Many of you may know, this last Sunday, Greg LeBlanc (our Ward Emergency Preparedness Specialist) talked with the Priesthood about an impending earthquake. The short version is, he felt prompted--many times--to prepare our ward for an earthquake...a big one.
He added the caveat that he hopes he is wrong. Personally, I think he is right.
Fast forward to Wednesday morning, when there was a 3.5 magnitude earthquake just off of Coronado Island. And to top it off, yesterday I discovered a report that a study by the Geological Society of America found what is called the Durmid ladder structure at the southern end of the San Andreas fault. Basically, movement along this area could trigger a large earthquake (possibly magnitude 8.0), devastating Southern California.
Now, even before I learned about the 'new' geological evidence, I trusted that Brother LeBlanc's warning needs some notice. His calling is to help our ward prepare for an emergency, and he is entitled to revelation on this exact subject.
Now, no need to panic and go crazy! Heavenly Father has promised us that, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30). So, let's get prepared!
Back in January, I challenged all of us to put together a 3-minute kit to keep under your bed, tied to a bedpost. I still think it is a good idea.
Brother LeBlanc gave a handout to the Brothers on Sunday, but I feel like his information is very pertinent and I would like to share it here as well.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Thursday, June 14, 2018
SCHOOL IS OUT!
...or is it?
One of the questions I get asked most this time of year is, "Do you guys take a break from school over the summer?" I always find this a little difficult to answer as I consider Life as school...there is always something to learn! My usual answer is, "Not really, it's just different." We usually shift our focus from Math and Language Arts to more engaging History and Science, including field trips. Part of our summer curriculum is deep-cleaning and food preservation. But there is always something to learn.
Gaining continual knowledge and learning is one thing that we as people, especially the Lord's people, should be pursuing.
On lds.org, it states, "As we become acquainted with truth in good sources of all kinds, we are better prepared to work in the world and serve in the kingdom of God. The Lord revealed, “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth” (D&C 93:36). All truth comes from Heavenly Father and is designed for the good of His children. God wants us to educate our minds, improve our skills, and perfect our abilities so we can be a better influence for good in the world, provide for ourselves, our family, and those in need, and build God’s kingdom (see D&C 88:78–80)."
I remember hearing President Hinckley telling church members to "get all the education you can." I have thought about this a lot over the last 15 or so years. As a mother in a growing family, I did not ever consider leaving my home to pursue additional degrees. I did earn my bachelor's degree just before we got married, but I did feel strongly that continuing my education was important, but what does that really mean?.
For me, I have felt that 'getting an education' means learning right alongside my kids. Boy, I have learned a ton as a homeschool mom! I have also watched mothers earn their degrees online, seen groups of women get together to learn a skill, and engaged on one-on-one conversations to learn from those who know more than I do.
I challenge you to seriously consider what "get all the education you can" means for you in your circumstances. As you sincerely ask the Lord what he would have you do to educate yourself, I am confident He will outline a perfect curriculum just for you, and that may include getting your family involved as well.
One of the questions I get asked most this time of year is, "Do you guys take a break from school over the summer?" I always find this a little difficult to answer as I consider Life as school...there is always something to learn! My usual answer is, "Not really, it's just different." We usually shift our focus from Math and Language Arts to more engaging History and Science, including field trips. Part of our summer curriculum is deep-cleaning and food preservation. But there is always something to learn.
Gaining continual knowledge and learning is one thing that we as people, especially the Lord's people, should be pursuing.
On lds.org, it states, "As we become acquainted with truth in good sources of all kinds, we are better prepared to work in the world and serve in the kingdom of God. The Lord revealed, “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth” (D&C 93:36). All truth comes from Heavenly Father and is designed for the good of His children. God wants us to educate our minds, improve our skills, and perfect our abilities so we can be a better influence for good in the world, provide for ourselves, our family, and those in need, and build God’s kingdom (see D&C 88:78–80)."
I remember hearing President Hinckley telling church members to "get all the education you can." I have thought about this a lot over the last 15 or so years. As a mother in a growing family, I did not ever consider leaving my home to pursue additional degrees. I did earn my bachelor's degree just before we got married, but I did feel strongly that continuing my education was important, but what does that really mean?.
For me, I have felt that 'getting an education' means learning right alongside my kids. Boy, I have learned a ton as a homeschool mom! I have also watched mothers earn their degrees online, seen groups of women get together to learn a skill, and engaged on one-on-one conversations to learn from those who know more than I do.
I challenge you to seriously consider what "get all the education you can" means for you in your circumstances. As you sincerely ask the Lord what he would have you do to educate yourself, I am confident He will outline a perfect curriculum just for you, and that may include getting your family involved as well.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
LAST CHANCE!
In January, our family took a road trip through Texas, Oklahoma, and
Colorado. While in Denver, we stopped at a dear friend's home for
lunch. She had built a new home since I saw her last and she was
showing me some of her favorite spots. She opened a closet door and
there were 7 backpacks, packed full...her family's 72 hour kits. I was
very impressed and am excited to add 10 72-hour kits to my home in the
near future.
72 hours is the time it takes for emergency personnel to begin helping people after a disaster. In other words, you are on your own for 3 days.
760-224-7217 raelynstoddard@gmail.com
Payment must be received by RaeLyn no later than June 10, 2018
I can take check, cash, or Paypal
72 hours is the time it takes for emergency personnel to begin helping people after a disaster. In other words, you are on your own for 3 days.
Because this is the #1 item I wish I had
for my family during the recent evacuations, I am inviting all of you to
participate with me to assemble 72-hour kits. These would also make
wonderful gifts.
This is the last chance to sign up as I need all final numbers and $ to me NO LATER than Sunday, June 10.
Here's the details:
- When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018
- Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m
- Where: Stake Center Overflow
- Cost: $36.50 per kit
Kits will include:
- Backpack and ID Tag
- Personal Supplies: chapstick, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, washcloth, toilet paper, flashlight & extra batteries, whistle, small notebook & pen, shampoo, conditioner, soap, ear plugs, medical mask, plastic bags
- Water
- Food for 3 days (About 1500 calories per day, no food needs to be cooked)
760-224-7217 raelynstoddard@gmail.com
Payment must be received by RaeLyn no later than June 10, 2018
I can take check, cash, or Paypal
Thursday, May 31, 2018
LONG TERM STORAGE: MONTH 2
Back in the 90s I worked in a little candy store in the middle of the mall. I became a pro at making Cotton Candy and Stringing Taffy. I took the food safety classes (which really only told me not to put meat and produce on the same shelf in the fridge and to rotate food items "first in-first out"), and saved my paychecks for college tuition. I remember almost all the gummy and sugary candy we got all had the big "Fat Free!" labels. I realized there was a whole lot of candy that fit right into the fat-free craze. I thought it was funny that there were people that actually thought that fat free always meant healthy. Fast forward about 10 years and I was attending Weight Watchers classes. I loved them and learned a ton about nutrition. One of the things that stuck out in my mind was that we need fat in our diet. Now, this is not license to go out and be crazy about French Fries, but the human body does need the right amount of good fats to be at it's peak.
It is suggested to store a minimum of 10 quarts per person of cooking oil for your year's supply. For my family, that is 95 quarts.
"Fat" comes in several forms: Olive oil, Canola oil, Vegetable oil, Coconut oil, Butter, Peanut oil, etc. One thing to remember about fats is that they do have a shorter shelf life and need to be rotated and replaced often. Because of this, it is important that you choose fats that you know you will use on a regular basis. Remember that "first in, first out" rule and you will be great.
I challenge you to get enough cooking oil for your family to add to your long-term storage.
If you would like to add a few extras to your storage, I will list some suggestions each month. Remember the #1 Food Storage Rule: Store what you Eat and Eat what you Store!
5 lb Peanut Butter and 2 jars of jelly or jam
6 lb pasta for each member of your family
Safety matches, flashlights, batteries
Condiments: watch for sales and stock up on mustard, ketchup, relish, mayo, salad dressing, soy sauce, etc.
Sleeping Bag or Tent
______________________________
LONG TERM STORAGE CHALLENGE
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
WORK SOLVES EVERYTHING
My Brother-in-law has a philosophy: "Work is the answer to everything." If you are depressed, go work. If you are happy, go work. If you don't feel well, go work. If you feel great, go work. If you are hungry, go work. If you are in trouble, go to work. I think you get the idea. I don't fault him, it is kind of how he was raised. Yup, I married into a family of work-a-holics. But this concept of hard work is really something I want to instill into my kids' character. Nothing happens by itself and only through hard work can we attain something great that we are proud of.
This reminds me of the letter President Hinckley's father wrote him after a young Elder Hinckley felt discouraged and wondered if he should continue his mission. This letter was simple: “Dear Gordon, I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion: forget yourself and go to work” (May 1995 New Era).
Sections 5, 6, and 7 of One for the Money talks about teaching our family, specifically our children about money. As children work hard to earn money and learn that the family is not a money tree that will just "drop green stuff" every so often. Instead, they learn how to earn, save, and spend money wisely. Elder Ashton also suggests that when children contribute to the family welfare, they experience joy and ownership in shared goals.
I challenge you to read these sections and pray about what you can do to help your children (or grandchildren) understand money and become wise stewards over it. Find a way to teach them that only through hard work and discipline can we achieve our goals.
This reminds me of the letter President Hinckley's father wrote him after a young Elder Hinckley felt discouraged and wondered if he should continue his mission. This letter was simple: “Dear Gordon, I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion: forget yourself and go to work” (May 1995 New Era).
Sections 5, 6, and 7 of One for the Money talks about teaching our family, specifically our children about money. As children work hard to earn money and learn that the family is not a money tree that will just "drop green stuff" every so often. Instead, they learn how to earn, save, and spend money wisely. Elder Ashton also suggests that when children contribute to the family welfare, they experience joy and ownership in shared goals.
I challenge you to read these sections and pray about what you can do to help your children (or grandchildren) understand money and become wise stewards over it. Find a way to teach them that only through hard work and discipline can we achieve our goals.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
72 HOUR KITS!
I always thought of 72 hour kits as an item used for when everything else fails. I envisioned me and my family hiking through the wilderness, rationing water and living on berries as a supplement. Last December, my thinking changed. During the Lilac Fire, I realized that a 72-hour kit with basic food, clothes, and supplies would have come in mighty handy.
So, my friends, I hope you are able to benefit from my need. I am making 72 hour kits for my family and I hope you will join me! I will have all the items ready, all you need to do is come to assemble your kits!
The fine print:
So, my friends, I hope you are able to benefit from my need. I am making 72 hour kits for my family and I hope you will join me! I will have all the items ready, all you need to do is come to assemble your kits!
- When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018
- Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Where: Stake Center Overflow (451 W. Bobier Dr. Vista)
- Cost: Approximately $45 each.
- Backpack & ID Tag
- Small First Aid Kit
- Personal Supplies
- ChapStick
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss
- Washcloth
- Toilet Paper
- Flashlight & Extra Batteries
- Whistle
- Small Notebook & Pen
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap
- Ear Plugs
- Plastic Bags
- Water
- Food for 3 days (About 1500 calories per day, no food needs to be cooked)
The fine print:
- If you would like to have kits, but know you will not be able to attend June 20, please arrange for someone (besides me) to assemble your kits for you that night.
- I am unable to take out items or replace other items. The kits come "as is." You will need to purchase the entire kit, then change it to fit your needs.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
NaCl
Do you remember much Chemistry? I don't from my school days, but with a homeschool Chemistry class a few years ago and a daughter currently taking CHEM 100 at Palomar, sometimes chemical topics creep up at dinner. Sodium Chloride (NaCl--if you are fluent in Periodic Table-ese) is definitely a good dinner topic. This ionic compound is formed by the neutralization of an acid and a base (Sodium and Chloride) to create what we more commonly call salt.
"Salt is what makes things taste bad when it isn't in them." ~Unknown
So, what's the deal with salt? Salt not only makes things taste good, but it provides the essential chemicals of Sodium and Chorine that humans need to survive. It helps with things like brain and nerve function. Before refrigeration salt was used as a preserver for meats. And, there are so many different kinds of salt! From table salt, to pink Himalayan salt, Kosher salt, rock salt, and the list goes on.
But, the bottom line is: You need salt in your food storage. At least 8 pounds per person.
So, now you have salt in your food storage. How do you use it? Well, the possibilities are endless. Aside from regular recipes that call for salt, here are a few ideas:
"Salt is what makes things taste bad when it isn't in them." ~Unknown
So, what's the deal with salt? Salt not only makes things taste good, but it provides the essential chemicals of Sodium and Chorine that humans need to survive. It helps with things like brain and nerve function. Before refrigeration salt was used as a preserver for meats. And, there are so many different kinds of salt! From table salt, to pink Himalayan salt, Kosher salt, rock salt, and the list goes on.
But, the bottom line is: You need salt in your food storage. At least 8 pounds per person.
So, now you have salt in your food storage. How do you use it? Well, the possibilities are endless. Aside from regular recipes that call for salt, here are a few ideas:
- Rub gray salt into a prime rib (or other) roast prior to cooking.
- Sprinkle sea salt onto whole potatoes after brushing with olive oil, then bake.
- Make homemade ice cream with Rock Salt to make the ice colder--hence the freezing.
- DIY some flavored salt to add some kick to your recipes (this was totally new to me, but it seems there are several ways to do this, and it doesn't look that hard!).
And if you have a little person in your life, or need a quick birthday present, this is probably my favorite salty recipe:
Play Doh
1 1/2 cups Flour
1/3 cup Salt
2 tsp. Cream of Tarter
1 1/2 c. Water
1 1/2 Tblsp Vegetable Oil
Food Coloring or Kool-Aid Packet
Mix Ingredients (dry then wet) on stove. Cook over medium heat until it thickens. Cook 4-6 minutes until if forms into a ball. Knead. For something extra fun, knead in a bit of glitter. Store in airtight bag or container.
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