We have a bottom-freezer fridge in our kitchen. At the top of the freezer there is a shallow drawer, and at the bottom is a large bin. The space between the two is minimal. Because the freezer was a bit full (or pretty disorganized so it seemed full), I managed to accidentally push an ice pack over the back edge of the bin, leaving it stuck at … [Read more...] about Step Back and Look from Another Angle
15 Fun and Memorable Back-to-School Traditions for Homeschoolers
My older kids sometimes lament that they are missing out on certain things because they’re homeschooled. For example, my middle child really wishes she could ride a school bus and my oldest child really wants a cute backpack in which to carry her books. Of course, due to their ages, they have a difficult time understanding that their peers … [Read more...] about 15 Fun and Memorable Back-to-School Traditions for Homeschoolers
August 2024 Dinner Menu
July was a relatively calm month for us. We were grateful for this! We finally wrapped up school, so my kids are excited to have a break. Given I need to begin preparing for next year, my break will be short-lived. Nevertheless, I am grateful that things will be moving at a slower pace for a few weeks. My parents are visiting this … [Read more...] about August 2024 Dinner Menu
Under Construction: Please Excuse the Mess
I’ve been writing posts here on Of The Hearth for over a decade. So much has changed during that time! This is true in my personal life, of course, but it is also true in terms of technology and current events. For this website to remain useful to you, I need to make some updates. I’ve been working on a few of these behind the scenes, … [Read more...] about Under Construction: Please Excuse the Mess
Soft Lemon Cookies
Lemon is a flavor that my two oldest girls love, so several years ago I made them Soft Lemon Cookies. They were a hit! Since that time, these cookies have been one of my go-to dessert recipes for summer picnics and BBQs. They are always popular at these get togethers. You’ll see why if you give them a try. Ingredients (Adapted from … [Read more...] about Soft Lemon Cookies
July 2024 Dinner Menu
We had a fun, eventful June! We traveled to Colorado for a week-long visit with family. My kids really enjoyed the time with their cousins. Traveling is particularly challenging for us because my youngest child, who is autistic, greatly values her routines. This trip was a bit difficult for her, but she settled in after several days and was … [Read more...] about July 2024 Dinner Menu
June 2024 Dinner Menu
We had a lovely visit from some family members last month. It was so nice to catch up! A good portion of the rest of our time was spent completing schoolwork. This is not unusual because we do take a year-round approach to homeschooling. However, we have extra to do because we missed several weeks in the fall while we were moving. We’ll … [Read more...] about June 2024 Dinner Menu
Cooking the Books: A Fine Dessert and Blackberry Fool
A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat by Emily Jenkins shares the experiences of four families living in four different centuries as they prepare and later enjoy a treat (Blackberry Fool) together. We love how the book shares the details of how the treat would be prepared using the tools and techniques of … [Read more...] about Cooking the Books: A Fine Dessert and Blackberry Fool