After it was apparant that Eliana's life could only be saved with a heart transplant, we quickly moved through the steps to get her on the list. A big part of that was the Transplant Evaluation. We met with the Transplant Doctor and NP, the Social Worker, Pharmacist, Surgeon, and the Nutritionist. Talking with the Nutritionist was interesting as she covered the importance of cooking meats thoroughly, making sure food prep surfaces were not cross-contaminated, avoiding buffet lines of any kind, putting food directly in the fridge and not leaving anything out, honoring expiration dates, etc. That's when it really started to set in that having an immunosuppressed kid is a big deal. After we came home from the hospital, I added hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to my Amazon Subscribe & Save, along with my diapers and wipes. In the last year I have officially become a germaphobe.
With the spread of the Coronavirus, and especially watching the church make big decisions (like not inviting the public to General Conference and modifying how missionary work is done) and the WHO declaring a pandemic, it is easy to wonder what to do.
I do not know what to expect from all of this. I do worry, especially with our heart transplant baby and an older daughter who sees cheap airfare as her chance to travel the world. But I do know what we have been taught: Be self reliant, and prepare.
I know that the church has asked us for years to have a 3-month supply of food in our homes (see also the All is Safely Gathered In pamphlet). I gave ideas for getting your 3 month supply the first part of 2018. You can read about these goals here:
Plan
Organize
Purchase
Supplement
We have also been taught for years to have a 1 year supply of food in our homes. In April of 2018, I issued a challenge for every family on our ward to have this year's. Supply by April 2019. You can also read about the helps I gave to accomplish this here:
LTS Month 1
Using Salt
LTS Month 2
LTS Month 3
LTS Month 4
LTS Month 5
Using Beans
LTS Month 6
Using Sugar and Honey
LTS Month 7
Using Dried Milk
We have been counseled over and over to pe prepared, but don't go crazy or in to debt to obtain food storage. But if these are still on your to-do list, please do not wait any longer to start.
A huge part of being prepared is to think ahead of time about scenarios and what you will do when something happens. I admit, I have been planning more for natural disasters than a worldwide pandemic. But seriously, what if your family does need to quarantine themselves for a bit (welcome to my world!)? Are you spiritually prepared so that gospel instruction can happen in your home if we are not able to attend church meetings? What if schools are closed and you need to educate your children from home (I have a little experience with this and can answer some questions if you would like. I recomend adding printer ink and paper to your basic supplies list)? Do you have seeds and are able to plant even a small garden of fruits and vegetables so your family can eat fresh food? Do you have a reserve of money so that if a change in employment status occurs you can keep your family going?
I do not want to portray "doom and gloom, " but I do believe that a little preparedness can go a long way.
I challenge you to look at your food supply and determine what you can do to at least have a good 3 month supply. Also, think about what a worst-case-scenario pandemic might look like for your family. Are you ready for what may come? What can you do today to better prepare for this event.
If you have questions about any of the things I have touched on, please feel free to shoot me an email: raelynstoddard(at)hotmail(dot)com. I don't profess to know everything, but hopefully I can point you to some good resources to help you on your preparedness journey.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Binder-A-Long The Beginning
I love to make quilts. I also have my handful of quilty blogs I love to read. Over the years there have been quilt a longs that I have been dying to join. The promise of a finished quilt in 12 weeks (or 12 months) sounds amazing! There is a catch though, you have to keep up with their schedule. That's my hang up. Being on baby time most of the last 20 years usually inhibits me from keeping up with someone else. I've finally learned to just not join in, after all, I'm still trying to finish my quilt from the quilt a long I started in 2017. (I just finished month 3!).
But seriously, I am about to start on another step-by-step project, and I hope you will join me! My schedule will be pretty slow (I'm still on ultra baby time!), I will have something new for you to do every other week.
For some time I have been wanting to get a preparedness grab-and-go binder together. This binder will house all my family's pertinent informarion so that in an emergency, I don't have to think about what to gather, because it is already gathered.
I know some will cringe at having all this information on one spot. Yes, there are risks, but at the risk of not being prepared, I am going to do this anyway.
If you feel like a binder is not for you, feel free to do your preferred method. For many years, I have kept our important docs in a portable file box, I have heard of some that prefer an expandable file. Do what works and what makes sense for you and your family. My hope is that I can share ideas that will help you be more prepared than you currently are.
I like to do things step by step, so over the next few months, I will be sharing what steps I am working on and will encourage you to do the same. If you feel the need to jump in and get your binder together all in one blow, go for it! There are many great pintetest sites that will give lists and such of what to include.
This week, I am gathering my supplies. Based on the research I have done and what I want my binder to look like and include, I have a good idea of what to get to be ready.
Since I never leave my house (it's still flu season), I will probably exclusively shop from Amazon. Other stores will likely have the same materials, so feel free to get it wherever (there's no hard rules here). Also, packages of page protectors, etc will likely come with more than you need. Consider joining up with a few friends to split packages.
Ok, here we go.
1. GATHERING SUPPLIES
3-ring binder(s). I am choosing 2" binders, mostly because I hate anything bigger. I may need to do 2 for the size of my family.
Pocket dividers. I am getting the 8 tab so I can have lots of sections. Pockets give an extra option to contain papers.
Sheet protectors. To keep my documents organized and semi-waterproof.
Divided Sheet Protectors. Each pocket is the right size to hold copies of cards.
Pencil Pouch. I am getting two, one to keep cash, and the other for small items like a pen and mechanical pencil. Consider waterproof options as well.
Thumb Drive. To keep a photo inventory of my home. Consider getting two and giving one to your insurance agent.
Binder Envelopes or large pouches may be a good thing if you have odd sized items you want to include, but will fall out of a regular sheet protector. (E.g. passports)
I CHALLENGE YOU to make the decision to get a family emergency binder together. Join me on my quest to be more prepared for disaster, or to just be more organized in general.
And, since it's more fun in a group (and to add a bit of accountability) leave me a comment on my blog saying you are in and letting me know when you have completed the challenge! Ready, Set, GO!
But seriously, I am about to start on another step-by-step project, and I hope you will join me! My schedule will be pretty slow (I'm still on ultra baby time!), I will have something new for you to do every other week.
For some time I have been wanting to get a preparedness grab-and-go binder together. This binder will house all my family's pertinent informarion so that in an emergency, I don't have to think about what to gather, because it is already gathered.
I know some will cringe at having all this information on one spot. Yes, there are risks, but at the risk of not being prepared, I am going to do this anyway.
If you feel like a binder is not for you, feel free to do your preferred method. For many years, I have kept our important docs in a portable file box, I have heard of some that prefer an expandable file. Do what works and what makes sense for you and your family. My hope is that I can share ideas that will help you be more prepared than you currently are.
I like to do things step by step, so over the next few months, I will be sharing what steps I am working on and will encourage you to do the same. If you feel the need to jump in and get your binder together all in one blow, go for it! There are many great pintetest sites that will give lists and such of what to include.
This week, I am gathering my supplies. Based on the research I have done and what I want my binder to look like and include, I have a good idea of what to get to be ready.
Since I never leave my house (it's still flu season), I will probably exclusively shop from Amazon. Other stores will likely have the same materials, so feel free to get it wherever (there's no hard rules here). Also, packages of page protectors, etc will likely come with more than you need. Consider joining up with a few friends to split packages.
Ok, here we go.
1. GATHERING SUPPLIES
3-ring binder(s). I am choosing 2" binders, mostly because I hate anything bigger. I may need to do 2 for the size of my family.
Pocket dividers. I am getting the 8 tab so I can have lots of sections. Pockets give an extra option to contain papers.
Sheet protectors. To keep my documents organized and semi-waterproof.
Divided Sheet Protectors. Each pocket is the right size to hold copies of cards.
Pencil Pouch. I am getting two, one to keep cash, and the other for small items like a pen and mechanical pencil. Consider waterproof options as well.
Thumb Drive. To keep a photo inventory of my home. Consider getting two and giving one to your insurance agent.
Binder Envelopes or large pouches may be a good thing if you have odd sized items you want to include, but will fall out of a regular sheet protector. (E.g. passports)
I CHALLENGE YOU to make the decision to get a family emergency binder together. Join me on my quest to be more prepared for disaster, or to just be more organized in general.
And, since it's more fun in a group (and to add a bit of accountability) leave me a comment on my blog saying you are in and letting me know when you have completed the challenge! Ready, Set, GO!
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
MONEY
I've been thinking about money lately. It all started with this article I read just after Christmas about doing a "no shopping year." I am not sure why it resonated so much with me. Maybe because I have been feeling like I have way more "stuff" than I need (Read: Craft supplies and fabric), but I don't want to get rid of it, because I still love it and that "someday I will have more time" is just right around the corner, I'm sure of it! So setting rules for myself of what I can and cannot buy in 2019 has really been liberating. When I see something I love instead of having a "I just can't stop thinking about it until I buy it" moment, I find myself saying instead, "That's really cute, I'm just not buying anything this year, so I don't have to worry about it any more." It has been great.
I also have been thinking more about money management lately. Not that I have ever had a problem with it, but just thinking that I can do a little better.
Before Jeff and I got married, my singles' ward bishop gave us a little pamphlet called One for the Money. 20 years later, I still think that this is one of the best financial pieces of literature available. It is for sure a MUST READ. I especially love the "debt snowball" he outlines (and this before there was such a term as a "debt snowball"). We followed this in our marriage and it has been amazing.
Back in 2018, I outlined this little pamphlet in several different Provident Living Posts. If you would like to read them, they can be found here:
I challenge you to prayerfully read One for the Money by yourself or with your spouse and/or family. Make goals of how to implement the principles taught. Write down your goals and set concrete dates for completion of goals. Especially make a goal to pay off debt and save. I promise you will not be disappointed!
I also have been thinking more about money management lately. Not that I have ever had a problem with it, but just thinking that I can do a little better.
Before Jeff and I got married, my singles' ward bishop gave us a little pamphlet called One for the Money. 20 years later, I still think that this is one of the best financial pieces of literature available. It is for sure a MUST READ. I especially love the "debt snowball" he outlines (and this before there was such a term as a "debt snowball"). We followed this in our marriage and it has been amazing.
Back in 2018, I outlined this little pamphlet in several different Provident Living Posts. If you would like to read them, they can be found here:
I challenge you to prayerfully read One for the Money by yourself or with your spouse and/or family. Make goals of how to implement the principles taught. Write down your goals and set concrete dates for completion of goals. Especially make a goal to pay off debt and save. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR MASTER TEACHER
2019 is over. It was a big year for us. Not one I want to repeat, but one where we have seen more miracles than we can count. Life is different. Some of the "different" is temporary, but some changes are inevitable.
Our little girl turned 1 last week. Reflections, feelings and emotions hit me like a ton of bricks and even my Amazon photo feed brought back memories when it asked if I wanted to see the pictures from "1 year ago." Seeing my tiny baby hooked up to more tubes and monitors I could count was hard, but seeing her after her heart transplant was even harder.
It now is difficult to believe that the smiley happy girl who will not hold still is that little baby who laid in her hospital isolettes, warmers, and mini cribs for so long. I can hardly describe the range of emotions I felt. But through those months and long days, the comfort of the Holy Ghost was amazing--even awe-inspiring. During those hospital days, I prayed harder and more often than I had ever before it my life. I physically and emotionally leaned on my Savior to get through moments, let alone days, weeks, and months. The love, peace, and comfort I felt was indescribable. I watched Priesthood Blessings and the power of prayer work miracles. Hospital rooms, halls, and waiting rooms became holy places.
Our Social Worker talked with us this last month when we were back at Rady's for a checkup. She made the comment that she wants to pray like we do. I told her that part of it was being prepared for the Lord's will to be done, no matter what the outcome was. I realize that not everyone sees the miracle of life and being able to bring home their baby like we did. A big part of what we learned is that the Lord's will is the right thing, and we had to get to a place that had our outcome been different, that was OK too.
I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child, I know there are some in our ward who have felt that heartache. I do not understand why some of us get the outcome we want, and some do not. I hope that in both cases, we can look for and find miracles as we are taught by the Holy Ghost.
Our baby's story is awe-inspiring to many. Rady Children's Hospital CEO asked a few months ago if we would be willing to share Eliana's story in a media event for the hospital board. It is hard to fit everything into a 4- minute video, but I think people can sense that there was something more that helped her get through it all.
As our family moves forward into 2020, I am still not quite sure what everything will look like. But, with faith and preparedness, we will march on. Eliana has a lifetime of medical needs and challenges ahead of her. What we learned this last year will help us as we continue to help her in her life, no matter how long that will be.
Preparedness in general is hard. It is hard to be ready for everything, not knowing what will happen or when. We often have 72 hour kits that are never used and wheat that lasts for 20 years (or more). It is almost impossible to be prepared for absolutely everything We try as we practice general preparedness like keeping our car at least 1/4 full of gas or storing away food for thewinter off-season.
I am convinced though, when hard times hit, it is spiritual preparedness that will gets us through. The strength of our testimony and the ability to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost is so essential.
This principle was reiterated to me recently as I read in 1 Nephi and thought about the stark differences between Nephi and Laman & Lemuel's response to Lehi's vision. The Come Follow Me manual points this out, but I think it is worth thinking about more.
Nephi had a desire to know the truth. He believed his father, but still had questions. He humbly asked the Lord in faith if the things in Lehi's vision were true, and wanted to understand their meanings. As a result, Nephi was able to see the same vision Lehi did, but with much more detail. He was also able to converse with an angel and see the history of the world. Wow.
Laman and Lemuel, on the other other hand, also believed their father. There was much they didn't understand, but they waited for someone to tell them what it all meant. Lehi and Nephi did the best they could to describe their visions and teach the important lessons, but Nephi's brothers had no desire to find out for themselves and take their own questions to the Lord.
Sometimes I find myself suffering from Laman and Lemuel-itis. It is much easier to wait until Sunday when the Sunday School teacher will tell us what I need to know about the previous week's lesson. Chances are, I may have just skimmed the lesson, or most often, not even read it. Searching for answers and studying myself is hard, but it brings the power of the Holy Ghost to my study. I get much more out of the scriptures, Conference talks, and lessons when I actively seek to have the Holy Ghost, the great master teacher, with me as I read and study.
The decisions Nephi and Laman & Lemuel made about how to allow the Holy Ghost into their personal lives not only effected them, but the nations that came after them.
As we get nearer and nearer to the Second Coming, our testimony will have to continually get stronger and stronger. Some things will not be fantastic to experience and will test every ounce of preparedness we have stored--physically and spiritually--but to really get through the hardships we will be faced with, will require unwavering faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I Challenge You to make 2020 the year that the Holy Ghost teaches you things so that you feel it more than you ever have before. Invite Jesus Christ into your life to really be your Savior. Understand the importance of continued watchfulness and studying our life "meticulously and regularly" (to quote President Nelson) in order to be the best we can be, and to know what we need to know to endure to the end.
Our little girl turned 1 last week. Reflections, feelings and emotions hit me like a ton of bricks and even my Amazon photo feed brought back memories when it asked if I wanted to see the pictures from "1 year ago." Seeing my tiny baby hooked up to more tubes and monitors I could count was hard, but seeing her after her heart transplant was even harder.
It now is difficult to believe that the smiley happy girl who will not hold still is that little baby who laid in her hospital isolettes, warmers, and mini cribs for so long. I can hardly describe the range of emotions I felt. But through those months and long days, the comfort of the Holy Ghost was amazing--even awe-inspiring. During those hospital days, I prayed harder and more often than I had ever before it my life. I physically and emotionally leaned on my Savior to get through moments, let alone days, weeks, and months. The love, peace, and comfort I felt was indescribable. I watched Priesthood Blessings and the power of prayer work miracles. Hospital rooms, halls, and waiting rooms became holy places.
Our Social Worker talked with us this last month when we were back at Rady's for a checkup. She made the comment that she wants to pray like we do. I told her that part of it was being prepared for the Lord's will to be done, no matter what the outcome was. I realize that not everyone sees the miracle of life and being able to bring home their baby like we did. A big part of what we learned is that the Lord's will is the right thing, and we had to get to a place that had our outcome been different, that was OK too.
I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child, I know there are some in our ward who have felt that heartache. I do not understand why some of us get the outcome we want, and some do not. I hope that in both cases, we can look for and find miracles as we are taught by the Holy Ghost.
Our baby's story is awe-inspiring to many. Rady Children's Hospital CEO asked a few months ago if we would be willing to share Eliana's story in a media event for the hospital board. It is hard to fit everything into a 4- minute video, but I think people can sense that there was something more that helped her get through it all.
As our family moves forward into 2020, I am still not quite sure what everything will look like. But, with faith and preparedness, we will march on. Eliana has a lifetime of medical needs and challenges ahead of her. What we learned this last year will help us as we continue to help her in her life, no matter how long that will be.
Preparedness in general is hard. It is hard to be ready for everything, not knowing what will happen or when. We often have 72 hour kits that are never used and wheat that lasts for 20 years (or more). It is almost impossible to be prepared for absolutely everything We try as we practice general preparedness like keeping our car at least 1/4 full of gas or storing away food for the
I am convinced though, when hard times hit, it is spiritual preparedness that will gets us through. The strength of our testimony and the ability to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost is so essential.
This principle was reiterated to me recently as I read in 1 Nephi and thought about the stark differences between Nephi and Laman & Lemuel's response to Lehi's vision. The Come Follow Me manual points this out, but I think it is worth thinking about more.
Nephi had a desire to know the truth. He believed his father, but still had questions. He humbly asked the Lord in faith if the things in Lehi's vision were true, and wanted to understand their meanings. As a result, Nephi was able to see the same vision Lehi did, but with much more detail. He was also able to converse with an angel and see the history of the world. Wow.
Laman and Lemuel, on the other other hand, also believed their father. There was much they didn't understand, but they waited for someone to tell them what it all meant. Lehi and Nephi did the best they could to describe their visions and teach the important lessons, but Nephi's brothers had no desire to find out for themselves and take their own questions to the Lord.
Sometimes I find myself suffering from Laman and Lemuel-itis. It is much easier to wait until Sunday when the Sunday School teacher will tell us what I need to know about the previous week's lesson. Chances are, I may have just skimmed the lesson, or most often, not even read it. Searching for answers and studying myself is hard, but it brings the power of the Holy Ghost to my study. I get much more out of the scriptures, Conference talks, and lessons when I actively seek to have the Holy Ghost, the great master teacher, with me as I read and study.
The decisions Nephi and Laman & Lemuel made about how to allow the Holy Ghost into their personal lives not only effected them, but the nations that came after them.
As we get nearer and nearer to the Second Coming, our testimony will have to continually get stronger and stronger. Some things will not be fantastic to experience and will test every ounce of preparedness we have stored--physically and spiritually--but to really get through the hardships we will be faced with, will require unwavering faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I Challenge You to make 2020 the year that the Holy Ghost teaches you things so that you feel it more than you ever have before. Invite Jesus Christ into your life to really be your Savior. Understand the importance of continued watchfulness and studying our life "meticulously and regularly" (to quote President Nelson) in order to be the best we can be, and to know what we need to know to endure to the end.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
DO IT YOURSELF
About three years into our marriage, my husband announced that he wanted me to learn to cut his hair so that he wouldn't have to take the time or the money to go get it cut. We bought our first set of Oster hair clippers from Costco that came with an instructional video (yes, VHS) that taught the basics of cutting hair. Clippers bought (check), video watched (check)...off we go. He sat down and I started cutting. He tried to coach me through that first cut, and I figured I knew what I was doing--after all, I had watched the video. After awhile, whether it was my poor listening skills, or his poor coaching, the hair was cut to a satisfactory level and we didn't talk to each other until late the next day. I figured that would be the one and only cut, but about 5 weeks later Jeff asked me to cut his hair again. I was a little surprised, but agreed and it went much better. The third time, I gave Jeff a buzz cut with scissors. I learned a little bit each time and with his patience, I finally was able to do a pretty decent job. I have now cut my husband's hair for over 15 years, and my boys have only had mom cuts. I don't hire out, I only know how to cut one head shape one way. But I do admit it has been nice to know how to cut my boys' hair. It has saved us a lot of time and money over the years.
Learning a new skill takes time to build it to proficiency. It also takes a lot of patience both from yourself and your family. But, if the skill provides a need and helps you become more self-sufficient, I think it is totally worth it.
Cutting hair may not be on your list of skills to learn, but maybe learning more about yard work, auto maintenance, housekeeping, or some other needed skill that you currently outsource would be doable.
I CHALLENGE YOU to think about learning a new skill you could learn to help your family become more self reliant
Learning a new skill takes time to build it to proficiency. It also takes a lot of patience both from yourself and your family. But, if the skill provides a need and helps you become more self-sufficient, I think it is totally worth it.
Cutting hair may not be on your list of skills to learn, but maybe learning more about yard work, auto maintenance, housekeeping, or some other needed skill that you currently outsource would be doable.
I CHALLENGE YOU to think about learning a new skill you could learn to help your family become more self reliant
Thursday, November 14, 2019
SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY
As we have moved around this grand country of ours, the concept of rain has changed everywhere we have lived. In Northern Virginia, some years our garden flooded when we got more rain than Seattle. In Colorado, we could expect an afternoon thundershower almost every summer afternoon. Here, my little kids don't even know what rain is.
No matter where you live, having some extra money put away is always a good idea. Our family has leaned toward the Dave Ramsey method of "emergency funds." (I receive no monetary or product reimbursement from Dave, I just think many of the things he says make sense). So, fan of Dave Ramsey or not, I am going to tap into a couple of his ideas for this post.
In Dave's "baby steps," he lists having a $1,000 emergency fund as the #1 financial priority. If you need to use this money, make sure it is an emergency. Christmas is not an emergency, that comes once a year and you can plan for it. This is for if the car breaks and needs fixing or an unexpected health cost, etc. I like this concept because it give a small cushion for life's unexpected happenings (which always seem to happen). If it is used, be sure to pay it back as soon as possible so that it is always available.
Baby Step #3 is to set aside 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund. I think this concept is extremely smart as it protects against bigger unexpecteds and allows one to be self-reliant in case of a job loss, disability, death, large medical cost, relocation need, and much more. I have always thought that to help this 3-6 months of money last longer, a healthy food storage plan is helpful. (Remember last week?). If an event happens that my family will need to live on this emergency fund, we likely would need to live off of it for an unknown period of time and my goal would be to help it stretch as long as possible.
I often think of the advice the church gives when it comes to families in need: Use all the resources you have first, enlist extended family help second, and ask the church for help third--and after all other options have been exhausted.
Planning for the day when we need extra financial help is not only smart, it is responsible.
I challenge you to take a look at your budget with your husband and family and find a way to incorporate saving for a rainy day. A $1,000 emergency fund should be established fairly quickly, but saving the 3-6 months of expenses will not happen overnight. It will take thoughtfulness and diligence, but it is possible.
No matter where you live, having some extra money put away is always a good idea. Our family has leaned toward the Dave Ramsey method of "emergency funds." (I receive no monetary or product reimbursement from Dave, I just think many of the things he says make sense). So, fan of Dave Ramsey or not, I am going to tap into a couple of his ideas for this post.
In Dave's "baby steps," he lists having a $1,000 emergency fund as the #1 financial priority. If you need to use this money, make sure it is an emergency. Christmas is not an emergency, that comes once a year and you can plan for it. This is for if the car breaks and needs fixing or an unexpected health cost, etc. I like this concept because it give a small cushion for life's unexpected happenings (which always seem to happen). If it is used, be sure to pay it back as soon as possible so that it is always available.
Baby Step #3 is to set aside 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund. I think this concept is extremely smart as it protects against bigger unexpecteds and allows one to be self-reliant in case of a job loss, disability, death, large medical cost, relocation need, and much more. I have always thought that to help this 3-6 months of money last longer, a healthy food storage plan is helpful. (Remember last week?). If an event happens that my family will need to live on this emergency fund, we likely would need to live off of it for an unknown period of time and my goal would be to help it stretch as long as possible.
I often think of the advice the church gives when it comes to families in need: Use all the resources you have first, enlist extended family help second, and ask the church for help third--and after all other options have been exhausted.
Planning for the day when we need extra financial help is not only smart, it is responsible.
I challenge you to take a look at your budget with your husband and family and find a way to incorporate saving for a rainy day. A $1,000 emergency fund should be established fairly quickly, but saving the 3-6 months of expenses will not happen overnight. It will take thoughtfulness and diligence, but it is possible.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
DO THE MATH
I like things concrete. I like to plan and have a way to execute that plan. I like to set a goal and have a way to accomplish it. The phrase, "Get your food storage" is somewhat vague. Early in our marriage, I tried to gather a little of this or that but never really knew if I was "there."
I was so excited when one Sunday we were handed a copy of a letter from the First Presidency outlining basic food storage needs. These are foods that would "be required to keep [members] alive if they did not have anything else to eat." The letter also states that "When member have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day" (January, 2002). These food and amounts are per person:
I was so excited when one Sunday we were handed a copy of a letter from the First Presidency outlining basic food storage needs. These are foods that would "be required to keep [members] alive if they did not have anything else to eat." The letter also states that "When member have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day" (January, 2002). These food and amounts are per person:
- Grains 400 lbs.
- Legumes (dry beans, split peas, lentils, etc.) 60 lbs.
- Powdered milk 16 lbs.
- Cooking Oil 10 qts.
- Sugar or honey 60 lbs
- Salt 8 lbs.
- Water (2 weeks) 14 gal.
In the May 2006 Ensign, these guidelines were published again along with portion percentages. Basically, kids under 3 eat half the amounts, ages 4-6 70%, ages 7-10 90%, and ages 11 and up 100% (though I have also heard to do 150% for teens).
I have used these numbers and guidelines often during the last 17 years. The needs for our family has changed, but it has been nice to be able to concretely do the math to know where I need to be for a start.
I guarantee you will want more than this list if you really did have to live off of your food storage for any period of time. But, I do feel like this gives a really great start to where you need to be.
Once you determine how much you need, the next step is where to buy it.
If you want to buy it in one swoop and have it all packaged for you, Rainy Day Foods is a great resource. They have everything! Shipping can get a little pricey, but if you find several families that want to do a bulk order, that would help on shipping costs. Emergency Essentials also has some great pre-packaged options.
If you are willing to package the food yourself, there are some great local options:
- WinCo (my personal favorite). You can get anything they sell in their bulk section in a box or bag (even at a discount). You can order online and have it delivered to the store, or you can order with customer service. Be aware, they only take cash, debit, or checks. Locations are in Temecula, Oceanside, and San Marcos.
- Church Cannery. They have several of the basics that you can buy in bags. They are located in Murrieta at 25855 Jefferson Ave #3H or in San Diego at 4722 Mercury Ave (which is close to the Costco Business Center).
- Costco. I have found that White Flour, Sugar, Pinto Beans, and Rice are less expensive here. In Kearny Mesa area, there is a Costco Business Center that has many different things that are available in bulk--think black beans, lentils, caramel, and more!
I challenge you to do the math. Find out how much of the basic food storage items you need for your family. Make a plan to get your food storage, either all at once or set a monthly goal. Make sure you store it safely in the right containers, and be sure to rotate. If you know you won't eat it, don't store it. Store extras of what your family likes the most. Most of all, start storing something.
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