favorite cookies now, nor is he as eager as he once was to rub my sore … [Read more...] about Rekindling the Romance of Early Marriage
She’s Here!
It’s been pretty quiet at OF THE HEARTH over the last couple of weeks. Why? I’ve been occupied with this blessing: My husband, Preston, and I welcomed our daughter, Amaris Gail, on October 7th. Amaris means “promised by God” and Gail means “my father rejoices.” She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 19 in long. She arrived a little … [Read more...] about She’s Here!
Healthy Convenience Foods
I typically avoid purchasing convenience foods because they are pricy both in terms of their monetary cost and in terms of the toll they take on health. We all experience busy seasons (such as after the birth of a baby) where convenience foods can help us preserve our sanity. Are there any convenience foods that can be considered … [Read more...] about Healthy Convenience Foods
Encouraging Scriptures for Pregnancy
My husband and I are incredibly blessed to be expecting the little girl who currently resides in my womb, but will emerge any day now. I never want to lose sight of how grateful we are for her. To be honest, though, I’m pretty uncomfortable right now. My feet and ankles are swollen. My back and hips ache. I’m not sleeping well at night. … [Read more...] about Encouraging Scriptures for Pregnancy
Chicken and Vegetables in Curried Cream Sauce
My husband and I enjoy several varieties of curry, but on occasion we desire a dish that is a little milder. This affordable, nutritious dish is perfect for these times. Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1-2 teaspoons curry powder (depending on how mild of a flavor you want) 1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk 1/2 cup … [Read more...] about Chicken and Vegetables in Curried Cream Sauce
Dare to Prepare: Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
As we’ve discussed in previous installments of Dare to Prepare, every family needs to assemble a basic disaster preparedness kit and create a family emergency plan. If your family is like mine and has a member with special needs, then it is important that you consider some additional topics. “Special needs” is an umbrella term that … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
Building a Home Management Binder that Works for You
Over a year ago I set out to create a home management notebook. It’s taken me far too long, but I’ve finally completed this task! Why did it take so long? Sometimes I found myself dragging my feet (you’re mistaken if you think I write posts about things like laziness because I think you need to change…I write these posts because I need … [Read more...] about Building a Home Management Binder that Works for You
Modern Pregnancy Celebrations: Nurturing or Narcissistic?
After supporting many friends through pregnancies, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the breadth of modern pregnancy celebrations. However, when my husband and I were finally blessed with a pregnancy this last spring, I quickly realized that I had no idea how pregnancy is celebrated by a large number of Americans. After announcing … [Read more...] about Modern Pregnancy Celebrations: Nurturing or Narcissistic?
