Wednesday Prep Day

Life is crazy right now! Although, I'm positive I'm not the only one who can say this. Just keep going, no matter how difficult things may become; because eventually, they will get better. It may take a while, but the Lord loves us and never forgets us.

How is your 72 hr. kit coming? I debated having a catch-up week this week, and I think that's what we are going to do; but, I also think a small sewing kit is pretty easy to throw together, so lets do both. If there is anything, highlighted in red on the right, that you haven't been able to grab, see if you can find it. And then, grab a little bag and fill it with: a needle, some thread, a few buttons, and a small pair of scissors. You may want to have a couple of these just in case.

How is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options. (As we continue our Sample BASIC Menu on the right, you can use it for ideas. More of that to come later...).

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Beans for our long-term storage. Beans are awesome and we all need a few, o.k. a lot, in our storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Wednesday Prep Day

Good Morning! Today for our 72 hr. kits, we will be collecting a battery powered radio. Radio's are important because, in an emergency, they can provide information about what may be happening. Keep your eye's open at yard sales and thrift stores. You may be able to snatch one up for a fraction of the original price. Happy Hunting!

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options. (As we continue our "Sample BASIC Menu" on the right, you can use it for ideas. More of that to come later).

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Rice for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Wednesday Prep Day - One Day Late

First of all, I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL day! I know mine has been good. This week, for our 72 hr. kits, we are going to add a utility knife and a bucket. Knifes are handy tools and buckets are good for carrying items in. Infact, you can place the items you've collected so far in the bucket if you'd like.

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Rice for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Wednesday Prep Day - One Day Late

I was thinking, "Maybe I should just make Thursday 'Prep Day,' 'cause I am continually doing 'Prep Day' a day late." Hmmm...I don't know...we'll see. So how is every one? I hope all is well. I've been thinking about life and how it's not always perfect. Sometimes we go through crazy times and it doesn't make sense. But, the Lord loves each of us and wants us to be better. Realizing this gives me strength. Joseph Smith made a comment about this. "Never be discouraged. If I were sunk in the deepest pit of Nova Scotia with the Rocky Mountains piled upon me, I would exercise faith, keep good courage and eventually come out on top."

Now, for our 72 hr. kits, we are going to gather an ax and shovel this week. Keep these in a place where they can be accessed easily in an emergency - or maybe just a camping trip, or lawn project. There have been times where an ax would have been so handy! And a shovel, well, they work lots better than sticks and rocks. (I know this from experience). We must arm ourselves!

How is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Rice for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Wednesday Prep Day - One Day Late

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping! What a lovely morning! Now it's time to work on our 72 hr. kits. This week, we're going to continue collecting $100.00. (I just want you to have an amount you're comfortable with. Some people only keep $20.00 in their kit. That's o.k. too). One of my friends just adds a dollar here or five dollars there. If you do this, it will be less stress on your budget all at once. What ever amount you decide to save, make sure you keep it in small bills and change. You'll be glad you did!

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Oats for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Wednesday Prep Day

I just wanted to let you all know that I'm taking a break from blog-land for the rest of the week. You see, we have a family reunion, so I'll be a little occupied. For our 72 hr. kits, we're working on collecting $100.00 in small bills. This will be handy. Just work at it - a little here, a little there - but be persistent. Have a wonderful week!

Wednesday Prep Day

Good morning everybody! And what a lovely morning it is....ahhh. Today is a good day for 72 hr. kits because we're going to begin collecting water. Hooray! (We all know how important water is). Each person needs a minimum of two gallons, three is better. You can store water in five gallon jugs or cleaned Pete bottles. Milk jugs can be used too, but they may begin leaking after a year, so rotate them. Because this water will be with the 72 hr. kits, it's best to have something that can be carried - don't buy a 55 gallon drum for this. Another thing to remember about water storage...keep it off the floor as much as possible. And, always remember, water absorbs the smells of the place it's stored. If you keep it in the garage, it could taste like gas. Leave it on the cement, it may taste like dirt. Sweetened Tang, Kool-aid, or other drink flavoring can help mask unwanted flavor if you're worried.

For more information on water storage and purification, visit ProvidentLiving.com.

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Oats for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Wednesday Prep Day - One Day Late

Wow, everybody! It's Thursday...where did Wednesday go?! This week, for our 72 hr. kits, we're going to gather personal documents. After reviewing two sites, Safely Gathered In and Food Storage Made Easy, I've compiled a small list of items you may want to have.

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
  
• Will
• Passport
• Vaccination Records
• Credit Card Information - front and back
• Automobile Insurance Policy
• Homeowners Insurance Policy
• Life Insurance Policy
  
• Social Security Cards
• Bank Statements
• Retirement Statements
• Internet Passwords
• Utility Statements
• Work/Tax Documents that would be difficult to replace
• etc...
  

Whether you choose to keep these items in your 72 hr. kit, file cabinet, fire/water proof box, or ziplock bags in the freezer - yes, people do this too - it's up to you. Just make sure you have a way to remind yourself to grab them when it's time to go.

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Oats for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Wednesday Prep Day

Good Morning Everybody! Okay, when I started writing this it was morning. Now it's after 10:00 p.m.! Where does the time go? Today we are going to begin collecting a First Aid Kit for our 72 hr. kits. You can make it as basic or involved as you want. You can even have your regular first aid kit and keep it in a place with the 72 hr. kits so you can grab-and-go if needed. If you want ideas for a first aid kit, click here. I also know that I saw one at Walmart a week ago. I didn't get a chance to look at it, but I did note that it had 72 pieces and was $9.00. What else...Oh, check out the American Red Cross for ideas too! Their site is full of information.

Another thing I just want to mention about 72 hr. kits. You don't have to have everything for everyone now. Would it be nice? Of course! Is it always practical to collect everything all at once? No. You must always consider your resources, budget, etc. Five flashlights would be ideal for my family; but, one or two is still better than none. So do what you can and just keep working at it. If you're persistent, you'll get there.

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting wheat for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Wednesday Prep Day

This week for our 72 hr. kits, we will be gathering one set of Scriptures per family, flashlights for each person, and batteries. Don't get left in the dark; we all need spiritual and physical light to help get through tough times.

How is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month we are working on gathering wheat for our longer-term storage. Even though I can't eat whole wheat, I know this grain is essential and we need to learn to use it. Hmmm...maybe I should finely sit down and learn to sprout it. Orson Hyde said "There is more salvation in wheat than in all the powers of men combined."

Just think about that for a second.

**Edited to add one set of Scriptures per family**

Wednesday Prep Day

Hey Everybody, today is prep-day! Hooray!!! This week we will be gathering an extra pair of clothes for each member of the family. Safely Gathered In has an awesome idea to help keep track of everyone with a matching family shirt. Click here to find out more about it.

How is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

The hardest thing about food storage is starting. As you begin collecting it, you will find places for it. And then you'll find lots to do with it.

This month we are collecting wheat. Wheat is an amazing grain that can be made into many different foods. We'll learn more about it as we go along.

Wednesday Prep Day

Alright everybody, for our 72 hr. kits, we're going to keep working on what to keep them in. Backpacks, rolly Tupperware, and buckets are good examples. If you will be leaving in a car, you'll want them to fit in the trunk. If you'll be walking, backpacks or wheels would be nicer than buckets.

This week, if you don't have a plan for your three month supply, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners.

1. Decide if you want seven or fourteen meals to rotate. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.
2. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
3. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
4. Make a master shopping list.
   
5. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross items off the list. Just be persistent and patient.

The hardest thing about food storage is starting. I don't know why that is. But as you begin collecting it, you will find places for it; and, you will find uses for it if you're looking.

This month for long term storage, we are collecting wheat. Oh wonderful wheat! What can I do with you? Hmmm...let me see...

Wednesday Prep Day

Today we are going to begin our 72 hr. kits! Yeah! The first thing you need is something to keep everything in for each person. You will also want it to be easy to grab and throw in your trunk. A couple examples are:

Sturdy Backpack
Rolling Tupperware Bins
Bucket with Lid

Hey, how is your three month supply coming? What can you add this week? Make a list of things you would like and then watch for sales. As you see the items on your list, buy as much as you can and cross it off, unless of course, you still need more. (Remember...always stick to your budget).

This month for our long-term storage we will be gathering wheat. Wheat is very versatile. Today I made mock hamburger from wheat. It was my first try and it was good, especially since I didn't really know what I was doing. We made taco salad and you couldn't tell it wasn't real hamburger. So, this month, collect wheat.

Wednesday Prep Day

Well, we've gathered all the items for our emergency car kits! This is great! If there happens to be something you haven't collected yet, take this week to gather it. Just scroll down till you see the red list on the right side to find out. Or, if there's something that's not on the list, but you think it would be useful, add it. Next week we will begin 72 hr. kits and when they're done, we'll circle back to emergency car kits.

How is your three month supply coming? Do you have a plan? If not, sit down and make one. I found that starting with a menu with 7 (or 14) meals has worked best. Make a list of what each meal needs and multiply by 13 (for 7). Then begin shopping. I know it can be slow. It's definitely slow for me. But I also know it's possible. You just have to begin.

What about your year supply? Keep gathering whatever you would like this month. Next month we will move on to wheat. There's so much you can do with wheat!

Wednesday Prep Day

Today we are finishing up car kits! Just add a small pocket knife and $5-$20 in small bills and change. Make sure you have a variety because you never know what you'll need it for. Next week we'll have a "catch-up" week so you can grab anything you may still need. Then...on to 72 hr. kits! Hurray!

How is your 3 month supply coming? Remember...it's always easier when you have a plan. You know what they say, "Plan your work. Work your plan." Wendy DeWitt's up-dated book has a GREAT food storage plan that can be used for as short a period of time as you want, or as long as you want! Click here for a downloadable .pdf file. It's full of recipes and all sorts of useful information - definitely worth it!

This month for Long Term Storage, buy what ever basics you may still need. Shop wisely and stick to your budget. It's hard, and really slow sometimes, but you can do it!