Tuesday (late night... but still Tuesday)

You know how sometimes, all day you think it's a certain day of the week, and then you discover that it's actually NOT? That was my day today.

This week for your 72-hour kits, add some work gloves. You should have 2 pairs per family. I keep our work gloves in our 5-gallon bucket, since they are actually the ones we use now. I know that in an emergency, I need to grab that bucket and everything that it contains.

As a side note, I have a story... I am an ASL interpreter at Church, and I frequently mix up the signs for "hour" and "year". Several times, I have told (well, signed) to people that we should all have 72-year kits. And that General Conference happens twice an hour. Oops... I'm working on that one.

Anyway, how is your three month supply coming along? Besides food and water, it's important to store other everyday items like toilet paper, feminine products, baby products, and medicines. In a comment we received a while back, someone said that if they NEED one of something, they'll buy 3. In other words, if there is something you NEED in your house, consider stocking up on that item, whatever it is, when the item goes on sale. Cleaning supplies, pet food, etc. It should all be a part of your three month supply (although, food and water are the top priorities).

We are still gathering "other" items for the longer-term storage. I am working on pasta and honey this month. I don't know that I'll gather an entire year's worth, but my goal is to eventually have at least 6 months' worth set aside (I certainly won't get it all done this month, but hopefully in the next few months, depending on sales). I also need some honey.

What are you gathering this month?

Inspirational Thought

President Spencer W Kimball said:

"As we travel and visit the people throughout the world, we recognize the great temporal needs of our people. And as we long to help them, we realize the vital importance of their learning this great lesson: that the highest achievement of spirituality comes as we conquer the flesh. We build character as we encourage people to care for their own needs. No amount of philosophizing, excuses, or rationalizing will ever change the fundamental need for self-reliance...The Lord declares that herein lies “the agency of man” (see D&C 93:31), and with this agency comes the responsibility for self. With this agency we can rise to glory or fall to condemnation. May we individually and collectively be ever self-reliant. This is our heritage and our obligation."

“Chapter 11: Provident Living: Applying Principles of Self-Reliance and Preparedness,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006),114–23

Saturday Roundup

All About Food Storage has a downloadable pdf file for powdered egg and milk conversion. If you are using powdered eggs or milk in a recipe, this will make it that much easier. If you are interested in powdered eggs, check out Hannah's review of them.

All About Food Storage also had a great idea about using snack mixes to get your kids acquainted with food storage. Looks delicious to me!

Food Storage Made Easy has an extensive food substitution and measurement list, always handy to have in the kitchen.

Oh The Places You'll Go has a great idea to use food storage as a wedding gift. What a great way to get a couple started on food storage, and what cute wrappings she uses!

Finally, Self-Reliant Sisters have put together 30 days of pantry meals. They have downloadable forms for you to print off and fill out for your food storage meal plan. To read more about this idea to plan for your three-month supply read this.