Kids Summer Chore Chart

As summer begins, it is time to revamp chores and daily habits for kids. Instead of those check-off reward charts, I make a picture chart to help my 8 year-old see her daily routines and chores. I've found after working with kids of all ages over the years, that a picture is worth a thousand words. When it's chore or get ready time, I tell her, "Just look at your chart" so she knows what to do next.

After customizing her charts, I print several and hang them in her room and kitchen. During the school year the charts include some getting-ready-for school tasks which are now removed. The cool thing is when I find something that isn't working for her, I can easily change it. Of course I carefully train her how to do each chore or habit.

The days when I walk into her bedroom and the bed is made, I want to shout "Yes! It's working." Every night she puts an outfit of clothes on the floor for the next day. I remember my older girls doing this too and it looks like a little person laying on the floor.

People ask me, "How do you make your kids do their chores?" Quite simply, they don't get to play with friends, read, use the computer or Wii until the work is done. Play is the carrot to dangle. The key is Mom being consistent and not giving in to the whining. I typically raise my eyebrow and give her a firm look if she is begging. I'm not perfect, but this usually works.

Summer is always harder for routines, and I lighten up on my expectations. Bedtime is always later than I want it to be. You can always pause the movie and send the kids to do their night chores, and then let them to return to finish the movie.

Here is how to make my chore chart:

1. Decide what chores or habits you want your child to learn. Make sure they are age appropriate otherwise you will be doing more of the work than they do. I put daily habits on the chart as well even down to putting on the deodorant. For younger children a good rule of thumb is their age. For example, a 4 year-old can do four chores. An 8 year-old can do 8 chores. And they can be spread throughout the day.
2. Create a spreadsheet (love Excel!) with the same size column widths and row heights. Word docs are more difficult for me to maneuver, but if that is what you are used to then go for it.
3. Add a chart icon picture on the side that tells your child if the chart is for morning, night or day chores. I used a vertical title box, but you could do a row on the top of the chart with your title. 
4. Find clipart or internet pictures of objects that are familiar to your child. I go to places like Walmart.com and Kohls for things she is familiar with. I even found her favorite stuffed horse, Angus from the movie Brave and a picture of a desk that is similar to her own.
5. After you copy the picture to the spreadsheet, right mouse click and remove the hyperlink.
6. Use the crop tool to take off the excess. Minimize or enlarge the picture until it is the size you want. Move the picture to the square you want.
7. I added numbers to the squares to show the order for her to do the tasks. The font style on my chart is Aharoni with 28 font size.

Kids Chore Chart.pdf
Kids Chore Chart.xls

Hope you figure out a chart that works for your child for the summer! Just be consistent.

Mormon Channel Videos About Disaster Preparation

On the following Mormon Channel videos, members and LDS Church leaders talk about being prepared both spiritually and temporally (physically) for disasters, and that this is the key to helping others. Bishop Burton says, "If we are good disciples of Jesus Christ, we would do what he would do if he were here."

The first video, "Strength in Adversity, Bishop Burton" is an overview of several disasters over the years and comments from Bishop H. David Burton, former Presiding Bishop.

The second video, "Joplin Saints Talk About Preparation" includes thoughts by members and church leaders about the Joplin Missouri tornado in May 2011.

Make a 72-Hour Kit in 12 Steps: Step 7 - Food Prep Items

Each time I put together a new part to how to make a 72-hour kit in 12 steps, I find something missing from our existing kits. This time it was the rain ponchos used by family runners preparing for a marathon. I also noticed the fuel was gone for the small camping stove. The rule should be, "You take it out; You put it back." But we are human.

In our 72-hour kits, I try to pack food that requires almost no cooking and is lightweight. That makes it easy to come up with a list of food prep items. I like the enamelware cups in our kits because you can put them over a fire if you need to boil water and they don't get crushed in the pack. I can't remember where I bought them, but most of these items can be found at Walmart, a camping store, online or at an emergency supply store.

We also have a couple of family emergency buckets with some additional supplies in case we are lucky enough to evacuate by car and take more food with us. The buckets have things that don't fit in a backpack; the things you wished you really had in an emergency. So our kits are minimal, and the buckets carry the heavy stuff. But we don't have to take them with us if we go on foot.

See the red gas shut off key on the bucket?

If we have to stay put at home after a disaster it will be nice to have things prepared so we don't have to look all over the house or kitchen for them. I keep these items in our emergency closet near the front door.

So here is my two-part list of things we have:

Step 7: Food Prep Items (in 72-hour Kit)

• cup (enamelware)
• spoon, plastic (for stirring hot cocoa)
• napkins
• multi-tool which includes scissors (like Leatherman)
• matches (in baggie)

Step 7: Additional Food Prep Items (in emergency bucket)

• mess kit
• foil
• small roll of paper towels
• small folding camp stove
• fuel tablets (in baggie or plastic container)
• matches (in baggie)
• small cooking knife
• manual can opener

You can find the other 12 steps on this page. It's a work in progress. Please share any ideas that have worked for you.

June 2013 Food Storage Goals - Grains and Vitamins

Life has been busy, to say the least, so I am sorry I have not been able to keep up with my weekly posts. I had a bit of a pity party when I found out I have a herniated disc in my neck as well as a pinched nerve. Cry, cry. And also a bulging disc in my lower back. Ouch! But, I am working on rest, rehab, and relief.

However, I was able to put together the monthly list for June, so you can use it to gather suggested items for each week.

Let's move forward in a big way during the month of June. School will be out for many, and though vacations and times of fun and leisure call to us, let us not be slothful. It's important that we keep striving to prepare our families in any way we can. Bit by bit.

June is the month I like to focus on grains and vitamins. Many grains can be stored long-term, but some cannot. See this post about grains to know more. If you want to store brown rice in your 3 month supply of everyday foods, that's fine. But it does not store well long-term for 20 to 30 years. I suggest amounts for a year's supply on the monthly list as well for those of you that are ready to do that. Grains are inexpensive, which is great.

June Food Storage List

click for pdf

I had a dream a few nights ago, that was a wakeup call for me. I decided not to share all of it . . . yet. Perhaps in my book someday. But suffice it to say that it involved an earthquake and many people did not heed the counsel to become better prepared.

When I woke up, I immediately typed down all the details of the dream. I've never done that with any dream before. Some dreams are inspiration for the person who dreams them. I'm not a disaster forecaster. I'm not predicting "the Big One." I'm just me. But as I've pondered, I can say that we can either choose to be like the Children of Israel in the days of Moses and seek for a sign, or we can be guided by the Spirit and follow the counsel to become better prepared that has already been given to us by wise leaders and prophets of God. The choice is always ours.

I want so much to help so many, but in this dream my voice was heard by so few because so few were paying attention. They were sidetracked by the internet, computer games, thrills and things that matter least. I feel inadequate to share my voice because of all that is going on in my own life right now, but I hope that even the small amount of writing I am able to do is reaching someone.

As I have watched the tornados across the Midwest, I've been trying to learn from them. They are so far away from me, but they matter. People matter. Rather than watch the news on CNN, I've gone straight to the local news stations online for better reports. It has been heartbreaking, but there is also much to learn.

For those who want to help soon after a disaster, we can learn from the needs lists posted on the news channels of items to donate ASAP. Bottled water is number 1. People sometimes wonder why I'm not a huge fan of storing water in barrels in my basement, though I do have a few barrels there. I prefer keeping small bottles of water on the main level in my home and garage because they can help my family and others immediately following a disaster.

The first few days after a disaster can by difficult as government agencies begin the communications process and gather statistics. Roads are difficult to travel even for the National Guard. It is not easy for people who are injured or stranded to wait for supplies. Volunteers are needed, but it is always better to have trained volunteers to help on the front lines.

Keeping extra items in our homes could help others who may live a few blocks from us. Never look at things you store as your "family stockpile." These same items may be relief donations others need right away. I guess I'm on my soapbox right now. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not about hoarding food. Our arms must be lengthened. What we gather may be useful to those in the neighborhood next to us. We are all God's children.

As you can tell, I've been doing a lot of thinking. So, for those of you who are regular readers, decide if you will listen to the Spirit and the promptings you've had (because I know you've had them), or will you wait for a sign from Heaven and perhaps find yourself unable to help.

Sorry my voice is too serious today, but I just want to help. Best wishes on gathering or preparing to help others this coming month. You CAN do it!

Valerie

Be Healthy!

All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine;

that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground.”

Doctrine and Covenants 89:16

Food Storage Goals: May Week 21 - Mayonaisse and Parmesan Cheese

For week 21, gather mayonaisse, parmesan cheese and other suggested items.

STEP 1: 3-MONTH SUPPLY (per adult) - Mayonnaise, parmesan cheese 20 ounces total.
Tip: Watch for great sales in the next few weeks on these items. You can certainly substitute other items for the ones I suggest. You may not think shelf-stable parmesan cheese is for you everyday, but if all you had to eat in a disaster was a can of green beans, your kids may appreciate a sprinkle on top. The suggested amount is a starting place. Don't go overboard! Consider what you use most often and stock more of that item. Or simplify and keep one in the fridge and one on the pantry shelf. Even though we will gather BBQ sauce, ketchup and mustard next week, there may be a great Memorial Day sale for these items this week. So don't be afraid to stock up.
Shelf Life: Varies. Check the label.

STEP 2: DRINKING WATER (per person; always keep in stock) - 14 gallons water
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per day of drinking water per person. That's about 4x24 ct. cases of bottled water per person. "You will also need water for food preparation, bathing, brushing teeth, and dish washing. Store a 3-5 day supply of water (at least 5 gallons for each person)." FEMA
Tip: Around Memorial Day, you can usually find a great price on bottled water. Small bottles are for short-term storage, so slowly go through your supply and replenish. More durable food grade containers are for long-term storage.
Shelf Life: small commercially prepared bottles store indefinitely. Other containers need to be refilled every 6 months. Store off your cement floor on 2x4's or on a shelf.

STEP 3: FINANCIAL RESERVE (per person) - $2.00 +/- per week
Tip: Add to your fund each week for emergencies. Keep some in the bank and some cash in small bills at home.

STEP 4: LONGER-TERM SUPPLY (per person) - Nothing this week

OTHER STORAGE ITEMS
FOOD PREP 1 - Plastic utensils
Tip: Having a small supply of plastic utensils can be useful during disasters when you may not have running water to wash dishes. They are also useful for those summer parties.

PREPAREDNESS GOAL - Photograph Home Contents
Tip: There is no excuse for not taking pictures of items in your home and the outside of your home. These days the ease of cell phone cameras, makes this a no brainer. Documenting your home contents will help if you ever need to show an insurance company what you own.

EQUIPMENT GOAL - Dutch Oven Supplies
Tip: If you are planning on cooking with a dutch oven during an emergency, this is a great time of year to gather your supplies because you will find them on sale.

WEEKLY INVENTORY - Beans, Meat & Soup
How: This week check your supply of these items. Are you stocking enough?

Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the May 2013 Food Storage List. If you are new around here, go to my START HERE page.

Join me on Facebook!

“But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint;

that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place

ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ,

that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee,

that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.”
2 Nephi 32:9

Aging Parents: The Emotional Side of Moving a Parent to a Senior Care Facility

Caring for aging parents is something we all face at some point in our lives, but it can happen so suddenly that you feel like you've just jumped on a roller coaster. The time has come that my mom needs to move into a skilled nursing facility, but I am blessed to have a husband who works at such a facility. So we are busy helping my parents prepare to move to Utah.

Imagine being able to ask the man you sleep with any question you have about senior care, and getting an immediate response. I can't say enough about Brad. I am truly blessed.

As a child, guilt creeps in as you consider these life altering changes for a parent. I can't imagine how my Dad feels as a spouse moving my mom to "that place." But we keep reminding ourselves that the extra care she needs is there and we physically can't do it all by ourselves. He has been amazing to work with on the preparations for both of them. And I have loved our visits on the phone where he shares memories and wisdom.

Dad is moving into a senior apartment in the building next door to Mom's skilled nursing facility so he can visit her every day. We are excited for that. And they can attend the same church branch (ward) together without him needing to take her in a car. How I love Utah!

My big sister who lives a few miles from my parents in Oregon, has been helping me figure out how to make this all happen with the least amount of stress possible for my parents. I am grateful for her. Support from family is so necessarry at times like this.

My parents are originally from Utah, so they are actually coming home. There are several relatives still here in the Salt Lake Valley and Utah is the crossroads for my out-of-state siblings as well. And my Dad is an amazing family historian and will love being close to the Family History Library; the largest library of its kind in the world.

Because this is a multi-care campus, as my father advances in age he can get the help he needs by moving to the other buliding and not have to make The Big Move again. He can move to the assisted living floor, get rehab and eventually to the skilled nursing facility if needed. I will be 25 minutes away, but it's a relief to know my husband works in the same facility 5 days a week.

I've learned that taking many visits beforehand to the facility you have chosen, really helps. I've made so many visits that on my last trip a woman in the senior apartments asked me if I was moving in! I told her I was looking for a place for my dad and she said, "I thought you were a bit young."

My first visit brought out all of my fears and emotions. No place could ever be good enough for my parents. Especially when their current home is just perfect for them. But my husband kept reassuring me it would be just fine. The key is focusing on the parent, and not on your own feelings. These types of changes are always hard on children of aging parents.

I remember looking at the senior apartments for Dad. I was critical and paid attention to details like "those plants need some water" and "that carpet looks a bit worn." I tried to imagine him eating lunch and dinner in the dining room with all these "old people." He has always been so strong and independent even at 80. My saving grace was the employees and how kind and attentive they were to the residents. As I watched them serve food and interact I could feel a warm, welcoming spirit.

The second time I visited the senior apartments I measured rooms. I tried to imagine my Dad there with his dog. Could his sofa fit on this wall? Could the picture that currently hangs over their fireplace hang here? How would we set up his office? He definitely wasn't going to need his king-sized bed.

On my visit to the room chosen for my mom, I passed several old people in wheelchairs in the halls. Why were they cluttering the halls? I talked with a nurse and she said they liked getting out of their rooms because they don't want to be in them all day. That was exactly what I would have done if I had been in their situation. As I explained to the nurse what care my mom needed, I felt as if I was apologizing for it. And the nurse confidently said, "That's what we do. We take care of all of that." I love that nurse. Nurses and CNA's are special people with Christlike hearts and hands.

When I looked in Mom's room for the first time, I could only think hospital. It was not at all like her current bedroom with the Shirley Temple dolls on the dresser and Shirley pictures on the walls. It was missing her dresser and the old sewing machine table with the T.V. on top. I tried to image her things in the room, and suddenly saw my mom's sweet face with her familiar gentle smile. (Tears.) So amiable, yet frail at 82. I lifted my shoulders. We would make this room homey and lovely. It just needed some familiar touches. The Shirley Temple pictures were moving in.

By the third visit I had come to grips with this being the place for both of them. I spent time walking around the grounds, and it was lovely! How had I overlooked the beauty of the grounds on my other visits? There were lots of shade trees on the west side and vegetable boxes residents could work on in another garden. And a beautiful walking path all around the parking lot with more gardens. There was also a pretty pioneer home across the street.

I looked over the activities schedule and loved it! My Mom would be doing more and my Dad would be with her. A sigh of relief. All will be well.

Food Storage Goals: May Week 20 - Sauces

Time to get back on track. For week 20, gather sauces as well as other suggested items.

STEP 1: 3-MONTH SUPPLY (per adult) - Sauces 12 ounces total.
Tip: I like to have a supply of sauces and marinades in my food storage. The suggested amount is a starting place. Since we have 5 people at home, I would gather 60 oz. of sauces. You may have 2 people and would gather 24 oz. This could be a variety of teriyaki, soy, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, marinades, etc. Don't go overboard! Some of these things last more than a year. Consider what you use most often and stock more of that item. Or simplify and keep one in the fridge and one on the shelf. (Don't include BBQ sauce as we will gather it in a few weeks.
Shelf Life: Varies. Check the label.

STEP 2: DRINKING WATER (per person if needed) - 14 gallons water
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per day of drinking water per person. That's about 4x24 ct. cases of bottled water per person. "You will also need water for food preparation, bathing, brushing teeth, and dish washing. Store a 3-5 day supply of water (at least 5 gallons for each person)." FEMA
Tip: Around Memorial Day, you can usually find a great price on bottled water. Small bottles are for short-term storage, so slowly go through your supply and replenish. More durable food grade containers are for long-term storage.
Shelf Life: small commercially prepared bottles store indefinitely. Other containers need to be refilled every 6 months. Store off your cement floor on 2x4's or on a shelf.

STEP 3: FINANCIAL RESERVE (per person) - $2.00 +/- per week
Tip: Add to your fund each week for emergencies. Keep some in the bank and some cash in small bills at home.

STEP 4: LONGER-TERM SUPPLY (per person) - Nothing this week

OTHER STORAGE ITEMS
FOOD PREP 1 - Paper plates
Tip: This is a great month to buy paper plates. These can be useful during disasters when you may not have running water, but are also helpful for those summer parties. I always keep a small supply on hand.

PREPAREDNESS GOAL - Pet 72-hour kit
Tip: If you own a pet, don't forget to put together a 72-hour kit for her. I put items for my dog in a red backpack and included food, water and a plastic bowl. I kept it hanging near her leash in the broom closet. You could certainly be more elaborate but I kept mine simple.

EQUIPMENT GOAL - Charcoal and Lighter fluid
Tip: These items are great for emergency use and barbecues. Make sure you get the right kind of briquettes if you plan to use them for Dutch oven cooking. We made the mistake once and bought the quick light and needless to say, the food did not cook correctly.

WEEKLY INVENTORY - Paper & Plastics
How: Check your supply of paper cups, plates, utensils, napkins, paper towels, etc. Great for everyday use AND emergency use.

Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the May 2013 Food Storage List. If you are new around here, go to my START HERE page.

Join me on Facebook!

Reflecting on My Mother This Mother's Day

Whether you are a mother or have a mother, this is a special holiday to reflect on the sacrifice mothers make to bring children into the world and raise them. I have been blessed to be the mother of 7 amazing, talented children. I love each of them and have adored raising them.

But I want to honor my own mother, Maria Torres McCune, who raised me. Here is her bridal portrait. Lovely!

And here she is as an LDS missionary in El Salvador. Beautiful!

This picture was taken at my Gold and Green Ball. Look at her radiant eyes.

And here she is at the side of my Dad, supporting him as he served as the Santiago Chile MTC president.

 

I love you Mom! Thank you for your devotion to our family, the Gospel and your sweet spirit. You are forever an example to me of "love thy neighbor as thyself." Viva La Maria Pequena. Happy Mother's Day!

 

And Happy Mother's Day to all of my readers!

Spiritual Preparation is the Key to Facing Our Trials

The past three weeks I've had some health problems that have taught me several lessons. One of those lessons is when I have planted roots deep in gospel soil, I can endure trials better. I am grateful to know that Heavenly Father is aware of me.

When I turned 50, I decided to be a good girl and have one of those medical procedures we don't like to talk about. The lab results showed a clean bill of health. However, a few days after the procedure, I had excruciating lower back pain.

I've had back problems for years and regularly see a chiropractor, but I hadn't planned on muscle spasms in my lower back followed by neck pain, and then complex migraines.

I felt dizzy and nauseous, and had a difficult time concentrating. I could hardly talk, and it felt like I my tongue was swollen. Looking at the light coming in the window hurt, and there was pressure in my eyebrows and left side of my face and jaw. My teeth even ached. I could feel my left eyelid droop, but it was not obvious.

I decided to see my chiropractor, but his office was closed, so I went to my old DC. He ran some neurology tests and said I could be having a mini-stroke. :-( No one should ever mention the word stroke to you. My daughter took me to the ER to be evaluated. The MRI showed I have a beautiful brain which is a good thing. The ER doctor put on the medical report: complex migraine. I was given some meds, told to consult with a neurologist and was sent home. However, I had daily migraines, back and neck pain for over a week.

I tried massage, meds, ice, and bed rest. Being cooped up in the house was a bit depressing, but going out only triggered another migraine. For those who have experienced bed rest with back pain, you know that you really don't get rested. You have disturbed sleep.

I asked my husband for a priesthood blessing and was grateful for it. Too bad I waited a week to finally ask for one, something I won't do again. Things started to ease up after the blessing. I've prayed a lot to understand what happened and why. I prayed for the doctors to know how to help me, and patience for myself. The word "endure to the end" has taken on a whole new meaning.

As I lay in bed, I took a hard look at mylife. I went through my calendar and made the decision to wipe everything off including blogging, speaking engagements, church assignments and family events. That was extremely difficult for me. But I did it. I talked with my bishop and my Relief Society president for guidance. And I am slowly putting things back on. I have been pondering and working on bringing the essential things first. And taking care of my health is an essential thing.

I am still sore, but it is tolerable. The gentle rehabilitation has begun, and I'm taking vitamins, increasing water, and stretching. I am not without hope. I am very aware God has placed others in my path who have shared ideas to help me. I have never been left alone in all of this.

I am grateful for good friends who offered to drive my youngest to and from school. I love them for that. Grateful to my amazing family who prayed for me and helped around at home.

Spring is absolutely beautiful in my neighborhood, and I missed being outside in it. But today was amazing. I listened to birds chattering in the trees. Watched enormous clouds glide through the sky. Put my hand in the warm soil in the garden and got my fingernails dirty pulling weeds. I smelled the bark and looked at flowers. Such simple things remind me God cares for each of us.

Thank you for your patience and I hope my readers will continue to strive to become prepared both temporally and spiritually. The spiritual preparation is the key to facing our trials.

Best wishes,

Valerie

Everyone has those weeks when they don't feel so good. Migraines have moved in on my block, and I'm trying to endure their presence. But I decided to make the best of a tough week by watching the cooking show "Fusion Grain Cooking" with Chef Brad and learning all his great tips on making wheat bread.

What a great teacher! I never grew up baking bread, so his ideas are so amazing. I've watched cooking shows before, but learning how to use wheat and other grains is so wonderful. Especially for those of us trying to incorporate food storage grains into our diet.

If you have not seen his show, you can watch it online. I especially enjoyed watching the "Wheat" episode where he shows us how to make bread. Love the tips! He makes it all possible. Check out his other episodes on Chef Brad's Fusion Grain Cooking on BYUtv.

May 2013 Food Storage Goals

 

May is a busy month for many families because of Mother's day, end-of-the-year school projects, performances, and graduations. So I like to simplify this month's food storage focus to condiments and spices. Some of the best deals for condiments happen in May.

Here is the list of items I like to stock up on in May and some preparedness goal as well:

May 2013
Food Storage Shopping List.pdf 

 

As the weather warms up, more and more people cook outdoors. There will be plenty of store coupons and sales for condiments. However, let me caution you not to go overboard when buying condiments. You will be tempted to stock up on more than you need, so be practical. I like to stock up on a year's supply, but how many bottles of ketchup do you really need? Take a look at my suggested amounts for a 3-month supply, which I feel is more realistic. If you multiply the amounts by 4 and then muliply that number by the number of family members, you will be able to decide what is best for you.

Also, stock up on spices and dry onions. Go here to see how I store my spices. I like buying a 2.4 lb. #10 can of dry onions from the LDS Home Storage Center for $6.90 because it's a great bargain and lasts longer than a year for our family. After I open the container, I keep it in my cool basement, and transfer a small amount in a shaker container for kitchen use. You would pay $11.20 for an equivalent amount at Sam's Club. Many of us use fresh onions more often than dry in the summer which is fine. But dry onions are very useful as well.

In regards to other spices, I buy less-used spices in bulk at Winco and put them in my own jars. Don't go overboard here either and feel you have to buy those large containers at Costco or Sam's Club. That is not necessarily the best price. Consider what you use a lot of. In our family it's cinnamon, oregano and onions. I don't need a 15 oz. container of thyme. Be practical so you can spend money on something else you need this month.

I like to keep a stock of paper goods on hand all the time for power outages or longer disasters. Paper plates, cups, foil, plastic utensils, etc. are extremely useful when you can't use your dishwasher or sink. Watch for sales closer to Memorial day, and stock up. I like to keep a 30 day supply always in a cupboard. With our large family gatherings, they always get used and I just replace them.

Even though I don't focus on freezer foods for food storage, you may find good deals on meat this month. My butcher told me roasts go on sale in May because people are barbecuing other cuts of meat. May is also National Pet Month so put together a 72-hour kit for Fido or Fluffy this time each year. You may want to read "The Dogs of Hurricane Katrina" to motivate you.

If you plan to use a dutch oven for outdoor emergency cooking, charcoal briquettes go on sale this month too. And the price of bottled water drops as we get closer to Memorial day.

Hopefully you've started an area for your vegetable garden. I'm not a great gardener, but I like to plant a "salad" garden every year.

Last of all, if you get a nice tax refund, consider buying a wheat grinder. It's a worthwhile investment if you like to use whole grains. In 2009, my readers said their favorite grinders were the NutriMill and the Wonder Mill.

It's nice to hear the lawnmowers buzzing in our neighborhood again. It's a great time of year. Good luck on your continual progress to becoming better prepared. You can do it!

Best wishes,
Valerie

(This post was written in 2012, but was updated for May 2013)

Mormon Messages Video: My Brother Hyrum

At times in our lives, we feel we are different than those around us. The funny thing is, we are different. But some of our differences are more apparent than others, especially when we have a physical disability like Autism. The following Mormon Messages video shows that through a little sister's eyes, her brother is "just my brother."

As soon as I started this video, my daughter ran in from the other room, drawn to the voice of the little girl. I enjoyed talking with her about Autism as she had many questions about Hyrum. What can he do? Can he talk?

Autism: It means you think things different. It doesn't make you bad, it just makes you different. Heavenly Father made all of us special.